Looking at Ling Xiao as he approached, Xie Yue and Yan couldn't help but size him up.
They had heard of Ling Xiao long ago; after all, he was a possessor of Innate Full Soul Power.
Ordinarily, Xie Yue maintained a cool and aloof demeanor toward strangers. However, at this moment, he greeted Ling Xiao with a faint smile. Nodding slightly, he said, "Hello. You must be Ling Xiao? I am Xie Yue, Nana's brother."
His voice was warm and refined, causing Yan to glance at him in surprise.
"Xie Yue?"
A spark of recognition flashed in Ling Xiao's eyes.
He thought to himself, So this is Xie Yue.
It made sense; Hu Liena had mentioned before that Xie Yue had already been at the Spirit Hall Academy for two years. Naturally, as Hu Liena had just enrolled, Xie Yue would certainly be accompanying her.
Looking at him now, he didn't seem as cold and ruthless as Ling Xiao had imagined.
"Hello, Brother Xie Yue. I am Ling Xiao."
"Hmph, so you're the other one with Innate Full Soul Power. I heard your Martial Soul is an axe. You've already obtained your first soul ring, haven't you? Do you plan on following the Power Attack System path in the future?"
Yan was not nearly as gentle as Xie Yue.
He cut straight to the chase, having wanted to take Ling Xiao down a notch for quite some time. He wanted to prove that Innate Full Soul Power was nothing special and that he, Yan, was not inferior to anyone.
Ling Xiao was momentarily speechless. Who is this guy? Why the aggressive tone? This is the first time we've met, yet he acts like I owe him money. Staying by Xie Yue and Hu Liena's side... could this be Yan?
"Uh, that's right. I do intend to pursue the Power Attack System. Why do you ask?"
Ling Xiao tilted his head, speaking with confusion.
Seeing Ling Xiao admit it, a somewhat dangerous smile appeared on Yan's face. Full of pride, he took a step forward and said, "My name is Yan. Do you dare to have a match with me? I want to see just how formidable a genius with Innate Full Soul Power really is."
"A match?"
Ling Xiao's brows furrowed.
He seemed to understand why this fellow was acting this way. Yan was clearly dissatisfied that his own innate soul power was lower and wanted to exert dominance over the newcomer. Beside them, Xie Yue and Hu Liena were stunned by Yan's words.
They felt his request was rather unfair.
Even if Ling Xiao had Innate Full Soul Power, so what?
He had only just awakened his Martial Soul. Yan, on the other hand, had been studying at the Spirit Hall Academy for two years. Whether it was his understanding of Martial Souls or his experience in actual combat, Ling Xiao couldn't possibly compare.
Hu Liena snapped, "Yan, you're clearly bullying him! Ling Xiao, don't agree. This guy enrolled the same year as my brother. He started with Rank 9 innate soul power and is already at Rank 18. He'll likely break through to Rank 19 soon. He's obviously taking advantage of the fact that you just awakened!"
"Yan, what are you doing?"
Xie Yue asked, doubt surfacing in his eyes.
In his impression, while Yan was proud and aloof, he wasn't the type to bully the weak. Why was he acting so out of character?
"Well? Do you dare? If you're unwilling, you can refuse," Yan asked again, ignoring Xie Yue and Hu Liena and keeping his eyes fixed on Ling Xiao.
Letting out a light chuckle, Ling Xiao looked at Yan, who stood a head taller than him, and spoke loudly, "Of course I dare. I, Ling Xiao, am not one to fear a challenge. A strong person dares to challenge those stronger than themselves. You might beat me, but you won't scare me."
Ling Xiao understood that his chances of winning were extremely slim.
Yan's cultivation level was significantly higher, and the Flame Lord was an incredibly powerful Martial Soul. However, ever since awakening the Profound Sky Axe and realizing his extraordinary potential, Ling Xiao had resolved to become the strongest Soul Master in the world.
How could he fear a sparring match with a fellow practitioner in the same realm, even if their cultivation was much deeper?
"Tell me, where shall we fight? It just so happens I want to see the true power of my first Soul Skill," Ling Xiao continued.
This was the truth; his previous match with Meng Yiran hadn't fully allowed him to test his limits.
"Good. On that arena over there." Seeing Ling Xiao agree, Yan nodded and pointed to the far right, where an arena happened to be empty.
Without another word, Yan turned and walked toward the stage.
"Ling Xiao, are you stupid?! You don't have to agree to him," Hu Liena said, her voice tinged with exasperation when she saw him ignore her advice.
She was worried for him, but also annoyed that he hadn't listened.
Hearing her words, Ling Xiao smiled. He thought the girl was quite kind-hearted, but he had his own reasons and couldn't follow her suggestion.
He shook his head and reassured her, "It's fine. It's just a spar; there won't be any real danger. Besides, as a Soul Master, we will eventually encounter opponents with higher cultivation than ours. We must learn how to fight those stronger than us."
After speaking, he headed toward the arena. Yan was already standing on the platform, waiting for him.
Watching Ling Xiao pass her and walk toward the stage, Hu Liena pouted, looking at his back with dissatisfaction. She had been trying to help out of the goodness of her heart, yet not only did he not appreciate it, he even lectured her with grand principles.
Though she felt there was some truth to his words, she still felt like her kindness had been wasted.
Hmph, Ling Xiao you idiot. Just wait until you get beaten up. I hope your face gets swollen like a pig's, Hu Liena thought somewhat mischievously.
While Hu Liena was busy grumbling, Xie Yue's gaze became solemn.
Ling Xiao's words—"A strong person dares to challenge those stronger than themselves" and "We must learn how to fight those stronger than us"—had struck a chord with him. He couldn't help but look at Ling Xiao in a new light.
Previously, he had viewed Ling Xiao simply as a talented cultivation genius. Although he often praised his sister's talent, he did so mostly to boost her confidence and happiness.
Xie Yue had his own pride.
Regarding Innate Full Soul Power, his internal thoughts were actually identical to Yan's—he didn't believe himself to be inferior to anyone. However, compared to Yan, he was more mature and reserved, never showing it openly.
But now, Ling Xiao's performance forced Xie Yue to admit that the boy's mental fortitude was far beyond average. Combined with his Martial Soul's quality, he would undoubtedly be a formidable rival for both him and Yan in the future.
Up on the arena, Yan looked at the arriving Ling Xiao and gave a satisfied smile. Crossing his arms, he said, "Not bad. Regardless of the outcome of this battle, you are indeed qualified to be my friend and rival."
Seeing Yan's arrogant expression, Ling Xiao laughed inwardly. What a proud fellow. It would be so satisfying to see him lose, though he knew that was unlikely to happen today.
Dark-red soul power glowed in his right hand as the Profound Sky Axe manifested. Ling Xiao swung it horizontally with one hand and declared, "Enough talk. Didn't you want to show me how 'formidable' you are? Release your Martial Soul!"
The moment the Profound Sky Axe appeared, a domineering aura erupted.
Yan's eyebrows shot up.
"So this is your Martial Soul. It looks impressive, but mine isn't lacking either!"