Tang Yuan felt strange after the fight. Honestly, it felt too easy for him. He had expected an engaging fight at the very least. Still, he understood why it had been so easy.
The last month had been filled with battle. Starting with beasts encountered as they moved. To machines in the ruins with metallic forms. Then humans outnumbering them in a great way. Ending with an experienced weapon master.
He stepped up to the desk. Looking at the receptionist who smiled at him. His gaze locked onto the badge in her hand. It was made of iron with carvings on its surface.
"Congratulations on your first win. This is your Iron Badge, welcome to the arena. Do you want me to explain, things are a bit different in the city." She was rather helpful. Her mask was one of professionalism, but her gaze held a glint.
Tang Yuan considered that question. "Different how? You defeat opponents to gain points; consecutive victories earn more points. What is different here?" he asked the woman again. It would be nice to know that.
The woman smiled "Heavens Dou City currently has 3 main arenas, and 22 secondary arenas. With the Royal Arena in its own category. Once more the city sees hundreds of challengers in the arenas."
"This merits special circumstances for the arenas. Our smaller arenas host those with badges of Iron, and Copper. The main arenas require at least a Silver badge to fight. Gold badges aren't so rare either in the main three." She explained rather readily to him. Arms crossed carefully at her midsection.
Tang Yuan didn't pay attention to her action. Uncertain if she was trying to seduce him, or merely to gain favor. Either way, it wasn't important right now. "I see so that's the difference. Thank you for your help," he nodded at her for the help.
"Of course sir, it's my pleasure to be of help." The woman clasped her hands together as she bowed slightly. A more professional air about her now.
Tang Yuan nodded walking away with his new badge. Quickly finding a place to sit. That would let him see anyone else at the desk. Waiting for the others to finish their own battles.
A minute or two afterwards Tang Yuan opened his eyes. He looked to see his friends approaching. Neither of them had so much as a scratch on them. Nor did they seem the least bit tired.
That brought the question, "How exactly did I finish so much faster than you two?" One was a control type, and the other had a ridiculous martial soul. Did they just have bad luck?
Bibi Dong's face gained an irritated look at the question. "My opponent was an agility master. But the moment I activated my martial soul she just ran. My "battle" was basically chasing her around." The more she spoke the more annoyed she sounded.
Tang Yuan nodded; that did sound about right. Her martial soul really was something terrifying to those inexperienced. "Yeah, I can see that happening. They were probably novices compared to most."
Ah Yin raised her hand slightly. "I just took a bit of time to capture him," she said simply. That statement caused her friends to wonder.
Tang Yuan caught Bibi Dong's eye both wondering. Ah Yin they had noticed moved between gentleness and ruthlessness. She could be incredibly kind to her friends, and to a lesser extent to strangers. Yet she became downright ruthless sometimes. This was likely the former.
"Now that my curiosity is sated. Let me tell you what I learned now." So he told the girls what he had learned. Along with his own speculations, they shared.
"Brother Yuan, sisters, congratulations on your victories." An excited voice called from a decreasing distance. Dugu Xin arrived beside them at a hurried pace. He had not participated in a battle, already possessing a badge himself.
Along with him, at a slower pace came the adults. Tang Nuan watched the three of them with a critical eye. Watching their current state, she made observations.
Dugu Bo meanwhile had an eye on his son. As he stopped he spoke "Xiao Xin calm down; they aren't going anywhere." Though he said that, there was little reproach in his voice. If anything he seemed rather happy.
Tang Nuan spoke, "The three of you won. Yet as you have realized your opponents were also newcomers. From here on your opponents will be more challenging." Her words were slightly ominous in nature.
"Now then with that in mind. The three of you may engage as many opponents as you wish. Continue until defeat, you hit your limit, or under your own will." She was smiling at the three of them. Though that smile felt like that of a tyrant or perhaps a drill sergeant.
With their training orders given the three stepped over to the desk. In a matter of minutes, fights were lined up for them. They separated for their respective matches. Dugu Xin also chose to participate in a match himself.
Tang Yuan walked into the arena for his second match. His gaze locked onto his opponent on the opposite side. He immediately determined that he was more experienced than the last.
His opponent had his gaze locked on him. A serious air about him as he was tense and waiting. Muscular build with a well-developed physique, strength-focused perhaps. He was later teens perhaps based on appearance. Clothing was rough-looking but also well-maintained and presentable.
That was when the announcer spoke up. His voice rang out his excitement spreading to the crowd. "Ladies and gentlemen welcome to this match. An iron-level battle between Soul Elders. In the left corner, a newcomer with one win Golden Hammer level 32. In the right corner, three wins and two possess its Rock Hammer level 35."
