Chapter 51 Bleeding Flanders
"Not much, not much~"
Flender waved his hand, not intending to say more.
Previously, he had seen Ye Chen and Xiao Wu looking so confident, saying they would achieve consecutive victories and quickly advance to Silver Douluo. Plus, both of them were Spirit Ancestors at such a young age, far surpassing ordinary people, so Flender decided to try his luck and placed a bet.
Sure enough, their confidence wasn't arrogance, but genuine skill. They directly made Flender a fortune, earning two thousand gold coins.
Although it couldn't compare to his previous illicit gains, it wasn't a small amount, and Flender was satisfied, at the very least.
In fact, Ye Chen had also thought about placing bets in the Great Spirit Arena to earn gold coins before.
After all, he and Xiao Wu, whether in one-on-one or two-on-two matches, would absolutely never lose. As long as they didn't throw matches, they would definitely make a killing.
Uh, maybe throwing matches would earn even more?
But after careful consideration, Ye Chen dismissed the idea.
Firstly, with each consecutive victory, the odds for their subsequent bets would definitely not be high, and betting might even be canceled.
Secondly, the Soto City Great Spirit Arena certainly wouldn't allow them to earn too many gold coins.
Hundreds of thousands or even millions of gold coins, the Great Spirit Arena in Soto City might be able to afford, but anything more would be wishful thinking.
Perhaps hundreds of thousands or even millions of gold coins might seem like a lot to others, but to Ye Chen, it was only a matter of ten days to half a month. Compared to what he would need in the future, it was just a drop in the bucket.
Furthermore, and most importantly, if they won too much, the establishment might just refuse to pay.
The Douluo Continent is, after all, a World that values strength. If they really won tens of millions or hundreds of millions in huge sums, they might even face a life-threatening disaster.
The Great Spirit Arenas in various cities on the Douluo Continent are all run by the same company or the same interest alliance. To say there are no masters overseeing them would be absolutely impossible. Even if there are no Titled Douluo masters, Spirit Douluo are certainly not few in number.
Even if the masters of the Great Spirit Arena didn't personally take action, such a large amount of gold coins, if used to hire assassins, would be enough to buy the heads of all the teachers and students of Shrek Academy several times over.
Small amounts were uninteresting, large amounts carried risks. The World is vast, but one's life is paramount. Ye Chen, who adhered to the 'Gou Dao' (way of caution), thus gave up the idea of making money in the Great Spirit Arena.
"Dean Flender, since you've made money, aren't you going to treat us to a meal?"
Ye Chen said to Flender with a smile.
"Huh? What does the gold coins I earned have to do with you?"
"You can't say that. If it weren't for Xiao Wu and me, could you have made money? And don't forget, last night you and Teacher Zhao made a fortune, and that was all my idea!"
Although he didn't know how much Flender and Zhao Wuji had made from their illicit gains, Ye Chen was certain it was a considerable amount.
As the 'strategist,' it was fine if he didn't get a share, but at least a treat to a meal couldn't be omitted, right?
"Cough, cough, alright, I'll treat you all to one meal!"
After thinking about it, Flender waved his hand and agreed. In his opinion, a meal wouldn't cost much anyway.
"Hmm, that's more like it! Fatty, which is the most upscale hotel in Soto City?"
Immediately, Ye Chen asked Ma Hongjun.
He had never been to Soto City before and wasn't familiar with the details. Since Flender, that stingy fellow, was treating, he naturally had to make him bleed a little.
Hmm, he hoped Flender's private stash could withstand it.
"Teacher is treating? Why don't we go to the Soto Grand Hotel? I've always heard that the food there is delicious, but I never had the money to go."
Flender was not only the Dean of Shrek Academy but also Ma Hongjun's teacher.
Because Ma Hongjun was picked up by Flender outside, and Ma Hongjun had excellent talent, plus both of their Spirits had wings, Flender took Ma Hongjun as his disciple from the beginning.
"Soto Grand Hotel? Let's just find a random restaurant outside."
Flender's mouth twitched. Although he hadn't been there either, he had heard that the consumption level there was not low, so he immediately thought of something more practical.
"Dean Flender, isn't the Soto Grand Hotel good?"
"It's good, but it's just that~"
"Just what? Dean, you wouldn't be short on cash like me, would you?
Tsk tsk~, you are the Dean of this 'great' Shrek Academy, a dignified Soul Sage master, the Flying Corner of the Golden Triangle, surely not~?"
