Douluo: The Blind Ascendant

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Lin Yongming simply nodded before turning around and leaving.

As they walked away, putting some distance between themselves and Zhao Wuji, Lan Yinhuang finally couldn't hold back her thoughts.

"Xiao Ming, why did you agree to his challenge?" she asked.

"We came to Soto City's Great Spirit Arena to gain real combat experience. Since someone is offering himself as a sparring partner, why should I refuse?" Lin Yongming replied calmly.

"I get that, but that guy—Flender—his facial features look off to me. His protruding chin, wide cheekbones, and sharp nose make him look like a scheming man."

"Besides, when he called out to you, he was clearly angry. That means he probably placed a bet on Zhao Wuji and lost money. Now, he's trying to take revenge."

"I'm worried he might resort to dirty tricks in the match," Lan Yinhuang said, explaining her concerns.

Lin Yongming chuckled softly.

"Don't worry, Ah Yin. The arena isn't just filled with spectators; the host is watching too. He wouldn't dare go too far. And let's be honest—at the Spirit Elder level, no one here is my match. If he tries anything shady, I'll just be a little more cautious."

"Besides, learning how to deal with deception is also part of gaining real combat experience. A true Spirit Master battle is far more brutal than the fights in this arena."

Lan Yinhuang sighed, shaking her head.

"You always have a way of justifying things… Fine. But you're incredibly stubborn, especially when it comes to training your soul power. No matter how much I try, I can't change your mind."

Lin Yongming smiled.

"I know this is my first time fighting in the arena, and you're worried about me. But trust me—I'll surrender if I'm truly in danger."

"Hmph! Who's worried about you?" Lan Yinhuang scoffed, crossing her arms. "As long as you don't die, I can heal you anyway."

Lin Yongming laughed.

"It's getting late. How about we grab a late-night snack before heading back to the hotel?"

"Let's go," Lan Yinhuang agreed.

Preparing for the Next Battle

After eating, they returned to the hotel, took a bath, and each went to their respective rooms to meditate.

Lin Yongming not only restored his soul power but also continued nourishing his external spirit bone—Purple Lightning Wings.

The next morning, he woke up early and meditated again, then went for lunch with Lan Yinhuang before wandering through the city streets.

After dinner, he did some light training, and then they headed to the Great Spirit Arena.

A New Challenger: Flender

At the arena entrance, Lin Yongming and Lan Yinhuang spotted Flender and Zhao Wuji waiting for them.

"Blind guy, you finally showed up!" Flender said impatiently, stepping forward.

Beside him, Zhao Wuji looked much better—he had clearly seen a healing Spirit Master after their fight.

"What's wrong? Afraid I wouldn't come?" Lin Yongming replied in a calm voice. "Where do you want to fight?"

"Since we're at the Great Spirit Arena, we'll fight inside. Otherwise, people might say we're bullying you," Flender said, adjusting his black-framed glasses.

"Your strength is impressive. Defeating Zhao Wuji proves you're not just fast, but strong too. But I'm a speed-type Spirit Elder, and my soul power is five levels higher than yours. This time, I have the advantage." Flender puffed out his chest confidently.

Lan Yinhuang snorted.

"You two? Bully us? What a joke!" she snapped back.

"Tch… I'm a Spirit Ancestor (Rank 40+), and these two Spirit Elders are acting like they're stronger than me? If anything, I should be the one bullying them…" Lan Yinhuang thought to herself.

"Fine. Let's go in." Lin Yongming had no objections and walked ahead.

Warnings and Strategy

As they entered, Zhao Wuji pulled Flender aside.

"Flender, listen up. Yesterday, he didn't even use his third soul ring. And don't forget—he's blind, but his attacks are frighteningly accurate. Don't underestimate him."

Flender smirked.

"Relax. You know my strength. Speed is my specialty. Let's go."

With that, the two entered the arena lobby.

Lin Yongming was already waiting at the registration counter.

"How does the match setup work?" he asked.

"Just hand me your Iron Badge. I'll take care of the rest," Flender replied, pulling out his own Spirit Battle Badge.

Flender then handed both badges to the female attendant at the counter.

"Register us for a sparring match."

"Ashura versus Cat Owl—confirmed."

The name 'Cat Owl' was Flender's Spirit Battle title, taken from his Martial Soul.

Spirit Battle Badges contained each fighter's registered name, so Lin Yongming's 'Ashura' was also displayed.

"Sir, your match has been successfully arranged. That will be five gold soul coins." The attendant smiled and returned the badges.

While random matchups were free, self-arranged battles required a small fee.

Flender's face darkened as he reluctantly handed over five gold coins.

"Hmph. I'll win all this back soon, including what I lost yesterday!" he muttered.

After paying, he walked back to Lin Yongming and returned his badge.

"Our match is set. The announcement will go out soon."

"Good," Lin Yongming said, pocketing the badge.

Flender narrowed his eyes.

"You seem pretty confident. So… how much are you betting on yourself?" he asked with a sly grin.

Lin Yongming smirked.

"I could ask you the same thing. How much are you betting on yourself?"

Flender's eyes gleamed.

"Not happening! You're not allowed to gamble!" Lan Yinhuang immediately cut in.

Lin Yongming sighed.

"Sorry, my sister won't allow it. But I'd advise you not to bet too much. If you lose and end up homeless, that's not my problem."

Flender's face darkened.

"Hmph! Thanks for the warning." He turned to Zhao Wuji. "Let's go."

Flender understood the hidden message in Lin Yongming's words—he was implying Flender had no chance of winning.

Placing Bets

Flender and Zhao Wuji walked over to the betting booth. Thanks to the match confirmation, their fight details were now displayed on the Great Spirit Arena's betting boards.

"The odds are 4-to-1? Perfect."

Flender grinned and pulled out his gold coins, ready to place a bet.

But Zhao Wuji stopped him.

"Flender, don't go all in. That blind guy… he's too confident. We still don't know his third soul skill. If you lose, you really will be sleeping on the streets."

Flender's expression darkened.

After a long pause, he gritted his teeth and, thinking of Zhao Wuji's humiliating defeat, decided to bet only half of his money.

Meanwhile, Lin Yongming stood beside Lan Yinhuang, who looked furious.

"Xiao Ming, never gamble. No matter how confident you are, never take that risk."

"…Got it, Ah Yin. I won't bet."

But Lan Yinhuang was still angry.

"Hmph! Just make sure you beat him up. That bastard tried to drag you into gambling! If he corrupts you, I'll kill him myself!"

Lin Yongming simply nodded.

The match was set.

Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 115 on my patreon go take a look and remember if you reach 200 stones of power I will publish the next chapter.