However, before Ning Xiaochun could react, Shui Bing'er, standing in front of him, had already answered Xie Yue's "proposal" with an even colder, more forceful attitude.
Shui Bing'er stepped forward. Her icy blue eyes fixed on Xie Yue, the chill in her gaze nearly freezing his soul.
She didn't even look at Yan or Hu Liena. She simply stared at Xie Yue, her voice as crisp as an icy blade, her resolve leaving no room for doubt:
"I don't care if you're Spirit Hall or the Golden Generation."
"He"—Shui Bing'er turned her head slightly toward Ning Xiaochun, who stood behind her with a cold expression, then faced Xie Yue again, her gaze sharp as a blade—"nearly hurt Xiaochun."
"Apologize." Shui Bing'er spoke with adamant resolve, her words carrying a defiance that would sooner shatter jade than bend. "Make him apologize to Xiaochun. Now."
"Otherwise"—a deafening blast of icy energy erupted around Shui Bing'er. The phantom Ice Phoenix behind her threw back its head and cried out, unleashing the full pressure of a top-grade Beast Martial Soul. She enunciated each word, clear and deliberate:
"I, will, beat, him, until, he, apologizes!"
The moment she finished speaking, a terrifying wave of cold swept outward from Shui Bing'er!
The ground froze in an instant, and the moisture in the air turned into countless swirling ice crystals! She was actually going to challenge all three members of Spirit Hall's Golden Generation by herself!
Shui Bing'er's words, cold and resolute as a declaration of war, were like ice water poured into boiling oil, instantly setting off the already taut atmosphere.
Yan had already been left in a sorry state by Shui Bing'er's "Ice Seal." His anger flared, and now he heard her refusing to back down.
She was even forcing him to apologize in public to a little brat who looked like he hadn't even grown a hair yet. The pride he felt as a member of Spirit Hall's Golden Generation and the fiery temper common to Fire-type Soul Masters instantly swept away what little sense Xie Yue had shown in trying to "keep the peace."
"Apologize? Hahahaha!"
Yan laughed in fury. His fiery red hair seemed ready to burst into flames as he shoved Xie Yue aside and strode forward. He glared at Shui Bing'er, eyes blazing, his voice warped by rage.
"Think I was afraid of you just now? I was only caught off guard! I'm already at level forty—one Soul Ring away from becoming a Four-Ring Soul Ancestor! You two Soul Grandmasters think you can make me apologize?"
He pointed his thick finger at Shui Bing'er, then at Dugu Yan, and finally swept a disdainful glance over Ning Xiaochun, whom they were shielding behind them. He waved his hand arrogantly.
"Want me to apologize? Fine! Beat me! If you win, I'll do more than apologize—I'll kowtow! And don't say I'm picking on you. The three of you, come at me together! I'll show you what the Golden Generation of Spirit Hall can really do!"
"Yan!"
Xie Yue frowned and barked a warning in a low voice. He was more levelheaded than Yan and could tell that Shui Bing'er and Dugu Yan were no ordinary opponents. The blue-haired girl in particular had an eerily powerful Ice attribute.
But Yan had already said his piece, and the other side's attitude had genuinely angered him too. As the leader of the Golden Generation, he couldn't afford to show weakness now, so he merely added coldly:
"If we're going to fight, then we'll do it by the rules of the Soul Master World. But blades have no eyes, and Soul Skills show no mercy. If you end up hurt or crippled, don't say we didn't warn you."
Hu Liena said nothing, but a gleam of amusement flashed in her alluring, peach-blossom eyes.
She had absolute confidence in her brother and Yan's strength. Two Soul Grandmasters at level thirty and a child who looked even younger might have a few tricks, but they couldn't overcome a ten-level Soul Power gap and defeat Yan, who had a top-tier Martial Soul and plenty of combat experience.
This was a perfect chance to teach these three ignorant fools just how powerful Spirit Hall was.
Dugu Yan was already fuming. At Yan's words, she immediately rolled up her sleeves to fight. The phantom Jade Phosphorous Serpent Emperor behind her hissed, its forked tongue flicking, while her eerie green eyes gleamed with eager excitement.
"Big words! I was just looking for a chance to teach you, you red-haired firebird, a lesson! Xiaochun, Bing'er, let's get him!"
However, Ning Xiaochun gently caught Dugu Yan before she could charge.
He stepped out from behind Shui Bing'er. His little face no longer showed the fear and anger from before; instead, it had settled into an unusual calm. Only his large eyes still shone with a composure bordering on coldness.
First, he looked up at Shui Bing'er, who stood protectively in front of him like a mother hen shielding her chick, cold energy swirling around her. A warm current passed through his heart. Then he turned his gaze to the arrogant Yan.
"There's no need for all of us to go at him. That way, you can't accuse us of ganging up on you."
Ning Xiaochun's voice was clear, with the childish softness of his age, but his tone left no room for doubt. "Bing'er and I are enough to beat you."
He paused. As Yan, Xie Yue, and Hu Liena stared at him in shock, he slowly raised one finger and pointed it at Yan. "But if you lose, an apology won't be enough."
"You have to kneel, kowtow, and apologize." Ning Xiaochun spoke each word clearly. Every one of them landed like a little hammer on the hearts of everyone present.
He was afraid of dying, and he was cautious—but that didn't mean he had no limits or courage.
The other guy had nearly killed him and was still acting so arrogantly. If Ning Xiaochun didn't teach him a lesson he'd never forget, how could he ever "develop cautiously" in peace again?
This grudge had to be avenged! And he had to do it spectacularly, in a way that would make the other side never dare think of provoking him again!
Yan froze for a moment, then threw his head back and roared with laughter as if he'd just heard the funniest joke in the world. He doubled over, laughing.
"Hahahaha! Kneel? Kowtow? You two little brats? Fine! I accept! If I lose, I'll kneel and kowtow—and I'll even call you Grandpa! But if you lose..."
"If we lose, we'll forget about those two Soul Beasts. We'll leave right away and never bring it up again."
Ning Xiaochun cut in, his tone casual, as though he were discussing something trivial.
"Fine! It's a deal!" Yan snarled, Soul Power already surging around him. "Now show me what makes you think you can talk so big!"
"Xiaochun..." Shui Bing'er turned her head slightly, a hint of inquiry in her icy blue eyes.
Though angry, she hadn't lost her reason. Her opponent was at level forty, and the gap in Soul Power was enormous.
But when she saw Ning Xiaochun's calm, resolute gaze, all her doubts vanished in an instant.
She nodded. Her cool voice carried absolute trust. "All right."
Dugu Yan was somewhat reluctant, but she knew Ning Xiaochun must have a plan if he was willing to say that. She gave a cold snort and moved aside, her emerald eyes fixed on the fight, ready to step in and help at any moment.
Hu Liena and Xie Yue exchanged a glance, then stepped back to make enough room for the three to fight.
Hu Liena's interest only grew, while Xie Yue frowned slightly. He had a vague feeling that the black-haired boy on the other side was strangely calm.
In the middle of the clearing, the three faced off.
Before you continue