Yu Xiaogang didn't pay much attention to Ye Chen's dismissive tone. He already knew from Flann that this kid was arrogant and never really respected anyone.
With a bitter smile, Yu Xiaogang looked a little dejected.
"I know you probably think I'm unqualified to be your teacher because my soul power isn't as strong as yours. But... I still admire your talent. If you ever encounter a bottleneck in your cultivation, feel free to come to me."
Ye Chen shrugged, a faint smile playing on his lips. As if that day will come. I just lie around and still get stronger—why would I run into cultivation problems?
"Don't take it personally, Teacher. That's just how Ye Chen is," Tang San said, trying to ease the tension.
Flann chuckled and draped an arm around Yu Xiaogang's shoulders, lowering his voice.
"He's cocky, sure. But if you manage to train Dai Mubai to surpass him, who knows? This might turn in our favor."
"Maybe," Yu Xiaogang replied with a smile, though he kept his eyes locked on Ye Chen, admiration still flickering in them. Unfortunately, fate didn't seem to have tied their paths together.
Just then, Flann's eyes drifted toward a nearby corpse—the 5000-year-old Human-Faced Demon Spider.
"No point letting that soul beast go to waste. Tang San just hit level 30, right? Perfect time to absorb this one."
Yu Xiaogang immediately raised a concern. "That's a 5000-year-old beast! Are you sure he can handle that kind of soul ring? The risk is enormous. I can't agree to this."
"I can handle it, Teacher," Tang San said firmly. "If Ye Chen can absorb a ten-thousand-year soul ring, I can definitely manage a 5000-year one."
He approached the spider, determination in his eyes.
Ye Chen gently tugged on his sleeve. "I wouldn't try it if I were you. My soul power is unique—it has an innate compatibility that helps me absorb higher-level soul rings. You need to be careful."
Ye Chen clearly remembered how difficult it had been for Tang San to absorb a 2000-year-old version of this same beast. A 5000-year-old one would be exponentially more dangerous.
"Thank you, Ye Chen. But I have to try," Tang San said, glancing around at the others before taking a deep breath.
Seeing the fire in his friend's eyes, Ye Chen didn't press further. He understood—Tang San didn't want to fall too far behind. Still, it's not my fault signing contracts with goddesses gives me bonus EXP...
Flann and Zhao Wuji stood on either side of Tang San, guarding him while he started the soul ring absorption.
At first, everything seemed fine. But soon, Tang San's expression twisted in pain. Sweat streamed from his forehead, his whole body trembled, and blood trickled from the corner of his mouth.
Ye Chen immediately rushed forward and placed a hand on his shoulder, channeling soul power to ease the pressure.
"Pfft!"
Tang San coughed up a mouthful of black blood and opened his eyes. His expression said it all: he had failed. No one voiced it, but everyone understood.
—
Back at Shrek Academy, news of Ye Chen's feat—obtaining a ten-thousand-year soul ring alone—reached Dai Mubai.
Fueled by pride and pressure, Dai Mubai threw himself into training. Yu Xiaogang and Flann gave him their full attention, trying new methods and intense meditative techniques. Within just a month, he managed to jump two levels, reaching Soul Sovereign at level 39.
The day of the challenge finally arrived. Shrek Academy's grassy square was filled with anticipation. Flann, Yu Xiaogang, and Dai Mubai stepped forward to face Ye Chen, who had been waiting.
Other teachers and students gathered to witness the bet that could make or break the Academy's finances.
If Dai Mubai won, Shrek would have a promising future. If he lost... they might not even survive the next year. The teachers were already working unpaid, running the school purely on passion.
"Alright, Ye Chen, show us your soul power. Let's see how far you've come," Flann said with a confident grin. Only ten days had passed since Ye Chen returned—no way he'd surpass Dai Mubai, right?
Ye Chen smiled calmly. "You got the 100,000 gold soul coins ready?"
As he finished, his soul power surged outward, glowing with a pure white light.
"Such pure soul power... it's as if it was naturally formed, with no impurities at all," Yu Xiaogang gasped.
"Level 39, huh? Ha! You're going down, kid!" Flann shouted triumphantly after sensing the level.
Dai Mubai stepped forward, unleashing his own soul power. It was powerful and also at level 39.
"I win, Ye Chen," he said suddenly.
Ye Chen raised an eyebrow. "What?"
Flann chimed in smugly, "Mubai's soul power is actually 39 and a half. That half-level makes all the difference."
"Hey! That's cheating!" Ning Rongrong protested. "You said the bet was based on level, not decimal points!"
Zhu Zhuqing joined in, "They're both 39—this match should be a draw!"
"You clearly don't understand," Flann said, stroking his beard. "Precision matters. Even half a level shows progress."
Yu Xiaogang added, "It's technically valid, Ye Chen. Don't take it too hard."
But Ye Chen just laughed.
"Who said I was only level 39?"
With that, he stopped holding back. His soul power soared again.
"Level 40! He's actually level 40!" Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing exclaimed, both beaming with pride.
"Impossible... Ten days from 38 to 40? How?!" Yu Xiaogang was frozen in place, unable to process it.
Dai Mubai looked utterly crushed. He had pushed himself beyond his limits for a mere half-level advantage—and now it was meaningless.
"You... you didn't cheat, right?" Flann asked, but even he didn't sound convinced.
He patted his pocket and his face turned pale—he didn't have the 100,000 gold soul coins he had so boldly bet.
Awkwardly, he pulled out a small pouch and tossed it to Ye Chen.
"Here... 30,000 now. The rest... I'll pay you back, promise!"
And with that, he bolted, leaving Ye Chen grinning as he tossed the coin pouch in his hand.
—
Not long after, a wild rumor spread from Soto City's Soul Arena.
A mysterious expert had emerged, fighting over 100 battles a day. The Arena's economy boomed for months—driven by this one man's insane win streak. And what was he fighting for?
One word: money.
The incident stirred the Martial Soul Hall into action. They dispatched elite scouts to investigate. But strangely, after witnessing his final match, they disappeared quietly—headed for the city outskirts.
Clearly, their mission was about more than just one mysterious warrior.
--