Chapter 161 Big Brother and Dear Brother
Of course, Ning Rongrong thought gold coins were easy to earn because she bet correctly. If she hadn't, it would have been money down the drain.
Actually, logically speaking, Shrek Academy and Canghui Academy had similar reputations. Both were unremarkable Spirit Master academies, so the odds for both sides should have been around 1 to 1.
However, after Shrek won, the odds were only 1 to 1.7. Ye Chen estimated that this was probably due to the small total volume of the betting pool, and his side having placed too many bets, which led to a significant decrease in the odds.
Of course, even so, Ye Chen still made a huge profit.
When placing the bet earlier, Ye Chen rounded it up and directly bet eleven million gold coins. According to the 1 to 1.7 odds, after one round and deducting the Great Spirit Arena's five percent commission, he still had over seventeen million seven hundred thousand gold coins left.
In just two matches, his seven million gold coins from the morning had turned into over seventeen million seven hundred thousand, which was an extra 0.1 of a small goal.
After happily cashing in his betting slips, Ye Chen and the other three removed their disguises, ready to return to the Academy with everyone else.
However, just as they exited the Great Spirit Arena, a stranger approached them.
"Greetings, Miss, Young Master Chen."
The young man bowed to Ning Rongrong and Ye Chen.
"Wang Lin? Is something wrong?"
Just as Ye Chen was feeling a bit confused, Ning Rongrong spoke.
Ye Chen didn't know him, but Ning Rongrong did. Wang Lin was a disciple of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School and one of her Father Ning Fengzhi's errand boys.
"Miss, Sect Master has something he wishes to discuss with Young Master Chen."
"Did Father say what it was about?"
Ning Rongrong immediately asked.
"Sect Master didn't say, he only instructed me to take Young Master Chen to the Tiandou Great Hotel."
'Father-in-law is treating?'
Ye Chen raised an eyebrow. It was almost noon, so was his Father-in-law inviting him to a meal?
"Rongrong, Xiao Wu, Zhuqing, you all go back to the Academy with the Dean and the others first."
After thinking for a moment, Ye Chen said to the three of them.
Ning Fengzhi was usually very busy, either dealing with Sect matters or saving fox-eared girls. If he was inviting him now, it shouldn't just be for a simple meal, otherwise, he would definitely have called Ning Rongrong too.
"Alright then~"
Pouting, Ning Rongrong nodded.
"Please lead the way!"
Ye Chen turned to Wang Lin and said.
Afterward, Ye Chen followed Wang Lin to the Tiandou Great Hotel.
...
The Tiandou Great Hotel truly lived up to its Heaven Dou name, decorated lavishly and looking high-end and classy.
The Angel Miss at the entrance and the Server Miss inside were all good-looking, at least the prettiest girls in their class if this were Ye Chen's previous life.
Of course, Ye Chen was not a vulgar person, so his eyes naturally wouldn't stare at the Miss's twisting, perky backside.
"Young Master Chen, Sect Master is already waiting for you in the private room."
Upon arriving at the door of a private room on the third floor, Wang Lin said to Ye Chen.
"Mm."
Nodding, Ye Chen pushed open the door of the private room and walked in.
Upon entering the private room, Ye Chen noticed that Ning Fengzhi was not the only one there.
Grandpa Gu, as a bodyguard, was naturally present, sitting to Ning Fengzhi's left. To Ning Fengzhi's right, there was also an elegant and noble young man.
'Qian Renxue is here too?'
Ye Chen didn't expect that Qian Renxue, disguised as Crown Prince Xue Qinghe, would also be present.
That's right, Xue Qinghe was Ning Fengzhi's disciple. Ye Chen guessed that his Father-in-law, Ning Fengzhi, wanted to introduce Xue Qinghe to him.
"Xiao Chen is here, quickly, take a seat!"
As soon as Ning Fengzhi saw Ye Chen enter, he immediately greeted him.
"Greetings, Uncle Ning, Grandpa Gu, and who is this big brother?"
Ye Chen first greeted Ning Fengzhi, then feigned curiosity as he asked about Qian Renxue.
This time, Ye Chen didn't directly call him 'Father-in-law,' after all, there were outsiders present! That's right, this outsider referred to Qian Renxue.
"Haha, Xiao Chen, let me introduce you. This is the Empire's Crown Prince Xue Qinghe, and also my disciple. Brother Qinghe, this is Ye Chen."
Ning Fengzhi introduced the two.
"I've long heard about Brother Ye Chen from my teacher. I never had the chance to meet him before, but today I finally do.
Brother is only 14 years old and has already cultivated to a Level 39 Spirit Elder at such a young age. It seems my teacher's judgment is indeed extraordinary."
Qian Renxue said with a smile.
'Don't you know what my strength is?'
Looking at the smiling Qian Renxue, Ye Chen secretly complained.
Of course, he couldn't say that out loud. The Angel Miss's identity hadn't been exposed yet! Ye Chen could only be polite on the surface.
"Not at all, Crown Prince, you flatter me."
"Brother Ye Chen, calling me Crown Prince makes it seem too formal."
