Chapter 97: The Grand Battle Arena

As evening arrived, under Flender's invitation, Tianlin joined them to observe the evening's lesson. In essence, it was a practical combat session at the Grand Battle Arena to improve real-world experience. This was something Qin Ming often brought Tianlin and his team to do. Over the years, the Emperor Battle Team had already dominated the Soul Grandmaster and Soul Elder-level teams in Heaven Dou City. As a result, Qin Ming now planned to take the Emperor team for a run at the Suoto Grand Battle Arena. Tianlin had arrived earlier due to Ning Rongrong, while the others would arrive in a few days. The Grand Battle Arena was a significant venue for showcasing the value of a Soul Master. It possessed its complete system and could be considered a unique force. Founded jointly by the seven most prestigious Soul Master clans across the continent, it was independent of the two empires or the Spirit Hall, effectively making it a neutral third-party power. Its wealth rivaled that of nations. Soul Masters who gained fame in the Grand Battle Arena became dazzling stars across the country, not only reaping immense benefits but also earning great renown. Moreover, the Grand Battle Arena operated as a relatively fair platform. If the level of one's martial soul marked a Soul Master's strength, then soul rings were the best way to express it. However, these did not represent a Soul Master's true ability. The Grand Battle Arena tested practical combat skills, which were the true measure of strength. Any Soul Master, regardless of level, would be referred to simply as a combatant upon entering the arena. After securing their first victory, they would earn a badge. For every subsequent victory, points were awarded. Once the points reached a certain threshold, the badge would upgrade in rank. This badge symbolized one's status in the Grand Battle Arena and was recognized across all major cities on the continent. The higher the badge rank, the more benefits one gained from participating in battles. Currently, badge rankings were distinguished by the quality of minerals: the lowest was the Iron Badge, or Iron Combatant, followed by Copper, Silver, Gold, Amethyst, Sapphire, Ruby, and Diamond—a total of eight levels. Since Tianlin began participating in arena battles, he had essentially never lost, whether in team battles or individual matches. As a result, his current combat badge was extraordinarily high, reaching the Gold Combatant level. As for why it was essentially undefeated, it was because, on occasion, he intentionally lost a few matches to Yu Tianheng and others during doubles or solo battles. This was a strategy to manipulate his score; otherwise, with an excessively high score, he would run out of opponents. While there were some Soul Elder-level Gold Combatants, Amethyst Combatants were usually Soul Emperors or higher. If Tianlin entered this level as a Soul Elder, he would face opponents over level 60. Although he was confident in solo combat, during team battles, teammates like Ye Lingling could not withstand the attacks of a Soul Emperor. Upon entering the Grand Battle Arena, Dai Mubai explained its rules to everyone and informed them that one of Shrek Academy's graduation requirements was to achieve at least Silver Combatant status. "Silver Combatant, huh? Only the third level. That sounds easy!" Xiao Wu said dismissively. She was confident in battles against opponents of the same level. "You're oversimplifying things. The Grand Battle Arena isn't that easy to navigate," Dai Mubai replied. Having participated in the arena for a long time, he spoke from experience. "I've fought in 56 battles, with a record of 29 wins and 27 losses, earning only two points." Tang San, who was familiar with Dai Mubai's strength, was shocked. "Mubai, with your abilities, how is that possible?" "It's not that surprising," Dai Mubai explained helplessly. "I started participating in battles at level 29. After only a few wins, I reached level 30 and started facing opponents around level 37 or 38. I lost quite a few matches in a row, so my points remained low." "That's just because you're not good enough! My Brother Sword started battling shortly after breaking through to Soul Elder. Brother Sword, tell everyone about your record!" Ning Rongrong said proudly, glancing at Tianlin. She knew how extraordinary Tianlin's achievements at the Heaven Dou Grand Battle Arena were. Hearing this, everyone turned their eyes toward Tianlin. With a smile, Tianlin said, "In team battles, I've won 35 matches in a row. In doubles, I've won 32 and lost 3. In solo battles, I've won 45 and lost 3. Thanks to multiple winning streaks, I've earned bonus points, bringing my current score to roughly 6,000, which places me at the Gold Combatant level." "Monster! You're a real monster! Most people your age would be lucky to achieve Copper Combatant status, but you're nearing the Amethyst level. Your combat skills are ridiculously strong!" Flender exclaimed, utterly stunned. He had never seen such a prodigy before. If Tianlin hadn't already joined the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, Flender would have done everything possible to recruit him into Shrek Academy. The entire Emperor Battle Team had achieved Gold Combatant status. When Flender met them later, he would surely be even more shocked. "Since we're here, why don't I participate in a two-on-two battle? Rongrong, would you like to join me?" Tianlin asked Ning Rongrong with a smile. "Wait, you want to team up with Rongrong? You know that in two-on-two battles, the opponents are determined based on the higher-level participants. Even though Rongrong is only in her twenties in level, you've already surpassed level 40. That means you'll likely face two Soul Elder-level opponents," Dai Mubai reminded him. "Of course, I know that," Tianlin replied confidently. "That's precisely why I want to team up with Rongrong. After all, a single Soul Elder wouldn't present any challenge to me." With that, Tianlin led Ning Rongrong to register. "This guy is so confident... but maybe he can back it up," Dai Mubai muttered, recalling his earlier loss to Tianlin. Even without using a single soul skill, Tianlin had completely overwhelmed him—something no other Soul Elder could achieve. At the registration desk, Tianlin first helped Ning Rongrong set up her identity. The arena allowed participants to use aliases, and Ning Rongrong chose the same name as in the original story: Seven Treasure Glazed Tile. The two quickly formed a new team, naming themselves the Sword-Tower Duo. When the staff members saw Tianlin's dazzling Gold Combatant badge, they were stunned. A Gold Combatant this young? And he was teaming up with a rookie girl? The staff member shook their head—this strategy wouldn't get far in the Grand Battle Arena. The two-on-two battles would take some time to begin, so the first event was a one-on-one battle. On the arena platform, a middle-aged man in a tailcoat stood in the center. Clearing his throat, he announced loudly, "Next, we'll hold the first one-on-one battle in Arena 14. Competing are two Soul Grandmasters. On one side, we have the Battle Soul Master Xiao Wu, with the Beast Martial Soul Soft-Boned Rabbit. On the other side, we have the Battle Soul Master Qing Bao, with the Beast Martial Soul Iron-Horned Bull, who has won two consecutive matches. Will Soul Grandmaster Qing Bao extend his streak to three, or will newcomer Xiao Wu emerge victorious? Let's find out! Now, let's welcome both Soul Grandmasters to the stage!"