Indeed,this cross-level sparring match was proposed by the other party.
Under the spotlight, the young Soul Master known as 'Iron Wall' stood tall and proud on one side of the Soul Arena.
As Dongfang Jing slowly stepped onto the stage, Shi Lei unexpectedly raised his hand, politely interrupting the host who was about to speak.
He stared intently ahead, clasped his hands in a salute, and spoke in a loud yet respectful voice: "I am Shi Lei. Thank you for accepting my presumptuous challenge."
This polite opening surprised Dongfang Jing slightly.
He had originally thought that the other party would, like many of his previous opponents, spout some harsh words and trash talk before the match.
After all, in this grand Soul Arena, arrogance was almost standard practice.
This Shi Lei was unexpectedly humble.
Dongfang Jing returned the salute, waiting for the other party to continue.
Seeing this, Shi Lei revealed a frank and open smile: "To be honest, I am currently training hard in this Great Soul Arena. In my opinion, true progress always comes from pressure and challenges, not from solitary cultivation behind closed doors. That is why I so yearn to compete with true powerhouses!"
Dongfang Jing listened quietly, quite agreeing in his heart.
'This person speaks frankly and openly, could he be one of the important characters in "Douluo Continent"?'
Seeing that Dongfang Jing did not show any impatience, Shi Lei tentatively asked: "I have long heard that among the Great Soul Masters, there has emerged a peerless talent who, at such a young age, has achieved a brilliant record of thirty-five consecutive victories in this Great Soul Arena. May I ask... if I may have the honor of knowing your real name and age?"
After speaking, as if afraid of being misunderstood, he quickly added,his voice still loud and sincere: "Please do not misunderstand, I am not a bloodthirsty and belligerent person, nor am I an envoy sent by any sect or family to win you over. It is purely out of curiosity and respect for the strong."
Their conversation was amplified by the soul-guided amplification device and heard by every spectator present.
Not only was Shi Lei curious, but the audience was equally intrigued.
Everyone craned their necks,eagerly awaiting Master Jing's reply.
Beneath the mask, Dongfang Jing's gaze remained calm and unwavering.
He gave a slight nod in return, his voice, transmitted through the mask, concise and indifferent: "Names are insignificant, and age is irrelevant to victory or defeat. Brother Shi need not concern himself with the difference in rank, for this is also a challenge for me."
Upon hearing this, Shi Lei was slightly taken aback,a hint of regret lingering.
But then, a more appreciative and fervent gaze appeared.
He could naturally sense that the other party was young and possessed a lower soul power level than himself.
Yet, this response cleverly avoided revealing personal information, while simultaneously conveying an undeniable and powerful confidence and composure.
This was the kind of strong opponent he wanted to challenge!
"Haha, good! You're quite forthright!" My soul power and age are both superior to yours; I already have the advantage in this battle. Even with my thick skin, I, Shi Lei, couldn't bring myself to exert my full power to suppress someone. "
His voice boomed like thunder: "In this battle, I will only use my first two soul skills! If I use the third soul skill, I will consider myself defeated!"
These words, spoken openly and honestly, resounded throughout the arena via the amplified soul tool.
However, instead of applause, applause erupted from the stands.
Instead, there were many muffled complaints and boos.
The reason was simple: no matter how powerful Lord Jing was, he was still only a Great Soul Master.
There was an insurmountable gap between him and a Soul Venerable.
Many spectators, especially gamblers,had placed heavy bets on Shi Lei.
They were counting on Shi Lei to win and make a fortune; if Shi Lei lost because of his self-limited soul skills, they would suffer huge losses!
Upon hearing this, Dongfang Jing simply shook his head slightly and said nothing more.
In any case, his goal remained the same:to win the match and take away one million gold soul coins!
Seeing this, the blue-haired female host immediately swayed her hips at the opportune moment and shouted in a high-pitched and excited voice: "The agreement between the two parties has been completed! It seems that this will be a fair and exciting duel!
So I declare the match officially begins!"
"Boom!"
The moment the words left his mouth, Shi Lei made the first move.
He let out a low shout, and a thick layer of earth-yellow soul power erupted around him. "
Mystic Rock Giant Rhinoceros, Possess!"
A heavy aura spread out from him, and his body was covered with a layer of hard rock armor.
His skin had a grayish-brown, rocky texture, his muscles bulged, and his body seemed to have expanded.
Most dazzlingly, three bright soul rings, two yellow and one purple, rose from beneath his feet.
He clashed his fists together, producing a dull thud, and had already entered battle mode.
All eyes were focused on Dongfang Jing.
The boy stood still, his right hand slightly raised.
The air froze for a moment.
Tiny, crystalline fragments of light quietly appeared, like stars orbiting, slowly swirling and refracting dazzling light.
Then, two spirit rings rose from beneath his feet.
"Buzz—!"
Purple! Purple!
Despite the rumors,the impact of seeing it with one's own eyes was still devastating!
"Qian really is Qian!"
"My god! I thought my brother was playing a joke on me!"
A moment of deathly silence fell over the stands,followed by a horrifying gasp that could have lifted the dome!
In the Tianshui Academy area, the girls were equally stunned.
"Purple-purple? First and second?" Shui Yue'er's mouth gaped open, popcorn scattering unnoticed, as she clung tightly to her mother's sleeve.
Shui Liuli's beautiful eyes widened;she leaned forward slightly, her gaze sharp as she stared at the spirit rings beneath Dongfang Jing's feet, murmuring, "It shouldn't be like this. Even with innate full spirit power, he couldn't withstand Qianqian's power."
Even the usually calm and collected Shui Bing'er completely lost her composure. Her icy blue pupils contracted slightly.
She too had absorbed a spirit ring and become a spirit master, so she naturally knew the pain of absorbing a high-age spirit ring.
Her first spirit skill, Ice Seal, was a group instantaneous control spirit skill with astonishing effects.
It was precisely because of this that absorbing this spirit ring, which was close to its maximum age, brought her almost unbearable, intense pain, a pain she still felt deeply.
The first spirit ring in a millennium? This completely overturned the common sense of the spirit master world!
In the entire arena, only Dongfang Yao remained unmoved.
After the initial collective shock, the little girl proudly puffed out her chest, her delicate face filled with pride.
She vigorously waved her purple cheering stick again,even glancing triumphantly around, taking in the shocked expressions of the audience.
Screams and shouts filled the air.
However, beneath the mask,
Dongfang Jing himself, who had instigated this storm, showed no joy or pride in his eyes.
He frowned tightly,his powerful spiritual energy allowing him to sense some unusual gazes.
His gaze seemingly casually swept over several dimly lit, inconspicuous corners of the audience.
A slight unease settled in his heart.
Within those shadows, he sensed several unusual auras.
They were well concealed, yet their gazes were fixed on him with scrutiny and inquiry.
'I'm afraid I've been targeted.
Are they from the Spirit Hall? Or some sect?'
Dongfang Jing felt a sense of trouble. 'These are truly turbulent times.'
At the same time,Shi Lei opposite him wore a solemn expression, showing no sign of letting his guard down despite Shi Lei's lower spirit power.
Dongfang Jing also withdrew his gaze, his thoughts returning to the arena.
In any case, he had to finish the match first.
Then he could think about what to do.
'Defense-type opponents are a bit troublesome; I'll need to put in more effort.'
He stared at the rock armor on his opponent.
In just a moment, Dongfang Jing had already devised a countermeasure.
The young man calmly looked at his opponent and said indifferently,
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(End of Chapter)