Chapter 74: The So-Called Second Stage Training
During the recent rest days, there was a little incident. One evening, Ma Hongjun returned, looking like a pig's head after being beaten.
Although Yang Xiong didn't think much of Ma Hongjun, he still followed the others to Soto City to teach the so-called "Bu Le," who was indeed very disgusting. Giving him a good beating was also a way to get some exercise.
On the sixth day of their break, Tang San gathered everyone in his room. On the table, there were various hidden weapons.
After Tang San's introduction, the group learned that these weapons included silent sleeve arrows, stomping crossbows, low-head crossbows, shadow-shooting projectiles, flying claws, Zhuge Divine Crossbows, and more.
Everyone was thrilled to see these hidden weapons, as they had already witnessed their power. The Zhuge Divine Crossbow, in particular, had been impressive, whether it was used against Zhao Wujie or for killing soul beasts.
Under Tang San's guidance, everyone quickly became familiar with how to use the weapons, even mounting them right away.
Yang Xiong, however, was casually playing with the weapons. These were mostly mechanical-type hidden weapons, and they were exquisitely made. Their power was impressive, especially since the metals used for these weapons were not ordinary. It was evident that Tang San had spent a lot of effort on these weapons.
After carefully examining and trying them out, Yang Xiong put everything away.
Tang San, puzzled, spoke up, "Yang Xiong, aren't you satisfied with these weapons? Why didn't you equip any of them?"
Yang Xiong smiled and said, "Thank you, Tang San. I like these weapons very much. They're great for offense, but wearing them isn't very convenient for my body training. So I'll put them away for now and use them when needed."
Tang San, clearly concerned about everyone's reaction to the weapons, finally relaxed and said, "You're right. Since you do body training and medicinal baths every day, these weapons, under the effect of toxins, could easily get damaged. It's better to keep them for now."
The seven-day break passed quickly. Under the organization of Yu Xiaogang and Flender, the second round of training began in Soto City's Grand Soul Arena.
However, according to Yu Xiaogang's requirements, everyone needed to obtain both the individual Silver Soul Arena Medal and the team Silver Soul Arena Medal.
A problem arose: Normally, a team would consist of seven members, but there were eight people in Shrek, so one person couldn't participate.
Yu Xiaogang explained that the entire team had only one control-type soul master, which was Tang San. Therefore, everyone else would take turns resting, while Tang San, the control-type soul master, would be responsible for strategizing.
Yang Xiong couldn't help but roll his eyes at Yu Xiaogang. It was clear that Yu Xiaogang wanted to build up Tang San's position in the team.
However, Yang Xiong didn't mind. According to his own plan, he would definitely participate in one individual fight and two pair battles every day. The seven-person team battle didn't really interest him.
Moreover, Yang Xiong wasn't too concerned with the so-called team battles. He cared more about his own improvement. After all, team battles were only a thing in the Soul Master Tournament. Once one reached the level of Soul King or even Soul Emperor, there wouldn't be such large team battles. The focus would always be on individual strength.
Yu Xiaogang appeared confident. "Although the second round of training seems less intense, I expect everyone to obtain their Silver Soul Arena Medals as soon as possible. This, especially for your team, might be the most difficult part."
"Also, for your safety, I'm placing some restrictions on you. First, no one is allowed to show their true face; you must wear masks and adopt code names when participating in the matches. Second, no one can use hidden weapons. Third, I require each of you to participate in at least two Soul Arena battles every day."
Oscar seemed puzzled. "Master, Rongrong and I are both support-type soul masters. It might not be so easy for us to obtain the Silver Soul Arena Medals."
Yu Xiaogang remained calm. "That's no problem. You can continue your training from the first round until everyone obtains the Silver Soul Arena Medals. That would count as completing your training."
Oscar and Ning Rongrong immediately felt disheartened. Clearly, they were both afraid of the difficulty of the first round of training.
However, Oscar put his arm around Yang Xiong's shoulder. "Brother Xiong, I'll rely on you for this. I can only earn points by participating in the pair and team matches."
Yang Xiong quickly pushed Oscar away. "Don't get too close to me. Don't worry, getting your Silver Soul Arena Medal won't be a big problem."
"But you also need to work hard. Don't get eliminated immediately. You know, I'll be fighting two Soul Kings when I join the match with you."
As Yang Xiong had said, he didn't see obtaining the Silver Soul Arena Medal as difficult.
According to the rules of the Soul Arena, individual battles earned points, and pair battles also earned individual points. Even in the seven-person team battle, aside from the team points, there were individual points, meaning even support-type soul masters could gain points in the pair and team battles.
However, to quickly earn the Silver Soul Arena Medals, they would need to participate in more battles.
Following Yang Xiong's plan, participating in three to four battles a night, including one team battle, was enough. Any more would be unnecessary.
Dai Mubai immediately teamed up with Zhu Zhuqing, forming the White Tiger combination, but they had to face two Soul Kings. For Zhu Zhuqing, this was too much pressure, considering she was only at level 27.
Nevertheless, Zhu Zhuqing wasn't afraid and seemed to trust Dai Mubai more and more.
