Guang Long

When the four left the Stewed Beef Shop, Uncle Li watched their retreating figures and could not help but sigh. "Kids these days can really eat!"

A meal of stewed beef had not only brought the four of them satisfaction and warmth, but also invisibly drawn them closer together.

Afterward, the four strolled from one end of the snack street to the other. By the end, only Tang Wuyang had never stopped eating.

"I'm so stuffed." Xie Xie leaned on Tang Wulin's shoulder as he walked with difficulty.

Gu Yue was similarly leaning on Tang Wuyang's shoulder. Tang Wuyang supported her with one hand while constantly stuffing food into his mouth with the other.

Just as they were teasing one another, Gu Yue suddenly pointed in a direction. "Huh? What's going on over there?"

Tang Wuyang, Tang Wulin, and Xie Xie looked where Gu Yue was pointing. There seemed to be some commotion at the entrance to the snack street, where quite a few people had gathered.

That was exactly where the Stewed Beef Shop they had visited earlier was located!

"Let's go take a look." No longer bothering to bicker with Tang Wulin and Tang Wuyang, Xie Xie hurried over.

Tang Wuyang, Tang Wulin, and Gu Yue followed behind Xie Xie.

"You can't do this! You can't! Those are the tools I use to make a living!"

The moment they rushed into the crowd, the four heard Uncle Li's anguished cry.

They squeezed through gaps in the crowd and made their way to the front.

The stove in front of the Stewed Beef Shop had already been overturned. Clay pots lay shattered all over the ground.

Beef soup flowed across the ground, its rich aroma rising with the steam. The area was a complete mess.

Uncle Li had fallen at the entrance of his shop. Blood stained the corner of his mouth, one eye was swollen, and his face was filled with grief and rage.

Three burly men stood outside the shop. The leader was bald, and despite the freezing weather, his arms were bare, revealing dragon-shaped tattoos.

The other two were also tall and broad, their fierce expressions making it obvious that they were no good.

"Li, a wise man knows when to yield."

"There's never been anyone on this street who dared refuse to pay protection money. You keep stalling every day. Do you think I, Guang Long, am some beggar who comes here specifically to ask for pocket change?"

"If it weren't for the fact that your stewed beef is actually pretty good, I'd have crippled you long ago. Enough nonsense. If you can't pay today, don't even think about opening this shop again." Guang Long spoke with a cold gaze. Although many people had gathered around, not one dared make a sound.

"Brother Guang Long, it's not that I refuse to pay the protection money. It's just that my wife is terribly ill. Every bit of money I earn working from dawn to dusk goes toward her treatment."

"You can't smash up my business! If you do, my wife won't survive. And neither will I."

Guang Long laughed loudly. "Fine! Are you threatening me with your life? Do you think I care about your worthless life?"

"If you're gone, I can just replace you with someone else, and they'll still pay me protection money. If you can't pay, get lost. Don't take up space here."

As he spoke, he stepped forward and kicked over the stove by the door. In an instant, the entire front of the Stewed Beef Shop was in ruins.

Uncle Li cried out in grief. "Guang Long, I'll fight you!" He barely managed to climb to his feet, lowered his head, and charged at Guang Long.

Guang Long sneered. Raising his leg, he kicked Uncle Li sprawling. "Fight me? In front of me, you don't even have the right to risk your life.

"Don't forget, I'm a Soul Master."

"Does being a Soul Master mean you can bully people?" Xie Xie angrily rushed in front of Uncle Li and helped him up, while Tang Wulin glared at Guang Long.

Tang Wuyang and Gu Yue also walked over to stand beside them, staring at Guang Long.

Guang Long froze for a moment. "Well, well, has this street really run out of people? A few little brats dare meddle in my business? Get lost. I don't hit kids."

Tang Wulin stood in front of Guang Long. "How can you treat Uncle Li like this? Do you have any humanity at all?"

Guang Long snorted. "Can humanity fill your stomach? Little brat, get lost. Don't delay my business." As he spoke, he raised a hand to shove Tang Wulin's shoulder.

A glint flashed in Tang Wuyang's eyes. He suddenly swung at Guang Long's palm, stopping him from pushing Tang Wulin.

Bang! Guang Long staggered from the blow.

Tang Wuyang was also startled. Even caught off guard, this guy had managed to control his body. His strength was no joke!