Ye Chen said with an exaggerated expression.
'Damn it, you're short on cash?'
Watching Ye Chen act up, Flender was very annoyed. You're short on cash?
He, a dignified Soul Sage, was still living in a shabby little house! On the other hand, Ye Chen had a spirit tool house built directly in the Academy, full of style. Flender wouldn't believe it if you told him Ye Chen was short on money.
"This is just this once, never again!"
Since Ye Chen had put it that way, what else could Flender say?
"Haha, I knew the Dean was a good Dean who cared for his students!"
Immediately, Ye Chen gave him a 'good person' card.
Afterward, everyone left the Great Spirit Arena and headed to the Soto Grand Hotel.
...
The Soto Grand Hotel was named after Soto City, so its caliber was naturally self-evident; it was the best hotel in Soto City.
If the Great Spirit Arena was grand and imposing, then the Soto Grand Hotel was extremely luxurious.
The entire hotel was decorated in a magnificent, gilded style, clearly high-end, atmospheric, and classy.
Upon entering, everyone was warmly greeted by eight Misses.
Led by a Miss in slightly 'shabby clothes,' everyone arrived at a private room on the top floor.
After being seated, Flender was about to pick up the menu to order.
"Dean, this time you're hosting, how can we let you order? Fatty, hurry up and help the Dean?"
Letting the 'stingy' Flender order, goes without saying, he would definitely pick the most affordable items.
That wouldn't do. It was a rare chance to make Flender bleed a little; they couldn't just 'let him off' so easily.
"Brother Chen is right, Dean, leave this troublesome ordering to me!"
Snatching the menu from Flender's hand, Ma Hongjun began to look through it.
Facing the dazzling array of dishes on the menu, Ma Hongjun flipped to the cheapest page and started ticking items.
'Hmm, this little Fatty is quite sensible, he knows to pick the cheap ones.'
Flender felt greatly relieved.
However, before Flender could feel relieved for long, Ma Hongjun said to the Server beside him, "Except for what I've ticked, bring one of everything else!"
"Little Fatty, ordering so much, can you all eat it?"
Black lines immediately appeared on Flender's forehead, and he spoke to Ma Hongjun in an unfriendly tone.
"Dean, don't worry, I have a big appetite, there won't be any leftovers."
Before Ma Hongjun could reply, Ye Chen patted his chest and guaranteed.
Hearing this, Flender glared fiercely at Ye Chen and Ma Hongjun, and could only give upChapter 52: Pure Bamboo Cane
When it was time to pay after eating and drinking to their fill, Flender felt a pang of heartache.
The private room bill was 3,060 gold coins, but the lobby manager was polite and rounded it down for Flender, making the total 3,000 gold coins.
It could be said that Flender had earned nothing at the Great Spirit Arena tonight; he even had to pay an extra 1,000 gold coins.
But honestly, 3,000 gold coins isn't that much, is it? After all, converted to copper coins, it's only 300,000.
And since they were eating high-end ingredients, 3,000 gold coins wasn't too excessive.
After leaving the Soto Grand Hotel, Flender, Ye Chen, and Xiao Wu returned directly to Shrek Academy.
Ma Hongjun, on the other hand, went to a high-end club in Soto City, ready to try something new. As for Dai Mubai, needless to say, he had forgotten his pain once his wounds healed, and had arranged to meet a Miss at the Rose Hotel for some 'clapping'.
...
Half a month later.
With the Rogue Rabbit Combination once again defeating their opponents and securing victory, Ye Chen and Xiao Wu finally earned their silver Spirit Arena badge.
Although the points earned from one-on-one and two-on-two Spirit Arena battles were universal, consecutive wins in the two different battle types did not accumulate.
Ten consecutive wins in one-on-one Spirit Arena battles could not be added to consecutive wins in two-on-two Spirit Arena battles. Therefore, it took them fifteen days to accumulate enough points to surpass the 1,000 points required for a silver Spirit Arena badge.
"Little Tiger, it seems I won the bet!"
Shaking the newly acquired silver Spirit Arena badge in his hand, Ye Chen said to Dai Mubai with a smile.
"Hmph~."
Dai Mubai snorted coldly and turned to leave the Great Spirit Arena.
Seeing Dai Mubai leave, Ye Chen didn't say anything, believing that with Dai Mubai's character, he wouldn't go back on his word.
However, even if Dai Mubai were to be dishonest and renege on the bet in the future, it wouldn't matter; after all, might makes right.
