Bu Le's face twisted in fury, but Oscar had already regained his calm, staring at him with a detached expression.
"Whether you live or die today depends on who is stronger."
That statement caused Bu Le to pause, a flicker of fear flashing across his heart.
Was this brat actually discussing life and death so calmly? Did he really dare kill him if he lost?
Though Bu Le looked over forty, he was actually under that age yet this was the first time in his life he felt fear from a child. Still, he believed it was just bluster. He's just trying to mess with my head.
Straightening his posture, Bu Le barked out,
"Very well. Let's fight!"
The market square was empty by now on lookers had long since fled leaving them with a spacious battleground.
"Bu Le! Martial Soul: Ghost Hands! Level 36 Agility Attack Soul Elder!"
With a burst of power, Bu Le's hands transformed into dark, eerie claws. Combined with his perverted expression, he looked even more repulsive.
Three soul rings rose around him white, yellow, yellow not an optimal configuration, but still a real Level 36 Soul Elder.
Oscar originally planned a sneak attack. But since Bu Le had formally declared his spirit and level an unspoken courtesy among Soul Masters Oscar honored the code.
He also welcomed the opportunity to test his full strength.
"Oscar! Martial Soul: Azure Spirit Jade Sword! Level 22 Power Attack Soul Grandmaster!"
With his right hand behind his back, Oscar raised his left. A cyan light flared as a 1.2meterlong jade sword materialized. Two bright yellow soul rings emerged around him his aura surprisingly matched Bu Le's.
But Bu Le couldn't see Oscar's right hand, which tightly gripped his true Martial Soul: Supreme Sausage.
This was Oscar's carefully prepared deception his external soul bone enabled him to manifest the Azure Spirit Jade Sword, masking his real power.
The sausage, small in size, fit perfectly in his hand and could be hidden instantly in a soul tool embedded in his finger.
Even experienced experts like Zhao Wuji and Flender had nearly fallen for this ruse when Oscar first used it.
Beside him, Ma Hongjun, long used to Oscar's tricks, had already activated his own Martial Soul.
A powerful phoenix cry echoed his body ignited in roaring flames, wings of fire spread wide from his back, a scarlet crown manifesting above his head.
"Ma Hongjun! Martial Soul: Evil Fire Phoenix! Level 14 Power Attack Soul Master!"
With his soul ring glowing yellow and rage in his eyes, Ma Hongjun burned with fighting spirit. Yesterday he'd been crushed. Today, with Oscar, he feared nothing.
Both of them radiated an overwhelming pressure that surpassed Bu Le's despite his higher level. Especially Oscar his sword, silver robes, and presence were so awe inspiring that Bu Le no longer doubted him.
No way a genius like this would bluff. Win, and not only would he be safe, he'd also earn 100 gold soul coins.
Hidden nearby, Zhao Wuji smirked. Damn, this brat's actually handsome? He's not even nine years old and he's already this formidable? I've lived nearly 50 years, and even I don't have this kind of presence...
The battle began.
Bu Le didn't hold back. He launched forward like a bullet.
"Second Soul Skill: Hell's Arrival!"
His speed surged explosively. At three meters from Oscar, his white first soul ring lit up.
"First Soul Skill: Source of Evil!"
Oscar's jade sword flashed as he met Bu Le's claw.
Clang!
The ghost claw collided with the jade sword in a burst of sparks. But Bu Le grimaced. Just one exchange and his claws were already aching.
This was due to Oscar's external soul bone skill Cutting Edge and surprisingly strong physical power. He's just Level 22, but his strength rivals mine?
Oscar, analyzing calmly, was unimpressed. This guy's really not that strong.
Though Oscar hadn't formally trained in swordsmanship, two years of staff drills had given him more than enough control for real combat.
He began striking fluidly, his jade sword meeting Bu Le's every attack with precision.
Ma Hongjun entered the fray, claws igniting with dark red flames. He didn't use his first skilltoo risky during close combat but struck with raw power.
Two against one. Bu Le was instantly pushed onto the defensive.
This Oscar… he's terrifying. And the kid? Even he's a real threat now.
Bu Le growled and activated his third soul ring.
"Third Soul Skill: Invisible Strike!"
His speed spiked again becoming a blur.
Oscar, eyes narrowing, tossed his jade sword into the air. It disintegrated into ten shimmering cyan blades each over a meter long hovering midair.
He didn't call out the skill. Neither did Bu Le. Authors only do that for readers.
His soul power surged. The ten blades shot toward Bu Le like guided missiles.
At the same time
Phoenix Fireline!
A sharp cry rang out as Ma Hongjun unleashed his flame breath.
Bu Le, despite his agility, couldn't dodge them all. He destroyed nine blades with ghost claws but the tenth stabbed deep into his thigh, breaking his rhythm.
Then the fire struck.
In a flash, his clothes ignited. His skin blackened. A burnt stench filled the air.
Oscar reformed the jade sword in his left hand, advanced one step, and placed the blade against Bu Le's throat.
Ma Hongjun ceased his flames.
And Bu Le?
He couldn't smile anymore.
He'd just been defeated by two kids.
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