Fate is a wondrous thing!
One-on-one Soul Battles are decided by drawing lots; everything is random. After Xiang Chengxian, another round of competition took place.
The third round was between Ma Hongjun and Dai Mubai. They were still in a cold war, so whether a fight at this time was good or bad was uncertain.
After the host announced the arrival of the two Great Soul Masters, Dai Mubai walked onto the Soul Battle stage with a cold expression, a hint of anticipation in his eyes.
Ma Hongjun reluctantly followed, hesitating whether to hold back, and also… Upon
entering the arena, Dai Mubai immediately activated his Martial Soul, not intending to speak to Ma Hongjun at all. He was like a resentful woman finally finding an opportunity to vent her anger.
"Mubai, you can't secretly use needles on me, you know. I have needles too." Ma Hongjun felt he should speak up first, just in case Dai Mubai couldn't vent his resentment and, in desperation, resorted to using needles.
Ma Hongjun's words only fueled Dai Mubai's frenzy upon hearing about the needle, his long, sharp tiger claws lashing out in succession.
He remained remarkably silent, his eyes cold, yet his attacks were deliberate, cautious, and earnest.
Ma Hongjun also summoned his Dragon Soul Spear, clearly indicating Dai Mubai's intention to engage in a serious battle.
When Ma Hongjun unleashed the Dragon Soul Spear, the yellow and purple spirit rings instantly illuminated the entire arena, stunning the audience. Some, slower to react, gasped in astonishment after being alerted by those nearby.
The host, in particular, raised his voice, his surprised screams echoing throughout the hall.
"My God, what am I seeing? This is a miracle in the Spirit World! Ma Hongjun, a Great Spirit Master with the Silver Spear Spirit, actually possessed a thousand-year spirit ring in his second spirit ring!
I'm getting more and more excited for this Spirit Battle. Let's see what kind of exciting battle this genius-level Spirit Master will bring us!"
The audience's attention quickly focused on Ma Hongjun. The Dragon Soul Spear darted back and forth in Ma Hongjun's hands, his skillful moves flowing smoothly like water, making it very entertaining to watch.
Dai Mubai's eyes darted around, his pupils emitting white light as he focused intently on the battle, his eyes only on Ma Hongjun.
In his eyes, Ma Hongjun's movements slowed down. He could quickly deduce Ma Hongjun's next move, and coupled with his familiarity with Ma Hongjun's moves from regular practice, he skillfully deflected many of Ma Hongjun's attacks.
"You've improved, Mubai!"
Dai Mubai remained silent, pondering Ma Hongjun's moves while trying to find a way to counter them.
Ma Hongjun's spear was too fast and had too much penetrating power. You had to dodge it whenever possible, otherwise, a single stab would leave a small hole.
In a pure martial soul power contest, beast martial souls are generally stronger than weapon martial souls, especially top-tier beast martial souls like the White Tiger. However, this didn't apply to Ma Hongjun.
Years of training had made Ma Hongjun's strength comparable to Dai Mubai's, and coupled with his mastery of the three spear techniques, even Zhao Wuji was somewhat helpless in a pure martial soul battle, let alone Dai Mubai. After
experiencing the difference in martial soul power, Dai Mubai used his first soul skill:
White Tiger Protective Shield.
This soul skill enhanced both his physical defense and power, allowing him to counterattack against the Dragon Soul Spear in its pure martial soul state without needing to be so careful in dodging.
Ma Hongjun was also very serious; he seemed to have no need to hold back. As long as he didn't unleash an overwhelming burst of power, at this level of combat intensity, Dai Mubai didn't seem to be at a disadvantage.
Ma Hongjun understood Dai Mubai's attitude. He genuinely wanted to test his strength and see the gap between himself and Ma Hongjun. His cautious and aggressive fighting style left no room for Ma Hongjun to hold back; unless Ma Hongjun used a thousand-year soul skill,
he couldn't possibly defeat him instantly. Ma Hongjun also understood Ma Hongjun; Ma Hongjun certainly wouldn't defeat him in such a humiliating way. Therefore, this battle was worthwhile, and Ma Hongjun was the perfect opponent for testing his strength.
