Chapter 5 [Arbitration Evidence: The First Cry of Ice and Fire] The Pact of the Secret Realm - (
At four o'clock the next morning, it was still dark.
Ye Feng and Ye Shaotian quietly left the dormitory and walked towards the training ground through the snow on the ground of the Northern City Soul Master Junior Academy. Snow always falls early in the north. The first snow in Northern City was on the day Ye Feng enrolled. Now it has accumulated. The morning in the north is cold and biting. The breath he exhaled instantly condensed into white mist.
In-depth understanding
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"Boss, my legs are still shaking..." Ye Shaotian said with a pained expression.
"The shaking stops when I start running." Ye Feng quickened his pace.
On the training field, Mingyue was already waiting there. Today she had changed into a white outfit, looking like a snow fairy in the morning mist.
"You're thirty seconds late." Mingyue glanced at the rising sun. "Today's training volume has increased by ten percent."
Ye Feng did not argue. He knew that any explanation would be futile in front of this woman who was like a trainer of demons.
深入瞭解
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The morning training was even more brutal than yesterday. Mingyue somehow got hold of two sets of specially made weights, which they strapped to their wrists and ankles. Each set weighed twenty pounds, making movement extremely difficult.
"A Soul Master's battles require not only Soul Power, but also a strong physique." Mingyue supervised from the side. "Especially you Weapon Soul Masters, the strength of your body directly determines how much power your Martial Soul can unleash."
Two hours later, the morning training ended. Ye Feng and Ye Shaotian collapsed on the snow, their bodies soaked in sweat, which quickly froze in the low temperature.
"Get up, you'll get sick." Mingyue used her soul power to dry their clothes. "You need to go to the Academic Affairs Office this morning. Remember, no matter what they say, stay calm. If necessary... you can show your strength appropriately."
She gave Ye Feng a meaningful look: "Although the Northern Academy is only a primary Soul Master Academy, it's a very complex place. It's time to change some of the rules."
深入瞭解
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8:00 AM, Academic Affairs Office.
This is a three-story stone building located in the central area of the college. Unlike the simple dormitory for work-study students, this building is exquisitely decorated, with portraits of past deans hanging in the corridors.
While Ye Feng and Ye Shaotian were waiting outside the door, Yan Hu and his father came from another direction. Yan Hu's father was a middle-aged man with a face full of scars, wearing the standard leather armor of the city defense army, with a bronze badge on his chest representing his squad leader status.
"Is it them?" Father Yan looked Ye Feng up and down with disdain. "I thought they were someone important, but they're just two country bumpkins."
Yan Hu proudly raised his head: "Father, they're the ones who injured my friend."
The door to the registrar's office opened, and a bald, middle-aged man walked out: "Come in, everyone."
The office was spacious and bright, with a map of the North hanging on the wall. The bald man sat behind his desk; he was the dean of academic affairs, surnamed Zhao, and known in the college as "Bald Zhao."
"Director Zhao, you must seek justice for my son!" Mr. Yan spoke first. "These two freshmen have no respect for their elders. They not only injured older students but also damaged dormitory property. They must be severely punished!"
Director Zhao pushed up his glasses and looked at Ye Feng: "What do you want to say?"
Ye Feng calmly replied, "Yesterday at noon in the cafeteria, Senior Yan Hu and six others demanded ten silver soul coins as a 'tribute.' After we refused, they attacked us first, and we were simply acting in self-defense. As for the dormitory door..."
He paused for a moment, then said, "That's because the door was locked from the inside, and we couldn't get in. I've already asked a classmate to fix it, and the cost can be deducted from my stipend." [Students receive a stipend upon enrollment at Northern Academy; this is a special benefit unique to Northern Academy.]
"Nonsense!" Yan Hu jumped up. "You were the ones who attacked first!"
"There are more than thirty witnesses in the cafeteria." Ye Feng remained unmoved. "The director can ask any of the work-study students present."
Director Zhao paused for a moment, then turned to Yan's father: "Captain Yan, regarding your son demanding money from the new students..."
