Volume One: Entering the Path Chapter 115: Practical Combat

Without paying attention to what the students were thinking, Lei Fan paused briefly after speaking, then continued. The students sat obediently below, and soon heard Lei Fan say, “Today’s class is a practical combat lesson, which, as the name suggests, requires each of you to actively participate in actual combat.”

The crowd nodded in understanding; this was not difficult to grasp.

Seeing their comprehension, Lei Fan went on, “During your practical exercises, I will provide guidance, pointing out your shortcomings and helping you improve. The purpose of this practical lesson is for everyone to master sufficient combat skills. After all, since you have joined Anze, peace will not come easily. Therefore, mastering the techniques to face opponents is an essential skill that every member of Anze must possess.”

The students nodded again, as this was something they were well aware of. Upon arrival, the principal had already explained their responsibilities.

Lei Fan nodded approvingly. “Good, it seems your comprehension is quite sharp.”

The students were somewhat amused; they hadn’t expected Lei Fan, usually so reserved, to offer praise. They smiled quietly among themselves.

Unperturbed by their reaction, Lei Fan continued, “Now, I will briefly outline the steps of today’s class. After that, we will proceed directly to the practical exercises.”

Everyone nodded attentively.

Without delay, Lei Fan said, “The first part of the practical lesson is for each of you to fight against yourselves.”

This caused confusion among the students. Fight against oneself? How would that work? Did he mean to slap the left hand on the right chest and the right hand on the left? Some wanted to discuss this quietly with their neighbors, but recalling Lei Fan’s earlier words, they quickly stopped themselves, covering their mouths to avoid making noise. Instead, they looked at Lei Fan with puzzled eyes, silently seeking an explanation.

Lei Fan, aware of their confusion, swiftly clarified, “Fighting against yourselves means creating an illusion of yourself—one that possesses the same level of skill, combat instincts, and abilities as you do.”

Hearing this, the students relaxed and nodded in understanding. Many thought, “So that’s what it means.”

However, Ye Junze’s reaction differed. He had felt a sense of familiarity when Lei Fan first mentioned it. Once the explanation was complete, he understood instantly. This method was not new to him; in fact, he had experienced it many times before.

The reason, of course, was the trial given to him by Meng Yuan within the Void Illusory Realm.

Ye Junze recalled the first time he underwent that trial. Seeing a lifelike replica of himself—identical in appearance, height, and even clothing—standing before him had truly startled him. He even reached out to touch the other self, feeling the warmth just like a real human. As a result, whenever Ye Junze fought this other self, he felt as if he was fighting against himself, an uncanny sensation. Yet, according to Meng Yuan, the illusion was merely a trial tool without independent human thought. Once Ye Junze passed the trial, the illusion would dissipate, so he was advised not to worry about any strange feelings of guilt.

Since that experience, Ye Junze had lost count of how many times he had battled himself over the past two years.

No wonder he felt so familiar with the concept just now.

While the others were lost in their thoughts, Lei Fan continued, “Don’t think it will be easy just because it’s your own illusion. I warn you now, it won’t be that simple. These illusions are created based on your own selves, so they are intimately aware of all your weaknesses. Moreover, these illusions learn independently—they grow and improve through combat with you. It won’t take long before these illusions, born of yourselves, surpass you easily. What I want to stress is: do not underestimate this. Take it seriously. If you fail, I don’t know how long this class will drag on. If you don’t want to go hungry, I advise you to put all your effort into this.”

Upon hearing this, the students’ expressions grew serious. They nodded earnestly, vowing to keep Lei Fan’s words in mind.

Satisfied, Lei Fan said, “Very well, that was the first part. Now, let me explain the second part of our practical lesson.”

Before anyone could respond, Lei Fan went on, “The second part begins once you have each passed the first test. You will be paired off for one-on-one battles. This part is simpler—there's not much to explain. Simply use all your strength to defeat your opponent. But one thing to note: minor injuries are acceptable, but if anyone loses control and causes severe harm, that won’t be tolerated. So please control your power. After all, you are classmates studying in the same classroom, comrades on the path of cultivation. Surely, none of you harbor deep grudges, do you? Regardless, keep a sense of restraint. If I find anyone attempting to seriously harm a fellow student, don’t blame me for being ruthless.”

The students exchanged glances. Having been in Anze for some time, it seemed no one had harbored unresolvable grudges or conflicts. They were somewhat relieved, thinking such incidents unlikely.

Lei Fan lowered his head, seemingly pondering something.

After a moment, he raised his head with a serious expression and continued, “Of course, the purpose of the practical exercises is to help you better master combat, develop your own fighting styles, and skillfully respond to whatever may come. If, during a match, one side feels they cannot win, they may concede defeat. The other party should then stop attacking. Otherwise, I will personally step in to show you how powerful my fists are. Also, those who concede should not feel ashamed. Sometimes, survival is the most important thing. When you genuinely sense your safety is at risk, put aside your so-called pride and face. Otherwise, you’ll be the only one suffering.”

Though some felt Lei Fan’s tone was a bit exaggerated, they still took his words to heart and nodded.

Seeing this, Lei Fan nodded back and said, “So that covers the two parts. Has everyone remembered the instructions?”

The students nodded unanimously and responded in unison, “Yes, we have!”

Lei Fan smiled approvingly. “Good. Then let us officially begin the practical exercises.”

At this, all eyes turned to Lei Fan, eager to see what he would do next. According to his previous explanation, the first part required creating illusions based on themselves. But so far, there was nothing visible. They were curious about how these illusions would be conjured.

True to his usual decisive style, Lei Fan wasted no time. As soon as he finished speaking, his hands began to move.

His hands waved rhythmically before him, weaving through the air. Waves of spiritual energy emanated continuously from his palms. The students stared, their curiosity growing, careful not to miss a single movement.

A few keen observers—Ye Junze, Li Ling, Yun Tianhan among them—noted that with Lei Fan’s gestures, the small rooms they had been watching earlier also began to pulse with spiritual energy, as if Lei Fan’s actions were preparing those rooms for something.

Soon, the other students noticed the anomaly as well. One exclaimed, “Look! Those rooms!”

But then, seemingly remembering himself, he quickly covered his mouth to remain silent.

Lei Fan, however, appeared oblivious to the comment, never glancing in that direction as he focused intently on his task.

Following the boy’s alert, everyone turned toward the rooms. The doors to the rooms they had previously been unable to open now suddenly began to swing wide open, one after another.

Once all the doors had opened, Lei Fan ceased his movements.

Lowering his hands slowly and steadying his breathing, he addressed the students: “The trial rooms needed for the practical exercises are now all open. Please each choose a room and enter.”

Hearing this, the students rose and peered toward the rooms on the other side of the classroom.

Some, unable to contain their curiosity, immediately walked toward them. Others, not wanting to be left behind, followed suit.

Ye Junze and his companions exchanged glances and smiled before joining the others in heading toward the open rooms.

Unlike before, the rooms were now fully accessible, finally satisfying their curiosity.

The practical combat trials were about to truly begin.