Douluo: Starting with an Engagement to Zhu Zhuqing

Chapter 15: The Gap

As Dai Yao gathered his strength for a punch, Dai Mubai was a little surprised. Although he looked down on Dai Yao, he never underestimated the importance of a fight. In his evaluation, he believed that if he didn't activate his martial soul, he could still defeat Dai Yao.

After all, the first ability of the White Tiger Martial Soul was the White Tiger Barrier, a defensive soul skill.

Dai Yao pushed off the ground with one foot and charged toward Dai Mubai with large strides. To the onlookers, it looked like an ant challenging an elephant!

"Good move," Dai Mubai thought as he noticed that Dai Yao, instead of backing down, was charging forward with courage. This gave Dai Mubai a hint of admiration. He liked fighting, and the thing he hated most was cowardice.

As the two got closer, their fists collided with a powerful impact. The spectators on the stands gasped in shock!

Bang!

Both of them were knocked backward, their faces showing signs of pain as they flew away.

Dai Mubai took a step back, while Dai Yao retreated four steps before he finally managed to stop.

Dai Mubai stared at Dai Yao in disbelief. In the collision, he felt that the strength contained in Dai Yao's fist was almost on par with his own.

He's only six years old, and his strength is already comparable to mine? Dai Mubai thought in shock. If he continues to grow, how terrifying will his power be by the time he reaches my age?

For the first time, Dai Mubai took Dai Yao seriously. He had originally thought this duel would be just a formality, an easy victory for him, followed by marrying Zhu Zhuqing. But to his surprise, Dai Yao had already given him a pleasant surprise from the start.

"Tsk tsk, the Fourth Prince isn't bad at all. His physical strength is almost on par with the Third Prince's!" Bishop Ferdinand said with a smile as he watched the match unfold.

Upon hearing the bishop's words, the Empress's expression grew serious, and she remained silent, her gaze fixed on the two combatants in the ring.

Dai Mubai stopped his aggressive stance and returned to his side of the stage, as murmurs filled the stands.

He shook his slightly sore right arm, rotated his neck, and heard a cracking sound. His face, usually fierce and determined, now showed a serious expression as he cupped his hands toward Dai Yao. "Dai Mubai, a 17-year-old Power-type Battle Soul Master, please teach me."

While Dai Mubai might be careless in other matters, he was always meticulous when it came to fighting.

"Respecting your opponent is respecting yourself," he thought.

Dai Yao's arm hurt as well, but having endured many injuries after repeatedly using the Eight Extremes Burst, he had developed a certain resistance. After a brief rest, the pain had nearly faded.

He also cupped his hands, his eyes burning with battle intent. "Dai Yao, an 11th-level Battle Soul Master, please teach me!"

Two bright white lights shot out from their bodies, and within the glow, two fierce, domineering auras erupted simultaneously.

"Martial Soul Possession!"

The spectators gasped. Particularly the members of the Dai family, who could feel the deep, soul-chilling fear from the White Tiger Martial Soul, as if a heavy hammer was striking their hearts.

However, what shocked them even more was the pair of white wings on Dai Yao's back. Whispers began to spread through the crowd, and the excitement surrounding Dai Yao's martial soul reached a fever pitch.

From the beginning of the match, Dai Yao had activated the second form of his martial soul, showing how seriously he was taking this duel. He couldn't afford to lose, and for victory, he would give his all.

"What kind of martial soul is that?" Bishop Ferdinand, who had been sitting lazily until now, suddenly opened his eyes wide, astonished.

"It's the Sacred White Tiger Martial Soul, the name Dai Yao himself gave it," Elder Five replied coldly.

Bishop Ferdinand suppressed the shock in his heart. He had never heard of such a martial soul before, and its power was truly astonishing. It probably only compared to the Angel Martial Soul inherited from the Sacrifice Hall.

"This boy cannot be allowed to live!" The thought formed in the bishop's mind immediately. If Dai Yao grew stronger, he would be a threat to the Spirit Hall. But then, remembering the traditional ways of the Star Luo Empire, he calmed down. "No matter how powerful his martial soul is, it's only potential. Can it compare to the first prince, a Soul Emperor? The loser in the competition for the throne won't survive anyway."

"It's a shame, though. A martial soul this powerful…"

The two figures facing each other in the arena were both imposing, their fierce eyes locked on each other.

"I have to admit, you're a genius. At the same age, I definitely wouldn't be able to beat you. But today, I have a reason I must defeat you," Dai Mubai said with some emotion.

"Then it's fortunate, I too must defeat you," Dai Yao smiled.

Both of them had a yellow soul ring. When Dai Mubai's martial soul manifested, Dai Yao immediately felt pressure mounting. His soul power felt sluggish as it circulated.

"Let me show you that the gap between us is not just the difference in soul power!"

With that, Dai Mubai moved, his hands slashing like tiger claws, powerfully striking toward Dai Yao.

"So fast!" The first thing Dai Yao noticed was the speed. He hadn't expected a Power-type soul master to be this quick.

He could only barely cross his arms to block. However, what he didn't expect was that this seemingly overwhelming strike felt strangely soft when it hit his arms.

"You fell for it." It was only a feint. The real attack came from Dai Mubai's other hand.

An iron fist slammed into Dai Yao's side, targeting his ribs. If the punch landed cleanly, Dai Yao would lose the ability to fight immediately.

"Not good!" Dai Yao's heart screamed.

His first soul ring flared.

"White Tiger Barrier!"

A white shield enveloped him, and Dai Mubai's punch struck it with a resounding clang.

The White Tiger Barrier didn't break, but the soul power consumption was enormous. Seizing the opportunity, Dai Yao quickly retreated. Even though it was only a light contact, he could feel the vast difference in real combat experience between them.

What surprised Dai Mubai even more was that Dai Yao had already given him so many unexpected moments.

He had planned to easily defeat Dai Yao, and his feints were just about to land, but he hadn't anticipated Dai Yao's quick release of his soul skill.

In the blink of an eye, Dai Yao had completely blocked his attack.

"Why can someone who just gained a soul ring release their soul skill so skillfully? Is he really a genius?" Thoughts like these flashed through Dai Mubai's mind as he observed Dai Yao, plotting his next attack.

"The White Tiger Barrier is using up your soul power, but I'll see how many more times you can use your soul skills with your 11th-level soul power."

Before Dai Yao could steady himself, Dai Mubai attacked again.

"Is this another feint?" Dai Yao wondered, but his hesitation cost him. Dai Mubai was already in front of him.

He hastily defended, but the powerful force surged through his arms, and he managed to block Dai Mubai's attack.

However, Dai Mubai targeted his ribs again, this time using the same tactic.

What Dai Yao didn't expect was that this attack was actually a feint.

A mistake in judgment, and Dai Yao revealed an opening.

End of Chapter 15

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