Chapter 31: An Asymmetrical Battle
On the arena platform, Qian Ningshuang studied Hu Liena across from her.
Perhaps it was true—Spirit Masters in Douluo matured early. Though only about five years older than Qian Ningshuang, Hu Liena already carried the curves of a young woman, her long black hair flowing behind her. At first glance, she didn't seem strikingly beautiful—but upon closer inspection, an undeniable allure radiated from her.
Hu Liena was equally focused on her opponent.
For reasons unknown, Bibi Dong had not described Qian Ningshuang's appearance the day before—only that she was stronger than Tian Yao. Like Tian Yao, Qian Ningshuang had golden hair, but instead of Tian Yao's shoulder-length cut with longer side strands, hers was gathered into a high, radiant ponytail.
Her attire was unusual: a long-sleeved white top that left her entire waist bare, paired with tight black shorts that exposed her thighs. The look exuded sharp, athletic confidence.
Compared to Hu Liena's battle-ready skirt, Qian Ningshuang appeared more like she'd come for a leisurely outing.
But Hu Liena wasn't fooled. She had confidence in her own strength—but underestimating the Qian family's second young miss, whom Bibi Dong herself claimed surpassed Tian Yao, wouldn't be confidence. It would be arrogance.
"Bow to each other. Begin!"
Tian E cut short their mutual appraisal and declared the match started.
"Martial Soul, activate!"
Hu Liena's voice rang out, and in an instant, her presence transformed. The subtle charm that once required close attention now overwhelmed anyone who looked at her, stirring the heart. Her features sharpened into stunning beauty, and a fluffy tail sprouted from her back.
Her spirit rings—yellow, yellow, purple—pulsed with power, revealing her as a 32nd-level Spirit Elder.
A collective gasp rippled through the audience—except for a few who remained calm.
It wasn't Hu Liena who shocked them. A 32-level Spirit Master at her age was rare, but not unheard of.
No—it was Qian Ningshuang.
Even Hu Liena froze mid-motion, staring in disbelief at the two spirit rings hovering around her opponent.
Though Qian Ningshuang bore only two rings, their colors burned with impossible brilliance: one deep violet, the other inky black.
This configuration wasn't just rare—it was unprecedented.
Bibi Dong's grip tightened on her scepter. Though Qian Ningshuang appeared as a blur of light in her vision, she could read the crowd's reaction—and Hu Liena's stunned expression. The tide had already turned against her disciple.
"Snap out of it," Qian Ningshuang said with mild exasperation. "We're in the middle of a match."
She'd known this day would come. Until now, only the Hall elders and close allies had seen her martial soul and spirit rings. This was the first time she'd stunned a crowd—and likely not the last. Best to get used to it.
Hu Liena bit her lip, shaken. That purple-and-black ring combo had shattered her confidence.
Still, hope remained. Qian Ningshuang's soul power fluctuated at only 24 levels—a full eight levels below her. Perhaps such a gap could offset the disparity in ring quality.
Reassured, Hu Liena took a steadying breath. Her three spirit rings flared in sequence, and her eyes turned crimson.
"Charm," she activated.
And… that was it?
Qian Ningshuang blinked, utterly unmoved. If not for the flash of Hu Liena's rings, she might have thought the girl hadn't moved at all.
Well—technically, she did feel something. Hu Liena did look more alluring now. But for a transmigrator who'd spent her past life flooding group chats with lewd memes? Meh.
Hu Liena's heart sank as she watched Qian Ningshuang stand perfectly still—no sway, no hesitation. She'd been arrogant. Of course someone who'd defeated Tian Yao wouldn't fall to simple charm.
All three of her spirit skills, chosen on Bibi Dong's advice, revolved around allure.
But she hadn't spent the last three years getting pummeled by Tian Yao for nothing. She knew: if charm failed, she'd be on the receiving end of a beating.
So she'd prepared. Under Bibi Dong's guidance, she'd drilled relentlessly in close-quarters combat—not to win through strength, but to survive long enough for an opening.
And she had one more secret: a hidden trump card Bibi Dong had given her just yesterday.
Without hesitation, Hu Liena lunged forward—claws slashing, legs kicking, tail whipping—unleashing every close-combat trick she'd honed.
Qian Ningshuang's response was effortless. A step back. A sidestep. A casual parry with her black-and-white sword, Black Abyss White Bloom. She flowed like a golden butterfly through a garden—graceful, untouchable, never once flustered.
"Tsk. That sly fox isn't half bad," Tian Yao remarked from the stands. "Thirty-two levels already? And she actually planned for charm failing. Impressive."
She shook her head. "But today's opponent is Xiao Shuang. Still… is Xiao Shuang seriously bored enough to play around like this?"
If Tian Yao had fought today under normal progression, she'd likely have lost badly. But training beside Qian Ningshuang had never been "normal."
Around the arena, spectators exchanged knowing glances. Anyone with eyes could see it: unless Qian Ningshuang made a mistake, Hu Liena had no path to victory.
"Interesting."
"What is it, Na-jie?" Tian Yao asked.
"Nothing," Gu Yuena replied, shaking her head.
She'd just sensed a flicker of divine energy—distinct from Angel God power or Qian Chongling's Blood God aura. This was cold, sinister, dripping with malice.
'If I'm not mistaken… it's *him*. The "black hand" Qian Chongling mentioned—the one the God Realm planted in Spirit Hall.'
'You're using divine power to observe Shuang'er? Good luck seeing anything. You'd be blind if you tried.'
Gu Yuena's gaze drifted toward Bibi Dong.
Indeed, Bibi Dong had activated Rakshasa God power—not to strike, but to confirm a suspicion.
Just as expected: to her divine sight, Qian Ningshuang remained an indistinct blur. But when she focused through the Rakshasa lens, the figure on the arena vanished entirely—and in her place stood Tian Yao.
And in Bibi Dong's view, Tian Yao was losing badly—completely opposite to what the crowd saw.
"You know," Qian Ningshuang said calmly, dodging another tail strike, "if you keep trying to close in just to stall, you might as well forfeit."
"The Spirit Research Institute has extensive records on spirit-type masters—both in research and combat prediction."
"I understand your strategy. Honestly. Unless you have something extraordinary up your sleeve, just step down. It'll be more dignified—for both of us."
She meant no offense. This was pointless. A clean concession spared everyone embarrassment.
And she hadn't even attacked yet. Her evasion alone was meant to show the gulf between them.
Hu Liena said nothing. She charged again, head lowered.
'Not yet. Just a little longer. You may know my plan—but you don't know I have a spirit bone! When the moment comes… you'll fall.'
Her thoughts burned with resolve as she pressed forward.