"The Seven-in-One Fusion Technique, due to the inconsistency of martial soul attributes, requires that one soul master be able to bear the special soul power of the others."
"If there's no such soul master, then it can only be used among those with similar martial souls. This technique is perfect for armies and low-level soul masters."
"But Master Xiao Yan's method is to find compatible soul power attributes among soul masters. For example, metal generates water, so the soul power of a martial soul user with a metal-type weapon can enhance that of a water-attribute soul master, and water in turn nourishes wood…"
"Master Xiao Yan has blended other theories into the Seven-in-One Fusion Technique. In fact, this Five Elements theory could stand alone as a separate paper."
Inside a tavern in Heaven Dou City, several soul masters discussed the latest issue of the Martial Soul Gazette.
"Hey? I'm a water-attribute soul master, and aren't you a metal martial soul user? Why don't we try a Two-in-One Fusion Technique?"
"Sure, sure, let's try it right now."
The surrounding soul masters egged them on, and the two were just about to head out of the tavern to test the method described in the paper.
From afar, Xiao Lin's group of four happened to be passing by, watching with curiosity.
"Brother Lin, impressive—you even published this kind of paper."
Tang San, watching the successful execution of a Two-in-One Fusion Technique in the distance, couldn't help but praise Xiao Lin.
If it were him, he would never have made such a technique public.
Wouldn't it be better saved for the Tang Sect?
"This is nothing, really. It's only useful for low-level soul masters."
Xiao Lin chuckled and shook his head. He had no intention of joining any faction—whether he published or not didn't matter to him.
For soul masters like Xiao Lin and his companions, whose soul power attributes were too unique, such techniques were useless anyway.
Besides, Xiao Lin hadn't published the methods for Two-in-One Soul Ring Fusion or Martial Soul Fusion Techniques.
Publishing these simpler techniques and theories was also useful for him—it could help him gather so-called power of faith in the future.
"Mm, you're right, Brother Lin."
Tang San nodded in agreement.
Xiao Wu, as usual, paid no mind, happily munching on her candied hawthorns.
Only Tang Ni kept glancing at Xiao Lin with an odd expression.
So Xiao Lin was really Xiao Yan all along…
"Third Brother, where are we going to play later?"
Xiao Wu suddenly asked curiously. Heaven Dou City was vast, but it didn't have many entertainment spots.
"Let's go to the Soul Arena," Tang Ni suddenly suggested.
Back in the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, they couldn't make too much noise, and Xiao Lin never sparred with her. The Soul Arena was the only thing she could think of.
"But in the Soul Arena, they won't even be our match."
Tang San frowned. Their strength was such that not even Soul Kings could guarantee victory over them, let alone the average fighters in the arena.
And besides, Soul Arena fighters rarely had powerful martial souls—unless they ran into prodigies like Yu Tianheng's generation.
"And our martial souls are very distinctive. Others would notice right away."
Tang San voiced his concern again.
"What if we try two-on-two or three-on-three, but with restrictions? Like only letting one person fight, or forbidding martial soul use altogether."
Xiao Lin's mischievous mind suddenly lit up with a crafty idea.
"But even if we win, our age won't match up."
Tang San hesitated, still reluctant.
"What's the problem? We'll just disguise ourselves as adults."
Xiao Wu's eyes lit up. Pretending to be adults sounded fun.
She then smiled slyly. "I'll pair with Third Brother as the 'San-Wu Couple,' the San-Wu duo. Brother Lin, you and Sister Tang Ni can be the other pair."
Her true intent slipped out quickly—clinging to Tang San's arm with affection in her eyes.
"Hiss!?"
"…That might work."
Xiao Lin nodded firmly, then turned to look at Tang Ni.
"Alright," Tang Ni agreed readily, without hesitation.
"Wait a moment, let me do some makeup for you to look like adults. Oh, and do you need weapons?"
Tang San, seeing no way out, reluctantly agreed and asked the others.
"No need, this staff will do."
Xiao Lin pulled out his vibrating staff.
"My fists are enough."
Tang Ni replied calmly.
"I'll just kick those soul masters apart."
Xiao Wu grinned.
With that settled, Tang San led them into a quiet alley and gave everyone disguises.
When they emerged, Tang San and Xiao Wu looked like a mature couple, radiating the aura of husband and wife.
Xiao Lin and Tang Ni also looked convincing—Xiao Lin's golden hair and square face gave him the appearance of a middle-aged man, while Tang Ni's straight black hair, styled like a married lady, framed her beauty elegantly.
Together, they made their way quickly to the Heaven Dou Soul Arena, completing registration and verification.
They each received an Iron Soul Fighting Badge, laughing and chatting as they entered the two-versus-two waiting area.
"Soul Sect powerhouse, terrifying indeed."
Tang San laughed at Xiao Lin's chosen alias on the roster.
Hearing his teasing, Xiao Lin retorted, "My name's better than yours! 'Thousand-Hand Shura'—do you really look like a mature adult?"
He was smug—he had spent a whole two and a half minutes brainstorming the perfect codename.
It had to avoid childishness but still sound like a seasoned adult.
He had originally wanted to use "Flame Emperor," but in the end settled on "Soul Sect Powerhouse," which he thought was flawless.
Beside them, Tang Ni scratched her head awkwardly.
Xiao Lin… was really too immature. How was "Soul Sect Powerhouse" supposed to sound mature?
As the group bantered, their turn came.
"Will the 'Destiny Duo' please proceed to the preparation zone. The next match is about to begin."
Hearing the announcer, Xiao Lin and Tang Ni quickly headed over.
"Xiao Lin, how should we handle this?" Tang Ni whispered, asking whether he wanted to do one-versus-two or two-versus-two.
After a brief pause, Xiao Lin muttered, "Let's do two-on-two first. After all, we're not using martial souls."
"I'll take the left, you take the right," Tang Ni replied, clenching her fists.
This time, their martial souls had been disguised—Xiao Lin as a fire-element user, Tang Ni as a gold-element user.
They would rely only on basic soul power attacks, and so they picked element-based names that seemed convincing.
"As long as we don't run into Xiao San and the others, after this warm-up, maybe we can try one-versus-two."
Xiao Lin said lightly.
Soon, the announcer's voice rang out again.
"Destiny Duo versus Wind Claw Duo—please enter the arena immediately."
"Destiny Duo versus Wind Claw Duo—please enter the arena immediately."
…
At the call, Xiao Lin and Tang Ni strode quickly out of the preparation zone. Beyond the gate, the view opened up—an arena even larger than the one used by the Emperor Team, surrounded by throngs of spectators.
"Damn."
Seeing the crowd, Xiao Lin sighed.
Tang Ni glanced at him in puzzlement.
"I forgot to bet on us winning," Xiao Lin said regretfully, though his tone was light and carefree.
His casual words instantly infuriated their opponents.
"You dare underestimate us!?"
Across the arena, a pair of burly twin brothers glared at them viciously, voices booming with rage.
"Brother, let's show them our strength!"
"Right, little brother!"
(End of Chapter)