Defeat in the First Match
Half an hour later, the outline of the Suotuo City Great Soul Arena came into view. The huge building was made entirely of dark blue-black stones, resembling a lurking beast. The surrounding area was bustling with noise, shouts, cheers and applause intertwined, and the enthusiastic atmosphere could be felt from a distance.
"There are so many people!" Ning Rongrong exclaimed. Although the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was prosperous, it was rare to see such a wild and noisy scene.
Stepping inside the Great Soul Arena, the atmosphere was even more lively. At the center stood a massive main Soul Fighting Arena, surrounded by dozens of smaller Soul Fighting Arenas. On each of these arenas, Soul Master were engaged in fierce battles, while the audience below watched with bated breath, erupting in thunderous cheers from time to time. The notice board was densely covered with the contestants' names, Martial Soul, levels, and battle records, with the red "Winning Streak" markers standing out prominently.
"Individual registration: each person receives Iron Soul Badge." The staff member mechanically repeated, "Double matches require team registration; please provide a team name."
Yan Zu pondered for a moment, then wrote in the register, "Wen Yan, Auxiliary System, Level 31."
Xiao Wu skipped and hopped as she registered. "Phantom, Power Attack System, level 32."
Zhu Zhuqing Lengleng replied, "Netherworld, Agility Attack System, level 27."
Soon, eight black Soul Fighting Badges were completed, each engraved with the wearer's name. Flender took the badges and distributed them. "Form your own teams. Choose between solo or duo matches. There will be one match per day, and you must meet here before sunset. Remember, play within your limits and don't get injured trying to be brave."
"Understood!" everyone responded in unison, and dispersed.
When it was the group's turn to register, Ning Rongrong's eyes lit up, and she tugged at Yan Zu's sleeve. "How about we call ourselves ' Auspicious Glazed Tile '?"
"Whatever you say." Yan Zu chuckled.
"Then Zhu Zhuqing and I..." Xiao Wu looked at Zhu Zhuqing.
"Phantom Netherworld," Zhu Zhuqing said calmly, "Simple and direct."
On the other side, Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun completed the registration with their arms around each other's shoulders. "We're called ' White Tiger Phoenix '," Dai Mubai grinned, revealing his gleaming white teeth, "Let some people see what true violent aesthetics are."
Ma Hongjun chuckled lewdly, "That's right, burn them to the ground!"
Tang San and Oscar stood to the side. Oscar looked distressed. "Little San, do I really have to go on stage? I'm just a Food System..."
"Don't worry, I'm here." Tang San calmly wrote in the register, "Blue Silver Sausage. Control System paired with Food System, a perfect complement."
When registering for the solo competition, Yan Zu saw that Tang San had also signed up for the solo competition. His opponent was a level 28 Control System Soul Master Martial Soul was Thorn Vine. Dai Mubai signed up for the duo competition, teaming up with Ma Hongjun. Their Martial Soul were White Tiger and Evil Fire Phoenix, a typical offensive combination, intending to crush their opponents with pure explosive power.
"Wen Yan, your opponent is ' Iron Arm,' a level 38 Power Attack System with the Martial Soul Iron Arm Ape, and has won three consecutive matches," the staff member reminded him while registering his information.
"Understood, thank you." Yan Zu nodded, already having made up his mind.
Xiao Wu's opponent is a level 35 Agility Attack System Soul Master with the Spirit Cat Martial Soul, which is somewhat similar to Zhu Zhuqing's Martial Soul, but is slightly higher in level and slightly faster.
Soon, the schedules for the individual matches were announced one after another. Yan Zu's match was on the No. 1 Soul Fighting Arena, Xiao Wu's was on No. 3, and Zhu Zhuqing's was on No. 5, with the times not far apart.
"I'm going to the match first, good luck to you guys!" Zhu Zhuqing took the lead and walked towards the No. 5 Soul Fighting Arena, her back view exuding determination. She had only one thought in her mind: to win this match.
Yan Zu, Xiao Wu, and Ning Rongrong went to watch the battle. On the fifth Soul Fighting, a lean young man was already waiting there. He was dressed in tight black clothes, and his eyes were as sharp as a leopard's. He was Zhu Zhuqing's opponent, "Wind Leopard".
