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After safely storing their carriage at a stable in the city, the Huang Dou Battle Team headed directly to a hotel near the Great Spirit Arena in Soto City to check in.
In the hotel lobby, Qin Ming clapped his hands gently, the crisp sound instantly drawing everyone's attention. He scanned the group, speaking gently yet with authority, "It's still early, so you can move freely around the city and get to know the local customs of Soto City." He paused, then added seriously, "Remember, be sure to gather at the Great Spirit Arena on time tonight."
"Understood!" everyone responded in unison, their voices echoing through the hotel lobby.
Yu Feng exaggeratedly bowed, then, with a flicker of his body, vanished like the wind around the street corner. Feng Xiao looked in the direction he departed, wondering, "Where is Yu Feng rushing off to? He ran faster than the wind."
Dugu Yan rolled her eyes in annoyance, "Where else could that playboy go?" She delicately brushed a strand of hair from her temple. "He's probably off to flirt with some noble young lady again."
Feng Xiao immediately understood. At this moment, Oslo, who preferred quiet, nodded slightly and returned to his room alone; the Shi Brothers scratched their heads Honestly, and walked towards the hotel restaurant together.
Just as Dugu Yan was about to call Feng Xiao and Ye Lingling to go shopping together, Yu Tianheng's voice suddenly came from behind her:
"Yanzi." He stood three steps away, his fingertips unconsciously rubbing his sleeve. "Can we talk alone? There are some things… I want to tell you in person." His voice carried a rare hesitation.
Dugu Yan's red lips pressed together slightly. She was about to refuse, but on second thought, perhaps it was time to bring a formal end to that past. She turned to Feng Xiao and softly said, "Little Feng, you and Lingling go explore outside first."
Feng Xiao and Ye Lingling exchanged glances—as top students of Moon Pavilion, they immediately understood. Feng Xiao gave Dugu Yan a knowing look and nodded slightly, then, he and Ye Lingling walked away side by side, leaving the two of them alone.
Yu Tianheng gazed at Dugu Yan's exquisite profile, adorned by the light. His Adam's apple bobbed a few times before he spoke with difficulty, "Yanzi, I've been reflecting during this time… I was too slow, I didn't understand your…"
"Tianheng." Dugu Yan gently interrupted him, her emerald-like eyes reflecting the sunlight. "Let the past be the past. I've thought very clearly these past few days. We are, after all, not on the same path."
Yu Tianheng was eager to explain, but she stopped him with a raised hand. "You never truly understood me," Dugu Yan gently brushed back a strand of hair from her temple, "because you never truly treated me as your fiancée, but rather as a trophy to be contended for."
"It's not like that!" Yu Tianheng's expression changed abruptly, his knuckles cracking. "I just…"
"Just what?" Dugu Yan pressed, looking directly into his eyes. Seeing his silence, she shook her head in disappointment, "See, even you can't explain it clearly. The pride of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon has blinded your heart, you don't even dare to admit—" She leaned in slightly, "You are jealous of Little Feng."
These words struck him like a bolt of lightning. Yu Tianheng staggered back half a step, and after a long silence, he said hoarsely, "Give me another chance, okay, Yanzi…?"
"Over a month of cold treatment," Dugu Yan sneered, "is this your 'sincerity' after weighing everything?" She turned and walked away, her skirt fluttering in the breeze. "Take care, Captain."
Yu Tianheng stood frozen, watching her resolute back, his palm bleeding from where his nails had dug in.
Dusk settled, and the streetlights flickered on. Soto City glowed under the myriad of lights, and the Huang Dou Battle Team gathered as scheduled before the majestic archway of the Great Spirit Arena.
Qin Ming handed the gilded invitation to the approaching attendant, who respectfully bowed and led the way: "Esteemed guests, please follow me."
"Teacher Qin, perhaps I should go to the registration desk first to complete the procedures." Feng Xiao's gentle voice sounded, his slender fingers caressing the ancient zither, Fuxi Zither, in his arms.
Yu Feng, standing nearby, widened his eyes in exaggerated surprise: "No way, Little Feng? You mean you've never been to a Spirit Arena before?"
Feng Xiao smiled calmly, his fingertips gently caressing the zither case: "Conflict easily breeds hostility, which hinders the clarity of the zither heart. Unless necessary, I prefer to make friends through music." He paused, "It's rather embarrassing to say, but I've only had a handful of encounters with others in battle since I began cultivating."
These words made everyone in the Huang Dou Battle Team look incredulous. Yu Feng sighed, rubbing his forehead, "Oh, Little Feng, you're truly wasting your cultivation."
"There are myriad paths, and each has their own enlightenment." Feng Xiao gently caressed the zither, a gentle glow appearing in his eyes. "In my eyes, 'Fuxi Zither' has never been a weapon for defeating enemies…"
Qin Ming asked with interest, "Then what is a Spirit in your heart?"