"It was just kids joking around!" Mr. Yan interrupted him. "But those two boys were really vicious, injuring several students. Director Zhao, I donate quite a bit to the college every year..."
This is a blatant threat.
Director Zhao's expression changed, clearly weighing the pros and cons. Although Yan's father was only a squad leader, he had some connections in Northern City, while Ye Feng and Ye Shaotian... were just two work-study students from remote villages. Even if they had talent, that was a matter for the future.
"Alright then," Director Zhao cleared his throat, "Ye Feng, Ye Shaotian, since you injured your classmate, you need to be punished according to school rules. Starting today, you will clean the college's public toilets for a month, and each of you will be fined five silver soul coins."
Yan Hu revealed a victorious smile.
Ye Feng raised his head and looked directly at Director Zhao: "What if I say no?"
The air in the office seemed to freeze.
Director Zhao was stunned. He hadn't expected a freshman to dare to talk back to him like that: "What did you say?"
"First, we acted in self-defense and should not be punished. Second, Yan Hu extorted money first, and according to school rules, he should be given a demerit. Third..." Ye Feng stepped forward, "If you are going to distort the truth because of someone's background, then you might as well not attend this academy."
"Outrageous!" Father Yan slammed his hand on the table and stood up. "Director Zhao, look at this brat's attitude!"
Director Zhao's face turned ashen: "Ye Feng, are you questioning the academy's decision?"
"I'm just stating the facts," Ye Feng said without backing down. "If you insist on this punishment, I request 'Soul Master Arbitration'."
Soul Master Arbitration – A traditional way for Soul Masters in the Douluo Continent to resolve disputes. When the two sides cannot reach an agreement, a battle of Soul Power is used to determine right and wrong, and the winner gains the right to speak.
Director Zhao laughed in exasperation: "You, a level ten Soul Master, want arbitration? Arbitrate with whom? Me?"
"No." Ye Feng pointed at Yan Hu. "He and I, since he says we injured him without cause, let's use the methods of Soul Masters to prove who is lying. If I win, this matter will be dropped, and Yan Hu will apologize to all the students he has extorted. If I lose, we will accept any punishment."
Yan Hu's eyes lit up: "Father, let me teach him a lesson!"
Yan's father hesitated for a moment, then looked at Director Zhao. Director Zhao pondered for a moment and nodded: "Alright, since you've proposed arbitration, let's proceed according to the rules. At 2 PM this afternoon, at the academy's No. 1 training ground, there will be a public arbitration."
Leaving the registrar's office, Ye Shaotian said worriedly, "Boss, Yan Hu is a level 16 Soul Master, six levels higher than us..."
"Level six is nothing." Ye Feng's eyes were firm. "Besides, his level, which was achieved by piling up resources, is largely inflated. There's no need to be afraid."
Even so, Ye Feng knew in his heart that the difference in soul power between the six levels was an objective fact, but he had no choice—if he didn't establish his authority in this matter, he would find it difficult to move forward in the Northern Academy in the future.
The message spread like wildfire throughout the entire college.
The fact that a freshman was challenging a second-year Soul Master Arbitrator, and that freshman was also a work-study student, made the entire Northern Border Academy buzz with excitement.
The work-study students were both excited and worried, while most of the regular students were just watching the show. Some teachers also became interested in this new student named Ye Feng.
At noon, Mingyue found Ye Feng at the training ground.
"You sure know how to stir up trouble." She said with a half-smile, "But this time you've done a good job. That old fox Zhao Baldy should have been taught a lesson a long time ago."
Ye Feng was adjusting the state of the Thousand Chance Umbrella: "Teacher, you don't blame me for making this decision on my own?"
"Why blame me?" Mingyue leaned against the railing, displaying her graceful figure. Ye Feng couldn't help but admire her for a few more moments, but Mingyue noticed and glared at him. "In the world of Soul Masters, strength is the only truth. If you can defeat Yan Hu in front of everyone, no one will dare to look down on you at the Northern Academy."
