"This guy is getting more and more unbelievable!" Yan Shaozhe's face was blank, his eyes dazed. He was genuinely astonished.
When he first learned that Qian Ran was a descendant of the Angel Clan, he had asked Zhou Yi to bring him in for a thorough examination and was stunned by what he saw.
Since then, Qian Ran had only become even more outrageous.
Xu Sanshi and Bei Bei, long-time prodigies of the outer court, known for being the most talented students there, had both been left beaten and unconscious by Qian Ran. And Qian Ran's angel martial spirit with its dual holy and evil forms had Yan Shaozhe calling him a true prodigy.
But now, it was clear: Qian Ran was something else entirely.
What Qian Ran had just demonstrated was nothing short of extraordinary, so impressive that even these mighty figures at the top of the continent felt a pang of inadequacy.
On a high platform, at least a dozen powerful members of Shrek Academy stood gathered.
The lineup included Martial Spirit Department Dean Yan Shaozhe, Vice Dean Cai Meier, Soul Guidance Department Dean Xian Lin'er, and Vice Dean Qian Duoduo.
One might say that if these figures stamped their feet, the entire continent would feel the tremors.
"My Dominion Over All looks like a child's toy compared to what Qian Ran just did," Elder Mu remarked with self-deprecation, a glint of admiration in his cloudy eyes.
As an Ultimate Douluo, Mu En had honed his terrifying mind-skill technique, Dominion Over All, which blended physical and spiritual attacks. This skill was also an advanced application of spiritual power.
Mu En had long understood the limits of spiritual power in most soul masters, so he crafted Dominion Over All, which would not only damage the opponent spiritually but would make them feel an innate helplessness whenever they faced him again. Later on, Huo Yuhao would refine this technique into his own spirit skill, Goddess of Light, expressing his deep emotions through it.
Mu En took a deep breath.
Compared to Qian Ran's swordsmanship, his own skill seemed crude and lacking.
Reluctantly, he had to admit that Dominion Over All, despite his best efforts, was ultimately a subpar skill.
"Qian Ran already has what it takes to establish his own path. He might even be able to create a new profession," Mu En said, his foresight sharper than anyone else's. He saw that if Qian Ran's abilities were spread widely, they could fundamentally reshape the continent.
Humans had discovered how to use spirit power, leading to the emergence of the soul master profession. The development of soul tools brought about the prosperity of soul engineers. But if spiritual power were to advance similarly, what new profession could emerge?
"Teacher, that's a bit much, isn't it?" Yan Shaozhe drew in a sharp breath, and the others were equally stunned. Elder Mu's praise was far too high.
Create a new profession? A new system?
It sounded far-fetched.
But if Qian Ran succeeded, he'd become the god of this era, worshipped by countless people.
Nobody could recall who first discovered spirit power, nor who invented the first soul tool.
But if Qian Ran developed a complete spiritual power system, he would be remembered in history as the pioneer, revered by future generations of spiritual practitioners.
Even Qian Ran himself hadn't thought that far ahead. Only these seasoned experts, with their broader perspectives, could see such possibilities.
"What? Do you all think it's impossible? If Qian Ran's power were a bit stronger, could you even handle him?" Mu En asked with a faint smile.
"Lin'er, you've taken on a good disciple this time," he added, clearly pleased. Although Qian Ran had roughed up Bei Bei a few times, Mu En wasn't particularly bothered. Both incidents had been instigated by Bei Bei, and Mu En wasn't so petty as to hold a grudge.
In truth, Mu En hoped Zhang Lexuan and Bei Bei would end up together. He'd raised both of them with that intent. If not for that, he wouldn't have groomed Zhang Lexuan as a future bride for Bei Bei. So, with Qian Ran taking Tang Ya's attention away, Mu En was quite content. He hoped to see Bei Bei and Zhang Lexuan marry in his lifetime; then he could pass on with peace.
"Of course," Xian Lin'er responded joyfully. Qian Ran's prowess was making her look great as his mentor. Dressed in her usual athletic attire, Xian Lin'er's stunning face radiated happiness.