Although Ye Chen currently lacked the strength to bully the Star Luo Empire, dealing with just Dai Mubai would be easy and enjoyable.
And to be honest, Ye Chen didn't care much about the bet; he had only proposed it to annoy Dai Mubai.
...
"Dean Flender, Xiao Wu and I don't plan on coming to the Great Spirit Arena anymore."
On the way back to the Academy, Ye Chen said to Flender.
"Why?"
Flender was a bit displeased. In recent days, Flender had earned a lot of gold coins by betting at the Soto Great Spirit Arena.
Although the odds kept getting lower because of their continuous winning streak, he could still earn a good amount. Now that Ye Chen said they wouldn't go, wasn't that cutting off his source of income?
"The Spirit Ancestor level Spirit Masters in the Great Spirit Arena are too weak; they don't help us at all. If we challenge Spirit Kings, it would be too high-profile, so we don't plan on going anymore."
Ye Chen's words were spot on. Just relying on their exceptionally high spirit ring configuration at the same major rank, let alone those Spirit Masters in the Great Spirit Arena, even geniuses from major powers would be crushed by them, offering no help in accumulating practical combat experience.
But if they were to face Five-Ring Soul Kings, that would definitely attract attention, which didn't align with Ye Chen's 'low-profile' approach, so Ye Chen decided not to continue with the Spirit Arena battles.
"This~, alright!"
After thinking for a moment, Flender agreed.
Indeed, with their strength, going to the Great Spirit Arena wouldn't provide much help.
Although their absence from the Spirit Arena battles would cut off Flender's extra income, Flender wasn't a pure opportunist. His primary role was still the Dean of Shrek Academy, and he wouldn't have gone to the Great Spirit Arena to bet and make money if the Academy wasn't short on funds.
...
Nine months later.
On this day, Ye Chen's small personal treasury once again accumulated a small target of gold coins, making him feel very pleased.
Without much hesitation, he bought another Spirit Upgrade Card.
"This time, it should be enough to upgrade my Spirit to a divine quality, right?"
Looking at the golden card in his hand, Ye Chen murmured to himself.
In fact, before this, after his small personal treasury accumulated a small target, Ye Chen had also bought a Spirit Upgrade Card.
However, perhaps because the gap between a top-tier Spirit and a divine-tier Spirit was quite large, after using one Spirit Upgrade Card, the Ink Jade Divine Bamboo Staff Spirit failed to transform into a divine-tier Spirit, which greatly frustrated Ye Chen at the time.
But that previous Spirit Upgrade Card wasn't used in vain. Ye Chen could feel that his Spirit was not far from divine quality; with just one more, it would definitely ascend to a divine-tier Spirit.
Subsequently, Ye Chen released his Spirit: the Ink Jade Divine Bamboo Staff, and integrated the Spirit Upgrade Card in his hand into the Spirit.
As the two touched, the Spirit Upgrade Card transformed into a golden light and merged into the Ink Jade Divine Bamboo Staff Spirit, immediately emitting a dazzling radiance.
At this moment, Ye Chen felt a sense of joy emanating from his Spirit.
A Spirit is not an external object but a part of a Spirit Master, and now that his Spirit was undergoing a transformation, Ye Chen naturally could feel it.
Unlike the last time he used a Spirit Upgrade Card, which didn't have much sensation, this transformation of the Spirit lasted for over an hour before it finally ascended to a divine-tier Spirit.
The original Ink Jade Divine Bamboo Staff Spirit was entirely dark green. Now, after the transformation, the Spirit's size hadn't changed much, but its color had turned to white jade, looking like it was carved from the finest mutton-fat jade, emitting a faint glow and a Pure Nether, calming aura.
'System, open the attribute panel.'
[Attribute Panel]
[Host: Ye Chen]
[spirit power: Level 47]
[Spirit: Qingjing Bamboo Staff]
[spirit rings: Black, Black, Black, Black]
[First Spirit Ability: Imprisonment]
[Second Spirit Ability: Fixed Awareness]
[Third Spirit Ability: Banning God]
[Fourth Spirit Ability: Blindness]
[Spirit Bone: Creation Green Lotus (external Spirit Bone)]
[Domain: Qingjing Domain]
"Qingjing Bamboo Staff? Uh~, even the Spirit Abilities changed?"
After the Ink Jade Divine Bamboo Staff transformed into a divine-tier Spirit, not only did its name change to Qingjing Bamboo Staff, but its Spirit Ability effects also underwent some changes.
