Chapter 358: Ice and Fire, Two Extremes
The Contract Soul Master Tournament entered its second day. After the first round of battles, the original 100 participants had been reduced to 50. The audience arrived early once again, their enthusiasm undiminished, their excitement only growing stronger. The previous day had given them a thrilling spectacle, and unlike traditional Spirit Arena matches where battles were strictly between humans these fights featured soul masters working in tandem with their soul beasts, making them far more novel and engaging. No recorded video could match the thrill of witnessing these battles in person.
Beyond the novelty of the Contract Soul Master system, another factor fueled the spectators' fervor: the presence of deities among them. Watching a tournament alongside gods made them feel as if they were part of something truly prestigious. This was far more powerful than mere celebrity influence.
The remaining 50 contestants were divided into 25 matchups. At the center of the arena, six combat platforms rose from the ground. Today's matches required only four rounds, and due to the odd number of participants, a seventh platform would be added in the final round.
As the first matches began and lots were drawn, six groups of contestants stepped onto their respective platforms.
In the VIP section, Ye Cheng's attention was drawn to one particular stage. The reason was simple: both competitors were students of White Cloud Academy, and as he recalled, they were close friends. He hadn't expected them to face off so soon, before even reaching the finals.
On Platform 6, two young women, polar opposites in both appearance and aura, stood several meters apart, silently locking eyes.
Everything about them contrasted starkly.
The woman on the left had striking red hair, fiery crimson eyes, and was dressed in a vibrant red outfit. Her entire presence exuded a burning intensity, like a living embodiment of fire itself.
The woman on the right was the complete opposite. Her icy blue hair, cold sapphire eyes, and pale blue attire gave off a frosty aura. She carried herself with an aloof elegance, as if she existed in a world of perpetual winter, keeping others at a distance.
[Contestants, take your positions!]
[The match is about to begin!]
A commanding voice echoed from above.
[Ready…]
[Begin!!]
As the match officially started, the two women did not rush into combat like the others. Instead, they casually began chatting.
"Ice, I didn't expect us to face each other so soon. I thought we'd at least meet in tomorrow's finals." The fiery haired woman, Huo Wu, sighed as she looked at her close friend, Shui Bing'er. "Looks like this is where your journey ends."
"Xiao Wu, don't be so sure of yourself. You won't know who will win until we actually fight." Shui Bing'er responded with a gentle smile, her cold demeanor momentarily melting into warmth, creating a striking contrast.
The two weren't just classmates they were best friends. Despite competing against each other, there was no hostility between them, only a friendly rivalry.
By their sides, each had a small soul beast companion.
Huo Wu's partner was a beautiful crimson feathered firebird. The majestic crest on its head hinted at the presence of phoenix blood in its lineage, signifying immense potential and a powerful bloodline.
Shui Bing'er's soul beast, in contrast, was a white furred, blue eyed cat. At first glance, it appeared to be nothing more than a cute pet. But anyone who underestimated it would be making a grave mistake.
"Alright, enough chit chat. Let's begin!"
With that, Huo Wu made her move.
A deafening boom erupted as blazing flames ignited across the platform. Half of the stage was instantly consumed by an intense crimson glow, the temperature skyrocketing. Around her, two purple and three black spirit rings materialized, marking her as a powerful spirit master. One of her rings flickered as she activated a soul skill.
Fire elements from the air rapidly gathered, forming countless embers that coalesced into fiery spheres.
Then, in an instant, these fiery orbs surged toward her phoenix blooded firebird.
Golden red light radiated outward as the energy fused with the small firebird. With a resounding cry, flames erupted from its body, and it began to transform. The creature's elegant feathers extended, its form lengthening, its aura intensifying within moments, the once small firebird had become a mighty, blazing phoenix.
Clearly, Huo Wu's soul skill temporarily awakened the phoenix bloodline within her partner, drastically enhancing its power.
"Go, Xiao Hong!"
With a flick of her wrist, Huo Wu commanded her phoenix, which let out a piercing screech before soaring into the sky. Wreathed in flames hot enough to distort the air, it circled above, then unleashed a torrent of fire down upon Shui Bing'er.
The platform's temperature surged.
For someone like Shui Bing'er, whose abilities revolved around ice, this was an incredibly disadvantageous situation.
Yet, she remained unshaken.
Her spirit rings two purple, three black flashed as she activated her own skills. A serene blue glow enveloped her, and a protective ice crystal barrier formed around her body. Behind her, a spectral image of a great icy bird appeared it was her martial soul, the Ice Phoenix.
"Xiao Bai, let's begin."
As soon as she spoke, her white furred feline companion shimmered with energy. A series of blue ripples spread outward, and moisture in the air condensed at an alarming rate. Within seconds, dark clouds gathered above the arena, perfectly covering the stage.
Raindrops, as large as beans, began to fall.
A torrential downpour descended, quenching the incoming flames, restoring the balance of elements, and rapidly cooling the arena.
But the phoenix in the sky refused to allow its fire to be extinguished so easily.
With another piercing cry, it dove into the storm clouds, its blazing form evaporating the moisture upon contact. The artificial rain clouds quickly began to dissipate.
Shui Bing'er's brows furrowed slightly. The icy blue energy surrounding her surged toward her feline companion, merging their energies. Instantly, Xiao Bai let out a sharp cry, and its glowing aura intensified.
The rain clouds, which had nearly vanished, suddenly reformed, denser and stronger than before.
And so, the battle escalated.
One side continuously conjured flames to incinerate the clouds, while the other summoned rain to suppress the fire.
A fierce struggle between two opposing elements.
It was truly fascinating two individuals with such contrasting abilities, somehow becoming the closest of friends.
(End of Chapter)
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