"Not bad, kid. You've got some strength." Guang Long opened his hand again, but this time his gaze shifted directly to Tang Wuyang's shoulder. His bare arm muscles bulged as he reached for him with a vicious expression.

Strength was Tang Wuyang's specialty. He showed no fear in the face of the incoming hand and threw a punch.

Another dull thud rang out, but this time, Tang Wuyang was the one forced back.

Guang Long's palm felt like an iron plate, and it carried tremendous force.

This was the first time Tang Wuyang had been at a disadvantage in terms of strength. Even Tang Wulin had never surpassed him in strength before.

Guang Long was equally surprised. He had used considerable force in that grab, yet the strength behind the boy's fist had shaken him enough that he failed to seize him.

"You little brat!" Guang Long stepped forward again and grabbed at Tang Wuyang once more.

At that moment, Tang Wulin behind Tang Wuyang opened his right hand. A faint blue glow spread across his palm, and Blue Silver Grass Vines surged forth.

In almost an instant, they Entwined Guang Long.

Guang Long's legs went weak. He felt as though his feet had sunk deep into the ground, leaving him unable to exert any force.

Immediately afterward, a figure leaped into the air, wrapping both legs around his shoulders as a dagger was pressed against his neck.

Caught completely off guard, Guang Long had his throat pinned by Xie Xie's Light Dragon Dagger.

Tang Wuyang, Tang Wulin, Gu Yue, and Xie Xie had trained together for more than two months. Their coordination had long since become flawless.

Seeing Tang Wuyang lose out in strength, Tang Wulin, Gu Yue, and Xie Xie, who had been helping Uncle Li up, immediately launched a coordinated attack.

When Tang Wulin saw Xie Xie's move, he retracted the Blue Silver Grass. He had great confidence in Xie Xie.

"Apologize to Uncle Li and compensate him for his losses, or I'll kill you!" Xie Xie's voice was chilling. Seeing kind Uncle Li being bullied had filled him with fury.

"Don't act rashly, little brother. Let's talk this out." The other two burly men finally came to their senses.

These thugs were quite good at judging situations. If an adult had acted, they would not have been overly afraid, since there were not many people who dared kill in the street.

But children were more troublesome. Because they were young, they were more likely to act impulsively without considering the consequences.

"There's nothing to discuss with people like you." Xie Xie said coldly, "Compensate Uncle Li for his losses and pay his medical expenses, or I'll kill this bald bastard."

Guang Long suddenly laughed. "You're Soul Masters, huh? Just One Ring."

"I, Guang Long, have been operating on this street for years. Do you think I could keep collecting protection money here without any real ability? Go ahead. I'd like to see how you plan to kill me."

The Light Dragon Dagger pressed downward. Xie Xie did not truly dare kill someone, but his hatred for Guang Long had made his head run hot.

Yet as the Light Dragon Dagger pressed down, he suddenly realized that the bald man's neck was incredibly hard. The dagger could not press any further.

"Watch out!" Tang Wulin warned him in time. Gu Yue also released a fireball toward Guang Long's chest just as Guang Long's right fist shot upward at Xie Xie.

At the same time, two rings of light rose beneath his feet—two Soul Rings, one white and one yellow.

All the exposed skin on his body turned iron-gray. Raised iron-gray scales appeared around his neck.

Xie Xie flipped backward, avoiding Guang Long's punch, as a powerful aura burst forth from Guang Long's body.

Two Rings, a Soul Grandmaster! This guy was actually a Soul Grandmaster with Soul Power above Level 20 and two Soul Rings!

Two small Soul Spirits appeared on Guang Long's shoulders. They looked somewhat alike: one was an earthy-yellow lizard, while the other was an iron-gray lizard. The iron-gray one was clearly larger.

For Soul Masters, every additional ring meant a tremendous difference in strength, whether in Soul Power or Soul Rings.

With the appearance of the Soul Rings, Guang Long's body visibly expanded. His muscles became even more exaggerated, and combined with his scales and iron-gray skin, he gave off an exceptionally ferocious impression.

"I didn't expect you little brats to all be Soul Masters. No wonder you dared meddle in my business. Let me show you what I can do."

As he spoke, he stomped his right foot and charged straight at Tang Wuyang.

"Wuyang, watch out!" Gu Yue cried out. Rays of light shot continuously from her hands as she tried to control the ground beneath Guang Long's feet.

