Ling Yi the Actor
As expected, this highly anticipated two-on-two Soul Fighting ended with the victory of the "Kusanagi Team".
After the battle, the audience who bet on the "Heavenly Cripple and Earthly Defect Team" felt heartbroken at their empty wallets, but when they thought about the fierce battle on the Soul Fighting Arena, they felt that their trip was worthwhile.
In addition, the "Heavenly Cripple and Earthly Defect Team" has indeed done their best.
Anyone with a little insight and knowledge can see this.
Because of Ah Yin's powerful move of changing the field, the "Heavenly Cripple and Earthly Defect Team" was at a complete disadvantage in terms of terrain. In addition, Yang Shelly's Wushuang offensive skills meant that no matter how Cai Wenhao and Xi Tai fought, even risking their lives multiple times in an attempt to survive, Ah Yin and Yang Shelly still managed to break through their defenses one by one.
Despite the dire situation, the two fought tenaciously until their physical strength and Soul Power were exhausted, and finally, with broken bones and tendons all over their bodies, they had no choice but to give up.
It can be said that both of them were honorable in this battle, even though they lost!
At least, Cardinal Salas, who lost the bet on the two men, greatly admired their convictions.
As a papal organization, the Spirit Hall, with its cardinal Salas, also possesses its own beliefs.
Furthermore, Salas didn't take losing the bet too seriously.
Or rather, Salas had already learned of the secret plot between the Third Prince Xue Ye and the Heaven Dou Great Soul Fighting Arena's manager Laikenasi through the Spirit Hall's channels on the very day the bet was made.
Salas merely sneered at this, showing no anger whatsoever.
Compared to Xue Ye, who is still only the Third Prince and not even the Crown Prince, and Laikenasi, who only focuses on the mere ' Heaven Dou City ', Salas, who comes from the Spirit Hall, has a much higher perspective on things!
Let's not even talk about the bet he made with Xue Ye, which only concerned the import quota of "Blue Silver Rice" within the Heaven Dou Empire. As for other regions of the continent, if Ling Yi wanted to promote "Blue Silver Rice," he would either have to contact each household individually or go through the Spirit Hall. This is why Lu Yi from the Water Wood Duchy reported the relevant information to the Martial Soul Temple of Heaven Dou City.
Ultimately, the decision regarding "Blue Silver Rice" rests with Ling Yi.
As for why Salas was willing to engage in this bet, it was simply a matter of going with the flow. Salas wanted to see how Ling Yi would handle the situation to ascertain his stance.
Offering a two-on-two Soul Fighting and pitting yourself against Xue Ye in a duel is not as easy as it seems!
Salas felt he had already seen through everything and simply considered it as playing along with Xue Ye, Ling Yi, and other young people.
As for Yang Shelly, whom the Heaven Dou Great Soul Fighting Arena is quite wary of, as the youngest cardinal of the Spirit Hall, Salas is not afraid even if Yang Wudi, the current patriarch of the Breaking Clan, comes, let alone the fact that she is just a collateral branch's daughter.
So far, in this bet, although Xue Ye and Heaven Dou Great Soul Fighting Arena have used some underhanded tricks in the dark, what Salas is more satisfied with is that Ling Yi has remained uninvolved throughout and has not favored either side.
At least according to the information Salas received, the reason why the "Heavenly Cripple and Earthly Defect Team" went all out to fight was inseparable from Ling Yi's persuasion.
This, in fact, is precisely Ling Yi's indication of favoring their [Spirit Hall]. That's what Salas believes.
Intelligent people do not make obvious biased behaviors, but Ling Yi's actions are clearly a veiled statement, which is the behavior of a wise person!
Therefore, Salas, who is also an intelligent person, admires Ling Yi, a smart person, more than the "Heavenly Cripple and Earthly Defect Team" who have strong beliefs.
With this in mind, Salas did not show anger or dissatisfaction as Xue Ye had expected. Instead, he looked at Ling Yi and Laikenasi, who had just entered the room, with a peaceful smile.
Just now, Ling Yi went to the Soul Fighting Arena below and used his Soul Skill and superb medical skills to heal Cai Wenhao and Xi Tai's injuries. He even managed to clear away the hidden injuries that had accumulated in their bodies over the years of cultivation.
Upon entering the spacious and luxurious VIP box, one finds only the Third Prince Xue Ye and Cardinal Salas inside, while their guards and knights stand watch outside.
