C13 Byebye

Ye Guangyuan approached Lin Hann and asked, "Mr. Lin, would you be interested in a friendly spar?"

Eager to gauge his current level of strength, Lin Hann nodded in agreement to Ye Guangyuan's proposal.

Before long, a clearing was made in the courtyard.

Lin Hann and Ye Guangyuan stood five meters apart, bowing to each other with cupped fists.

Lin Hann channeled the Spiritual Energy within him, unleashing his Wood Department Esper to create a sturdy wooden spear in his hand, which he promptly hurled at Ye Guangyuan. As Ye Guangyuan dodged to the right, he discovered a vine trap at his feet, spreading out like a net, ready to ensnare him.

A slight smile played on Lin Hann's lips. He had intentionally thrown the spear from the left, knowing that most would instinctively dodge right, where he had pre-set the trap, just waiting for Guangyuan to fall for it.

However, the expected outcome did not occur. The vine passed right through Ye Guangyuan's body, failing to bind him. Guangyuan transformed into a stream of water and reconstituted his body a short distance away, grinning at Lin Hann.

"So this is the Ye family's Water Element?" Lin Hann realized, undeterred, he pressed on with his attack.

Ye Guangyuan was not one to simply take hits. He conjured two water dragons in his hands and thrust them forward, sending them surging towards Lin Hann. Though made of the Water Element, the dragons seemed alive, their vigorous assault overwhelming Lin Hann. As Lin Hann struggled against the water dragons, Guangyuan, from a distance, brought his hands together, readying his next move.

Lin Hann inwardly groaned. The optimal counter to Guangyuan's Water Department Esper would be the Liu family's Fire Element. His Wood Department Esper provided ample control but lacked in offensive power, while Guangyuan's water-based defense was formidable. If only he had access to the Fire Element, Guangyuan wouldn't have it so easy.

Lin Hann was the type of person who rose to the challenge. As he evaded the incoming attacks, his mind raced to find a solution. The gap in Spiritual Energy between him and Ye Guangyuan was marginal, yet his own was depleting much faster. If the battle continued this way, his situation would only worsen.

Just then, Guangyuan's preparation from afar was complete. With a loud cry, he thrust his hands upward, and a massive cloud appeared overhead, spanning more than ten meters. Once the cloud materialized, it began to pour rain within the area, drenching both Lin Yi and Guangyuan.

This was Guangyuan's unique Water Department Esper technique, where he combined his Spiritual Energy with atmospheric moisture to create a cloud, inducing localized rainfall. This area became his 'domain,' where his Spiritual Energy consumption dramatically decreased, and his abilities strengthened. Moreover, the raindrops provided constant feedback on his opponent's movements. While the opponent had to continuously expend Spiritual Energy to counter the rain, their perception would also diminish. As a result, the scales of victory naturally tipped in Guangyuan's favor. With the cloud's formation, Guangyuan already sported the grin of a victor.

However, Lin Hann recognized the significant Spiritual Energy drain such a formidable move must require. Despite the current one-sided appearance, Guangyuan's reserves were likely running low.

Unbeknownst to Guangyuan, Lin Hann had copied his ability during their handshake the previous day. Although Lin Hann hadn't practiced any active skills, he had automatically acquired the passive capability of the Water Element. Thus, beneath this cloud, it was also Lin Hann's domain.

After some time, Guangyuan sensed something amiss. Lin Hann remained energetic, showing no signs of significant Spiritual Energy depletion.

"Could Lin Hann's Spiritual Energy reserves be that robust?" Guangyuan wondered, perplexed.

Lin Hann noticed the weakening force of Guangyuan's twin water dragons and realized his opponent was nearing his limit. Scattering a handful of seeds, Lin Hann instantly grew a thicket of vines to shield against the water dragon assault and swiftly charged toward Guangyuan.

Ye Guangyuan watched Lin Hann charge toward him, feeling the intense Spiritual Energy emanating from him. Realizing the strength of Lin Hann's offensive, he knew he had been bested. Ye Guangyuan dissipated the clouds and offered Lin Hann a wry smile, conceding, "Mr. Lin is truly formidable. I must concede that I am not your match!"

Lin Hann responded with a humble gesture, replying, "Oh, you flatter me. It was merely a stroke of luck!"

Lin Hann was aware that relying solely on the Wood Department Esper ability would not be enough to defeat Ye Guangyuan. Ye Guangyuan was not only highly skilled but also intimately familiar with his own powers, having developed such a fearsome technique. Though it appeared somewhat unrefined at the moment, with Ye Guangyuan's continuous refinement, it was bound to become a formidable ace up his sleeve.

Ye Guangyuan's prowess provided Lin Hann with considerable insight: every superpower harbored immense potential that should not be underestimated or overlooked.

The sound of applause echoed from a distance as Elder Ye of the Ye family approached. "Brilliant! Guangyuan, you've learned that there's always someone better out there. Lin Hann, you remind me of your father—creative and undaunted by stronger adversaries. My admiration for you grows," Elder Ye remarked with a chuckle.

Lin Hann smiled modestly and took the opportunity to seek Elder Ye's advice on several matters.

Three days later, Lin Hann received an urgent call from Lau Ruyan, prompting him to return home. After saying his goodbyes to the Ye family, he headed back to his apartment.

"Ms. Yan, you're leaving?" Lin Hann expressed his surprise.

Having grown accustomed to Lau Ruyan's presence, Lin Hann had come to value the sisterly affection she offered. Lau Ruyan had imparted not only her knowledge of superpowers but also a sense of familial warmth. Hearing of her imminent departure, Lin Hann struggled to keep his emotions in check.

Lau Ruyan sighed before explaining, "Hann, I wish I didn't have to leave just yet. But I've received word from my father that the Liu family's Liu Tianlin perished in Hui City. Despite the Ye family's interference, they haven't traced anything back to us yet. Nonetheless, I was one of Liu Tianlin's targets, albeit incidentally. If I stay, they won't stop hunting me, and your association with me puts you in grave danger. If I return to the capital, they'll find it much harder to target me. Meanwhile, under the Ye family's protection, you'll be safely out of their sight."

Although Lin Hann understood that Lau Ruyan's advice was sound and indeed the optimal solution at the moment, he couldn't help but feel a pang of discomfort deep inside.

Watching Lau Ruyan, he managed to set aside his sorrow and said with a smile, "Ms. Yan, rest assured. You stay safe in the capital, and I'll come to find you before you know it!"

Lau Ruyan gently patted Lin Hann's head and replied, "Hmm, Hann, I trust you. When I'm no longer by your side, you must look after yourself. I'll be in the capital, waiting for your visit!"