"Is this where the Soul Fighting takes place in the Ghostly Duke's Estate?"
Arriving at the Soul Fighting Arena, Lin Yu looked around the spacious hall with interest and asked Zhu Zhuqing, who was beside him.
The hall was bustling with people of various ages, from youths to adults, all dressed in black and purple uniforms. They were frequently stopping at the many announcement boards scattered throughout the hall, checking the notices posted there.
When they found a notice they liked, they would head down one of the corridors leading to the fighting platforms.
"Are you going to fight with me here?"
Standing in the familiar yet new Soul Fighting Arena, Zhu Zhuqing felt a mix of emotions. Lin Yu was willing not only to join her in the arena but also to help her practice her soul skills and combat techniques, and even teach her martial arts. This was far more serious than just having a meal together.
"Of course. Otherwise, what are we here for?"
Lin Yu raised an eyebrow at Zhu Zhuqing's hesitation, then simply took her hand and said, "Let's stop talking. Let's find an empty fighting platform."
With that, Lin Yu led Zhu Zhuqing down a corridor to search for an available platform.
Although the decor was similar to the large Soul Fighting Arenas outside, this one was designed for internal training and didn't need to attract spectators for profit. Thus, each platform was quite basic—a large stone slab surrounded by a flat area for onlookers, with no plush seating like the larger arenas.
After some searching, Lin Yu and Zhu Zhuqing finally found an unoccupied platform.
"Alright, activate your martial spirit and try out your first soul skill," Lin Yu instructed with a smile.
Zhu Zhuqing bit her lip, her face showing a trace of hesitation. But after a deep breath, her expression quickly hardened with determination.
"Phantom Spirit Cat, manifest!"
With a mental command, Zhu Zhuqing summoned her Phantom Spirit Cat martial spirit, entering its manifested state. A black and purple feline spirit appeared behind her.
As her martial spirit manifested, Zhu Zhuqing's eyes turned into a striking blue-green pair, cat ears sprouted from her hair, and a tail emerged from her back. Her hands were adorned with ten gleaming claws, and a yellow soul ring encircled her.
"First Soul Skill, Phantom Pounce!"
With a shout, Zhu Zhuqing activated her first soul skill and charged towards Lin Yu. Her speed increased significantly as her soul ring glowed, and her claws became even sharper.
In a flash, Zhu Zhuqing closed the distance and leaped at Lin Yu, claws extended.
Lin Yu deftly sidestepped and began to block and evade her attacks while offering advice on her technique.
"You're a speed-type soul master, so stop attacking me head-on. If you're facing someone of similar or greater strength, you won't win in a straight fight. You need to learn to strike from behind like an assassin—yes, just like that!
"Not quite! When you use your soul skill, don't just swipe at me. Look for my weaknesses and use feints to make me use up crucial soul skills, then strike when I'm off guard!
"And when you attack from behind, don't slow down and aim directly at my back. Your first soul skill is called Phantom Pounce, not Phantom Flail. Use your speed to pierce through my defenses, and if possible, spin in the air to increase the impact of your claws!"
While Lin Yu continued to block and evade Zhu Zhuqing's attacks, pointing out errors and areas for improvement, a middle-aged attendant in a black uniform entered the fighting room. This was Wang An, the attendant who had been sent to recruit Lin Yu on Zhu Zhuyun's behalf.
Seeing Lin Yu and Zhu Zhuqing engaged in a fight, Wang An furrowed his brow and spoke, "Young Master Ye, may I have a word with you?"
Both Lin Yu and Zhu Zhuqing halted upon hearing the voice. Lin Yu looked at the unfamiliar attendant with curiosity, unsure of his purpose.
"This is Wang An, an attendant of my sister," Zhu Zhuqing quietly informed Lin Yu.
Realizing the situation, Lin Yu's eyes flickered with understanding. It seemed Wang An had come on behalf of Zhu Zhuqing's sister, Zhu Zhuyun.
"May I ask what you need, Attendant Wang?" Lin Yu asked with a smile.
"Could you come over and speak with me privately?" Wang An glanced at Zhu Zhuqing and frowned slightly.
"There's no need for that. Whatever you have to say, please go ahead. I'm listening," Lin Yu said, smiling as he declined the request for privacy.
Wang An's expression darkened slightly. It seemed Lin Yu wasn't giving him the respect he expected. Did Lin Yu already know about the relationship between Zhu Zhuqing and Zhu Zhuyun and still choose to side with Zhu Zhuqing?
Note: If you are interested you can read up to chapter 180 atpatreon.com/MythMosaic.