Chapter 42: The Golden Ancient Tree – A Long-Term Meal Ticket
As the Soul Tool broadcast concluded, a transmission directly entered Zhou Sichen's ears:
"Sichen, come to the referee's lounge on the second floor."
Recognizing the voice as Qian Duoduo's, Zhou Sichen turned to Chen Zifeng and said, "Let's put our duel on hold for now. I have something urgent to take care of."
Chen Zifeng was momentarily stunned before he nodded vigorously. He couldn't be happier about this development.
Zhou Sichen then withdrew his Martial Soul, his three ten-thousand-year soul rings vanishing into his body. He stepped down from the Soul Dueling Platform and made his way through a side passage toward the referee's lounge on the second floor.
That lounge was usually occupied by a Soul Douluo-level teacher with an earth attribute. His primary duty was to repair any damage caused to the Soul Dueling Arena, though he rarely made an appearance unless absolutely necessary.
Upon reaching the lounge, Zhou Sichen knocked lightly on the door.
"Come in," Qian Duoduo's voice responded from inside.
Zhou Sichen pushed open the door, revealing a spacious office. Several desks and sofas were arranged neatly, while a main desk featured a row of Soul Tool microphones connected to the arena's speaker system—one of which Qian Duoduo had likely used for the earlier announcement.
The room also contained several meditation cushions, some greenery, and decorative plants, giving it a simple yet refreshing atmosphere.
A row of one-way Soul Tool glass panels provided a clear view of the arena below. Qian Duoduo and a burly middle-aged man sat in front of them, closely observing the ongoing matches.