Warm a Cup of Milk First

"The boss actually got beaten up?!" Yu Feng clutched his hair tightly, his scalp tingling at the result.

Yu Tianheng, who had always been powerful and held the private title of "Invincible Yu" among the team, had actually lost...? And he lost without even being able to put up a fight.

Could he be a match for that guy? Looking at Shi Mo, who hadn't caught his breath yet, and the dejected-looking Yu Tianheng, Yu Feng asked himself.

He turned his head to exchange a glance with Osler, who had yet to enter the arena, and both saw the lack of confidence in the other's eyes.

Dugu Yan was much calmer now. She silently helped Yu Tianheng sit down and walked up to Qin Ming. "Teacher, the next match, I'll take it!"

Although Qin Ming felt disappointed, he was not in despair. After all, Dugu Yan hadn't entered the arena yet!

Facing her Jade Phosphor Serpent poison, there was no one of the same rank who could withstand a single blow, let alone the fact that Qian Yun had already used both of his soul rings and appeared to have no ability to counter the Jade Phosphor Serpent poison.

"Alright, be careful." The fire of hope in Qin Ming's heart had not been extinguished, but he still gave a warning. "Yan Yan, regardless of the outcome of this battle, as long as that guy is poisoned by you, you must immediately provide him with the antidote after the match ends, understand?"

Though Dugu Yan didn't understand why, she still nodded. "Yes."

At the same time, she felt a surge of malice: I will definitely make this brat suffer for a while later. I'll make sure he never dares to look down on members of the Imperial Fighting Team again.

Off-stage, Qian Yun did not choose to take a break this time, intending instead to strike while the iron was hot and take down his next opponent in one go. If he wasn't mistaken, his next opponent would inevitably be Dugu Yan.

By now, the atmosphere in the Spirit Fighting Arena had reached a climax, with cheers ringing out incessantly. They all wanted to see if this miraculous kid with only two rings could truly achieve the feat of a one-on-seven sweep.

As time arrived, Qian Yun stepped onto the stage, and sure enough, at the other end of the stone platform, the tall, purple-haired Dugu Yan stepped up.

"Both sides, state your names." Monchi said to the two of them once again.

"Dugu Yan, Martial Soul Jade Phosphor Serpent, level 23 Control System Battle Soul Grand Master." Dugu Yan stared calmly at the much shorter Qian Yun in front of her. Although he had already defeated two of her teammates, no other emotions could be seen on her face at this moment.

Qian Yun looked up and met her gaze, feeling as if he were being watched by a venomous snake, making his entire body feel uneasy.

He still chose not to waste words, saying indifferently to Monchi, "Let's begin."

Having already grasped Qian Yun's temperament, Monchi was not surprised. He shouted that the match had begun and retreated far away.

"Martial Soul Possession." Compared to the flashy displays of the previous two, Dugu Yan's activation of her Martial Soul had a chilling quality. Her purple hair flew wildly, her pair of jade-green eyes turned into vertical pupils, and the corners of her mouth split open significantly. Paired with her otherwise fair and delicate face, she looked like a beautiful snake that had just recently taken human form.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk."

Qian Yun felt a shiver run down his spine. Dugu Yan's current appearance was truly hard to compliment. Compared to her, Hu Liena, who also possessed a beast-type Martial Soul, was much cuter when using her Martial Soul. At the same time, he understood why Bibi Dong harbored resentment toward the appearance of her own Martial Soul. If an outsider were to look at Dugu Yan right now, who would believe she was a good person?

Although he thought this, Qian Yun's movements were not slow at all. Once the Martial Soul Possession was complete, it meant the match between the two had officially begun.

"First Soul Skill, Jade Phosphor Purple Poison."

"Second Soul Skill, Jade Phosphor Blue Poison."

Dugu Yan's tactics were also simple. No matter how large the stone platform was, it was ultimately limited. As long as she seized the majority of the space on the platform first, Qian Yun being poisoned would only be a matter of time.

If he were foolish enough to try to use speed to break through the poison mist, Dugu Yan would make him taste the true power of the Jade Phosphor Serpent poison!

Qian Yun looked at the purple and blue poison mists beginning to fill the platform and shook his head. Under normal circumstances, he certainly wouldn't want to touch even a bit of it, but unfortunately, now...

He lowered his head and brushed against the lingering water stains on the stone platform, while simultaneously gripping a "Thunder-Attracting Spear" in his hand once again.

His golden eyes locked straight onto Dugu Yan through the poison mist. The next moment, the spear was thrown, accurately and precisely grazing her shoulder as it flew past. Qian Yun sneered.

