Chapter 74: The So‑Called Second‑Stage Training

During the recent days of rest, a minor incident occurred: one night Ma Hongjun returned from outside, and he was beaten up as if he were a pig's head.

Although Yang Xiong didn't think highly of Ma Hongjun, he still followed the group to Suotuo City to punish that so‑called Bu Le, because the guy was indeed too lecherous; beating him up also served as a bit of fist‑and‑foot exercise.

On the sixth day of the break, Tang San gathered everyone into his room, where various Hidden Weapons were already laid out on the table.

After Tang San's introduction, the Hidden Weapons included silent sleeve arrows, stomp crossbows, tight‑back low‑head crossbows, Hidden Shadows in the Sand, sky‑flying divine claws, Zhuge Crossbow, and so on.

The crowd smiled with delight at the Hidden Weapons; they had witnessed their power, especially the Zhuge Crossbow, whose effectiveness was impressive whether battling Zhao Wuji or slaying a Soul Beast.

Under Tang San's guidance, everyone quickly mastered the usage of the Hidden Weapons, even equipping them directly.

Yang Xiong, on the other hand, fiddled with the many Hidden Weapons; they were mostly spring‑type devices, exquisitely crafted and quite powerful, especially since the metals used were exceptional, showing that Tang San had indeed put considerable effort into them.

After observing and using them carefully for a while, Yang Xiong put them all away.

Tang San asked, a bit puzzled, "Yang Xiong, aren't you satisfied with these Hidden Weapons? Why didn't you equip them on yourself right then?"

Yang Xiong smiled, "Tang San, thanks. I really like these Hidden Weapons; they are quite good in all attacks. However, equipping them is still inconvenient for my Body Tempering, so I'll store them for later use."

Tang San seemed to care a lot about everyone's attitude toward the Hidden Weapons, and then he relaxed, "Yang Xiong, you undergo Body Tempering and Medicine Bath every day; under the influence of toxins these Hidden Weapons can indeed get damaged, so putting them away is the right thing."

…

The seven‑day holiday passed quickly; under the organization of Yu Xiaogang and Flanders, the rebirth began its second round of training, held at Suotuo City's Great Soul Battle Arena.

However, per Yu Xiaogang's requirement, everyone must obtain both an individual Silver Soul Medal and a team Silver Soul Medal.

This created a problem: a normal team registers seven members, but now Shrek has eight, so one person cannot take the field.

According to Yu Xiaogang, the whole team has only Tang San as a Control System Soul Master; besides Tang San, the other seven members take turns resting, while Tang San, as the Control System Soul Master, devises the tactics.

Yang Xiong couldn't help giving Yu Xiaogang a blank stare; from his expression it was clear he wanted to elevate Tang San's standing within the team.

But Yang Xiong didn't mind; according to his own plan, he would definitely take part in one single Spirit Battle and two double Spirit Battles each day, so the seven‑person team Spirit Battle held little appeal.

Moreover, Yang Xiong didn't value this so‑called seven‑person team battle; he cared more about his own advancement, which is why the Soul Master Competition features such team battles. Once one reaches the level of Soul King or even Soul Emperor, where would there be battles involving so many people? In the end, it's all about personal strength.

Yu Xiaogang seemed confident: "Although the second round of training doesn't look that arduous, I require everyone to obtain the Silver Soul Medal as quickly as possible, especially your team; that may be the hardest part."

And for your safety, I impose certain restrictions: first, no one may reveal their true faces; everyone must wear masks and use code names in the competition; second, no one may use Hidden Weapons; third, I require each of you to take part in at least two Soul Fighting Competitions daily.

Oscar was a bit puzzled: "Master, both Rong Rong and I are Auxiliary System Soul Masters; we might not find it easy to obtain the Silver Soul Medal."

Yu Xiaogang's face remained indifferent: "That's easy; you can continue the first round of training until everyone has secured the Silver Soul Medal, and that will count as you completing the training."

Oscar and Ning Rongrong, upon hearing this, were instantly disheartened; clearly they both feared the difficulty of the first round of training.

But Oscar hooked Yang Xiong's shoulder: "Xiong Ge, I have to rely on you for this; I can only earn points by joining double matches and team matches."

Yang Xiong quickly pushed Oscar away: "Don't stand so close to me. Rest assured, helping you obtain the Silver Soul Medal isn't a big problem."

"But you also need to work harder; don't get eliminated right away. Know that when you face me, I'm battling two Soul Elders."

Just as Yang Xiong said, Yang Xiong didn't consider obtaining the Silver Soul Medal to be a difficulty.

According to the Spirit Battle Arena rules, individual matches grant points, double matches also grant individual points, and even in each seven‑person team battle, besides a team score there is an individual score; even Auxiliary participants can earn points in double and team battles.

However, to obtain the Silver Soul Medal quickly, one must participate in many matches.

Per Yang Xiong's plan, three to four Spirit Fighting Competitions each night are sufficient; more would be pointless, and this count includes one team battle.

Dai Mubai didn't hesitate and found Zhu Zhuqing; the two formed a White Tiger pairing, but they needed to face two Soul Elders, which was still too much pressure for Zhu Zhuqing, as she was only Level 27.

Nevertheless, Zhu Zhuqing was unafraid, and seemed to be growing more trustful of Dai Mubai.

Tang San and Xiao Wu had long formed a Soul Elder duo, and no one could shake it.