"I didn't expect my opponent to be a young girl, and a beauty at that." Wind Leopard sized Zhu Zhuqing up and down, his tone flippant. "Little girl, it's not too late to admit defeat now, lest you get hurt and cry for your mother later."
Zhu Zhuqing's expression turned cold, her Soul Power surged, and two yellow Soul Ring rose. "Enough with the nonsense, let's begin."
"Quite a temper." Wind Leopard grinned, and his two yellow Soul Ring lit up. He activated his First Soul Skill, "Wind Blade," and several pale blue Wind Blade shot towards Zhu Zhuqing. This was Wind Leopard's ranged restraint skill, paving the way for a close-range surprise attack.
Zhu Zhuqing flashed, unleashing the speed of the Hell Spirit Cat to its fullest extent, easily dodging the Wind Blade. At the same time, she activated her First Soul Skill, "Netherworld Hundred Claws," her fingertips imbued with a faint black Soul Power, aiming straight for the Wind Leopard's throat—this was her most proficient surprise attack move, fast, accurate, and ruthless.
"Well done!" Instead of retreating, the Wind Leopard advanced, its body like an arrow released from a bow, rushing towards Zhu Zhuqing with a stench, its claws condensing rich Soul Power.
Both were Agility Attack System, incredibly fast. On the Soul Fighting stage, only two afterimages remained, the sounds of claws and Wind Blade cutting through the air filling the air. The audience below was thrilled, cheering for the two.
Yan Zu frowned slightly. "Zhu Zhuqing is too hasty; Wind Leopard's rhythm is more steady."
"Huh?" Ning Rongrong exclaimed, "She's really good at fighting!"
"Wind Leopard's advantage lies in its speed and close-range control. Zhu Zhuqing is too eager to succeed and is fighting at the opponent's pace," Yan Zu explained. "You see, every time Wind Leopard uses Wind Blade to harass from a distance, it's to force Zhu Zhuqing to get close. His Second Soul Skill must be a close-range control effect, Zhu Zhuqing didn't realize this trap."
No sooner had he finished speaking than a sudden change occurred on the Soul Fighting Arena. Wind Leopard deliberately created an opening, allowing Zhu Zhuqing's Hell Claw to get close, and then the paralyzing effect of his Second Soul Skill, "Leopard Assault," erupted!
A pale blue halo instantly enveloped Zhu Zhuqing, and she felt a tingling sensation all over her body. Her movements faltered instantly, and her eyes briefly became dazed.
"Opportunity!" A hint of smugness flashed in Wind Leopard's eyes. He seized the opportunity to launch a close-range claw attack, his claws slamming hard towards Zhu Zhuqing's chest.
"Watch out!" Xiao Wu couldn't help but exclaim.
Zhu Zhuqing forcefully broke free from the paralysis effect and dodged to the side to avoid vital areas, but her shoulder was still grazed by the Wind Leopard's claws, leaving three bloody marks. She staggered back several steps.
"Little girl, I told you, you're no match for me," Wind Leopard laughed smugly. "Admitting defeat now will save you some trouble."
Zhu Zhuqing gritted her teeth, wiping the blood from her shoulder, her eyes sharpening even more. "It's not over yet!"
She took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down. Relying on her fighting instincts, she adjusted her rhythm, no longer blindly pursuing, but instead circling the Wind Leopard, using the Hell Spirit Cat's agility to find openings. The Wind Leopard's Soul Power was stronger than hers; a direct confrontation would definitely put her at a disadvantage, so she could only wage a war of attrition.
Seeing that she still refused to admit defeat, Wind Leopard's eyes flashed with impatience. He launched "Wind Blade" and "Leopard Assault" again, his attacks becoming increasingly fierce. But this time, Zhu Zhuqing did not take the blows head-on. Instead, she skillfully dodged using her agility, occasionally seizing an opportunity to counterattack. Her Hell Claw were specifically designed to target Wind Leopard's weak joints, such as his knees and elbows.
After a dozen or so rounds of stalemate, Zhu Zhuqing's Soul Power gradually weakened, and the injury on her shoulder also affected her movements. Wind Leopard seized an opening and launched "Leopard Assault" again. The paralysis effect hit her again, and Zhu Zhuqing's body froze. Wind Leopard kicked her off the Soul Fighting Platform.
(Thanks to Kitazawa for the monthly pass support)