The Crown already possessed the ability of insight. On this stone platform, all of Dugu Yan's movements had nowhere to hide. Trying to use poison mist to conceal herself? How could that be possible?

Dugu Yan felt a lingering fear from the spear that had just grazed her, and immediately after, Qian Yun's attack arrived.

"Oh no! Yanzi, run!" In the VIP room, Yu Tianheng had already reacted.

It was similar, too similar!

Wasn't this the exact same second soul skill he had used on Qian Yun not long ago? Unfortunately, no matter how he shouted, it was already too late.

The moment Qian Yun lifted his finger, Yu Tianheng had already dashed out the door.

On the stone platform, Qian Yun pointed a finger at the poison mist. A thick bolt of lightning pierced through the mist and was, without surprise, attracted by the "Thunder-Attracting Spear." The lightning took a strange arc in the air, then accurately struck the "Thunder-Attracting Spear" beside her. The lightning then traveled downward, spreading rapidly along the water stains until it climbed onto Dugu Yan's heels...

"Zzzzt--"

"Ah--" First came the sound of an electric current, followed by a miserable cry from Dugu Yan.

Qian Yun retracted his finger, thinking to himself: This Electromagnetic Cannon is really useful. It seems I can practice this move more often in the future.

Monchi's voice rang out once again at this moment, "Third battle, the winner is Amiga!"

At the same time, his gaze couldn't help but fall on Qian Yun, who had jumped off the stone platform. Having been in the Spirit Fighting Arena for so many years, he thought he had seen every miracle, but a two-ring Soul Grand Master sweeping seven opponents was a first in history.

In the resting area off-stage, Qian Yun drained the clear water in his cup and suddenly felt a bit hungry. After all, three consecutive battles were no small consumption.

"I was wondering why I was so thirsty; turns out I'm hungry." Qian Yun summoned a servant. "Help me prepare a breakfast, and bring a cup of hot milk. Make it quick."

"Yes, my lord." Although it was strange to eat breakfast near noon, he began to prepare it dutifully.

On the other side, Yu Tianheng had already helped Dugu Yan up. Looking at her pale lips and tightly closed eyes, his heart ached as if it were bleeding.

However, as a user of lightning-attribute soul power himself, he knew clearly that this was the best possible outcome for Dugu Yan; it was obvious that the guy had held back.

But he wasn't low enough to run over and thank Qian Yun; he simply hid the humiliation Qian Yun had brought him deep in his heart.

After all, he couldn't even protect the person he loved, and it was his opponent's mercy that prevented her from suffering greater harm. If that wasn't humiliation, what was?

Yu Tianheng carried Dugu Yan horizontally and returned to the VIP room in silence. After handing her over to Ye Lingling, he sat to the side in silence.

"Sigh." Qin Ming let out a long sigh. With the battle having reached this point, they had effectively already lost.

"Is there anyone else who wants to go up and fight?" Qin Ming looked at the team members who had yet to step onto the stage. In truth, with the battle having progressed to this point, he no longer harbored hopes of the remaining members winning. At this stage, he only wished for them to give it their all so they would have no regrets.

"I'll go." Osler was the first to step forward.

"I'll go too."

"Count me in!"

Following closely were Yu Feng, and then Shi Tou.

Qin Ming felt a lump in his throat as he watched them, nodding incessantly. "Good, good. You are all good children."

Osler and the others looked at each other and smiled. They knew they had no way of defeating Qian Yun, but they mustn't forget that they were also part of the Imperial Fighting Team; they all had to defend the dignity of their team!

"I want to go too!" A voice like the clear cry of a phoenix rang out. However, this "I want to go too" left everyone stunned. Who was this? Whose voice was it? It felt like they had never heard it before.

Everyone looked at one another. Finally, with expressions of disbelief, they turned their gaze toward Ye Lingling, who was currently healing Dugu Yan.

"Lingling, are you serious?" Qin Ming set aside his emotions and looked at Ye Lingling sternly; after all, this was no laughing matter.

No matter what, Osler and the others had the ability to protect themselves, so even if they lost, it wouldn't be too unsightly.

But if Ye Lingling went up with her Nine-Heart Begonia, she would just be handing over a free win! Most importantly, if Ye Lingling herself got injured, who would be there to heal her?

Ye Lingling raised her head, her soft voice filled with the same seriousness. "Of course I'm serious. No matter what, I am a member of the Imperial Fighting Team. Since you have been bullied, I naturally cannot sit idly by!"

