Invincible Soul Emperor

Chapter 488: Chapter 488: All Are One-Hit Kills

This was simply unbelievable.

Wasn’t that Seventh-Layer Martial King Realm competitor strong? That terrifyingly powerful strike was more than enough to demonstrate his strength. In fact, the crowd believed that if he were to fight a Ninth-Layer expert, the match would be a close one. After all, anyone who could commune with nature’s spiritual energy while still in the Martial King Realm was destined to become a legendary Martial Emperor Realm master.

But why did such a powerful Seventh-Layer Martial King Realm competitor lose? And so miserably, at that? He was defeated in a single move and sent flying from the arena.

What was most difficult to accept was that the victor was Ye Qingchen, of all people—a mere Third-Layer Martial King Realm competitor whom everyone had looked down on and ridiculed.

*What in the world was happening?*

The venue fell terrifyingly silent. The bizarre atmosphere was so potent that even the competitors on other arenas instinctively stopped fighting, turning to see what had happened.

”Brother Ye, you’re amazing!” Xue Zhao’s cheer shattered the silence. The host, as if waking from a dream, finally announced that the match was over, with Ye Qingchen as the victor.

As Ye Qingchen stepped down from the arena, he was immediately surrounded by Xiao Xiao and the other two girls. Xiao Xiao said excitedly, ”Young Master, you’re as incredible as ever! Now I’m even more excited for our battle. Rest assured, my strength won’t disappoint you.”

Zi Xing couldn’t stop praising Ye Qingchen’s recent sword strike, while Xue Zhao simply acted as if it was to be expected. After all, she had witnessed Ye Qingchen’s Shadow-Extinction Sword Technique, which was a hundred times more stunning than the Wind Blade Sword Technique he had just used.

But what the three young women didn’t realize was that their cheers of encouragement had turned the crowd against Ye Qingchen. The sliver of respect he had just earned was instantly replaced by intense animosity. After all, Ye Qingchen had only defeated a Seventh-Layer Martial King Realm competitor. In the upcoming matches, there would be plenty of Eighth-Layer and even Peak Martial King Realm opponents. In their eyes, he had barely scraped through the first round; they were certain he was doomed to be eliminated soon.

The other competitors in Ye Qingchen’s group began rubbing their hands in anticipation, eager for a chance to face him and thoroughly trounce the pretty boy. After all, Xiao Xiao and her friends were publicly acclaimed goddesses, and all three of them were cheering for Ye Qingchen. It was a sight that no other man in the audience could stomach.

However, Ye Qingchen, the target of all this animosity, paid it no mind. He would fight with all his might against any opponent for a chance to enter the Ten Ancient Clans.

「The first round of matches soon came to an end.」

Xiao Xiao and the others returned to their respective arenas, preparing for their own battles.

Having become the center of attention, Ye Qingchen decided to stay put. Fortunately, with his Dual Pupil Martial Soul, he could clearly watch their fights without needing to move to the other arenas.

For most spectators, watching so many experts compete might broaden their horizons or perhaps add a bit to their combat experience. But for Ye Qingchen, who possessed the Blood Wheel Eye, it was a priceless opportunity. He used his Dual Pupil Martial Soul to observe the various arenas, attempting to copy any interesting Martial Techniques with his Blood Wheel Eye.

However, the new disciples from the seven, eight, and nine-star sects were all using Earth Rank Martial Techniques without exception. Given the current success rate of his Blood Wheel Eye, copying them was incredibly difficult.

Nevertheless, Ye Qingchen wasn’t discouraged. Copying techniques was just icing on the cake. If he managed to snag one or two high-level Martial Techniques, that would be fantastic. If not, he lost nothing. In fact, the practice only helped him grow more proficient with his Blood Wheel Eye, which was a welcome bonus.

What puzzled Ye Qingchen, however, was that Xiao Xiao and the other two girls seemed to have been provoked by something. This was especially true for Xue Zhao, who was the first of them to compete. She faced an Eighth-Layer Martial King Realm expert. Not only was Xue Zhao a full Minor Realm stronger, but even if they were at the same level, her opponent would have been no match for her.

Yet, despite facing a weaker opponent, Xue Zhao abandoned her usual playful demeanor. She immediately employed a high-level Martial Technique, instantly filling the arena with a flurry of snowflakes. Before her Eighth-Layer Martial King Realm opponent could even comprehend what was happening, he was blasted off the arena, eliciting a wave of jeers from the crowd.

This Eighth-Layer Martial King Realm expert had been secretly thrilled about facing Xue Zhao. Although he knew he was no match for her, he had hoped for the chance to make some physical contact during the fight, which would have made the entire trip worthwhile. But instead, he was blasted off the arena in a single move. Forget physical contact; he didn’t even get the chance to say hello to the goddess before becoming a laughingstock.

Upon Xue Zhao’s victory, the audience erupted in thunderous applause and cheers. Ye Qingchen could tell their enthusiasm was absolutely genuine. Such was the unique treatment reserved for a beauty.

Xue Zhao paid the cheers no mind. Instead, she shot a provocative glance at Xiao Xiao in the distance, as if to say, ”See? I beat my opponent in one move, just like Brother Ye.”

Whatever Xue Zhao’s true intentions were, that was how Xiao Xiao interpreted the look.

Naturally, Xiao Xiao refused to be outdone. When it was her turn, her opponent was a Ninth-Layer Martial King Realm expert—a fighter strong enough to potentially reach the finals with a bit of luck. Unfortunately for him, he was facing Xiao Xiao. And a jealous Xiao Xiao at that. The outcome was predictable.

The Ninth-Layer Martial King Realm expert had barely clasped his hands in a formal greeting and hadn’t even had time to state his name before Xiao Xiao attacked. Her Phoenix Divine Soul manifested instantly, filling the arena with terrifying flames that converged and slammed into him. As expected, he was also blasted off the arena in a single move. He got to his feet and left, resentful of his loss.

After her victory, Xiao Xiao shot a provocative look back at Xue Zhao before glancing toward Ye Qingchen, as if seeking his approval. However, when she saw Ye Qingchen sitting there calmly with his eyes closed, she stamped her foot in irritation and stalked off the arena. Hmph! The Young Master promised to watch my match, but he’s just meditating with his eyes closed! He doesn’t care about me at all!