The Soul Battle Arena fell into complete silence.
Except for Lin Tianyang and Shu Manyun, who had great confidence in Fang Ling, no one had expected the battle to end so quickly.
The cheering for the Flame Ape Soul Master abruptly stopped.
Even the host was stunned.
A grown man, a one-ring Soul Master with a powerful fire-attribute beast soul and long-range skills, strong, seasoned, and having fought several rounds.
His opponent? A boy under ten years old, disabled with a missing left calf.
And yet, in just moments, with a bit of trickery, he lost without landing a single blow.
Was this red-haired man useless?
No, better to say that crippled boy was a genius!
He perfectly predicted the enemy's attacks, fought with precision and speed, and made no unnecessary moves.
His actions were calm and composed, possessing a peculiar sense of elegance.
Truly worthy of being a student of the Battle King Academy.
"Excellent!"
"A new genius of Battle King Academy!"
"A genius, woohoo!"
A cripple, yet unbelievably strong.
Everyone in the audience couldn't help but break into applause. In an instant, thunderous clapping filled the arena.
Only then did the host snap out of shock and announce, "Soul Master Fang Ling is victorious! His record: one win, zero losses. Please head down to register your points."
"Soul Master Tian Wen's record: five wins, two losses!"
The audience was still abuzz, impressed by the crisp and decisive fight.
Fang Ling had already left through the tunnel.
Since the rules only allowed one battle per day, he registered and returned to the stands.
Seeing Fang Ling return victorious, Lin Tianyang and Shu Manyun couldn't hold back their smiles.
The teacher ruffled his hair, and the wife said gently, "Our little genius is back? How did your first soul battle feel?"
Without lifting his eyelids, Fang Ling gave a small smirk. "Not much. The opponent was too weak. His moves were too obvious, too many openings."
"I tried provoking him, but still didn't feel any pressure."
He was certain, such lopsided battles wouldn't help him improve.
Still, they were good for making money.
Grand Soul Master matches attracted bigger crowds and paid ten coins per win.
One-ring soul masters had smaller audiences and less spectacle, just three coins per win. Barely worth it.
Fang Ling tossed the coins in his hand, then said after a short pause, "Should I try it out for a week?"
"Heh, just don't get cocky." Shu Manyun chuckled softly and tapped his brow with a fair fingertip.
"Remember, your teacher lost many soul battles in the past because of overconfidence."
"Yes, thank you for the reminder, Teacher's Wife." Fang Ling didn't consider himself arrogant.
But people often lack self-awareness, so others had to help keep them in check.
The week passed quickly.
Fang Ling kept up his habit of one soul battle each night.
In a flash, seven straight wins.
He was already becoming known.
Elegant in combat, precise in movement, and a cripple, no less.
Such stark contrast made him memorable. Many spectators and participants had already heard of the new genius freshman from Battle King Academy.
And this so-called genius was now in the courtyard, fiercely debating with his teacher and teacher's wife.
"Teacher, Teacher's Wife, you've seen my strength. Please believe me!"
"I was born with only level one innate soul power. I need the pressure of facing death to grow quickly."
Fang Ling held Lin Tianyang's hand in one hand, Shu Manyun's in the other, speaking earnestly.
His eyes were full of sincere pleading.
"A life-and-death battle? That means death if you lose!" Lin Tianyang slapped the table, making a loud thump.
"How can we possibly be at ease with this?" Shu Manyun tugged his hair, losing all her usual gentle demeanor.
Her brows furrowed tightly, clearly shaken by Fang Ling's bold idea.
"Is it money? If you need anything, just tell us."
Fang Ling shook his head without hesitation. "I'm not short on money. I've realized that regular matches aren't enough. I need the stimulation of life-or-death struggle!"
"Only by facing death can I unleash my full potential."
"Teacher, the academy's motto is great, but I know my reality. My cultivation is slow, and no matter how strong my will is, that won't change facts."
"Regular matches really aren't enough?" Lin Tianyang sighed deeply.
He hadn't expected such thoughts from his student.
Even he, a veteran of the All-Continent Elite Soul Master Academy Tournament, didn't dare enter life-and-death battles.
Yet this street-born disciple had the nerve.
"Not enough!"
Fang Ling was resolute. He turned to Shu Manyun. "Teacher's Wife, don't try to persuade me. I've walked the edge of death before. I know how it feels."
"When I was seven, I was only level five before killing that fallen soul master. Right after, I jumped to level six!"
"That was an accumulation bearing fruit. You can't compare!" Lin Tianyang tried to reason.
Fang Ling held firm. "That brush with death made my soul power surge!"
"Teacher, I want to be the world's strongest soul master!"
"I want to stand at the peak of this world!"
"I know my talent is lacking, but I don't believe in fate. If I die, it'll be while moving forward!"
In his brown eyes burned a fierce, unwavering determination.
His unflinching resolve left the two speechless.
He was charging toward the peak with an indomitable spirit. No desire could sway his heart.
He didn't use his combat gifts to hide his flaws. Instead, they illuminated his will like a shining gem—brilliant and dazzling.
With lofty ambition and firm resolve, body and mind in unity, the two could only sigh in admiration.
Far inferior, indeed.
After a long silence, Lin Tianyang finally said, "I'll help you train, train well, and don't die."
"I'll treat your injuries. Don't let any hidden damage linger." Shu Manyun clenched her white-knuckled hand. "Life-and-death battles always lead to wounds."
"Every time you go, we'll go with you."
"Thank you, Teacher. Thank you, Teacher's Wife. I…" Fang Ling was too moved to finish.
He had prepared himself to be kicked out by Lin Tianyang and go on his own.
He never expected to receive even more support. What a blessing.
"You what? You really are a troublesome student!" Lin Tianyang's face twisted as he gave the boy's head a firm tap.
Fang Ling's head jerked backward.
"Now I get why your strikes are so ruthless."
"How many people have you killed?" Lin Tianyang asked.
Fang Ling answered, "Four. One was an old beggar who had a grudge against me and tried to kill me at night after I got my soul master certification."
"One was that fallen soul master. The other two were bandits we met on the road here."
Afraid of being misunderstood, he quickly added, "Teacher, I don't kill indiscriminately!"
"You haven't. Still, you're quite the killer, more than me," Lin Tianyang remarked with a flicker of amazement.
"You troublemaker, just don't die and make us deal with your body," Shu Manyun rolled her eyes.
So the source of these death match ideas lay right here.
"Long live Teacher and Teacher's Wife!"
Fang Ling cheered with joy.
Everything was ready, now, it was time to level up.
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