LRAB Chapter 52 First Battle Loss
Chapter 52 First Battle Loss
Half an hour later, the outline of the Soto City Grand Arena came into view. The huge building was made entirely of dark blue-black stones, resembling a lurking beast. The surrounding area was bustling with noise, shouts, cheers and applause intertwined, and the enthusiastic atmosphere could be felt from a distance.
"Wow, there are so many people!" Ning Rongrong exclaimed. Although the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School was prosperous, it was rare to see such a wild and noisy scene.
Stepping inside the Grand Soul Arena, the atmosphere was even more vibrant. At the center stood a massive main Soul Arena, surrounded by dozens of smaller arenas. On each arena, Soul Masters were engaged in fierce battles, while the audience below watched with bated breath, erupting in thunderous cheers from time to time. The notice board was densely covered with the contestants' names, Martial Souls, levels, and battle records, with the red "Winning Streak" markers standing out prominently.
"Individual registration: each person receives an Iron Soul Badge." The staff member mechanically repeated, "For the duo competition, team registration is required; please provide a team name."
Yan Zu pondered for a moment, then wrote in the register: "Wen Yan, Support Department, Level 31."
Xiao Wu skipped and hopped as she registered: "Phantom, Offensive type, level 32."
Zhu Zhuqing coldly replied, "Youming, agility-based attacker, level 27."
……
Soon, eight black Battle Spirit badges were completed, each engraved with the wearer's name. Flander took the badges and distributed them: "Form your own teams. Choose between singles or doubles matches. There will be one match per day, and you must meet here before sunset. Remember, play within your limits and don't risk injury by overexerting yourself."
"Understood!" the crowd responded in unison, and dispersed.
When it was the group's turn to register, Ning Rongrong's eyes lit up, and she tugged at Yan Zu's sleeve: "How about we call ourselves 'Auspicious Glazed Glass'?"
"Whatever you say." Yan Zu chuckled.
"Then Zhu Qing and I..." Xiao Wu looked at Zhu Zhu Qing.
"Phantom of the Underworld," Zhu Zhuqing said calmly, "Simple and direct."
On the other side, Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun completed the registration with their arms around each other's shoulders. "We're called 'White Tiger Phoenix'," Dai Mubai grinned, revealing his gleaming white teeth, "Let some people see what true violent aesthetics are."
Ma Hongjun chuckled lewdly: "That's right, burn them to the ground!"
Tang San and Oscar stood to the side. Oscar looked distressed: "Tang San, do I really have to go on stage? I'm just a food-type..."
"Don't worry, I'm here." Tang San calmly wrote in the register: "Blue Silver Sausage. Control-type paired with food-type, a perfect complement."
When registering for the solo competition, Yan Zu saw that Tang San had also signed up. His opponent was a level 28 control-type Soul Master whose Martial Soul was Thorn Vine. Dai Mubai, on the other hand, signed up for the duo competition, teaming up with Ma Hongjun. Their Martial Souls were White Tiger and Evil Fire Phoenix, a typical offensive combination, intending to crush their opponents with pure explosive power.
"Wen Yan, your opponent is 'Iron Arm,' a level 38 offensive type with the martial soul Iron Arm Ape, who has won three consecutive matches," the staff member reminded him while registering his information.
"Understood, thank you." Yan Zu nodded, already having made up his mind.
Xiao Wu's opponent is a level 35 agility-type Soul Master with the Spirit Cat Martial Soul, which is somewhat similar to Zhu Zhuqing's Martial Soul, but is slightly higher in level and slightly faster.
Soon, the schedules for the individual matches were announced one after another. Yan Zu's match was on the No. 1 Soul Arena, Xiao Wu's was on the No. 3 Arena, and Zhu Zhuqing's was on the No. 5 Arena, with the times not far apart.
"I'm going to the match first, good luck to you guys!" Zhu Zhuqing walked towards the fifth arena first, her back view exuding determination. She had only one thought in her mind: to win this match.
Yan Zu, Xiao Wu, and Ning Rongrong went over to watch the battle. On the fifth battle arena, a lean young man was already waiting there. He was dressed in tight black clothes and had sharp eyes like a leopard. He was Zhu Zhuqing's opponent, "Wind Leopard".