She hadn't even started teaching Qian Ran yet, and he was already making her proud.
She thought it might be time to reward her precious disciple!
After hearing Qian Ran's suggestions, she had gone out and bought many beautiful skirts and stockings, though she felt a bit shy about being seen in them by her colleagues. But perhaps she'd show Qian Ran next time and get his opinion.
After all, with her looks, she could easily pull off any style she chose.
"Hmph. Maybe I'll even have Qian Ran teach me some of his spiritual techniques," she mused happily. Qian Ran had truly impressed her today.
"I should've taken him on as a student too!" Yan Shaozhe lamented, already regretting his decision. He knew Qian Ran was flirtatious, and if he'd taken Qian Ran as a student, Ma Xiaotao would've been on his radar. He didn't want his two disciples married to the same person.
But now he regretted it terribly.
If he'd known Qian Ran would be this exceptional, he wouldn't have hesitated to encourage Ma Xiaotao to be with him. If Qian Ran could really create a new profession, his master would undoubtedly be renowned across the continent.
The other powerful figures shared similar feelings.
They had all thought about taking Qian Ran as a student, but Xian Lin'er had acted far too quickly.
Cai Meier, in particular, was so frustrated she gave Yan Shaozhe a kick.
She was furious!
She'd asked Yan Shaozhe to keep an eye out, and still, Xian Lin'er had beaten her to it.
Xian Lin'er shot her a smug smile.
Xian Lin'er and Cai Meier had been close friends years ago, but their friendship had soured over Yan Shaozhe. Now, they were rivals.
Cai Meier's allure was equally striking, naturally enchanting anyone who saw her.
For some men, a more proactive and charming woman like Cai Meier would be preferable. But for someone like Qian Ran, both types appealed. In fact, a cool, elegant woman like Xian Lin'er would likely captivate him even more. A loyal, reserved woman with an unexpected playful side was even more enticing.
"Er…" Yan Shaozhe felt awkward as he noticed their gazes, shivering under the attention of the two women.
But he wasn't in the worst position — that would be Qian Duoduo. Xian Lin'er was his wife, but he'd never even held her hand. Watching her in her form-fitting outfit, showing off her shapely figure, he couldn't help but gulp. Few men could boast such a beautiful wife they'd never touched, and Qian Duoduo happened to be one of them.
Still, he was content with the situation.
If he hadn't gone through with the fake marriage, he wouldn't even have the chance to stand beside her. Now, although he couldn't hold her hand, he could at least be near her.
Qian Duoduo had finally found a way to win her over.
The key lay with Qian Ran.
For example, he could invite Qian Ran to study soul tools at their home. Since Xian Lin'er doted on her new disciple, she'd surely support this plan.
If they ended up alone, perhaps he could finally win her heart.
Just spending time in her room, surrounded by her subtle fragrance, would be an experience to savor.
Qian Duoduo was thrilled. After years of searching for an opening, Qian Ran's arrival had provided the perfect opportunity. He could tell Xian Lin'er treasured her new disciple dearly, and she'd been smiling much more since taking him on.
"What you witnessed today must remain strictly confidential. Until Qian Ran grows stronger, if word of his abilities spreads, others will stop at nothing to capture him," Mu En said gravely.
"Yes, sir," the others agreed solemnly.
Meanwhile, Qian Ran remained unaware of the hidden observers. At Shrek Academy, any unusual event would naturally draw attention from its experts.
"Time to head back." With a word, Qian Ran halted the Angelic Holy Sword in mid-air and leapt onto it, using it to fly.
"Perfect! Just like in those fantasy novels — it's so cool." Qian Ran grinned as he stood on the sword, watching the scenery vanish beneath him, feeling a profound sense of satisfaction.
This was far superior to any flying soul tool.
Flying soul tools drained soul power, and without a reserve bottle, they wouldn't last long. But consuming spiritual power? That was no issue for Qian Ran.
(End of Chapter)