Chapter 721: Absolute Offense and Defense
"Ladies and gentlemen, presenting tonight's new duo: White Tiger Wings!" announced the commentator at the Soto Great Spirit Arena, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. As he spoke, two tall figures emerged from the contestants' area and stepped onto the arena floor.
Though it was Ye Wen's first time seeing these two, he immediately guessed their identities. The first had a broad, muscular build and shoulder-length blond hair. Although Ye Wen couldn't see his eyes clearly from afar, the "White Tiger" part of their team name was a dead giveaway—this person was likely Dai Mubai. As for the other, he was lean and wiry, clearly not suited for head-on battles. But his lithe steps gave him an air of agility—ideal for escaping quickly.
Since this team was called "White Tiger Wings," and considering Dai Mubai's martial soul fusion skill was the Hell White Tiger, which wouldn't gain wings until much later, Ye Wen reasoned that the flight ability might come from Oscar, who had likely just acquired his third spirit skill, allowing others to fly.
Their attire was lavish, their demeanor confident, and both wore masks that covered half their faces, adding an extra layer of mystery. Observing their composure and appearance, Ye Wen sighed, recalling that this was likely after Grandmaster's training. Both seemed undefeated, likely riding a winning streak—and here they were, eager to show off. If they weren't placing bets on themselves, Ye Wen thought it'd be a wasted opportunity.
Although Ye Wen had plenty of money, nobody ever minds a little extra wealth.
Before he could continue this train of thought, White Tiger Wings' opponents took the stage, and Ye Wen's eyes narrowed. Both Huo Yue'er and Xiao Wu reacted similarly, their faces reflecting an unmistakable aversion.
"That guy's got such an annoying look," muttered Xiao Wu.
Huo Yue'er nodded in agreement, her gaze focused on one of the contestants—a large man with a heavy build, whose appearance eerily reminded her of the kidnapper leader they'd encountered before.
The commentator's voice filled the air again. "And here we have tonight's challengers—the Absolute Offense and Defense duo! With nine consecutive victories under their belts, this could be their tenth win, meaning they would advance to the Silver Spirit Fighter rank. But their opponents tonight pose quite the challenge. After all, one of them is none other than the formidable White Tiger spirit wielder, the Evil-Eyed White Tiger himself!"
After some more introductions and hype from the commentator, he finally announced, "Combatants, please prepare yourselves!"
On cue, the Absolute Offense and Defense team began their preparations. Their offensive spirit master's hands and feet morphed with webbed fingers, and his body swelled slightly. Even without seeing his spirit markings, it was clear that his martial soul was likely some sort of amphibian.
"Martial Soul Possession: Blue-Red Frog!"
The offensive fighter, Wu Qing, was a Level 34 Spirit Elder—a respectable rank for someone barely in his twenties. However, his spirit rings were a less-than-impressive configuration of one white and two yellow.
The defense spirit master beside him, yet to fully activate his martial soul, displayed a ring configuration of two yellow and one purple—making him the true powerhouse of their duo.
Their resemblance to the setup of the kidnappers Ye Wen had faced with his group was unsettling, and all three found themselves watching with heightened caution.
Dai Mubai and Oscar, meanwhile, had barely started preparing when Wu Qing abruptly lunged at Oscar. Startled, Oscar froze as Wu Qing's long, dripping tongue whipped toward him, flicking saliva in all directions.
"What are you doing?! The match hasn't started yet—you're violating the rules!" Oscar protested, his voice tinged with panic.
Wu Qing chuckled wickedly, reeling in his tongue with a small insect caught in its tip. "Sorry, little bug. Couldn't help myself."
The audience shuddered in revulsion as they witnessed him eat the insect. Although some people enjoy such delicacies, few stomach seeing it live, especially raw.
Soul masters knew that martial souls often influenced one's preferences and tastes, sometimes in extreme ways. Though Wu Qing hadn't actually attacked, the referee sternly reprimanded him.
"Wu Qing, return to your starting position. This is your first warning. Another violation, and your team will forfeit."
Unbothered, Wu Qing shrugged and casually returned to his place.
Watching from the stands, Ye Wen's brows furrowed in distaste. "Such a low tactic—trying to unsettle his opponents before the match. He probably thinks it'll give him an advantage during the battle."
Understanding dawned on Huo Yue'er and Xiao Wu's faces. Though they'd encountered similar underhanded tricks on their journey, they usually ignored them. Xiao Wu, unimpressed, commented, "Anyone who relies on those kinds of antics must lack confidence in their own strength. He's supposed to be the team's offensive fighter? Pathetic."
Huo Yue'er agreed, shrugging, "We'll see. They have a nine-win streak, so there must be something unique about their approach."
She kept her gaze on Dai Mubai, but not out of admiration. She wasn't impressed by looks alone; she'd seen countless legendary warriors. Instead, she was curious to see the strength of the so-called "leader of the Shrek Seven Devils," a figure whom history praised as the team's eldest and often strongest member. Tang San had proven disappointing, but would Dai Mubai live up to the reputation?
Watching intently, she thought, Let's see what history really has to say.
Wu Qing's brazen pre-battle display had successfully snapped Dai Mubai and Oscar into focus. As the two adopted a more serious demeanor and readied their martial souls, the Absolute Offense and Defense pair began bickering among themselves.
The defender, a heavyset spirit master named Snair, spoke slowly in a raspy voice, "You… really, really, want to kill, don't you?"
"You mean, 'Is it wrong?'" Wu Qing said nonchalantly, smirking. "Nah, it's just… I get hungry."
The atmosphere turned uneasy as Wu Qing's twisted grin set everyone on edge, and even Dai Mubai couldn't help but frown at his unsettling opponent.
(End of Chapter)
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Chapter 722: Mystical Force of the Unseen - Part 1
The Absolute Offense and Defense duo continued their banter, while Dai Mubai and Oscar had already completed their Martial Soul Possession.
Dai Mubai's originally golden hair transformed into a mane of white, with a streak of black over his forehead, and the mark of a "king" appeared on his brow. As for Oscar, though Ye Wen couldn't immediately discern his true body armor, his martial soul caught Ye Wen's interest.
"A tofu spirit instead of a sausage spirit? It seems this world really follows the manga's version... but why does Tang San's personality seem so twisted here? Isn't he supposed to be pure and noble, like in the comic version?"
Casting an inconspicuous glance at Xiao Wu, Ye Wen suddenly felt a pang of guilt. Could it be because he lost his "sister" that he turned out this way? he wondered, feeling momentarily remorseful. But he quickly brushed it off. He had no regrets.
The manga version of Tang San was indeed portrayed with all his best qualities, yet his choice to infuse Dugu Bo's poison into his own spirit bone still struck Ye Wen as either naive or subtly malevolent. And the final outcome for the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, with Tang San stripping it bare without leaving even a single herb for Dugu Bo, was something Ye Wen found unforgivable.