"Summon your martial souls," the announcer roared even louder. The crowd's intensity sparked with the roar.
Tang Yuan summoned his hammer. The familiar weight settled in his hand. He looked at his foe's martial soul; surprisingly it too was a hammer. Albeit a roughly made hammer.
The head was stone that had been roughly chiseled. The handle seemed to be wood of some type. Leather strips wrapped around the handle for better grip. Still, Tang Yuan would not look down on it yet.
Tang Yuan looked at his opponent's weapon. Everyone else looked at his second soul ring. Most of the crowd was shocked by the sight; only a few had seen it before. Even the announcer took a second glance at it even knowing beforehand. Rock Hammer tensed at the sight dangerous.
"Now then the time has come. Battle Start!!!!" the announcer roared even louder than before. As he moved away from the arena ready to speak.
Tang Yuan activated his first ring immediately. Moving forward as the boost covered his hammer. His steps were steady seemingly unstoppable. Even as he prepared himself to meet his opponent.
Rock Hammer stepped forward as well. His gaze and hesitant steps betrayed his wariness. At level 35 he had three levels on his opponent giving him the advantage. But a purple ring for his second move- how had he done that? Even if it was a fluke it was dangerous.
Tang Yuan noticed the hesitation. He continued his steps not pausing; each step carried weight. An arrogant confident walk forward projecting weight. All the better to affect his enemy before conflict.
When they met one another Rock Hammer firmed slightly. Yet still he allowed his wariness to cloud his mind. Even as he swung his hammer, there was a slight hesitation.
Tang Yuan swung with full force. Meeting the half-hearted blow for a few moments. As expected he noted his opponent retreated backward. The impact of a purple ring still affected his head.
Rock Hammer stepped away from the exchange. Frowning inwardly thinking "This guy is really dam strong." His opponent had monstrous strength beyond age and level. He remembered the activation of the first ring, an amplification skill. But that only explained a portion of his strength.
Tang Yuan moved forward not pausing for a moment. Bringing his hammer down on his enemies position.
Rock Hammer responded by stepping backward. Wary of trying to block with his own hammer. As he stepped back his second ring lit up. "Second Skill: Shatter," he swung his hammer at seemingly nothing.
Small shards fractured off the hammer. Then the pebble-sized rocks shot forward. Like a hail of low-powered shotgun pellets or something similar.
Tang Yuan frowned as he swung his hammer. The Disorder-Splitting Wind hammer allowed him to hit them. "Three, four, six, seven," he finished swatting them out of the air. Then he used his gained momentum to rush his enemy. Even as his third ring began to activate.
He knew now that letting him gain range was a bad idea. The golden aura of his hammer was noticeable. Quickly he arrived before his off-guard enemy. His hammer swung with crushing force upward from his stopping point.
Rock Hammer scrambled to avoid the powerful attack. Barely managing to escape the range of the swing. Even as he felt the wind of the swing hit his face. His third ring lit up, "Boulder Smash." he swung his hammer at Golden Hammer.
Tang Yuan allowed his upward swing to become a downward strike. His third ring activated once more for this attack. Meeting Rock Hammer's third ring in an exchange of blows. Tang Yuan struggled with the exchange, until with a push he gained ground.
Rock Hammer felt it as the clash began to turn against him. He was forced to take a step back or lose immediately. Knowing his loss the man ended the impact of weapons. He stepped away from his enemy to recover. Preparing for a counter immediately.
Tang Yuan stepped forward thrusting his hammer forward. Watching as his enemy stepped back trying to avoid it. He smiled as his second ring lit up. A new shine appeared on the hammer as pale yellow lightning sparked to life.
Rock Hammer's eyes widened at the sudden change. Even as he was mid-retreat. The hammer itself did not touch him thanks to his retreat. Yet the lightning sparked off the hammer slightly. He flinched only slightly.
Noticing the reaction, Tang Yuan stepped forward immediately. As his enemy tried to recover he pushed his hammer forward. The lightning-clad hammer only lightly touched him. Yet he knew that was enough.
Clumsily he tried to escape the hammer's touch. That was another mistake Rock Hammer knew only moments later. When a hammer strike instead hit his leg. He knew he had lost as he crumpled to his knees.
Tang Yuan held his hammer at his opponent. Ready to strike if he chose to move an inch more. "Well fought Rock Hammer, but you have lost!" Tang Yuan declared placing command and force into his voice.
He wanted to argue that the battle was unfinished. But his leg was injured enough to slow his rise. Once more he was held at weapon point with lightning inches away. "I surrender to you."
