A Friendly Match

When Ning Quan and Aodebiao arrived, the people above greeted them. "Sect Master Ning is here! And Golden Monkey Douluo—it's been so long."

Yu Kuangge, sect master of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, was the first to speak.

Ning Quan clasped his hands toward Yu Kuangge. "Sect Master Yu, it's been days since we last met, but you're as distinguished as ever!"

Yu Kuangge laughed heartily. "And Sect Master Ning, you're as spirited as ever!"

The others joined their conversation.

Soon, the platform rang with laughter.

The remaining sect masters arrived one after another.

In the stands, the sect masters began exchanging compliments with Tang Yue.

"The Clear Sky Sect is truly blessed by heaven! Not only does it have a powerful sect master like you, Sect Master Tang, but it has gained three new Titled Douluo. Surely it can now be called the greatest sect under heaven!"

The Fire Leopard Sect's master had barely arrived before he began flattering Tang Yue.

"Exactly! Sect Master Tang, the Clear Sky Sect's strength is in a class of its own. We'll have to rely on your care from now on." The Ice Dolphin Sect's master was just as eager to flatter him.

Their praise delighted Tang Yue, though he kept it off his face. "Come now, you two. What are you saying? Your sects hardly need my care. Brother Huo, you broke through to level eighty-eight two years ago and will soon reach level eighty-nine. In a few years, you're bound to become a Titled Douluo."

The Fire Leopard Sect's master was pleased to hear that. From there, each man offered the other another compliment, lifting each other higher with praise.

Just as the sect masters were growing more animated, a Clear Sky Sect disciple stepped forward to report. "Sect Master, esteemed sect masters, the people from Spirit Hall have arrived."

Golden Crocodile Douluo led the way, with ten Spirit Hall disciples behind him.

After settling the ten disciples below, Golden Crocodile Douluo flew up to the platform beside the sect masters.

Seeing the empty seat to Tang Yue's left, Golden Crocodile Douluo sat down in it without ceremony.

"Sect Master Tang, I'm not late, am I?" Golden Crocodile Douluo asked in a faintly provocative tone.

Tang Yue caught the provocation, but mindful of Spirit Hall's terrifying strength, he let it pass.

"Of course not, Golden Crocodile Douluo. The Clear Sky Sect's opening ceremony hasn't begun yet. How could you be late?"

Tang Yue was about to invite him to sit when he realized Golden Crocodile Douluo had already done so.

He then had several attendants bring out the fruit and pastries prepared for the guests.

With Golden Crocodile Douluo present, the other sect masters no longer dared to chat as freely as before.

They waited until ten o'clock.

When the hour arrived, Tang Yue stood to make his announcement.

"Now, the Clear Sky Sect's opening ceremony officially begins!"

At his declaration, countless members of the Clear Sky Sect and the Four Single-Attribute Families burst into cheers.

After a while, the crowd gradually quieted, and Tang Yue announced another matter.

"As part of this opening ceremony, the Clear Sky Sect will host a martial tournament for young talents. Anyone under twenty-five may enter, regardless of cultivation level or Martial Soul."

Seeing that everyone below looked as though they already knew, Tang Yue did not get the reaction he wanted. He could only continue.

"The tournament will run for ten days, with only one-on-one matches. Once a challenge begins, falling from the arena or conceding counts as a loss. After an opponent concedes, you may not attack them for any reason or in any manner. Otherwise, any means are permitted, so long as no one is killed."

Tang Yue then led all the entrants to the arenas prepared in advance.

"This tournament will use a defender system. There are over two hundred entrants here and fifty arenas. Anyone may claim an arena, but its defender must accept challenges from other entrants. Win, and you keep the arena; lose, and your opponent takes it. The final fifty defenders will advance to the next round."

With that, Tang Yue announced, "Let the matches begin!"

A young man with center-parted hair and overalls was the first to leap into an arena.

Others promptly jumped into the arenas nearest them.

In less than the time it took half an incense stick to burn, all fifty arenas were occupied.

As those below considered which opponents would be easiest to face, one member of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan set his sights on the young man with the center part and overalls.

"Hey, kid! How about a match?"

The young man from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan issued the challenge.

He then jumped into the arena.

"Yu Linhai. Martial Soul: Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon. Level thirty-four Power Attack System Battle Soul Elder."

Seeing his opponent step up, the young man introduced himself as well.

"Ai Kun. Martial Soul: Handsome Chicken. Level thirty-eight control-system Battle Soul Elder."

Sensing the sparks between them, the spectators called out, "Senior Brother, don't let that show-off from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan get away with it!"

"That's right, Senior Brother! Show them your divine might!"

The Ice Dolphin Sect disciples were incensed that someone from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan had dared challenge their senior brother.

Seeing his fellow sect members cheering him on, Ai Kun was deeply moved. "Just watch your senior brother!"

Ai Kun immediately activated his second Soul Skill.

"Second Soul Skill: Rise and Dance at the Rooster's Crow!"

The skill forced Yu Linhai to start dancing.

"Bei Bei, Bei, Bei Bei..."

As Yu Linhai danced, Ai Kun seized the chance to activate his first Soul Skill.

"First Soul Skill: Iron Mountain Lean!"

He charged straight at Yu Linhai.

Yu Linhai broke free of Ai Kun's second Soul Skill, but it was too late.

By the time he escaped, Ai Kun's first Soul Skill was already upon him.

A single Iron Mountain Lean sent Yu Linhai flying.

If Yu Linhai had not used Dragon Transformation in time, that blow would have left him unable to fight.

Yu Linhai spat out a mouthful of blood, then slowly rose to his feet.

"Pah! Ai Kun, I underestimated you. Now I'll show you the true strength of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan!"

Yu Linhai immediately activated his third Soul Skill.

"Third Soul Skill: Thunderous Fury!"

His power instantly doubled.

Yu Linhai then activated his first Soul Skill and charged at Ai Kun again.

"First Soul Skill: Thunder Dragon Claw!"

Ai Kun remained calm as Yu Linhai rushed him. He looked utterly confident.

"Third Soul Skill: Chicken and Dog Chaos!"

Ai Kun's speed doubled. In his eyes, Yu Linhai's attacks seemed to move in slow motion.