At the curious gazes of the crowd.
Ma Xiaotao nodded her delicate head proudly.
"Mm, this is the person you saw a while ago."
Dai Yueheng sized up Lu Heqiu standing before him.
His tiger-like eyes were full of doubt.
It wasn't that he didn't believe Ma Xiaotao.
It was just that the situation was far too unexpected.
Half a month had passed.
A baby who had still been lying in swaddling clothes had actually grown to this point.
And he wasn't even a Soul Beast.
Aside from being a little stronger, he was exactly like an ordinary human baby.
Yet this little guy had grown into a three- or four-year-old child in just half a month—and his gaze was no different from an adult's.
Anyone would find that strange.
"What about his strength?"
"Has it increased again?"
Dai Yueheng hadn't forgotten what had happened half a month ago.
Back then, Lu Heqiu had still been nestled in Ma Xiaotao's arms, yet he was stronger than Dai Yueheng. He had even squeezed Dai Yueheng's hand red when he reached out.
Now that his body had grown again, who could say for certain that his strength hadn't increased too?
"If you want to know whether it's increased, just go up on the Soul Fighting Platform and test him yourself."
A sly smile flickered in Ma Xiaotao's eyes.
She and Dai Yueheng had about a seventy-thirty chance of winning against each other.
Sometimes, if she wasn't careful, Dai Yueheng could beat her.
Now, she wanted to see Dai Yueheng take a loss—and she also wanted Lu Heqiu to surprise them.
Never underestimate a little kid!
Even Xuan Zi had to be on guard against Lu Heqiu's strength.
If Dai Yueheng wasn't careful, he really might overturn the boat in the gutter.
"Go up to the Soul Dueling Arena!?"
Dai Yueheng repeated Ma Xiaotao's words, though she didn't look like she was joking.
"The Soul Dueling Arena isn't just about being strong."
"If I don't use my Martial Soul, I'm definitely no match for him."
"But once we're on the platform, how could I wrestle with him? Using a Soul Skill would be too unfair to him. If I hurt him, I won't be able to explain it to the dean."
Dai Yueheng said this, but he showed no sign of leaving. He only looked at Lu Heqiu as if testing the waters.
Ma Xiaotao retorted, exasperated.
"And you still say you're not underestimating him."
"He has a Martial Soul and Soul Skills!"
"Dai Yueheng, are you scared? If you're scared of him, just say so. You don't have to beat around the bush."
"Wimp!"
As soon as Ma Xiaotao said this, not only Dai Yueheng but several others nearby gathered around.
Ling Luochеn looked at Ma Xiaotao, her eyes full of doubt, and spoke up.
"Xiaotao."
"Don't joke about this."
"He looks three or four at most, doesn't he?"
"It's common knowledge on the continent that Martial Souls can only be awakened at six. If someone tries to bring one out by force, the Martial Soul will be incomplete, and they won't even have Soul Power."
"People tried it ten thousand years ago!"
Ma Xiaotao had known this group would say that.
"There are exceptions to everything!"
"Ten thousand years ago, who could have imagined that Ancestor Tang San's Blue Silver Grass would actually be the Blue Silver Emperor Martial Soul? Who could have imagined that Ancestor Tang San would become a god?"
"This little guy is the same."
"Don't let his age fool you."
"With Mu En's help, he's already completed his Martial Soul Awakening. We were away from the academy a few days ago because we went to help the little guy hunt for a Soul Ring!"
As she spoke, Ma Xiaotao looked toward Dai Yueheng, her tone carrying a hint of provocation.
"Dai Yueheng."
"You're not scared, are you?"
Dai Yueheng's expression darkened. He could tell she was trying to provoke him by calling him scared.
Even if the little guy really had obtained a Soul Ring, the most he could be was a One-Ring Soul Master.
He knew Lu Heqiu wasn't weak.
But no matter how strong he was, he was still just a One-Ring Soul Master. Against a powerful Soul Emperor like Dai Yueheng, he had no chance of winning!
"Stop trying to provoke me."
"Tell me honestly, how strong is this little guy?"
"If he's too weak and gets hurt, I won't be able to explain it to Dean Yan."
Dai Yueheng's meaning was clear.
There was no problem with testing him out.
But Dai Yueheng would only step onto the platform if he could be certain it was completely safe.
Otherwise, even if Ma Xiaotao talked until her lips wore thin, he wouldn't make a move.
"Very strong!"
"He'll have no problem taking you down."
Ma Xiaotao didn't say anything more.
Even she didn't know exactly how strong Lu Heqiu was.
She didn't know how his strength measured up, only that even she couldn't possibly be his match. Dai Yueheng was even less of a concern.
As for whether Lu Heqiu might get careless...
On that point, she was certain.
He absolutely wouldn't!
The Soul Power in Lu Heqiu's body was limited.
He cherished every chance he had to make a move, and would never get careless like she sometimes did.
"Fine. Let's try it, then."
Seeing that Ma Xiaotao wasn't willing to say more, Dai Yueheng didn't press her.
He immediately walked into the Soul Dueling Arena to find the Soul Douluo presiding over it.
Elder Wang was presiding today.
If Dai Yueheng really did make a move and hurt Lu Heqiu, Elder Wang would intervene.
At least, he could protect Lu Heqiu and make sure Dai Yueheng didn't injure him.
Ma Xiaotao moved close to Lu Heqiu and crouched down to meet him at eye level.
A swath of pale skin at her chest came into Lu Heqiu's view.
"Heqiu!"
"Teach him a lesson in a moment!"
"Show him that a One-Ring Soul Master isn't someone to mess with!"
Ma Xiaotao didn't give Lu Heqiu any chance to refuse. She picked him up and headed straight for the Soul Fighting Platform.
Although Dai Yueheng didn't quite believe Ma Xiaotao, he still found a platform suited to a fight between Soul Emperors.
He was worried that his attacks might damage the Soul Tools on the platform.
He'd have to pay a lot of money if that happened.
He had money, but that didn't mean he should waste it.
Elder Wang, who was presiding today, came over as well. Seeing Ma Xiaotao and Dai Yueheng heading toward the Soul Dueling Arena, he naturally assumed the two of them were going to fight. He reminded them in a lazy tone.
"You two little rascals again."
"Remember to hold back when you fight."
"Don't damage the platform, or you'll have to pay for it—and cover the lost work time, too."
Ma Xiaotao smiled.
"Elder Wang, I'm not the one fighting Dai Yueheng."
"This little guy is going to fight Dai Yueheng."
"Please keep a closer eye on Dai Yueheng. Don't let this little guy hurt him, or my teacher will give me trouble again."
Elder Wang followed Ma Xiaotao's gaze and looked at the figure less than a meter tall. His expression immediately darkened.
"Outrageous!"
"Where did this little child come from? Hurry up and take him back!"
"The Soul Dueling Arena isn't a place for a little guy like him!"
"Which teacher is he with? Hurry up and send him back. Don't let someone else's child get hurt!"
Ma Xiaotao was about to explain, but Lu Heqiu spoke first. "Senior, I really am going to fight Dai Yueheng. Please open the platform."
Before you continue