Martial Arts Field. Over a hundred disciples were gathered around.
On the stage, two Soul Ancestors were fighting. And the one acting as referee was Lu Feng's acquaintance—Soul Douluo, Gu Lin.
Lu Feng and Ning Ya's arrival immediately attracted a large number of gazes.
"Damn, who is that guy? How is he walking so close to my goddess Ning!" a tall, thin Soul Master exclaimed.
"Beanpole, she's clearly my goddess!" a chubby Soul Master next to him said with a frown.
"Fatty, are you missing a brain? Our goddess is being stolen away right now."
Lu Feng ignored the gossip of the peanut gallery and turned his gaze to the spirit battle stage.
On the stage, the Soul Ancestor with the sword Martial Soul was exactly level 41, six or seven soul power levels lower than his opponent. However, he was relying on his exquisite sword skills to suppress the other Soul Master, who used a staff.
The disciples of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, whether in Martial Soul quality or combat skills, were a big step above ordinary Soul Masters. This could be seen from the color of the fragments dropping on the stage.
Most were yellow or purple quality, with one or two black ones mixed in.
With a thought, Lu Feng collected the dozen or so fragments from the spirit battle stage.
[Obtained Yellow Martial Soul [Refined Steel Staff] Fragment *1]
[Obtained Purple Martial Soul [Whirlwind Sword] Fragment *1]
[Obtained Black Skill [Yi Sword Technique] Fragment *1]
The battle between the two Soul Masters quickly reached a conclusion. The Soul Master with the sword Martial Soul won against a higher-ranked opponent.
Gu Lin cleared his throat and announced loudly, "Soul Ancestor Challenge, Match 32. The winner is Lin Feng. The winner and loser will swap rankings."
As his voice fell, the field immediately erupted in cheers.
Seeming to notice Lu Feng's interest in the ranking matches, Ning Ya spoke softly, "The clan encourages the disciples to cultivate. We use a ranking model similar to the Great Spirit Arena, and hold a major competition once every year."
Lu Feng looked at the cheering crowd and nodded. "Youth is certainly full of vitality."
"Haha." Ning Ya couldn't help but cover her mouth and giggle. "Big Brother said you're not even fifteen, yet you act so mature."
Lu Feng smiled. Having navigated the Soul Master world for years, he was a seasoned veteran. In his eyes, these clan disciples all exuded a kind of clear-eyed stupidity.
At this moment, the fat Soul Master walked up to Lu Feng, a faint soul power emanating from his body.
"This brother, I wonder what your cultivation level is? And your rank in the clan?" the fatty said loudly.
As soon as his voice fell, the surrounding people's gazes immediately turned over.
Lu Feng walking so close to Ning Ya had long incited the dissatisfaction of a large group of 'competitors', who wished they could take his place.
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's challenge matches were not divided by rank; all disciples were on a unified ranking. This meant that Soul Elder-level disciples could challenge Soul Ancestors, or even Soul Kings.
"Look, it's Senior Brother Wang Gang, ranked twenty-eighth."
"Senior Brother Wang Gang is at level 47 soul power, and his Martial Soul is 'Fat Tiger'. Now we've got a good show to watch."
Lu Feng waved his hand. "Brother Fat Tiger, I am not a disciple of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan."
His eyes darted, and a cunning smile touched his lips. "However, I love making friends. Brother Fat Tiger, why don't we 'compare notes' to build our friendship?"
Just as Wang Gang was about to agree, a hearty laugh rang out from the crowd. "Haha, Brother Lu Feng, it really is you!"
Lu Feng looked in the direction of the voice and saw Chen Chen parting the crowd and walking toward him.
When the fatty saw this, he immediately and respectfully cupped his hands toward Chen Chen. "Greetings, Senior Brother Chen."
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan encouraged competition between disciples. The 'seniority' ranking was not based on age or time of entry, but on the order of the ranking matches.
