Chapter 173: So, Am I a Man?

"This future son-in-law's level is incredibly high! Judging by the fluctuations in his spirit power, he seems close to breaking through to the next titled realm."

On the high platform overseeing the match, Ning Fengzhi, despite being the leader of a sect, looked at Mu Chen on the stage with undisguised amazement.

Mu Chen was only thirteen years old, yet his spirit power had already surpassed level eighty. Reaching the rank of Title Douluo was practically guaranteed. Anyone with common sense could see that he was destined to become an Ultimate Douluo, standing at the peak of the continent, with the power to influence its fate.

"However…"

Ning Fengzhi's gaze shifted to Salas beside him. If Ning Fengzhi had noticed this, then surely Salas, the Platinum Bishop of Spirit Hall, had noticed as well.

Spirit Hall was ambitious; its intention to expand and possibly unify the continent was well-known. If Mu Chen submitted to Spirit Hall, all would be well. But if he resisted, Spirit Hall would likely move to eliminate him.

Mu Chen's growing prominence would surely place him on Salas's list of potential threats.

"Hm."

Indeed, Salas grunted and whispered something to his Spirit Hall guard before fixing a sharp gaze on Mu Chen.

Although Spirit Hall appeared unified, it was divided into factions. One faction was led by the Elder Qian Daoliu, while the other was headed by the Pope, Bibi Dong.

Currently, Xue Qinghe, the disguised crown prince of the Heaven Dou Empire, belonged to Qian Daoliu's lineage. Since Qian Renxue had repeatedly shown favor toward Mu Chen, Salas doubted that even Pope Bibi Dong would protect him. Mu Chen's existence was a serious threat to the Spirit Hall Academy in this tournament.

"Fengzhi!"

Bone Douluo Gu Rong, standing beside Ning Fengzhi, whispered a reminder to him.

"Let it be."

Ning Fengzhi understood what Gu Rong implied. He replied, "Even you aren't his match. Across Spirit Hall, except for two individuals, no one poses a threat to him. Given their status, those two won't trouble a mere child."

…

"Mu Chen, come here."

Huo Wu approached the spectator area where Shrek Academy's participants were seated.

"What for?" Mu Chen asked.

"Ding!"

"Congratulations, you've triggered an F-level hidden task: Accept Huo Wu's invitation, tease her, and help her confront her true feelings."

Accept her invitation? Tease Huo Wu? Help her confront her feelings?

Mu Chen was bewildered. How did he end up with such a hidden task? Could it be that Huo Wu was about to make a move on him?

"Let's talk privately," Huo Wu said.

"Can't you say it here?" Mu Chen asked.

"Are you even a man?" Huo Wu glared at him and walked away.

Mu Chen sighed and followed her.

"I wonder what Huo Wu wants with Boss Mu?" Oscar pondered.

"Yeah. Xiao Wu, should we follow them and see?" Ma Hongjun asked Xiao Wu mischievously.

"No need. No man likes to be micromanaged by a woman. With my brother's abilities, no one can best him. Let them go," Xiao Wu said calmly.

"Xiao Wu, you're quite open-minded! Aren't you worried you might end up with another sister?" Ma Hongjun teased.

"I want his heart, not just his presence. A man with multiple wives—well, isn't that normal? A smart woman learns to give her man space, without competing with other women for his affection. That's how a man will love and cherish her more," Xiao Wu answered with a smile.

Zhu Zhuqing, Ning Rongrong, Meng Yiran, Jiangzhu, and Liu Erlong all took note of her words, silently agreeing.

"Xiao Wu, do you have any sisters?" Ma Hongjun asked.

"What for?" Xiao Wu inquired.

"You're the perfect woman in every man's dream. Since you belong to Boss Mu, I wouldn't dare overstep. But if you have any sisters, could you introduce them to me? I wouldn't mind more women like you," Ma Hongjun said with a sly smile.

"No, I don't," Xiao Wu chuckled, shaking her head.

"Tang San, how come you never talk about women?" Oscar shifted the topic.

"I'm focused on cultivation. I don't want to think about women yet. I believe destiny has someone in store for me, so there's no need to rush," Tang San replied.

…

Following Huo Wu, Mu Chen arrived at a secluded corridor, empty and unguarded.

"Mu Chen, if our academies face off, I want you to go up against me. Fight me once more," Huo Wu said.

"Is that necessary?" Mu Chen replied calmly.

"What, are you afraid to face me?" Huo Wu suddenly turned, stepping closer until Mu Chen was backed against the wall. She placed one hand on the wall beside him, meeting his gaze. To an outsider, it would seem like she was confessing.

"Is that necessary?" Mu Chen repeated.

"Are you even a man? Can't you be straightforward for once? Stop acting like a woman!" Huo Wu demanded.

Her emotions were flaring, though even she didn't understand why. She moved a few inches closer, challenging him.

"Wow!"

Mu Chen glanced down, taken aback.

Huo Wu wore a fiery red off-shoulder, low-cut dress that accentuated her curves. Though young, her body was well-developed, surpassing even some adult women.

At that moment, Mu Chen understood what the system meant by "temptation."

Seeing Huo Wu, unsure of how to express herself, Mu Chen suddenly wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her close. With a firm grip, they looked as if they were embracing.

Uh!

Huo Wu's mind went blank. By the time she realized it, she was already in Mu Chen's arms.

Mu Chen's lips curled into a mischievous smile as he teased, "So, am I a man?"

So, am I a man?

So, am I a man?

So, am I a man?

Huo Wu's heart skipped a beat, her cheeks flushing. Coming from an elite family, she had strict upbringing and had never been this close to a boy before. Although nothing had actually happened, this was still a first for her.

Was Mu Chen a man?

Huo Wu could answer that confidently—Mu Chen was indeed a man.

Huo Wu felt the warmth of Mu Chen's breath near her face, his masculine scent making her feel dazed.

"So, am I a man?" Mu Chen, a half-head taller than Huo Wu, look

ed down at her with a smirk.

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