So, even if he could redo it all, Ye Wen would stand by his choices.
Meanwhile, the bickering between the Absolute Offense and Defense duo reached its peak, with Snair stuttering his complaint, "You, y-you… murder, h-has to…"
"Both sides, prepare to battle!" shouted the announcer, cutting him off.
"…look like an accident!" Snair finished, his supposedly innocent expression giving way to a sinister smirk.
"First Spirit Skill: Toxic Tongue Wrap!" declared Wu Qing, the offensive fighter.
His already elongated tongue extended even further under his first spirit skill, shooting several meters toward Dai Mubai in an instant. The tongue's speed rivaled that of a frog's natural reflex, which can shoot out at four meters per second and capture prey in 0.15 seconds. As a spirit master, Wu Qing's attack was even swifter.
In a blink, his tongue lashed toward Dai Mubai. Although Dai Mubai could have blocked it with his hand, the slimy appearance of the tongue repulsed him, prompting him to dodge instead.
"Ugh! I got distracted for a moment and…" Oscar muttered in despair, his tone heavy with resignation. "Ah, I'm going to get chewed out by the master when we're done."
Now wrapped multiple times in Wu Qing's tongue, Oscar's once-presentable clothes were covered in vile saliva, making him a rather pathetic sight. Dai Mubai turned, attempting to rescue his teammate, but Wu Qing, a seasoned arena fighter, immediately yanked Oscar out of reach, dragging him across the arena.
Ye Wen shook his head in exasperation. Not even knowing to target the healer first? Why are they even in a team fight?
This blunder turned a two-versus-two fight into a one-versus-two match. Although Wu Qing managed to pull Oscar toward him, it took a moment, giving Dai Mubai a chance to intercept him.
But before he could, Snair intercepted Dai Mubai, positioning himself directly in Dai Mubai's path.
"Martial Soul Possession: Iron-Shelled Snail!"
A massive snail shell materialized around Snair, acting as an impenetrable barrier directly in Dai Mubai's way.
Frowning, Dai Mubai muttered to himself, "What a hassle," and concentrated his spirit energy into his right hand, preparing to knock this large barrier out of his way. But he had underestimated the defensive capability of his opponent, whose spirit ring configuration mirrored his own in terms of quality.
Boom!
A low thud resounded as Dai Mubai felt a jolt through his right arm, the impact reverberating painfully. Snair's shell absorbed the blow and repelled it with tremendous force, sending Dai Mubai stumbling backward.
Snails may seem ordinary, but every spirit beast has its unique abilities that help it survive. The Iron-Shelled Snail might appear unassuming, but its Iron Shell had earned it a reputation for its formidable defense.
With a mocking tone, Snair taunted, "Too… too weak~"
Meanwhile, Oscar had been fully captured. Faced with two bizarre, sinister opponents, he attempted to appease them with his tofu spirit, but they showed no interest in such gestures.
"Boss! Help me! These guys are freaks!" Oscar wailed.
"Don't worry. I'll make sure they pay," Dai Mubai assured him.
Standing tall, Dai Mubai exuded confidence, as if unfazed by his disadvantage. Raising his clawed hand, he extended three sharp fingers toward his opponents.
Wu Qing sneered, uncertain of Dai Mubai's intent. "What's with the confidence, pretty boy?"
"Three moves. I'll finish you both in three moves," Dai Mubai declared confidently.
"Th-three… moves…" Snair echoed, his usual stutter present.
Wu Qing, however, was less patient. "Three moves, my foot! Come at me if you've got the guts!"
This time, Dai Mubai didn't hesitate. Two spirit rings glowed around him as he activated both his White Tiger Barrier and his third spirit skill, White Tiger Vajra Transformation.
Dai Mubai's first spirit skill created a weak barrier while enhancing his physical attributes. His third spirit skill further amplified his attributes, adding a transformation that magnified his power.
His intention was clear: to crush his opponents with sheer force. However, despite their combined power, Snair's spirit revealed him to be a defense-oriented soul master, tailor-made to counter frontal assaults.
"First Spirit Skill: Spiral Shield!"
With a thick, spiral shield in front of him, Snair braced himself for Dai Mubai's attack. Judging from the shield's thickness alone, it was obvious this was no easy barrier to break.
With both spirit skills active, Dai Mubai felt almost invincible. He threw a powerful punch, and the audience erupted in cheers. Yet Ye Wen only shook his head in disapproval.
This isn't wise, he thought. The big man blocked Dai Mubai's initial attack without any spirit skills, and now, with his defenses heightened, brute force would be futile. Instead of wasting time here, Dai Mubai would be better off helping Oscar or targeting the more vulnerable offensive spirit master.
(End of Chapter)
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Chapter 723: Mystical Force of the Unseen - Part 2
Ye Wen didn't doubt that all-around soul masters existed, but Snair was clearly a stationary type with limited movement. Attempting to match him blow-for-blow was, quite frankly, brainless.
Maybe it's just the classic protagonist mindset, Ye Wen thought with a smirk, where they think that as long as they've trained hard enough, they can take on the world.
Still, Snair's defensive spirit skill wasn't as simple as it appeared. What he did next caught Ye Wen's attention. Snair's shield began to rotate rapidly, causing Dai Mubai's attack to be redirected, flinging him backward.
Stumbling from the impact, Dai Mubai barely kept himself from rolling across the floor by relying on his physical strength.
"Y-you're n-nothing special after all!" Snair mocked, his stutter almost adding insult to injury.
Despite his initial distaste for Snair's type, Ye Wen admitted that the defensive skill was rather intriguing. A partial counter that redirected force rather than merely reflecting it—quite impressive for a defensive soul master's first and second skills.
Dai Mubai, thrown off balance, fell silent, then let out a frustrated chuckle. What he thought would be a glorious comeback was now verging on farce. This time, Dai Mubai decided not to hold back.
Straightening his posture, Dai Mubai raised his right hand, setting himself up to unleash a powerful move. Snair and Wu Qing immediately grew wary, but to their surprise, Dai Mubai's spirit rings didn't light up. Instead, his soul power began to swirl around him, thickening as it condensed in a visible, controlled spiral.
"He… he's able to manipulate externalized soul power?" Wu Qing blurted in shock.
Snair, more composed, recognized the skill. "That's a self-created spirit skill. I'd better be cautious," he thought.
Ye Wen watched with interest, impressed but not awed. Manipulating soul power outside of one's body wasn't that difficult with the right technique—Ye Wen himself could do it easily. Still, he knew exactly what Dai Mubai was attempting. The skill was called the Mystical Force of the Unseen, a self-created technique Dai Mubai had developed in the manga, though it eventually disappeared from his repertoire in favor of the protagonist's glorification.
