"Our captain actually got beaten up?!" Yu Feng tugged hard at his hair, feeling his scalp prickle at the result.
Yu Tianheng had always been strong, and in private, the captain was even known as the Invincible Yu. And yet he had lost...? Worse, he'd been completely unable to fight back.
Could I take that guy on? Looking at Shi Mo, who still hadn't caught his breath, and Yu Tianheng, whose face was full of dejection, Yu Feng asked himself honestly.
He turned to meet Osler's eyes. Osler hadn't gone out yet, and Yu Feng could tell that he was just as uncertain.
Dugu Yan had calmed down considerably. She silently helped Yu Tianheng sit down, then walked over to Qin Ming. "Teacher, let me take the next match!"
Though Qin Ming felt dejected, he wasn't in despair. Dugu Yan still hadn't taken the field!
Among opponents of the same rank, no one could withstand her Jade Phosphor Serpent's poison for even a single exchange. Besides, Qian Yun had already used both of his Soul Rings, and it didn't look like he had any way to counter the Jade Phosphor Serpent's poison.
"Good. Be careful." The flame of hope in Qin Ming's heart hadn't gone out, but he still reminded her, "Yanyan, no matter how this fight turns out, if that guy gets poisoned, you must cure him as soon as the match is over. Understand?"
Dugu Yan didn't understand why, but she still nodded. "Yes."
At the same time, she steeled herself: I'll make sure to put this brat through the wringer for a while. Then he'll never dare look down on the members of the Imperial Fighting Team again.
Down below, Qian Yun chose not to take a break this time. Instead, he planned 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 definitely be Dugu Yan.
The Spirit Fighting Arena was already buzzing with excitement. Cheers rang out without pause, and everyone wanted to see whether this amazing kid, with only two rings, could really pull off a one-versus-seven victory.
When the time came, Qian Yun entered the arena. Sure enough, at the other end of the stone platform, Dugu Yan stepped onto it, her purple hair framing her tall figure.
"State your names," Monchi said to them once again.
"Dugu Yan. Martial Soul: Jade Phosphor Serpent. Level twenty-three Control-Type Battle Soul Master." Dugu Yan calmly watched Qian Yun, who was much shorter than her. Though he had already defeated two of her teammates, not a trace of emotion showed on her face.
Qian Yun looked up to meet her eyes, feeling as if a venomous snake were staring at him. It made his whole body uncomfortable.
He still didn't bother with small talk. He simply said to Monchi, "Let's begin."
Monchi had more or less figured out Qian Yun's temperament by now, so he wasn't surprised. He called out that the match had begun, then retreated far away.
"Martial Soul Possession." Compared with the flashy transformations of the two before her, Dugu Yan's Martial Soul Possession sent a chill down one's spine. Purple fur bristled and flew about, her green eyes narrowed into vertical pupils, and the corners of her mouth stretched upward. Paired with her pretty, fair face, she looked like a beautiful serpent who had only recently taken human form.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk."
Qian Yun shuddered at the sight. Dugu Yan's appearance really was hard to stomach. Compared with her, Hu Liena, who also had a Beast Martial Soul, looked much cuter when she used her Martial Soul. He could also understand why Bibi Dong felt self-conscious about the appearance of her Martial Soul. Just look at Dugu Yan right now—who would believe she was a good person?
Though that was what he thought, Qian Yun didn't slow down at all. Once Martial Soul Possession was complete, the match had officially begun.
"First Spirit Skill: Jade Phosphor Purple Poison."
"Second Spirit Skill: Jade Phosphor Blue Poison."
Dugu Yan's strategy was simple. No matter how large the stone platform was, it still had limits. All she had to do was claim most of the space first. It was only a matter of time before Qian Yun was poisoned.
If he lost his head and tried to use his speed to break through the Poison Mist, Dugu Yan would let him experience the full might of the Jade Phosphor Serpent's poison!
Watching purple and blue Poison Mist begin to spread across the stone platform, Qian Yun shook his head. Normally, he would certainly avoid getting even a little of it on him. Unfortunately, this time...
He lowered his head and rubbed against the water still lingering on the stone platform. At the same time, an "Thunder-Attracting Spear" appeared in his hand once again.
His golden eyes looked straight through the Poison Mist and locked onto Dugu Yan. The next moment, he hurled the spear. It flew past her shoulder, missing by the narrowest margin. Qian Yun gave a cold laugh.