Qian Renxue pretended to be displeased.
"Since that's the case, then I'll call you Brother Qinghe."
(I'll call you Xue'er sooner or later!)
"That's how it should be! Brother, quickly take a seat!"
Immediately, Qian Renxue gestured for Ye Chen to sit beside him.
"I wonder how Brother cultivates? When I was fourteen, I was only a Two-Ring Spirit Grandmaster. Of course, if it's inconvenient for Brother to say, then let's not mention it."
Qian Renxue asked Ye Chen curiously. She knew that Ye Chen was not a Level 39 Spirit Elder, but a Six-Ring Spirit Emperor.
Qian Renxue's talent was very strong, a peerless genius with innate Level 20 spirit power. However, Xue Qinghe's own talent was ordinary, so it wasn't surprising that his spirit power level was that of a Two-Ring Spirit Grandmaster at fourteen.
"There's nothing that can't be said. Earlier years, I obtained some Immortal Herbs, which greatly increased my spirit power and talent, plus a tiny bit of effort, and that's how I am today."
That's right, just a tiny bit of effort!
"Hehe, it seems Brother has extraordinary opportunities~"
In fact, Qian Renxue already had a guess as to why Ye Chen was able to cultivate to the Spirit Emperor level at such a young age.
When she first learned about Ye Chen's information, she found that Ye Chen's inherent talent and cultivation speed were abnormal, so she specifically asked Sha Long to check for information.
After spending some effort searching for information, Qian Renxue learned that there were also supreme treasures like Immortal Herbs on the continent. Ye Chen's rapid cultivation speed was most likely due to Immortal Herbs.
She had also used the Spirit Hall's power to search for them, but Immortal Herbs were not ordinary items; how could they be so easy to find? Naturally, she found nothing.
Just then, the private room door was pushed open, and the Server Miss began serving the dishes.
"Alright, Brother Qinghe, Xiao Chen, let's eat first and chat while we eat."
Seeing that all the food and wine had been served, Ning Fengzhi greeted the two.
Seeing that there was also wine on the table, Ye Chen thought for a moment and immediately had an idea: getting the Angel Miss drunk seemed like a good plan?
As for whether he could get Qian Renxue drunk, that would be seen later.
Ye Chen asked the Server to fill his cup, then raised it to Ning Fengzhi and said, "Uncle Ning, your nephew thanks you for your care. I'll drink to that."
Chapter 162: Giving Qian Renxue a drink
"En."
Ning Fengzhi nodded.
Although Ye Chen was only 14 years old, he was a boy, so how could he not drink? Anyway, Ye Chen's strength was not bad, so a little drink wouldn't hurt.
The wine glass wasn't big, only about fifty milliliters, and Ye Chen downed it in one gulp.
"Grandpa Gu, I also thank you for your care. Please, help yourself~"
'When did this old man ever take care of you?'
Although Gu Rong was a bit confused, unsure when he had taken care of Ye Chen, since Ye Chen said so, he wouldn't refuse and also downed his drink.
"Brother Qinghe, we've become like old friends today. Let's have one!"
Ye Chen raised a glass to Qian Renxue.
"Hehe, alright!"
Although Qian Renxue was a girl and didn't like to drink, she couldn't refuse this gesture, so she also downed it in one gulp.
Perhaps the alcohol content wasn't high, or perhaps Ye Chen's physique was strong, but after three consecutive glasses, Ye Chen didn't feel any discomfort.
"Brother Qinghe, this glass is to wish our Shrek Team victory. Cheers!"
...
"Brother Qinghe, for our Heaven Dou Empire to win the Soul Master Competition this year, cheers!"
...
"Brother Qinghe, for our friendship, cheers!"
...
"Cough cough, my dear brother, let's not drink anymore for now. Eat your food, eat your food!"
Qian Renxue, whose face was flushed from drinking a lot, said to Ye Chen.
As the Crown Prince of the Heaven Dou Empire, Qian Renxue wasn't without social engagements in the past, but as the Crown Prince, no one dared to force her to drink. They would always just take a sip, so her alcohol tolerance naturally wasn't very good.
If it were a slow pace, with a Spirit Master's physical constitution far exceeding that of ordinary people, it wouldn't matter.
But Ye Chen kept toasting one glass after another without stopping, and Qian Renxue, who had never experienced such a situation, couldn't handle it.
At this moment, Ning Fengzhi and Gu Rong on the side were also a bit dumbfounded.
What was wrong with Ye Chen today? Could it be that he had an issue with Xue Qinghe, why was he specifically forcing him to drink?
"Alright then, let's eat first."
Smacking his lips, Ye Chen nodded.
However, very quickly, Ye Chen found another excuse to force drinks, and gradually, Qian Renxue started to succumb to the alcohol.
Perhaps having never drunk so much before, Qian Renxue also let loose more, and as she drank, she started putting her arm around Ye Chen's shoulder.
Of course, this was initiated by Ye Chen.
But there was nothing wrong with it; isn't it normal for good friends to put their arms around each other when drinking?
