The Arena of Souls—just as the name implies—is the premier battleground sanctioned by the Heaven Dou Empire, where soul masters gather to test their strength in live combat.
In a realm where nearly everyone cultivates martial souls, the Soul Arena stands as the optimal venue for evaluating personal power and accelerating cultivation through battle experience.
More than just a training ground, it also serves a practical purpose: each match grants soul masters monetary rewards in the form of gold coins and contribution points. Moreover, every battle attracts gambling activity from spectators, adding a layer of tension and reward.
The hierarchy within the Arena is rigid and well-defined, classified into eight levels—Black Iron, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Purple-Gold, Sapphire, Ruby, and Diamond—ascending in order of prestige and prize.
Naturally, the higher the rank, the more generous the winnings. Many soul masters, especially those from humble backgrounds, rely entirely on the Soul Arena for their livelihood.
But beyond economics, the Soul Arena has become a staple for elite academies across the empire. These institutions treat it as a crucible to temper and test their students in real combat.
"There are three primary formats for soul combat in the Arena," Yu Xiaogang explained solemnly, casting a sharp gaze at the eight students before him.
"The first is one-on-one duels. The eight of you will each sign up individually."
"The second format is four-on-four battles. You will be split into two groups of four."
"And lastly, there is the eight-person team match, where all of you will battle together as a single unit."
Ma Hongjun and Oscar immediately perked up at the mention of team formations, their eyes locking onto Yu Chen.
"Four-player teams?!"
"Brother Chen! I'm going with you! Don't leave me behind!"
The two blurted out together, each attempting to cling to Yuchen like starry-eyed fans hoping for a miracle carry.
Yu Xiaogang, however, had already planned everything out.
"I've already determined the four-man team compositions. Given Xiaochen's unique circumstances, his team will consist of Ning Rongrong, Zhu Zhuqing, and Xiao Wu."
"This formation capitalizes on synergy—two agility-type attackers alongside Xiaochen, with Ning Rongrong's Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda offering top-tier support. It's the most efficient configuration."
"As for the remaining four—Dai Mubai, Oscar, Tang San, and Ma Hongjun—you'll make up the second group. Dai Mubai as the primary power-type attacker, Tang San for control, Ma Hongjun for ranged offense, and Oscar for healing and supply. This setup is well-balanced as well."
While Ma Hongjun and Oscar looked a little crestfallen at being separated from Yu Chen, they respected Yu Xiaogang's decision. There was no room for argument under his strict authority.
"Yay! We're with Brother Chen!" Ning Rongrong, Zhu Zhuqing, and Xiao Wu couldn't hide their joy, their faces lighting up with smiles.
With the teams finalized, Yu Xiaogang led the group toward the most bustling and vibrant location in all of Soto City—the Arena of Souls.
Soto City itself was quite expansive, and the Arena of Souls, situated at its center, stood as one of the city's most iconic landmarks. Its exterior was lavishly adorned with intricate carvings and gleaming marble, exuding grandeur from every corner.
The moment they arrived, the students were immediately overwhelmed by the crowds.
"There are so many people!"
Everywhere they looked, the Arena was packed with spectators and soul masters alike—men, women, and children filled every section. Unsurprisingly, the largest demographic came from various soul master academies.
For a first-timer, it could easily feel like being swept up in a sea of chaos.
Thankfully, with Yu Xiaogang's guidance, the group bypassed the initial confusion and smoothly completed their registration, heading straight to the second floor of the arena where the matches would take place.
"The scheduling here varies by format. Right now, solo matches are ongoing," Yu Xiaogang informed them. "Take these Black Iron identification tokens. They'll grant you access to participate."
"Also, due to your status as students from Shrek Academy, and to avoid drawing unnecessary attention, wear these masks during your battles."
"Your names will be replaced by codenames during the matches."
From his storage soul tool, Yu Xiaogang retrieved eight intricately crafted masks and eight Black Iron tokens. Each mask bore a distinct design, reflective of the student's role or spirit.
Yu Chen's mask, for instance, was etched with multiple divine dragon engravings—its regal and imposing design mirrored his aura.
"Understood."
Without hesitation, Yu Chen took the mask, fitted it onto his face, and proceeded to register at the central arena desk.
Seeing this, Xiao Wu and the others followed him in turn, completing their registration.
Due to Arena rules, only those within the same level bracket can be matched against each other. Since this was their first time entering, all eight were at the Black Iron level, restricting them to opponents of similar standing.
Luckily, this was the most populated bracket in Soto City. Yu Chen was swiftly paired with a soul master named Yu Tianpeng.
Meanwhile, Dai Mubai and the others also received their own match notifications and opponent assignments.
However, the arena followed a turn-based system—matches were called sequentially, and participants had to wait their turn.
Yu Chen and the rest found seats in the stands to observe the matches before them.
"Brother Chen, look over there! That uncle in his thirties is also Black Iron, but his spirit power is only level eleven!"
Ma Hongjun spoke in disbelief as he scanned the battlefield with wide eyes. The others chimed in, whispering their observations in excitement.
Suddenly, a new announcement boomed throughout the arena.
"Next match: Evil-Eyed White Tiger vs. Wang Feng!"
A youth in his early twenties stepped onto the stage, facing off against Dai Mubai.
"Brother Chen, I'm up."
Dai Mubai gave a casual nod toward Yu Chen before heading up confidently.
"What's with all these kids showing up at the Arena of Souls now?" Wang Feng sneered, clearly underestimating his teenage opponent.
"Make it quick, brat. I'm not here to babysit."
He released his martial spirit—a Grizzly Bear—and made a move to overpower Dai Mubai with brute strength.
But Wang Feng's arrogance was his downfall.
"Even if I'm not as strong as Brother Chen, I'm not someone an eleven-level spirit master can mock!"
Dai Mubai's presence surged, and the White Tiger Spirit exploded from his body. His dual-colored pupils gleamed as waves of formidable spirit power rippled across the stage.
Martial Soul: Evil-Eyed White Tiger!
"What—?!"
Wang Feng stood frozen. The difference in pressure was overwhelming.
Before he could react, Dai Mubai lunged forward. A series of rapid, devastating punches landed with precision. In moments, Wang Feng was sent flying, his nose bloodied and face bruised, crashing out of the ring with a thud.
The match was decided in an instant. Dai Mubai's martial soul and spirit power were leagues above Wang Feng's.
The audience fell silent in shock.
"Where… Where did this little monster come from? He's just a teenager!"
"That martial soul… it must be a direct heir from a major noble clan!"
Murmurs filled the stands as everyone processed what had just occurred.
But what truly made jaws drop was what came next—
Dai Mubai stepped off the stage, all his previous aggression gone, and trotted up to Yu Chen like a child awaiting praise.
"Brother Chen, how did I do?"
His tone was cheerful and innocent, like a kid seeking approval from an older sibling, completely contrasting his ferocity moments earlier.
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