Qian Renyue had never seen Guang Ling harbor murderous intent toward a boy he had never met. To find out why, she pulled him aside for a whispered conversation. She would have been better off not asking. Once she learned the reason, she froze.
What the hell did he mean, she liked Yu Tianheng?!
Qian Renyue's expression turned thunderous for a while. Guang Ling had not wanted to bring it up again, but his Yue kept pressing him. With no way out-and still wanting to confirm his suspicions-he unhesitatingly spilled everything on his mind.
"Sigh..."
Listening to Guang Ling, Qian Renyue did not know what to say. She covered her forehead and sighed several times, unable to understand why his mind worked so differently.
Once she explained everything, Guang Ling naturally warmed toward Yu Tianheng and the others. Qian Renyue had made friends, and he thought that was worth celebrating. Although he had initially struggled to accept her suddenly letting go of his hand, after calming down, he realized it was not actually so difficult to accept. Deep down, he wanted Qian Renyue to be happy. Now she had friends of her own and was indeed happy. His goal had been achieved. Even if he felt a little empty inside, as long as his Yue was happy, wasn't that enough?
Only after an unknown amount of mental preparation and self-comfort did Guang Ling seem less jealous. He stayed at Qian Renyue's side every step of the way. Even when the girls wanted to whisper together, he would not move far away.
As the five walked along, Ye Lingling and Yu Tianheng were squeezed off to one side. Beside Qian Renyue stood Dugu Yan, her arm linked with hers, and Guang Ling, with his imposing presence. Clearly, there was no room for the other two.
Yu Tianheng did want to get closer to Dugu Yan, but whenever he approached her, Guang Ling's gaze swept over. Though he was in the right, the other man was a Titled Douluo. Faced with that crushing difference in levels, he decided to keep his distance.
"..."
Ye Lingling said nothing, but her mind was as clear as a polished mirror.
She did not want to speak.
They walked down the bustling street. Seeing that it was getting late, Dugu Yan seemed to remember something. She shifted the arm linked with Qian Renyue's and said, "Yueyue, didn't you say last time that you wanted to visit the Soul Fighting Arena? We happen to be going today. Would you like to come with us and register while you're there?"
A few days earlier, Yu Tianheng had learned that Qian Renyue would temporarily join their team and take Yu Feng's position. Unsurprisingly, Yu Feng was relegated to a substitute. Yu Tianheng had initially opposed this, but their instructor, Qin Ming, had clearly pointed out the gap between Yu Feng and Qian Renyue. Yu Tianheng stubbornly refused to agree, yet there was only one spot on the starting roster, and it could only go to the stronger person. After Yu Tianheng argued his case, Qin Ming offered a fair solution-
They would decide who became a starting member based on their number of 1v1 soul fighting victories.
That silenced Yu Tianheng, but he also felt it was unfair to Qian Renyue. After all, Yu Feng already had wins to his name. If she wanted to surpass him, she would probably have to spend a considerable amount of time fighting in the coming days.
After he told Dugu Yan about it, she also found it difficult. On one side was their teammate, and on the other was a younger girl with whom she had formed an instant bond. Whichever side he chose, Yu Tianheng, as captain, would be the poor sucker caught in the middle.
Dugu Yan knew that angry little bird, Yu Feng, all too well. Without doing this, he would never wholeheartedly accept defeat, so Qian Renyue would simply have to bear the inconvenience.
The mention of the Soul Fighting Arena reminded Qian Renyue that, when she had recently checked the live surveillance, the Shrek Seven Devils had already begun their 1v1 fights.
If her calculations were correct, the Imperial Fighting Team and the Shrek Seven Devils would probably have a team battle before the academy's vacation.
Every member of the Imperial Fighting Team held a Silver Soul Badge, and their average level was even above thirty-five. Meanwhile, the Shrek Seven Devils' average soul power level was only thirty, and three members did not even have three soul rings. Qian Renyue had never been able to understand how the Imperial Fighting Team could possibly lose.