The Crown was a Martial Soul that granted insight. On this stone platform, none of Dugu Yan's movements could escape its notice. Hide herself with Poison Mist? As if.
Dugu Yan was still shaken by the spear that had grazed past her when Qian Yun's next attack arrived.
"Not good! Yanzi, run!" In the VIP room, Yu Tianheng had finally realized what was happening.
It was so familiar!
Wasn't this exactly the same as the Second Spirit Skill he had used against Qian Yun not long ago? Unfortunately, no matter how loudly he shouted, it was already too late.
The moment Qian Yun raised his hand, Yu Tianheng had already rushed out the door.
On the stone platform, Qian Yun raised a hand and pointed into the Poison Mist. A thick bolt of lightning pierced through it, then was immediately drawn to the Thunder-Attracting Spear. The bolt made a bizarre curve through the air and struck the spear beside her. Then the lightning traveled downward, racing along the water until it climbed up the back of Dugu Yan's heel...
"Zzzzt—"
"Ah—" First came the sound of electricity, followed by Dugu Yan's cry of pain.
Qian Yun lowered his hand and thought, This Electromagnetic Cannon is really useful. Looks like I can practice this move more often.
Monchi's voice rang out again. "The winner of the third match is Amiga!"
His gaze couldn't help but fall on Qian Yun as he jumped off the stone platform. He'd spent many years in the Spirit Fighting Arena and thought he'd seen every kind of miracle. But he'd never seen a Two-Ring Soul Grandmaster take on seven opponents in a row before.
At the resting area, Qian Yun drained the cup of water in his hand. Then he suddenly realized he was a little hungry. After all, three consecutive fights had taken a fair bit out of him.
"So that's why I'm so thirsty. I'm hungry." Qian Yun beckoned to a servant. "Prepare me a breakfast, and bring me a cup of hot milk. Quickly."
"Yes, sir." It was nearly noon, so having breakfast now was a little odd, but the servant dutifully began preparing it.
Meanwhile, Yu Tianheng had already helped Dugu Yan up. Looking at her pale lips and tightly shut eyes, his heart felt as if it were bleeding.
But as someone who also used lightning-attribute Soul Power, he knew that Dugu Yan was already in the best condition she could be. That guy had obviously held back.
Still, he wasn't so shameless as to go over and thank Qian Yun. He simply buried the humiliation Qian Yun had brought him deep in his heart.
After all, he hadn't even been able to protect the woman he loved. It had been his opponent's mercy that spared her worse harm. If that wasn't humiliating, what was?
Yu Tianheng carried Dugu Yan in his arms and quietly returned to the VIP room. He handed her over to Ye Lingling, then sat silently to one side.
"Ah." Qin Ming sighed. At this point, they had already lost.
"Who else wants to fight?" Qin Ming looked at the teammates who hadn't yet taken the field. By now, he no longer expected the remaining members to win. All they could do was fight with everything they had and leave no regrets.
"I'll go." Osler was the first to step forward.
"I'll go too."
"And me!"
Yu Feng stepped up next, followed by Shi Tou.
Qin Ming looked at them, his nose stinging. He nodded again and again. "Good, good. You're all good kids."
Osler and the others exchanged glances, then smiled. They might not be able to defeat Qian Yun, but they were still members of the Imperial Fighting Team, after all. They had to defend their team's dignity!
"I want to go too!" A voice rang out, clear as a phoenix's cry. But when those words were spoken, everyone froze. Who was that? Whose voice was it? They didn't think they'd heard it before.
Everyone looked at one another. Finally, their eyes filled with disbelief as they turned toward Ye Lingling, who was treating Dugu Yan's injuries.
"Lingling, are you serious?" Qin Ming composed himself and looked at Ye Lingling gravely. This wasn't something to joke about.
Osler and the others at least had the ability to protect themselves. Even if they lost, they wouldn't fare too badly.
But sending a Nine-Star Begonia out there would be like sending her to her doom! More importantly, if Ye Lingling got hurt, who would treat her?
Ye Lingling lifted her head. Her gentle voice was just as resolute. "Of course I'm serious. No matter what, I'm a member of the Imperial Fighting Team too. I can't just sit by while you're bullied!"
Qin Ming had no answer. After she'd put it that way, refusing would only wound the sincerity of his teammates. He gritted his teeth. "Fine. You'll go last. Try to eliminate Amiga."
