The Golden Toad Devours the Sea

Li Xiaochen adjusted the gold-rimmed glasses on his nose. Behind the lenses, his gaze was calm as a deep pool, reflecting the lingering chill and scattered azure flames on the arena.

Hai Qiunan, a Level Seventy-Three control-type Battle Soul Sage. Martial Soul: Deep-Sea Demon Octopus.

Li Xiaochen walked slowly toward the arena, his steps unhurried, as though every stride had been carefully measured. His moon-white martial outfit hung slightly loose on him, making it easier to conceal things and move freely. The Seven-Gem Soul Tool Bracelet on his left wrist glimmered faintly, while his right hand remained habitually half-clenched, as if ready to summon an invisible tool at any moment.

Across from him, Hai Qiunan was already standing silently at the center of the arena. He was tall and slender, with a pale, feminine face. His dark-blue martial outfit was embroidered with twisted, writhing dark-gold octopus patterns. Unlike the previous two opponents, he showed no frenzy. He simply stood there, his narrow eyes slightly narrowed like a hunter lurking in the deep sea, studying Li Xiaochen and trying to uncover a flaw beneath his overly calm exterior.

"Third match," the referee's voice cut through the silence. "Li Xiaochen of the Li Family, a Level Seventy-Two assault-control Battle Soul Sage; Hai Qiunan of the Sea Shark Gang, a Level Seventy-Three control-type Battle Soul Sage. Begin!"

"Bzz—"

Almost the instant the referee finished speaking, Hai Qiunan moved. Rather than charging forward, he glided lightly backward, while his first and second soul rings flashed almost simultaneously beneath his feet.

"First Soul Skill: Deep Blue Mist!"

"Second Soul Skill: Heart-Eroding Wave!"

The thick dark-blue fog did not come from his mouth. Instead, it seeped from every pore of his body and spread in an instant, obscuring vision while carrying a strong stench of the