Was it because, once Xiao Wu was hurt badly enough, even a Titled Douluo would be wrecked?
Honestly, it was ridiculous.
Whenever she thought about it, Qian Renyue could not help rolling her eyes several times. Damn Tang San. Damn Shrek. Infuriating, utterly infuriating!
Sensing the powerful resentment coming from the girl beside her, Dugu Yan thought she had said something wrong and hurriedly spoke. "Yueyue, if you don't want to go today, we can go another day."
"No, I want to go." Qian Renyue looked at Dugu Yan and gave her a sweet smile. "Sister Yanzi, I'll go with you."
"...All right." Though she found it a little strange, Dugu Yan agreed. After gathering her words, she suddenly took Qian Renyue's hand and said, "Yueyue, there's something I want to tell you."
"What is it?" Qian Renyue asked.
Dugu Yan fell silent for a moment, then explained the competition between Qian Renyue and Yu Feng as briefly as possible.
When she finished, she did not forget to explain Yu Tianheng's position. "Yueyue, Tian Heng isn't deliberately targeting you. It's just that Little Bird really needs an explanation. If Tian Heng didn't object at all, it would affect both you and him to some extent. Instructor Qin Ming proposed this solution so Little Bird would accept the outcome wholeheartedly."
"Yes, I understand, Sister Yanzi."
Qian Renyue had not expected to be forcibly inserted into the Imperial Fighting Team and push Yu Feng straight onto the substitute bench. If she had been in his shoes, she would not have accepted it either.
Qin Ming's solution seemed to favor Yu Feng, but Qian Renyue also knew the story of the tortoise and the hare. Given Yu Feng's temperament, he might not actually be able to beat a hardworking Qian Renyue.
No one knew Qian Renyue's true strength, which was precisely why Dugu Yan worried about her.
Qian Renyue was currently level thirty-two, the lowest in the entire Imperial Fighting Team. She knew better than anyone that Qin Ming's solution actually offered the best of both worlds.
First, she could improve her strength through soul fighting.
Second, if she really could rack up more victories than Yu Feng in a short time, he would have nothing left to say, nor any grounds to complain.
This was not just a fair solution, but also a test for Qian Renyue.
She was happy to accept it.
Although Guang Ling felt it was a little unfair after hearing this, he had nothing to say when he saw Qian Renyue readily accept it. He followed Dugu Yan and the others to the Soul Fighting Arena, suppressing his aura and soul power level. Ye Lingling accompanied Qian Renyue through registration, while Yu Tianheng, Guang Ling, and Dugu Yan went ahead to sit in the spectator stands.
Soul fighting in the arena fell into three categories. The first was sparring, where participants exchanged techniques and were forbidden from dealing lethal blows. The second was a death match, used to settle irreconcilable disputes. The last was a wagered duel, with the Great Soul Arena serving as referee. Both sides sent out equal numbers of Soul Masters, and the final winner received everything stipulated in the wager. A wagered duel was, first and foremost, a death match. Many nobles and clans frequently used this method when serious conflicts arose between them.
Matches in the Soul Fighting Arena also came in three formats: 1v1, 2v2, and team battles. For team battles, the number of participants on each side was agreed upon beforehand. Under the Great Soul Arena's rules, it was generally limited to between seven and ten people.
In the Great Soul Arena, contestants could only fight in the Main Soul Fighting Arena if they had more than five consecutive victories, a sufficiently high soul fighting badge rank, or an exceptionally high Soul Master level.
Qian Renyue had only just registered, and her level was not outstanding enough to qualify her for matches in the Main Soul Fighting Arena. Thus, she could only earn admission by winning five consecutive 1v1 matches in a sub-area.
Ye Lingling accompanied Qian Renyue as she filled out all her information. After collecting her badge, the two headed to the waiting room of the Sub-Area Soul Fighting Arena.
