The Six-Year Pact

In the blink of an eye, several months passed.

Today was the day of the six-year pact.

The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's Martial Arts Arena was packed with people.

Nearly every clan member had come, surrounding the enormous arena so tightly that not even a drop of water could pass through.

Everyone wanted to see with their own eyes how this six-year wager would finally turn out.

"Who do you think will win today?"

"Do you even have to ask? Of course it'll be Young Master Xiaogang! He's the clan leader's son, and he's been specially groomed since he was little."

"That's true, but I heard that Yu Hong is pretty impressive too. He absorbed a Soul Ring that was over six hundred years old several years ago. Who knows how strong he is now?"

"So what? Young Master Xiaogang has enjoyed an abundance of resources! How could Yu Hong compare?"

"Fair enough..."

Voices rose and fell throughout the crowd.

Most people were betting on Yu Xiaogang.

After all, Yu Xiaogang was the clan leader's son. His status alone spoke for itself.

And over the past six years, Yu Yuanzhen had secretly provided Yu Xiaogang with plenty of resources. Everyone knew that.

By comparison, Yu Hong was just an ordinary clan member. The resources he officially received were the same as Yu Xiaogang's, but the resources they received in private were worlds apart.

All the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's senior members were already seated on the raised platform overlooking the Martial Arts Arena.

Yu Yuanzhen sat in the center, wearing a faint smile and looking completely confident.

"Clan Leader, Young Master Xiaogang is sure to win today's match!" an elder sitting beside him said with a smile.

"Exactly. With the clan leader's careful guidance, how could Yu Hong possibly be a match for Young Master Xiaogang?" another elder chimed in.

"Haha, Xiaogang has indeed made great progress over the past few years," Yu Yuanzhen said with a nod, his voice full of confidence.

Yu Xiaogang had now reached rank thirteen.

And Yu Hong?

As far as Yu Yuanzhen knew, Yu Hong had only reached rank eleven.

Thirteen against eleven.

Yu Xiaogang was sure to win this match.

Yu Luomian sat beside Yu Yuanzhen, listening to the elders flatter him. The corner of his mouth lifted slightly, but he said nothing.

He knew Yu Hong's strength better than anyone.

Over the past six years, Yu Hong had trained and cultivated relentlessly every single day. He had never slacked off.

His physical prowess had long since surpassed the limits of an ordinary person.

Even without his Martial Soul or Soul Skills, Yu Hong could easily defeat Yu Xiaogang.

And besides, Yu Hong's Martial Soul...

Yu Luomian recalled what Yu Hong had told him a few days ago, and anticipation flickered in his eyes.

"Deputy Clan Leader, my Martial Soul is about to hatch."

"On the day of the match, I'll make everyone's jaws drop."

Yu Luomian had no idea what Yu Hong's Martial Soul would be like after it hatched, but he believed it wouldn't disappoint him.

"Elder brother, are you really that confident?" Yu Luomian suddenly asked.

Yu Yuanzhen turned to him and smiled. "Of course. Xiaogang is rank thirteen now, while Yu Hong is only rank eleven. Xiaogang is sure to win this match."

"Is that so?" Yu Luomian smiled meaningfully. "Then let's wait and see."

Yu Yuanzhen frowned. He couldn't help feeling that there was something odd about Yu Luomian's smile.

But he didn't give it much thought, turning his attention back to the Martial Arts Arena.

Just then, a commotion rose from the arena entrance.

"They're here! They're here!"

"Yu Hong and Young Master Xiaogang are here!"

The crowd parted on its own, opening a path for two figures to walk through.

On the left was Yu Xiaogang.

Six years had passed. The six-year-old boy from back then had grown into a sturdy twelve-year-old youth.

On the right was Yu Hong.

He was twelve as well, but his bearing was completely different from Yu Xiaogang's.

He stood tall, with handsome features and a steady, sharp gaze.

An understated aura emanated from him, like a sharp sword hidden in its sheath. Though it had yet to be drawn, anyone could sense its keen edge.

The two walked to the center of the arena and stood face-to-face.

Yu Xiaogang looked Yu Hong up and down, then curled his lips in a mocking smile.

"Yu Hong, six years have passed, and you're still just as shabby."

Yu Hong glanced at him indifferently and said nothing.

"What, nothing to say? Are you scared?" Yu Xiaogang said with a smug laugh. "It's not too late to get on your knees and beg for mercy. I might even go easy on you and not beat you too badly."

A wave of snickering rippled through the crowd.

"Young Master Xiaogang is so imposing!"

"Exactly! Make that Yu Hong kneel and beg!"

"Haha, just look at him. He's probably scared out of his wits!"

Hearing the crowd's jeers, Yu Hong's lips curled slightly.

"Yu Xiaogang, you talk too much."

"What did you say?" Yu Xiaogang's expression changed.

"I said you talk too much," Yu Hong replied calmly. "Instead of wasting your breath, you should think about how to lose with a little dignity."

"You!" Yu Xiaogang's face flushed with anger. "Fine, fine! Just you wait! I'll make you kneel on the ground and call me 'Dad'!"

Yu Hong smiled but said nothing.

On the raised platform, Yu Yuanzhen looked displeased at the exchange.

Yu Hong really did have a sharp tongue.

Once Xiaogang knocked him flat, let's see if he could still act so smug.

"All right, it's about time." Yu Yuanzhen rose to his feet and spoke in a deep voice. "The six-year pact will be fulfilled today. Yu Hong, Yu Xiaogang, are you both ready?"

"I'm ready!" Yu Xiaogang shouted.

"I'm ready." Yu Hong nodded.

"Good." Yu Yuanzhen swept his gaze across the Martial Arts Arena and announced loudly, "The match begins!"

The moment the words left his mouth, Yu Xiaogang immediately released his Martial Soul.

A flash of purple light passed, and Luo Sanpao appeared in front of Yu Xiaogang.

Luo Sanpao still looked exactly the same as before. Nothing about it had changed.

"Yu Hong, I'm rank thirteen now. What do you have to compete with me?" Yu Xiaogang said smugly.

Another wave of discussion swept through the crowd.

"Young Master Xiaogang really is impressive!"

"That Yu Hong is finished. He's only rank eleven right now."

"There's no suspense in this match."

Looking at Yu Xiaogang and his Martial Soul, Yu Hong's smile widened.

"Yu Xiaogang, your Martial Soul... is still as ugly as ever."

"What did you say?!" Yu Xiaogang stamped his foot in anger. "Luo Sanpao isn't ugly! It's the strongest Martial Soul!"

"Is that so?" Yu Hong gave a small shake of his head. "Then let me show you what true power looks like."

He slowly raised his right hand, palm facing upward.

The next moment, he spoke. His voice wasn't loud, but it rang clearly in everyone's ears.

"My pride, my soul!"

Yu Xiaogang froze for a moment, not understanding what Yu Hong was talking about.

The crowd fell silent as well, watching Yu Hong curiously.

Even the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's senior members stared at Yu Hong with curiosity, wondering what he was about to do.