As they got closer, the overwhelming grandeur of the structure became more apparent.
The Great Fighting Spirit Arena stood in the heart of Soto City. It was an enormous oval-shaped building, towering at 120 meters tall with over six floors.
Inside, it was divided into one main arena and twenty-four sub-arenas, all capable of hosting up to 60,000 spectators at once.
Among them were one hundred VIP boxes.
This was a favorite entertainment spot for nobles and dignitaries, including members of powerful factions. For soul masters, it was the perfect place to show off their skills.
If you performed well and caught the eye of someone influential, you might even get recruited by a major force.
Even the usually composed Ning Rongrong couldn't help but exclaim in awe—so this so-called "rural city" had something so impressive.
"Alright—Dai Mubai, explain the rules to them," said Zhao Wuji lazily as they approached the entrance.
Yawning, he waved a hand. "I'm going to find somewhere to nap. Call me when you're finished."
With that, he wandered off into the arena, leaving the rest of them blinking at each other in confusion.
"Well, I guess I'll explain," said Dai Mubai with a helpless sigh as he turned to the group.
"There are three types of soul fights: non-lethal matches, life-and-death duels, and wager battles. As the name implies, non-lethal matches are the safest—no serious injuries or deaths allowed."
"Life-and-death duels allow both sides to use any means necessary within the rules. Winning or losing could mean life or death."
"As for wager battles, they're mostly used by nobles to determine the ownership or allegiance of a soul master."
As he said this, Dai Mubai glanced at Zhu Zhuqing, a subtle implication in his eyes.
After all, this kind of competition was quite common in the Star Luo Empire, especially among aristocrats.
"Don't look at me like that. I've never participated in one, nor have I watched one," Zhu Zhuqing said coldly before walking away toward Ma Hongjun.
"I'm not one of those disgusting nobles."
Dai Mubai: ???
Wait, what?
He sighed in frustration and went on. "There are also three match formats: one-on-one, two-on-two, and group battles. Group battles usually involve seven to ten people."
"But since we haven't started formal training yet, I think the dean will only let us participate in one-on-one and two-on-two matches for now."
"That's pretty much it. Once you go inside and test your soul power, you'll be able to register for your own spirit battle badge."
As the others absorbed this information, Dai Mubai glanced at Ma Hongjun, a mischievous glint in his eye.
There was one detail he intentionally left out—the registration fee was ten gold soul coins.
He knew all too well that the dean had long since embezzled Ma Hongjun's soul master subsidy. The guy was probably broke.
If he stepped in to pay the fee and saved him from the embarrassment, he could earn some goodwill—and perhaps a few kind words in front of Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong.
Not that he cared too much, but being stared down by two gorgeous girls like he was a piece of trash was not fun!!
Why didn't Hongjun get that kind of look?
Or… was he getting the exact opposite?
Is it just because he got more handsome? Hey, Dai Mubai wasn't bad-looking either, right?
Shaking his head, he led everyone into the arena.
But when it came time to register, what happened next left him completely speechless.
"Ten gold soul coins?" Ma Hongjun asked, staring helplessly at the stone-faced receptionist behind the counter.
Dai Mubai's prediction was spot-on. Ma Hongjun really didn't have enough money. He'd used up what little he had just to get into Ning Rongrong's hotel the last time.
In the rush, he'd even forgotten to ask her for reimbursement.
Just as he was debating whether to borrow from Dai Mubai or Oscar, three hands suddenly stretched out toward him.
"I'll pay." x3
Ning Rongrong:
Zhu Zhuqing:
Xiao Wu:
The three girls stared at their outstretched hands in awkward silence, not sure what to say.
Off to the side, Dai Mubai—who had been about to offer help himself—froze in place, his eyes wide. No way. This could actually happen?
Tang San and Oscar both clenched their fists.
But while Tang San's eyes were filled with restrained fury and murderous intent, Oscar's were full of sheer envy.
"I'll handle it myself. Thanks," Ma Hongjun said, clearly embarrassed.
Faced with three stunning girls, each with their own unique beauty, all looking at him with hope in their eyes, he hesitated.
After a moment, he made his decision.
"Boss Dai, Oscar… could you maybe—"
"No!!"
Three loud voices rang out in unison as two pouches of gold soul coins and a black card slammed onto the counter.
The receptionist:
He looked down at the coins and the card, then up at the three beautiful girls glaring at one another. A series of question marks appeared in his mind.
He had seen just about everything in the Great Fighting Spirit Arena over the years, but this? This was new.
Looking at the red-haired boy in the middle of it all, the staffer grew curious.
What kind of charm did this guy have that could drive three gorgeous girls to fight just to pay for him?
Was it just because he was a little better-looking and more elegant than others?
"Alright, enough of that," Ma Hongjun said with a sigh, picking up the black card, under the slightly disappointed gazes of Zhu Zhuqing and Xiao Wu—and the pleased smile of Ning Rongrong.
"The doorman at your hotel charged me ten silver soul coins and one gold soul coin last time. Let's consider this part of the repayment. I'll cover the rest later," he explained.
So that's what it was.
Zhu Zhuqing and Xiao Wu both looked relieved.
Seriously?!
Ning Rongrong clenched her fists in frustration. She silently vowed to find out who that gatekeeper was.
Since they were going to charge him anyway, why not charge a bit more? Then she could've handed the money over to Brother Hongjun in front of everyone!
"It's fine. you saved my life, so this small amount is nothing," she said sweetly. "But if Brother Hongjun insists on paying me back, why not treat me to a meal?"
She smiled brightly, blinking her beautiful eyes at him.
"That works too," Ma Hongjun nodded after thinking about it.
It wasn't a big deal, after all.
"Now that I think about it, none of us have treated you to a meal yet," Xiao Wu added. She glanced at Ning Rongrong, whose eyes briefly flickered.
"Why don't the three of us treat you together? Right, Qingqing?"
Zhu Zhuqing nodded immediately.
Damn it!
My solo dinner date!!
Ning Rongrong fumed inwardly, feeling the first cracks forming in their so-called sisterhood.
Still, there was no way to refuse in front of everyone. All she could do was smile and nod, occasionally casting dagger-like glances at Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing.
If this keeps up, my best-friend boat is going to capsize!
"Uh… okay?" Ma Hongjun replied, looking a little confused as he glanced at the three girls standing in front of him.
He couldn't shake the feeling that there was some serious tension in the air.
It smelled like... gunpowder.