Second, he needed money because the simulated training environment was too expensive for him to afford. By showing more of his value, nobles would definitely try to win him over and invest in him.
Wouldn't that training capital just come naturally?
Qin Ming said, "Alright, just keep this matter among yourselves, don't spread it. Let's go to the training ground, it's a good chance for us to see just how strong your physique is."
Everyone nodded and continued forward.
Li Qing could clearly feel that after this battle, everyone treated him much more kindly. The Shi family brothers even directly put their arms around his shoulders, acting like good brothers.
However, there was one exception, and that was Ye Lingling.
Just like her first appearance in the original work, Ye Lingling wore a veil over her face, her eyes always devoid of any emotional color, and she consistently stayed on the periphery of the crowd.
She gave off the feeling of being either aloof or socially anxious.
On the way to the training ground, Li Qing judged from some of Yu Tianheng and Dugu Yan's micro-expressions that Yu Tianheng was currently pursuing Dugu Yan.
However, the latter didn't show any particular inclination for now, but she also didn't show any dislike or disdain.
The training ground Qin Ming spoke of was a huge field, but this field was different from the other tiled grounds in the academy; here, there was only compacted yellow earth.
There were many other students sparring on the field, showcasing various Martial Souls and soul skills, a dazzling sight.
After selecting an empty spot, Qin Ming looked at Yu Tianheng and the others and said, "The purpose of this sparring session is to get to know each other, but you are not allowed to use soul skills."
"Huh?"
Shi Mo said in confusion, "No, Qin Teacher, Li Qing's physique is almost comparable to a Soul Supreme. If we don't use soul skills, aren't we guaranteed to lose? What's the point of fighting then?"
The others also looked at Qin Ming with some confusion.
Isn't getting familiar with unfamiliar teammates all about their Martial Souls and soul skills? What can you get familiar with by just competing on basic attributes?
Qin Ming explained, "Li Qing's soul skill has eliminated a Soul Supreme, so he can't use it against you. Therefore, for fairness, you will first compete on basic attributes, and we'll talk about soul skills later."
"Are you kidding?"
Everyone collectively turned to look at Li Qing, their eyes filled with shock. Even Ye Lingling was no exception.
That was a Soul Supreme! A gap of about twenty levels. Even the most ordinary Soul Supreme wasn't someone a mere Soul Master could challenge, right?
Was his first soul skill that abnormal?
Li Qing was a little speechless, but he still explained, "My first soul skill is called Life Burn, and it comes from the soul beast Raven. I wonder if you know about this soul beast."
Oslo asked, "Could it be that old man's nemesis?"
"Pfft..."
Dugu Yan chuckled and scolded, "What kind of weird analogy is that?"
Oslo said, "Underworld Fire that burns life force, the shorter the lifespan, the faster you die, and it's not easy to extinguish. Isn't that the old man's nemesis?"
Li Qing nodded and said, "That's the one."
Everyone collectively looked at Ye Lingling, and Shi Mo couldn't help but tease, "Ling Ling, your Martial Soul attribute is life. It seems Li Qing is a bit of a counter to you."
"We are not enemies."
Ye Lingling's voice was very pleasant to listen to, but it was extremely hollow, giving a sense of unreality.
Li Qing looked at Qin Ming and said, "Qin Teacher, my physique is also an advantage. If they can't use soul skills at all, this sparring session will also be unfair to them."
Qin Ming asked, "Then what do you mean?"
Li Qing said, "If I only use one soul skill, I should be fine. Otherwise, this sparring session has no meaning, after all, not all Martial Souls are known for their physique."
"Alright!" Qin Ming nodded in agreement, then looked at everyone and asked, "Who wants to go first?"
"I will!"
Dugu Yan was the first to step forward, forcing back the words Yu Tianheng was about to say.
Before Li Qing could respond, the others very tacitly moved aside, clearing enough space for the two, and even Qin Ming retreated to the side.
"Dugu Yan, Martial Soul: Bilin Snake, level twenty-four, two-ring control-type battle Soul Master."
As Dugu Yan finished speaking, a diamond-shaped green scale grew from between her eyebrows. The key point was that her legs were replaced by a thick snake tail.
At the same time, two yellow soul rings appeared from the soles of her feet.
Hearing her self-introduction, Li Qing thought to himself that it was just as he expected. Dugu Yan could have advanced long ago. The reason she hadn't was probably because of her teammates who were holding her back.
"Li Qing, Martial Soul: Raven, level fourteen, one-ring agility-attack type battle Soul Master."
Black wings grew from Li Qing's back, wisps of black smoke rose from his pores, and a brilliant yellow soul ring also appeared from the soles of his feet.
Oslo's eyes lit up, and he exclaimed, "This appearance is cool!"
"1, 2, 3, begin!"
As soon as Qin Ming finished speaking, Li Qing spread his wings and suddenly shot out.
Dugu Yan immediately chose to retreat. Even though she didn't have legs now, her speed wasn't slow at all, but it was still much slower than Li Qing's.
She had only retreated less than three meters when Li Qing had already closed in, not even giving her a chance to dodge.
Li Qing raised his hand and punched towards Dugu Yan's face. Her expression changed slightly, and she crossed her arms to block. Immediately after, she felt a huge force strike her arms.
"Bang!"
Dugu Yan was sent flying backward, not only falling to the ground in a sorry state but also rolling several times.
"..."
Seeing this scene, Yu Tianheng and the others were all dumbfounded.
This guy had no pity for women at all. She was a girl, after all. What kind of behavior was it to just send someone flying with a punch right away?
Hold back?
Heh heh.
Holding back was impossible, not in this lifetime. Even if he wanted to approach Dugu Bo through Dugu Yan, it was the same.
People all have a psychology of admiring strength.
If he held back and lost, she might even despise him in her heart, but if he knocked her out with one punch, it would leave an indelible mark in her heart.
Dugu Yan's eyes were blank. Although she wasn't seriously injured, she lay on the ground, not wanting to get up.
Did it have to be this ridiculous?
She, a Grand Soul Master, was actually sent flying by a Soul Master with one punch.
Was this reasonable?
It was just that they weren't enemies. If they were enemies, she probably wouldn't even have a chance to fight back, because besides strength, the other party's speed was also very abnormal.
"Yan Zi, are you alright?"
Yu Tianheng ran to Dugu Yan with some heartache, but he didn't blame Li Qing, because injuries were common in sparring, and he himself had also caused Dugu Yan injuries often.
"I'm fine."
Dugu Yan sat up and looked at Li Qing with a hint of resentment.
"I lost."
Dugu Yan stood up, looked at her slightly red and swollen arm, couldn't help but glare at Li Qing, then patted the dust off herself and walked over to Ye Lingling's side.
Continue fighting?
Her first soul skill didn't have much effect on enemies; it only increased her own attributes, but that small increase in attributes couldn't change anything.
"I'll go!"
Yu Tianheng twisted his neck, looking like he was about to get revenge for Dugu Yan.