Of course, auxiliary-type Soul Masters had a separate list.
"Brother Chen, it's been a while." Lu Feng cupped his fists.
"Hahaha, our battle that day was left undecided. I was just thinking of inviting you to the clan as a guest. I didn't expect us to meet again so soon," Chen Chen said loudly.
Chen Chen cupped his hands toward Gu Lin on the stage, then continued, "Brother Lu Feng, our last spar was not satisfying. There's no time like the present. Why don't we take this opportunity to have another spar, what do you say?"
As his voice fell, a new wave of whispers erupted from the surroundings.
Who was Chen Chen?
In the last few ranking competitions, Chen Chen had taken the top spot every time. He was publicly acknowledged as the 'Eldest Senior Brother' of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's younger generation.
His soul power had already reached level 52, and he was just over twenty years old.
And this person in front of them could actually fight Senior Brother Chen Chen to a draw?
Wang Gang had already retreated into the crowd. He stroked his chin, sizing up Lu Feng. This person looks unremarkable, but if you look closely, there seems to be a hidden domineering aura between his brows.
"Hiss~!"
The fatty sucked in a cold breath. "Looking at his age, he's definitely not over twenty. Could he be another Soul King expert?"
Hearing this, his tall, thin companion mocked, "Fatty, I think you're just scared."
"Beanpole, you're full of shit!"
The sun sank in the west, dyeing the horizon orange-red.
The spectator stands around the martial arts stage were already full. Not only clan disciples, but many elders were also paying attention to this spirit battle.
Everyone in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan knew Chen Chen's name.
An opponent he valued so highly must also be an expert.
Everyone was exceptionally excited. They began rubbing their hands together, unable to contain their fighting spirit.
Everyone, that is, except Gu Lin.
He had been present for their entire battle last time. He had even intervened at the end to stop their clash of soul power.
In his heart, he wasn't sure who was stronger or weaker between the two now.
But the key was, Lu Feng currently only had the cultivation of a Soul Ancestor, and he was not yet fifteen.
So be it. Let these little whelps see what 'there's always someone better' truly means. Gu Lin looked at the excited crowd and sighed inwardly.
Gu Lin was generally very satisfied with this generation of disciples.
It's just that some of them have been in the clan for so long. The glory of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan has blinded them.
"Who do you guys think is stronger, Senior Brother Chen Chen or that guy?" the fat Soul Master rubbed his hands, his face beaming with an excited smile.
Hearing this, the tall, thin Soul Master couldn't help but grin. "Is that even a question? It's definitely Senior Brother Chen Chen. His self-created 'Gale Sword Technique' was even praised by Elder Jian."
Just as the crowd was waiting for the spirit battle to begin, three figures appeared on the viewing platform of a tall building in the distance.
The three were precisely Clan Master Ning Fengzhi, Sword Douluo Chen Xin, and Bone Douluo Gu Rong.
"Uncle Jian, who do you think will win between these two?" Ning Fengzhi asked doubtfully.
Chen Xin pondered for a moment. "If they were the same age, Lu Feng would win. But their soul power difference is a full major realm, and Chen'er has already begun cultivating the 'Heart Sword'. This battle... it will be difficult for Lu Feng."
"Hmph, I, on the other hand, am more optimistic about that kid, Lu Feng," the Bone Douluo snorted coldly, saying mockingly. "Since you're supporting your 'grandson', I'll just have to support the other one."
Chen Xin glanced at him and said indifferently, "Bone, how about we make a bet? You can name the stakes."
Unexpectedly, Gu Rong immediately shook his head. "Hmph, you sword-maniac. It's not that easy to take advantage of me. A bet is fine, but I'm betting on that kid Chen Chen to win."
"You old reprobate. No wonder you're so old and still can't break through to level 96."
"You sword-maniac, I'll fight you!"
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(Author: Chen Xin's age and level settings are based on the manhua.)