Yu Xiaogang's expression grew darker by the second as everyone registered for the competition using their real names, completely ignoring his suggestion to use aliases. Only his feliel disciple stayed loyal to his brilliant plan—Tang San.
His gloom lifted ever so slightly.
"It's you, Tang San, who truly deserves my teaching," Yu Xiaogang said solemnly, patting Tang San's shoulder like a proud father. Then, in one fluid motion, he pulled out a mask and handed it over. "Go. Hide your identity and unleash your full potential!"
Tang Yin scratched the back of his head and muttered inwardly, Isn't it obvious this Tang San just doesn't want to be recognized when he reveals that horrendous martial soul of his? He's probably banking on grossing out his enemies into surrender.
It wasn't just him. Everyone thought the same thing—but they were polite enough not to say it out loud.
After the registrations were complete, Zhu Zhuqing quietly tugged at the sleeve of Tang Yin's robe. Her voice was barely above a whisper.
"Master…"
She immediately clasped her hand over her mouth, cheeks turning pink.
Tang Yin raised an eyebrow and gave her a teasing look. "Oh? Sorry, Tang Yin… How about you and I register for a double soul battle?"
His eyes lit up. Was this… was this her way of asking him out?! Informally, sure—but it still counted in his book. He nodded with the enthusiasm of a man who'd just won the lottery.
But Meng Yiran was not happy.
She huffed and pressed herself dramatically against Tang Yin's side, mashing his arm between her chest. "Nooo! Why don't you team up with me instead? Don't you want to team up with me?"
Tang Yin gave her a straight-faced reply. "Of course I do. But Zhuqing asked first, and I already agreed. I can't go back on my word… or do you want me to be the kind of man who breaks his promises?"
He looked her dead in the eye, a smug glint shining in his own. Heh. Nice try. That acting might work on others, but I'm built different. No one's manipulating me in this life.
Meng Yiran pouted, then reluctantly partnered with Ning Rongrong, who had been silently observing the whole exchange. Rongrong sighed internally. I should've moved faster…
Though she hadn't said it out loud, she was well aware of her budding feelings toward Tang Yin. Still, as the proud princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda Sect, she wasn't the type to make the first move.
Tang Yin and Zhuqing registered their team under the name "Blue Silver Panther." Across the hall, Tang San registered a team with Oscar. When it came time to choose a name, Tang Yin, ever the troll, gave telepathic suggestion to Tang San.
"How about... Sausage Brothers?"
Tang San didn't feel anything wrong with the name as he wrote it down without consulting Oscar. Tang Yin nearly burst out laughing on the spot.
Just then, the announcer's voice boomed through the arena:
"Welcome to the Soto Spirit Arena! Up next—our double soul battle featuring the team… Blue Silver Panther!"
As Tang Yin and Zhuqing stepped into the arena amid roaring cheers, adrenaline surged through their veins. Tang Yin's eyes sparkled with excitement, and Zhuqing looked equally eager, her competitive spirit blazing.
The host's voice rang out again. "Blue Silver Panther will face off against… the Cat and Mouse Team, currently on a four-win streak!"
From the opposite gate emerged a short, pudgy man with rat-like teeth and a tall, slender woman with feline ears. The crowd erupted in support.
Zhuqing leaned toward Tang Yin, voice low but firm. "Let me take the woman."
Tang Yin nodded without hesitation. Truth be told, he didn't particularly want to fight a woman anyway.
"And now! Let the double soul battle… BEGIN!"
As the bell rang, Tang Yin instantly released his martial soul: the Blue Silver King. A regal aura emanated from the vine-like soul, commanding awe from the audience. At the same time, Zhuqing entered her Panther Possession, which, incidentally, emphasized her curves in ways Tang Yin tried very hard not to notice.
He failed.
He snapped himself out of it just in time to watch the opposing team summon their martial souls. Among the four, only Zhuqing had two soul rings, yet the colorful display had the crowd at fever pitch.
Tang Yin didn't waste a second. He activated his first soul skill—Blood Devour—and blood-red vines shot forward, wrapping around the pudgy dwarf like a dumpling. The vines dug into his flesh, draining his blood and rendering him completely immobile.
That left the Catwoman.
With a determined glint in her eyes, Zhuqing dashed forward, engaging her opponent with surprising agility. She was using the Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track, a movement technique she hadn't yet fully mastered. Her attacks weren't landing cleanly, but her speed had nearly doubled, keeping her on even ground with the speed-type soul elder.
Tang Yin watched intently, activating his Purple Demon Eye. His gaze, however, occasionally drifted toward the ongoing… bounciness in the duel. His nose nearly bled. He quickly turned away, clearing his throat.
Still, he analyzed her performance seriously. Speed—excellent. Technique—improving. Offensive power—lacking. Her Mysterious Jade Hand still needs refinement.
The battle raged on, and the Catwoman was momentarily distracted by her fallen teammate. Zhuqing seized the chance, sweeping the woman's legs and locking in a chokehold with flawless technique. The woman struggled valiantly but eventually passed out.
The crowd erupted in applause.
Zhuqing rushed back to Tang Yin and—without thinking—threw her arms around him in a warm, lingering hug.
Tang Yin froze, eyes wide. Then a slow smile crept across his face.
When did shy Zhuqing become this bold? Not that I'm complaining...
Meanwhile, Meng Yiran and Ning Rongrong stood off to the side, fists clenched. It felt as though something precious had just been taken from them.
Realizing what she'd just done, Zhuqing's eyes widened. She yanked herself away and bolted toward the exit using her movement technique, her ears burning red.
Tang Yin sighed wistfully.
"…Still worth it."