Tang san fights Ma Hongjun

In the morning, five individuals arrived at the registration office. Ma Hongjun and Xiao Wu, without a moment's hesitation, led the way in completing their registration.

Oscar, being merely a food-type soul master, harbored no illusions of competing in a one-on-one match. His hopes rested on Dai Mubai's performance in the solo match, after which he might consider bringing Oscar along.

At this juncture, Dai Mubai, Tang San, and the others exhibited a degree of hesitance. Dai Mubai's countenance was somber, his eyes betraying a flicker of fear. Although time had mended his physical wounds, the terror within his heart only intensified.

The sheer might of it all!

How could a being, a mere condensation of pure water, possess such formidable power? And then there was that accursed crab, not to mention the "ruthless" girl, capable of healing even as she fought, rendering Dai Mubai's pain inconsequential.

The mere thought sent shivers down Dai Mubai's spine, leaving him trembling and unable to regain his composure for a long while.

Tang San's perspective differed; he considered Neuvillette not as formidable as rumored. If only the man had any sense of martial honor, the outcome of their encounters might have been different. With careful planning and the right setting, Tang San believed defeating Neuvillette would not pose a significant challenge.

Neuvillette, who was not a Tang Sect member, had despicably claimed two of the sect's treasures. To Tang San, such a man did not deserve to live. It wasn't a mere flirtation with death; Tang San was resolute in his intent to eliminate Neuvillette.

With a grim expression, Tang San registered for the competition. "I still need time to grow; until then, I must remain concealed," he mused.

As an assassin, patience was one of Tang San's virtues. He could bide his time, just like even if it took ten thousand years, to ensnare the abyss in his trap. How many had fallen—Tang Clan, Shrek, War God Temple—due to the abyss?

It was only after these reflections that the group of five reached the fighters' rest area. Upon arrival, they were taken aback by the sheer number of contestants. The soul fighting arena was indeed popular, but such a turnout was unprecedented.

"Handsome, I understand why female soul masters would sign up but you guys," Oscar remarked, addressing a dashing young man with a puzzled expression.

"Ah, you must be newcomers!" the youth replied, eyeing Oscar's attire with a slight smirk.

Heaven Dou Royal Academy?

It's not that they look down on the students of the Royal Academy of Heaven Dou ; it's just that few come to the fighting arena to actually participate in battles. Most have other motives.

One reason the Spirit Fighting Arena is so popular is that aristocrats come to scout and invest in talented individuals.

"Yes, we're new here and focused on training," Oscar said.

In the past, Neuvillette was well-known, and because of him, countless female soul masters flocked to the Soto City Great Soul Fighting Arena.

Oscar, who is quite handsome, wondered why no female soul master was infatuated with him. Could it be his temperament? Was it too lewd?

So after hearing youth explained female soul masters came for Neuvillette and for male.

"As for us, well..."

"There's a new gold-level host at the Fighting Soul Arena named Doudou. She has a sweet voice and is very attractive."

The young man left his sentence hanging, but the male soul masters around him understood and nodded. Most were there with the same intention.

"Doudou?" someone exclaimed. "Heaven Dou City's Great Spirit Arena has poached all the key staff from the Suotuo City Great Soul Arena!"

"Have you heard of Doudou?" another asked.

"Yes, she was the Gold Medalist host at the Soutuo City Spirit Arena."

"I didn't expect her to come to the Heaven Dou Fighting Spirit Arena with Neuvillette."

"I know Soutuo City. I never thought such a small place could produce talents like them. We should visit Soutuo City when we have the chance."

Oscar wanted to mention that they also hailed from Soutuo City but decided against it. Comparisons can be unflattering, and claiming they were from Soutuo City might invite skepticism.

Time passed, and nearly an hour later, it was finally Tang San and the others' turn. With so many participants and dozens of sub-areas operating simultaneously, it took two hours before their names were called.

"Please proceed to the No. 1 Main Soul Arena."

"Will Thousand Hands Asura and Evil Fire Phoenix please proceed to the main arena for the first fight?"

Tang San and Ma Hongjun were stunned. Those code names belonged to them: Thousand Hands Asura and Evil Fire Phoenix.

They were paired together because, over the past year, Ma Hongjun had reached the 30th level and obtained his third soul ring.

As everyone aged a year since the last annual meeting, Tang San's desire for revenge grew. He couldn't forget Ma Hongjun's betrayal and the burning of Little San. Normally, he wouldn't seek revenge, but the ring was different. In the ring, soul techniques were blind, and hidden weapons showed no mercy.

Today, Tang San was ready to seek vengeance, even if it meant being disqualified for foul play or ending his winning streak.

Seeing the murderous intent in Tang San's eyes, Ma Hongjun felt a chill down his spine and a coldness in his third limb.

"Damn, Tang San wouldn't openly seek revenge, would he?" Ma Hongjun thought, realizing the possibility for the first time.

If it were merely a contest of martial souls, Ma Hongjun might have a 90% chance of victory, even with a soul power level slightly lower than Tang San's, thanks to the fiery attributes of his plant-based martial soul.

However, Tang San is no ordinary opponent; his true strength lies not in his martial soul but in his arsenal of hidden weapons.

"What should I do?" Ma Hongjun pondered, knowing full well the proverbial tiger lay in wait on the mountain, yet he was inclined to approach it head-on. It was simply in his nature.

An idea suddenly sparked in Ma Hongjun's mind, and with a gleam in his eye, he challenged Tang San: "Tang San, I dare you to fight me openly and honestly, without using your hidden weapons."

"I'm aware that if you resort to your concealed weapons, I stand no chance. I'd rather withdraw from the ring than face such a defeat."

"If you swear on your martial spirit not to use hidden weapons, then I will engage in battle with you."

Ma Hongjun was no fool; he knew that if Tang San took such an oath on his martial spirit, he would be bound by it.

Little did he know, he was asking to keep oath to a most hypocrite person...

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