But after Guang Long released his Martial Soul, his physical abilities seemed to have reached an incredibly terrifying level.

He easily broke free from the swamp that appeared beneath him, while every elemental attack Gu Yue launched against him was blocked by his tough skin.

Was this guy's Martial Soul really that powerful?

And he was probably not merely a Soul Grandmaster. His Soul Power Cultivation was likely above Level 25.

Guang Long's Martial Soul was the Ironclad Dragon, a subspecies of Earth Dragon that excelled at strength and defense.

Moreover, he had been born with immense strength. Otherwise, he would not have surpassed Tang Wuyang in strength from the very start.

Using his First Soul Skill, Ironclad Body Attachment, he could withstand Gu Yue's attacks. Even Xie Xie's Light Dragon Dagger could not break through his defense.

One against four, yet he completely suppressed Tang Wuyang and the others in both strength and momentum.

Tang Wulin instantly switched Martial Souls and charged at Guang Long alongside Tang Wuyang, who held the Thousand Refinement Tungsten Steel Hammer.

Bang! The thunderous metallic collision drew cries of alarm from the surrounding spectators. Many covered their ears and stumbled backward.

Tang Wuyang and Tang Wulin's faces turned pale. They retreated several steps before managing to steady themselves.

Xie Xie lunged from behind, driving his Light Dragon Dagger into Guang Long's back. Guang Long did not even turn around, allowing the attack to land.

When the Light Dragon Dagger struck Guang Long, the man who shared its name, it only left pale marks and could not pierce his skin at all.

Gu Yue raised her hands with a grave expression. Flames flickered at the fingertips of her right hand, while green light swirled around the fingertips of her left as her hands slowly drew together.

Immediately, a small two-colored whirlwind of green and red blew toward Guang Long. This was the fusion of Wind Element and Fire Element that she could currently wield.

Guang Long had intended to pursue Tang Wuyang and Tang Wulin, but his entire body stiffened. Cracks began appearing across his skin as scorching Wind Blades frantically sliced at his body.

Roar! Guang Long shouted, pounding his chest with both fists. The yellow Soul Ring around him lit up as he unleashed his hundred-year Soul Skill.

A faint silver layer appeared over his iron-gray skin. Even his eyes shone with silver light, and his body expanded again.

A powerful Soul Power fluctuation surged from every part of his body. His hands visibly enlarged, his knuckles protruded, and sharp claws more than three inches long extended from them.

Second Soul Skill: Iron Armored Dragon Body!

Guang Long's Ironclad Dragon Martial Soul was actually quite formidable. However, due to his impoverished background, he had been over eighteen by the time he obtained his Soul Spirits, missing the best years for cultivation.

That was what had given him his bitter and cynical personality. Later, after finally becoming a Soul Grandmaster and acquiring his second Soul Spirit, he found it difficult to advance further because of his age, so he had turned to this no-investment business.

But the Ironclad Dragon Martial Soul was indeed a high-grade Martial Soul, and the two Soul Spirits he had chosen were also very good.

As his Second Soul Skill erupted, both his offense and defense rose to an entirely new level. His Level 27 Soul Power fully burst forth, immediately exerting intense suppression on Tang Wuyang's group.

Gu Yue's Wind-Fire Vortex was dispersed by Guang Long's powerful Soul Power almost the instant his Second Soul Skill activated.

Taking the opportunity, Tang Wuyang switched the Thousand Refinement Tungsten Steel Hammer in his hand for the Thousand Refinements Sinking Silver Hammer. At the same time, he used Martial Soul Possession, gathering water into ice.

He condensed five Ice Swords and sent them all at Guang Long, while giving Tang Wulin a meaningful look.

Tang Wulin understood. He switched back to his Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul and tried to Entwine Guang Long.

With an angry roar, Guang Long broke free of the Entwining Blue Silver Grass Vines and slapped the Sinking Silver Hammer.

Bang, bang, bang! Three explosive impacts rang out against Guang Long's palm. To everyone's surprise, his hand merely trembled slightly and bounced back a little, while Tang Wuyang and the Sinking Silver Hammer were sent flying.

What incredible strength. Even the Stacking Hammer effect had been neutralized.

At that moment, a Light Blade slashed Guang Long's body from behind. Silver light flickered across Guang Long's back, directly shattering the Light Blade into motes of light in the air.

