Oscar didn't have time to dwell on his disappointment for long before a staff member approached to inform him that Ma Hongjun's match had been scheduled.
Since Ma Hongjun was the first among them to get a match, everyone came along to watch.
The red-haired boy stepped into the arena, glancing around curiously.
The fighting spirit arena wasn't very large—about twenty meters in diameter—but that was more than enough space for battles between Great Soul Masters. Beyond the ring lay the audience seating area.
Perhaps battles between Great Soul Masters weren't all that thrilling to watch, or maybe both fighters were relative unknowns, because the stands were nearly empty—only about one-fifth of the seats were occupied.
In the center of the arena stood a middle-aged man in a tuxedo. In a routine tone, he announced:
"Up next is the first match of the eleventh round. Both participants are Great Soul Masters. First, Tai Qiang, a battle soul master with the Beast Spirit: Mighty Ape, boasting two consecutive wins. And his opponent will be... huh?"
He paused, frowning, as if unsure he had read it correctly.
"Ma Hongjun, a battle soul master with the Phoenix Martial Soul!"
Phoenix Martial Soul?!
The once-lazy crowd instantly came alive, sitting up and staring at the announcer in surprise.
Could there really be someone with a Phoenix Martial Soul here?
This kind of top-tier beast spirit was incredibly rare—even in major fighting arenas, it was something you'd hardly see.
Suddenly alert, many spectators who had planned to leave decided to stay.
"Alright, both contestants please come to the stage," the announcer said quickly, swallowing nervously.
He was clearly intrigued as well.
Soon, a tall figure with unusually long arms stepped onto the platform. His skin was dark, his hair thick, and his body muscular. Round eyes locked onto the red-haired boy.
"You're the one with the Phoenix Spirit?"
he asked in a low voice.
"Yeah," Ma Hongjun replied with a nod.
"I don't believe it," Tai Qiang said, shaking his head. "The Phoenix Spirit is something only nobles possess. How could you possibly—"
Boom!!
Flames erupted into the air, instantly raising the temperature around the stage. Ma Hongjun's red hair fluttered in the heat, his entire body surrounded by fire. Behind him, the ghostly image of a phoenix shimmered into view, majestic and mysterious.
Whoa!
The crowd gasped, eyes fixed on the boy as though he were a rare treasure.
It really was the Phoenix Spirit!
Such intense flames, such a mystical aura—it was unmistakably genuine.
"Go, Brother Hongjun!!"
In the stands, Ning Rongrong's eyes sparkled with admiration. She stood and waved both arms excitedly, cheering in a sweet voice.
Zhu Zhuqing hesitated, her cold and beautiful face tinged with a faint blush. Then she quietly added her own cheer.
"Come on."
Xiao Wu paused. She glanced at Tang San, who was clenching his jaw tightly. In the end, she chose not to speak.
Better not to provoke him right now.
She sighed inwardly.
Oscar and Dai Mubai were green with jealousy, biting the corners of their clothes as they glared at Ma Hongjun.
As much as they didn't want to admit it, the guy looked amazing right now.
The two even began wondering if they should add some flashy effects to their own entrances in the future.
A Phoenix Martial Soul and two beautiful girls cheering him on—no wonder the whole arena was focused on him.
Could he actually be a noble from some big city?
"This…" Tai Qiang stared blankly at the flames that filled half the platform, at the red-haired boy cloaked in fire. The oppressive heat made his lips twitch.
No way, man. Are you serious?
Wasn't this supposed to be a fight between Great Soul Masters?
He cast a resentful look at the referee, who seemed just as bewildered.
What kind of ridiculous match-making system was this? Just because I won two matches in a row, you pair me against this guy?
Little did he know, the referee was equally stunned. If he'd known Ma Hongjun had the Phoenix Martial Soul, he would've arranged the match for the main arena without a second thought.
"I surrender."
Tai Qiang raised his hands.
"What?" Ma Hongjun blinked. "You're not even going to try?"
He was genuinely curious about what Soul Master battles looked like in the arena. he had been picking on Tang San the past few days, and Ma Hongjun had yet to see any real fights.
"No, no—I surrender," Tai Qiang said, shaking his head like a rattle drum.
Judging by the temperature of those flames, he wasn't even sure if he'd survive a few minutes. Getting burned would be completely not worth it.
He was only here to make some pocket money—not to get himself killed.
"Well... alright."
Ma Hongjun nodded, a little disappointed, then turned to look at the dazed announcer.
The middle-aged man took a moment to react, then rushed forward, grabbed Ma Hongjun's hand, and announced loudly:
"Ma Hongjun wins! One win, no losses. Tai Qiang's record now stands at four wins and Three losses. Great Soul Master Ma Hongjun, please proceed to register your points and collect your prize money."
"In addition, considering the uniqueness of your martial soul, I'd like to apply to have your future matches held in the main fighting spirit arena. Would that be acceptable?"
The man's expression was full of flattery. It wasn't just the Phoenix Spirit—he could tell Ma Hongjun was very young.
Who knew what kind of talent this boy was, or where he came from?
"Oh? What benefits will I get?"
Ma Hongjun had been ready to collect his winnings and leave, but paused when he heard that. He turned back to the man with interest.
Wait a second. Why wasn't this in the original story?
Of course, he was conveniently ignoring the fact that the Ma Hongjun in the original story was a fat, greasy pervert with a defective Phoenix that couldn't even control its animal instincts. His outward appearance may have resembled a roast turkey more than a mythical bird.
But now, with the fully awakened Phoenix Martial Soul—both in appearance and in aura—it radiated the sheer dominance of a top-grade beast spirit.
"Uh…" The announcer was caught off guard.
Aren't more opportunities to fight in the main arena benefit enough?
That's where the biggest crowds were. It also had the best visibility and was right in front of the VIP boxes. Anyone with half a brain would jump at the chance.
But when he thought about how this kid might be from some powerful noble family, he calmed down.
Yeah, of course he doesn't care.
"You must be joking," he said with a forced smile. "According to the rules, we can't offer you any explicit benefits."
"I mean, I can't just give you an extra ten gold soul coins per match or anything. Not that you'd need it anyway…"
"I'll take it."
Ma Hongjun's eyes lit up as soon as he heard ten extra gold soul coins. He nodded immediately.
Ten extra coins per fight? That meant one main arena match was worth two regular ones!
Now that's a deal. Who wouldn't say yes?