"I didn't expect my opponent to be a young girl, and a beauty at that." Feng Bao looked Zhu Zhuqing up and down, his tone flippant. "Little girl, it's not too late to admit defeat now, lest you get hurt by me later and cry for your mother."
Zhu Zhuqing's expression turned cold, her soul power surged, and two yellow soul rings rose up: "Enough with the nonsense, let's begin."
"Quite a temper." Feng Bao grinned, and his two yellow soul rings lit up. He activated his first soul skill, "Wind Blade," and several pale blue wind blades shot towards Zhu Zhuqing. This was Feng Bao's ranged restraint skill, paving the way for a close-range surprise attack.
Zhu Zhuqing flashed, unleashing the speed of the Netherworld Cat to its fullest extent, easily dodging the wind blades. At the same time, she activated her first soul skill, "Netherworld Hundred Claws," her fingertips imbued with faint black soul power, aiming straight for the Wind Leopard's throat—this was her most proficient surprise attack move, fast, accurate, and ruthless.
"Well done!" Instead of retreating, the wind leopard advanced, its body like an arrow released from a bow, rushing towards Zhu Zhuqing with a stench, its claws condensing rich soul power.
Both were agility-based attackers, incredibly fast. On the dueling stage, only two afterimages remained, the sounds of claws and wind blades tearing through the air filling the air. The audience below was thrilled, cheering for the two fighters.
Yan Zu frowned slightly: "Zhu Qing is too hasty, Feng Bao's pace is more steady."
"Huh?" Ning Rongrong asked, puzzled. "She's really good at it!"
"The Wind Leopard's advantage lies in its speed and close-range control. Zhu Qing is too eager to succeed and is fighting according to the opponent's rhythm," Yan Zu explained. "You see, every time the Wind Leopard uses wind blades to harass from a distance, it is to force Zhu Qing to get close. His second soul skill must be a control effect triggered at close range. Zhu Qing did not realize this trap."
No sooner had he finished speaking than a sudden change occurred on the Soul Arena. Feng Bao deliberately created an opening, allowing Zhu Zhuqing's Netherworld Claw to get close, and then the paralyzing effect of his second Soul Skill, "Leopard Strike," erupted!
A pale blue halo instantly enveloped Zhu Zhuqing, and she felt a tingling sensation all over her body. Her movements faltered instantly, and her eyes briefly became dazed.
"Opportunity!" A hint of smugness flashed in Feng Bao's eyes. He seized the opportunity to launch a close-range claw attack, his claws slamming hard into Zhu Zhuqing's chest.
"Watch out!" Xiao Wu couldn't help but exclaim.
Zhu Zhuqing forcibly broke free from the paralysis effect and dodged to the side to avoid vital points, but her shoulder was still grazed by the leopard's claws, leaving three bloody marks. She staggered back several steps.
"Little girl, I told you, you're no match for me," Feng Bao laughed smugly. "Admitting defeat now will save you some trouble."
Zhu Zhuqing gritted her teeth, wiping the blood from her shoulder, her eyes sharpening even more: "It's not over yet!"
She took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down. Relying on her combat instincts, she adjusted her rhythm, no longer blindly pursuing, but instead circling the Wind Leopard, using the Netherworld Cat's agility to find openings. The Wind Leopard's soul power was more abundant than hers; a direct confrontation would definitely put her at a disadvantage, so she could only wage a war of attrition.
Seeing that she still wouldn't admit defeat, a hint of impatience flashed in Feng Bao's eyes. He launched "Wind Blade" and "Leopard Strike" again, his attacks becoming increasingly fierce. But this time, Zhu Zhuqing didn't take the attacks head-on. Instead, she skillfully dodged using her agility, occasionally seizing an opportunity to counterattack. Her Netherworld Claws were specifically designed to target Feng Bao's weak joints, such as his knees and elbows.
After a dozen or so rounds of stalemate, Zhu Zhuqing's soul power gradually weakened, and the injury on her shoulder also affected her movements. Feng Bao seized an opening and launched "Leopard Strike" again. The paralysis effect hit her again, and Zhu Zhuqing's body froze. Feng Bao kicked her off the Soul Fighting Platform.
(Thanks to Kitazawa for the monthly pass support)