Chapter 30: Battle Against Hu Yan Meng
After the first soul battle, since one-on-one battles only allowed for one match per day, Yang Xiong returned alone to the hotel to review the details of the fight.
At first, Yang Xiong had been a little nervous, but after all these years of practice, the countless resources invested in him hadn't gone to waste. Although he hadn't used any soul skills, his strength, speed, and agility were among the strongest for a Great Soul Master. He just wasn't sure how he compared to those with truly top-tier martial souls.
In the Soul Arena, encounters with top-tier martial souls weren't common, since the true core disciples of sects rarely ventured outside.
The next day, Yang Xiong meditated alone in the hotel during the day and went to the Soul Arena again in the evening to compete.
When Yang Xiong faced his next opponent, he was surprised to find that his opponent was even taller than yesterday's. This opponent seemed to be about 2.2 meters tall, resembling a massive, overweight man, easily weighing over 400 pounds. He wore only a pair of long pants, leaving his upper body mostly exposed, looking extremely muscular and fierce.
Compared to Yang Xiong, who was 1.7 meters tall, the size difference made him seem much smaller.
Yang Xiong couldn't help but complain: Is everyone on the Douluo Continent some kind of exhibitionist? Why do they insist on not wearing battle uniforms just to show off their muscles?
However, when the host revealed his opponent's martial soul, Yang Xiong was shocked. His opponent had a soul power of level 28, and his martial soul was the Diamond Mammoth.
Yang Xiong was taken aback. The Diamond Mammoth was one of the martial souls of the lower four sects, specifically from the Elephant Armor Sect, and was known as the number one defensive martial soul in the world. This was certainly a formidable martial soul, much stronger than the opponent from yesterday.
To Yang Xiong's further surprise, his opponent wasn't using a nickname, but instead went by his real name, Hu Yan Meng. With a soul power of level 28, Hu Yan Meng had a record of 9 wins and 1 loss, which was quite impressive.
When Hu Yan Meng stepped onto the stage and saw Yang Xiong's appearance and record, he sneered. "Kid, you should go home. This kind of arena match isn't for someone like you."
Yang Xiong smiled slightly. "Aren't you just a bit older than me? I'll see what kind of strength you have."
Hu Yan Meng's face darkened. "Since you're so confident, I'll crush your bones and show you the true brutality of the soul battles."
Yang Xiong smiled, choosing to ignore such boastful words. It seemed that members of the Elephant Armor Sect all had this arrogant attitude.
However, when the battle started, Yang Xiong quickly realized that this guy wasn't just boasting—his body was truly tough.
During the preparation time for the battle, both participants summoned their martial souls and soul rings. Hu Yan Meng also had two yellow soul rings, and when the massive Diamond Mammoth materialized, his body seemed to grow even stronger. At least in terms of aura, he seemed much more intimidating than the bull-type opponent from yesterday.
The host announced the start of the match, and Hu Yan Meng charged at Yang Xiong like a wild bull. He threw a punch that looked incredibly straightforward and brutal.
Yang Xiong responded by swinging his own fist. When their fists collided, both of them were forced to step back. Yang Xiong was surprised, as he had already used 60% of his strength in that punch, yet they ended up in a stalemate.
Especially when he felt how hard Hu Yan Meng's punch was, it was as if his fist had collided with granite.
Hu Yan Meng, surprised as well, said, "Kid, you've got some strength. Let's see how you break through my defense."
Hu Yan Meng moved surprisingly fast, considering his large size. His attacks, whether punches or kicks, carried immense power.
Yang Xiong, unwilling to back down, suppressed Hu Yan Meng both in terms of strength and speed. He landed several punches on Hu Yan Meng's body, even delivering a heavy kick to his left shoulder.
However, Hu Yan Meng showed no signs of being affected, his entire body as hard as iron. Even Yang Xiong's continuous attacks were easily blocked.
After three minutes of fighting, Hu Yan Meng laughed wildly. "Kid, your strength is good, but you can't break my defense. If that's all you have, you can't beat me."
Hu Yan Meng's second soul ring flickered, and his already muscular body swelled further. His strength was clearly much stronger now, and this was his second soul skill: Mammoth Power.
Yang Xiong continued to use 60% of his strength to counter. With just one punch, he felt a tremendous force pushing him back by two meters, while Hu Yan Meng remained motionless.
At this moment, Yang Xiong couldn't help but smile. "Now this is getting interesting. Otherwise, this battle would be rather pointless."
When Hu Yan Meng attacked again, Yang Xiong's speed had increased significantly compared to earlier. He blocked Hu Yan Meng's attack with a hand strike, and then his hands suddenly shifted. His fingers, like claws, quickly latched onto Hu Yan Meng's arm.
Hu Yan Meng's defense was indeed formidable. Even though Yang Xiong was only using 60% of his strength, this was enough to overpower yesterday's opponent. Yet, Hu Yan Meng's arm only showed five faint blood streaks.
Before Hu Yan Meng could react, Yang Xiong swiftly swept his right leg, striking the joint of Hu Yan Meng's left leg. Hu Yan Meng's body staggered from the pain, causing him to lose his balance for a moment.
Seizing this opportunity, Yang Xiong grabbed Hu Yan Meng's shoulder with both hands and delivered an elbow strike to his head. He then kicked Hu Yan Meng in the chest, sending him flying several meters.
After receiving several attacks from Yang Xiong, Hu Yan Meng appeared to be in bad shape, with blood oozing from his shoulder and the corner of his eye. It seemed even the Elephant Armor Sect wasn't immune to weakness, especially in the head area.
Yang Xiong didn't press the attack further. He had only wanted to use the battle as a way to hone his skills. Winning or losing wasn't the most important part.
Hu Yan Meng, whose body was exceptionally tough, quickly got up from the ground and wiped the blood from his mouth.
"Good kid. I've fought in many soul battles, but this is the first time I've been injured. Looks like I'll have to show you my true strength."
Yang Xiong stretched his limbs. "I hope your strength is a bit harder than your mouth, or else you won't be able to defeat me."
Hu Yan Meng's first soul ring lit up, and his already imposing body was enveloped by a layer of earthy yellow energy, as though covered by a shield. This was his first soul skill: Mammoth Guard.
Yang Xiong was surprised. "So it's not just a pure defensive skill; it's a body defense-enhancing soul skill. That's quite rare."
"I'm curious though," Yang Xiong continued, "With your strength and physical prowess, especially with that strong defense and the rare two enhancement-type soul skills, you should have no equals among Great Soul Masters. How did you lose that one match?"
(END CHAPTER)
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 40 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Cortez10