The third and fourth Spirit Abilities were not much different, just more powerful, but the first and second Spirit Abilities had noticeably different effects.
The original first Spirit Ability, Binding, relied on three spirit power light circles to bind the opponent, preventing them from moving, but the opponent could still release Spirit Abilities and resist.
Now, the first Spirit Ability, Imprisonment, directly caused the opponent to enter an Imprisonment state where their mind could still function, but all Spirit Abilities requiring physical action could not be used, and no part of their body could move.
It could be said that the current Imprisonment was a complete upgrade from the previous Binding.
The second Spirit Ability changed even more significantly. The original second Spirit Ability, Chaos, caused the opponent's sense of direction to randomly change every second, but now the second Spirit Ability, Fixed Awareness, could directly stop the opponent's mind from functioning.Chapter 53: Pure Land
If one's thoughts stop functioning, then needless to say, they'd be like a vegetable, completely at Ye Chen's mercy.
Furthermore, there are two divine-grade Spirits on the continent: Seraphim and Sea God.
Their owners are Qian Daoliu, Qian Renxue, and Poseidon, respectively.
And divine-grade Spirits come with their own exclusive Domains. For example, Qian Daoliu and Qian Renxue both possess the Angelic Domain, while Poseidon possesses the Sea God Domain.
Yes, Qian Xunji, who had been 'cold' for over ten years, also had the Angelic Domain.
Ye Chen's Qingjing Bamboo Staff Spirit, having reached divine-grade quality, was naturally no exception and awakened its exclusive Spirit Domain.
"Pure Nether Domain? What are its effects?"
The attribute panel only displayed the Domain's name, without specific annotations, which left Ye Chen a bit confused.
Immediately, Ye Chen released the Pure Nether Domain.
Instantly, a Domain radiating a white jade luster bloomed forth. Within the Domain's covered area, every detail, no matter how small, was perceived clearly by Ye Chen.
After a moment of sensing, Ye Chen understood the Pure Nether Domain's functions.
The Pure Nether Domain is not like the Slaughter God Domain, which can suppress enemies and boost one's own strength. Instead, it leans towards a support type.
The Pure Nether Domain can enhance the effects of all Ye Chen's Spirit Abilities by 50%, and it can also break through other Domains.
Additionally, while within the Domain, one's mental force consumption can be rapidly recovered, and it also possesses the effect of Pure Nether concentration.
"Tsk tsk~, a bit invincible!"
Feeling the effects of the Pure Nether Domain, Ye Chen was extremely satisfied.
This Domain's effects are stronger than any other Domain, because in the future, when Ye Chen faces opponents with Domains, their Domains will be ineffective, while Ye Chen's Domain can be used normally.
However, Domains that can break through other Domains do exist. For example, Sea Dragon Douluo of Sea God Island possesses the Demon-Shattering Domain, which can break through the effects of other Domains.
It's just unknown whether Ye Chen would still be able to use his Domain if he were to face off against Sea Dragon Douluo.
But in Ye Chen's opinion, if his strength was inferior to Sea Dragon Douluo's, then the Pure Nether Domain would likely be ineffective. If his strength was above Sea Dragon Douluo's, then it should be effective.
Similarly, when facing a Spirit Master with a Domain, if Ye Chen's strength is inferior and the gap is too large, the Pure Nether Domain's effect of breaking through other Domains would probably also be ineffective.
"Brother, is this your Domain?"
Just then, Xiao Wu's voice sounded from beside him.
"Yes, this is my Pure Nether Domain."
Ye Chen wasn't surprised that Xiao Wu could recognize a Domain. Although Xiao Wu didn't have such a thing, her younger brothers, Da Ming and Er Ming, both did.
"Oh? Has your Spirit evolved?"
Looking at the white jade-colored Qingjing Bamboo Staff in Ye Chen's hand, Xiao Wu asked in surprise.
"Mhm, the previous Ink Jade Divine Bamboo Staff was a top-grade Spirit. Now, the Qingjing Bamboo Staff has already reached the divine-grade Spirit rank."
"Divine-grade Spirit?"
Xiao Wu had only heard of ordinary Spirits, high-grade Spirits, and top-grade Spirits, but she had never heard of a divine-grade Spirit.
"Spirits are inherited from parents and ancestors. When a Spirit Master becomes a God, the inherited Spirit can reach divine-grade quality."
Ye Chen explained to Xiao Wu.
