Chapter: 9

Taking Advantage?

Chen Xuan was stunned. He asked himself, had he really taken advantage in any way? Did he win the match using any underhanded tactics? The answer was no.

His martial spirit inherently involved inscribing a series of runes on an object, leaving a coordinate, much like the Flying Thunder God technique.

He had repeatedly stated that he was a Battle Soul Master, but no one believed him. Almost everyone thought he was an Auxiliary Soul Master. What could he do about that? Could he be blamed? It wasn't his fault that Dai Mubai underestimated him, thinking he lacked combat strength; otherwise, he wouldn't have won so easily.

Considering all the favorable circumstances, at most, he had taken his opponent by surprise. Where was the advantage-taking in that?

Chen Xuan shrugged, speechless. Yu Xiaogang was clearly belittling him on purpose, refusing to acknowledge his capabilities as a Battle Soul Master even though he had won.

Yu Xiaogang's eyes gradually turned cold. He noticed Chen Xuan's expression, and as a superior, he saw the younger man's attitude as a blatant challenge.

His face darkened as he said in a stern voice, "Don't be arrogant. Winning a competition with unorthodox methods and then feeling proud of it—how can one face such disgrace?"

The Shrek team was taken aback by his words, exchanging confused glances. What did the Master mean? Was he hinting at Brother Chen?

Tyrone scratched his head in confusion. What was wrong with the Master? Brother Chen hadn't done anything to provoke him, had he?

Chen Xuan frowned but said nothing.

However, his calm demeanor only made the Master more displeased. Yu Xiaogang's face grew increasingly somber, and he was visibly getting angry.

Yu Xiaogang suddenly took a step forward, pointed at Chen Xuan, and shouted angrily, "You're arrogant, conceited, and self-righteous. You don't listen to others' advice. Don't think that just because you're in the advanced class, you're a one-in-a-million genius with a smooth path ahead. You must know there are always people stronger than you. Compared to the disciples of other sects, you're nothing but mediocre!"

The words left the Shrek team stunned and bewildered. What was going on? Why was the Master suddenly so furious?

Jing Ling, Jiang Zhu, and the others were slightly angry. After three years of acquaintance, they knew what kind of person Chen Xuan was. He was always low-key in the advanced class, so where did this arrogance come from?

Jiang Zhu wanted to speak up for Chen Xuan but was pulled back by Tyrone, who shook his head at her.

Zhu Zhuqing remained expressionless, but her sharp eyes observed everything carefully. Having grown up in a royal court filled with intrigue, she saw through many things, including what was happening now.

Ning Rongrong frowned slightly, her lips moved as if she wanted to say something, but in the end, she remained silent.

Chen Xuan's gaze turned cold, but he didn't argue back. He was restraining himself, trying to be patient.

Shrek was someone else's place, and causing trouble wouldn't benefit him. It was unlikely anyone would take his side.

Yu Xiaogang was Liu Erlong's lover and an old friend of Flender. His influence was undeniable, and there was no way they would speak up for Chen Xuan.

Moreover, the Master was the teacher of the Shrek Seven Devils, so they wouldn't side with him either.

Chen Xuan was well aware of this, so he knew he had to endure it, to step back and avoid escalating the situation.

The only ones who might stand by him were Tyrone and the other three, given their three years of friendship.

Yu Xiaogang saw Chen Xuan's silence as a sign of guilt, thinking he had hit the mark, which made him even more smug.

"Chen Xuan, I know you're unhappy. Young people have their pride, but as an elder who has been through this, I advise you to put away your arrogance. Pride will only harm you." Yu Xiaogang lifted his head arrogantly, looking down on Chen Xuan as if he were superior.

Chen Xuan's expression grew even colder. He had reached his limit and didn't want to tolerate it anymore. Yu Xiaogang kept labeling him, and he was tired of it. If it came down to it, he wouldn't stay at Shrek Academy any longer.

He had tried to keep the peace, but the more he thought about it, the angrier he got.

"Arrogant, conceited? I think those words describe you better, Master."

Yu Xiaogang was shocked and surprised. This brat actually dared to talk back?

He snorted dismissively at Chen Xuan's retort, saying, "You're just a child spouting nonsense!"

Chen Xuan sneered, "You call me arrogant and conceited, speaking as if you know me well. But we've only met twice, and yet you judge me so harshly. Can you honestly say you're not arrogant, not conceited? Which of these qualities don't you possess?"

Yu Xiaogang was instantly furious. As a scholar, he couldn't stand being slandered.

He had been teaching for over a decade, nurturing countless students, and his knowledge was profound. He had taught the strongest disciple, Tang San, and led Shrek to greatness.

Without him, could the current Shrek Seven Devils have achieved so much at such a young age? That would be a fantasy!

And now, someone dared to argue with him and even insult him? How ridiculous!