Ma Hongjun fared worse; it seemed he could no longer find a double‑team lineup. Ning Rongrong clearly despised him. Zhu Zhuqing needed a double match against Soul Elders and to join team battles; with his strength he couldn't possibly take part in three Spirit Battles each day, and the other four were all Soul Elders, making it hard for him, a Great Soul Master, to form a team again.

Finally, Ma Hongjun stared at Yang Xiong and said, "Xiong Ge, why don't we two form a team? At worst we don't have to appear every day."

Yang Xiong thought it over carefully before replying, "No problem, but if we team up, we'll have to join Spirit Fighting Competitions every day until this training ends."

Ma Hongjun was a bit puzzled: "Xiong Ge, can you handle that? You should know that under this calculation you'd have to join five Spirit Battles each day, even two at the Soul Elder level."

Yang Xiong grabbed Ma Hongjun's shoulder: "Little chubby, that's not something you need to worry about; it's just a Great Soul Master Spirit Battle. As long as you don't cause trouble for me, that's all."

Soon everyone began registering; Yang Xiong signed up for four matches in one go—a single Spirit Battle and three double Spirit Battles. As for the seven‑person team battle, the lottery was favorable, and Yang Xiong happened not to participate today.

When everyone saw Yang Xiong's Bronze Soul Medal, they were surprised; Dai Mubai had entered many matches and still only had an Iron Soul Medal, having lost too much when first entering the Soul Elder rank, and at that time the academy had no one to pair with him for double matches.

However, Yang Xiong was also surprised when he saw the opponent for his first Spirit Battle, as his first match turned out to be against Zhu Zhuqing.

Dai Mubai hurried over to Yang Xiong: "Brother, please go easy when you strike later; I'm begging you."

Yang Xiong laughed, "We're all classmates; I won't hit hard."

But Zhu Zhuqing, standing aside, gave Dai Mubai a cold stare, clearly not approving of his words.

After the two stepped onto the Arena, Zhu Zhuqing appeared extremely solemn and equally desolate.

The usually aloof Zhu Zhuqing suddenly spoke, "Yang Xiong, could you let me see you go all out?"

Yang Xiong's face showed a hint of doubt, "Are you sure? I might seriously injure you."

In fact, over the past three months, Yang Xiong had sparred with everyone, but each time Yu Xiaogang usually arranged multiple opponents for Yang Xiong; especially, it was never possible to pit Zhu Zhuqing against him alone, as the disparity in soul power was too great. This was their first solo duel.

Zhu Zhuqing nodded, "I'm certain. We're the same age, and even our Soul Power Levels are similar. I want to know the real gap between us, so please use your full strength."

Yang Xiong then nodded, "Alright, but I hope you won't be hit."

According to the Spirit Battle Arena rules, the two revealed their martial souls and Soul Rings, and at the referee's command the match began.

Both moved at extreme speed, and in an instant lunged at each other; on the Arena they resembled two black shadows.

Zhu Zhuqing dared not underestimate Yang Xiong and immediately unleashed her second soul skill: Nether Hundred Claws.

Zhu Zhuqing's body spun at extreme speed, her claws becoming razor‑sharp like a Netherworld Spirit Cat; in an instant she emitted countless claw strikes, apparently with great penetrative power.

But Yang Xiong's speed was no slower, even faster; in a flash his hands became Silver claws, firmly grasping the myriad claw shadows attacking him.

With a single exertion, Yang Xiong shattered those countless shadows instantly.

Zhu Zhuqing reacted swiftly; seeing Yang Xiong's twin Silver claws cutting through like a hot knife through bamboo, she turned into a black shadow attempting to flee.

But Yang Xiong's speed surged again at that moment, far surpassing Zhu Zhuqing's, and he reached her, grabbing again.

Zhu Zhuqing gritted her teeth and hurriedly used her first soul skill: Nether Thrust. A pair of claws instantly extended, their speed doubling, lunging at Yang Xiong's chest, evidently to force him to retreat.

But Yang Xiong was not at all afraid; his two claws instantly changed, forming as if a circle had been drawn, and directly blocked Zhu Zhuqing's first soul skill.

Before Zhu Zhuqing could react, she felt as if she were in zero‑gravity; her hands, pulled by Yang Xiong's two hands, involuntarily shifted direction, exactly the Tai Chi move Grasping the Sparrow's Tail, likewise a four‑ounce moves a thousand‑pound technique, capable of diverting any other's attack.

Before Zhu Zhuqing could react, Yang Xiong's two palms suddenly flashed like lightning, striking Zhu Zhuqing's two claws, and Zhu Zhuqing was forced backward.

Before Zhu Zhuqing could recover, Yang Xiong surged forward and threw a punch straight at her; even if Zhu Zhuqing reacted quickly, she could not dodge and could only block with her two claws.

Zhu Zhuqing only felt a sharp pain in both hands; even though she gritted her teeth to keep fighting, Yang Xiong delivered a powerful whip kick to her left shoulder, and Zhu Zhuqing was sent flying.

When she finally regained her senses, she had already fallen heavily beneath the Arena, and even her two palms were trembling.

The audience erupted in a roar; this did not resemble a Soul Fighting Competition between equal Soul Grandmasters, but rather a one‑sided crushing, and Zhu Zhuqing, after consecutively using two soul skills, failed to block even Yang Xiong's two moves and was knocked off the Arena.

(End of Chapter)