Feng Xiao held the ancient zither even tighter, his voice a soft murmur: "It is a kindred Spirit, a close friend. What I pursue has never been the path of slaughter, but rather to reach a higher realm together with it. As for those combat techniques…" He smiled faintly, "They are merely extensions of my zither artistry."
Qin Ming was slightly taken aback by these words, a hint of satisfaction appearing in his deep eyes: "Little Feng, it seems you have found your own path." His voice carried the approval unique to a mentor, and a touch of undeniable emotion.
These words caused everyone in the Huang Dou Battle Team to involuntarily fall into contemplation. Yu Feng subconsciously looked at his palm, the fingertips that were constantly enveloped by wind blades now seemed somewhat unfamiliar; Oslo's stern face rarely showed confusion; even the usually steady Shi Brothers couldn't help but exchange glances, seeing the same bewilderment in each other's eyes.
Dugu Yan gently caressed her fingertips, her emerald-like eyes rippling. Ye Lingling quietly gazed at her palm, her lips under the thin veil pressed into a straight line.
—Where is my path?
This thought, like a stone thrown into a lake, stirred ripples in everyone's hearts. Only Feng Xiao, holding the ancient zither Fuxi Zither, had a clear and serene expression.
Before long, Feng Xiao returned gracefully, holding a brand-new Iron Spirit Arena badge. The gleaming badge twirled between his slender fingers, reflecting a cold metallic luster under the lights.
Thus, Feng Xiao began his journey in the Huang Dou Battle Team as a substitute member.
Three days later.
Unexpectedly, after only three team Spirit Arena matches, Qin Ming was shocked to discover that this seemingly gentle and refined young man was like a magical catalyst, causing the entire team's strength to undergo a qualitative leap.
Feng Xiao's unique Spirit ability created an astonishing chemical reaction with the team. Whether Yu Feng needed to accelerate his Raid, or the Shi Brothers needed defensive support, or Dugu Yan needed crowd control coordination, he could always play the zither strings at just the right moment, using his developed abilities to create excellent combat opportunities for his teammates.
"It's simply a puzzle piece tailor-made for Royal Fight, no, a versatile puzzle piece that can work in any team," Qin Ming wrote in his tactical notes. Feng Xiao's addition transformed the already strong Huang Dou Battle Team into a truly fluid and cohesive unit. His seemingly gentle support and control often turned decay into wonder at critical moments, pushing the battle to unexpected directions.
Teamwork has never been a simple matter—it requires years of cultivating tacit understanding, unreserved mutual trust, and deep integration of each other's fighting styles. However, Feng Xiao's appearance rendered these ironclad prerequisites irrelevant.
His unique zither Spirit seemed to be born for teamwork. Feng Xiao could always play the most suitable melody at the most opportune moment. His zither sounds were like invisible ties, perfectly weaving seven distinct notes into a wonderful piece of music.
Even more astonishingly, Feng Xiao seemed to possess an innate tactical intuition. Often, his support would arrive quietly, like spring rain, even before his teammates themselves realized their needs. This almost precognitive coordination ability made the Huang Dou Battle Team's tactical execution flow seamlessly.
When Qin Ming received the battle data again, a strange look flashed across his brows. Dugu Yan, keenly aware of her mentor's unusual solemnity, quietly stepped forward: "Teacher Qin, is there a problem?"
Qin Ming's eyes gleamed, and his slender fingers gently tapped the crystal tabletop: "This time, you are likely to encounter a formidable opponent." He took out a roll of gilded parchment from his In arms and slowly unrolled it, "This is the opponent's data just sent from the City Lord's Mansion."
The Royal Fight members immediately gathered around. Dugu Yan softly read, "'Shrek Seven Devils Team, seven members, unknown origin. Original Iron Spirit Arena badge…'" She couldn't help but frown, "Teacher Qin, how can a mere Iron Spirit Arena team be worthy of fighting us?"
Shrek Seven Devils Team.
Captain: Evil Eyes White Tiger, Spirit: White Tiger, Level 38 attack system Battle Spirit Master. spirit rings: Two yellow, one purple.
Vice Captain: Thousand Hands Asura, Spirit: Blue Silver Grass, Level 32 control system Battle Spirit Master. spirit rings: Two yellow, one purple.
Member: Soft Bones Demon Rabbit, Spirit: Soft Bones Rabbit, Level 31 attack system Battle Spirit Master. spirit rings: Two yellow, one purple.
Member: Evil Fire Phoenix, Spirit: Evil Fire Phoenix, Level 28 attack system Battle Spirit Master. spirit rings: Two yellow.
Member: Sausage Vendor, Spirit: Sausage, Level 31 support system Tool Spirit Master. spirit rings: Two yellow, one purple.
Member: Hell Civet, Spirit: Hell Civet, Level 28 agility-attack system Battle Spirit Master. spirit rings: Two yellow.
