The Rules of the Soul Master World: Why Not Have an Exhilarating Soul Battle!

[Soul Beast]: Phoenix-Feathered Red Demon Bird

[Age]: 782 years

[Talent Abilities]: First, Scarlet Flame Purification; Second, Flame Feather Arrow

[Way to Death]: This soul beast had the word "demon" in its name. Combined with the noise it made while screeching just now, it had clearly succumbed to its beastly nature and become demonic. It had earned itself a way to death.

That screeching just now was probably because it sensed the threat of death. This way to death was getting more and more far-fetched...

The 782-year-old Phoenix-Feathered Red Demon Bird possessed Scarlet Flame Purification, which could remove negative effects from itself, and Flame Feather Arrow, a long-range area attack. Both talent abilities were quite good.

After Bao Jingjing absorbed that Scarlet Flame Purification, it should grant her abalone a detoxification effect.

The age was just right, and its abilities suited her attributes. There was no reason to let this demon bird go.

Xu Huxiao looked at the five-ring Soul King hovering in midair, a pair of eagle wings spread behind him and standard armor covering his body. This was the man who had spoken up to stop them.

The Eagle-Winged Soul King, Chen Feng, landed. Quite politely, he raised his right fist to his chest, nodded to Jin Huan in salute, and said with a smile.

"Senior Soul Sage, we encountered this Phoenix-Feathered Red Demon Bird first. The slash marks on its wings were left by me. Please hand this demon bird over to me."

Jin Huan discreetly glanced at Demon Bear Douluo beside him. Seeing Xu Bayan wearing an expression as though he were watching a show, he immediately understood the role he was supposed to play.

"Hand it over to you? Little brother, the rule for hunting soul beasts in the Soul Master world is that whoever catches it owns it. There's no rule saying whoever sees it first owns it."

"So put away your greed. While I'm still in a good mood, get lost."

His words were utterly domineering. The smile vanished from the Eagle-Winged Soul King Chen Feng's face, and his expression gradually turned ugly. But standing before him was a Soul Sage.

Thus, Chen Feng could only grit his teeth and force himself to say, "Senior, I am the commander-in-chief of the Cupid Kingdom's Imperial Guard. This demon bird was first chosen by Prince Yan of our kingdom. I hope Senior can yield this demon bird to us. I am willing to offer ten thousand Gold Soul Coins as compensation."

Jin Huan sneered, the gemstone rings of various colors on his fingers glittering.

"Do I look like someone short of Gold Soul Coins? Forget some bullshit prince who took a liking to it—even if your king came himself, he wouldn't get so much as a single feather from me!"

"Got it? Move aside."

Hearing that this man actually dared insult the prince and showed no respect for the queen at all, Chen Feng's blood surged to his head. His grip on his sword tightened.

"You... refusing a toast only to drink a forfeit! How dare you insult our royal family! So what if you're a Soul Sage? Where are the Imperial Guards of the royal city? Seize them!!"

With a sharp cry from Chen Feng, twenty flying Soul Masters rushed out from the desolate island opposite them. All were three-ring Soul Masters, and in the blink of an eye, they had surrounded Xu Huxiao's group.

Seeing this formation, Jin Huan's seven Soul Rings pulsed even more fiercely. With Lord Demon Bear standing behind him, he was not afraid of making a scene.

"So you came prepared. Then don't blame me for hitting hard."

At that moment, Xiao Kong yawned and stepped forward. With every step he took, a Soul Ring bloomed.

Yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black.

Another seven-ring Soul Sage!

Jin Huan, who had been about to make a move, was annoyed. "Why the hell did you come out, you single mutt? I can handle this."

After Martial Soul Possession, Xiao Kong only grew slightly taller. What drew the eye was his long grayish-green hair, trailing from his back down to his thighs, as well as the pair of claws wreathed in green wind elements.

"With how slow you are, you'd need who knows how long to deal with these flies. I've got an appointment at the brothel."

Xiao Kong did not want Jin Huan, that old bastard, to steal the spotlight in front of his big brother, so he wanted to show off a little.

Jin Huan shot Xiao Kong a contemptuous glance. Surrounded as he was, he did not want to waste words on this bastard.

"In that case, let's fight. We'll see who takes down more."

Across from them, when Chen Feng saw another Soul Sage emerge, his heart skipped a beat. But in the next second, his gaze turned resolute.

The queen's name could not be insulted!

"Brothers, charge! For Cupid Kingdom's honor!!"

"Fight!"

"Fight!!"

Just as battle was about to break out, a magnificent purple-gold ship rounded the side of the desolate island opposite them. Its hull was nearly sixty meters long, every inch decorated with exquisite carved patterns.

A white flag bearing pink heart-shaped wings fluttered in the wind from the top of the ship's mast.

It was the royal flag of Cupid Kingdom!

Clang!

