Chapter -57.
As Ye Chen watched the hardworking students from different academies practicing the reverse cultivation method, he didn't want to interrupt their focused efforts. He gathered the Spirit Hall students, including Ning Rongrong and Dugu Yan, while Zhu Zhuqing decided to step out of the conference hall.
The exchange conference was set to continue for a few more days, but seeing Feng Xiaotian and Yu Tianheng so dedicated, it seemed they weren't in the mood for any more exchanges today.
"Hey, team, you all head back first. I'll stick around to help guide them a bit more. I want to make sure this group really gets the depth of your cultivation method," Xu Ning said, clearly excited. It was his first time leading such a big group, and he was feeling pretty proud of himself.
He was animatedly pointing out the mistakes of some disciples from other academies, looking quite authoritative. The students being corrected were very receptive, quickly adjusting their 'pillar-hugging' stances, and some even asked for more guidance. It was a classic case of teamwork—one eager to teach, the other eager to learn.
Seeing this, Ye Chen shrugged and said to Xu Ning, "Just don't overdo it; if you need a break, come back quickly, okay?"
"Thanks for looking out, Captain! I'm good, really," Xu Ning waved him off and continued his enthusiastic work in the conference hall, while Ye Chen led the others back to the villa courtyard for some rest.
The next day, when Ye Chen and the group arrived at the conference hall, they found Feng Xiaotian, Dai Mubai, and the other students already there, all smiles. Xu Ning, who had been missing for a night, was slumped in a stone chair, looking a bit worn out.
"Ye Chen, you made it!" Shui Bing'er exclaimed with a bright smile, which made Ning Rongrong and the other girls a bit jealous as they pulled him to a seat further away from her.
Feng Xiaotian then stood up, clasping his fists with enthusiasm. "Thanks to Brother Ye Chen's generous teachings yesterday, we've all gained so much from the reverse cultivation method! I've even come up with a unique enhanced version of it. In appreciation for your selfless dedication, I'd love to share my findings!"
At that, Tang San and Dai Mubai jumped in, grinning as they said, "Our Shrek Academy is also excited to present our newly understood second version of the reverse cultivation method. Since this is an exchange conference, let's all learn from Ye Chen's spirit of generosity!"
Shui Bingyue and Huo Wu, representing Tianshui Academy and Chihuo Academy, nodded in agreement and began to share their insights on the reverse cultivation method.
Ye Chen sat there, a bit taken aback. He had thought the excitement around the cultivation method would die down, but he didn't expect them to truly grasp it and even improve upon it.
It was clear that everyone at this table was incredibly talented.
Before long, Feng Xiaotian and Tang San presented their enhanced versions of the reverse cultivation method, like the 'Windstorm Sweeping Reverse Method,' 'Weighted Back-Hugging Method,' 'Waterfall Fusion Impact Method,' and 'Fire Flame Burning Body Refining Method.'
In just one night, Ye Chen's reverse cultivation method had inspired multiple new versions. Watching Tang San and Feng Xiaotian passionately discuss their ideas, it was evident they were determined to refine the reverse cultivation method into the ultimate technique.
As he sipped his tea to steady himself, Ye Chen finally understood why Xu Ning looked so drained; he had been left out of the conversation.
Just as he took a sip, Xu Ning approached him, looking hopeful. "Captain, since you created the reverse cultivation method, you must have the strongest version in mind, right?"
"Uh…" Ye Chen paused, stroking his chin. "Well, I actually haven't."
Xu Ning's enthusiasm immediately faded. He had just been riding high on pride, and now he felt a bit deflated, which was tough for him to handle.
"Ye Chen!"
Suddenly, Feng Xiaotian and the others, having wrapped up their discussion, walked over to him.
Tang San looked at Ye Chen, filled with determination. "Ye Chen, the Elite Soul Master Academy Competition is coming up soon. I can't wait to compete with you again. I've mastered the reverse cultivation method too, and one day, I'll defeat you head-on with my team."
"If you want to challenge the captain, wait until the finals. Our Spirit Hall Academy is guaranteed a spot there," Xie Yue chimed in with a smile. "This time, we're taking home the championship again. Honestly, with your current level, it's just not enough."
"Whether you're qualified or not isn't for you to decide," Feng Xiaotian replied confidently. "Times have changed, so don't underestimate us."
Xie Yue rolled his eyes, clearly unimpressed; a 33rd-level Soul Master wasn't on his radar.
Then Tang San spoke up: "Actually, our teacher and Dean Flender have always wanted you to come back to Shrek Academy. Ye Chen, would you think about returning? We had such a great time together back then. I've always wanted to know—why did you join the Spirit Hall?"
Tang San's gaze was earnest, filled with hope. Dai Mubai, Oscar, and the others also looked at Ye Chen with serious expressions. They wouldn't forget the good times they shared at Shrek; even though it was brief, it left a lasting impression.
"I can't go back."
Ye Chen smiled wryly as he looked at Tang San. He knew that once he joined the Spirit Hall Academy, he couldn't go back to Shrek.
Tang San had people he wanted to protect, and Ye Chen had his own responsibilities in the Spirit Hall!
"See you at the finals, Tang San. Even if I can't be with you all, you'll always be my good brothers."
The message was clear, and Tang San and the others didn't dwell on it too much, simply smiling as they said, "See you at the finals!"
Time flew by, and the exchange conference wrapped up with all the academies gaining valuable insights.
Soon after, the various academies returned to their cities to train hard, gearing up for the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Competition.
Back at the villa courtyard!
"Are you really not coming back with us? What could be so important that even I can't know?" Hu Liena frowned, preparing to head back to the Spirit Hall, but Ye Chen's refusal left her puzzled.
Xie Yue and Xu Ning also looked at Ye Chen, confused about the situation.
"It's probably best not to share just yet, but this is really important; it's a task my master personally assigned to me."
Ye Chen smiled helplessly. The life-saving command from Bibi Dong before she left wasn't just for show; it came with significant instructions and potential dangers.
"Master!"
As soon as Bibi Dong was mentioned, Hu Liena stopped pressing for details. Since it was her master's arrangement, she could only accept it.
"Alright, but please be careful with your actions moving forward. Don't take too many risks for this task; your safety comes first."
Seeing Hu Liena's genuine concern, Ye Chen pulled her close and kissed her softly. After a moment, they finally parted.
With a reluctant look, Hu Liena waved goodbye, saying, "I'll be waiting for you to come back home." With that, she climbed into the carriage at Xie Yue's call and left the Tiandou Royal Academy.
Ye Chen stood watching them leave before turning and walking toward Tiandou City.
Note : Guys, some power stones will be really helpful.
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