CHAPTER 6: THE BATTLE BEGINS
The Arena
The arena was a massive structure, its circular layout designed to give every spectator a clear view of the battles. The ground was made of reinforced stone, etched with markings to absorb the impacts of powerful soul techniques. Tall banners adorned the walls, bearing the crest of the Star Luo Empire.
Huo Yuhao stepped onto the battlefield, his nerves steady despite the roaring crowd. His Spirit Eyes glowed faintly, scanning his surroundings. Across from him stood his first opponent—a lean, muscular boy with short, fiery-red hair and a confident smirk. His martial soul, a Flame Scorpion, radiated a menacing heat.
The referee, an experienced soul master, raised his hand. “The match between Huo Yuhao of the Tang Sect and Feng Zhan of the Flame Guild will now begin! Prepare yourselves.”
Huo Yuhao tightened his grip on his White Tiger Dagger, his heart pounding with excitement and determination.
“Begin!”
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The First Clash
Feng Zhan wasted no time. His Flame Scorpion martial soul manifested behind him, its glowing pincers snapping menacingly. Flames erupted from his fists as he charged forward, launching a barrage of fiery strikes.
Huo Yuhao activated his Spirit Eyes, his perception sharpening. To him, Feng Zhan’s movements seemed slower, more predictable. He sidestepped the first strike and deflected the second with his dagger, the clash of metal and flame echoing through the arena.
The crowd gasped, impressed by Huo Yuhao’s agility and composure.
Feng Zhan growled. “Not bad, but let’s see how you handle this!” He leapt back, his scorpion’s tail glowing with fiery energy. With a swift motion, he launched a flaming projectile straight at Huo Yuhao.
Huo Yuhao’s Spirit Eyes flared. He anticipated the attack, rolling to the side just in time. As he regained his footing, he activated the Ghost Shadow Needle Launcher hidden in his sleeve. With a subtle flick of his wrist, he sent a needle hurtling toward Feng Zhan.
The needle struck Feng Zhan’s shoulder, eliciting a grunt of pain. The crowd erupted in cheers as Huo Yuhao pressed his advantage, darting forward with his dagger aimed at his opponent’s exposed flank.
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The Turning Point
Feng Zhan wasn’t finished. His scorpion tail lashed out, forcing Huo Yuhao to retreat. “You’re good,” Feng Zhan admitted, his tone grudgingly respectful. “But I’m not going down that easily.”
His martial soul surged with power, and flames erupted around him in a swirling inferno. Huo Yuhao shielded his face from the heat, his Spirit Eyes allowing him to track Feng Zhan’s movements despite the fiery chaos.
“Kid, now’s your chance,” Skydream’s voice echoed in Huo Yuhao’s mind. “Use your spiritual detection to find an opening and end this.”
Huo Yuhao focused, extending his spiritual perception. He pinpointed a slight hesitation in Feng Zhan’s movements—a momentary weakness when he channeled his flames.
Timing his attack perfectly, Huo Yuhao darted forward, weaving through the inferno. His dagger flashed, striking Feng Zhan’s side and disrupting his concentration. The flames dissipated, leaving Feng Zhan vulnerable.
Before Feng Zhan could recover, Huo Yuhao swept his legs out from under him and pressed the dagger to his neck. The crowd fell silent, then erupted in cheers as the referee raised his hand.
“Winner: Huo Yuhao of the Tang Sect!”
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Earning Recognition
As Huo Yuhao stepped off the battlefield, he was greeted by Tang Ya and Beibei, their faces beaming with pride.
“You were amazing, Yuhao!” Tang Ya exclaimed, throwing her arms around him.
Beibei chuckled. “You’ve come a long way, little brother. That was a textbook demonstration of strategy and precision.”
Huo Yuhao smiled, his confidence bolstered by their praise. “It’s only the first round. I’ll keep pushing.”
From the stands, other competitors and spectators began to take notice of Huo Yuhao. Whispers spread through the crowd, many curious about the young fighter and his connection to the Tang Sect.
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The Shadow Looms
Later that evening, as the group prepared for the next day’s matches, Huo Yuhao sat alone, reflecting on his victory. The Skydream Iceworm’s voice interrupted his thoughts.
“Not bad, kid. But don’t get cocky. The competition will only get tougher from here.”
“I know,” Huo Yuhao replied. “I’ll stay focused.”
As he meditated, sharpening his spiritual detection, a strange sensation washed over him—a faint, ominous presence lingering in the distance. It was brief, like a shadow passing through his mind, but it left him uneasy.
“What was that?” he asked Skydream.
“Hmm… interesting,” the Iceworm mused. “It seems we’re not the only ones playing with spiritual power here. Stay alert, kid. This tournament might be more dangerous than it seems.”
Huo Yuhao’s resolve hardened. He wasn’t just here to win for himself or the Tang Sect—he was here to prove his worth and uncover the mysteries surrounding him. With each step forward, he was determined to carve his place in the world.