Xie Xie's Light Dragon Slash had failed. Guang Long's eyes were filled with malice as he pushed off the ground and charged toward Tang Wuyang, even faster than before.

Tang Wulin tried to use Blue Silver Grass to interfere with Guang Long, but Guang Long's eyes held only Tang Wuyang as he charged straight at him.

Tang Wuyang swung the Sinking Silver Hammer in his left hand toward him.

Bang! Hammer and claw collided. An irresistible force surged toward him, and Tang Wuyang grunted as he was struck flying backward into the wall of the Stewed Beef Shop.

He felt a powerful force rush into his body, leaving his chest tight. He nearly spat out blood.

"Wuyang!" Gu Yue cried out. In a flash, she stood before Guang Long, who was about to pursue him. A burst of brilliant light erupted and blinded Guang Long.

Xie Xie had also circled around from behind, swinging the Light Dragon Dagger to trace streaks of light. At the same time, Tang Wulin thrust the Holy Dragon Spear toward Guang Long's right side.

Guang Long spread his arms, completely ignoring Xie Xie and Tang Wulin's attacks. He lunged forward, wrapping both arms around Gu Yue. The four little brats had thoroughly enraged him.

A wall of earth rose before Gu Yue, only to be shattered by Guang Long the next moment.

With her command of the elements, she could have used Space Element control to escape the direct confrontation, but she did not retreat.

Because Tang Wuyang, whom Guang Long had sent flying earlier, was behind her!

At that moment, Gu Yue felt her waist tighten. Then she was pulled backward and fell into an embrace that made her feel completely safe. Tang Wuyang's resolute voice rang out. "Don't hurt her!"

Tang Wuyang then stood in front of Gu Yue and charged forward once more. What he did not see was Gu Yue's pretty face flush red behind him.

Tang Wuyang swung the Sinking Silver Hammer and attacked Guang Long alongside Tang Wulin.

Guang Long sneered and threw both fists forward. Having activated both Iron Armored Dragon Body and Ironclad Body Attachment, his physical toughness had reached an utterly monstrous level.

Tang Wuyang and Tang Wulin were both sent flying. Tang Wulin slammed directly into a wall, letting out a muffled groan as blood flowed from his nose and mouth. He clutched his chest with his left hand and dropped to one knee.

Tang Wuyang was no better off. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth as he continued flying backward.

Xie Xie reacted swiftly and appeared behind Tang Wuyang, trying to catch him.

But he underestimated the force carried by Tang Wuyang's body. Struck by that immense impact, the two rolled across the ground together.

This was a complete crushing advantage in strength. Guang Long shook out his arms but did not pursue them. Instead, he looked around at the onlookers.

"See that? Anyone who dares resist ends up like this. These little brats may be Soul Masters, but they're still far beneath me. Whoever dares resist, watch out for my Ironclad Dragon Claw tearing them apart."

"Ah, that hurts! Xie Xie, your Light Dragon Dagger stabbed me." Tang Wuyang cried out in pain from the ground.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to." Xie Xie was also dazed from the collision.

Ignoring Tang Wulin, who had fainted nearby, Gu Yue ran over to the two of them. She was about to summon some Water Element to treat Tang Wuyang's external injuries.

Suddenly, she sensed a strange aura emanating from Tang Wuyang.

So hot!

Tang Wuyang's body trembled slightly. An intense heat spread from the wound on his back, flooding through his entire body in the next instant.

The burning sensation that had not appeared for so long returned, rising from his tailbone all the way to his brain.

His entire body was like a bonfire that had been ignited, instantly releasing scorching heat. The tightness in his chest from Guang Long's strike vanished completely.

Tang Wuyang's Soul Power began to boil as well. His mind felt slightly muddled, but his strength was increasing at an astonishing speed.

He instinctively looked at his right hand. Sure enough, specks of gold emerged from the back of his hand, and his entire arm trembled faintly as though it had been electrified.

It was Golden Scales. Several months had passed, and Tang Wuyang had nearly forgotten about it, yet it had appeared again at this critical moment.

With a low roar, Tang Wuyang sprang to his feet and charged straight toward Guang Long.

Xie Xie failed to catch him in time and immediately shouted, "Wuyang, wait! Don't go!"

But Gu Yue said nothing, because she clearly saw the Golden Scales emerging along one side of Tang Wuyang's neck. Her gaze at the person before her had become vacant.

What was that...