Under Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang's training, Dai Mubai had developed this skill by kneading dough inside delicate clay bowls, training his body to develop muscle memory for precision. By carefully guiding pure, powerful soul energy, Dai Mubai had learned to harness an effect known as Heavenly Astral Force—an advanced version of internalized strength.
Of course, the complex-sounding technique amounted to one core principle: mastering control through repetition, which anyone with enough dedication could achieve. If only Yu Xiaogang had actually trained in it himself, Ye Wen mused. Maybe then he wouldn't have looked so foolish the first time he tried hunting spirit rings with Tang San.
Still, theory was one thing, but execution was another. Dai Mubai's aura intensified as a spiraling current of soul power formed in his hand, not unlike a rotating sphere. It was visually impressive and technically advanced, given that it wasn't reliant on any spirit ring but rather Dai Mubai's own creativity and control.
"That was the second move," Dai Mubai declared confidently.
Realizing the danger, Wu Qing quickly unleashed his first spirit skill, attempting to strike first before Dai Mubai could attack.
Unlike earlier, Dai Mubai didn't dodge; instead, he smirked and activated his second spirit skill, White Tiger Light Wave.
At that moment, his Mystical Force of the Unseen skill became infused with a brilliant golden energy, amplifying its power even further. Dai Mubai shot it out, aiming directly at Wu Qing, whose extended tongue clashed with the empowered strike.
Wu Qing's tongue, a physical attack, fell victim to the amplified Light Wave's electric energy, searing his tongue and leaving a faint smell of scorched flesh in the air.
Not relenting, Dai Mubai charged forward, still maintaining his White Tiger Light Wave around his right arm as he lunged, leaving behind a trail of lightning.
Wu Qing instinctively dodged, but Dai Mubai's true target was Snair.
Recognizing the threat, Snair swiftly activated his second spirit skill.
"Second Spirit Skill: Copper Fortress!"
A hexagonal array of energy shields materialized around Snair, forming a massive protective barrier. But Dai Mubai, bolstered by his self-created skill, crashed forward without hesitation.
Boom!
The explosive force of the White Tiger Light Wave, enhanced by the Heavenly Astral Force's focused energy, reached its peak. The sheer force obliterated Snair's barrier, sending him hurtling backward.
While Snair's defense was enough to prevent him from being thrown out of the ring, he looked visibly shaken.
"I expected more from you," Dai Mubai smirked, his confidence swelling as he revelled in his newfound power. "Looks like I'll need a third move to finish this."
From the stands, Huo Yue'er observed with a yawn, disinterested. "This looks about done," she said offhandedly.
The performance was decent, but to her, a god who had transcended worlds, it was nothing remarkable.
Ye Wen, however, chuckled knowingly. "Not quite. These two are clearly up to something. I doubt this fight is over yet."
Curious, Huo Yue'er followed his gaze to Oscar, who was still standing helplessly under Wu Qing's restraint. She considered Ye Wen's words and gave a thoughtful nod.
Xiao Wu, uninterested in their speculation, watched intently, enjoying the fierce back-and-forth.
Sure enough, the Absolute Offense and Defense duo exchanged a glance, nodding in unison. Snair grabbed Oscar by the neck, hoisting him into the air.
"K-Kid, let's talk… about terms," Snair stammered with a threatening edge.
(End of Chapter)
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Chapter 724: Unseen Astral Force – Finale
While Oscar's battle skills were lacking, his mind worked sharply under pressure. In an instant, he realized the Absolute Offense and Defense duo had sinister intentions. Despite his disheveled state, Oscar shouted with urgency.
"Boss, be careful!"
Dai Mubai stood, face stern, weighing his options. At that moment, Wu Qing's third spirit ring lit up.
"Kid, how about my third spirit skill, Earth-Bound Frog?"
In a flash, a massive frog's maw appeared at Dai Mubai's feet, trapping him in place. Surprisingly, this technique belonged to a mere hundred-year spirit ring, yet its potency suggested it was closer to the thousand-year level.
Watching from the stands, Ye Wen became thoughtful. Such trap-type spirit skills were rare and usually associated with powerful spirit beasts. How did someone like Wu Qing, with an unimpressive ring setup, obtain it? Though he considered it could simply be luck, another glance at Snair, still holding Oscar hostage, deepened Ye Wen's suspicion.
Despite his confinement, Dai Mubai remained unflustered, a mocking smile on his face. "Luring me into a trap by leaving the stammerer to negotiate while you lurked—it's a pitifully transparent ploy."
Wu Qing sneered, unbothered by the insult. "Heh, so what if you figured it out? Do you know why we're called the Absolute Offense and Defense duo?"
Dai Mubai kept up his focus, his spirit power gathering steadily as he responded, "Isn't it obvious? You're the offense, and he's the defense."
"Heh, you're only half right!" Wu Qing said with a smug grin. But Snair, unusually articulate in his excitement, interrupted.
"Not only am I the defense—I'm also the offense!"
With that, his thousand-year third spirit ring lit up in an ominous purple glow. The enormous shell on Snair's back began to shift, a large cannon barrel emerging from where his shell once protected him.
"Third Spirit Skill: Silver Armor Blast!"
Snair's spirit power surged as it concentrated within the newly-formed cannon, prompting Dai Mubai to go all-out, a powerful aura swirling around him. For a moment, Snair felt a wave of unease.
"Wu Qing, what's happening?" Snair asked, his voice betraying a hint of panic.
Wu Qing, however, was equally clueless. As they gawked in confusion, Dai Mubai's spirit power hit its peak, his body flashing with golden light as he shattered Wu Qing's earth-bound trap with a single, concentrated strike. The backlash sent Wu Qing reeling in pain.
Oscar gaped at Dai Mubai, awe and admiration filling his gaze. Dai Mubai stood tall, energy radiating from him, the White Tiger Light Wave surrounding his entire body. The spectacle, however, paled in comparison to the magnificent golden sword floating above his head, forged purely from his own spiritual force.
"Unseen Astral Force: Astral Supreme Sword!"
Lifting the golden blade high, Dai Mubai took aim.
"Third strike," he announced calmly, as Snair completed his own attack.
A blast of bluish-green energy shot from Snair's cannon, its force shaking the arena. Dai Mubai, unfazed, raised his Astral Supreme Sword and swung, the golden energy crashing into Snair's attack.
Though both were Spirit Elders with thousand-year rings, Dai Mubai's meticulously refined skill quickly overpowered Snair's attack. The golden blade sliced through the beam and struck Snair directly. At the last moment, Snair turned, relying on his thick shell to absorb the blow, but the impact left a deep gash in the shell as he was launched from the stage, unconscious upon landing.
