A Rising Reputation

Only after Jiang Liang left the arena did the spectators finally come to their senses.

But their first reaction was not surprise or praise, but heart-wrenching curses and sobs.

They had probably lost everything.

After all, who could have imagined it?

That a rookie participating in a Soul Duel for the first time, a little brat of seven or eight, could defeat Black Tiger, who was about to advance to a Bronze Soul Badge?

Of course, there were also those who had made a fortune and laughed wildly.

But they were only a small minority.

Yue Guan looked at Black Tiger lying on the arena floor, his face full of contempt.

When the fight had just begun, Black Tiger had looked so imposing that Yue Guan had thought he might give Jiang Liang a little trouble.

And this was it?

This?!

He had been taken out by a little brat in one move?

What utter trash.

Yue Guan shook his head helplessly, then his gaze settled on Jiang Liang.

Still, he had to admit that this brat's swordsmanship was truly impressive.

Spirit Hall also had Soul Masters with Sword Martial Souls, such as those from the Wind Sword Sect.

Yue Guan had seen their sword techniques. They were all rather flashy, and in the end, they relied on soul skills.

But the swordsmanship that brat had used just now was exceedingly pure.

There were no unnecessary moves, nor any flashy motions.

One sword thrust, and it was over.

"It does resemble the Grand Elder's swordsmanship, but if they were truly compared, this brat's swordsmanship seems even sharper."

That only made him more curious.

Just where was that brat's true limit?

Watching Jiang Liang enter the passageway, Yue Guan turned and left the stands as well.

He arrived at the registration hall on the first floor.

With his hands behind his back, Jiang Liang stood there with an unfathomable air as he waited for Yue Guan to approach.

"So, Uncle, was that sword strike of mine impressive?"

Yue Guan walked over with a smile, grabbed his head, and gave it a shake.

"Your swordsmanship really does have something to it. This time, I misjudged you."

"By the way, do you still want to register for another match?"

But Jiang Liang turned to look outside the hall. "No, right? It's already dark. I want to eat."

Yue Guan nodded slightly. "Then let's go. I'll take you to eat. If you still want to continue Soul Duels tomorrow, we can come back."

"If you don't want to do Soul Duels anymore, we'll return to Nuoding City."

"Let's eat!" Jiang Liang said, grabbing Yue Guan's wrist and impatiently dragging him out of the Great Soul Arena.

"Go if you want, but stop pulling me!"

After leaving Heaven Dou Great Soul Arena, the two found something to eat nearby.

Once they had eaten their fill, they found a Hotel to rest in.

The next day.

They returned to the Great Soul Arena.

This time, Jiang Liang's opponent was a level forty-five Soul Ancestor.

His Soul Rings were also two yellow and two purple, and he was considerably stronger than Black Tiger had been yesterday.

Many people suspected that Jiang Liang had only defeated Black Tiger yesterday through a trick.

Faced with a stronger opponent today, he surely would not be able to manage it.

Yet Jiang Liang once again used facts to slap them hard across the face.

Facing today's opponent,

he still used only one sword.

This sword was once again so fast that no one could see its afterimage at all.

His opponent did not even have time to raise a hand and activate a soul skill before falling stiffly onto the arena floor.

The entire venue once again sank into deathly silence.

Everyone's faces were filled with shock.

Two Soul Duels.

One against a level forty-one Soul Ancestor, and one against a level forty-five Soul Ancestor.

Yet both battles had ended with a single sword!

Those who had just believed he had won through luck now turned pale and fell completely silent.

How was this luck? It was clearly absolute strength, a complete crushing advantage!

From then on, the title "Cold Sword Immortal" truly made its name in the Great Soul Arena.

In the days that followed,

besides Qi Refining and Sword Cultivation every day, Jiang Liang received an additional task from Sword Mother.

That was to go to the Great Soul Arena every day for Soul Duels.

And he had to participate in at least three Soul Duels a day.

Jiang Liang had no objections.

There were still two months before school began, after all. Returning to Nuoding City now would only be boring.

Besides, winning Soul Duels at the Great Soul Arena earned Gold Soul Coin rewards.

One win meant ten Gold Soul Coins!

And if he won a bet, he would earn even more Gold Soul Coins!

Thus, he never grew tired of it and went to the Great Soul Arena for Soul Duels nearly every day.

Whenever he encountered an opponent, he resolved it with a single sword.

Gradually, his reputation spread throughout Heaven Dou City.

Now, who in Heaven Dou City had not heard?

A genius had appeared in the Great Soul Arena, bearing the title Cold Sword Immortal.

His win rate in Soul Duels remained one hundred percent.

And he had never needed a second sword to defeat an opponent.

Some nobles even began secretly investigating his identity as soon as they learned the news.

When faced with such a genius,

they would either do everything possible to recruit him,

or do everything possible to eliminate him, refusing to let someone else threaten their status.

After Yue Guan learned of this, he immediately had the Martial Soul Temple in Heaven Dou City severely warn those nobles.

The nobles were instantly terrified out of their wits and no longer dared investigate Jiang Liang's identity.

Without the nobles' interference, Jiang Liang could continue his Soul Duels in peace.

And as his victories steadily increased,

his Soul Duel badge advanced from Iron Soul to Bronze Soul Badge.

And after his badge advanced, the opponents he encountered grew stronger and stronger.

For instance, today.

He encountered the first Soul King-level opponent since becoming a Soul Master.

His opponent was a level fifty-three Soul King, a full eighteen levels higher than him.

"My heavens! Cold Sword Immortal is actually facing a Soul King today?!"

"A level fifty-three Soul King! He's eighteen levels higher. This is going to be difficult, right?"

"Exactly. A Soul King isn't on the same level as a Soul Elder, or even a Soul Ancestor!"

"Can Cold Sword Immortal create another miracle? I'm betting on him to win!"

"Stop dreaming! The Soul King's Soul Power suppression alone will be enough to make him suffer!"

"If he can still take him out with one sword, I'll eat the arena on the spot!"

"Go, Cold Sword Immortal! I bet my entire fortune on you!"

"Soul King, hurry up and show your strength! Put this brat in his place!"

On the arena, that Soul King stood with his arms crossed, looking down at Jiang Liang with disdain.

"I heard that a Cold Sword Immortal recently appeared in the Great Soul Arena, one who never uses a second sword in Soul Duels. So it's you, little brat."

"I have to admit, little brat, that making it this far means you do have some real ability."

"But before a Soul King, your little tricks are nothing!"

After speaking, he activated all his Soul Power.

"Giant Tail Poison Scorpion Martial Soul, possess!"

His body suddenly shuddered, and a thick blackish-purple scorpion tail grew from his back.

Purple-black armor covered his entire body, and a dense, poisonous stench instantly filled the arena.

At the same time, five Soul Rings—two yellow, two purple, and one black—rapidly rose beneath his feet.

The surging pressure of his Soul Power descended like a mountain, completely enveloping Jiang Liang.

The Soul King burst into wild laughter. "Hahaha! How's my Soul King pressure? You can't move now, can you?"