A crisp collision of wooden staves rang out. As a circle of green light spread outward, a thin old man in gray robes, with white hair and beard, appeared in midair between the two sides that had been about to strike.

When Chen Feng saw the old man arrive, his spirits rose. He immediately said, "Grand National Preceptor, these two Soul Sages not only stole Prince Yan's Phoenix-Feathered Red Demon Bird, but also insulted Her Majesty and the prince. I was just about to arrest them!"

The gray-robed elder Mu Sen's green eyes were cloudy and indifferent. He gave Xu Bayan a slight nod when he looked at him, then turned to Chen Feng and said, "Commander Chen, put away your Martial Soul. This is merely a misunderstanding."

Mu Sen's voice was ancient and slow, yet it carried the unquestionable authority of one in a high position.

Chen Feng opened his mouth, his hand still clenched tightly around his longsword. In the end, he did not utter a single rebuttal and lowered his head to obey.

Xu Bayan also spoke from this side. "Xiao Kong, Jin Huan, Mu Sen Douluo is before you. Why haven't you greeted him?"

"Mu Sen Douluo?" Xiao Kong froze for a moment before quickly reacting.

"He's the former National Preceptor of Heaven Dou, Mu Sen Douluo, who disappeared from the Soul Master world twenty years ago!"

"What?! Didn't they say Mu Sen Douluo had already entered Douluo Hall?" Jin Huan was also shocked.

Xu Bayan kicked Jin Huan and laughingly scolded, "Nothing good ever comes out of your dog mouth. The man is perfectly fine. What do you mean, entered Douluo Hall? Mu Sen Douluo, please don't take offense."

"It is nothing. I have indeed withdrawn from the Soul Master world for many years." Mu Sen's withered face revealed neither joy nor sorrow.

Standing behind Xu Bayan, Xu Huxiao discreetly glanced at the gray-robed elder. Three seconds later, information appeared in his mind:

[Human]: Mu Sen

[Age]: 128 years old

[Martial Soul]: Green Crystal Staff

[Level]: 91

[Soul Skills]: First Yellow—Wooden Armor; Second Yellow—Wooden Soldier; Third Purple—Forest Prison; Fourth Purple—Great Tree Python...

[Inner Thoughts]: Sigh, time is a cycle, and I am about to reach the end of this journey.

He was already a Title Douluo over a hundred years old. From the looks of this Mu Sen, he probably was no match for Father.

Although he could not see through the strength of a Title Douluo, Xu Huxiao could tell from certain outward signs that Mu Sen Douluo's vitality and blood were nearly exhausted. Death was not far away.

Since Father could beat him, then this Phoenix-Feathered Red Demon Bird should still belong to them. Based on Xu Huxiao's understanding of his father, Xu Bayan was not the sort to put on a twisted act of respecting the old and caring for the young.

Sure enough, Xu Bayan's tone shifted as he said, "Haha, since it's a misunderstanding, I'll take this demon bird with me. I happen to have a little one here who needs it as her second Soul Ring."

Mu Sen seemed to react somewhat slowly. Before the elder could speak, the magnificent purple-gold ship docked, and a beautiful woman in a rose-red gown, with thick long golden curls, slowly disembarked amid a cluster of attendants.

"This demon bird was captured by Your Excellency Demon Bear, so it naturally belongs to Your Excellency. Meriel apologizes to Your Excellency for the recklessness of our citizens. I hope we have not disturbed Your Excellency's good mood."

The woman who had spoken upon disembarking was the Queen of Cupid Kingdom, Meriel Muse. Her voice carried a gentle warmth like a spring breeze, and the moment she appeared, she became the center of everyone's attention.

Beautiful, noble, like a lush and radiant red rose.

Xu Bayan stared blankly for a moment. Hearing her words, he felt somewhat embarrassed instead.

"Your Majesty is too courteous. This commander was only doing his duty. It's my two brothers who were somewhat thoughtless. Xiao Kong, Jin Huan, hurry up and apologize to this commander."

"Brother, sorry about that."

The two were somewhat unwilling, but they still did as told.

Chen Feng had not expected the Soul Sages who had been so arrogant just moments ago to apologize to him. For a moment, he did not know how to respond.

"N-No, it's fine. I was too impulsive as well."

With the conflict resolved, Xu Bayan smiled. "Then, Your Majesty, carry on. We'll be leaving first."

"Xiao Kong, bring the demon bird. We're heading back."

Meriel looked at Xu Bayan, a strange glint flashing through her eyes as she was about to speak.

A childish, indignant voice beat her to it. "Mother, this Phoenix-Feathered Red Demon Bird is extremely rare. We were clearly the ones who started hunting it first. How can we just give it to them like this?!"

"This demon bird is ours. We can't let them take it away!"

The one speaking was the little boy beside Meriel, dressed in red-and-gold brocade robes—the Prince of Cupid Kingdom, Yan!

