Chapter 48: Soul Battle

...

Eager to make money, Zeng Yi registered as a Soul Fighter and went directly to the place where the Soul Fighters were sorted to begin his ranking. Soon, Zeng Yi was sorted and assigned to the seventh division of the Gamble Zone.

The Suotuo Arena was large, divided into twenty-four sub-arenas and a main arena. Each sub-arena was further divided into a Gamble Zone and a Death Battle Zone. The form of soul fighting also included gambling fights, and regardless of the level, all fights took place in the main arena.

Zeng Yi quickly arrived at the seventh division of the Gamble Zone, but since it was not his turn to compete yet, he entered the rest area to wait.

In the rest area, there were many other Spirit Masters waiting. When they saw Zeng Yi enter, their gazes turned towards him, appraising the newcomer.

"Hey! So many people here! Hello, everyone!" Zeng Yi greeted everyone in a relaxed manner upon entering the rest area. However, they paid no attention to the new arrival, giving him a glance before withdrawing their gazes, closing their eyes to rest and adjusting themselves for the upcoming fights.

"Oh..."

Their reaction made Zeng Yi feel a bit embarrassed and defeated. However, he didn't care too much and found a place to sit down. He rested his right leg naturally on his left leg, crossed his legs, took out a flask, and started drinking, his eyes fixed on the two fighters battling below, full of interest.

"Meow~"

Xiao Ju jumped out of Zeng Yi's clothes and settled on his thigh, curiously observing the surroundings.

"Xiao Ju, don't wander around, okay!" Zeng Yi reminded Xiao Ju, gently stroking its fluffy fur with one hand.

"Meow~"

After watching several soul fights in the rest area, Zeng Yi became bored. Those fights were between Spirit Masters of the second ring, and their battles lacked technique and skill. They didn't know how to control their power and relied solely on soul power clashes and soul skills without any effective results. It was truly amateurish.

In Zeng Yi's eyes, their actions were full of flaws. He believed that even without using soul power, just relying on technique and swordsmanship, he could defeat them in two or three moves.

Amateurs, they are really amateurs! Why isn't it my turn yet? I don't want to witness any more eye-burning fights!

After a boring battle between two amateurs, a man dressed in a black tuxedo walked onto the stage. He stood in the center of the arena, cleared his throat, and loudly announced, "Next up is the eighth fight of the one-on-one soul battle in the seventh division of the Gamble Zone. This will be a very exciting battle between two Soul Elder-level fighters. On one side, we have Zhan Gangyong, who has already achieved two consecutive victories and possesses the Beast Martial Soul Steel Fang Pig. On the other side, we have Ronin Yi, who possesses the Artifact Martial Soul Lan Ye. Will Zhan Gangyong continue his winning streak, or will the newcomer Ronin Yi surprise us all? Let's wait and see!"

After the host finished speaking, cheers erupted from the audience stands. This was a battle between Soul Elder, much more thrilling than the battles between Great Spirit Masters earlier.

Is it my turn?

Upon hearing the host's words, Zeng Yi's expression brightened, feeling a bit excited.

Finally, I can make a move!

He handed Xiao Ju to a staff member and walked towards the fighting stage.

First to enter the battle arena was a middle-aged man with a strong build. He appeared shirtless with dark skin covered in tattoos. Despite his round belly, his body was muscular and robust, with veins visible under his skin, resembling numerous dark green snakes crawling across his bare upper body. He also wore a black necklace adorned with a white skull, looking extremely fierce.

He went up to the stage and positioned himself in the center, crossing his arms, waiting for his opponent to arrive.

"Zhan Gangyong still looks so ferocious!"

"Why isn't his opponent coming up yet? Did Zhan Gangyong's ferocious aura scare him away?"

"Well, it's possible. After all, during Zhan Gangyong's last soul battle, he tore off his opponent's hands. And that opponent was a level 33 Soul Elder! He's truly ruthless."

"But to not even fight, that's just cowardice!"

"Haha, indeed."

...

Seeing that Zeng Yi hadn't entered the stage yet, the audience members in the stands whispered and discussed him.

Not long after, a figure appeared at the entrance of the battle arena, causing the audience to turn their attention and see what this newcomer was like.

With long hair and a green robe, Zeng Yi donned two long swords at his waist and wore a relaxed smile on his face as he leisurely walked towards the stage.

"This Soul Elder looks very young!"

"Yes, could he be a genius from some influential power?"

"Look at how relaxed he seems. He's truly confident."

"Unfortunately, he is facing Zhan Gangyong, a level 38 Soul Elder known for his ferocity. Considering his age, he probably just recently broke through to the Soul Elder level and already encounters such a ferocious opponent. His luck is truly bad."

"I hope he can stay safe! I don't want to witness any disabilities later."

...

Arriving at the bottom of the stage, Zeng Yi lightly jumped, soaring high into the air, and landed steadily on the other side, ten meters away from his opponent Zhan Gangyong. He surveyed the man with his gaze.

With his sharp hearing, Zeng Yi naturally heard the voices of the audience from the stands, seemingly belittling him. He also recognized the person before him as a Soul Ancestor who possessed a soul power three levels higher than his own.

However, being treated like a monkey truly irked him!

Standing on the battle stage, the circular spectator stands encompassing the arena, Zeng Yi listened to the audience's cheers, an uncomfortable feeling spreading within him.

Well, if there's money to be earned, I can endure a bit.

Looking at the man before him, Zeng Yi's lips curled upwards.

You underestimate me? Then I'll let you bunch of ignorant fools see what real skill is.

"Hahaha, it's amusing that you dare to make me wait. It seems like you don't know who I am," Zhan Gangyong laughed arrogantly, staring intensely at Zeng Yi while speaking with malice.

Hearing his words, Zeng Yi burst into laughter. "Oh! That means you must be quite famous here."

"Hahaha, indeed. You just need to inquire around this battle arena, and everyone will know my name," Zhan Gangyong proudly exclaimed. Although he knew it was an infamous reputation, he took pride in it.

"So what? Does your fame give you any extra points with me?" Zeng Yi replied.

Hearing this, Zhan Gangyong's laughter abruptly halted, and his gaze became dark, glaring fiercely at Zeng Yi.

"Hehe, kid, you have guts. I wonder if you can still talk so easily after I tear your hands apart later."