SS - 23

Chapter 23: Fusion of Rings

Su Xiao entered the venue, facing his opponent, Li Yao. Li Yao, tall and broad-shouldered, radiated strength. His exposed, muscular arms bristled with power, giving off an intimidating aura.

Su Xiao, now possessed by the Light Holy Dragon, stood out with his three thousand-year soul rings circling him, drawing gasps from the audience.

From the stands, Ning Rongrong's voice rang out: "Brother Xiao, come on! That big guy doesn't stand a chance against you!"

Li Yao revealed his martial soul: two long swords, one black-bladed with a white hilt, and the other white-bladed with a black hilt. Surrounding him were two yellow and one purple soul rings, marking him as a formidable foe.

"The match begins!" the host announced.

Li Yao wasted no time. With his arms spread wide, the two swords aligned as his first soul ring shone brightly.

«First Soul Skill - Yin-Yang Sword Qi!»

A black-and-white aura enveloped his swords before he swung them, releasing a three-meter-wide wave of sword energy directly at Su Xiao.

The attack's range left little room for Su Xiao to maneuver, even with his Ghost Shadow Perplexing Step. Dodging wouldn't suffice, as Li Yao could simply follow up with another wave.

«Third Soul Skill - Light Holy Dragon Divine Transformation!»

Su Xiao countered decisively.

Golden light coalesced into a radiant shield in front of him as he charged forward, unyielding to the oncoming sword energy. The strength of his thousand-year soul ring effortlessly neutralized Li Yao's attack.

In an instant, Su Xiao closed the distance, his golden shield transforming into a broad golden sword.

Bang!

Su Xiao leaped, gripping the sword with both hands, and struck down from above. The sheer force of his strike created a powerful momentum that bore down on Li Yao.

Li Yao crossed his swords above his head, blocking the golden blade. "Your strength is impressive, but your swordsmanship is riddled with flaws," Li Yao sneered.

Suddenly, Li Yao shifted, releasing his left sword and grabbing Su Xiao's arm with one hand. Using his lowered stance, he aimed his remaining sword at Su Xiao's abdomen.

Su Xiao reacted swiftly. With Controlling Crane, Capturing Dragon, he disrupted Li Yao's movements momentarily, using the brief pause to retreat and create distance.

Adjusting his stance, Su Xiao split his cumbersome broad sword into two lighter swords.

Li Yao chuckled mockingly. "What's this? A flashy show? Do you really think this will change the outcome?"

Su Xiao smirked. "You talk too much. I'm not a swordsman, so I won't argue with you."

With that, his second soul ring lit up. Bright golden energy enveloped his twin swords, transforming into two pale golden dragons.

«Second Soul Skill - Light Holy Dragon Head!»

The dragons roared as they lunged toward Li Yao, their radiant forms brimming with power.

«Third Soul Skill - Yin-Yang Flurry!»

Li Yao responded, his purple soul ring glowed as immense soul power surged through him. He swung his swords, creating twelve afterimages that moved like clones. The shadows met the golden dragons head-on, and with a flurry of strikes, neutralized their ferocious assault.

Su Xiao watched in awe. 'This guy isn't just a random opponent. He's skilled.'

Li Yao, panting slightly, grinned. "Kid, I've spent thirty years perfecting my swordsmanship. My talent might not match yours, but at the same level, no one can defeat me."

"Are you sure?" Su Xiao replied calmly. "Most of your soul power is spent. Let's see how you handle another Holy Light Dragon Head."

But before he could act, Li Yao connected the hilts of his swords, activating his second soul skill.

«Second Soul Skill - Healing!»

The swords floated and rotated, forming a Yin-Yang symbol that radiated energy. Soul power seeped into Li Yao, restoring him to peak condition.

Su Xiao widened his eyes. Li Yao's combat prowess was undeniable. However, his age—close to thirty—meant his cultivation speed was far from extraordinary. Otherwise, with his skills, he could have made a name for himself on the Douluo Continent.

Su Xiao recombined his twin swords into one. His aura shifted, growing sharp and focused.

"You take pride in your swordsmanship," Su Xiao said. "Then I'll defeat you with a technique I've reserved for special occasions."

Li Yao snorted. "Genius or not, this is the Soutuo Spirit Fighting Arena. You may reach level forty soon, but as long as you're under the Soul Sect, you'll have to admit defeat."

At that moment, Su Xiao raised his sword, and his three soul rings ascended, merging with the blade.

"Fusion of rings!"

A powerful surge of soul power swept across the arena, blindingly bright golden light illuminating every corner.

In the stands, Flender exclaimed, shielding his eyes, "Su Xiao has the talent for ring fusion!"

The golden radiance intensified as Su Xiao's soul power concentrated into his blade.

«Fusion Skill - Divine Ascension: Light Holy Dragon Sword!»

Li Yao, undeterred, activated his third soul skill again, this time producing fourteen phantoms.

"This strike will decide superiority and life itself," Li Yao declared.

"So be it," Su Xiao replied coldly.

The golden sword cleaved through the phantoms and Li Yao's defenses. The dazzling light subsided, revealing a deep ravine carved into the arena floor. Li Yao lay unconscious in a pool of blood.

The match was over. Su Xiao stood victorious, his golden sword dissipating as the crowd erupted in cheers.