It's just unknown how the Seraphim and Sea God Spirits are passed down. Is it through offspring or directly bestowed?
Anyway, in the original work, there was no mention of the Angel God marrying or Poseidon having a wife.
As for why Ye Chen could be sure that the Angel God was a goddess? Does it even need to be said? The statue of the Angel God enshrined in Spirit Hall had large 'pecs'!
Of course, a strong Spirit quality doesn't necessarily mean strong personal strength.
For example, Qian Daoliu's Seraphim Spirit was of divine-grade quality, while Tang Chen's Clear Sky Hammer Spirit was of top-grade quality, yet Qian Daoliu's strength was slightly inferior to Tang Chen's.
The gap was even larger between Qian Xunji and Tang Hao.
"Is it that amazing?"
Xiao Wu's eyes widened. She remembered that Ye Chen's initial Spirit was just an ordinary Bamboo Staff, right?
The first evolution, from an ordinary Bamboo Staff Spirit to the top-grade Ink Jade Divine Bamboo Staff, and this time, it actually evolved to the divine-grade quality Qingjing Bamboo Staff.
"Of course, your brother is no ordinary person!"
Ye Chen puffed out his chest and said proudly.
"By the way, Xiao Wu, after my Spirit evolved, the Spirit Ability effects also changed a bit. Do you want to try it?"
"I don't want to!"
Xiao Wu immediately shook her head like a rattle-drum.
Are you kidding? Does he think Sister Xiao Wu is still the same stubborn Sister Xiao Wu from before?
"Alright~"
Ye Chen felt a little disappointed. As Xiao Wu grew up, she seemed to become smarter and prettier, unlike her naive and adorable self when she was younger.
"Hmph~, Brother, you only know how to bully me!"
Looking at Ye Chen's slightly disappointed gaze, Xiao Wu was indignant.
"Haha, no~, absolutely not! My Xiao Wu is so cute, I couldn't bear to bully her."
Saying that, Ye Chen stroked Xiao Wu's rabbit ears.
"Hmph~"
...
Time flew by, and in a blink of an eye, it was Shrek Academy's enrollment period for this year.
Actually, after Ye Chen and Xiao Wu came to Shrek Academy last year, there was also an enrollment, but although many people signed up last year, not a single one was able to enroll.
After all, Shrek Academy's conditions were not great, and it held no appeal for exceptionally talented geniuses.
Why would those who met Shrek Academy's enrollment requirements not go to the better Tian Dou Royal Academy or the Four Element Academies?
And Flender wouldn't accept ordinary geniuses. This resulted in Shrek Academy having only five students, including Ye Chen and Xiao Wu, to date.
However, this year's situation was different. If the original plot trajectory hadn't changed, Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong should be coming to Shrek Academy.
'My little butterfly, it shouldn't have caused too much change, right?'
Ye Chen thought to himself.
Ye Chen was aware of the butterfly effect, but he felt that his influence on the original plot trajectory, so far, shouldn't have been significant.
It was just taking Xiao Wu away and driving Tang Little San and Tang Hao out of Saint Spirit Village?
Ye Chen couldn't be sure about other aspects, but two things were certain: Tang Little San definitely wouldn't come to Shrek Academy, and he wouldn't be able to possess the Eight Spider Lances external Spirit Bone.
Since Tang Little San didn't become Yu Xiaogang's disciple, he wouldn't come to a mediocre academy like Shrek Academy.
And because of the changes Ye Chen brought about, perhaps Tang Little San might already be a three-ring Spirit Elder by now.
Even if he had immense protagonist's luck and could obtain an external Spirit Bone, it certainly wouldn't be the Eight Spider Lances.
Furthermore, external Spirit Bones are much rarer than 100,000-year Spirit Bones, so Tang Little San probably wouldn't have that luck.Chapter 54 I didn't mean it!
Ever since Flender learned to extort, Shrek Academy's teaching funds had improved.
Within the academy, compared to the previous dilapidated wooden houses, everything had been torn down and rebuilt into brand new wooden houses.
Well, although they were still wooden houses, they looked much more pleasing to the eye.
Even the academy's rundown wooden archway had been replaced with a granite structure.
It wasn't luxurious, but it no longer had that dilapidated look from before.
In addition, the quality of the food in the cafeteria had also improved significantly, changing from the original plain vegetables and steamed buns to a mix of meat and vegetables. Cooked by 'chef' Shao Xin, it was nutritious and tasted excellent.