"The battle is done Ladies and Gentlemen. Golden Hammer has achieved his second victory. Rock Hammer has lost his winning streak of three." the announcer roared excitement in his voice.
The crowd followed yelling and shouting in excitement. Many clapped at the end of the battle. It was an exciting battle starting with an extreme surprise.
Tang Yuan presented a hand to his defeated opponent. His opponent reluctantly took the hand. Tang Yuan helped him up, before letting go of his hand. "A good match," he said as he walked out of the arena.
Tang Yuan found his thoughts wandering. This battle had taught him something that might be critical. He lacked ranged attacks. Outside of the weapons in his belt of course. That would need to be considered later for counters.
In another arena, Ah Yin prepared herself to face an opponent. Her gaze swept the confines of the battlefield. She still found it strange that this entire structure was for battles. Even if she understood that they served to gain experience or money.
How curious she mused inwardly. Humanity was such a strange tribe. One that continued to rouse her interest as she learned more. Especially the joy of her friends.
"In one corner we have Masked Sword, and in the other the Blue Silver Maiden. The first at level 35 and the latter is level 36. This will be an interesting match: Blade versus Plant." the announcer shouted as she flew through the air. Wings extended from her back like those of a bird.
"Now summon your martial souls," the announcer commanded. A minute afterward she shouted, "Battle begins." She shouted excitedly he graze locked onto the battle.
Ah Yin observed her opponent. He was a masked man, though the mask covered little. The man used a hand to play with his hair. In the other hand, he grasped a long but slender sword. Yellow, Yellow, and Purple moved around his body.
Masked Sword gazed at Ah Yin and the plants around her. His gaze practically radiated superiority and arrogance. "Oh beautiful girl it seems you have little luck. To face me with such a thing as Blue Silver Grass." he pointed his sword at her.
Ah Yin didn't respond to his words. She simply activated her third ring right away. Summoning it around her enemy's body.
Masked Sword quick on his feet avoided the emerging spear-like shoots. Bringing his sword up to counter one for a moment. Dancing between the other shoots with relative ease. His sword moved out to cut them only to meet momentary resistance.
Ah Yin noticed and activated her skill once more. The spear-like plants emerged from every direction around him. After she prepared her first skill binding as well.
Masked Blade halted his attempt to cut the plants. They were too sturdy to cut instantly. "Second Skill: Dancing Blade, First Skill: Elegant Blade." After the activation of two skills he cut a great many plants.
As the plants fell he moved towards Ah Yin. His second skill enhanced movement and sharpness for a few minutes. Each step carried him forward; he jumped and danced through the vines.
Ah Yin's second ring lit up, "Second Skill: Root Defense." Several thick roots surfaced from the ground. Each one was a meter thick at the least. They appeared right in front of the approaching enemy.
Masked Blade halted at the appearance of the roots. "First Skill: Elegant Blade," he swung his sword at the roots. Only to barely cut halfway through two of them.
Ah Yin waved her hands "Third skill: Blue Silver Empalement." She summoned the attack behind her opponent.
Masked Sword grimaced his gaze looking for a chance to escape. He ran up the roots jumping off them. Landing on an extending plant jumping into the air once more. "Third Skill: Breezy Thrust," he inched his sword back.
Ah Yin activated her second skill a second time. The roots rose high just as her opponent thrust forward. A blast of piercing wind cut through the roots. Yet it too was stopped by the roots. "First Skill," she spoke.
Masked Sword looked down to see a vine of Blue Silver. It had wrapped around his leg. He grimaced just before the pull sent him crashing down. As he hit the ground pain spread at the impact.
Ah Yin acted immediately while he was stunned. Having the vines wrap around the other limbs. Others wrapped around his martial soul restricting it. Quickly most of his body became wrapped in vines.
Masked Sword tested the durability of his binds. He couldn't move his sword arm at all. One of his legs was nearly as restricted. More vines continued to coil around his body even then. "How vexing, but I admit my defeat. You have bested me beautiful lady."
"It is the victory of Blue Silver Maiden." the announcer sang loudly to everyone. She flew around the arena as she did. "A beautiful battle from these two fighters. I certainly felt excited watching them."
Ah Yin summoned her martial soul. The many plants on the arena slinked back into the ground. Holes dotted where they had once been. She bowed slightly to her opponent, and then stepped away.
Masked Sword watched her leave the arena. The sting of defeat now filled his heart. Along with other things as well. Such as respect for such a powerful opponent.
Bibi Dong was experiencing an entirely different battle. Martial soul summoned and the battle began. Her form radiated palpable menace as "click and clack," of her legs rang slightly. "This is disappointing."
