Chapter 44: Soul Arena, First Battle

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"Grand Soul Arena! Participate in real combat!!"

Elder Ling was quite surprised upon hearing this, but after thinking about it, he realized that since Wang Li was already a Great Soul Master, it made sense for him to engage in more practical battles with other Great Soul Masters.

So, he spoke up:

"That's fine. Participating in real combat with other Great Soul Masters will benefit your growth. However, I must give you some advice."

"The battles you should participate in should primarily be sparring matches. Stay away from death matches or gambling fights."

"Sparring matches are only about determining the victor, without life and death on the line. The other two, however, are both about victory and death. You're still young, and you don't understand. Those dirty adults will use all kinds of insidious and ruthless methods to try to kill a child like you, an eight-year-old…"

At this point, Elder Ling paused, his face showing a brief moment of stunned silence, and his voice trailed off.

An eight-year-old Great Soul Master—it was absurd, truly absurd. But then, thinking about it, this was his own protégé. Well… it might be absurd, but it was still reasonable.

Wang Li, too, was interested in sparring matches. As for death matches or gambling fights, he had never actually killed anyone. He wasn't sure if he could bring himself to take a life if he had to face a living opponent.

However, it shouldn't be too difficult. It was similar to hunting soul beasts, and Wang Li decided to find an opportunity to watch a few death matches and gambling fights first, before trying one himself.

He then responded:

"Elder Ling, I understand."

Elder Ling snapped out of his thoughts and gave one final piece of advice:

"When you go, remember to wear your academy uniform. Then you can sign up with peace of mind."

The others may not know, but Elder Ling was fully aware. In the Grand Soul Arena, Soul Masters without any background but with remarkable performance were often lured into becoming tools for making money, controlled behind the scenes.

Behind the grandeur of the arena, there was a deep darkness hidden.

Wang Li pondered for a moment and understood the meaning behind Elder Ling's words. He recognized it as a form of protection. Gratefully, he said:

"Thank you, Elder Ling."

Elder Ling had said all he needed to, and he gave Wang Li a pat on the shoulder:

"Go rest for now. You've just returned from the dangerous Soul Hunting Forest. It's not too late to go to the Grand Soul Arena in a few days."

Wang Li nodded, then formally took his leave. Upon returning to the academy, the peaceful atmosphere allowed him to relax.

What he didn't know was that his successful return had already caused quite a stir within the academy.

Ten months ago, when he first enrolled, he had defeated many senior students and became the top student. Ten months later, after just one semester, he had broken through to level 20 soul power and gained a soul ring, becoming a Great Soul Master.

This legendary experience left everyone stunned, but it also ignited their passion for cultivation.

As Gorfah had once said, he was to be a good example, and now he had truly lived up to that.

However, Wang Li didn't pay much attention to this. After returning to the academy, he focused on his training. After five days of diligent practice, Wang Li successfully broke through to level 22.

After that, he went to the Grand Soul Arena. He was curious and excited about the place—he could earn money, gain experience, but of course, only if he could defeat his opponents.

Since he was wearing Liejia Academy's uniform, the staff at the registration desk kindly reminded him that this wasn't a place for Soul Masters to be.

Wang Li calmly replied:

"My name is Wang Li, a student of Liejia Academy. My Martial Soul is mutated Blue Silver Grass, and my soul power is level 22. I know exactly what I'm doing, so just sign me up!"

The staff stopped talking, watching him with a mixture of curiosity and awe, and proceeded to register him. After all, to become a Great Soul Master at level 22 before graduation was nothing short of a genius.

As for age, place of birth, and other personal details… they didn't ask. After all, this was the Grand Soul Arena, not the Spirit Hall—such information wasn't mandatory.

After collecting Wang Li's ten gold soul coins as the registration fee, they handed him a participant identification and an iron Soul Badge.

Muttering to himself, "The registration fee is ridiculously high. I must earn those ten gold soul coins back today," Wang Li signed up for a one-on-one Soul Battle.

In less than ten minutes, he heard his name being called from the arena. Following the sound, he made his way to the battlefield.

He walked through the passage and climbed onto the arena, only to find that both his opponent and the referee were already in place. He had arrived a little late due to being unfamiliar with the direction and the location.

The moment he stepped onto the stage, his youthful appearance and academy uniform instantly sparked surprise and excitement among the audience.

The referee and commentator, with an enthusiastic and lively voice, introduced the two competitors:

"Alright, folks, the two contestants are now in position. One is our old friend, Ye Fei, whose Martial Soul is the Striped Cat. His soul power is at level 27, and he has already won two consecutive matches!"

"And the other is a newcomer to the Grand Soul Arena, Wang Li, a talented student from Liejia Academy. His Martial Soul is the mutated Blue Silver Grass, and his soul power is at level 22. Today, will the old friend extend his winning streak, or will the newcomer pull off an upset? Let's wait and see. Now, both of you—release your Martial Souls!"

Ye Fei: "Martial Soul Possession!"

Wang Li: "Martial Soul Release!"

Ye Fei's pupils contracted as he observed the two yellow soul rings around Wang Li, both shocking and filling him with jealousy.

Ye Fei was of medium height and slim build. Once he activated his Martial Soul, a sinister aura surrounded him. As a level 27 Great Soul Master, he was determined to teach Wang Li a lesson—even if he couldn't go all out, he would at least make sure to enjoy the fight.

"First Soul Skill: Swift Charge!"

"Second Soul Skill: Bloodthirsty Claws!"

The sinister aura around Ye Fei surged as he moved, charging at Wang Li like the wind, quick as lightning, and shifting like a shadow.

Wang Li, however, simply lifted his eyelids, effortlessly tracking Ye Fei's attack pattern and predicting his position for a counter.

"Blue Silver! Grow!"

The Blue Silver Grass surged in response to the wind, as if it could foresee the future. Three meters away, it caught Ye Fei, entangling his legs in an instant.

Ye Fei's face was full of disbelief as he looked down at his ensnared legs. When he looked up, Wang Li was already in front of him, growing larger by the second. A sidekick landed squarely on his head.

Buzz! Buzz! Buzz!

A dizzying sensation overtook Ye Fei as his body was hurled away. The Blue Silver Grass continued to tighten around him, keeping him firmly bound.

As he hit the ground and his awareness returned, he saw a large foot rapidly enlarging in his vision.

Boom!

Wang Li didn't actually stomp on his head, but the foot was only an inch away.

Looking toward the referee, Wang Li said:

"If you don't announce the result, I'm afraid my next kick might crush his skull!"

At this moment, the referee, who was also the commentator, seemed to snap out of a daze and shouted:

"The winner is Wang Li!"

Wang Li lowered his head slightly, turned, and walked off the stage.

Too weak. Boring… At least I earned sixty-six experience points.

Battles that drag on are pointless. The transition storyline of Liejia Academy will end soon enough.

(End of Chapter)