Dai Mubai frowned, displeased he hadn't finished them in his promised "three strikes." Gathering his strength, he charged at Wu Qing, his sword poised threateningly.
"Surrender, or I can't guarantee you'll survive my next blow," Dai Mubai threatened.
Already weakened by the backlash from his broken skill, Wu Qing immediately yielded, sweating nervously. "I… I surrender!"
With that, Dai Mubai secured his comeback victory.
The crowd erupted in cheers, although a few disgruntled voices could be heard, likely from those who had lost their bets.
"Are you satisfied?" Ye Wen asked, turning to Huo Yue'er.
"It was… adequate," she replied, slightly underwhelmed. Though the fight had been exciting, there was a lack of strategic depth. Still, she acknowledged it had been her idea to come, so she nodded with feigned enthusiasm.
"Good. Now, we should get to work. There's something odd about that Snair," Ye Wen said, sharing his suspicion.
Huo Yue'er and Xiao Wu exchanged looks of agreement, and after devising a quick plan, the trio split up, covering each of the arena's exits in search of the Absolute Offense and Defense duo.
Following a few inquiries and some quick tracking, Ye Wen found himself trailing Snair through the city streets. Unwilling to act alone, Ye Wen decided to return and inform the others, wary of Snair's potential connections. But as he made his way back, a curious sight caught his eye—a slender figure, moving along the ground in a slow, stealthy crawl.
(End of Chapter)
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Chapter 725: Poaching – Part One
Ye Wen quickly recognized the figure crawling along the ground as Oscar. He was puzzled—why would he be doing this? While Shrek Academy had its flaws, it didn't treat its students in such a humiliating manner.
After a moment of thought, a memory surfaced. In the manga, Oscar had made a bet with Dai Mubai, vowing to crawl around the Great Soul Arena three times if he held his team back during a fight. And as a support-type spirit master, Oscar carried a quiet pride that compelled him to keep his word.
"So…he's paying the price for his own pride," Ye Wen thought, a faint smile crossing his face. As he reflected further, he recalled how the Soul Land manga had first pulled him into this world.
"What happens next?" Ye Wen murmured to himself. "Right, Yu Xiaogang shows up, and Oscar says, 'Master, I don't want to be a support spirit master who always needs protecting.' Yu Xiaogang, of course, agrees to help him with his training."
But Ye Wen couldn't help but find the outcome amusing in retrospect. While Oscar eventually learned to hold his own, his improved skills were primarily to enhance his ability to escape danger. The irony was rich: Oscar didn't want to run away; he wanted to fight.
After a chuckle, Ye Wen regained his focus, his gaze narrowing thoughtfully on Oscar as he continued his crawl. Among the early Shrek Seven Devils, only Oscar and Zhu Zhuqing had a relatively "normal" worldview. Despite his humble origins and support role, Oscar held unprecedented potential—he was the first food-type spirit master to possess innate full spirit power, which made it a pity that he was stuck with Shrek Academy.
The academy's co-founder, Flender, had taken Oscar in as an orphan, so his presence there made sense. But the instructor responsible for guiding Oscar, Shao Xin, was merely a Spirit Emperor, whose teachings didn't live up to the young genius' potential. Still, considering the scarcity of food-type spirit masters, Oscar's training was understandably lacking.
Ye Wen's thoughts lingered on Oscar's second spirit ring—a thousand-year ring he had obtained under Tang San's guidance. This ring provided Oscar with the ability to grant flight, a rare skill that seemed valuable on the surface. However, for someone with Oscar's potential, it was a short-sighted choice.
A support master's early rings were crucial, especially for someone with Oscar's potential to reach the high ranks of Spirit Douluo or beyond. As support masters progressed, their spirit power consumption reduced, allowing them to aid more allies in battle. Oscar's third spirit ring, with its flight ability, would inevitably be outpaced by his comrades' natural agility and speed as they grew stronger. Eventually, his "wing-granting" ability would become redundant.
Ye Wen considered all this with a quiet resolution. Oscar's unique strengths shouldn't go to waste, and Ye Wen began to contemplate recruiting him. Watching Oscar struggle, his decision felt increasingly justified.
Suddenly, Oscar's self-deprecating voice cut through the night air.
"A few laps around the arena aren't too bad. Oh hey, a copper coin!" Oscar chuckled, picking it up. "If Fatty knew I was making money crawling around, he'd—"
Oscar abruptly felt a presence watching him and froze. When his gaze met Ye Wen's, an awkward silence filled the air.
The arena was deathly quiet, with not even a single janitor in sight. Oscar had assumed he'd be alone, so encountering someone at this late hour was mortifying. His face flushed, and he scrambled to his feet, sprinting away to escape Ye Wen's gaze.
Ye Wen could only sigh and shake his head as he walked back, glancing around to find his companions. It wasn't just him who had witnessed Oscar's embarrassment; Huo Yue'er and Xiao Wu had also observed it from the shadows.
Ye Wen respected Oscar's resolve, his willingness to humble himself despite knowing that Dai Mubai wouldn't care about the wager. But Ye Wen also knew he wouldn't have made such a needless bet to begin with.
"Did you see him, Wenge?" Xiao Wu asked with a grin, her tone light as she relayed the spectacle of Oscar's awkward punishment.
Huo Yue'er, more businesslike, asked, "Did you find the snail?"
Ye Wen nodded. "Yes, I know where he is. We shouldn't rush, though. This isn't just any small town. Acting here, especially against a high-level Spirit Elder, would likely draw the city's enforcement. I'd rather not rely on the Ho family to bail me out if things go wrong. Better to be patient and work around it."
With his plan set, Ye Wen led the others back to their temporary lodgings to rest. Meanwhile, he resolved to study Snair's actions further, piecing together the connections that could reveal a larger network of hidden figures.
(End of Chapter)
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Chapter 726: Eradicating Evil and Beating Down a Scum Tiger - Part One
As the saying goes, "Snakes have their paths, and rats have their burrows." Ye Wen and his companions couldn't keep an eye on the Absolute Offense and Defense duo at all times. Their outstanding looks made them easily noticeable, even when they tried to remain inconspicuous.
This was, admittedly, the downside of being strikingly good-looking.
Instead of tailing them directly, Ye Wen enlisted some locals without spirit power to follow the duo discreetly. He also leveraged connections within the Ho family and various noble circles to investigate Snair's background.
With his similar build, martial spirit, and abilities, Ye Wen couldn't shake the feeling that Snair was somehow connected to the human traffickers they had encountered.
After days of digging, Ye Wen finally got the confirmation he needed. Just as he was about to enter the arena for a two-on-two match with Huo Yue'er, a report arrived.