Even though he was angry, as a teacher and a wise man, Yu Xiaogang knew he couldn't stoop to the level of a child.

He suppressed his anger and said, "You ask why, after only two meetings, I know you so well. It's simple. I reviewed your records beforehand and learned about you through the students and teachers."

Chen Xuan rolled his eyes, speechless. So, he had just listened to what others said? Didn't he realize that hearsay wasn't always the truth?

Jiang Zhu couldn't hold back anymore and said, "Master, Chen is always very low-key in the academy. He rarely participates in sparring. Are you sure you're not mistaken?"

The Shrek team nodded in agreement. Some of them weren't foolish; they had never found Chen Xuan to be an arrogant person during their brief interactions.

"People really aren't what they seem," Tang San muttered, shaking his head. Initially, like his companions, he thought Chen Xuan was a gentle person. Now it seemed he had been mistaken.

If his teacher said Chen Xuan was arrogant, it must be true.

After more than seven years of guidance, Tang San had unwavering faith in Yu Xiaogang. Over the years, everything his teacher said had proven correct. Even if it seemed wrong, it was only because he hadn't understood it properly.

Yu Xiaogang ignored Jiang Zhu's defense and continued, "Indeed, in the academy, you appear low-key, avoiding interactions with others. However, these behaviors reveal your true nature. On the surface, you seem gentle, but that's just a facade. In reality, you're arrogant and look down on others, which is why you avoid sparring. This has created a false impression."

Chen Xuan laughed in frustration. How foolish was he to argue with such a ridiculous person?

Revealing his true nature? He didn't even know he had one. Impressive! No wonder they called him the Master of Theory; his nonsense was top-tier.

If they wanted to accuse him, at least they should provide some concrete evidence. He had initially thought Yu Xiaogang had some profound insights, but this was all just baseless talk.

The Shrek team's eyes twitched. Was the Master speaking out of anger? His words were starting to sound nonsensical.

Ning Rongrong rolled her eyes, completely speechless. As a noble young lady, if she believed this nonsense, she might as well jump off a building.

Even Ma Hongjun, who wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed, twitched at the corners of his mouth. The Master's words were too far-fetched.

Only Tang San seemed to have had an epiphany, suddenly enlightened, and fully believed in Yu Xiaogang's words, finally understanding everything.

"Master, you're absolutely right. I didn't even know I had this side to me," Chen Xuan said with a light smile. "Master, if there's nothing important, let's wrap this up quickly. The competition is in a few days, and everyone needs to focus on their training. Time is tight."

These casual words hit Yu Xiaogang like a heavy blow.

Yu Xiaogang was furious. He, a respected master, a wise scholar, was being treated so dismissively by a junior. Was there no respect for him as an elder?

"You...!" Yu Xiaogang stammered, his hand trembling as he pointed at Chen Xuan.

At that moment, Jiangzhu stepped forward and said, "Yes, Master. If there's nothing else, let's head back. We still have to train."

Her expression was cold, and she didn't even look Yu Xiaogang in the eye as she stood before him.

This blatant provocation was yet another heavy blow for Yu Xiaogang.

Yu Xiaogang had always been concerned about his reputation. Now, repeatedly contradicted and disrespected by his students, his expression had grown incredibly dark.

As a scholar and a wise man, Yu Xiaogang had his dignity, and he had been patient, not wanting to argue with the younger generation. But Chen Xuan, this troublemaker, had been provoking him ever since they first met yesterday, and now Yu Xiaogang was thoroughly enraged.

Seeing Yu Xiaogang's flushed face and trembling hands, Flender sighed quietly and shook his head, murmuring, "Xiaogang, you're still as concerned about your reputation as ever."

"What's wrong with Xiaogang?" Liu Erlong retorted immediately. Her face darkened as she said, "It's Chen Xuan who's deliberately embarrassing Xiaogang. He should be punished. I never realized before how troublesome that kid could be."

She didn't think Yu Xiaogang was being overly concerned with his reputation or had done anything wrong. In her view, it was Chen Xuan and Jiangzhu who didn't understand the importance of respecting their elders, speaking without any regard. Anyone would be angry in such a situation.

"Erlong, you really haven't changed at all," Flender sighed inwardly, filled with endless emotion.

Decades had passed, yet Liu Erlong was still as beautiful and youthful as ever, with hardly any traces left by time. She still deeply loved Yu Xiaogang, to the point where she was blind to anything else.

But who knew that Flender had secretly been in love with this woman, who had captivated him for decades?

Watching Liu Erlong defend Yu Xiaogang so unreasonably, Flender felt a deep bitterness, a mix of envy and jealousy toward Yu Xiaogang.

He knew he had no chance, so he had buried this love deep in his heart.

He also knew that Liu Erlong would give up the entire Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan for Yu Xiaogang, and in fact, she had done so. In the end, he decided to let them be together.

Only he truly understood the years of heartache.