She paused for a moment: "But are you confident? Although Yan Hu is a good-for-nothing, he does have level sixteen soul power and a hundred-year soul ring."
Ye Feng nodded: "I have my own methods."
"Okay." Mingyue took out a small bottle from her bosom. "Inside are three Soul-Returning Pills, which can restore some soul power in a short time. Use them in critical moments."
Ye Feng accepted the medicine bottle and thanked him sincerely.
Mingyue waved her hand: "As long as they don't die, that's fine. I finally found two talented disciples to keep under my wing."
At 1:30 p.m., Training Ground No. 1 was already packed with people.
Students and teachers from the Northern Academy, and even some residents of the Northern City who came after hearing the news, crowded the training ground. Soul Master arbitration is not common in the Northern City, especially when it involves freshmen with innate full soul power, which adds to the excitement.
Yan Hu arrived early and was warming up. His father had even invited a healing-type Soul Master from the city defense army, clearly indicating that he had made ample preparations.
When Ye Feng and Ye Shaotian appeared, the crowd automatically parted to make way for them. The work-study students gathered together to cheer for Ye Feng, while Wang Hu held up a simple sign that read, "Ye Feng will win."
On the stage, Director Zhao and several college executives were already seated. To Ye Feng's surprise, Mingyue was also sitting among them, even closer to the center than Director Zhao.
"Is that Teacher Ming? Why is she sitting there?" some students whispered.
"I heard that Professor Ming's background is quite impressive; even the dean treats her with great respect..."
At 2:00 PM sharp, the arbitration began.
Director Zhao stood up and announced the rules: "Soul Master Arbitration, stop when you've made a point, no intentional killing is allowed. Both sides may use any soul skills or martial souls. To admit defeat or lose the ability to fight is to lose. Now, both sides enter the arena!"
Ye Feng and Ye Shaotian walked to the center of the training field. According to the rules, the arbitrator can be designated by the party involved to participate in the battle. Ye Feng naturally chose Ye Shaotian. Yan Hu also brought a follower, a level 14 agility-type soul master.
"Little Fatty, you're in charge of that agility-based attacker later," Ye Feng said in a low voice. "I'll deal with Flame Tiger."
"Understood!" Ye Shaotian gripped the Frost Sword tightly.
Yan Hu summoned his martial soul—a phantom of a fiery tiger attached itself to his body. This was his beast martial soul, a fire-attribute, high-attack type beast martial soul. His first spirit ring rose from beneath his feet, a bright yellow, hundred-year spirit ring.
"First Soul Skill, Flame Claw!"
Yan Hu's hands transformed into burning claws, lunging straight at Ye Feng, while his henchmen circled around from the side, their target Ye Shaotian.
Ye Feng did not take the attack head-on. He opened the Thousand Chance Umbrella and used the momentum to retreat. His fiery claws struck the surface of the umbrella, making a sizzling sound, but they could not break through the defense.
"An umbrella-shaped spirit can defend? It can actually block a spirit skill from a hundred-year spirit ring!" The onlookers exclaimed in surprise.
What surprised them even more was what happened next. As Ye Feng retreated, he suddenly changed direction, closed the Thousand Chance Umbrella, and swept it across Yan Hu's lower body like a long staff. Yan Hu hurriedly jumped up, but Ye Feng had already anticipated his movement. He flicked the tip of the umbrella upwards and stabbed straight at Yan Hu's throat.
The Flame Tiger was shocked. It crossed its flaming claws to block, and the tip of its umbrella collided with the flaming claws, creating a burst of sparks.
On the other side, Ye Shaotian's battle with the agility-type Soul Master was even more intense. The opponent's Martial Soul was Shadow Cat, which was extremely fast, but Ye Shaotian's Frost Sword brought out bursts of cold air when it was swung, which slowed down the opponent's speed.
"Slash!" Ye Shaotian finally found an opportunity. His sword glowed with blue light and went straight for his opponent. This was a technique that Mingyue had just taught him that morning, and Ye Shaotian used it immediately.
