Chapter 236: Who Is Actually Defending the Arena?
The smile on Ning Fengzhi’s face froze completely.
The hand clutching his cane trembled ever so slightly.
That damn Yu Yuanzhen!
He cursed furiously in his heart.
But he could not utter a single word in protest.
For what Yu Yuanzhen had said was the truth: he was, indeed, nothing more than a Support-type Soul Master. Without Chen Xin by his side, he was absolutely nothing. He took a deep breath, suppressing the anger rising within him.
Turning his head, he looked toward Chen Xin: "Uncle Sword... I’m counting on you later!"
Chen Xin nodded.
He was just about to rise from his seat when Yu Yuanzhen, standing on the arena stage, spoke up once more.
"Sect Master Jiang, how about we have a friendly spar?"
His gaze settled upon the seating area of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, landing specifically on Jiang Bai.
Upon hearing this, Jiang Bai smiled: "Sect Master Yu, you’ve issued challenge after challenge; wouldn’t you like to take a moment to rest?"
Yu Yuanzhen waved his hand dismissively: "It matters not. This isn’t a battle to the death; we need only stop before any serious harm is done."
In truth, he had his own specific calculations in mind.
He did not wish to face Jiang Li’er.
That woman—with her golden hair and crimson eyes—possessed a Golden Dragon Martial Soul that exerted an incredibly potent bloodline suppression over his own Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon.
In her presence, his combat strength would be diminished by at least thirty percent.
As for Jiang Bai...
Although Jiang Bai possessed nine 100,000-year Spirit Rings—signifying terrifying power—at the very least... he wouldn’t have to face the direct pressure of a Dragon’s Might.
Furthermore, rumor had it that Jiang Bai’s Martial Soul was the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda—a support-type Soul Tool.
Even if it had evolved to possess offensive capabilities, surely it couldn’t be too outrageous, could it?
Yu Yuanzhen mused silently to himself.
Jiang Bai pondered the matter for a moment, then suddenly broke into a smile.
That smile sent a sudden, ominous premonition surging through Yu Yuanzhen’s heart.
"Tell you what, Sect Master Yu..."
Jiang Bai’s voice was soft: "The people seated here in this front row are all Elders of our sect—each one a powerhouse ranked among our sect’s very best."
He paused for a moment, then continued: "Why don’t you simply choose one of them to challenge yourself?"
Yu Yuanzhen: "..."
Who is challenging whom, exactly?
I’m the one defending the arena stage here, aren’t I?
He thought to himself, feeling utterly speechless.
Yet, almost immediately, a sense of pleasant surprise washed over him.
He’s letting me choose my own opponent?
In that case, couldn’t I simply avoid choosing Jiang Li’er or Jiang Bai?
That way, he wouldn’t have to face the Dragon’s Might of the Golden Dragon, nor would he have to contend with Jiang Bai’s nine 100,000-year Spirit Rings.
With this thought in mind, Yu Yuanzhen’s gaze shifted to the individuals seated beside Jiang Bai.
Jiang Li’er was watching him with an expression of eager anticipation, even going so far as to give him a little wave. That gaze seemed to say: "Pick me! Pick me!"
Yu Yuanzhen: "..."
He completely ignored her!
His gaze shifted to the next person.
It was a young girl who appeared to be only in her early teens.
She wore bright green twin ponytails and a short green skirt that revealed a pair of fair, slender legs.
With large eyes and a round face—accented by four emerald-green magic runes adorning each side of her captivatingly fair complexion—she appeared simultaneously adorable and aloof.
She sat there with her arms crossed over her chest and an air of haughty arrogance, as if regarding everything around her with utter disdain.
Yu Yuanzhen mused inwardly: This little loli... is she an Elder, too?
One of the top-tier powerhouses of the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect?
She certainly doesn’t look the part!
I’ve heard the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect is small in number; surely the people sitting here aren’t their entire membership, are they?
Perhaps this little loli’s strength is only slightly superior to that of Shui Bing’er and Ye Lingling—and certainly inferior to Jiang Bai, Jiang Li’er, and the cool, aloof woman seated beside her.
As for that gentle-looking woman in the long white-and-green gown...
Radiating such a potent aura of life force, she is almost certainly a Support-type Soul Master.
After weighing his options, Yu Yuanzhen made his decision.
He gave a light cough and spoke: "Ahem—I would like to invite the Elder seated to the left of Sect Master Jiang to step forward!"
The Ice Empress pointed a finger at herself, tilting her head: "Me?"
Yu Yuanzhen nodded: "Precisely. May I ask if this Elder would be willing to engage in a friendly spar with this old man?"
The Ice Empress blinked in surprise, then turned to look at Jiang Bai.
Jiang Bai smiled: "Go ahead. Just be mindful of your limits."
