That afternoon, Xiao Yun and Hu Liena left the courtyard together.
Ling'er had been left at home to watch the house. Though the little girl was reluctant, she had obediently agreed.
Hu Liena walked ahead, her black fitted outfit setting off her dark gold hair, making her especially striking beneath the blood-colored sky.
Her steps were light. After a morning of rest, she was in much better shape than before.
Xiao Yun followed half a step behind her, his gaze calm as he observed the streets and the people along the way.
The two crossed the central avenue and reached the entrance to the Hell Slaughter Arena.
Hu Liena displayed her token. A member of the Slaughter Guard glanced at it and immediately let them through.
They passed through a long corridor and entered the Hell Slaughter Arena.
"Your first trial starts in the small Soul Dueling Arena." Hu Liena led Xiao Yun eastward, explaining as they walked, "You can register there at any time. Each match pits two people against each other. Win, and it counts as one victory. Lose, and you lose your life. Only after winning ten matches in the small Soul Dueling Arena do you qualify to enter the Main Soul Dueling Arena."
"That's what I heard before," Xiao Yun said.
"But there are a few things you need to keep in mind." Hu Liena stopped and turned to face him, her tone serious. "First, throughout the Hell Slaughter Arena, you aren't allowed to use your Martial Soul's Spirit Rings or Soul Bone Skills. Second, the referee won't intervene during a match. Even if one side surrenders, the other can keep attacking. Third..."
She paused, her gaze darkening slightly.
"The small Soul Dueling Arena is mainly for training and getting used to combat. Death isn't inevitable,