He thought to himself that if Ye Lingling was injured, he could always swallow his pride and demand an explanation from Amiga.
The next match began soon after.
Down below, Qian Yun took a bite of bread and had just stood up when the servant beside him hurriedly stopped him. "Sir, the milk's warmed. Why not drink it before you fight again?"
Qian Yun smiled at him. "No rush. I'll drink it after the match."
Monchi addressed both sides. "State your names."
"Osler. Martial Soul: Ghost Leopard. Level twenty-three Agility Attack-Type Battle Soul Master." Osler's gaze rested calmly on Qian Yun.
Qian Yun glanced at him, then said to Monchi, "Get started already."
"Prepare to begin."
After summoning his Martial Soul, Osler's figure grew even more lithe. He watched Qian Yun and said seriously, "Amiga, you're powerful, but don't underestimate us. We have our own reasons for needing to win!"
Qian Yun nodded. The Second Soul Ring at his feet glimmered, and he gripped the Spirit Blade in his hand. "I've heard your resolve. I'll take you seriously too. Come on—no holds barred in this fight!"
Osler's face stiffened. He gulped as he stared at the mighty Spirit Blade. "Uh, I didn't say we had to—"
"Enough talk. Take this!"
After a brief fight, Osler couldn't bring himself to face the Spirit Blade and left himself open. Qian Yun ended the match with one Spirit Roar.
Next:
"State your names."
"Shi Tou. Martial Soul: Black Tortoise Turtle. Level twenty-two Shield Soul Master. Amiga, I'm going to avenge my brother!"
"Good. Come on."
A minute later, Qian Yun won.
"State your names."
"Yu Feng. Martial Soul: Wind-Bell Bird. Level twenty-two Agility Attack-Type Battle Soul Master!" Wearing a flashy white coat over his Imperial Fighting Team uniform, Yu Feng glanced around, then quietly pleaded, "Big bro, go easy on me, okay? As long as you promise not to hurt Lingling, I'll just put on a show, then surrender. I won't make you lift a finger!"
Qian Yun couldn't help feeling puzzled. "That's a strange request. Fine. Make sure you know when to quit."
Yu Feng was overjoyed. "Hey, big bro, you really are a good person. I'll treat you to a meal sometime..."
"Second Spirit Skill: Spirit Blade!"
It had to be said that although Yu Feng seemed a little unreliable, he kept his word. He flew into the air and fought Qian Yun for a while before "accidentally" taking a hit. Then he withdrew from the match in dejection, so smoothly that he didn't even get his clothes dirty.
"Uh... State your names," Monchi said, looking at the little girl in front of Qian Yun. For a moment, he couldn't tell whether she was here to disrupt the match.
"Ye Lingling. Martial Soul: Nine-Heart Begonia. Level twenty-one Support-Type Tool Soul Master." Ye Lingling met Qian Yun's gaze. Beneath her cloak, her small face was full of determination.
Qian Yun's mouth fell open slightly. Then he rose onto his toes and peered over Ye Lingling's shoulder toward the Imperial Fighting Team's rest area. "Is the Imperial Fighting Team really out of people? You're even sending out a support-type Spirit Master?"
"Amiga! I hope you stop putting on that ugly act. I really did come to fight you!" Ye Lingling shouted at him, her face turning red.
Qian Yun thought for a moment after hearing her. "You're right. I was wrong. I shouldn't have underestimated you. Respected Spirit Master, you deserve to be taken seriously!"
A moment later, Qian Yun tossed her off the viewing platform.
Monchi then strained his voice to announce the result. "I declare the Imperial Fighting Team versus the Imperial Insect Team match over! The Imperial Insect Team wins!"
"Amiga has also completed the feat of defeating seven opponents in a row! Let's cheer for him! Let's applaud!!"
In an instant,
Flowers flew through the air, blotting out the blue sky, and brilliant fireworks shone on everyone's faces. Qian Yun basked in the glory and walked down the steps beneath the gaze of the crowd.
Beside the table, the servant lightly touched the side of the cup with the back of his hand. Feeling that the milk was still warm, he was amazed and sincerely exclaimed, "Sir, you truly are peerlessly valiant!"
"Heh, that was nothing."
In one of the Spirit Fighting Arena's highest-grade private boxes, she looked down at Qian Yun's retreating figure, a smile appearing on her breathtaking face. As she turned around, the scepter in her hand tapped rhythmically against the carpet...
Before you continue