Chapter 17 Leo Is Also Short on Cash

We stepped into the Main Soul Battle Arena. The shock hit right away. It was way bigger than any sub - battle arena. It was like a colossal monster. At first glance, the spacious area was vast. The towering walls were grand. It was showing off its grandeur. The number of spectators it could hold? Mind - blowing. Far beyond what the sub - battle arenas could manage. With such a huge venue, countless seats were a given. Of course, the ticket prices were high. But for those fans crazy about soul master competitions? A few extra coins didn't matter. They just wanted to witness the spectacular battles up close in this top - notch arena.

When Leo and Aria arrived at the Main Soul Battle Arena, the place was buzzing. The spectator stands were packed. People were like sardines in a can. Their faces were lit up. Full of excitement and anticipation. They were chatting animatedly. Talking about the upcoming match. The air was thick. A tense and thrilling atmosphere filled it. Like a storm was about to hit.

The host's passionate voice rang out. Announcing Leo's entrance. Leo walked onto the arena. His steps were steady. The moment his feet touched the ground, the entire spectator stand exploded. Cheers, shouts, and applause blended. They made a deafening wave of sound. Many spectators turned red. With excitement. They stood up. Waved their flags and banners. Yelled Leo's name at the top of their lungs. It was like a huge carnival. Super lively.

During this period, Leo became the brightest star. In the Soto Great Soul Battle Arena. His name was like a belief. Deeply engraved in the hearts of every spectator. Who could have thought? A mere twenty - level Great Soul Master. Creating a brilliant record. Forty - nine consecutive wins. Whether anyone could surpass him in the future? Anyone's guess. But at least for now, he was the first of his kind. Every victory of his was like a blockbuster. Causing huge waves in the soul master world. This made many spectators change their views. Completely. Turns out, in the soul master profession, there were people. With extraordinary strength and wisdom. They could challenge opponents across levels. Even leap two whole levels.

This time, Leo's opponent was tough. A Level 46 Offensive Battle Soul Lord. The first Soul Lord he'd encountered. In the Soto Great Soul Battle Arena. Surpassing the forty - five - level mark. This Battle Soul Lord was strong. Had a reputation in the soul master world. His powerful soul power fluctuations? Everyone present felt an invisible pressure. Facing such a strong opponent, the spectators were eager. They were dying to know. If Leo could continue his winning streak.

The match started. Both sides engaged. In a fierce battle. The Battle Soul Lord relied on his power. Powerful soul power and rich combat experience. He launched a violent attack. First. Every move he made carried great force. As if he could destroy the entire arena. Leo, though, remained calm. He was composed. He skillfully used his combat skills. Dodged the opponent's attacks. Nimbly. At the same time, he coordinated with his soul beast. Perfectly. The two echoed each other. Complemented each other well.

During the match, the situation was up and down. Full of ups and downs. The spectators' hearts were in their throats. One moment. Then relaxed a bit. The next. But Leo never panicked. With his superb combat experience, he found the opponent's weaknesses. At critical moments. And struck back. Powerfully. After a fierce battle, Leo seized the opportunity. He defeated his opponent. Successfully. At that moment, the entire arena erupted. Into thunderous applause and cheers. The spectators were cheering wildly. For Leo's wonderful performance.

"You're really awesome. The most badass one I've ever seen. Among people our age." When Leo stepped off the arena, Aria's cool voice reached his ears. There was admiration in her eyes. And surprise. She was still in shock. From Leo's amazing performance. Just now. Aria was a reserved girl. Quiet. But Leo's performances in the past few days? They brought her an impact. Unprecedented. Whether it was his calmness. When facing bandits. His shrewd calculations. When fighting against Teacher Zhao. Or the skills he showed. Facing an opponent far stronger. Than himself. Today. They all made her look at Leo differently. Overturned her previous understanding.

"Thanks for the compliment." Leo smiled. With a hint of modesty. On his face. In fact, he knew. If he couldn't defeat a Soul Lord, his title? As a Twin - Spirit Titled Douluo. Would be a joke.

After the match, Leo and Aria walked out. Of the Main Soul Battle Arena. Together. On the way, they met Director Ao. The person in charge. Of the Soto Great Soul Battle Arena. He was waiting for them. As soon as Director Ao saw Leo, a smile spread. Across his face. He walked up quickly. Said, "Dear Great Soul Master Leo, thanks a ton. For coming to our Soto Great Soul Battle Arena. To compete today. Here's your 100,000 gold coins. Take it." He handed over a gold soul card.

"Huh? Director Ao, did you mess up? You're short 100,000 gold coins." Leo didn't take the card. He said casually, "Director Ao, I signed up. For the two - on - two match. Today."

