Master of Nine Stars

Rong Taotao didn’t quite agree. To be honest, the guy was a little extreme.

’After all, you’re a ”Soul Martial Artist,” not a ”Martial Artist.”’

’That one word, ”Soul,” naturally includes Soul Pearls and Soul Skills. Some are cultivated on your own, and some can be embedded. That’s just the way this world works.’

’What you’re supposed to do is adapt to the rules, not stubbornly cling to your own theories and then condemn the world for being unfair...’

But clearly, Rong Taotao had no intention of lecturing the guy, so he said nothing.

Gao Zehua said, ”In the same way, we share a similar fate. I’ve never considered myself the seventh-best in Southern China. Never.”

At Gao Zehua’s side, Lin Xiaoxiao smiled as well, nodding. ”That’s right.”

Gao Zehua was wearing a microphone. While his voice couldn’t carry across the stadium, the mic picked it up, transmitting his words to the commentators and to the countless viewers watching on their TVs and computers at home.

A theory like that, of course, caused quite a stir.

At the commentators’ desk, Dai Liunian and Su Wan exchanged a look. For a moment, they were unsure whether they should even comment on his theory. For Gao Zehua to speak like that at the National Tournament... it was practically a challenge to the entire Soul Martial System.

On the turf, Gao Lingwei finished tying her red headband and suddenly said, ”Don’t listen to him.”

Rong Taotao: ”Hm?”

Gao Lingwei was frighteningly clear-headed, calm, and sharp. ”Some people will do anything to win.”

Rong Taotao: ”You mean...?”

Gao Lingwei: ”Look past the surface to see the essence. Look past the actions to see the goal.”

Rong Taotao mulled it over for a moment before it dawned on him. ”They saw the registration list for all your Soul Pearls and Soul Skills and were terrified. So they came up with this whole speech to try and drag us down to their level, to get us to fight without using Soul Pearls or Soul Skills!?”

Gao Lingwei snorted, her beautiful eyes fixed on Gao Zehua in the distance. ”Perhaps they believe their odds of winning are higher in a pure contest of Martial Arts, without Soul Pearls and Soul Skills.”

’What a move! This is top-tier, pre-match trash talk!’ A sense of admiration actually welled up inside Rong Taotao. ’Truly a role model for our kind!’

As he thought it over, he looked at Gao Zehua across the field but couldn’t find any chinks in his armor.

He couldn’t tell if the guy was putting on a complete act or if he genuinely believed what he was saying.

But regardless, Gao Zehua had put them on the spot, issuing a challenge for a duel of pure Martial Arts.

Beside him, Gao Lingwei suddenly spoke. ”Just don’t be fooled by him. But when a challenge is made, it must be met.”

Rong Taotao: ”Eh?”

Gao Lingwei’s gaze grew fiery, a surging battle lust burning in her chest. ”As he wishes.”

’There was no room for retreat in her life, not even for a single moment.’

Rong Taotao thought for a moment, then smiled and nodded. ”Alright.”

Rong Taotao and Gao Lingwei were also wearing tiny microphones, so their exchange was broadcast to the world, leaving millions of viewers utterly bewildered.

So Gao Zehua was that devious? This was all a tactic?

And even after seeing through his ploy, Rong Taotao and Gao Lingwei still confidently accepted the challenge! This was...

Rong Taotao looked across the field at Gao Zehua and suddenly called out, ”You said you’ve never lost?”

At those words, the smile on Gao Zehua’s face widened. ”I haven’t.”

Rong Taotao shrugged. ”Don’t worry. That changes today.”

’Scheme or no scheme, it doesn’t matter. The very thing you’re so proud of... you’ve run right into my line of fire!!!’