The Shadow Cat Soul Master barely dodged, but the hem of his clothes was grazed by the ice blade and instantly froze.
"Great!" the work-study students cheered.
On Ye Feng's side, Yan Hu was getting impatient after failing to break through Yan Hu's defenses for a long time: "What kind of skill is it to just hide and dodge!"
"Then hit me." Ye Feng's tone was calm, but his movements became increasingly fierce.
The Thousand Chance Umbrella seemed to come alive in his hands. Ye Feng felt the Thousand Chance Umbrella becoming lighter and lighter, which was a manifestation of the increasing compatibility between his martial soul and himself.
Yan Hu grew increasingly alarmed as the fight progressed. He realized that although he had the advantage in soul power, he couldn't even touch Ye Feng's clothes. Ye Feng's combat experience was far beyond that of a six-year-old child, and every attack landed in the most vulnerable spot.
"Damn it!" Yan Hu scratched wildly, his eyes turning red.
"Ta-da!"
Ye Feng took three steps back, blocking the attack, and was unharmed.
"It's my turn." Ye Feng took a deep breath and poured all his soul power into the Thousand Chance Umbrella.
The silvery-white umbrella body shimmered with a faint light. Ye Feng could sense that some kind of restriction on the Thousand Manifestations Umbrella was loosening. Although no new form had been unlocked, the umbrella's strength and toughness had increased.
"Charge!" Ye Feng shouted, and the Thousand Chance Umbrella spun rapidly. Ye Feng clearly wanted to use the power of the rotation to shatter the Flame Tiger.
This is a technique he figured out himself. Although it is not as powerful as a real soul skill, it has the advantage of strong penetrating power and considerable damage.
Yan Hu could only dodge awkwardly, but was still stabbed in the shoulder, wincing in pain.
"Admit defeat." Ye Feng drew his spinning Thousand Chance Umbrella and stood up, blood splattering everywhere. He shook off the blood and said, "You are no match for me."
"Don't even think about it!" Yan Hu's eyes were bloodshot as he charged forward recklessly.
Ye Feng sighed, and the Thousand Chance Umbrella suddenly transformed—not in form, but in structure. The ribs closed, the canopy folded, and the entire umbrella instantly became a short stick reaching his eyebrows. This was something Ye Feng had figured out that morning; it wasn't a true transformation, but even so, it amazed everyone present.
"What?!" The entire audience gasped in surprise.
Even Mingyue on the platform stood up: "Soul transformation?! He clearly doesn't have any soul rings yet!"
Ye Feng offered no explanation, but swept his short stick horizontally, striking Yan Hu precisely in the abdomen. Yan Hu's forward momentum came to an abrupt halt, and he clutched his stomach, collapsing to his knees.
On the other side, Ye Shaotian finally seized the opportunity. After the slowing effect was applied, Ye Shaotian grabbed the Shadow Cat Soul Master and held the Frost Sword to the Shadow Cat Soul Master's neck.
"We concede!" Yan's father shouted from below the stage.
Director Zhao's face was grim, but he still announced, "The arbitration is over. Ye Feng and Ye Shaotian have won!"
A deafening cheer erupted from the training ground. The work-study students rushed onto the field, lifted Ye Feng and Ye Shaotian, and tossed them into the air. At this moment, they were not only cheering for a victory, but also for the dignity of the work-study group. From now on, Yan Hu should no longer be able to collect so-called protection fees.
When Yan Hu was helped off the field by his father, his eyes were filled with resentment, but no one paid any attention to him anymore.
Director Zhao walked up to Ye Feng and forced a smile: "You are a promising young man. Let's drop this matter. As for Yan Hu, the academy will take appropriate disciplinary action."
"Thank you for upholding justice, Director," Ye Feng replied politely, but his eyes remained calm.
He knew that today was just the beginning. Showing such talent and strength would inevitably attract more attention, and might also bring more trouble.
