High above the arena, the metal competition platform gleamed with a cold silver-gray sheen, while a roar echoed throughout the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy.
Tens of thousands of students and noble scions packed the circular stands. Wave after wave of noise rolled through the crowd.
Many had already heard the rumors that Huo Yuhao intended to Sweep through every student at Sun Moon Academy. Some had come to laugh at him; others, local Sun Moon students with pride burning in their chests, waited to see the exchange student from Douluo Continent fall on the platform.
At the edge of the platform, the host, Jin Chen, stood before an Amplifying Soul Tool, holding a palm-sized bronze bell engraved with intricate patterns.
Born a commoner in the Sun Moon Empire, he had earned his place at the academy through talent. His Martial Soul was the Emotion-Stirring Bell, and its chime could stir the crowd's emotions, amplifying restlessness, outrage, and the urge to fight. Its weakness was that its effect diminished sharply against Soul Masters with powerful mental strength.
The organizers had privately promised him five thousand Gold Soul Coins for every student he incited to challenge Huo Yuhao!
That enormous sum would let him transform his family's lives.
A flicker of longing for the reward crossed Jin Chen's eyes. The Amplifying Soul Tool carried his booming, provocative voice across the arena. "The first friendly arena match has officially begun! Everyone! Who will step up to face Huo Yuhao of Shrek Academy?"
The bell's near-imperceptible vibrations spread. Beneath the platform, the crowd's competitive spirit quietly caught fire.
Jin Chen's goal was clear: provoke as many challengers as possible into taking the stage. Who won once they got there was none of his concern.
Just as unrest began to ripple through the