At Qian Renyue's level, fighting these people outside was practically like beating little piglets. She did not even need to activate her martial soul. Hand-to-hand combat and magic treasures alone were enough to secure five consecutive victories.
Yu Tianheng and the others were watching matches in the Main Soul Fighting Arena. Before long, Ye Lingling brought Qian Renyue over to them.
"You're already finished?"
Yu Tianheng was somewhat surprised by her speed. Dugu Yan looked at Ye Lingling, equally surprised. Ye Lingling nodded and sat in the empty seat beside Yu Tianheng.
"Grandpa Guang Ling, Sister Yanzi~"
The seat between Dugu Yan and Guang Ling had been saved for Qian Renyue. She grinned, sat down, and whispered something into Dugu Yan's ear. Dugu Yan raised her eyebrows, her expression brightening. "Really?"
"Really. I'm planning to fight a match."
Qian Renyue answered with a smile. Dugu Yan nodded without saying much more. "Then be careful. I'll have Tian Heng go place a bet in the betting area in a moment."
"Okay~ Thank you, Sister Yanzi!"
Beaming, Qian Renyue hugged Dugu Yan's arm and rubbed her head against her shoulder again and again, looking every bit like a little girl who had yet to grow up.
Guang Ling felt a twinge of jealousy at the sight. He pouted, thinking, I'm right beside this girl too. Why doesn't she come cuddle up to me?
Onstage, a soul fighting match ended. The spectators cheered loudly, their blood boiling with excitement. Seeing that it was almost time, Qian Renyue let go of Dugu Yan's hand, turned, and patted Guang Ling. "Grandpa Guang Ling, I have a match in a little while. Would you like to place a bet?"
A bet?
Still sulking, Guang Ling glanced at Qian Renyue. "Yes! Of course!"
With that, he pulled a bag of Gold Soul Coins from his pocket and handed it to her. "My little darling, take this and place a bet!"
He had lost a round elsewhere, so surely he could at least win back some dignity with money?
He refused to believe Qian Renyue's dear sister could produce several bags of Gold Soul Coins!
"Will do!" Qian Renyue took the money pouch and handed it to Yu Tianheng. "Brother Tian Heng, I'm leaving it to you!"
"Mm." Yu Tianheng nodded, then rose and left the stands.
Qian Renyue did not linger either. Before leaving, she whispered something to Guang Ling, then headed to the waiting room.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Heaven Dou Great Soul Arena!"
Just then, a man in a tailcoat rode a cloud into the air. With his hair slicked back and a microphone in hand, he was clearly the host for the day. Perhaps he had used too much hair gel, for his head shone especially brightly under the lights. The spectators could see little besides a "ball" glowing white as it drifted through the air.
"Next, Moonlight, who has just earned five consecutive victories in the sub-area, will face Soft Bone Charm Rabbit! Spectators! Betting is open for this match, so head over to the betting area to place your wagers!"
The host enthusiastically announced the match. The instant he finished, a huge commotion erupted in the stands!
"Soft Bone Charm Rabbit? That little rabbit who's never lost a 1v1 match?"
"Moonlight? Who's Moonlight? A new Soul Master? I've watched so many matches here, but I've never seen anyone called Moonlight."
"Probably a newcomer. Who knows how strong she is, but that little rabbit is a Soul Elder, and she's never lost. I'm betting on her!"
"Yeah, you're right. I'm betting on her too!"
"..."
The chattering discussions rang in Guang Ling's ears, making him impatient. These ignorant people were not betting on his little darling. They could just wait to lose their money!
At the other end of the stands, Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing found it strange when they learned Xiao Wu had another match.
They had clearly finished all their matches for the day. Why had Xiao Wu suddenly added one?
The two exchanged a glance. Clearly, Xiao Wu had not told them about this.
