The next morning.
Heaven Dou Great Soul Fighting Arena, VIP box.
Han Yu and Chen Xin sat facing each other. The box was well soundproofed, cutting off most of the noise from the arena.
"Han Yu, you absolutely must not reveal that you have Twin Martial Souls right now," Chen Xin said gravely. "Your strength is still lacking. If word gets out, the various factions will start watching you."
He didn't want Han Yu to reveal too much. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect wasn't strong enough yet to protect a genius with Twin Martial Souls.
Let alone Han Yu's terrifying Soul Ring Configuration. The other factions would stop at nothing to assassinate him.
Han Yu said with a solemn expression, "Don't worry, Teacher. I won't reveal my Twin Martial Souls. I have another way."
Chen Xin gave Han Yu a long look, then nodded without saying more.
The two of them looked down at the arena through the one-way glass. Below, two Soul Kings were locked in a fierce battle, their Soul Rings flashing as the crowd roared without pause.
Han Yu shook his head lightly and said slowly, "They're too slow."
As soon as the words left his mouth, the match in the arena was decided.
A moment later, the referee's voice rang out. "Next match, one-on-one Soul Fighting! Li Feiyu versus Iron Wall!"
Han Yu smiled knowingly and got up to leave the box.
Chen Xin's brow furrowed slightly. He was curious about the name Han Yu had chosen. For some reason, he sensed a hint of bloodshed in it.
In the arena.
Han Yu exchanged a glance with a burly man, then took his place on one side.
The stands were packed, the uproar surging over like ocean waves, deafening.
The referee held up an Amplifying Soul Tool and shouted in a booming voice, "This is a newcomer Soul Master competing in Soul Fighting for the first time—Li Feiyu!
"His opponent is Iron Wall, who has already won five matches in a row!"
The image on the enormous screen above the arena flickered. The masked figures of Han Yu and the burly man appeared, with their information listed below.
Name: Li Feiyu
Martial Soul: Formation Disk, Level 34 Auxiliary-type Battle Soul Elder
Odds: Five to one
Versus
Name: Iron Wall
Martial Soul: Black Iron Turtle, Level 39 Defense-type Battle Soul Elder
Odds: One to one-point-one
The stands erupted into an uproar.
"An Auxiliary-type Battle Soul Elder? An auxiliary Soul Master in a one-on-one match? He's asking to get killed."
"That Iron Wall is said to be invincible among those of the same rank. The last Level 39 Power Attack System Soul Master couldn't break through his defense after a whole fight. What's there to compare?"
"Heh, I just bet next month's food money on Iron Wall winning. This match is as sure a thing as they come."
The burly man named Iron Wall sneered, the heavy armor on his body creaking. "Kid, it's not too late to surrender."
Han Yu remained calm and paid him no mind.
"Both sides, get ready. Begin releasing your Martial Souls," the referee called excitedly, jumping onto the platform.
At the words, Iron Wall took a step forward. His body swelled until he was a full size larger, and three slowly rotating Soul Rings—two yellow and one purple—appeared beneath his feet.
A huge, round tortoiseshell grew from his back. Scales of armor covered his limbs and head, leaving him practically armed to the teeth.
"Come on, kid. I'll give you the first ten moves."
Iron Wall threw back his head and laughed, beckoning Han Yu with a finger. His voice brimmed with contempt.
His Black Iron Turtle Martial Soul was the ultimate in defense. There was no way a Soul Master five levels below him could beat him. He didn't even feel like making a move.
Han Yu smiled faintly. Nothing about him changed.
"What's this newbie doing? Why isn't he releasing his Martial Soul?"
"Maybe he's already scared witless. Hahahaha!"
"Release your Martial Soul already! Quit dawdling. My time's precious."
"Give it a rest. What difference would it make if he released it? Iron Wall's going to crush him either way."
Shouts rose from the stands, urging the match to begin. Some even threw trash at Han Yu in the arena, but it was stopped by the protective barrier.
Seeing this, the referee assumed Han Yu had never competed in Soul Fighting before and didn't know the procedure. He helpfully reminded him, "Contestant Li Feiyu, please release your Martial Soul. The match is about to begin."
Han Yu shook his head slightly and said softly, "No need."
"What?" The referee froze for a few moments, then asked in confusion.
Han Yu said, "I don't need to use my Martial Soul."
He took a three-foot-long fine-iron sword from the Soul Tool at his waist, twirled it through the air, and placed his other hand behind his back.
The entire arena fell silent, then erupted into an uproar.
"Did I hear that right? He doesn't need his Martial Soul?"
"He's insane! Iron Wall, crush him!"
"Damn! What are you putting on airs for? Get him!"
The mocking look vanished from Iron Wall's face. His expression twisted, and he glared at Han Yu, who held the sword in one hand.
He hated nothing more than being looked down on, especially in front of such a huge crowd—humiliated by a weak newcomer like this.
"Fine!" Iron Wall trembled with rage, snorting so hard that several jets of breath struck the ground. "I've never seen a newcomer as arrogant as you. Since you're asking to die, I'll oblige!"
The stands filled with jeers and all manner of vicious curses.
"Iron Wall! Tear his mouth open!"
"Don't kill him! Leave him breathing so you can teach him a proper lesson!"
"Show-offs like him deserve to be thoroughly tormented!"
"I bet he won't last ten seconds."
"Ten seconds? That's generous. One punch and he's done!"
The referee frowned, disgust showing in his eyes, and reminded him again, "Contestant Li Feiyu, I'll remind you once more: releasing your Martial Soul isn't mandatory, but you should take responsibility for your own safety.
"Please take the match seriously. This is your final warning."
Han Yu smiled and nodded at the referee, then raised his sword and pointed it forward.
Seeing this, the referee snorted and leaped back onto the platform.
"The match begins!!!"
With a loud shout, the Soul Fighting match began.
Iron Wall planted his feet and charged straight at Han Yu with overwhelming force.
Han Yu was still standing perfectly still. Iron Wall's face flushed red, and the veins in his neck bulged.
He was something of a name in Heaven Dou City. How many people had fallen before his iron shield?
And now someone dared to look down on him like this!
He decided he'd kill Han Yu outright, without giving him a chance to beg for mercy.
As Iron Wall drew closer, cheers broke out across the stands. The crowd seemed unable to wait for Han Yu's miserable end.
Han Yu turned his head to survey the stands, lifting his chin with a smug look.
A golden arc of electricity flashed across his eyes. The figure before him seemed to freeze, as if someone had paused a movie.
He shifted a few steps to the side, as if he'd predicted what was coming.
Iron Wall adjusted his angle repeatedly as he charged, but still only brushed past the edge of Han Yu's clothes. He nearly lost his footing from the force and almost charged right off the arena.
The whole crowd erupted. The scene they'd expected never came.
"Damn, what was that? Hit him!"
"Did you see that? How did he dodge all of a sudden?"
"This Li Feiyu guy seems to have something going for him."
"Five to one! If I'd known, I would've placed a bet too."