Chapter 24: The Master of Demolition
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After activating his martial soul, Bi Da'er's ears transformed into cat ears, a cat tail appeared behind him, and his eyes became the gold and silver colors of a gem cat. Unlike Glenn's transformation, his hands remained human.
His first soul ring lit up, Bi Da'er extended his right hand, his fingers spread open, and a pale pink gem-like shield appeared in the air, blocking the lava ball.
Unlike the pure energy attacks of typical offensive soul skills, lava had substance. After being blocked, it scattered, landing on the floor, tables, and chairs. The high temperature ignited the wood, and clusters of flames erupted in the tavern.
The bartender and customers all ran outside, not going too far, peering through the doorway from the street.
Seeing this scene, Bi Da'er's already terrible mood worsened. He suddenly regretted not agreeing to fight outside.
He wanted to call a temporary truce, but his pride wouldn't allow him to lose face.
However, he quickly had no time to consider such things, as he was kept busy dealing with one "Volcanic Bomb" after another.
The intense impacts made his arm numb.
Bi Da'er's defensive soul skill, "Gem Shield," was highly effective against energy attacks, but when faced with physical attacks, although it could block them, the impact would still be transmitted to his body, which he had to endure.
"Does this kid have unlimited soul power? How many times has she used her soul skill?"
Bi Da'er's expression was grave. He admitted he had underestimated his opponent.
Yan Jin's two soul skills essentially improved her use of her martial soul and soul power.
Originally, according to Amon's plan, these should have been accomplished through soul power control techniques.
But improving control techniques was more difficult than he had anticipated, at least for Yan Jin.
So, they had to use corresponding soul skills to compensate.
These soul skills that improved one's control had one thing in common… they consumed very little, almost nothing.
Because they didn't affect reality.
The real consumption of Yan Jin's attacks was only two points: the consumption of expanding the lava martial soul and the consumption of launching the lava, giving it speed.
As for the lack of damage amplification, it wasn't a big problem.
The characteristics of lava itself were destructive enough.
"Bang!"
The crystal shield shattered, Bi Da'er retreated a few steps, using the cover of the second-floor floor to temporarily disappear from Yan Jin's sight.
"Whoa… not bad, able to take so many of my Volcanic Bombs." Yan Jin looked relaxed.
The flames had already reached her side, licking her body, but she didn't seem to notice.
After summoning her martial soul, she was immune to all fire-attribute damage lower than her martial soul's temperature.
"Then how about this move… Great Fireball!"
The floor turned red, Bi Da'er's expression changed, his second soul ring lit up, and he quickly retreated, grabbing the second-floor bartender hiding in the corner and jumping out the window.
The huge lava fist pierced the floor, continuing its momentum to lift the roof. From a distance, it looked like a giant had awakened underground, reaching out its hand.
The tavern, its weight-bearing structure destroyed, collapsed with a crash, turning into a pile of rubble.
Amon clicked his tongue, looking somewhat helpless.
In the past, Yan Jin only used her fists when fighting, causing little damage. Now, when she clashed with soul masters, it often resulted in demolition, like an efficient husky.
Bi Da'er stared blankly at his tavern turned to rubble, his expression somewhat dazed.
The moment he saw Yan Jin's martial soul, he had a bad feeling. Two minutes later, that feeling became a reality.
Flames blazed, and from the ruins came the occasional explosions of shattering bottles or the thud of heavy objects falling.
Lei Yin was dumbfounded. He couldn't understand how simply coming for a meal could turn into this situation in the blink of an eye.
Watching Yan Jin, surrounded by lava, walk out of the flames, Bi Da'er released his clenched fist, giving up on continuing the fight.
His second soul skill was a skill that increased his agility and speed. Using this soul skill to rush over and fight Yan Jin was simply courting death, unless he fought a war of attrition, but that would be meaningless.
Bi Da'er suddenly laughed, clapping his hands and praising, "Good, very good. This is the first time I've seen someone so powerful at your age. What's your name?"
"Yan Jin."
"I'm Bi Da'er. I admit I was wrong, lacking respect for the strong. It was my rudeness," he said with some apology.
Hearing him say this, Yan Jin also felt a little embarrassed. Looking at the tavern turned to rubble, she laughed awkwardly:
"Haha, sorry, sorry, I went a bit overboard. Um… this…"
"Don't worry, you don't have to pay. We agreed from the start that damage would be on me." A hint of pain flashed across Bi Da'er's face.
Even with a city lord for a father, with a large family and business, he couldn't withstand such destruction.
"Yan Jin, is this your first time in Iron Heart City? What are you here for?"
"Yeah, it's our first time. As for what we're doing… I don't know, but we'll probably stay for a few days. You'll have to ask Amon that guy."
"Amon?" Bi Da'er smoothed the wrinkles on his clothes. "Is he your elder?"
"Sort of… he… Ah? You're here too." Yan Jin said in surprise, seeing Amon walk out of the burning rubble.
Amon adjusted his monocle, smiling lightly, "I'm also surprised that you've gotten into a conflict with someone in less than half a day."
"I saw the battle just now. Your attacks still have a lot of unnecessary waste.
"That move 'Great Fireball' just now consumed too much soul power. You clearly have more economical solutions that cause less commotion."
Of course I know, but I didn't like the golden hair. Since damage is on him, I deliberately used a more destructive move… Yan Jin didn't say this out loud in front of Bi Da'er, she just smiled.
"Sorry, this Yan Jin has always been a bit mischievous since she was a child," Amon said to Bi Da'er.
"You are…"
Seeing Amon walk out of the burning rubble, still spotless, Bi Da'er knew this wasn't a simple person either, and didn't maintain his arrogant attitude.
"I'm Amon, considered half their teacher, half their older brother. We're on our way to the Northern Advanced Soul Master Academy, stopping here for a short rest."
Bi Da'er's eyes lit up, "Would you like to come to my house as guests? I know a lot about the Northern Advanced Soul Master Academy."
Amon smiled and shook his head, "That won't be necessary. Yan Jin has always been good at demolition."
"Haha, then that's that… The other two taverns will release information about the bounty. I look forward to our reunion." Bi Da'er gave them a meaningful smile.
"Goldie, you're not bad. Let's have a serious fight next time!" Yan Jin said with a smile.
Bi Da'er shrugged, "Sure, but only if it's not on my property."
…
After the group separated, the second-floor bartender asked Bi Da'er, "Young Master, are we just going to let it go like this?"
"Of course not…" Bi Da'er smiled. "That Amon needs to hunt two-thousand to five-thousand-year-old soul beasts, he should be a level forty Soul Elder, about to become a Soul Ancestor (40-50).
"Yan Jin looks young, but she made me feel exceptionally tricky. Even in an open area head-on duel, I'm not confident in defeating her.
"I'm not too clear about the other kid, but I guess he's not simple either.
"People like this, when they get to the Northern Advanced Soul Master Academy, will definitely be targets of all parties.
"How can we just let it go like this? Quickly send someone to find the Eyeless Snake.
"I want to claim this bounty, don't let anyone beat me to it!"