The man before her had Yellow, Yellow, and Purple. Yet he had collapsed long ago to his knees. His shivering was easily noticeable to those who looked. Eight legs extended from his back the sign of a spider soul.
The man titled Toxic Spider shivered as the girl drew closer. Ever since she had summoned her martial soul. Fear, dread, and terror had flooded his mind suddenly. It was coming from his martial soul, he just knew that if he fought he would die.
Bibi Dong stood before the shivering man. Using a leg to push him down with little effort. Her face just a mask of disappointment. She had expected a challenge or at least an attempt.
Toxic Spider did not even try to rise. Even as a spider leg poked him testingly. The dread had only intensified as she stood over him. "I give up, I surrender," he screeched out in terror.
"Oh, oh…. Battle finished I suppose. This is certainly a rarity and never seen on this stage. A complete one-sided surrender?" the announcer called in confusion. Completely uncertain of what had happened.
Bibi Dong desummoned her martial soul. As she walked on two legs again she cast a look of contempt at the coward. Walking off the arena with a bitter feeling.
Was she truly that terrifying? That question was part of the bitter feeling. Along with the feeling of the disappointed feeling. She had expected a battle of some kind not whatever that was.
After their second match they could no longer step into the arena. Heaven Dou Cites Arena limited fighters to two matches a day. The benefit of so many different arenas in a single city.
They could participate in duo matches as well. However, there would be a caveat to that. Dugu Xin had fought in the arena longer than they had, having a Silver Badge. If someone fought besides him they would face others like that.
Tang Yuan suspected his mother would take advantage of that. He expected a very painful experience one day soon. Maybe he would get lucky. Perhaps it would be Silver and Iron opponents teaming up.
The current teams were decided quickly. Bibi Dong and Dugu Xin formed one team; Ah Yin and he formed another. As they returned to the desks once more for a third battle.
The announcer took a breath before speaking "Here we go a duo battle Iron level. In one corner Golden Hammer level 32 and Blue Silver Maiden level 36. In the opposite corner brothers Big Monkey level 37, and Little Monkey level 33. Summon your martial souls."
After summoning his martial Tang Yuan glanced at their enemies. Both had Yellow, Yellow, and Purple rings and similar martial souls. Both had ape martial souls of some kind. One was more muscular and bulky, the other lithe and agile.
"Looks like one is strong attack and the other agile attack." Tang Yuan kept his voice low as he spoke to Ah Yin. "We should eliminate the weaker one first. But I doubt they will allow that." if they focused on the strongest the more agile one would slip through.
"I can keep one of them distracted." Ah Yin told her friend. Her own gaze fixed on their foes. Blue Silver vines appearing around her already.
Tang Yuan considered for only a moment. "Keep the stronger one busy for a while. He will have some trouble with you. I will attack the agile-looking one, and then return." saying that Tang Yuan began to slowly walk to the side.
The two brothers glanced at their two opponents. Their gazes locked onto Ah Yin, as they glanced at Tang Yuan. Yet it also betrayed their strategy in this battle.
Tang Yuan prepared himself; they would attack Ah Yin. Unless they were faking the reaction. That would soon be seen by their approaching actions.
Then they moved both charging toward Ah Yin. Who quickly reacted targeting both for the moment. Aiming for the right moment to strike. Utilizing her second and third skills to attack them.
The two brothers pushed through the different attacks. The elder smashed and tore through the vines. While the younger brother instead, used agility to avoid. He was making more progress actually, but it also put distance between them.
Tang Yuan had already started moving the moment they started. Now he arrived at the younger one. His hammer was aimed to crush the agility master.
The younger brother noticed the movement. He swiftly dodged the dangerous attack stepping backward. His gaze locked onto Tang Yuan. "Second Skill: Monkey Sweep," he fell to the ground furry legs aimed into a low sweep.
Tang Yuan took less than an instant to decide. Turning his knee to minimise impact to the soft tissue. Enhancing the leg with soul power inwardly and with soul shroud. Then the soul skill hit as pain blossomed at impact.
The attacker was caught off guard by the non-reaction. That should have done a lot more. At least a flinch if not falling to his knees. How troubling they were in the same rank but?
Tang Yuan took that moment to attack. Reaching out with a hand to pull his enemy closer. Before delivering a swift fist to the gut. As his enemy recovered from that Tang Yuan grabbed his hammer. Glancing at the other enemy momentarily.
A rather good choice considering the speed of his approach. Tang Yuan tested his leg, only slightly sore from the attack. Not seriously injured though. Then he grabbed the stunned enemy throwing him away. Chasing after him, "I leave him in your hands," he called to Ah Yin.