"Bishop Salas, Your Highness the Third Prince~" This was Ling Yi's address.
"Your Highness, Third Prince, Bishop Salas ~" This is how Laikenasi addresses him.
Just from the order of address, a glint flashed in Salas's eyes, his smile widened, and his gaze towards Ling Yi softened.
Inside the VIP box, two rows of large sofas are arranged in a figure-eight shape, facing each other diagonally.
On the right sofa, Xue Ye, also smiling, looked at the two who entered, then subtly glanced at Salas on the left sofa, who was closer to the door, before speaking first:
"Laikenasi, Ling Yi, you've come at the right time. Be the witness for me and Bishop Salas. Our bet has been decided."
"This..." X2
Laikenasi and Ling Yi exchanged a glance, both looking troubled.
Having these two witnesses to a bet between such important figures is like putting them in a very difficult position.
"Alright."
Just then, Salas spoke up at the opportune moment, calmly addressing Xue Ye: "Your Highness, I, Salas, am not a man of my word. Since the ' Kusanagi Team ' has won this two-on-two Soul Fighting, I naturally honor my bet..."
Clearly, compared to the aggressive Xue Ye, Salas's behavior at this moment was quite graceful and easy to like.
Xue Ye was not unaware of this, but as the saying goes, one's position determines one's perspective. As the third prince of the Heaven Dou Empire, this was a crucial moment for him to launch his charge towards the position of crown prince. He needed to divide his allies: those who could be used by him and were friendly to him were one group, those who would not help him and would stand in the middle were another, and those who were hostile to him were yet another.
Compared to those who are hostile or neutral, Xue Ye felt that he needed to be most wary of those who outwardly stood on his side but were secretly wavering.
At this very moment, in this small private room of about forty square meters, two prominent figures who were among the top in the first echelon of power in "Heaven Dou City" displayed completely different, even confrontational, attitudes toward Laikenasi and Ling Yi, based on their respective identities, personalities, and certain calculations in their hearts.
The Third Prince Xue Ye was domineering, exuding the arrogance and grandeur of royalty, using his power to intimidate others.
Cardinal Salas was gentle, with a kind of papal cleric-like demeanor, and spoke in a peaceful tone that made people feel good.
Xue Ye didn't respond to Salas's words, but just stared at Laikenasi and Ling Yi at the door.
Salas didn't care. His attitude had been made clear, and smart people would naturally understand. As for the stupid ones, there was no need to worry about them.
Laikenasi: "?"
Ling Yi Laikenasi, who felt the world was full of malice, seemed completely oblivious. With a humble and gentle smile, he bowed slightly to the two important figures in the private room and said neither servile nor arrogant:
"It is an honor for Ling Yi to be summoned by the Third Prince and His Excellency the Bishop. If it weren't for my lack of strength, I would truly not dare to disappoint His Highness the Third Prince's trust."
Upon hearing this, Xue Ye narrowed her eyes slightly, her face revealing neither joy nor anger, but instead turned her gaze to Laikenasi beside Ling Yi.
Compared to Ling Yi, a minor character who was just an afterthought, Laikenasi was Xue Ye's primary target.
Although the Menethil Clan is not well-known on the Douluo Continent, it has the ability to establish the Great Soul Fighting Arena, which is spread throughout every major city on the continent, together with six other families. Its foundation should not be underestimated!
The power, influence, and resources of Soul Master are far beyond what a mere Ling Yi can match.
Salas and Xue Ye had already tacitly agreed on the assignments for the two people at the door.
The Menethil Clan will not side with the Spirit Hall. Looking across the Angel Qian Clan, apart from the Douluo Continent Clear Sky Hammer Tang Family, no other Soul Master family, after joining the Spirit Hall, can confidently guarantee their autonomy and independence in the face of the Angelic Qian Family.
Unlike the Heaven Dou Empire, the Swan Xue Family's situation is completely opposite to that of the Angel Qian Clan. Their control over the various forces within the empire has always been within a level acceptable to each of them.
Therefore, from the very beginning, Xue Ye was using Ling Yi's matter to test Laikenasi's attitude; and then using Laikenasi to test the attitude of the Menethil Clan.
Of course, Xue Ye also values "Blue Silver Rice," and there is no conflict between the two.
Ling Yi, who had already understood Xue Ye's intentions during their first brief encounter, was naturally delighted.
After all, Ling Yi's initial target wasn't Xue Ye, but the Spirit Hall.
