The Imperial Insect Team

Three days passed in the blink of an eye.

Spirit City was a shining jewel on the border between the two great empires. It was every bit as prosperous as their respective capitals, and with Pope Hall and Douluo Hall standing guard, it had become a sacred place in the hearts of Spirit Masters across the continent.

Spirit Masters, usually few and far between, were as common as fish crossing a river in Spirit City. They no longer stood out.

The morning sun shone over the magnificent city, which had stayed bright all night, as Qian Yun boarded a carriage bound for the Spirit Fighting Arena.

After three days of rest, Qian Yun was in peak condition. He propped his cheek on one hand and gazed out at the streets sliding past, his golden eyes bright.

At his feet lay a long bundle, which gave off a faint clinking sound as the carriage rocked gently.

This was the trump card Qian Yun had prepared for the match: a "Thunder-Attracting Spear," forged from exceptionally pure Thunder-Attracting Stone. Now, all he had to do was plant the spears in the ground, and a thunderstorm would inevitably draw lightning to them.

Outside the window, the scenery shifted from grand palaces to bustling streets, and the din grew louder.

Just then, the driver's respectful voice came through the carriage door. "Sir, we've arrived at the Spirit Fighting Arena in Spirit City."

"Got it." Qian Yun turned his gaze back, picked up the heavy bundle at his feet, and stepped down from the carriage.

Gazing at the enormous, circular structure before him, which resembled a colosseum, Qian Yun felt his heart begin to stir.

Meanwhile, the members of the Imperial Fighting Team had been waiting for some time in a box at the arena.

In front of a huge pane of crystal-clear glass that stretched from floor to ceiling, Qin Ming stood watching a Soul Fighting match below. His bright eyes were unfocused, and he tapped the arm he held with his index finger. Clearly, his mind was elsewhere.

Behind him stood every member of the Imperial Fighting Team. The lively atmosphere they usually shared had given way to silence, and the deafening cheers beyond the box seemed to have nothing to do with them.

They were all waiting for that moment to arrive.

Below, a host suddenly strode into the middle of the stone platform where a match had just ended. His polished shoes trod carelessly over the blood that had yet to dry. The spotlights overhead darted across the arena and converged on him.

Looking out over the crowded stands, he flashed a brilliant smile and raised both hands as if savoring the moment. After a pause, he puffed out his chest and spoke in a deep, resonant voice that carried clearly to every corner. "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Spirit Fighting Arena in Spirit City. I'm your host and commentator for this match, Monchi."

With that, he bowed deeply to the audience.

Qin Ming hadn't missed the sudden change below. Finally.

Monchi's sudden appearance didn't make the crowd impatient. Instead, it drew an even louder cheer. Clearly, he was popular in this rough-and-tumble place that was the Spirit Fighting Arena.

Monchi basked in the audience's cheers, his smile growing brighter. "I wonder how much you bosses have won today. Don't get carried away with gambling, though, because... the match coming up is guaranteed to blow your minds!"

"If you want to place a bet, hurry up! Here's a little tip: this is an extra match—a one-versus-seven!"

"Whoa—!"

The announcement made the crowd even more excited. They called over the attendants to place their bets, pulling out their chips with a practiced ease that made it look as natural as breathing.

"Monchi, quit stalling! I'm waiting to make a fortune!"

"Monchi, I love you! Let's have a baby..."

"Whoa, Monchi's here! The next match must be amazing!"

"..."

Everywhere, an underdog beating the odds was bound to draw attention.

"Can't wait any longer, can you? All right, then—the exciting match is about to begin!" He glanced down at the card he had just received. "Now, let's welcome the Imperial Fighting Team as they face... Uh... Huh?"

Monchi froze when he saw the fresh ink on the card. Thinking he'd misread it, he leaned in for a closer look.

But no matter how many times he read it, the result stayed the same. He lifted his head and looked down at the boy wearing half a fox mask, his expression conflicted.

Qian Yun, half his face hidden behind the mask, lifted his exposed chin toward the stunned Monchi onstage.

"Read it."

With Qian Yun's approval, Monchi stopped hesitating. He puffed out his chest and announced loudly, "Now, let's welcome the Imperial Fighting Team as they face the Imperial Insect Team! Both teams, take your places!"

Ordinarily, there would have been nothing strange about the name Qian Yun had chosen. But next to the Imperial Fighting Team, it sounded...

"Smash!"

In the VIP box, Dugu Yan slammed a hand down on the crystal table, shattering it. Her face was icy. "That brat has gone too far! Teacher, let me go tear his mouth off!"

"Dugu Yan, calm down!" Yu Tianheng grabbed hold of her just as she was about to explode.

Facing Dugu Yan's fury, Qin Ming shook his head gravely. "No. We'll stick to the plan."

With that, he looked toward Shi Mo, who had already risen and was ready to go. Looking at the tall boy, steady as a mountain, Qin Ming gave him a serious reminder. "Shi Mo, you'll be the first to go out. Remember, your main goal isn't to beat him. Just make him reveal as many of his abilities as possible. Winning comes second. Understand?"

Shi Mo had a square jaw and a straight nose. He nodded seriously. Unlike the other team members, whose emotions showed on their faces, he was calm as still water. "I understand, Teacher. I'll do my best to wear him down. And if the opportunity comes, I won't mind giving him a good beating!"

"Good." Qin Ming didn't need to say much to Shi Mo, who was always steady. "Go."

Shi Mo nodded. As he turned, a broad hand—just as large as his own—rested on his shoulder. "Brother, be careful."

Shi Mo looked at his younger brother and patted the back of his hand. Then he walked out of the VIP box alone.

He strode forward with his head held high under countless watching eyes and climbed onto the stone platform. Qian Yun stepped up at the same time.

