Azure Flames Burn Rock · First Victory

"One-on-one, first match! Li Family, Li Xuanqing! Thick Earth Sect, Wang Yan!"

The referee's announcement still echoed through the arena when Li Xuanqing leaped forward, landing steadily in the center of the stage like a green roc spreading its wings. His features were refined, his posture upright, and his dark red combat attire concealed a body brimming with explosive strength. His sharp gaze swept over the opponent walking onto the stage.

Wang Yan, a disciple of the Thick Earth Sect, was nineteen years old, a level sixty-eight defense-system Soul Emperor. Martial Soul: Granite Shield. He had a solid build, and his plain face carried an air of determination. The enormous grayish-white rock shield in his hand, covered in natural patterns, radiated a heavy sense of pressure. After stepping onto the stage, he silently planted the shield before himself like a moving wall.

"Both sides, prepare—begin!"

Wang Yan immediately activated his Soul Power. His first and third soul rings lit up abruptly. "First Soul Skill: Rock Shield Solidification! Third Soul Skill: Immovable as a Mountain!"

The surface of the rock shield took on a cold, metallic sheen, its thickness seemingly increasing out of thin air. His feet pressed into the ground, his center of gravity sank, and he, his shield, and the arena beneath his feet seemed to merge into one. An imposing, mountainlike steadiness spread outward. It was a classic defensive counterattack stance, intended to first wear down his opponent's momentum.

A flicker of azure flame flashed through Li Xuanqing's eyes, but he did not rush into a fierce attack. Although the Azure Flame Phoenix Martial Soul excelled at offense, rashly advancing against an opponent devoted to defense was not the best strategy.

"First Soul Skill: Azure Flame Guard!"

He gave a clear shout. Yellow light flashed from his first