The Heaven Dou Empire and Xue Ye were merely incidental additions.
On the other side, Laikenasi, having also understood something from Ling Yi's hints, immediately began to make intentional or unintentional gestures of goodwill and expressions of support.
The subtle nuances of this situation drew a slight glance from Ling Yi, who was observing and listening nearby.
This shows that Laikenasi is not a stupid person.
On the contrary, as the person promoted by the Menethil Clan and appointed as the head of the Great Soul Fighting Arena in Heaven Dou City, one of the two imperial capitals of the Douluo Continent, he has always been a smart man.
Previously, he was simply caught up in the situation and influenced by his desire for gain and loss, which caused him to feel flustered. But now, awakened by Ling Yi's words, the composed and calm Manager Laikenasi has returned.
Next, inside the VIP box, four people, each with their own thoughts, began their "casual chat."
Compared to Cardinal Salas of the Spirit Hall, Xue Ye, the Third Prince of the Heaven Dou Empire, and Laikenasi, the young master of the Menethil Clan, Ling Yi, who was merely a minor baron of the Water Wood Duchy, always listened more and spoke less, keeping to his proper place. Yet, every time he spoke, he would win the favor of the three of them, who would feel that he was being treated with kindness.
In terms of acting skills, Ling Yi has always been quite good.
Poor acting is like a passerby's performance—superficial, flawed, and even exaggerated, making the audience feel pulled out of the story. It's like glaring or yelling.
For example, Long Yin and Qingqiu Xin are like this when they're plotting something.
Average acting is sufficient to achieve a certain level of character portrayal. While the technical skill level is low and the emotional expression is rather simplistic and lacks nuance, it's still passable. The dialogue flows smoothly, and the facial expressions are natural.
For example, Yu Xiaogang did this when he wanted to extract information about Ling Yi from Xiao Yan and the others.
A competent actor can fully portray a character, expressing emotions with richness. Whether it's eyes, facial expressions, tone of voice, movements, or even temperament and aura, all elements can be expressed effortlessly and naturally. Every word and action leaves virtually no trace of acting.
Salas, Xue Ye, Laikenasi in the VIP box—they're all like this now.
The actor's superb acting skills, perfectly integrated into the character he was portraying, stemmed from genuine belief and dedication. There were no flaws or loopholes; his own emotions became the character's emotions, conveying them to every viewer with immense power. This was no longer just acting; he became the character.
For example, Ling Yi is in the private room at this moment.
Perfect acting can no longer be called acting; it has transcended the scope of performance. A casual glance, a pursed lip, or even a soft sigh can reach the hearts of others and become an unforgettable mark.
For example, Ling Yi on ordinary days.
They chatted for a while and had a very pleasant conversation.
On Xue Ye, at Laikenasi's place, he received news that Terenas Menethil, the current patriarch of the Menethil Clan, was about to arrive in Heaven Dou City.
Laikenasi fulfilled his father's and family's wishes and successfully established an initial relationship of trust with the Third Prince Xue Ye.
Salas received a clear promise from Ling Yi regarding the propagation of the "Blue Silver Rice" seed. Except for the territory of the Water Wood Duchy and the northern border of the Heaven Dou Empire, which was to be managed by the Third Prince Xue Ye, all other regions of the Douluo Continent would be handed over to the Spirit Hall for management.
In other words, when Yao Qi arrives from ' Spirit City ', he will find that Bishop Salas has completed the order given by His Holiness the His Holiness the Pope ahead of schedule.
Meanwhile, Ling Yi gained the friendship of the Menethil Clan behind Laikenasi, the appreciation of the Third Prince Xue Ye, and the favor of Bishop Salas.
When Ling Yi asked to borrow some of the books of the Menethil Clan, enter the library of the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, and enter the library of the Heaven Dou Martial Soul Temple, Laikenasi, Xue Ye, and Salas nodded in agreement after only a moment's thought.
These are merely some ancient books and materials accumulated over time; the truly important secrets and information are not found in these books that can be borrowed.
Having gotten what he wanted, Ling Yi's smile was natural, returning to his usual demeanor. This caused a stir in the hearts of Laikenasi, Xue Ye, and Salas, and a sense of understanding welled up within them.
This chapter might be a bit "in-depth" and has a slight reading threshold, but it's not a big problem. It will be explained little by little later.
Of course, some astute readers might have been able to see through it beforehand, since you've already pretty much figured out my outline (facepalm).
Goodnight everyone~