After breakfast, Ye Chen followed Li Yusong to the main entrance of Shrek Academy to participate in the enrollment work.
Of course, the enrollment work at Shrek Academy wasn't just handled by Ye Chen and Li Yusong; they were only responsible for the first round of screening.
When Ye Chen and Li Yusong arrived at the academy's main entrance, they found that hundreds of teenagers and their parents had already gathered outside.
Immediately, Ye Chen pulled out a table and two chairs from his spirit tool and placed them at the entrance.
"Alright, everyone, the registration for our Shrek Academy officially begins! Those who wish to register can come forward!"
After taking their seats, Li Yusong spoke to the crowd gathered outside the entrance.
Soon, the line formed.
"Can the students who graduate from your academy really become an Empire Viscount?"
A parent at the very front of the line asked, somewhat uncertainly.
"That's right. After becoming a three-ring Spirit Elder, as long as you join the Empire, you can become a Baron.
And the prerequisite for graduating from our Shrek Academy is to become a four-ring Spirit Ancestor. Graduates, as long as they join the Empire, can naturally become Viscounts."
Before Li Yusong could speak, Ye Chen began to explain.
"Then, can your Shrek Academy really train my son to become a Spirit Ancestor?"
The parent's eyes lit up, and he pointed at the teenager behind him, asking Ye Chen.
"Your son cannot; he does not meet the admission requirements of our Shrek Academy. You should leave to avoid wasting the registration fee."
Although the teenager was about the same age as Ye Chen, putting aside the spirit ring configuration, his spirit power level was still at level 19, which did not meet Shrek Academy's admission requirements.
Shrek Academy's admission requirements were, first and foremost, that the age could not exceed 12 years old, and the spirit power level must be that of a Spirit Grandmaster at level 20 or above, with a spirit ring configuration of two yellow rings.
And this was only the first stage; only those whose spirit power level reached 25 could bypass the previous assessments and directly enter the final combat assessment.
Ye Chen said this for the sake of these teenagers and their parents. Although ten gold coins, in his opinion, were just a drop in the bucket, for ordinary people, it was not a small sum of money.
"Why? My son is one of the best in his junior Spirit Master academy."
The teenager's parent was unconvinced. In his opinion, although his son's talent wasn't exceptional, it was still quite good. Could he not even qualify for this broken academy?
"Our academy's admission requirements are that age cannot exceed 12, spirit power level must reach Spirit Grandmaster, and spirit ring configuration must be two yellow. Those queuing behind, please listen as well; if you don't meet the requirements, please leave directly!"
Ye Chen said this not only to the parent in front of him but also to the people queuing behind.
Li Yusong, who was beside him, couldn't help but twitch his mouth after hearing Ye Chen's words.
One must know that the registration fee of ten gold coins per person was one of Shrek Academy's important sources of income, but with Ye Chen's words, this income for Shrek Academy would be greatly reduced.
Fortunately, Flender had acquired a lot of gold coins through extortion; otherwise, the academy's expenses this year certainly couldn't have been maintained.
"Your Shrek Academy is so broken, yet your requirements are so strict?"
The parent's eyes widened, and he pointed at the gate of Shrek Academy, saying with a look of disbelief.
Although the current Shrek Academy was somewhat better than before, it was still very limited and still couldn't compare to those junior Spirit Master academies.
In this parent's opinion, he hadn't even started to complain about how broken Shrek Academy was, and he didn't expect Shrek Academy to be picky first—this was outrageous!
"Alright, no more nonsense. Do what you need to do; don't waste time!"
Waving his hand, Ye Chen didn't plan to waste any more words.
"You guys are ruthless!"
After muttering, the parent left with his son.
Not only did this parent leave, but even the queuing crowd also decreased by eighty to ninety percent, leaving only a dozen or so people.
At the very front of the line was a fair-skinned girl with long flaxen hair, looking youthful and lively.
'This should be Ning Rongrong, right?'
With Ye Chen's impressive mental force, it wasn't difficult to see that the girl's spirit power level was at 26, a Spirit Grandmaster. Coupled with her cute and sweet appearance, it was definitely Ning Rongrong.
'Tsk tsk~, her looks are good, but her 'chest muscles' are a bit lacking!'
Glancing at Ning Rongrong's 'chest muscles,' which had just begun to develop, Ye Chen withdrew his gaze, looking forward to the arrival of Zhu Zhuqing, who possessed 'ample assets.'
"I want to register!"