Ma Hongjun could also see that since Dai Mubai's eyes had fully mutated, his combat abilities had greatly improved. Coupled with his focus on enhancing his strength, his progress was rapid, thanks to his excellent talent.
Xiang Chengxian watched Dai Mubai's performance with satisfaction; her plan to raise a cute boy was beginning to bear fruit.
However, Ma Hongjun and Dai Mubai gave her a strange feeling; she felt they were more like a couple, bickering and arguing all the time. Compared to them, her relationship with Dai Mubai seemed too bland.
Looking at the arena again, with her understanding and keen eyesight, she could clearly see that Ma Hongjun was cooperating with Dai Mubai to unleash his true strength. This surprised her somewhat; Ma Hongjun, who usually trained like a devil and fought like a lone wolf, with his flamboyant style, actually had such a considerate and attentive side.
She had initially thought that the two of them, currently in a cold war, would likely lose control in a fight, and she worried that Dai Mubai would be humiliated.
It seemed she still didn't understand the emotions between men.
Dai Mubai's attacks became increasingly fierce, and his ability to find openings and weaknesses was exceptionally strong. Even Ma Hongjun's flawless, complete spear technique combo was interrupted by him.
This forced Ma Hongjun to pay even closer attention. A serious Dai Mubai's strength exceeded his expectations. If it weren't for the power of the Dragon Soul Spear and the agility of the Hundred Birds Playing with the Phoenix Movement, Ma Hongjun, with only his proficiency in the Ma Family Spear Technique and the Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix Spear, wouldn't have gained the upper hand against him.
Ma Hongjun also discovered that the forbidden pupils emitted an eerie white light that would unconsciously distract him, somewhat like a bewitching effect. Although not very strong, it was enough to affect his combat.
Dai Mubai, who had been holding back his anger, began to release it. His second spirit ring lit up, and the White Tiger Blazing Light Wave was activated.
This powerful attack wave was difficult to defend against. His timing was perfect, clearly premeditated. He launched it while Ma Hongjun was airborne, preventing him from using any movement techniques to change position. Upon landing, Ma Hongjun could only take the hit head-on.
The powerful shockwave, if it hit, would be enough to defeat Ma Hongjun.
"He still wants to win?"
"Impossible, little brother!"
Ma Hongjun had indeed underestimated Dai Mubai. Without his thousand-year soul ring skill, he would have truly been defeated by this White Tiger Blazing Light Wave.
It seems that Dai Mubai's combat ability, aided by his Spirit Eye, is now approaching Ma Hongjun's. Without his thousand-year soul skill, Dai Mubai might actually be able to defeat Ma Hongjun.
"Explode!"
The Dragon Soul Spear shot out, its powerful force gathering at the tip and exploding in the air.
The white shockwave collided with the force of the explosion at the spear tip, creating a horizontal gust of wind centered on the arena.
Several women in short skirts in the audience had their skirts blown up by the strong wind, revealing glimpses of their underwear and causing them to scream in surprise.
"Wow! Boss Dai has improved so much! He actually managed to force Hong Jun to use his second soul skill.
Those two are too strong!"
Oscar looked on with envy, but his eyes held a hint of disappointment. This was the tragedy of support-type soul masters; they could never possess such power. They were born to be supporting characters, mere foils.
The power unleashed had reached the level of a Soul Master, igniting the atmosphere and sparking heated discussions. This battle was truly spectacular, not as one-sided as expected.
The blond man with the White Tiger Martial Soul, who had initially been overlooked, had brought so many surprises. His superb combat skills and well-prepared strategy demonstrated his complete control over the battle.
Although the outcome might not change, this reversal was enough to prove his strength, judgment, composure, and wisdom.
The battle continued, but after Dai Mubai's strongest attack failed, he had no more chances.
"You're not even using needles!"
"Hmph!"
"You think I'm like you!
You won, but I forced out your thousand-year soul skill!"
"Oh, you're willing to talk to me now!"
"Hmph!"
"Why don't you use needles to prick me!"
"Do you really want to be pricked?"
"Of course not, but I always feel like you'll prick me back, so I have to be careful!"
"I won't prick you, it hurts!"
"You feel sorry for me!" "Get lost
!"