As the saying goes, snakes have their paths, and rats have theirs. Ye Wen and his companions couldn't possibly keep an eye on the Absolute Offense and Defense duo 24/7. Moreover, their striking appearances made them easily noticeable even when hiding in the shadows, leaving them prone to exposure.
Such was the burden of being handsome or beautiful.
Thus, Ye Wen enlisted the help of local shopkeepers, instructing them to hire ordinary civilians without soul power to discreetly follow the Absolute Offense and Defense team.
Additionally, Ye Wen preferred not to act directly if possible. He also tasked the Huo family and some noble connections to investigate Sinael's background.
With a similar physique, martial soul, and soul skills, Ye Wen found it hard to believe that Sinael had no connection to the human traffickers who had once attacked him and the young miss.
However, after days of idle observation, Ye Wen realized he wouldn't need to act himself.
A person always left traces in this world. Even though "Sinael" sounded like a Western name with no family lineage attached, a thorough investigation would inevitably uncover something.
One day, as Ye Wen was about to participate in a doubles match with Huo Yu'er, news finally arrived from the Huo family.
"Young Master, after verification, this Sinael does indeed have ties to the group that attempted to attack you and the young miss. They were once part of the now-defunct baronial family Bigertal. However, most members of this family turned to human trafficking, dispersing across different provinces of the Tiandou Empire with little contact between them, making it difficult to trace them at first.
Last year, due to our crackdown, Sinael sensed trouble and fled to the Balak Kingdom.
Young Master, how do you wish to handle this person?" the messenger asked softly.
With the booming success of the pharmacy business, Ye Wen's status within the Huo family had risen significantly. Huo Rui had even instructed the family to address Ye Wen as "Young Master" to further strengthen their bond.
At this moment, Ye Wen's gaze turned cold. Reporting him to the authorities was out of the question.
Whether under Balak's laws or the Tiandou Empire's, soul masters rarely faced capital punishment, even for crimes like human trafficking. At most, they'd be conscripted into military service for a few years to serve the Imperial family.
Having suffered as an orphan, Ye Wen harbored a deep hatred for human traffickers.
"Find an opportunity to eliminate him," Ye Wen said coldly.
Feuds among soul masters were common. As long as it didn't involve major families or sects, even the imperial families of various nations couldn't be bothered to intervene.
Ye Wen had no interest in torturing anyone. Such scum deserved to die quickly and descend into hell.
"Yes," the subordinate replied before promptly leaving.
With one troublesome matter resolved, Ye Wen exhaled softly.
Yet, thinking about the existence of such individuals, Ye Wen couldn't shake off his unease.
At this moment, Huo Yu'er gently patted Ye Wen's shoulder and comforted him. "It's our turn to fight. I'll leave the main offense to you this time—go ahead and vent."
"Mm," Ye Wen nodded and stepped out of the contestant room.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to this thrilling Spirit Arena stage! Tonight's first round will also be the first two-on-two battle.
First, let us welcome the Wen-Yu Duo!
The members of the Wen-Yu Duo are Mr. Ye Wen, who possesses a unique summoning martial soul, with a cultivation level of Soul Elder and a soul power rank of 34.
And Miss Huo Yu'er, who possesses a rare Eye-type Body martial soul, also a Soul Elder with a soul power rank of 35!"
As the two youthful figures appeared on the arena stage, the audience erupted in excitement. It was clear to everyone that these two were undisputed prodigies.
Such individuals were highly sought-after in the Spirit Arena. Their youth, wealth, and strength made them incredibly attractive.
Many female spectators cheered wildly, declaring their desire to bear Ye Wen's children, which made him feel somewhat awkward. Seeing Ye Wen remain unfazed, Huo Yu'er smirked contentedly.
Though her next move was somewhat petty, Huo Yu'er draped her arm over Ye Wen's shoulder, asserting her claim as the leading lady!
This infuriated many love-struck female spectators, who began cursing loudly from the stands, demanding she step aside and let them take her place.
There were even some nauseatingly eccentric men dressed in bizarre outfits making similar remarks. If not for the ongoing match, Ye Wen might have slapped them twice just to teach them a lesson.
But after a moment's thought, Ye Wen decided against it, feeling it would only reward their absurd behavior.
Out of sight, out of mind!
Meanwhile, the commentator introduced the other side—a familiar face to Ye Wen.
Dai Mu Bai and Oscar.
Dai Mu Bai was at level 37, while Oscar was at level 31. Though their primary combat strength rested solely on Dai Mu Bai, their higher average soul power (a full rank above Ye Wen and Huo Yu'er) and top-tier martial souls made the outcome of this battle uncertain, leaving the audience guessing.
However, Ye Wen subtly pulled his shoulder away and adjusted his clothing.
An uncertain outcome? Not a chance!
After all, neither his Nana martial soul nor Huo Yu'er's awakened Spiritual Eyes martial soul could be compared to the mere Evil Eye White Tiger martial soul.
Even with Oscar's Food God martial soul boosting them, it wouldn't make a difference.
Unless they could perform a soul fusion skill with Zhu Zhuqing, achieving perfect synchronization to significantly enhance their power and create an overwhelming advantage.
"Both sides, prepare yourselves!" the referee called out.
Without hesitation, the four combatants on the arena instantly summoned their soul rings.
Seeing that both teams displayed yellow and purple soul rings, the audience erupted once again.
These four were all high-quality prodigies with optimal soul ring configurations—a rare sight in the Spirit Arena, making this a high-caliber match.
"Oh, interesting. Boy, dare you fight me in a real man-to-man battle?"
Dai Mu Bai, riding high on his recent winning streak, taunted Ye Wen confidently.
Fortunately, thanks to Zhu Zhuqing's presence, Dai Mu Bai wasn't as verbally reckless as he had been in the original storyline, avoiding Ye Wen's sore spots. Thus, Ye Wen simply planned to give him a good beating.
Holding his Nana martial soul in his hand, Ye Wen calmly responded, "A crude provocation. But for this match, I alone will suffice. Bring it on."
Since his return from training, Dai Mu Bai hadn't encountered such an arrogant opponent. Furious yet amused, he sneered.
"Don't get too cocky, kid. There's at least a three-level gap in soul power between us. Beg now, and I might go easy on you later."
But Ye Wen's eyes turned icy cold. Trash was still trash, spouting vulgarities like "your lordship" at every turn.
"You're right about one thing—it's not too late to beg for mercy now," Ye Wen retorted sharply.
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