At this moment, Ning Rongrong stepped forward and said to Li Yusong, also curiously glancing at Ye Chen.
"The registration fee is ten gold coins."
Li Yusong pointed to a wooden box on the table and said indifferently.
"Here!"
"Hold out your hand!"
Obediently, Ning Rongrong extended her hand.
Li Yusong pinched it and said, "Good, your age is suitable. Release your Spirit and let me see."
Immediately, Ning Rongrong nodded, and her Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda Spirit appeared, with two yellow spirit rings blooming.
"Oh? Are your family members aware that you're here?"
Li Yusong asked, frowning.
"It's said that there is no discrimination in education. As long as I meet the academy's requirements, you have no reason not to accept me, do you?"
Ning Rongrong said with a smile.
"Alright, you take her in."
After some hesitation, Li Yusong said to Ye Chen.
"How about we wait a bit? Her spirit power level is 26, so she can directly enter the final assessment. There's also one more person in the line who meets the criteria; I'll take them both over together then."
Ye Chen said to Li Yusong.
That's right, at the back of the line, a 'generously endowed' girl had arrived.
Long black hair cascaded over her shoulders, her face slightly lowered, and her height was similar to Ning Rongrong's, with similarly fair skin.
However, this girl gave off a unique feeling.
Her extremely full figure was quite inconsistent with her age; if not for her slightly tender face, she could easily be mistaken for a young woman, especially her magnificent bosom, which would attract the gaze of all men—a standard loli with huge breasts.
It was just a bit regrettable that the girl's expression was very cold, her pair of black eyes seemingly devoid of any vitality.Chapter 55 The child will definitely not be left hungry!
With such 'endowment' and a spirit power level of 27 as a Spirit Grandmaster, this had to be Zhu Zhuqing.
"Oh? Your spirit power level is 26?"
Li Yusong, who was beside them, immediately looked at Ning Rongrong in surprise.
He hadn't paid much attention before, so Li Yusong hadn't noticed that Ning Rongrong was a 26th-level Spirit Grandmaster.
After feeling her bones, Li Yusong knew that Ning Rongrong was only 12 years old. To reach a 26th-level Spirit Grandmaster at 12, while not comparable to Ye Chen and Xiao Wu, was still exceptional talent.
'It seems we have new students joining this year.'
Li Yusong thought to himself as he looked at Ning Rongrong.
"How did you know I'm a 26th-level Spirit Grandmaster?"
Ning Rongrong asked Ye Chen with a curious expression.
"Isn't it normal for a high-level Spirit Master to see through the spirit power level of a lower-level Spirit Master?"
Ning Rongrong: "..."
If Ye Chen was much older than her, then saying that would be fine, but the key was that Ye Chen looked to be about the same age as her, which really frustrated Ning Rongrong.
"Hmph~"
Previously, within her Sect, Ning Rongrong had always been a favored child of heaven. Now, for the first time, she was belittled by a peer, and she immediately became displeased.
Originally, Ning Rongrong had a slight good impression of the plain-looking Ye Chen, but now, her favorability immediately dropped to zero, even to a negative number.
Ye Chen paid no attention to Ning Rongrong's cold snort, turning his gaze to Zhu Zhuqing, who was at the very end of the line.
'Tsk tsk~, what kind of feed did she grow up on? Such a magnificent endowment, she'll definitely never starve her children in the future~!'
Ye Chen secretly smacked his lips as he looked at Zhu Zhuqing's impressive chest.
Hmm, the children probably wouldn't be able to finish it all. Perhaps he could even share some to taste?
Noticing Ye Chen's gaze, Ning Rongrong also looked over and immediately spotted Zhu Zhuqing with her impressive chest.
'So big~'
Involuntarily, Ning Rongrong compared it to her own 'steamed buns,' as if feeling critical damage.
Not long after, it was Zhu Zhuqing's turn.
"Hmm, she's 12 years old. Uh~, Hell Civet?"
Having been prepared earlier, Li Yusong knew that Zhu Zhuqing's spirit power level was not low, but upon seeing her Hell Civet Spirit, Li Yusong was also stunned.
Although the Hell Civet Spirit was not a top-tier Spirit, its reputation on the continent was not low. This Spirit could form the Spirit Fusion Skill—Hell White Tiger—with the White Tiger Spirit of the Star Luo Royal Family's Dai Family, which Li Yusong naturally recognized.
Thinking of Dai Mubai in the Academy, Li Yusong had a guess.
"Ye Chen, you take them both inside!"