"Young master," the informant began in a hushed tone, "our findings confirm that Snair was indeed connected to the group that attacked you and the young mistress. He was once part of a fallen noble family, the Beigtal Barony. When the family collapsed, many of its members turned to the slave trade, spreading across different provinces in the Heaven Dou Empire. Snair escaped to the Balak Kingdom last year after our raid."
Ye Wen's eyes turned cold. Reporting Snair to the authorities was pointless; neither the laws of Balak nor Heaven Dou would deliver proper justice. Crimes committed by spirit masters often received mere military assignments rather than severe punishment. Knowing the pain of life as an orphan, Ye Wen despised traffickers with a deep-seated hatred.
"Find an opportunity to deal with him permanently," he said coldly.
It was common for spirit masters to settle their vendettas without interference, so long as they didn't cross the major families or sects. Ye Wen had no interest in torturing anyone; he wanted to end Snair's despicable life quickly.
With his orders given, Ye Wen felt a weight lift from his shoulders. However, knowing there were more like Snair out there, he found it difficult to celebrate.
Sensing his dark mood, Huo Yue'er gently patted his shoulder. "It's time for our match. I'll leave the main offense to you—think of it as a way to vent."
Ye Wen nodded, and the two headed toward the arena.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to tonight's Soul Battle! First up in the two-on-two category is the Wen-Yue Duo!"
The announcer's voice echoed through the stands as the crowd erupted in cheers, captivated by the sight of two young spirit masters, both clearly talented and battle-ready.
The crowd's excitement was palpable. As young, wealthy, and powerful talents, they were the stars of the arena tonight. Several women called out proposals to Ye Wen, causing him to feel a little embarrassed. Seeing him unfazed, Huo Yue'er smirked and, with a slight huff, slipped her arm around his shoulders possessively, signaling her claim.
The spectators who had been swooning over Ye Wen let out exaggerated sighs and protests. Yet there were some unwelcome ones too—oddly dressed men among the admirers who also shouted inappropriate remarks. Ye Wen shot them a disgusted look but ultimately chose to ignore them, focusing instead on the task at hand.
Across the arena, Ye Wen noticed two familiar figures: Dai Mubai and Oscar. Dai Mubai's spirit power was 37, while Oscar's was at 31. Although Oscar's offensive potential was limited, with their combined spirit power and Dai Mubai's top-tier martial spirit, this match promised to be an intriguing battle.
But to Ye Wen, the outcome was clear-cut.
While Dai Mubai had the Evil-Eyed White Tiger and the support of Oscar's Food God Martial Spirit, his team was outmatched. Both Ye Wen's Nana Martial Spirit and Huo Yue'er's ultimate-tier Ling Eyes Martial Spirit surpassed it. Unless Dai Mubai had access to a spirit fusion with Zhu Zhuqing, he lacked the firepower needed to close the gap.
"Both sides, ready!" The referee's voice broke through Ye Wen's thoughts.
The four summoned their spirit rings without hesitation, and the sight of these vibrant yellow and purple rings set the crowd into an uproar. It was a rare treat in the arena to witness such a high-caliber match with optimal spirit ring configurations.
Dai Mubai stepped forward, grinning confidently. "Alright, kid. Care to fight like real men?" His recent winning streak had clearly boosted his ego.
With Zhu Zhuqing by his side, Dai Mubai seemed less like the arrogant playboy he'd once been. Though his confidence bordered on cockiness, he hadn't crossed any lines, so Ye Wen merely planned to teach him a lesson, not utterly destroy him.
Holding his Nana Martial Spirit in his hand, Ye Wen replied calmly, "Low-grade provocations. This match is over before it begins; I alone am enough. Bring it on."
Dai Mubai's eyes narrowed, and then he laughed. "Big talk. With our spirit power difference of three levels, you'd better apologize now, and maybe I'll take it easy on you."
Ye Wen's eyes turned cold. "You say that, but you're the one who should be begging."
(End of Chapter)
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Chapter 727: Beating Down the Scum Tiger - Part Two
"Begin the match!"
With the referee's shout, the fight officially began. Although Huo Yue'er had activated her spirit, just as Ye Wen had requested and she'd promised, she stood aside, watching the scene unfold with a calm, detached expression.
"Fresh and tender tofu!"
"Youthful and beautiful garlic clove!"
After several rounds of practice, Oscar no longer had the raw nerves he once did, activating his first and second spirit abilities without hesitation to buff Dai Mubai. His first spirit ability, Fresh Tofu, restored physical strength and healed minor injuries, while his second, Garlic Clove, neutralized poisons—a mild effect, but applicable against many toxins. Though garlic was a rather pungent addition, Dai Mubai had grown used to it, swallowing it down in two quick bites. With a fierce burst of energy, he charged at Ye Wen.
Ye Wen's Nana Spirit may have looked soft and innocuous, but the silver sheen now coating it reminded Oscar of mercury, leading him to be cautious and give Dai Mubai an extra garlic clove for good measure.
If Ye Wen had known Oscar's reasoning, he would've laughed outright. Any true Douluo fan knew that true masters didn't rely on poison...unless they were setting up some especially insidious trap.
"White Tiger Body Barrier!"
Dai Mubai charged at Ye Wen with his spirit ability in effect, his muscles tense as he prepared to strike. Ye Wen, unfazed, activated his first ability, Spirit Armor, instantly bolstering his defense and other physical attributes.
Bam!
The two clashed with a resounding impact, the sheer force behind each punch clearly evident in the muffled thuds of their blows. Dai Mubai clenched his teeth against the pain—he was used to it by now, thanks to Yu Xiaogang's grueling training. Even so, he was shocked to find that his opponent's strength was slowly overpowering his own.
"Ridiculous! I'm not the weakling I used to be!" Dai Mubai growled, activating his third spirit ability, White Tiger Vajra Transformation, to enter a boosted state.
Sensing Dai Mubai's sudden surge in power, Ye Wen instantly adjusted his stance, pulling back his fist and closing in with a new strategy.
Self-Created Spirit Technique: Iron Mountain Lean!
Though Ye Wen wasn't a master of Bajiquan, he understood its principles well enough to mimic its techniques. With the additional benefits of his Spirit Armor, Ye Wen had honed his close-quarters combat skills, making him formidable in melee. Dai Mubai might have learned the basics of spirit power control through Wu Xiang Tian Gang Power, but he was still far from proficient in close combat.
A prince who had run away as a teenager would hardly have mastered his royal family's techniques in any depth.
Ye Wen's momentum pushed Dai Mubai back, the tremendous force slamming him into the ground. Seizing the upper hand, Ye Wen didn't relent. He promised to beat Dai Mubai into submission, and he fully intended to keep that promise.