The Ice Empress stood up, placed her hands on her hips, and gave a haughty snort: "Hmph! Very well, then. I suppose I shall have to reluctantly deign to fight this match on your behalf!"
No sooner had she finished speaking than her figure transformed into a streak of emerald-green light, instantly appearing upon the dueling stage!
Her speed was astonishing; the entire audience failed to catch even a glimpse of how she had moved!
Yu Yuanzhen’s pupils contracted ever so slightly.
So fast!
Gazing at the little loli standing before him, a sense of ominous foreboding began to rise within his heart. She can fly... and so fast...
Could it be...
Suppressing the unease rising within him, he spoke in a deep voice: "May I ask, Elder—what is your name?"
Standing upon the platform, the Ice Empress placed her hands on her hips, head held high, her expression one of utter haughtiness.
Her voice was crisp and clear, yet it carried an aura of absolute disdain for the world beneath her: "The Ice Empress!"
The moment the words left her lips, the surrounding temperature plummeted!
Snow began to fall from the sky!
A terrifying chill erupted from the Ice Empress’s body, instantly engulfing the entire arena!
Frost began to crystallize across the surface of the platform!
Even Yu Yuanzhen’s eyebrows became encrusted with ice crystals!
Alarm bells rang wildly in his mind!
What level of ice affinity is this?!
The Ice Empress lifted her foot and gave a gentle stomp.
"Rumble—!!!"
A massive Ice Jade Emperor Scorpion burst forth from beneath her feet!
The scorpion’s entire body was a shimmering blend of ice-blue and emerald-green; its forebody was clad in four layers of translucent, pale-green carapace that appeared as if carved from solid ice.
Its six legs were long and razor-sharp, its twin pincers gleamed with a chilling light, and its tail arched high into the air, the stinger at its tip shining like a silver mirror.
Standing atop the scorpion’s back, the Ice Empress looked down from her lofty perch, gazing upon Yu Yuanzhen.
Her posture was that of an emperor surveying their dominion.
Then, rising slowly from beneath her feet, appeared nine Soul Rings.
Black, Black, Black, Black, Black, Red, Red, Red, Red!
Nine Soul Rings!
Five Ten-Thousand-Year Rings, and four Hundred-Thousand-Year Rings!
The crimson glow radiating from them was so intense it seared the eyes!
A terrifying pressure, palpable and heavy, permeated the entire arena!
The entire venue fell into a deathly silence!
"Rumble—!!!"
The crowd erupted!
"Nine Soul Rings! Four Hundred-Thousand-Year Rings!"
"What kind of monster is this?!"
"The Ice Empress? A Titled Douluo!"
"Good heavens! Just how many secrets is the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan still hiding?!"
Gasps of shock, cries of awe, and screams of terror intertwined into a chaotic roar!
Yu Yuanzhen’s pupils constricted violently!
His mind went completely blank! Five ten-thousand-year Soul Rings... four hundred-thousand-year Soul Rings...
What kind of opponent did I just choose?!
A tempest of shock and turmoil raged within his heart!
He gazed at the little loli standing before him, at the Ice Jade Emperor Scorpion beneath her feet, and at the nine Soul Rings encircling her body.
Only a single thought remained in his mind: It’s over.
...
In the stands, everyone was left utterly dumbfounded.
At the seats reserved for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, Ning Fengzhi’s face had turned deathly pale.
His hands were clenched tightly together. His grip on his staff tightened until his knuckles turned white.
Four hundred-thousand-year Spirit Rings...
This Ice Empress... just what exactly is her background?!
Chen Xin’s eyes narrowed slightly as well.
He gazed at the Ice Empress, a flicker of solemnity crossing his eyes.
Over at the seats reserved for the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, Yu Luomian’s face had also gone deathly pale.
His mouth hung open; for a long moment, he was utterly speechless.
Big Brother...
Please... you absolutely must not let anything happen to you...
He prayed silently in his heart.
If something is going to happen to you, at least don’t let it happen right now!
At the seats occupied by the Elephant Armored Sect, Black Tiger Sect, Rock Antelope Sect, and Fire Leopard Sect, the various Sect Masters were similarly dumbfounded.
Hu Yanzhen’s jaw dropped wide open as he murmured, "Thank goodness... thank goodness this old man fought his match first..."
Hu Xiaotian nodded repeatedly, "Yeah, yeah... it’s absolutely terrifying..."
Kamis remained silent, simply staring blankly at the arena stage.
...
On the stage.
The Ice Empress stood atop the back of the Ice Jade Emperor Scorpion, her arms crossed over her chest as she gazed down at Yu Yuanzhen.
The corners of her lips curled upward ever so slightly.
"Sect Master Yu, please—make your move."