Ah Yin kept her gaze on her own opponent. Summoning another set of roots just as he tore through. Along with spear-like plants, and her first skill's restricting vines.
Big Monkey had noticed his little brother's plight. Realizing their enemies had succeeded in separating them. "Third Skill: Ape's Might," Upon activation his muscles bulged as even more hair appeared. The skill would increase strength and defense by 30%. So he more easily ripped through the plants.
When he arrived to where his enemy had landed. Tang Yuan didn't stop moving transitioning into a running kick. Sending the recovering enemy sprawling once more. As he continued approaching for attack he slowed. Getting his hammer and bringing it down with tremendous momentum.
Little Monkey sensed it the threat hastily rolled away. The sound of impact sounded a moment later. He hastily scrambled to his feet. Eyes snapping to the shattered stone for a moment. "You're a monster," he gulped out to Tang Yuan.
The words made Tang Yuan lips quirk slightly. It was the first time he'd been called a monster. "You would have lived through that. Maybe a few broken bones of course."
Little Monkey kept himself on guard. This guy was no joke able to take soul skills directly. His stomach hurt quite a bit from that kick. He possessed strength rivaling his big brother who was higher level and a beast soul master.
Tang Yuan rushed him sensing the hesitation. Striking with his hammer several times, each a miss. The man was as fast as he expected him to be.
Little Monkey dodged the blows with skill. Strength didn't matter if it never hit anything after all. "First Skill: Monkey's Fist," he activated his skill. Immediately he punched Tang Yuan's stomach, and then continued punching.
Tang Yuan tried to avoid the hail of punches. Each blow lacked force behind them, dealing little damage. But they were also fast and unending. With the way he threw them each couldn't consume much soul power.
As the hail of punches flew Tang Yuan waited. This was clearly a death by a thousand cuts situation. After more than a dozen blows Tang Yuan stepped back. Frustration appeared on his face at that. Inwardly "I need to be careful."
Tang Yuan swung his hammer several times at his enemy. Each was a miss as the man stepped back or dodged. The man attacked with his second skill. As the attack hit his leg Tang Yuan allowed himself to fall and stumble.
Immediately seeing a chance Little Monkey struck once more. "Third Skill: Monkey's Lunge," he jumped at Tang Yuan. His hands extended to wring his neck.
"Now," Tang Yuan spoke unconsciously. Activating his soul rings second and third after. From his bad position, he swung his hammer upward. He felt the rush as the hammer connected to his enemy's chest.
Though it was from a bad position the strike was strong. A hammer wreathed in lightning, with the third skill. Little Monkey endured a brutal blow mid-air. Flying backward from the strike, he landed on his back several feet away.
Tang Yuan glanced at the fallen soul master. Then looked at the battle between Ah Yin and the other opponent. She was losing ground, but her situation wasn't helpless. So he quickly moved pushing the unconscious one off the stage.
Ah Yin had been battling the elder brother for several minutes. She had been forced to cede ground. Yet her opponent had already begun to slow. Her attacks had chipped at his stamina continuously as they had hers.
Tang Yuan arrived at their battle, two-on-one now. He swung his hammer at his new opponent. The blow hit him on the man's arm as he blocked. Tang Yuan immediately noticed the second arm as an approaching fist.
As the fist was moving Blue Silver Grass blocked it. Along with the block came sharp vines. The man noticeably grimaced as he gained several new cuts.
This process repeated for several minutes. Tang Yuan would attack sometimes hitting, or merely distracting. Ah Yin would defend when possible or harass Big Monkey. Each of his hammer blows could also stun their foe.
Finally, after a while, Big Monkey let out a sigh. His body slackened as he stepped back. "I surrender; there is no point in continuing." his face was bitter at the admission. His body had accumulated enough injuries already.
"The battle has ended with the defeat of the brothers. Give both teams a round of applause; it was wonderful. Especially our winners." The announcer clapped heartily drawing the crowd into it as well.
Both teams left the arena in different moods. The two brothers watched intending to remember them. A rematch would happen in the future. Now they had to tell Father and the others about this.
Meanwhile, Tang Yuan and Ah Yin left as well. The former felt rather sore after this battle, but also felt satisfied. Ah Yin felt more indifferent to this victory. They sought out their comrades now.
They would learn that Bibi Dong and Dugu Xin were also victorious. Though they were in an even more battered state than they were. So they left the arena in an exhausted state. Each took long medicinal baths to recover from the matches. Falling into deep sleep after.
Only to repeat said event the next day. Then the day after that. Several days became filled with battles. All the while they awaited the final member of their party.