With a burst of energy, Ye Wen charged forward, closing in again. Despite being stronger than the average spirit master, Dai Mubai's White Tiger Spirit was most known for enhancing physical prowess. Though Ye Wen's attack left Dai Mubai momentarily reeling, he quickly steadied himself, drawing on his resilience to keep fighting.
When Ye Wen's punch came at him, Dai Mubai gritted his teeth, activating Wu Xiang Tian Gang Power to counter the blow's impact. The two skidded back several paces, but ultimately, Dai Mubai's slightly higher rank and physical strength allowed him to withstand the hit.
"Second Spirit Ability: White Tiger Light Wave!"
Golden lightning crackled around Dai Mubai as he unleashed his attack, directing the energy straight at Ye Wen. Realizing the danger of close-quarters combat against this formidable opponent, Dai Mubai opted to keep his distance.
Despite his shortcomings, Dai Mubai's royal lineage afforded him top-tier abilities, providing a versatile mix of physical reinforcement, long-range attacks, and defensive skills.
Seeing the White Tiger Light Wave streaking towards him, Ye Wen's expression grew serious. Although Nana was adept at controlling elements, it didn't grant immunity to lightning-based abilities.
Just as quickly, he broke into a confident smile and drew back, dodging the attack.
"Third Spirit Ability: Earth Element Control!"
Channeling his spirit energy and forming a hand seal, Ye Wen created a thin earth shield to absorb the attack.
Boom!
The shield shattered instantly, but it successfully dispersed the White Tiger Light Wave's energy. Since Dai Mubai's attack was more akin to a concentrated lightning strike than a continuous light wave, the shield's absorption interrupted its momentum, scattering its energy into the air.
Dai Mubai's face darkened as he realized the full extent of his opponent's skill. He finally understood that this seemingly younger competitor was, in fact, a seasoned fighter. A single misstep could spell his defeat.
Among the crowd, Dai Mubai caught a glimpse of Zhu Zhuqing's disdainful gaze. He grit his teeth, knowing she had little regard for him after his past failures. Since her arrival, he'd made genuine efforts to redeem himself, dedicating himself to his training under Yu Xiaogang and setting aside his former arrogance in hopes of reconciling with her.
If he lost today, however, his recent progress would amount to nothing. It would only serve as proof that he, Dai Mubai, was unfit to contend against his royal brother, let alone redeem himself in Zhu Zhuqing's eyes.
The thought of being crippled and imprisoned for life sent a chill down his spine, and his eyes turned cold with determination.
"Oscar, get the tofu ready!"
Dai Mubai focused his energy, channeling it into the Wu Xiang Tian Gang Power technique.
An intense battle loomed. Wu Xiang Tian Gang Power could momentarily boost Dai Mubai's strength but at a steep cost in spirit power. He would have to give this match his all.
(End of Chapter)
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Chapter 728: Beating Down the Scum Tiger - Part Three
Though Soto City was large enough to have its own battle arena, it was still a relatively remote city compared to other bustling hubs on the Douluo Continent. This naturally meant fewer available arenas, so with so many Shrek Seven Devils entering battles here, it was rare for them all to compete simultaneously.
At this moment, the rest of the Shrek members could clearly see Dai Mubai struggling in his fight. Ye Wen and Huo Yue'er hadn't hidden their identities, and Tang San, watching from a corner, quickly recognized the duo.
"Level 34, huh? He's quite a genius," Tang San murmured to himself. Strangely, Tang San's resentment towards Ye Wen had lessened after seeing his strength; maybe Ye Wen had genuinely won Xiao Wu's heart on merit alone. But then he sighed, brushing his fingers along his face.
"Ah, in the end, it's my looks holding me back. If only I had my previous life's handsome face, I'd surely have won Xiao Wu's heart already."
Tang San's confidence was undeniable. Even though Ye Wen's spirit power was higher than his own, Tang San was sure that, overall, he'd win in a fight. After all, Dai Mubai was no match for him, and since Ye Wen was struggling to defeat Dai Mubai, that spoke volumes about their power difference.
As for the rest of the Shrek group, their expressions varied.
Zhu Zhuqing watched with indifference. Although Dai Mubai had become a bit stronger recently, he still didn't impress her. Ma Hongjun, on the other hand, was cheering wildly, yelling for his boss to hang in there and warning him he'd get laughed at if he lost.
Ning Rongrong, however, was intrigued. She shifted her gaze between Huo Yue'er, who hadn't yet made a move, and Ye Wen. Such levels of power at such a young age were impressive—both of them would be excellent investment prospects for the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan. Love and romance weren't on her mind at all; to her, the Shrek boys, including the persistent Oscar, were all a bit peculiar. None of them had left much of an impression on her.
If anyone came close, it was Tang San. But since Tang San was so focused on Xiao Wu, he barely spoke to Ning Rongrong, and she had no intention of chasing after him.
Flender, standing next to Yu Xiaogang, marveled, "These two kids are monsters. To be able to overpower Mubai at their age...I wonder if we could recruit them into our academy. It would be fantastic if we could!"
But Yu Xiaogang's face was set in a stern line. "Don't even think about it, Flender. Those two scoff at advanced academies—they're wandering freely, learning from experience."
"Hmm?" Flender's curiosity piqued. "Isn't that even better? After all, one-on-one coaching from me, a Spirit Saint, could hardly compare to an ordinary advanced academy."
Yu Xiaogang rolled his eyes, seeing right through his friend's cunning plan. "I advise against it. They have a Clan backing them—one that includes a Spirit Douluo, no less. See that boy there? He even runs a prosperous herbal business of his own, with the Crown Prince of the Heaven Dou Empire as one of his supporters. He has more resources and teachers than we could ever provide. Bothering him would only backfire—you might even get yourself beaten up."
Flender understood immediately, realizing the truth in Yu Xiaogang's words. But he couldn't hide his envy. After all, Flender was known for his love of wealth, and he knew just how profitable Ye Wen's herbal business must be.
The rest of the Shrek team members weren't the only ones envious. Yu Xiaogang himself felt a twinge of regret. If he hadn't misjudged Ye Wen's talent in the past, taking him in could have enhanced his own reputation as a master even more.
Up on the stage, Dai Mubai had completed charging his Wu Xiang Tian Gang Power and was now layering it with his White Tiger Light Wave. Blazing with intense golden light, his attack was stronger than ever before.
With the Wu Xiang Tian Gang Power's support, his White Tiger Light Wave would now carry a concentrated force, making it a true, unbreakable beam.
"This is the end!" Dai Mubai thought confidently, unleashing his ultimate move straight toward Ye Wen.
But Ye Wen had been quietly preparing too. Hands moving in a series of signs, he cast a modified version of his second spirit ability, Wind Element Control.
"Air!"
