First Soul Fight—Not Even Using a Martial Soul?

"Senior Sister, let's watch the matches first."

The Heaven Dou Great Soul Arena was far larger than those in other towns. Countless Spirit Masters competed every day, so several matches were still scheduled ahead of Su Mo and Bibi Dong.

However, there were numerous arenas here: one main arena and twenty-four secondary arenas. They would not have to wait long.

Before long, the two arrived at the spectator stands of the main Soul Fighting Arena.

They found two adjacent seats in the last row and sat down to watch.

At that moment, two Soul Kings were engaged in an intense clash on the stage.

The two exchanged blows without either gaining the upper hand, while cheers and shouts erupted from the surrounding audience.

Su Mo and Bibi Dong watched quietly, occasionally speaking to each other in low voices.

After two Soul Fights ended in succession, it was finally their turn.

Since it was their first time competing, neither had been assigned to the central arena. Instead, they had been placed at Arenas Fifteen and Twenty respectively.

"Junior Brother, good luck."

"Mm. You too."

The two smiled at each other, then went their separate ways toward their respective arenas.

Arena Fifteen.

The surrounding stands were already seventy to eighty percent full, filled with a deafening roar of voices.

Above the arena hung a massive soul tool screen, clearly displaying the information of the two upcoming contestants.

Name: Tiger.

Martial Soul: Magma Earth-Splitting Tiger, Level 56 Assault-Type Battle Soul King.

Record: Twelve wins, four losses.

VS

Name: Asura.

Martial Soul: Blood Sword, Level 55 Assault-Type Battle Soul King.

Record: Zero wins, zero losses.

At the center of the arena stood a middle-aged man in a brown suit. He was the host of Arena Fifteen.

Holding a microphone, he announced in an impassioned tone, "Next is the fifth one-on-one Soul Fight! Let us welcome—"

Drawing out his words, he raised a hand and pointed toward the western passage. "Battle Soul King Tiger, whose Martial Soul is the Magma Earth-Splitting Tiger!"

The moment his voice fell, a bear-like, muscular figure strode out from the western passage.

The man looked to be in his forties or fifties. His bare upper body was covered in knotted muscles, and his rugged face carried a fierce air between his brows. He was clearly not someone to be trifled with.

"Tiger! Tiger!"

As Tiger entered the arena, a tsunami of cheers immediately erupted from the stands.

Tiger was a familiar face at this Soul Fighting Arena, and many longtime spectators recognized him.

"Tiger looks to be in great form today. His opponent is probably in for a miserable time."

"Of course. Tiger is Level 56, while the guy across from him is only Level 55."

"Besides, Tiger's Magma Earth-Splitting Tiger has terrifying explosive power. In his last match, he beat an opponent of the same level until he was covered in wounds. It was a horrific sight."

As the discussion surged on, the host pointed to the other side. "Next, let us welcome Battle Soul King Asura, whose Martial Soul is the Blood Sword!"

The next moment, Su Mo walked out from the eastern passage, his pace neither hurried nor slow, calm and composed.

He wore a strange dark-red mask that completely concealed his face.

Compared to Tiger's grand entrance, Su Mo's arrival was far more subdued.

"Asura? What kind of name is that? Sounds pretty intimidating."

"Why's that kid wearing a mask? What's with all the mystery?"

"I've seen plenty of newcomers like him. He's just putting on an act. Look how skinny he is—can he even take one of Tiger's punches?"

"A newcomer with zero wins and zero losses? Isn't he just handing Tiger free points?"

"Haha, newcomers are great. I put all my money on Tiger. This match is guaranteed profit."

The murmurs rolled in from all directions like waves, rising and falling without end.

Ninety-nine percent of the people present supported Tiger, and not merely with words—they supported him with hard-earned money.

Every match in the Great Soul Arena could be wagered on.

For this match, Tiger's odds were one to 1.2, while Su Mo's were one to three.

Although betting on Su Mo would yield greater returns, almost no one believed he would win.

Still, a few gamblers hoped to strike it big and placed their bets on Su Mo.

Seeing that both contestants were in position, the host loudly declared, "Contestants, prepare yourselves!"

The instant he finished speaking, a pair of Soul Power wings condensed behind him. With a beat of his wings, he flew into the air and hovered steadily above the arena, looking down on the battlefield.

At that moment, Tiger stepped forward, and five optimally configured Spirit Rings descended around him one after another.

Immediately afterward, a scorching wave of heat burst from his body. The temperature around the arena rose sharply, and even the air began to distort.

The next instant, a tiger's roar rang throughout the entire venue.

A massive tiger phantom condensed into form. Blazing fire flowed over its body, its eyes wide and filled with savage light.

"Tiger, Martial Soul Magma Earth-Splitting Tiger, Level 56 Assault-Type Battle Soul King. Please advise!"

Tiger announced his name in a booming voice, his eyes carrying a trace of disdain.

In his view, this masked kid across from him was nothing more than an arrogant newcomer who did not know his limits.

Yet Su Mo remained where he stood, utterly motionless.

"What's going on with Asura? Why isn't he releasing his Martial Soul?"

"Don't tell me he's so nervous that he forgot how to release it? Hahahaha!"

"I think he's scared stupid. It's his first time on stage, and he's up against someone as fierce as Tiger. It's normal for his legs to go weak."

The discussion in the stands grew louder and more chaotic.

Some mocked him, some were confused, and others simply joined in the commotion.

On the arena, Tiger frowned. The disdain on his face gradually turned to anger.

"Kid!" he roared. "Fine, wear a mask and play mysterious if you want. But now you're not even using your Martial Soul? Are you looking down on me?"

Su Mo did not answer. The eyes exposed beneath his mask were utterly calm, as still as a dead pool.

And that indifferent attitude was more provocative than any words.

Tiger's face instantly reddened, and the veins at his temples throbbed violently.

He had fought so many matches in the Soul Fighting Arena. Which opponent had not treated him like a formidable enemy and prepared with utmost caution?

No one had ever dared treat him like this!

At that moment, the host also frowned slightly as he watched the situation on the arena.

According to the rules of Soul Fighting, both sides could release their Martial Souls once the preparation phase had been announced.

Tiger was already ready, but there had been no movement at all from Su Mo.

He cleared his throat and reminded him, "Contestant Asura, you may release your Martial Soul during the preparation phase."

Thinking Su Mo was competing for the first time and did not understand the rules, he kindly gave him a reminder.

At last, Su Mo reacted.

He gave a slight shake of his head and said calmly, "No need."

The moment those words fell, the entire venue erupted.

"What? He doesn't need his Martial Soul?!"

"Is he insane? A Level 55 fighting a Level 56, and he actually dares not use his Martial Soul?"

"It's over, it's over. If I'd known, I wouldn't have bet on him. My Gold Soul Coins..."

The stands boiled with commotion. Some were shocked, some mocked him, and those who had bet on Su Mo regretted it bitterly.