Feeling the burning excitement in the air, even he—normally calm and steady among his peers—couldn't help but feel his blood boiling.
As he was soaking in the atmosphere, a figure leaped gracefully onto the arena platform. Without question, that was his opponent for the first match of the All-Continent Advanced Youth Soul Master Elite Tournament—Contestant No. 520.
It was a young man around seventeen or eighteen years old, tall and well-built, exuding an aura of composure and steadiness.
Up in the stands, two elderly men sat side by side, speaking softly. If anyone got close, they would realize that all the surrounding noise was completely shut out by a barrier around them.
"Wuxie's match is about to begin. Old Lin, it's only the preliminaries. You really came all the way here to watch in person? You're far too nervous for that precious disciple of yours,"joked the thin old man on the left.
The one he called "Old Lin" was a tall, dignified elder. His expression remained calm and stern as he replied in a low voice:
"Even a lion uses all its strength when hunting a rabbit. Though it's unlikely he'll face a strong opponent in the preliminaries, I need to see whether Wuxie has taken my words to heart. He's already eighteen—this is his last chance to compete in this tournament. He cannot afford to fail. He must at least make it into the top eight."
The thin elder smiled.
"You're setting your sights low! If I recall correctly, Wuxie's already a One-Word Battle Armor Master, right? Five soul rings and a Battle Armor—there won't be many who can stand against him. Even the elites from Monster Academy are about the same. This preliminary match will probably end in an instant. Who knows, Wuxie might even have a shot at the top three."
Old Lin replied,
"I hope so. But honestly, the preliminaries worry me the most. The groups are randomized—if luck turns against him and he's matched with one of those 'monsters' from Monster Academy, it would be troublesome. It's a knockout format. One loss, and it's over."
The thin elder chuckled.
"At least his first opponent isn't one of them. Just some unfamiliar kid, looks quite young too. Probably just here for the experience. Seems we can start getting ready to leave."
"Mm." Old Lin nodded slightly.
A transparent barrier rose slowly over the arena as an electronic voice sounded:
"Elimination Round, Match One: Contestant 250 versus Contestant 520. Prepare. Countdown: Five... Four... Three... Two... One... Start!"
There were no strict rules—referees watched from outside, and the match would end once the victor was decided.
Contestant No. 520, Ling Wuxie, came from an ancient sect. His goal in entering this year's tournament was to make a name for himself.
Three years ago, when he was only fifteen, he had already competed once. That year, his performance had been excellent—he reached the top sixty-four. For the past three years, he had trained relentlessly for this, his final chance at glory.
Now, Gu You dashed toward Ling Wuxie with explosive speed.
Seeing his opponent charge straight in, Ling Wuxie frowned slightly.
"He's not even releasing his Martial Soul? Did he forget from nerves?"
At grand tournaments like the All-Continent Youth Soul Master Elite Tournament, it wasn't uncommon for contestants to make rookie mistakes under pressure.
Still, Ling Wuxie didn't dare let his guard down. His eyes flashed—five soul rings rose beneath his feet: two yellow, three purple.
But the instant he finished summoning his rings—Gu You's fist was already there.
"What—! How could—"
A wave of danger surged through Ling Wuxie's senses.
Bang!
A body flew through the air. The referee barely managed to catch him—but his own hands trembled violently from the force.
The referee stared at the smoke-filled arena, eyes wide with shock.
What kind of power was that?
How could this be?!
Some spectators who had been watching closely gasped aloud.
"A Soul King… knocked out with one punch?!"
Up in the stands, Ling Wuxie's two mentors sat frozen, faces dark as thunder.
Lost. He actually lost in the first match.
That meant elimination—Ling Wuxie's final chance at the All-Continent Youth Tournament was over. Shock and fury mixed in their hearts.
Lying on the ground, Ling Wuxie stared blankly at the sky. The pressure, the noise—it was all gone.
Lost… I actually lost, just like that. I lost without even knowing how.
If only he had used his Battle Armor right away—kept the opponent at a distance—this wouldn't have happened.
Even a lion uses full strength to hunt a rabbit.
His teacher's words echoed in his mind. He regretted it deeply—regretted his arrogance at underestimating Gu You.
But in this world, there is no medicine for regret, and no one pities the defeated. He had lost. He was eliminated. He was a failure.
What he didn't know was—this outcome had been decided from the very beginning.
Gu You jumped off the platform and sprinted into the contestant tunnel. He had no interest in becoming the center of attention.
"Nice one!"
A familiar voice greeted him—Gu Yue was already waiting nearby.
Gu You grinned.
"Just a small fry. Nothing to fuss over."
Meanwhile, Ling Wuxie struggled to his feet, descending from the stage like a walking corpse.
"Discouraged?"
A deep, aged voice spoke beside him.
Ling Wuxie's head snapped up toward the sound.
"Teacher…"
The old man stepped up to him—and suddenly raised his hand.
Slap!
The sharp sting on his cheek jolted Ling Wuxie's mind back to clarity.
"Discouraged?" The old man's voice was stern and unyielding.
"No…" Ling Wuxie clenched his fists tightly, though tears streamed uncontrollably from his eyes.
Just as he braced himself for another strike, the old man instead pulled him into a firm embrace.
His voice was low and powerful:
"Remember this—this is the greatest shame of your life. If you wish to wash it away, then become stronger. Don't make excuses. You lost, and that's that. Losing isn't terrible, and being eliminated isn't the end. What matters is understanding why you lost—recognizing your weaknesses. You didn't fail to perform; your opponent simply didn't give you the chance. What you lack is real combat experience. So next, I'll take you to Hell Valley. Train there, and one day, wash away today's humiliation. If you can do that—then you'll truly be strong."
"Teacher…"
A Soul King—defeated in one blow.
(End of Chapter)