Direct Confrontation with Yu Xiaogang

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone present was stunned, their faces showing disbelief.

13,500 years?

This number was too shocking to comprehend, far beyond what could be described as mere genius.

The Shrek students were dumbfounded. If what Chen Xuan said was true, it was truly terrifying—he had broken through two limitations, something that had never happened before, perhaps even surpassing Tang San.

Yu Xiaogang had once told them that Chen Xuan's black spirit ring was unstable in aura, its color slightly faded—an indication that it was from a spirit beast that had just reached ten thousand years of cultivation.

Typically, the limit for a Soul Elder was 5,000 years, while a Soul King's maximum was around 12,000 years.

If Chen Xuan wasn't lying, this was beyond extraordinary. He had exceeded the limit by 8,500 years.

In comparison, their third brother, Tang San, seemed much less impressive, overshadowed by Chen Xuan's brilliance.

Tang San clenched his fists, his nails digging into his flesh. He had always claimed not to care about competition, but unknowingly, his mindset had already changed.

Ma Hongjun chuckled, sensing drama was brewing—this big brother Chen was about to challenge the master once again.

"Master, you're getting old. It's natural that you might overlook things. As a junior, I must correct you so that you don't continue making mistakes and damage your reputation as a teacher," Chen Xuan said with a smile.

Faced with such open provocation and deliberate slander, Chen Xuan wasn't about to stay silent. After all, things were different now—he wasn't the same Soul Elder from a month ago.

Ma Hongjun, unafraid of escalation, secretly gave Chen Xuan a thumbs-up. "That's my big brother Chen, so brave! He actually dared to directly confront the master. Amazing!"

Yu Xiaogang often wore a stern face, strict and demanding. No matter how well the Shrek students performed, they couldn't escape criticism or punishment. Most of them harbored some resentment toward him, though they didn't dare speak up due to his status as a teacher.

Of course, Tang San was an exception.

Now, being publicly called out, Yu Xiaogang's face turned dark. The words were like a slap in the face, deeply humiliating him.

Tang San's expression grew cold, his gaze sharp and menacing, glaring at Chen Xuan as if he were staring at a mortal enemy.

This Chen Xuan was despicably cunning. Given the chance, he would never pass up an opportunity to humiliate his teacher, even in front of Ning Fengzhi and the crown prince. Such malice!

Even if the master was wrong, wasn't it for the good of his students? Shouldn't a junior be more forgiving?

Ning Fengzhi and Xue Qinghe exchanged glances but remained silent, neither saying a word.

Yu Xiaogang's face was gloomy as he said coldly, "Chen Xuan, I know you have a competitive nature, but this is a public place. I advise you to control yourself. Don't let your vanity ruin your future and make you an outcast among soul masters."

The master's face was cold, his eyes sharp as he stared at Chen Xuan, pressuring him to admit he was lying.

13,500 years? Yu Xiaogang sneered inwardly. That was utterly ridiculous. Did he really expect anyone to believe such a claim from someone with no proper background? Was he supposed to be stronger than Tang San? Nonsense!

Tang San had received guidance from a renowned teacher, consumed immortal herbs, and survived life-or-death experiences to absorb his ten-thousand-year spirit ring.

Some of the people present were beginning to doubt Chen Xuan's words after the master's pointed comments. Dai Mubai, Oscar, and the newly arrived Tai Long all started to question his claims.

They had seen Tang San's extraordinary talent firsthand. If Chen Xuan was truly more gifted, why had he only reached the Soul Elder level at sixteen?

"Chen Xuan, it's good for young people to be ambitious, but don't lose sight of what's important. It's not too late to turn back now. I hope you won't continue down this wrong path," Yu Xiaogang said, his hands behind his back, head held high, looking down with disdain.

"Master, you really are getting old—losing your mind," Chen Xuan said calmly. "I honestly don't know what you mean by 'losing sight of what's important.' Why don't you explain?"

Yu Xiaogang's face darkened, feeling as if he was being subjected to cold indifference. Chen Xuan's calm demeanor, without a trace of anger, was deeply offensive, especially as he had once again insulted him in front of everyone.

"Chen Xuan, I dare you to say that again!"

Before the master could respond, Tang San couldn't hold back and stood up from the crowd.

"Apologize to my teacher, or don't blame me for being merciless," Tang San said, his eyes cold, already filled with murderous intent.

Someone like Chen Xuan, who didn't understand the importance of respecting one's teacher, was no better than scum. He deserved death!

Chen Xuan remained calm. "Oh? Did I hit a nerve? Can't handle the truth? Or are you planning to commit murder in broad daylight?"

He glanced at Tang San with disdain. Others feared Tang San because they didn't understand his hidden weapons, but that didn't mean Chen Xuan was afraid.

Flender, knowing things couldn't continue like this, quickly pressed Tang San back into his seat. "Alright, Xiao San, calm down."

Tang San's purple light faded from his eyes, and he gradually regained his composure, but his killing intent remained. This person was already on his death list.

His teacher, father, and Xiao Wu were his forbidden zones—anyone who touched his reverse scale would die!

Ning Fengzhi smiled gently and stepped forward to mediate. "This is a matter for your academy, and I shouldn't interfere. But I have great respect for the master's talents. Still, everyone makes mistakes sometimes. Why not let this young man prove himself?"

If what this young man said was true and he had absorbed a 13,500-year spirit ring, he would be a talent that all the major forces would vie for.

If not, then he wasn't worth recruiting and might even be blacklisted by the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.

"He's probably telling the truth," Xue Qinghe whispered, his voice low.

After all, the person that woman had her eye on was bound to be exceptional.

Meanwhile, Zhu Zhuqing in the crowd didn't doubt Chen Xuan at all. She had seen his true strength.

"Ning Sect Master, I apologize for this," Flender said with a forced smile. He turned to Chen Xuan, his expression instantly becoming stern as he scolded, "Chen Xuan, if you're wrong, apologize to the master at once!"

Flender knew Yu Xiaogang too well. His old friend valued his reputation above all else, and now he had been publicly challenged by a junior, which had humiliated him beyond measure.

Chen Xuan was amused. Flender's sudden shift in demeanor was like watching a dramatic face-change performance in Sichuan opera—impressive.

"Headmaster, are you really going to take sides? If that's the case, I won't object, but your actions will disappoint the students."

"You… you stubborn kid!" Flender was fuming, but there was nothing he could do.

"Ning Sect Master, I think we should let this young man prove himself," Ning Fengzhi said gently again.

Yu Xiaogang, his face cold, said, "Flender, there's no need to say more. Let's go with Sect Master Ning's suggestion."

He had observed many Soul Kings, all of whom had spirit rings just over 10,000 years. He was confident in his judgment. Otherwise, how could he be known as a master of spirit theory?

"Xiao Gang, you… sigh!" Flender sighed deeply. He hadn't wanted things to escalate like this.

It was a small matter—what was the point of proving anything? But now, if Chen Xuan's claim turned out to be true, his old friend would be utterly humiliated, unable to hold his head high before the students again.

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