The first team battle: Tang Wulin was barred from competing

With Tang Wulin's clean, decisive victory concluded, the individual tournament continued. Before long, Gu Yue and Xie Xie's matches ended in turn. Just as everyone had expected, their victories were so effortless that they were almost "boring."

Gu Yue was already a Three-Ring Soul Elder. Soul Power flowed through her every movement, controlled with jaw-dropping precision. Although Xie Xie was still a Two-Ring Soul Grandmaster, he was only a step away from reaching Three Rings. His ghostlike speed left trails of afterimages across the Arena, keeping his opponent from so much as touching him.

Their easy victories were not merely a matter of exceptional talent. More importantly, the opponents facing them were simply far too "green."

"Soul Masters these days have too little actual combat experience." Xie Xie stepped down from the Arena and flicked his wrists, still looking unsatisfied. "My opponent was actually trembling after using Martial Soul Possession. He even aimed his Soul Skill wrong. Their parents are probably ordinary people who don't understand the hardships of being a Soul Master. Meanwhile, most children from powerful families with real backing and resources have their noses in the clouds. They turn up their noses at local alliance tournaments like this, afraid of disgracing their families."

Tang Wulin nodded in wholehearted agreement. Most competitors with even a little strength had come with the attitude that "participation was what mattered." Few truly hungered for first place.

Just then, Xu Xiaoyan approached from the rest area, looking rather downcast. She had not competed in the individual tournament—not because she had forfeited, but because she had never registered.

"Don't look so glum, Xiaoyan." Seeing her expression, Xie Xie immediately went over and patted her shoulder. "Your Star Staff Martial Soul might only unleash its full power at night, but the rules won't change