Member: Seven Treasure Glazed, Spirit: Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, Level 27 support system Tool Spirit Master. spirit rings: Two yellow.
Qin Ming's fingertip gently tapped the data: "A month ago, they were indeed just Iron Spirit Arena. "His gaze swept over every team member present, "But in just these thirty short days, they completed twenty-seven team Spirit Arena battles—twenty-seven battles, twenty-seven victories." His voice suddenly deepened, "How long did it take you to obtain Silver Spirit Arena qualification? One year."
On the other side.
As Yu Xiaogang, the leader of the Shrek team, carefully perused the Huang Dou Battle Team's data, a fierce fighting Spirit ignited in his sharp eyes. However, when his gaze fell upon the supplementary note at the end of the data, his pupils suddenly constricted, and the parchment in his hand was unconsciously crumpled.
"Level 34?! This is impossible!" Yu Xiaogang's breathing suddenly quickened, his knuckles turning white from excessive force. In a trance, the tender face of a six-year-old child appeared before his eyes.
"Little San absorbed the Man Faced Demon Spider spirit ring, which exceeded his limit, and even obtained the external Spirit Bone Eight Spider Lances, yet he is only Level 32 now…" He stared intently at the numbers on the data, a deep furrow forming between his brows.
The pen tip made chaotic marks on the paper, and Yu Xiaogang rapidly calculated various possibilities: "No… no, no, no. Even with the Heaven Dou Royal Academy's simulated cultivation environment, it's only been a few short months since enrollment…"
But then he sat down dejectedly, crumpling the paper he had just filled with deductions. All hypotheses crumbled under rigorous logical deduction.
Just then, the Shrek Seven Devils arrived one after another at the ready room. Tang San keenly noticed his teacher's unusually grave expression and couldn't help but step forward: "Teacher, what's wrong?"
Yu Xiaogang slowly shook his head, handing over the data in his hand: "First, focus on the current match. Your opponents this time…" He paused, his voice growing more serious, "will be an unprecedentedly tough battle."
As everyone passed around the data, the entire ready room instantly fell silent. Even the usually arrogant Dai Mubai couldn't help but gasp, feeling a chill run up his spine to the back of his neck.
"This is…" When Tang San and Xiao Wu's gazes simultaneously fell on the familiar name at the end of the list, the two exchanged shocked glances. At this moment, Tang San finally understood why his teacher had been so flustered—Feng Xiao, Level 34 control system Spirit Elder, Spirit: Fuxi Zither.
Huang Dou Battle Team, all eight members.
Captain: Yu Tianheng, Spirit: Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon, Level 39 attack system Battle Spirit Master. spirit rings: Two yellow, one purple.
Vice Captain: Dugu Yan, Spirit: Jade Phosphor Serpent, Level 38 control system Battle Spirit Master. spirit rings: Two yellow, one purple.
Member: Stone Ink, Spirit: Black Tortoise, Level 38 defense system Battle Spirit Master. spirit rings: Two yellow, one purple.
Member: Stone Grind, Spirit: Black Tortoise, Level 37 defense system Battle Spirit Master. spirit rings: Two yellow, one purple.
Member: Yu Feng, Spirit: Wind Chime Bird, Level 36 agility-attack system Battle Spirit Master. spirit rings: Two yellow, one purple.
Member: Oslo, Spirit: Ghost Leopard, Level 36 agility-attack system Battle Spirit Master. spirit rings: Two yellow, one purple.
Member: Ye Lingling, Spirit: Nine Hearted Sea棠, Level 35 support system Tool Spirit Master. spirit rings: Two yellow, one purple.
Member: Feng Xiao, Spirit: Fuxi Zither, Level 34 control system Tool Spirit Master. spirit rings: Two yellow, one purple.
The central main Spirit Arena of the Great Spirit Arena was vastly different from the outer sub-arenas.
This arena, hidden within the core of the building, was only slightly larger than a regular sub-arena, yet it exuded an aura of luxury everywhere. There were no noisy open-air stands; instead, surrounding the Spirit Arena stage were thirty-six VIP boxes—each embedded with one-way visible Spirit guide crystal glass, perfectly concealing the dignitaries within the boxes in shadow.
Here, one could not hear the deafening cheers and shouts. The nobles behind the crystal glass maintained an elegant silence, only conveying their fervor through gilded betting slips passed by attendants. After all, the stakes here often amounted to the total of several sub-arenas, and concealing one's identity not only maintained decorum but also avoided trouble caused by huge wagers—even if one lost everything, there was no way of knowing who the opponent was.
Under the illumination of seven giant Spirit guide chandeliers, the seventy-meter diameter gilded Spirit Arena stage shone brilliantly. Such a vast space, let alone a ten-person team battle, even a hundred-person army would have ample room to fight here. The cold light refracted by the crystal glass intertwined with the golden glow on the Spirit Arena stage, casting a mysterious and dangerous veil over every duel.