Just then, Ma Hongjun, who had finished his match, swaggered into the stands through another entrance while munching on a steamed bun. "Boss Dai, Third Brother, Sister Xiao Wu asked me to tell you that someone in charge of the Soul Fighting Arena approached her. They said that if she beat the newcomer, they'd give her half the winnings, so she has an extra match!"
"What?" Tang San frowned upon hearing this. Matches involving betting were hardly safe. How could Xiao Wu agree to something like this?
Previously, thanks to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's firm support, Tang San and the others had been cleared of their wanted status, but he had paid a certain price in resources for it. Although he had also earned money from the sect, the price had been rather low. Still, no matter how low it was, the money he had earned was enough for him and Xiao Wu to live comfortably. Why did she need to do something so dangerous?
Seeing Tang San's unpleasant expression, Ma Hongjun tried hard to reassure him. "Third Brother, Sister Xiao Wu is a Soul Elder. She's so strong, there's no need to worry! I already asked around. Apparently, her opponent is only a level thirty-two Soul Elder too, and her martial soul is nothing special-just a plant type. With Sister Xiao Wu's strength, this will be a piece of cake!"
He even patted his chest afterward. "I believe in Sister Xiao Wu. I specifically went to the betting area and placed a bet just now!"
The thought of earning more Gold Soul Coins to spend at the Heavenly Fragrance Courtyard filled Ma Hongjun with delight. Once he had money, he would not need to sponge off Dai Mubai, who always ordered less attractive girls for him.
Ma Hongjun's face danced with excitement. Zhu Zhuqing rolled her eyes at him and immediately turned away.
She already knew that Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun often visited brothels. Now she found both men particularly disgusting. Even exchanging another word with them would sully her thoughts.
Seeing this, Ning Rongrong did not know what had happened, but Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun had most likely offended Zhu Zhuqing. She wore the look of someone watching a good show, though who knew what she was thinking.
Xiao Wu had already accepted the match, leaving Tang San helpless. He could only hope her opponent was not too strong. Yet, for some reason, he had a strange feeling that he might see Tang Yue here today.
"Soft Bone Charm Rabbit! Martial soul: Soft Bone Rabbit! Level thirty-two agility-type Battle Soul Elder! Thirteen consecutive victories, undefeated!"
As the host introduced her, Xiao Wu entered the fighting stage through one entrance. The spectators screamed loudly, some shouting "Victory!" and others "Soft Bone Charm Rabbit!" Their enthusiasm brought the entire Great Soul Arena to life.
The lights shone on Xiao Wu. She warmly greeted the spectators, then waved toward Tang San and the others, signaling that they need not worry.
Tang San said nothing, but Ma Hongjun responded to her, shouting, "Sister Xiao Wu, good luck! You have to win-"
"..."
His voice was deafening. Fortunately, the stands were already boiling with excitement, so the attention-seeker among them did not stand out. Beside Ma Hongjun, Dai Mubai's face had turned completely dark. He looked at him speechlessly. If fighting were not forbidden here, he truly would have beaten Ma Hongjun up and thrown him out!
"Next to enter is our newcomer, Moonlight!"
The host introduced her enthusiastically. "Moonlight! Martial soul: Nine-Petal Immortal Lotus! Level thirty-two control-type Battle Soul Elder! Five consecutive victories in the outer arena, undefeated!"
The lights shone down as Qian Renyue entered the fighting stage through the entrance directly opposite Xiao Wu, wearing the Demon Mask. This time, rather than boiling with excitement, the spectators began discussing her martial soul-
"Nine-Petal Immortal Lotus? What martial soul is that? A lotus? Can a lotus even cultivate?"
"No idea. How does a lotus cultivate? No matter how much it cultivates, isn't it still a trash martial soul?"
"Hey! Then there's no suspense at all! I just bet three Gold Soul Coins!"
"Me too, me too! I bet quite a lot. Looks like this is guaranteed money!"