Yu Yuanzhen took a deep breath, suppressing the turbulent waves of shock and dread surging within his heart.
He knew that in this battle, he stood no chance of victory.
Yet, he was the Clan Head of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.
He could not back down.
"Very well!"
A dazzling burst of blue lightning erupted from his body!
The spectral image of a Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon roared to life behind him!
Thunder boomed, and lightning bolts flashed in every direction!
His hands transformed into dragon claws, and he charged straight toward the Ice Empress!
Watching his charging figure, a flicker of appreciation crossed the Ice Empress’s eyes.
Commendable courage.
She raised her hand.
At her fingertips, a tiny ice crystal began to condense.
The crystal was no larger than a grain of rice, yet it radiated a bone-chilling coldness that made one’s heart pound with dread.
She flicked her finger ever so lightly.
"Whoosh—!"
The tiny ice crystal shot forward like a projectile!
Its speed was so blindingly fast that the naked eye could not possibly track it!
Yu Yuanzhen’s pupils constricted instantly!
He tried to dodge, but it was already too late!
"Crack—!"
The ice crystal struck his right arm!
A layer of ice instantly began to spread!
From his fingertips to his shoulder, it encased his entire arm in the blink of an eye!
His body went rigid for a brief instant!
Yu Yuanzhen gritted his teeth, furiously channeling his Soul Power!
"Break!"
Thunder erupted!
The ice shattered!
However, his right arm had already turned a deep shade of purple from the freezing cold!
He raised his head and looked toward the Ice Empress.
The Ice Empress remained standing atop the scorpion’s back, arms crossed over her chest, looking down at him with an air of lofty superiority.
Her gaze was as calm as still water.
It was as if the strike she had just delivered was nothing more than a casual, offhand gesture.
Yu Yuanzhen took a deep breath.
He knew—he had lost.
Lost completely and utterly.
He retracted his Martial Soul, clasped his fists in salutation, and said, "Many thanks for the guidance, Elder Ice Empress."
His voice was calm and composed: "This old man concedes defeat."
The entire arena erupted once again!
The referee raised his flag: "The Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect—Challenge Successful! Three points awarded!"
"The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan—Failed to Defend the Arena!"
"The Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect—Now holds the title of the Defending Sect!"
...
The Ice Empress hopped down from the scorpion’s back, clapped her hands together, and turned to fly back toward the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect’s seating area.
She settled back into her seat, crossed her legs, and wore an expression that seemed to say, "Aren’t I just incredibly awesome?"
Jiang Bai smiled faintly and reached out to gently take her small hand in his.
...
Down on the arena stage, Yu Yuanzhen walked back toward the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan’s seating area.
His expression was somewhat grim.
Yet, he had lost without a shred of resentment—he was thoroughly convinced of his defeat.
That Ice Empress... she was simply too powerful.
Yu Luomian stepped forward to meet him and asked in a hushed tone, "Brother, are you alright?"
Yu Yuanzhen shook his head: "I’m fine..."
...
The Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect had officially become the new Defending Sect.
Jiang Bai remained seated in his section, making no move to rise.
He glanced at the people seated beside him and asked, "Who wants to go up there and have a little fun?"
Jiang Li’er immediately shot her hand into the air: "Me! Me!"
Jiang Bai shook his head: "Not you. How many times have you gone up there already?"
Jiang Li’er pouted in disappointment. The Ice Emperor gave a cold snort: "I’ve only just come down; I have no desire to go back up."
The Snow Emperor remained silent, sitting quietly without a word.
Bi Ji offered a gentle smile: "As a support-type Soul Master, I shall refrain from going up there to make a fool of myself."
Jiang Bai smiled: "In that case, I’ll take the stage."
He rose to his feet and walked toward the arena.
...
On the arena stage, Jiang Bai stood with his hands clasped behind his back.
His gaze swept across the entire venue.
"Who will face me?"
A figure slowly rose to their feet.
From the seats reserved for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, Chen Xin stood up.
He was still clad in his signature white robes, his hair and beard as white as snow, and his expression stern. Yet, his eyes were as sharp as swords.
He looked at Jiang Bai and spoke slowly: "I shall be the one."
His voice was aged, yet steady and composed.
He ascended to the stage, riding upon his sword.
The entire venue erupted once again!
The cheers and shouts were deafening.
Chen Xin stepped onto the stage.
He took his position opposite Jiang Bai, standing ten meters apart.
The two exchanged glances.
Chen Xin’s gaze was as sharp as a sword.
Jiang Bai’s gaze was as calm as still water.
"Please."
Chen Xin spoke.
Jiang Bai nodded: "Please."
Enjoyed the action? Drop a review, fire off a comment, and send those Power Stones rolling! Your support keeps the updates coming fast—let’s keep the momentum going! 🔥