Qin Ming was speechless. Since she had put it that way, if he refused again, he would be chilling the sincere hearts of his team members. He gritted his teeth. "Fine. You will go last. Try your best to eliminate Amiga."

He thought to himself that if Ye Lingling got hurt, he would just have to swallow his pride and go to Amiga to demand an explanation.

The next match began quickly.

Off-stage, Qian Yun took a bite of his bread. Just as he stood up, a servant nearby hurriedly stopped him. "My lord, the milk has been warmed for you. Would you like to drink it before you continue fighting?"

Qian Yun smiled at him. "No rush. I'll drink it after I finish fighting."

On the stage, Monchi addressed both sides. "State your names."

"Osler, Spirit: Ghost Leopard, twenty-third-level Agility Attack System Spirit Master." Osler looked at Qian Yun with a calm gaze.

Qian Yun glanced at him and said to Monchi, "Start already."

"The match is about to begin."

After Osler summoned his spirit, his figure became even more lithe. He looked at Qian Yun earnestly. "Amiga, although you are very strong, don't underestimate us. We also have a reason why we must win!"

Qian Yun nodded. His second spirit ring flashed, and the Spirit Blade was already in his hand. "I have received your resolve. I will treat you with equal seriousness. Come, in the following battle, life or death is not guaranteed!"

Osler's expression stiffened. He swallowed hard as he looked at the formidable Spirit Blade. "Uh, I didn't say it had to be..."

"Enough talk, watch the blade!"

After a brief fight, the result ended with Osler being unable to face the Spirit Blade, which forced him to reveal an opening, and Qian Yun ended the battle with a Spirit Roar.

Next:

"State your names."

"Shi Tou, Spirit: Black Tortoise Turtle, twenty-second-level Defense System Spirit Master. Amiga, I want to avenge my brother!"

"Fine, come on."

One minute later, Qian Yun secured the victory.

"State your names."

"Yu Feng, Spirit: Wind-Bell Bird, twenty-second-level Agility Attack System Spirit Master!" Wearing a flashy white coat over his Imperial Fighting Team uniform, Yu Feng looked left and right, then suddenly leaned in and whispered a plea. "Big brother, go easy on me, alright? As long as you promise not to hurt Lingling, I'll just put up a show and concede. I definitely won't trouble you!"

Qian Yun was somewhat puzzled upon hearing this. "What a strange request. Fine, be self-aware later."

Yu Feng was overjoyed. "Hey, big brother, you're a good guy. I'll treat you to a meal another day..."

"Second Spirit Skill, Spirit Blade!"

It had to be said that although this Yu Feng seemed a bit unreliable, he kept his word. After flying into the air and fighting Qian Yun for a while, he "accidentally" fell for one of Qian Yun's attacks and then retreated in a dejected manner. This display of nonchalance was so smooth that he didn't even get his clothes dirty.

"Uh... state your names." Monchi looked at the little girl in front of Qian Yun, unable to tell for a moment if she was there to cause trouble.

"Ye Lingling, Spirit: Nine-Heart Begonia, twenty-first-level Support System Tool Spirit Master." Ye Lingling looked straight at Qian Yun, her small face beneath her cloak full of seriousness.

Qian Yun's mouth opened slightly, then he stood on his tiptoes to look over Ye Lingling's shoulder toward the Imperial Fighting Team's resting area. "Is the Imperial Fighting Team out of people? Even a support Spirit Master is being thrown out?"

"Amiga! I hope you put away that ugly look on your face. I am indeed here to fight you!" Ye Lingling shouted at him with a flushed face.

Qian Yun pondered for a moment. "That was indeed my fault. I truly shouldn't have looked down on you. Respected Spirit Master, you are worthy of my full attention!"

A moment later, Qian Yun threw her off the stage.

Subsequently, Monchi shouted at the top of his lungs to announce the result. "I announce, in the match between the Imperial Fighting Team and the Imperial Insect Team, the winner is the Imperial Insect Team!"

"At the same time, Amiga has achieved the feat of a one-on-seven sweep! Let us cheer for him! Let us applaud him!!"

In an instant, Flowers thrown from the stands covered the blue of the sky, and brilliant fireworks shone on everyone's faces. Qian Yun walked down the steps, bathing in glory as he met everyone's gaze.

The servant beside the table touched the back of his hand against the cup; feeling that the milk inside was still warm, he was startled and exclaimed sincerely, "My lord is truly peerless in courage!"

"Heh, it's nothing."

In the highest-tier private box of the Spirit Fighting Arena, a person looked down at Qian Yun's back, a smile appearing on her beautiful face. As she turned, a scepter tapped against the carpet with a rhythmic thud...