Meanwhile, elsewhere in Tian Dou City, Dai Mubai scowled as he realized he had completely lost track of Tang Yin and his fiancée, Zhu Zhuqing.
Little did he know that they had already entered the underground battle arena, where they were engaged in fierce battles. By nightfall, after exhausting themselves, they would even engage in some thrilling activities.
Bang!
"Damn it." Dai Mubai punched a wall, leaving a clear fist mark in it. Frustration and anger surged in him. If he were to find Tang Yin now, he wouldn't hesitate to fight him, even if he wasn't a match. However, not knowing where Tang Yin had taken Zhu Zhuqing filled him with even more rage.
As his chest heaved with heavy breaths, he noticed he was in an area filled with flashing lights and lively music.
His eyes fell upon a hotel with a bold, neon sign reading Passionate Romance. Dai Mubai knew exactly what such a place meant. Before Zhu Zhuqing had come into his life, he'd often spent his free time indulging himself with women at places like these.
After she arrived, he had held back. But now, watching her leave with Tang Yin, he felt his restraint was meaningless.
Without a second thought, Dai Mubai approached the hotel. Tonight, he would find a couple of women and unleash all his pent-up frustration.
---
"Kill!"
"Kill him! Kill him!"
Underground battle arena. Tang Yin and Zhu Zhuqing, unaware of Dai Mubai's pursuits, were already deep within the arena. The moment they entered, they were surrounded by crazed shouts and bloodlust.
The vast, dark arena had an imposing feel, its lights casting vibrant, chaotic colors that evoked a sense of unrestrained desire.
At the center lay a 50-meter-wide main arena surrounded by towering pillars. Currently, the main arena was empty and dimly lit, but smaller fighting pits nearby were active, where soul masters fought viciously. Surrounding the pits were cheering spectators who watched with frenzied excitement.
A mix of wealthy men and thrill-seekers, many wore masks, freeing them to act as they pleased. Some engaged with the arena's hired women right there, tearing off their clothes and letting loose as they watched the battles, further excited by the combination of combat and debauchery.
Here, in this space of lawlessness and desire, anything was permitted, as long as it contributed to the arena's profits. The circular spectator stands surrounded the arenas, providing a viewing experience unmatched elsewhere. Private rooms, designed for the city's elite, lined the main arena, their occupants paying exorbitantly for the best view.
The central arena was reserved for the night's largest battle—a brutal, team-based fight involving 20 fighters split into ten teams. Two people would survive, and if victorious, could draw the attention of powerful patrons. Some would even be adopted into wealthy families.
Tang Yin and Zhu Zhuqing had donned masks to conceal their identities as they moved through a corridor, looking down at a smaller arena below. The sight of severed limbs and organs splattered across the stage turned Zhu Zhuqing pale.
She had fought and even killed in her time but had never seen anything so gruesome. Glancing over, she noticed that Tang Yin remained completely unfazed, his expression calm and composed.
"Does this make you uncomfortable?" Tang Yin asked, noticing her reaction. Zhu Zhuqing shook her head, then nodded.
He continued, "This is the real world. Look around at the people here—their faces reveal their greed, lust, and indulgence. Wearing these masks, they feel free to reveal their true natures. Many of these people are the wealthy and powerful of Tian Dou City. In the regular battle arenas, they can't satisfy their deepest desires, but here, they can."
"If you want to escape your fate, you'll need to grow stronger. Only power can overcome the obstacles before you. This place is ideal for building that strength," he explained. "I'm entering the main arena tonight. It's a battle at the Soul Elder level. Will you join me?"
Reflecting on her purpose in coming here, Zhu Zhuqing nodded resolutely, "Yes, I will."
"Then register us as a team for the main battle tonight," Tang Yin told a nearby staff member.
"Very well. Follow me for a quick soul power check, and I'll register you," the attendant replied.
The soul power test was straightforward. Tang Yin measured at level 38, while Zhu Zhuqing was level 29. According to the attendant, all other contestants tonight were at least level 30, with some even reaching level 39 or 40. Only Zhu Zhuqing fell short of this threshold, but the arena management allowed it as long as they contributed to an entertaining match.
After registering, Tang Yin and Zhu Zhuqing were escorted to a waiting room. However, the behavior of others in the area surprised him. The room echoed with the sounds of couples, indulging in each other with little regard for discretion.
Zhu Zhuqing's cheeks reddened at the sounds, instinctively moving closer to Tang Yin. His touch on her cheek left her feeling warm, yet she didn't shy away, a hint of confusion in her eyes.
"When the battle begins, fight with all you have," he told her, "and survive. I won't intervene unless absolutely necessary. This fight could be your breakthrough to level 30, so seize it."
"Yes," Zhu Zhuqing nodded, her already flushed face becoming warmer under Tang Yin's reassuring touch. She wasn't sure if her embarrassment came from the sounds around them or his touch, but she knew she didn't dislike it.
Just then, a lecherous voice interrupted. "Hey there, little lady," a burly man at level 39 sneered. "Why waste that pretty body up there where you might get killed? Why don't you come with me? I'll show you some fun before you go in."
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