The referee beside them saw that both were ready and called out loudly:
"Semifinal, first match, begin."
At the announcement, Xu Yuntao released his Martial Soul. His body swelled once more, stretching his clothes taut, while a massive black tortoiseshell shield appeared in his right hand. He said:
"Xu Yuntao, Mysterious Nether Turtle Martial Soul, Level 32 Battle Soul Master. Please advise me."
As his words fell, two Century-Year Soul Rings and one Thousand-Year Soul Ring rose from beneath his feet and hovered behind him.
Seeing this, Su Hao released his Heavenly Dao Martial Soul as well. Though he did not grow as massive as Xu Yuntao under the Heavenly Dao's enhancement, he seemed ethereal and transcendent, carrying an indescribable charm. He said:
"Su Hao, Heavenly Dao Martial Soul, Level 26 Battle Soul Master. Please advise me."
As his words fell, two Thousand-Year Soul Rings likewise appeared behind Su Hao.
After releasing their Martial Souls, neither of them attacked immediately. Instead, they remained where they were, studying each other in an attempt to find a weakness.
In the end, Su Hao made the first move. He curled his left hand into a claw and activated a pulling force, dragging Xu Yuntao toward him from afar. At the same time, he clenched his right hand into a fist and struck as Xu Yuntao was pulled close.
Xu Yuntao had been observing him, thinking that if Su Hao still refused to attack, he would take the initiative and defeat him by force. Yet a powerful suction suddenly came from Su Hao's direction, forcing him to fly toward Su Hao. The force was so great that Xu Yuntao could only be dragged along helplessly.
Xu Yuntao's First Soul Ring slowly lit up. Before the skill could fully activate, he planned to use it