…only then would it be possible to receive such a reward. A viscount's status in the Star Luo Empire was enough to rival that of a city lord.
This was precisely why all young people were willing to come and compete. Once one entered the top eight, it could truly be called a meteoric rise—no matter what one's previous status was, they would be granted a noble title and become a genuine aristocrat. Although there was no fiefdom, a residence in the imperial capital was guaranteed. All kinds of expenses would also be fully covered by the state.
Therefore, among all the contestants participating today, aside from Gu You, only the three from Monster Academy were relatively calm. The other dozen or so competitors were all brimming with eagerness. Even Xie Xie's expression carried a hint of excitement. Throughout history, how many warriors had fought through blood and fire for nothing more than a single noble title?
Of course, that was on the premise that his opponent wasn't from Monster Academy—only then would he have a chance to enter the top eight. Otherwise, he would be eliminated in the next round. Forget about noble titles; it would be better to just go work in a factory.
But what a coincidence—it really happened.
His opponent was precisely one of the Eight Heavenly Kings!
And among them, the most mysterious one.
"Today's first match will be exceptionally exciting. This will be a showdown between two Agility-Attack–type Battle Soul Masters. Representing Shrek Academy from the Douluo Continent is contestant Xie Xie, and representing our Monster Academy is the contestant known as the Wind King, Lin San. Both sides, please take the stage."
Lin San rose to his feet with a calm gaze. At the same time, Xie Xie and Yuanen Yehui both looked toward this member of the Eight Heavenly Kings whom they had not previously encountered.
Lin San's aura was tranquil, and among the Eight Heavenly Kings his sense of presence was the weakest. Yet now that they were truly observing him with focus, both of them couldn't help but feel a chill in their hearts.
A powerful enemy! The same thought arose in both of their minds.
Lin San's aura was far too calm—so calm that it was almost as if he had merged with the air itself, as though he barely existed at all. And for an Agility-Attack–type Soul Master, such a state clearly indicated a very high level of attainment.
Xie Xie, however, didn't look in Lin San's direction. He too appeared unusually composed at this moment, as if his usual liveliness had completely vanished.
Stepping forward, he walked toward the competition stage.
For the sake of a noble title—let's go all out!
Yuanen Yehui watched the focused Xie Xie, her gaze shifting slightly. He truly had grown up. For him, this match would likely be an enormous hurdle.
But if she knew what Xie Xie was actually thinking at that moment, she would definitely change her opinion.
When she defeated Teng Teng that day, it looked easy on the surface, but in reality she had already gone all out. Teng Teng lost mainly because she seized the initiative. After that, she gave him no chance to turn things around.
This Wind King, Lin San, was even stronger than Shadow King Teng Teng. And Xie Xie—could he really handle such an opponent?
At this moment, the two had already stepped onto the stage. The soul guidance protective barrier lit up, and the entire arena fell silent.
Only now did Xie Xie and Lin San look at each other. Xie Xie's gaze was focused; standing there, he was like a statue. Lin San's gaze was calm, his whole demeanor light and effortless, like a gentle breeze that might vanish at any moment.
Completely different temperaments, yet both were Agility-Attack–type Soul Masters. Their cultivation paths were clearly entirely different. And the outcome of this match would once again ignite the rivalry between Monster Academy and Shrek Academy.
Yuanen Yehui's victory over Shadow King Teng Teng had already fully demonstrated to the people of the Star Luo Empire that Shrek Academy did not have just one Gu You—every one of them possessed formidable strength.
"Begin the match!"
With the referee's loud shout, this contest of speed officially began.
Xie Xie and Lin San moved almost simultaneously, both charging straight at their opponent.
Lin San looked casual, his whole body still light and drifting like the wind.
But anyone with a discerning eye could tell that Lin San's speed was not inferior to Xie Xie's—if anything, it was even faster.
Three purple and two black—five soul rings rose from beneath Lin San's feet, completely surpassing the four purple soul rings rising from Xie Xie. His first soul ring flashed, and two streaks of green light instantly appeared in his hands.
They were two crescent-shaped wind blades. They looked extremely light, yet razor-sharp. Each wind blade was just over a foot long, held in his palms like two strange crescent daggers.
Five rings? How is it this configuration? He clearly remembered…
Xie Xie froze for a moment. He distinctly remembered that Lin San didn't have this setup—he had watched his matches before.
So he really was pretending to be weak to deceive others!
People who are calm and inarticulate like this are often the most terrifying.
As the two Agility-Attack–type Soul Masters sprinted at full speed, the distance between them closed in an instant.
The two figures seemed to overlap within just one or two breaths.
At the moment they drew close, both of their bodies became illusory.
Ghost Shadow Perplexing Steps!
Without a doubt, Ghost Shadow Perplexing Steps—used by both of them.
Clang! Amid the crisp sound, it was Wind King Lin San who was sent drifting backward, like a wisp of breeze dispersing.
However, Xie Xie's footsteps faltered for a moment. On his left shoulder, a streak of blood appeared.
Too fast—this speed.
Xie Xie clenched his teeth, and three copies of himself instantly shot out, launching another full-force attack toward Lin San.
"Do you know? In my eyes, you look like a turtle," Lin San said calmly.
Three streaks of green light shot out from his body, perfectly matching Xie Xie's three clones. The green light flowed like wind, and before Xie Xie even realized what had happened, his three clones were gone.
"You're not qualified to say that about me!" Xie Xie sprang into the air, thrusting out his Light Dragon Dagger. This time, his speed was even faster than before.
But a strange scene appeared—Lin San's body seemed to melt away. Xie Xie's Light Dragon Dagger gleamed with golden light, seemingly enveloping Lin San's body, yet it simply could not land a hit.
Neither of them used any additional soul skills. They just continued to collide at high speed like this.
"Contestant Lin San is clearly holding the upper hand. Everyone can see that in terms of speed and agility, Lin San surpasses Xie Xie. And these two points are precisely the most crucial aspects for an Agility-Attack–type Soul Master—especially speed. For this type, the principle is that sheer speed breaks all defenses. Once you lose the speed advantage, you'll be completely suppressed. Based on my observation, Xie Xie has already suffered at least six wounds. Although they're all minor, as this continues, Lin San's advantage will only grow larger."
Fang'er's analysis and commentary were extremely accurate. What Xie Xie was facing now was Lin San's "gentle breeze and fine rain" style of attack.
Touch and go—never lingering. Each strike left only a very slight wound on Xie Xie, but because Lin San's evasions were so fast, Xie Xie couldn't touch him at all.
As a result, Xie Xie continued to take damage purely through attrition, while Lin San himself remained completely uninjured.
(End of Chapter)