Chapter -20 Flender's trickery.

Chapter -20 .

When Ye Chen spoke, Yu Xiaogang didn't take it too seriously. He had heard from Flander that this kid had a pretty big ego and didn't think much of anyone else.

With a wry smile, Yu Xiaogang felt a bit let down and said, "I get it; you think my soul power isn't strong enough to be a good teacher. But I really admire you! If you ever run into any issues with your training, don't hesitate to reach out to me."

"Thanks for the offer, but I doubt that day will come," Ye Chen replied with a shrug, thinking to himself that he could level up even while lounging around, so he didn't foresee any cultivation problems.

"Don't worry about him, Master. Ye Chen is just like that," Tang San reassured Yu Xiaogang. Flander, however, chuckled and put his arm around Yu Xiaogang's shoulder, whispering, "This kid is definitely full of himself, but if you can help Dai Mubai become even stronger than him, who knows what might happen?"

"Maybe!" Yu Xiaogang said with a smile, his gaze on Ye Chen filled with admiration. It was a shame they didn't seem to have a connection.

Suddenly, Flander's attention shifted to the Spider Queen. "Let's not waste this 5000-year-old Human-Faced Demon Spider. Tang San has just hit level 30; maybe he should absorb this soul beast's soul ring."

Yu Xiaogang raised an eyebrow, "But this is a 5000-year-level soul beast! Can Xiao San handle it? The risks are too high; I can't agree to this."

"I can do it, teacher! If Ye Chen can absorb a 10,000-year soul ring, I can definitely handle this 5000-year one," Tang San said, stepping closer to the Human-Faced Demon Spider, eager to give it a shot.

Ye Chen tugged at Tang San's sleeve, saying, "I really think you should reconsider. The only reason I could absorb a 10,000-year soul ring is that my soul power is a bit special. You still need to be careful."

Ye Chen remembered how tough it was for Tang San to absorb the 2000-year Human-Faced Demon Spider, and he knew the impact from this 5000-year spider would be even more intense. If his own soul power wasn't unique, he wouldn't have dared to try it either.

"Thanks, Ye Chen, but I really want to give it a go," Tang San insisted after looking around at everyone.

Seeing this, Ye Chen decided not to push further. He understood that Tang San didn't want to fall behind, but there was nothing he could do; after all, he had been leveling up with goddesses.

Flander and Zhao Wujie steadied Tang San and protected him as he took the life of the Faceless Demon Spider and sat down to absorb its power.

At first, Tang San seemed to be doing well, but soon his expression changed, sweat began to pour down his face, and he trembled, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth.

Seeing this, Ye Chen quickly placed a hand on Tang San's shoulder, using his soul power to help ease the pressure.

"Ugh!" Tang San spat out a mouthful of black blood and snapped back to reality. The disappointment on his face was clear, and Yu Xiaogang and Flander understood the outcome without needing to say it out loud.

After a brief pause, Ye Chen and the others returned to Shrek Academy. When Dai Mubai heard that Ye Chen had managed to get a ten-thousand-year soul ring all on his own, he became even more pumped and trained like crazy.

Yu Xiaogang and Flander were right there with him, offering guidance and constantly switching up training methods and meditation tips. In no time, he jumped two levels, reaching level 39 Soul Expert.

A month flew by. Since the bet was made, Dai Mubai had been training hard, and tomorrow would be the day to see how it all paid off.

"I wonder if that kid has been training; I can't shake this feeling of worry," Flander said, resting his chin on his hands in the dean's office.

Yu Xiaogang, sitting next to him, took a sip of tea and replied, "Honestly, I don't think Ye Chen is lazy. He's willing to take risks for his martial soul, which shows he cares about his training. Maybe he just didn't have strict guidance before, but I believe he'll improve."

"I hope you're right," Flander sighed, a hint of regret on his face.

If the two Douluo from the Sword Bone heard this, they'd probably scold them for being clueless. They had spent six years trying to manage Ye Chen, but feelings can be one-sided, and sometimes things just don't flow the way you want.