Shi Mo looked at Qian Yun's mask and slight frame, then gave a disdainful snort.

Qian Yun paid no attention to him. He looked around at the crowd. In either his past or present life, this was the first time so many people had looked him over from head to toe. Some called him cute, others told him to hurry home and drink his milk, and one guy even flipped him the bird.

To be honest, being stared at from every direction didn't feel great.

Ignoring whatever was on his mind, Monchi waited until both sides had taken their places, then held his hands out evenly. "State your names."

Shi Mo puffed out his chest and clasped his hands behind his back. With no mask on, he looked rather open and aboveboard. "Shi Mo. Martial Soul: Black Tortoise Turtle. Level twenty-two defensive Battle Soul Master!"

He was taller than many adults, with the muscles in his arms bulging dramatically. His powerful build stretched the Imperial Fighting Team uniform tight.

Qian Yun glanced at him and spoke in turn. "Amiga. Martial Soul: Crown. Level twenty-three Tool Soul Master."

Shi Mo was taken aback. He hadn't expected someone who looked so much younger than him to have higher Soul Power. His contempt immediately faded.

"Good! Both sides have introduced themselves. Please step back. The match is about to begin." Monchi leapt down and retreated to the edge of the arena.

Qian Yun slowly backed away, smiling as he watched Shi Mo's retreating figure. To prevent anything unexpected from happening during a match, the Spirit Fighting Arena always gave both sides some time to summon their Martial Souls.

On the other side, Shi Mo began to summon his Martial Soul. He let out a deep roar, and his already imposing frame grew taller still. At the same time, a dense, ink-dark mist gathered around him, and a solid shield appeared in his hand. Two yellow Hundred-Year Spirit Rings glowed beneath his feet.

This was his Martial Soul: the Black Tortoise Turtle. The Black Tortoise was associated with water in the Five Elements and was yin in nature. Martial Souls of this kind offered exceptionally high defense, but unlike ordinary turtle-type Martial Souls, they could also attack. It was a top-tier defensive Beast Martial Soul, capable of both offense and defense.

Qian Yun smiled calmly. A crown that looked as if it had been formed from countless stars appeared on his forehead. Two golden-yellow Hundred-Year Spirit Rings glimmered beneath his feet.

The elements around the stone platform seemed to stir at its appearance, as if drawn toward it. Shi Mo, who was especially sensitive to the water element, was startled. He really couldn't figure out what Qian Yun's Crown did.

In the VIP box, Qin Ming's eyes remained fixed on Qian Yun. The moment his Martial Soul appeared, confusion—rare for him—flashed in his eyes. Even with all his experience, he had never seen a Martial Soul like Qian Yun's. And with his vision as a fifty-five-level Soul King, he could naturally tell that it wasn't just the water element stirring. Several other elements were growing restless as well.

What kind of Martial Soul is that? Qin Ming wondered.

Below, Monchi gave a loud shout, and the match officially began.

Unexpectedly, neither Qian Yun nor Shi Mo moved first. They simply watched each other in silence, as though they weren't the ones fighting.

Shi Mo held the Black Tortoise Shield. Thick water vapor swirled around him, smoothing the gray stone floor until it shone, reflecting the restless spectators above.

"Not going to attack? You won't get the chance in a moment, you know," Qian Yun said, offering him a "kind" reminder. He raised a small hand, lightning dancing at his fingertips.

"Hmph." Shi Mo had no intention of responding to such a crude provocation. But since his goal was to wear Qian Yun down as much as possible, and maintaining his Martial Soul was already consuming his Soul Power, letting things drag on without attacking would put him at a disadvantage.

So he raised his shield and carefully strode toward his opponent, each step firm and steady. A deep trail of water stretched behind him.

"Heh." Facing the mountain bearing down on him, Qian Yun flicked a finger. A flash of light shot toward his opponent at high speed.

Shi Mo tensed. The first Spirit Ring beneath his feet flashed. "First Soul Skill: Immovable as a Mountain!"

In an instant, the already dense water vapor grew thicker still. The moisture in the air was now heavy enough to soak your hand if you reached out and grabbed it.

"Zzz—"

The bright bolt of lightning struck the Black Tortoise Shield, its surface glistening with water, without causing the slightest ripple. That barely hurt more than a squirt from a water gun!

Hearing the audience laugh at him, Shi Mo realized he'd been fooled. His face beneath the dark blue-green mist was no longer so calm.

Qian Yun raised his hand, index finger extended, and gave a mischievous chuckle. "I was just saying hello. Don't take it the wrong way."

Then he pointed his finger at Shi Mo and offered another "kind" reminder. "Still not going to attack? You won't get the chance in a moment, you know."

Qian Yun's childish voice sounded like a demon whispering in Shi Mo's ear. Shi Mo gave a cold snort. "Let's see what tricks you're up to. Second Soul Skill: Giant Turtle Stealth!"

With a shout, Shi Mo charged at Qian Yun, bringing a torrent of water vapor with him. The light, airy mist seemed to gain weight, pressing down heavily on anyone it touched.

At last, Qian Yun's smile disappeared. The first Spirit Ring beneath his feet flashed. "First Soul Skill: Spirit Roar!"

A nearly transparent wave shot from Qian Yun's chest. Before Shi Mo could make sense of it, there came a loud clang.

It was like a huge boulder crashing into a still lake. With a thunderous boom, the water vapor enveloping Shi Mo burst apart, and droplets rained down across the platform.

Then something unbelievable happened. Shi Mo's tall frame swayed, before crashing cleanly to the ground.

"Brother!"

Shi Mo's younger brother, Shi Tou, cried out and hurriedly shoved the door open, rushing toward the platform. Osler reacted and quickly followed.

The audience fell silent for a moment, then erupted in deafening cheers.