Waving his hand, Li Yusong told Ye Chen to take Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing inside.
In fact, there had been other youths who passed the first round before, but Ye Chen was too lazy to move, only telling them the location of the next assessment.
Anyway, besides Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing, no one else could pass the entrance exam. Since they weren't his classmates, Ye Chen couldn't be bothered to waste his effort.
Li Yusong also had no way to deal with Ye Chen, and since these youths who passed the preliminary test weren't particularly outstanding, he didn't bother to interfere much.
"Alright, you two, follow me!"
Ye Chen stood up and greeted Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing.
...
"Junior sisters, my name is Ye Chen. May I know your names?"
Walking with Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing on the Shrek Academy's training ground, Ye Chen asked the two of them.
"Ning Rongrong."
"Zhu Zhuqing."
"Hmm, one from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, and one from the Hell Civet Zhu Family of the Star Luo Empire. I can roughly guess why Zhu Zhuqing came to Shrek Academy, but what about you, Ning Rongrong?"
To be honest, Ye Chen couldn't understand why Ning Rongrong, the young mistress of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, would come to Shrek Academy. It didn't make any sense, did it?
"Why can't I come to Shrek Academy?"
Ning Rongrong glared at Ye Chen in displeasure.
She couldn't very well say that she had run away from home, come to Soto City, heard that Shrek Academy was recruiting, and then came over, could she?
"You know why I came to Shrek Academy?"
Zhu Zhuqing asked Ye Chen curiously.
"Indeed, you must be here to find Dai Mubai, right? Tsk tsk~, what a pity!"
Saying that, Ye Chen even shook his head.
"Pity? Why?"
Zhu Zhuqing was a little puzzled.
"I won't say. I don't want to be misunderstood as slandering someone behind their back. It's better for you to find out for yourself."
Ye Chen felt that it wasn't good for him to directly tell Zhu Zhuqing that Dai Mubai was a scumbag and that she had put her trust in the wrong person. Otherwise, Zhu Zhuqing might misunderstand him as a villain slandering someone behind their back.
"..."
At this moment, even though she hadn't met Dai Mubai yet, Zhu Zhuqing had a bad premonition.
"Ye Chen, what is your spirit power?"
Earlier, Ye Chen had seen through her spirit power level with just a glance. Ning Rongrong guessed that Ye Chen's spirit power level was significantly higher than hers, and she was a little curious.
"Are you sure you want me to say it? I'm afraid you'll become withdrawn after I do!"
"Tch~, don't tell me you're a Titled Douluo?"
Ning Rongrong said with a look of disdain.
"Ahem, well, although I'm not a Titled Douluo yet, in ten years, I will definitely be a Titled Douluo!"
In ten years, Ye Chen would be 22 years old. With the assistance of his cheat-like abilities, if he still hadn't advanced to a Titled Douluo by 22, Ye Chen might as well find a block of tofu to smash his head against.
"How old are you?"
"The same as you all, 12 years old."
"A 22-year-old Titled Douluo? I don't believe a word of it!
It's well known that the youngest Titled Douluo on the continent is Clear Sky Douluo Tang Hao, but even he only advanced to Titled Douluo at 44. Are you saying you're even more powerful than His Excellency Clear Sky?"
Ning Rongrong immediately retorted.
"Tang Hao is powerful, but he's not invincible. And you're wrong about one thing: the youngest Titled Douluo on the continent currently isn't Tang Hao, but someone else."
Ye Chen corrected Ning Rongrong's mistake.
"Who? Is there anyone on the continent who became a Titled Douluo earlier than Clear Sky Douluo?"
Ning Rongrong said in surprise, and even Zhu Zhuqing, who was beside them, perked up her ears.
"If someone would beg me, I might be merciful enough to tell her."
Ye Chen hinted at something.
"Tch~, never mind if you won't say!"
Ning Rongrong pouted. Asking her to beg someone? Impossible!
"Alright, for Junior Sister Zhuqing's sake, I'll tell you both. But you must not tell anyone else!
This is a secret, and not many people on the continent know about it. And neither I nor you can afford to offend the person involved."
"Mm-hmm, don't worry, Zhuqing and I definitely won't say anything."
Ning Rongrong patted her chest, indicating that she wasn't a bigmouth.
"This person is Supreme Pontiff Bibi Dong.
And even now, Bibi Dong is considered a top-tier powerhouse among Titled Douluo. There are very few on the continent who can defeat her."