Mahito's First Battle

"National Teacher, what is it? Could it be that someone among the teams below has caught your interest?"

Xu Tianran, seated in the seat of honor, keenly noticed something unusual about Zhongli Wu beside him. He turned his head slightly and asked.

Zhongli Wu remained calm as he replied evenly, "Your Majesty, I am not entirely certain either. But I find that little fellow from the Witch Cult below rather interesting. Perhaps he is fated with our Holy Cult. As for the specifics, we should wait and see how he performs."

"Oh?" Hearing Zhongli Wu's words, Xu Tianran narrowed his eyes slightly, an inscrutable glimmer flashing through them. Following Zhongli Wu's earlier gaze, he looked toward the competition stage below.

No one understood Zhongli Wu's identity and origins better than him, the emperor of the empire. Fated with the Holy Spirit Cult—did that not mean the other party was an Evil Soul Master, or possessed exceptional talent for becoming one?

"Both sides, prepare. Begin!"

The referee raised his hand high, looked over both contestants, and after confirming that they were ready, abruptly brought his arm down to announce the start of the match.

"Then let me have some fun."

A bizarre smile appeared on Mahito's face. Immediately afterward, six Soul Rings emerged—two yellow, two purple, and two black—yet there was no sign whatsoever of Martial Soul Possession on his body.

"Ha!"

Across from him, Wu Yifan took a step forward. He extended the index and middle fingers of his right hand, pressed them together, and pointed ahead.

At once, a piercing shriek rang out as a long, broad azure greatsword appeared in midair.

They were called the Proud Sword Sect, so naturally, their Martial Soul was a sword.

The same six Soul Rings—two yellow, two purple, and two black—flashed into