Tang San and Xiao Wu had already formed a team of two Soul Kings, and no one could break them apart.
As for Ma Hongjun, things were rather tragic. He seemed to have no partner for the pair battles. Ning Rongrong clearly disliked him, and Zhu Zhuqing needed to fight Soul Kings and participate in the team battles. With his current strength, it was impossible for him to join three Soul Arena battles a day. The other four were all Soul Kings, so it was hard to team up with him.
In the end, Ma Hongjun looked at Yang Xiong eagerly. "Brother Xiong, how about we team up? We don't have to appear every day."
Yang Xiong thought for a moment before replying, "No problem, but if we team up, we'll have to participate in the Soul Arena battles every day until this round of training ends."
Ma Hongjun seemed puzzled. "Brother Xiong, can you handle that? You'll have to participate in five battles a day, including two Soul King-level battles."
Yang Xiong grabbed Ma Hongjun's shoulder. "Little fatty, that's not something you need to worry about. It's just a Soul Master battle. As long as you don't mess up, it'll be fine."
Soon, everyone had registered. Yang Xiong signed up for four battles, including one individual and three pair battles. As for the seven-person team battle, by good luck, he wasn't participating today.
When everyone saw that Yang Xiong had a Bronze Soul Arena Medal, they were surprised. After all, Dai Mubai had participated in so many battles, yet he still had a Iron Soul Arena Medal. Back when he first entered Soul King, he had lost too many times, and the academy had no one to team up with him for pair battles.
However, when Yang Xiong saw the opponent for his first Soul Arena battle, he was also surprised, because his first match was against Zhu Zhuqing.
Dai Mubai immediately approached Yang Xiong. "Brother, please take it easy when fighting. I'm begging you."
Yang Xiong smiled. "We're all classmates. I won't be too hard on you."
Zhu Zhuqing, standing nearby, shot Dai Mubai a look, clearly not agreeing with his words.
When they climbed onto the arena, Zhu Zhuqing looked very serious, even colder than usual.
The usually indifferent Zhu Zhuqing suddenly spoke. "Yang Xiong, could you show me your full strength?"
Yang Xiong was a bit puzzled. "Are you sure? I might end up injuring you."
Actually, over the past three months, Yang Xiong had sparred with everyone, but each time it had been with multiple opponents. This was the first time he was facing Zhu Zhuqing one-on-one. The difference in their combat strength was vast.
Zhu Zhuqing nodded. "I'm sure. We're the same age, and our soul power levels are similar. I want to know the true difference between us. Please use your full strength."
Yang Xiong nodded. "Alright, but I hope you won't be discouraged."
According to the Soul Arena's rules, they both revealed their martial souls and soul rings. As the referee called for the start, the battle began.
The two of them moved incredibly fast, and in an instant, they were on each other. On the arena, they looked like two black shadows.
Zhu Zhuqing didn't dare underestimate Yang Xiong. She immediately used her second soul skill: Ghostly Claws.
Zhu Zhuqing's body spun at high speed, and her claws became incredibly sharp, like a ghostly cat. In an instant, she launched countless claw strikes, each with tremendous piercing power.
However, Yang Xiong's speed wasn't any slower, and he even surpassed her. In the blink of an eye, his hands turned into silver claws, crashing into the attacking claw shadows.
With a powerful force, Yang Xiong shattered the claw shadows instantly.
Zhu Zhuqing reacted quickly, seeing Yang Xiong's silver claws breaking through her defense. She turned into a black shadow and tried to escape.
But Yang Xiong's speed increased again, and he reached her in an instant, grabbing her once more.
Zhu Zhuqing gritted her teeth and quickly used her first soul skill: Ghostly Stab. Her claws extended, and her speed doubled, directly aiming for Yang Xiong's chest in an attempt to force him back.
But Yang Xiong wasn't afraid. His claws instantly changed direction, drawing a circle in the air, blocking Zhu Zhuqing's attack.
Before Zhu Zhuqing could react, she felt like she was in a state of weightlessness. Her claws, under Yang Xiong's guidance, were forced to change direction, a technique from Tai Chi called "Grasping the Sparrow's Tail." This move, like the "Four Liang to Break a Thousand Pounds" technique, could redirect any attack.
Before Zhu Zhuqing could even react, Yang Xiong's palms moved faster than lightning, crashing into her claws and forcing her back.
Before Zhu Zhuqing could recover, Yang Xiong moved forward, landing a punch. Even with her quick reflexes, she couldn't avoid it and had to use her claws to block.
Zhu Zhuqing felt immense pain in her arms. Even though she gritted her teeth and wanted to continue fighting, Yang Xiong landed a whipping kick on her left shoulder. The kick was so powerful that it sent her flying.
By the time she regained her senses, she had fallen heavily onto the arena floor, and her hands were shaking.
The audience erupted in shock. This didn't look like a battle between soul masters of the same level. It seemed more like a one-sided crushing, as Zhu Zhuqing, after using two soul skills, couldn't even block two of Yang Xiong's moves and was knocked off the arena.
(END CHAPTER)
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