Douluo: Soul-Breaking spear

Chapter 72: Cross-Level Spirit Battle

Hearing the attendant's proposal, Yang Potian was a bit surprised. He was merely a Soul Elder, not expecting this level of attention. Beside him, Mr. Li Xiang shook his head slightly, indicating his disapproval.

Seeing this, the attendant quickly added, "Please wait a moment. Our manager will be here to speak with you personally."

A moment later, a shrewd-looking middle-aged man arrived. "Hello, my friends. My name is Jackson, and I am the manager of the Heaven Dou City Grand Spirit Arena. I'd like to discuss a business proposition with you in my office, if you would."

Yang Potian raised an eyebrow. "A business proposition? We're only here for the spirit battles. What kind of business could you mean?"

Jackson smiled, sensing their hesitation. "Rest assured, it's nothing underhanded, and with your background, our Spirit Arena wouldn't dream of causing any trouble."

After exchanging a glance with Mr. Li Xiang, Yang Potian nodded slightly. "Very well, Mr. Jackson, lead the way."

Jackson led them to a lavish reception room. Once everyone was seated, he began, "Mr. Yang Potian, you've fought daily in our Grand Spirit Arena for three consecutive months, amassing over 300 victories with no losses. Judging by your attire, I assume you're students from the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy. From what I gather, you're here to hone your skills. However, your recent battles likely aren't providing you with much challenge anymore."

Yang Potian nodded. "That's true; the recent matches haven't been very challenging. But tell me, what exactly did you have in mind?"

"At the Grand Spirit Arena, we occasionally host special matches to attract an audience—what we call 'cross-level battles.'"

"Cross-level battles?" Yang Potian asked, growing more curious. "What exactly do you mean by that?"

Jackson paused thoughtfully before explaining, "We'd like to invite you to a cross-level spirit battle where your opponent would be at the Soul Ancestor level."

After a moment of consideration, Yang Potian responded, "I see. This would take time to arrange, I imagine. I'm interested, but what's in it for the Spirit Arena?"

Jackson gave a candid smile. "As manager, it's my job to boost the Arena's success. Soul Elder vs. Soul Ancestor battles draw large crowds and plenty of bets. In addition, as one of our star contestants, a certain level of accommodation is warranted. We understand you've been placing bets through this gentleman," he said, gesturing to Li Xiang. "Three months of victories have netted you approximately 5 million gold soul coins. Going forward, we'll allow you to place your own bets, with no cap, as long as you don't deliberately throw a match."

After considering Jackson's offer, Yang Potian finally replied, "I'm interested. I assume you need time to prepare, so notify me once the arrangements are set."

Jackson beamed at this response. "Mr. Yang Potian, rest assured, we'll maintain full confidentiality. We plan to select a star contestant as your opponent, someone certain to draw a massive audience. We'll contact you with the match date and details as soon as they're set."

After finalizing the arrangement, Yang Potian and his group left the Arena.

Back in the carriage, Mr. Li Xiang addressed Yang Potian seriously. "Potian, this match deserves careful consideration. A star opponent will likely be at the high end of the Soul Ancestor level—possibly around level 48 or 49—meaning they could nearly match a Soul King in strength, especially with their considerable experience."

"Understood, Mr. Li. This is exactly the challenge I need to push myself," Yang Potian replied confidently.

The others exchanged uneasy glances. They knew the Heaven Dou Grand Spirit Arena was home to formidable fighters, especially its star contestants. The idea of Yang Potian, as a Soul Elder, challenging a high-level Soul Ancestor—and likely one as powerful as a low-level Soul King—was staggering.

Yang Potian turned to Mr. Li. "Sir, could you inform my clan about this upcoming match?"

Beside him, Dugu Yan added, "Don't worry, Potian. I won't be hunting for my next spirit ring just yet. I'll be here to support you, and I'll make sure my grandfather is there, too. No one will dare cause trouble with him around."

Ye Lingling chimed in, "Captain, don't worry. No matter how injured you get, I'll make sure you're fully healed and that you don't suffer any lasting damage."

Hearing this, Yang Potian laughed wryly. "Are you all so sure I'll be wounded? Don't you think I stand a good chance of winning?"

Only Yang Ping'an stayed silent, looking on with a calm, unwavering trust in his older brother's abilities.

The next morning, the entire city of Heaven Dou buzzed with the news. In ten days, the Grand Spirit Arena would host an exceptional cross-level match: a level 36 Soul Elder against a level 48 Soul Ancestor.

The names and details of the contestants were also released: the Soul Elder, known as "Silver Spear White Horse," wielded the Break Soul Spear. His record was 106 wins and no losses in solo battles, 238 wins and no losses in team battles, and he was the only Soul Elder at the Grand Spirit Arena to achieve the Amethyst Spirit Medal.

His opponent, a level 48 Soul Ancestor known as "Unyielding Mammoth," wielded the Diamond Mammoth spirit, famous for its supreme defense as a Beast Spirit. His record included 367 wins and 49 losses in solo battles and 167 wins and 26 losses in team battles. He was a Gold Spirit Medal holder and a star fighter at the Grand Spirit Arena.

The announcement caused a wave of excitement throughout the city. Many saw this as a gamble, with Unyielding Mammoth's Diamond Mammoth spirit rumored to be unbeatable against an opponent as low-level as a Soul Elder.

Betting odds reflected the prevailing sentiment: Unyielding Mammoth offered a return of 1.6 to 1, while Silver Spear White Horse's odds were 5.3 to 1, signaling the public's doubt that a Soul Elder could ever defeat a Soul Ancestor.

At the Po Clan, the news was equally startling. Although they were aware of Yang Potian's recent spirit battles, they hadn't expected him to take on such a challenging opponent.

Clan leader Yang Wudi's expression darkened. "Zhentian, go to Heaven Dou Imperial Academy tomorrow and check in on Potian's situation."

(End of Chapter)

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