Xiao Yun nodded slightly, committing the information to memory.
"Also," the Slaughter Guard paused, his gaze sweeping over Xiao Yun's face, "you can fight in the small Soul Dueling Arenas at any time, but each person can only fight ten matches a day. The main Soul Dueling Arena holds twelve rounds a day, one every two hours. To enter the main arena, you must first win ten matches in the small arenas."
Xiao Yun raised an eyebrow. "Ten matches?"
"That's right." The Slaughter Guard gestured with his fingers. "Win ten matches in the small Soul Dueling Arenas, and you qualify for the main arena. Win a hundred matches in the main arena, and you qualify to challenge Hell Road. Those are the rules. No one can break them."
"Thank you for the guidance." Xiao Yun cupped his hands in thanks.
The Slaughter Guard waved a hand and turned to leave, only to stop and glance back at Xiao Yun.
"Newcomer, here's a word of advice." His voice dropped a little. "You'll find all sorts in the small Soul Dueling Arenas. Some look unremarkable, but they're actually more dangerous than the veterans in the main arena. Don't judge by appearances, and don't trust anyone too easily."
With that, he turned and left, his figure soon disappearing into the crowd.
Xiao Yun remained where he was, looking in the direction the Slaughter Guard had vanished, his gaze calm.
Ling'er leaned closer and whispered, "Master, he seems like a decent person."
"Mm." Xiao Yun withdrew his gaze and looked toward the small Soul Dueling Arena to the northeast. "Come on. Let's take a look over there."
He led Ling'er through the crowd toward the small Soul Dueling Arena to the northeast. Along the way, he noticed all kinds of Soul Masters around them: