The Great Soul Arena was actively promoting the upcoming duel between the two fighters, aiming to attract a larger audience.
It was extremely rare to see contestants who had not only won dozens of matches in a row but were also participating in a life-or-death battle, these were undeniably fierce individuals.
Even if both fighters were only one-ring Soul Masters, they were still qualified to battle in the main arena.
In the center of the one-on-one platform in the main arena, the neatly dressed host stood on bloodstained ground, passionately introducing the highly anticipated match.
"Tonight's one-on-one life-or-death battle features two heavyweight guests."
"The first is a talented new student from the Battle King Intermediate Soul Master Academy, Fang Ling!"
"At just nine years old, he is quiet and reserved, with an intense passion for battle."
"Though his left leg is crippled, it does not affect his formidable combat ability."
"His fighting style is unorthodox, precise and swift, with excellent reflexes. Every move is efficient and direct, creating a chilling yet elegant impression."
"His martial soul is a scythe. With thirteen consecutive wins, each of his ten life-or-death battles ended with a precise throat slash. The audience affectionately calls him 'Throat-Slitting Ling.'"
Fang Ling had just finished warming up, expressionless as he waited silently to the side.
He still didn't know who his opponent would be. But anyone who could win ten consecutive life-or-death matches was bound to be dangerous. He was ready, ready to kill or to flee.
The audience cheered wildly, clapping enthusiastically. Many shouted the nickname.
"Throat-Slitting Ling" might not be the most flattering name, but it suited him perfectly.
Fang Ling reluctantly accepted it.
Seeing the fired-up atmosphere, the host announced the second contender: "The second participant is Xu Chi, youngest son of the City Lord of Ice Edge City!"
In the spectator area for contestant relatives, Lin Tianyang's expression changed immediately. He tightened his grip on his wife's hand.
"He's the City Lord's youngest son, rumored to be born weak and talentless. I didn't expect him to win ten life-or-death matches in a row. This could be troublesome."
"Because of his status? But didn't you say he was a nobody?" Shuman Yun asked, confused.
"The City Lord doesn't care much about this son, but he and my father have had past conflicts. He might take this opportunity to stir things up."
Lin Tianyang looked deeply concerned.
"Should we stop the match immediately?" Shuman Yun asked in alarm.
After a brief moment of thought, Lin Tianyang shook his head slightly.
"It's fine. My father is stronger."
"Besides, the rules of the Great Soul Arena are strict. Even the City Lord wouldn't dare challenge them. Don't worry too much."
"And with this many spectators, it would be hard to call it off now. Disappointing so many people could cause a bigger problem."
"Let's focus on Fang Ling."
Back on the stage, Fang Ling furrowed his brow upon hearing his opponent's identity.
So he had a background... Hopefully his teacher's background was stronger.
"Xu Chi shares the same martial soul as the City Lord: the Darksteel Sword. He has also won ten matches in a row."
"His fighting style is similar to Fang Ling's, extremely precise, achieving the most lethal effect with the fewest moves."
"He specializes in piercing strikes, often thrusting directly into an opponent's heart. Because of this, the audience calls him 'Heart-Piercing Chi.'"
"Now, let's welcome both fighters to the stage."
Those who had just cheered for Fang Ling now cheered for this new name too.
They had no strong loyalty, just a love of watching a good fight.
"Heart-Piercing Chi!"
"Kill! Kill! Kill!"
Both fighters leapt onto the stage amid the crowd's excitement.
Fang Ling stared at his opponent.
The boy had shiny black curls and a faint smile on his round, chubby face.
He wasn't especially handsome, but his plump face gave off an odd sense of friendliness.
Of course, that meant nothing to Fang Ling.
When it was time to draw his blade, he would draw it. That was a lesson he'd learned from watching Tang San lose to Xiao Wu's charm.
Never mind that this opponent was a boy, even if a stunningly beautiful woman stood in his way, he would kill without hesitation.
"I heard from the host that you're the City Lord's youngest son?" Fang Ling asked, his voice wary, an unusual move for him to speak first.
"Yes, I am," Xu Chi replied with a nod. Then added, "But don't worry. Fight with all you've got. I have four older brothers, all more talented than me."
"I've been frail since childhood. At twelve, I'm only at level sixteen. My talent is terrible. No one cares much about me."
Fang Ling still looked doubtful. "What if I kill you and your father comes after the academy for revenge?"
Xu Chi's eyes burned with passion. "He allowed me to join the life-or-death battles and promised not to trouble anyone who kills me. So go ahead, swing your blade without hesitation."
"If I die, it's because I wasn't strong enough. I'd have no one else to blame."
"Besides, are you so sure you can kill me? Winning a lot doesn't mean you're stronger."
Fang Ling understood and said no more. He silently summoned his martial soul.
His scythe had undergone an evolution. While the design hadn't changed, it now felt even more solid in his grip.
The silver-white metal blade looked ready to claim its next soul.
As Fang Ling summoned his scythe, Xu Chi revealed his own martial soul.
The Darksteel Sword, jet black with faint green patterns, exuded a deep, mysterious aura.
Both of them had a single yellow soul ring hovering around them.
A hundred-year soul ring, the proper configuration for the son of a City Lord.
Unlike the white soul ring of Xiao Chenyu from Nuoding Academy.
The two stood off, analyzing each other for weaknesses.
Moments later, they both lunged forward at the same time.
Clang! The back of Fang Ling's reinforced scythe clashed with Xu Chi's sword, sending a sharp metallic ring into the air.
"Your martial soul doesn't seem very strong," Xu Chi said, noticing the faint scratch left on Fang Ling's scythe.
The Darksteel Sword was a mid-to-high tier martial soul known for its toughness.
Though Xu Chi lacked talent, he had inherited this powerful martial soul.
Fang Ling's scythe, though evolved to level 2, was still a low-tier martial soul. A scratch was only to be expected.
Feeling a faint sting from the impact, Fang Ling quickly assessed the situation.
He could fight.
If the enemy's martial soul had been too strong and had sliced a deep gash into his scythe, the battle would've been unwinnable.
In such a case, the only option would have been to flee.
The pain that struck the spirit sea from such injuries was intolerable, and death would be highly likely.
Fang Ling retracted his weapon, stepped back, and leaned his body away.
As the two faced off again, his sudden retreat caused Xu Chi's sword to slice past without resistance.
Then, with a tight grip on the scythe, Fang Ling struck down with a lightning-fast vertical slash, using his sharp reflexes to bring it down like thunder.
The slash came swiftly and forcefully.
Xu Chi, drawing on his vast combat experience, reacted instantly.
His sword returned with fluid grace and blocked solidly like a boulder.
Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!
The two began exchanging blows rapidly, like blacksmiths hammering steel.
After a brief flurry, Xu Chi seemed to fall behind.
He stepped back, allowing a slash to cut across his chest, drawing blood, just to avoid a more dangerous attack.
As he retreated quickly, it looked like he was trying to catch his breath.
But in the next instant, a fierce light flashed in his eyes.
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