Under Yue Guan's suggestion, Yan made careful plans for this journey.
He intended to first visit the Tokes Great Battle Arena, located east of Heaven Dou City, to experience its combat atmosphere. After that, he would head to the Sunset Forest, and later return to the Tokes Battle Arena for further tempering and training.
The distance between Spirit City and the Tokes Province was extremely long—over three thousand li.
The carriage rolled slowly along winding roads, crossing vast plains and tranquil mountains. Half a month later, they finally arrived at the bustling Tokes City.
As the provincial capital of Tokes, the city's prosperity exceeded all expectations.
The streets were crowded with throngs of people; shops of every kind lined both sides, their signs bright and alluring. The air was filled with hawking, bargaining, and laughter.
It was the first time Yan and Yue Guan had come to this city. They first found a hotel to settle down in.
Battle arena matches were generally held at night.
After dinner, the two of them set out together for the arena.
To avoid drawing attention, Yue Guan deliberately changed into plain clothing.
However, his innate grace and elegance still made him stand out effortlessly in the crowd, drawing many curious glances.
Yan, too, with the fiery patterns that naturally appeared on his skin, drew his own share of attention.
As they walked toward the Battle Arena, Yan couldn't help teasing:
"Elder Ju, even in those plain clothes, your natural elegance can't be hidden. Among the crowd, you're still the most eye-catching one."
Yue Guan chuckled softly and replied:
"You brat, daring to tease me now? I think you're the one attracting attention. Those flame markings of yours glow as if fire could burst from your body at any moment. The two of us walking together—it's impossible not to be noticed."
Yan laughed.
"Haha, then we'll just have to keep a lower profile. Time to try an Icegrass Silkworm Pearl. I've been curious about what it feels like."
Yue Guan asked with a hint of surprise,
"You've made up your mind? You're joining the battle tonight?"
Yan nodded firmly.
"Yes. Since we're already here, it's something I'll have to face sooner or later."
"Good. I'd like to see for myself just how strong you've gotten, kid."
Yan's gaze turned determined.
"Tonight will be my first match in the Battle Arena—no matter what, I will win."
Yue Guan smiled approvingly.
"That's the spirit. I'll be watching."
The two exchanged a knowing smile and continued on.
After weaving through the lively streets, they finally arrived before the towering Tokes Great Battle Arena.
The colossal structure loomed high, majestic and imposing, exuding a palpable aura of battle.
As night deepened, the lights of the arena blazed brighter, and the noise of the crowd swelled to a roar.
When they were still about a hundred meters from the entrance, the two stopped.
Yan took out an Icegrass Silkworm Pearl from his soul guide and swallowed it.
In an instant, a wave of chilling cold swept through his body.
As that cold spread, the fiery markings on his skin faded away as if erased, and his bright crimson hair dimmed into a deep, subdued red.
He now looked far less conspicuous.
Yue Guan observed with a satisfied smile.
"How do you feel?"
"Great—clear-headed and refreshed."
Yan still felt the fiery energy surging steadily within him, unaffected. Only his surface seemed covered by a thin layer of icy mist.
"The rules inside are more or less the same everywhere," Yue Guan reminded him. "Just remember what I told you on the way. Once we go in, you register yourself—I'll be in the audience watching your performance."
"Got it."
Throughout their journey, Yue Guan had explained many of the arena's rules.
As a reborn individual, Yan of course already knew them well, but he still listened patiently out of respect.
The two entered the Battle Arena—Yan leading, Yue Guan following behind.
This was the only arena in several nearby cities, and its scale was considerable.
Inside, the place was already packed with challengers and spectators, bustling and vibrant.
Although it was his first time here, Yan felt no unfamiliarity.
He moved straight through the busy lobby to the registration counter.
A pretty receptionist greeted him with a professional smile:
"Good evening. How may I assist you?"
"I'd like to participate in a match tonight. Are there any one-on-one slots available for the Soul Sect level?"
The receptionist blinked in surprise, taking a closer look at him.
"Excuse me… did I hear that correctly? You want to enter the match?"
Yan nodded calmly.
"Yes. I'm signing up for a Soul Sect-level one-on-one match."
He understood her astonishment—after all, he looked barely in his teens.
Reaching the level of Soul Sect before adulthood was rare, even in a place like this where soul masters were common.
"Respected soul master, for your safety, please follow me to test your soul power."
"Alright."
Yan placed his hands on the testing device as instructed.
When the numbers appeared, the receptionist's eyes widened in shock.
"Your soul power really is above level forty… I've worked here for years, and you're the youngest Soul Sect I've ever seen."
"Is that so? Then can you still fit me into tonight's schedule?"
"Of course! Please follow me back to register."
Back at the counter, she continued politely,
"Please provide your personal information and pay a registration fee of ten gold soul coins."
"Name: Yama. Martial soul: Flame Human. Level: Forty-four, Battle Soul Sect."
Yan deliberately reversed the characters of his real name and changed one of them. He also gave a false description of his martial soul.
After speaking, he placed ten gold soul coins on the counter.
"Registration complete," she said with a smile. "You may now proceed to the contestants' waiting area. If you win tonight's match, remember to return here for your reward and arena points."
"Thank you."
"My pleasure."
Yan accepted the Battle Arena badge she handed him.
On it were two engraved characters: Yama (阎罗).
As this was his first time participating, his badge was at the lowest level—an Iron Battle Soul badge.
Guided by a staff member, Yan entered the Soul Master Rest Area to wait for his turn.
The area was already filled with soul masters, most of them in their twenties or older—some even in their thirties or forties.
Yan's arrival immediately drew curious glances, though most soon turned back to their own meditations, conserving energy for their upcoming fights.
Through a transparent window, he could see the matches already underway.
This particular section of the arena was quite lively, with several thousand spectators.
Yue Guan sat somewhere among them, watching from the stands.
To someone of his strength, matches between Soul Sects were little more than petty skirmishes—chickens pecking at one another.
Were it not for his mission, he would never have bothered to come to such a place.