"Great Soul Master Leo, you're in the two - on - two match?" Director Ao was surprised. When he heard this. His eyes swept over Aria. Standing beside Leo. He understood. Suddenly. He put on a smile. Said, "Oh, Great Soul Master Leo, I'm sorry. My fault. Here are 200,000 gold coins." He took out another card. Worth 100,000 gold coins. Handed it to Leo. With both hands.

"Alright." Leo took the card. Chatted with Director Ao. For a couple of minutes. Then left. With Aria.

As they walked, Leo noticed Aria. She looked like she had something on her mind. But didn't know. Whether to say it. He smiled. Said, "What's up? You got something to ask me?"

Aria nodded. Looked puzzled. Said, "I'm curious. How do you know the director? Of the Great Soul Battle Arena? And why does he give you so many gold coins?"

"You don't get it? It's the star effect." Leo explained. "The Soto Great Soul Battle Arena pays me. 100,000 gold coins. For each match. I participate in."

Aria knew about the star effect. She asked, "But can they earn it back? The 100,000 gold coins. They pay you for each match?"

"Sure they can." Leo smiled. Replied, "Ticket revenue? Almost covers the cost. Just from the bets? They can make a killing."

"How do you know so much?" Hearing Leo's answer, Aria felt numb. She thought, is this guy human? How's he so experienced? In combat. And so good at business?

If Leo knew what Aria was thinking, he'd smile. And say nothing. In fact, he got involved. Because he was short on cash. He had a big family. His wife needed money. In many places. 100,000 gold coins? A drop in the bucket. Even a million or ten million? Wouldn't solve many problems.

"I'm just born with it." Leo replied. Narcissistically.

At the beginning, Leo took the initiative. Approached Director Ao. After negotiations, they reached an agreement. Take his first match. Here as an example. The Soto Great Soul Battle Arena made millions. Everyone on the continent knew the gap. Between a Great Soul Master and a Soul Elder. His first opponent? A Soul Elder. Through the arena's operation and promotion, the gamblers knew. About this match. They bet all their money. On that Soul Elder. The result? Unexpected. Leo won. With his own strength. This made him money. And the arena too. But the prerequisite? Strength. A soul master who could challenge across levels. Besides Leo? No one else could do it.

Of course, Ryan, the chosen one. Might have the ability. But his business acumen? No match for Leo. Influenced by the 21st - century Internet. Ryan just thought. About making money. In traditional ways.

Hearing Leo's cheeky answer, Aria was stunned. But there was no dislike. In her heart. If it were another guy? She'd have rolled her eyes. Long ago. And she didn't realize. She'd talked more. Today. Than on any ordinary day.

When Leo and Aria returned. To the lobby, Ryan, Xiao Wu and the others. Had just come back. From the sub - battle arena.

"Leo, how was the match?" Ryan asked. First.

"Got lucky. Won." After Leo answered, he turned. Looked at Xiao Wu. Said, "Xiao Wu's happy. She must have won. Right?"

"Yeah." Xiao Wu nodded. Happily. With a bright smile. On her face. At that moment, she was like a rabbit. Cheerful.

The group waited. In the lobby center. For a while. Then the broadcast sounded. "Iron Soul Fighter Ryan, go to the Fifteenth Sub - Battle Arena. Iron Soul Fighter Aria, go to the Fifteenth Sub - Battle Arena."

Hearing this, everyone froze. Then they all looked. At Ryan and Aria. Simultaneously.

What a coincidence! First, Leo and Xiao Wu competed. Almost at the same time. Now Ryan and Aria were playing. At the same time. And they were opponents!

"Just go for it. You two." Only Leo said it casually. As if he wasn't surprised. At all. That they were opponents.

"Alright." Ryan nodded. Glanced at Aria.

Aria looked at Ryan. Said nothing. Turned around. Walked towards the Fifteenth Sub - Battle Arena.

Watching Aria leave, Blake was worried. He stopped Ryan. Said, "Xiaosan, go easy. On her later."

Blake saw Ryan's strength. During the interview. With Teacher Zhao. Yesterday. He knew Aria was no match. For Ryan. Even he himself wasn't confident. He could beat Ryan. Among the people there, if anyone could win. Against Ryan? Only Leo. But Leo had a Silver Soul Badge. They couldn't meet him. For now. So no need to worry.

"Got it." Ryan nodded. Walked towards the passage. Of the Fifteenth Sub - Battle Arena. In fact, without Blake's reminder, he wouldn't be harsh. After all, they'd be comrades. In the future.