As the crowd dispersed, Mingyue walked over: "Well done, but..." She stared at the Thousand Chance Umbrella, "You were able to transform it?"
"A little bit." Ye Feng didn't hide anything. "After training, I feel that my connection with my martial spirit has become deeper. Although I can't turn it into other weapons yet, I can make some structural adjustments based on the umbrella."
Mingyue said thoughtfully, "It seems your martial soul is even more special than I imagined. Cultivate diligently, and there may be even greater changes after you obtain your first soul ring."
That evening, a simple celebration banquet was held in dormitory 101. The students got extra food from the cafeteria, and Wang Hu even contributed his treasured dried meat.
"Brother Ye, you look so handsome today!" a child said admiringly.
Ye Feng smiled and said, "Remember, dignity isn't given by others, it's earned by yourself. In the future, at Northern Academy, we won't cause trouble, but we won't be afraid of trouble either." Ye Feng scoffed at Shrek Academy's slogan, "Those who dare not cause trouble are mediocre," deeming it no different from being a hooligan.
In the dead of night, Ye Feng came to the training ground alone. The moonlight was like water, shining on the snow and making it shimmer with silver light.
He summoned the Thousand Manifestations Umbrella and carefully sensed the changes in his martial soul. The looseness he felt during the daytime battle was not an illusion; the Thousand Manifestations Umbrella was indeed responding to his soul power growth. Ye Feng had a premonition that after obtaining his first soul ring, this umbrella would truly begin to show its extraordinary nature. He was somewhat looking forward to seeing what its first form would be.
"What are you thinking about?" Mingyue's voice came from behind.
Ye Feng turned around and saw Mingyue wearing a white mink cloak, looking like a fairy in the snow under the moonlight.
"The teacher hasn't rested yet?"
"I couldn't sleep, so I came out for a walk." Mingyue sat down beside him. "You surprised me today. Not just in terms of strength, but also in your composure, which is unlike that of a six-year-old."
Ye Feng's heart skipped a beat, but his face remained calm: "Children of poor families learn to be independent early."
"Perhaps." Mingyue didn't delve deeper. "Ye Feng, do you know why the Northern Territory is covered in ice and snow year-round?"
Ye Feng shook his head.
"Legend has it that in ancient times, this place was a warm and fertile land. Until a war of gods broke out, the ice god and the water god fought here. The ice god fell and his divine essence was shattered and scattered across this land. From then on, the northern land was in perpetual winter."
She looked at the distant snow-capped mountains: "That's why there are so many ice-attribute soul masters in the Northern Territory, and ice-type martial souls are exceptionally powerful. Although your Thousand Manifestations Umbrella doesn't show any attributes, Little Fatty's Frost Sword has a natural advantage here."
Why did the teacher tell us this?
"Because you are my disciples." Mingyue stood up. "Two months from now, the academy will organize a snow mountain trial near the northern border. That place is a paradise for ten-year and hundred-year soul beasts. In order for students who have reached level ten to obtain their first soul ring, I want you to participate, and... I want to take you to a special place."
"A special place?"
"The Mysterious Realm of Ice." Mingyue enunciated each word clearly. "Legend has it that the Ice God fell there, and it is also the greatest secret of the Northern Territory. There you will find the most suitable spirit rings for ice-attribute soul masters, as well as countless opportunities and dangers. Do you dare to go?"
Ye Feng didn't hesitate: "I dare."
"Very good." Mingyue smiled. "Then prepare for hellish training for the next two months. The Ice Mystic Realm is not an amusement park. Without sufficient strength, you will die if you go in."
She turned and left, her voice drifting on the wind: "Starting tomorrow, double the training volume." This was because Mingyue realized that today's training had not yet pushed Ye Feng and Ye Shaotian to their limits.
Ye Feng stood under the moonlight, gripping the Thousand Manifestations Umbrella tightly. The Ice Mystic Realm, the first Soul Ring, and the true form of the Thousand Manifestations Umbrella... The future was full of challenges, but also full of possibilities.
Life at the Northern Academy was more interesting than he had expected.