In his previous two matches, Yan had defeated his opponents with ease.
Both battles had ended in complete victories within a single minute, leaving a deep impression of the fiery young Soul Master on everyone present.
Yan's outstanding performances soon drew even greater attention.
Many Water-attribute Soul Masters had come after hearing of him—most of them from the neighboring Tianshui City.
Since absorbing the immortal herb, Yan could feel the flames within his body burning even more fiercely.
He wanted to test how much stronger he had truly become.
After registering for the tournament, Yan went to the Soul Master rest area.
From here, one had an excellent view of the arena and the battles taking place upon the stage.
Tonight, there were noticeably more Water-attribute Soul Masters competing than in his previous appearances.
After watching several bouts, Yan found a quiet corner, closed his eyes, and rested while awaiting his turn.
A short while later, the announcer finally called his name.
"Next up: the Yama Battle Soul Sect versus the Liu Xiong (OC) Battle Soul Sect!
Both competitors, please prepare to enter the arena—your match begins in one minute!"
Yan rose to his feet and walked calmly toward the Soul Master tunnel.
Even before he reached the stage, he could already feel the audience's fervor.
"Yama!"
"Yama !"
Many spectators shouted the name he had registered under in the Great Spirit Arena.
This was a world where strength reigned supreme—
and the masses revered the strong, especially those who were ordinary themselves.
When Yan emerged once more from the Soul Master passage, the crowd's cheers slowly died down, replaced by murmurs of curiosity.
"Is that Yama? He looks… a bit different, doesn't he?"
"Yeah. Not a big change overall, but he seems thinner."
"It's only been a few days—how could he change that much?"
"Who cares? As long as it's really him!"
Yan's gaze swept across the stands.
Thanks to the Autumn-Water Dew, his vision was sharper than ever, and in an instant he located Yue Guan's position.
At that moment, Yue Guan was seated quietly in an inconspicuous corner, watching him intently.
He gave Yan a small nod of approval.
Yan returned the gesture, acknowledging him.
That subtle exchange did not escape the notice of a row of young girls seated just in front of Yue Guan.
Those beautiful girls were all students from Tianshui Academy, brought here by their instructor for experience and training.
Every one of them was a Water-attribute Soul Master, and they had heard tales of Yan's strength.
Tonight, they had come specifically to see him in action.
A mischievous girl whispered playfully,
"Big Sister, that fire-attribute Soul Master the seniors mentioned—that's him, right?"
"Mm, that's him,"replied Shui Bing'er, captain of the Tianshui Academy battle team.
"He's so handsome! Was he just looking at us?"
"Yue'er, stop flattering yourself. Focus on the match,"
Shui Bing'er chided gently, her eyes now fixed on Yan by the stage.
When Yan had glanced toward Yue Guan earlier, he had also noticed the group of girls.
Though each was strikingly beautiful, his gaze did not linger.
His attention was reserved for tonight's opponent—a Water-attribute Soul Master named Liu Xiong.
At that moment, Liu Xiong was already standing on the stage.
He looked to be at least thirty years old, towering more than two and a half meters tall, his massive frame radiating raw power.
Every muscle on his body was sharply defined, as though chiseled from stone, gleaming under the arena lights with a sheen that spoke of sheer might and dominance.
Even before he made a move, the oppressive aura he emitted was enough to make any opponent feel a surge of pressure.
"Liu Xiong!"
"Liu Xiong will win!"
"Crush him!"
Voices of support for Liu Xiong echoed from the stands.
Yan stepped onto the stage slowly, meeting Liu Xiong's gaze head-on.
Despite the other's intimidating presence, there was not the slightest trace of fear in his eyes.
There were rules to be observed upon the arena.
Since Yan was younger, he was the first to clasp his fists in salute.
"Yama, Level 44 Battle Soul Sect. Please advise."
"Liu Xiong, Level 47 Battle Soul Sect. Please advise."
His opponent politely returned the gesture.
The announcer's voice rang out clearly:
"Ladies and gentlemen, this next battle promises to be exciting!
On one side, a Fire-attribute Soul Master; on the other, a Water-attribute Soul Master.
In previous rounds, Yama of the Battle Soul Sect has achieved two consecutive victories, while Liu Xiong boasts a four-match winning streak.
Tonight's clash of fire and water—who will prevail? Let's find out!
Both contestants, please release your Martial Souls and spirit rings. The match will officially begin in one minute!"
With that, the announcer stepped back from the center of the stage, and the crowd once again erupted in cheers.
"Roooar!"
A thunderous roar shook the arena as a colossal Snow-Soul Brown Bear rose up behind Liu Xiong.
The enormous beast exuded pure physical might—every inch of its muscular form radiated indomitable strength.
It stood there like an unmovable glacier, giving off an aura of overwhelming power.
Its thick fur looked as though it were coated in layers of fresh snow, pristine white and glinting with a chilling light.
The audience was momentarily stunned into silence, awed by the beast's majesty.
They could clearly feel the freezing air emanating from it, the temperature in the arena dropping perceptibly.
Four spirit rings—two yellow and two purple—circled around it, adding a mysterious brilliance to the pure white of its fur.
Almost simultaneously, Yan released his own Martial Soul and spirit rings without hesitation.
In an instant, a half-humanoid figure composed entirely of roaring flames appeared behind him—a being that seemed to have stepped straight out of ancient myth.
The Flame Lord blazed with radiant crimson-red light, its brilliance clashing magnificently against the snowy white of the bear.
Around Yan's body gleamed four equally dazzling spirit rings.
At that moment, the Tianshui girls were utterly stunned.
Shui Bing'er murmured softly to herself:
"What incredible Martial Souls… Both of them have perfect ring configurations.
Who will be the one to claim victory?"
On another side of the stands, a young man and woman stared wide-eyed at the scene, recognizing Yan's Martial Soul instantly.
"Brother, that's… the Flame Lord Martial Soul!"
"Yes. No mistake—it's definitely the Flame Lord."
"Then… could he be that prodigy from the Spirit Hall Academy?"
"I doubt it. I heard that one is tall and broad-shouldered, covered in fiery markings, with bright red eyes and hair.
The Soul Master on stage doesn't fit that description. He probably just happens to share the same Martial Soul."
"You're right… Still, that Fire-attribute Soul Master is no ordinary person.
He looks about our age, yet his soul power has already reached level 44."
"Little Sister, stop guessing. Let's just watch the match."
"Mm."
The girl nodded, but her gaze never left Yan.
A complex emotion welled up quietly in her heart as she watched the fiery figure on the stage.
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