Yu Kuang looked up and was momentarily stunned.
"Heh, so you do know me?"
Lin Feng greeted him with a gentle smile, his tone calm and friendly.
Yu Kuang nodded, a hint of surprise flashing across his face. "Yeah, I know you. The academy's big shot. The famed genius."
"So, what brings you here?"
Lin Feng was secretly pleased—he hadn't expected Yu Kuang to recognize him. That would make things much easier.
"I overheard everything just now."
The smile faded from Lin Feng's face, replaced by a serious expression.
Yu Kuang's brows furrowed at once. "If you're also here to invite me to some match, then don't bother."
Lin Feng shook his head. "You really think he's that kind?"
"There are tons of Rank 39 Soul Masters out there. A thousand gold soul coins just for one match? That kind of offer? Why has no one ever given it to me?"
"There's definitely something fishy. If I'm right, he's either drugging you or something's off about your opponent."
Yu Kuang's heart trembled.
But as he thought more carefully, he had to admit Lin Feng made sense.
"So what?" he said indifferently after a moment. "If I lose, I lose."
Seeing how nonchalant he was, Lin Feng pressed further. "But you're representing him in this match. He's known for rigging fights—and that's no secret in certain circles."
"If you lose, how do you think people will see you?"
Yu Kuang's eyes widened slightly.
That was something he hadn't considered.
The thought that his reputation might take a hit made him suddenly anxious and angry.
But soon, his expression dimmed again, and he spoke helplessly: "But I already signed the challenge letter. A promise is a promise."
Lin Feng looked at him sincerely.
Yu Kuang met his eyes, conflicted. After a brief internal struggle, he simply replied, "No need."
He didn't know what price Lin Feng would pay to help him, but he believed he could handle this on his own.
As long as he won, it'd all be fine.
That was the proud belief burning in Yu Kuang's heart.
Having said his piece, he turned and walked out of the cafeteria.
Lin Feng watched his departing figure and silently made note of the match date. He didn't go after him.
Some things couldn't be rushed. Yu Kuang needed time to think.
Heaven Dou Imperial Academy's Great Soul Arena was packed and lively.
Lin Feng had brought along Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling.
Dugu Yan was flushed with excitement, skipping along the way.
"Can't believe you brought us to the Soul Arena, Lin Feng!"
"I was getting so bored—finally, something exciting to watch!"
She tugged at Lin Feng's arm, thrilled.
Standing in the spectator stands, Lin Feng frowned slightly.
His gaze didn't drift toward the noisy crowd but locked directly onto the stage.
"I'm not here for fun."
"This time, it's for one person—Yu Kuang."
Though his voice was quiet, Dugu Yan caught it.
She blinked. "Isn't he from last year's Heaven Dou Battle Team? Heard he's all about loyalty and honor."
"Just a few days ago, I heard the Marquis's son, Zhao Li, invited him to throw a match. He refused."
Lin Feng's eyebrows lifted in surprise.
"So the news spread that far already, huh?"
Even Dugu Yan had heard? That meant the story had gone completely public.
Most likely, Zhao Li himself was behind the leak.
At that moment, the previous match onstage wrapped up.
"And now, let's welcome our next competitors!"
"On one side: disciple of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan—Yu Tianlei, a Rank 36 Soul Elder!"
"Facing him: last year's Heaven Dou Team member—Yu Kuang, a Rank 39 Soul Elder!"
The announcer's passionate voice boomed across the arena through amplifiers.
As the voice faded, Yu Tianlei and Yu Kuang both strode confidently onto the stage.
Yu Tianlei wore a grand blue robe embroidered with a vivid dragon, unmistakably flaunting his noble heritage from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.
In contrast, Yu Kuang sported a simple black martial outfit—plain, but exuding calm strength.
The moment the two stepped on stage, the spectators erupted into thunderous cheers.
"How's a Rank 36 gonna beat a Rank 39? That's a guaranteed loss."
"Who cares? I already bet a hundred gold soul coins on Yu Kuang."
Down in the crowd, Yu Kuang's younger brother, Yu Feng, shouted enthusiastically.
Yu Kuang turned at the familiar voice, smiling warmly.
But just then, his eyes fell on Lin Feng in the front row.
Yu Kuang gave a small nod and gestured subtly—drawing a finger across his neck in a mock "finish him" motion.
Lin Feng saw the gesture and smiled faintly, a knowing glint in his eyes.
So he still hadn't taken Lin Feng's warning seriously.
Though there was a three-level gap between their soul power, the difference between top-tier martial souls was never trivial.
Not to mention the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's secret technique—Dragon Transformation—capable of allowing a lower-level soul master to punch above their weight.
Still, Yu Kuang wasn't defenseless. If he fought seriously, he should be able to win.
That is, unless something went wrong.
Across from him, Yu Kuang eyed Yu Tianlei with growing wariness.
Lin Feng's warning echoed in his mind, stirring a strange unease in his chest.
"With my own strength and experience—why wouldn't I win?"
He quickly adjusted his mindset and rekindled his fighting spirit.
Yu Tianlei noticed Yu Kuang's tense expression and sneered inwardly.
"You think someone like you can compare to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon? Know your place."
With a contemptuous smirk, he dismissed him.
Yu Kuang ignored the taunt and remained motionless, his soul power slowly surging around him.
"Let the match begin!"
With the announcer's command, the battle erupted.
"Martial Soul Possession—Gale Bird!"
Though Yu Kuang wielded a bird-type martial soul, he immediately entered a full-power assault stance, showcasing his strength-type approach.
He dashed forward at blinding speed, talons gleaming with sharp light, cutting through the air toward Yu Tianlei.
"Martial Soul Possession—Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon!"
Not to be outdone, Yu Tianlei called forth his martial soul. The phantom of a massive blue dragon coiled around him, cloaking his body in power.
His arms thickened instantly, covered in hard dragon scales that gleamed with cold light.
Taking strong, confident strides, Yu Tianlei raised his dragon claw and met Yu Kuang head-on.
Their movements were so fast they became blurs—spectators couldn't keep up, only hearing the rapid bang-bang-bang of impact.
Claw met claw—sparks flying in every clash.
For now, the two seemed evenly matched. Neither could gain the upper hand.
30 Advance Chapters on !
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