Yan had a head of red hair. Unlike Orleans's wine-red hair, his was a brighter, fiery crimson.

Hearing this, Meriel was about to stop him, but then she looked at the beautiful demon bird. Her gaze shifted, and she said, "Yan, be quiet. In the Soul Master world, strength rules supreme. Naturally, a soul beast belongs to whoever captures it. No matter how precious this soul beast is, you cannot make unreasonable demands."

"Remember, as royalty, you must possess the bearing of royalty. You cannot be blinded by profit like ordinary Soul Masters."

When Meriel said this, her pleasant voice carried the nobility of one in a high position.

Though she had not targeted anyone directly, Xu Bayan's brow faintly creased at her words. Still, he did not slow down as he led the group toward the ship.

As the seven-person team passed the people of Cupid Kingdom, Orleans glanced at Yan, who was sulking helplessly, raised her eyebrows, and said with a smug smile, "Goodbye, stingy prince~"

Yan clenched his fists. Under his mother's reprimand, he could only endure it, but upon hearing Orleans's words, he could no longer hold back.

"You! The red-haired girl! You're not allowed to leave!" Yan shook free from his mother Meriel's hand and pointed at the seven-person team as he shouted.

"Yan, did you not understand what I said? As the prince of a nation, where have all your usual lessons gone? Go back and face the wall for five days, then copy noble etiquette three thousand times!"

Meriel's words were stern, yet she took no actual action to stop him.

Yan raised his head. In that moment, his pride surged, and he feared no one as he retorted, "Mother, I accept the punishment, but you just said that strength rules supreme in the Soul Master world."

"Then a soul beast should naturally belong to the strong."

"I, Yan, possess the Flame Lord Martial Soul. I am a level-twenty assault-type battle Soul Master. I challenge all of you!"

"The winner gets this Phoenix-Feathered Red Demon Bird. Do you dare accept?"

The seven-person team stopped. Orleans turned around, looking somewhat puzzled. "Who exactly did you say you wanted to challenge?"

Yan wore a haughty expression, his finger pointing at each of the seven in turn. "I challenge all of you. Whether you face me one after another or all at once, I'm not afraid. As long as you can defeat me, you may take this demon bird away, and I will accept it wholeheartedly."

"Otherwise, you're nothing but a bunch of thieves!"

Orleans had a fiery temper herself. Once provoked, she immediately could not suppress her proud nature.

"You're the thief! Fine, let's fight! But don't you dare throw a tantrum when you lose!"

"I won't lose." Yan crossed his arms, utterly confident.

The adults' conflict had been resolved, but the children on both sides were now at each other's throats.

Meriel put on an expression as though she wanted to flare up at her son's willfulness but was helpless to do so. She said, "Your Excellency Demon Bear, please do not mind the children's foolishness. Take the demon bird with you. When we return, I will properly discipline this boy, and he will accept it."

Before Xu Bayan could speak, Orleans stepped forward first. "Uncle Xu, agree to it. We have to make this stingy prince accept it wholeheartedly!"

Xu Bayan looked across at them.

A delicate queen, an indignant child, and an elderly man at death's door.

Together with what had just been said, it made it seem as though he was using his power and strength to bully the weak.

Xu Bayan stroked his thick beard. His reputation did not matter much, but if he could earn a good one, that would naturally be better. In any case, it would take no effort.

With his son's strength, wouldn't he crush the other side with ease?

"Hehe, it's fine, Your Majesty. Let the children decide their own matters. In a moment, I'll seal this demon bird's Soul Power, so don't worry about it self-destructing. Since your prince wishes to show what he can do, then let both sides stake this demon bird and hold a soul battle."

"That would be fairer and more just."

Hearing Xu Bayan agree, Orleans stood before the team and said, "Stingy prince, we won't bully you either. Your capital, Bhikkhu City, has a Great Soul Arena, right? How about we settle this with a seven-versus-seven team battle at the Great Soul Arena?"

Although Orleans could not stand being provoked, she was definitely not someone who blindly charged ahead. The other side was an assault type and wanted to fight alone. For fairness, their side would naturally have to send someone to fight him one-on-one as well.

And the only person who could win a one-on-one fight with absolute certainty was Xu Huxiao.

But in that case, Xu Huxiao would steal all the glory. As the captain, her authority within the team would probably grow weaker and weaker afterward.

Therefore, a duel was not an option. Only a team battle could satisfy both sides. With that freak Huxiao backing them up, she could also show off her own skills.

"Sure, but in a team soul battle, you'll only lose even more miserably." Yan accepted the challenge. After all, as the sole noble prince of Cupid Kingdom, he had a star Soul Master team.

"Anyone can talk big. What matters is whether you actually have the skill. But our team has been traveling all day today, so let's set the team soul battle for tomorrow morning, at the Great Soul Arena in Bhikkhu City," Orleans said.

"Fine."