Finally, the day of the bet arrived. In the Shrek grass square, Flander and Yu Xiaogang brought Dai Mubai to the center to meet Ye Chen, who had been waiting.

Zhao Wujie, Ning Rongrong, and other teachers and students from the academy gathered around, eager to witness this pivotal moment that could change the academy's fortunes.

If they won, Shrek Academy wouldn't have to worry about money anymore and could keep improving. If they lost, they might struggle to keep the academy running next year since they were genuinely short on funds, with teachers barely getting paid and working out of love.

"Alright, Ye Chen, let's see your soul power; I want to know how much you've progressed this month," Flander said confidently. Since Ye Chen had only been back for about ten days, he didn't believe this little guy could surpass Dai Mubai, who had been trained by him and Xiaogang.

"Okay, I'll go first. Have your 100,000 Gold Soul Coins ready?" Ye Chen grinned, and his soul power surged forth, radiating a milky white light.

"What pure soul power! It seems to be completely clean, without any impurities," Yu Xiaogang exclaimed, astonished. He had never seen such pure soul power before; it was simply unbelievable.

"Level 39 Soul Emperor! Haha, you little brat, just wait to lose!" Flander laughed heartily after confirming Ye Chen's level.

Then, Dai Mubai stepped up, and his soul power burst forth as well, impressively powerful, but it also seemed to be at level 39.

"I won, Ye Chen!" Dai Mubai declared, leaving everyone a bit confused.

Just as Ye Chen was about to ask for clarification, Flander chimed in, "Everyone, pay attention; Mubai's soul power is actually level 39 and a half, which is way above Ye Chen's. Hahaha!"

"Dean, that's not fair! We agreed to compare soul power levels; what does this 39 and a half even mean?" Ning Rongrong interjected, defending Ye Chen against Flander's antics.

Zhu Zhuqing added, "They're both level 39; I think this should be a draw!"

"Oh, you all just don't get it," Flander chuckled, stroking his beard. "If we're being precise about soul power levels, that half level does count."

"Indeed, there's a rule about that. Ye Chen, don't get too hung up on it; losing isn't the end of the world," Yu Xiaogang tried to comfort him, but Ye Chen suddenly burst into laughter.

"Hahaha, who said that winning at level 39 and a half is enough?" 

With that, Ye Chen stopped holding back and fully revealed his soul power.

"Level 40! It's level 40!" 

Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing exchanged glances and then both broke into laughter; their beloved had won, and regardless of the bet, they were thrilled for Ye Chen.

"To go from level 38 to level 40 in just ten days? This is just insane! How did he do it? He hasn't been training hard and is just having fun, yet he's leveling up so fast?" 

Yu Xiaogang was left speechless, murmuring to himself, unsure of what to say next.

Meanwhile, Dai Mubai felt like his hard-earned level 39 and a half soul power suddenly seemed insignificant, and frustration washed over him.

"How is this even possible? You didn't cheat, did you?" 

Flander's words made him uneasy.

Then, he checked his pocket and his face went pale; he didn't have 100,000 gold soul coins at all. He had impulsively raised the bet earlier, and now it felt pretty awkward.

Looking at Ye Chen's smirk, Flander reluctantly pulled out all he had—30,000 gold soul coins—and tossed them at Ye Chen.

"I'll owe you the remaining 70,000 for now. Just give me some time, and I promise I'll pay you back!" 

With that, Flander hurried off, leaving behind a smug Ye Chen who was happily tossing the money bag in his hand.

Before long, shocking news spread from the Soto City Soul Arena, saying that a mysterious powerful figure had appeared, leading the organizers to make special arrangements for him to battle over 100 matches daily, boosting the arena's economy for months. This mysterious figure was only in it for the money.

However, this major event prompted the Spirit Hall to send several powerful individuals to Soto City. Strangely, after watching the mysterious figure's last match, they quietly left the city, seemingly with hidden motives for their visit.

Note : Guys, some power stones will be really helpful.

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