The private room was similar to the auction venue, with a relatively simple interior. However, the visual effect was much better, and it was quite close to the central fighting spirit arena. The arena in the center was over 100 meters long and wide. The entire ground was made of metal and looked very sturdy. The edges were blocked by railings, resembling a large-scale version of a boxing ring from the previous life, but much larger.
Compared to the auction hall, the fighting arena was noticeably noisier. Many people were arguing, while others were holding banners, glow sticks, and signs. As the event drew near, the number of people increased, eventually filling the arena to the brim with no empty seats.
The host began to speak: "Dear audience, today's competition is about to begin. Please focus your attention. The two contestants in this match are the 56th-level Earth Overlord and the 57th-level King of Strength."
"The Earth Overlord's martial soul is the Earth Bull, a power-type combat Soul King, with two yellow and three purple soul rings. To date, he has 76 wins and 24 losses."
"The King of Strength's martial soul is the Gorilla, also a power-type combat Soul King, with two yellow and three purple soul rings. To date, he has 46 wins and 17 losses."
"Both have very high winning rates in the Heaven Dou City Continental Arena. Today's match is sure to be intense."
The big screen displayed detailed information about the two participants, but both were wearing masks.
"Mom, why are their fifth spirit rings both purple?" Yang Podi asked.
"Son, each soul ring is an opportunity for a soul master. The lifespan of the fifth soul ring should normally range up to 12,000 years. This range is difficult to manage, and soul beasts of that age are rare," Niu Jinfeng explained.
"It usually takes a high-level Soul Emperor or Soul Sage to defeat a soul beast over 10,000 years old. Ordinary people don't have the resources to handle that. Don't underestimate these two; even though they are only Soul Kings, their first four soul rings have the best configuration. This shows they have some background, just not a very strong one."
After hearing this, Yang Podi focused on the match.
The host announced, "One minute to prepare. Both contestants, please get ready and summon your martial spirits."
As soon as the words were spoken, both contestants began to summon their martial spirits. On the left, the Earth Overlord summoned a massive bull that looked fierce, with horns emitting a cold light. On the right, the King of Strength summoned a large, muscular gorilla that exuded explosive power. Both martial spirits were clearly suited for strength-based soul masters.
A minute later, the referee called out: "Preparation time is over. Begin the match!"
The entire arena erupted with excitement, the crowd cheering and calling out the contestants' nicknames. The energy in the arena surpassed even the most lively concerts from Yang Podi's previous life.
The two contestants charged at each other. Both were power-based fighters, so their speed was relatively slow. Yang Podi watched carefully. The contestants were clearly experienced, using various fighting techniques and releasing their soul skills. However, the battle mainly involved brute strength and simple tactics.
From Yang Podi's perspective, the fight resembled a contest of strength between two unrefined brawlers. He couldn't help but compare their skills to the martial arts training from his previous life, finding the match lacking in finesse.
His mother, Niu Jinfeng, seemed excited as well, almost as if she wanted to join the fight herself.
In the end, the Earth Overlord won, but both contestants were badly injured and covered in scars.
Yang Podi was puzzled by a certain trend he noticed. "Mom, why do they shout out their soul skills before releasing them? And it seems like they don't use many techniques or advanced skills."
Niu Jinfeng smiled. "Son, you're mistaken. The two soul masters you saw are actually quite experienced and skilled in combat. However, our Breaking Clan is among the best in combat techniques on the entire Douluo Continent. Very few can surpass us in that regard.
"The Soul-Breaking Spear technique that you practice daily has been refined by generations of our Soul-Breaking Clan. We even incorporated some hammer techniques from the Clear Sky Clan. Do you think two ordinary soul masters can compare to that?"
"So, these two soul masters are pretty good then?"
"They are decent, but they would be no match for Soul Kings from a powerful sect."
"But Mom, I thought they were doing well."
"Son, what makes you think that?"
Yang Podi was at a loss for words.
"Remember, son, true power and combat skill aren't learned in the fighting arenas. They are either passed down through family inheritance or developed through life-and-death experiences. While these two soul masters are competent, they lack the backing and potential needed to rise much further."
"Mom, why do they still compete in the fighting arena?"
"They are fighting for a chance. Both are high-level Soul Kings. In smaller cities, they could be city lords. But they're likely fighting for resources or to gain the attention of a powerful sect, hoping to break through to the Soul Sage level. The sixth and seventh soul rings are difficult to obtain with their current abilities."
"What if they joined a powerful sect or family?"
"Given their potential, major sects won't be interested. Small sects might take them, but they can't provide the resources these two need."
"What about Martial Soul Hall?"
"Martial Soul Hall might be an option, but they value loyalty highly. If these soul masters weren't raised within Martial Soul Hall, gaining their support would come at a higher price."