The air blade he launched was honed to a razor edge, clashing directly with Dai Mubai's White Tiger Light Wave. To Dai Mubai's shock, the fierce beam he'd counted on to tear through anything was being split apart, crumbling before Ye Wen's attack as the remains of the White Tiger Light Wave scattered in the air and rushed back toward him.
Without another thought, Dai Mubai used his spirit power to leap out of the way.
By now, Ye Wen was moving faster, channeling wind energy through his feet as he closed the distance between them in a single breath. If not for the tournament's strict no-kill rule—and Dai Mubai's own complicated status—Ye Wen would have gladly ended this with a single slice.
But since Dai Mubai had insulted him, Ye Wen was determined to teach him a lesson.
"Third Spirit Ability: Earth Element Control—Rock Fist Technique!"
Just before reaching Dai Mubai, Ye Wen switched to his earth ability, encasing his fist in a thick layer of rock as he delivered a powerful punch.
Dai Mubai barely had time to react. Still reeling from Ye Wen's swift approach, he braced himself, activating his White Tiger Body Barrier once more. The barrier's energy rippled outward, forming a protective aura meant to block attacks.
But Ye Wen hardly paid it any mind. A basic first spirit ability like this was merely an added effect, mainly meant to enhance Dai Mubai's physical prowess. Against the density of the rock-clad fist Ye Wen threw, the so-called barrier was practically a joke. It shattered instantly, offering Dai Mubai no more than a second's reprieve. He barely managed to cross his arms defensively before Ye Wen's punch landed with a resounding crack.
Ye Wen: "Feel the weight of a millennium's worth of earth in this punch!"
((End of Chapter)
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Chapter 729: Beating Down the Scum Tiger - Part Four
Dai Mubai staggered backward, propelled dozens of meters through the air. Just as he was about to fall off the edge of the stage, he gritted his teeth, adjusted his center of gravity with a full 360-degree spin, and managed to land on his back, stopping himself right at the edge of the platform.
Ye Wen paused, momentarily surprised. He hadn't expected Dai Mubai to possess such strong control over his body.
"Xiao Ao!" Dai Mubai suddenly shouted, dashing back toward Oscar.
Understanding instantly, Oscar threw several cubes of tender tofu toward Dai Mubai, who grabbed them mid-air and devoured them ravenously. With his energy partially replenished, he felt his spirit power surge back up to around 80%.
With a fierce glint in his eyes, Dai Mubai reactivated his Wu Xiang Tian Gang Power, funneling it into his White Tiger Light Wave, transforming it into the ultimate form of Wu Xiang Tian Gang Power, the Heavenly Gang Great Sword! This was even more concentrated than his simple White Tiger Light Wave, and its power had increased accordingly.
With the maximum distance created by Ye Wen's previous heavy blow, Dai Mubai swung his massive sword. A faint golden sword energy surged forward, cutting through the air toward Ye Wen.
Ye Wen, still burdened by the weight of his earlier Rock Fist technique, found himself unable to move as swiftly as before. This delay, though brief, allowed Dai Mubai to catch his breath and regroup.
But while Dai Mubai had been restoring his spirit power and forming the Heavenly Gang Great Sword, Ye Wen had already completed his own preparation with his Air Slash.
"Heavenly Gang Great Slash!"
"Wind Element Control - Air!"
Their fiercely concentrated attacks clashed, sending shockwaves rippling across the solid platform, leaving deep gouges in the floor.
Yet, beneath his mask, Dai Mubai's eyes widened with disbelief.
"How...how can this be? My self-created Wu Xiang Tian Gang Power, bested by a simple spirit ability—a mere hundred-year second spirit skill!" he muttered, his confidence shaken.
As Ye Wen's Air Slash tore through the Heavenly Gang Great Slash, it continued on its path toward Dai Mubai. Desperately dodging, Dai Mubai found himself drained of the will to fight. His recent string of victories had made him overconfident in his Wu Xiang Tian Gang Power, and now, seeing it so easily broken, he was forced to question everything he believed in.
Finally regaining his senses, Dai Mubai deflected a few more wind blades from Ye Wen and asked, "Was that just now...another self-created spirit skill?"
He asked this because, in his mind, the only reasonable explanation for someone breaking his own self-created technique was if they, too, had a self-created skill. That way, his loss wouldn't seem quite so humiliating.
Ye Wen merely smirked, refusing to respond. Explaining his own techniques mid-battle was, in his view, beyond foolish.
But technically, Dai Mubai wasn't wrong. Ye Wen's Air Slash was indeed a derivative of his spirit skill, essentially a self-created technique.
Unlike Dai Mubai's Wu Xiang Tian Gang Power, which required excessive spirit power due to his lack of mental strength, Ye Wen's self-created abilities consumed relatively little spirit power but required greater mental control, as he shaped his abilities with precision.
Self-created skills, ultimately, were about mastering control over one's own spirit energy. However, due to the generally poor education level on the Douluo Continent, most spirit masters never thought to fully develop their potential beyond their innate abilities.
Being ignored by Ye Wen infuriated Dai Mubai, but the fight had taught him a hard truth—he was simply no match for Ye Wen.
As he glanced at the spectator stands, his frustration grew upon seeing Zhu Zhuqing's disdainful gaze directed at him. Her expression deepened his sense of inadequacy, fueling his anger and impatience.
"Damn it!" he muttered, barely containing his rage.
While Oscar's first spirit skill could help Dai Mubai recover from minor injuries and restore some spirit power, it was limited. At this point, Dai Mubai realized that if he continued the fight as is, he'd exhaust his spirit power first and ultimately lose.
"I can't keep dragging this out!"
Dai Mubai's eyes narrowed in concentration. He admitted to himself that Ye Wen, despite being three levels below him, was more skilled in many ways. But Dai Mubai wasn't entirely without hope; his augmentation abilities were still superior.
Taking another deep breath, Dai Mubai braced himself, grabbing more tofu from Oscar and devouring it in one gulp. His spirit power surged again, replenished by over half.
Having ruled out a battle of attrition, Dai Mubai now saw only one option: a direct assault.
The effects of his White Tiger Vajra Transformation would last for half an hour, so he didn't need to reactivate his third spirit skill. Instead, he re-cast his White Tiger Barrier for additional physical enhancement. After dodging a few of Ye Wen's projectiles—rocks and wind blades—he focused intently on his opponent.
"Time to end this!" he thought resolutely.
In the past, Dai Mubai might have accepted a loss here. But after deciding to fight his fate, he was all in. His legs blurred as he sprinted forward, becoming a blur of lethal energy.
"Heavenly—Gang—Great—Slash!"
Leaping into the air a few meters away from Ye Wen, Dai Mubai raised the Heavenly Gang Great Sword overhead and brought it down with everything he had.