"..."
Most of the spectators were delighted. Only Tang San and the others had their pupils abruptly contract upon seeing the familiar mask. "Little Yue?!"
"What?" Ma Hongjun had not been present during the trip to Greenwood Town, so he was unfamiliar with that mask.
"What's going on? That person is Little Yue?" He turned to Oscar, hoping for a definite answer from his good friend.
Oscar fell silent for a moment, then nodded. "It's her."
"Holy crap!" Ma Hongjun exclaimed. "Wasn't Little Yue only level ten? How did she suddenly reach level thirty-two?!"
"..."
Dai Mubai looked at him speechlessly. Had Ma Hongjun treated everything he had told him earlier as nothing but hot air?
Ning Rongrong was not certain that Qian Renyue was Tang Yue either, but judging by what had happened last time, Xiao Wu might not be able to defeat this person who resembled Tang Yue so closely.
Tang San frowned slightly, unable to keep worry from rising in his heart.
Although agility-type Soul Masters naturally held an advantage over control-type Soul Masters, and Xiao Wu also possessed a beast martial soul, making her stronger than Little Yue from any angle, Little Yue's soul skill last time had not seemed like a control-type ability. It had felt more like a power attack-type skill.
Power attack-type Soul Masters countered agility-type Soul Masters. That was what worried Tang San.
Unlike Tang San, Zhu Zhuqing was more concerned about Qian Renyue's situation.
Xiao Wu had lost last time because she had underestimated Qian Renyue. Now that she was on her guard, things would not be the same. Besides, Xiao Wu had the hidden weapons Tang San had given her. If...
At that thought, Zhu Zhuqing could not help frowning. She instinctively looked up at Tang San, only to find his gaze fixed on Xiao Wu. Between the two girls, he seemed more worried about Xiao Wu.
"..."
Zhu Zhuqing wanted to say, If you don't care, don't pretend your feelings run so deep. Wavering like this, unable to hold the bowl level for both sides, is truly revolting.
On the fighting stage, Xiao Wu could not help trembling when she saw that her opponent was Qian Renyue. The pain Qian Renyue had inflicted last time was still vivid in her memory. If Zhao Wuji had not found a support-type Soul Master to heal her that day, she probably would have been unable to get out of bed for a month.
Old grudges and fresh hatred intertwined. Xiao Wu could not be bothered to introduce herself. She released her soul power and activated her soul rings. A pair of rabbit ears sprouted atop her head, red light spilled from her eyes, and her spirited little face filled with murderous intent.
The moment the host announced the start, she charged straight at Qian Renyue!
Qian Renyue immediately released her soul power. Three soul rings appeared-yellow, yellow, and black-and the stands erupted!
"Third soul skill, teleportation!"
Just as before, Xiao Wu used an agility-type Soul Master's advantage to flash directly beside Qian Renyue. This time, however, she did not face her head-on, but chose to appear behind her!
Knowing that her charm skill might not control Qian Renyue, Xiao Wu prepared to use her first soul skill directly.
Her slender, beautiful legs hooked toward Qian Renyue's neck. At the instant Xiao Wu prepared to activate her soul skill, Qian Renyue used her second soul skill as well. "Dancing Butterflies!"
Ice-blue Butterfly Wings sprouted from her back. They were exquisitely beautiful, blue and white interwoven, with a pink glow shimmering across their surface.
The spectators gasped in astonishment. Even the host with the glowing head widened his eyes and let out a very long "Woooow-"
Having already learned about Qian Renyue's soul skill in Greenwood Town, Xiao Wu narrowed her eyes. Assuming Qian Renyue intended to fly into the air, she immediately changed direction, preparing to attack from above!
This time, she absolutely would not lose to Qian Renyue again!
"First soul skill, Waist Bow!"
Her beautiful legs swung down from above. Qian Renyue lifted her gaze, the corners of her lips curving slightly. Bang-
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