Dai Mubai had noticed Ye Wen's subtle hand gestures, signaling the Air Slash he had used to bisect Dai Mubai's last attack. But this time, Dai Mubai changed tactics. Rather than relying on ephemeral energy, he concentrated all his spirit energy into a solid blade.
While sword energy alone might fail, Dai Mubai was confident that his hard-won Heavenly Gang Great Sword could cut through Ye Wen's attack and secure him a win.
But to his utter shock, Ye Wen didn't summon the wind blade as expected, though his hands remained in position. Suddenly, the rocks Ye Wen had scattered earlier drew together, forming a massive stone wall between him and Dai Mubai.
Dai Mubai: ?!
(End of Chapter)
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Chapter 730: Beating Down the Scum Tiger - Part Five
The Heavenly Gang Great Sword, with its razor-sharp edge and boosted by Dai Mubai's top-tier beast spirit and double strengthening techniques, would have cleaved through the defenses of even a Level 40 defense-type Spirit Ancestor if they had stood in his way. As expected, Dai Mubai's strike split the earthen wall in two.
But as the saying goes, "First, fierce; second, weak; third, exhausted." Having poured all his energy into that strike, Dai Mubai struggled to regroup for a follow-up attack.
Ye Wen took advantage of the moment, lightly jumping back to increase the distance between them, his left hand forming a seal as his purple spirit ring flared to life.
"It's over."
Ye Wen thought to himself as he silently activated his third spirit skill: Earth Element Control: Earth Prison Technique!
The crumbling remains of the wall Dai Mubai had sliced apart reformed instantly, converging toward him like a swarm of bees.
If Dai Mubai's first spirit skill, White Tiger Barrier, wasn't on cooldown, he might have been able to use its defensive properties to break free from this skill. But with all his enhancements on cooldown, Dai Mubai could only face the harsh reality of his situation.
Dai Mubai tried to rely on his augmented brute strength to escape, but Ye Wen had no intention of letting him off so easily. Seizing the opportunity to strike while his opponent was down, Ye Wen continued to maintain his third spirit skill, dashed forward, and landed a powerful punch on Dai Mubai's face, sending his mask flying.
Already hindered by the earthen restraint, Dai Mubai was knocked to the ground by Ye Wen's punch. Despite this, he refused to give up and began to struggle, drawing on his still-substantial spirit power and physical strength to fight back.
But this worked perfectly in Ye Wen's favor. If Dai Mubai surrendered immediately, he wouldn't have a chance to deliver a proper beating.
A punch, then another—three, four punches. Then came a kick, two kicks—three, four kicks. Ye Wen was relentless, not letting up as he rained down blows upon Dai Mubai.
Soon, Dai Mubai's face was bruised and swollen beyond recognition. Fortunately, the thick layer of earth encasing his body both restrained his movements and protected him from bone fractures under Ye Wen's relentless assault.
This one-sided beatdown didn't dissuade the spectators; rather, it whipped them into a frenzy. Most of the audience were ordinary citizens, relishing the sight of a handsome spirit master, usually perched high above them, being so thoroughly humiliated. They couldn't get enough.
Once someone recognized Dai Mubai as the infamous playboy who changed girlfriends every two days, the cheering only grew louder. It was clear that, while chastity wasn't strictly upheld in Douluo, most people resented their girlfriends or everyday crushes being stolen by one man. Ye Wen's merciless beatdown seemed to resonate deeply with their grievances.
The referee in the commentator's booth quickly noticed why the crowd was so enthusiastic and added fuel to the fire.
"Oh my goodness! Ladies and gentlemen, this is unbelievable! The Evil-Eyed White Tiger, on a winning streak until now, has even lost his mask! And he's such a handsome young man too! But wow, look at Ye Wen—punch after punch, and he's not holding back at all! Goodness, I can hardly bear to watch! Look at that handsome face getting all swollen up! Tsk, tsk, tsk."
These arena announcers certainly knew how to stoke the crowd's excitement, and the spectators burst out laughing, their spirits lifting as they roared in delight.
Everyone was laughing, everyone except Dai Mubai.
Oscar, ever practical, had already left the stage. After serving as Dai Mubai's spirit power generator, his energy was entirely spent. He could still technically stay on stage to meditate and recover, but Oscar knew better; even if he tried to recover, it would barely make a difference, and he might get hit by a stray attack. As the clever guy he was, he preferred to avoid any collateral damage from the scuffle, and it was clear that their "boss" had lost this round.
Under Ye Wen's fierce barrage, Dai Mubai's clarity of mind gradually returned.
And then something clicked in Dai Mubai's mind. Losing a match just meant forfeiting some points—was it really worth all this agony? Losing today didn't mean he was weak; it was simply that his opponent was too much of a counter to his own abilities!
With this logic, Dai Mubai felt strangely comforted. As the pain surged through him, he was ready to surrender.
"I—"
But the moment Dai Mubai opened his mouth, Ye Wen smacked him hard, silencing him.
You started the fight with your arrogance, calling yourself "old man." And now you think you can surrender? It doesn't work that way!
Watching from the audience, Flender wore a conflicted expression. Although Dai Mubai wasn't his student, he had a prestigious background and was also one of the academy's primary financial backers.
However, when Flender noticed several spirit masters standing on pillars near the front of the crowd, his face relaxed, adopting an indifferent expression as he scanned the surroundings.
"A little beating in a spirit fight is only natural," he reassured himself. "Dai Mubai can learn a lesson from this."
As a Spirit Saint, Flender could have held a considerable position, perhaps even as lord of a city like Soto, if he pledged allegiance to the royal family. But in Douluo Continent, where might rules all, one's title was secondary to strength. The truth was that the Spirit Arenas were backed by a powerful alliance of noble clans, and even Flender, a Spirit Saint, dared not disrupt the peace.
After several minutes of unrestrained pummeling, Ye Wen finally felt his anger subside. Panting slightly and sweating from exertion, he no longer felt the same level of annoyance.
Having vented his frustration, Ye Wen gathered spirit power in his leg and delivered a powerful kick that shattered the earthen restraints holding Dai Mubai, sending him flying off the stage.
"Ah! Boss Dai!" Oscar gasped, rushing over to feed Dai Mubai a healing tofu cube.
With his entire face swollen and bruised beyond recognition, his eyes barely able to see, Oscar feared that without healing, Dai Mubai's condition might become critical.
Some spectators, still wanting more of the vicious beatdown, grumbled in dissatisfaction. But seeing Dai Mubai being carted away, they finally settled down and joined in the cheers.
A few audience members who had bet on Dai Mubai complained bitterly, but the overwhelming sound of applause and cheers drowned them out.
The referee finally regained his composure, raising his voice to announce, "And there we have it! The winners of tonight's match are... the Wen-Yu duo! Let's give them a big round of applause!"
((End of Chapter)
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