Suddenly, Ye Chen started to push his luck.
"Huh? Brother Qinghe, why do I feel like your pectoral muscles are a bit exaggerated?"
As he spoke, Ye Chen even reached out a hand and touched Qian Renxue's 'unremarkable' chest.
'Flat?'
It was confirmed, Qian Renxue, after disguising herself, had a flat chest.
He just didn't know whether Angel Miss stood or squatted when she relieved herself. Ye Chen expressed some curiosity.
"Where? *Burp*~ You might have seen wrong, right?"
With a burp, Qian Renxue said nonchalantly, not realizing anything was amiss.
"Is that so? Hmm, I guess I saw wrong. Come, Brother Qinghe, let's continue drinking!"
Seeing that Qian Renxue didn't have a strong reaction, Ye Chen knew that Angel Miss was a bit drunk. Otherwise, in her normal state, she would definitely be jumping up and down by now.
"Cough cough, my dear brother, no more drinking, no more drinking!"
Qian Renxue still had some sense left, knowing that if she continued to be forced to drink, she would collapse from intoxication. She absolutely couldn't drink anymore.
'Tsk tsk~, what a pity.'
After trying to persuade her for a while, seeing that Qian Renxue still refused, and feeling his own tongue getting a bit thick, Ye Chen gave up the idea of continuing to force drinks.
If he couldn't get Angel Miss drunk this time, then he would do it next time. There was no rush anyway.
...
"Xiao Chen, did you know Brother Qinghe before?"
After the meal, Ning Fengzhi asked Ye Chen. As for Qian Renxue, she had already been carried onto a carriage by the Crown Princes Mansion guards and returned to the Crown Princes Mansion.
"No~"
He had interacted with Angel Miss before, but he really hadn't known Xue Qinghe previously.
"Then do you have an issue with Brother Qinghe?"
Seeing Ye Chen relentlessly forcing Qian Renxue to drink at the dinner table, Ning Fengzhi felt that Ye Chen definitely had an issue with Xue Qinghe.
"What are you talking about! Brother Qinghe and I became like old friends at first sight. Where would I have any issue?"
Ning Fengzhi, Gu Rong: "..."
Even if they became like old friends at first sight, no one would get someone drunk and make them collapse the first time they met, right?
"Never mind, let's not talk about this. What's going on with Rongrong's Spirit?"
Waving his hand, Ning Fengzhi skipped this topic and asked about his precious daughter.
During the competition earlier, he had noticed that his precious daughter Ning Rongrong's Spirit had actually changed again.
"Hehe, your eyesight is pretty good, isn't it? Rongrong's Spirit has indeed evolved again."
Ye Chen hadn't expected Ning Fengzhi's eyes to be so sharp, observing so carefully.
Even Flender and Liu Erlong hadn't noticed this issue yet!
Hearing this, Ning Fengzhi and Gu Rong exchanged glances.
The Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda Spirit was recorded within the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, but Ning Fengzhi had never heard that the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda Spirit could evolve again.
"Can the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda Spirit evolve again?"
Ning Fengzhi asked with a curious expression.
"Hmm, Father-in-law, have you ever heard of a God-level Spirit?"
Ye Chen said mysteriously.
"God-level Spirit? What kind of Spirit is that? Is it a Spirit passed down from the legendary Divinities?"
Gu Rong immediately took over the conversation.
"You could say that. Anyway, the Spirit Hall's Seraphim Spirit and Sea God Island's Sea God Spirit are indeed inherited from Divinities. The quality and abilities of God-level Spirits are indeed much stronger than top-tier Spirits."
"So, there really is a Divinity behind Spirit Hall?"
Gu Rong exclaimed. He used to think that the Angel God worshipped by Spirit Hall was fictitious! He hadn't expected a Divinity to actually exist.
"What kind of power is Sea God Island?"
Ning Fengzhi, on the other hand, asked about Sea God Island.
"There is indeed a Divinity behind Spirit Hall, but it's not on the continent, and whether it's still alive, I don't know. But what's certain is that there definitely will be in the future.
As for Sea God Island, it's the place of the Sea God's trials left in the world, located in the vast sea outside the continent."
Ye Chen gave them a brief explanation.
"Xiao Chen, are you saying that a Divinity will emerge from Spirit Hall in the future?"
Ning Fengzhi said with a frown.
After reaching the Titled Douluo spirit power level, the strength gap between each spirit power level is quite significant, especially after reaching level 95. Even more so.
And Divinities are above Titled Douluo, so their strength must be worlds apart. Once a Divinity from Spirit Hall emerges in the future, wouldn't it directly crush the entire continent?
"Yes, Spirit Hall has the Angel Godhood trials, which means the top powerhouses of the Angel Family have never had a break in their lineage. As long as a genius with innate full spirit power or higher appears, they have a chance to inherit the Angel God Position and become the new generation's Angel God."
Chapter 163 The Greasy Old Man Following
"Then what should we do?"
If Ning Fengzhi wasn't the Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, and if the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School was just a small power, then whether there were Divinities or not wouldn't concern him much.
However, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School happened to be one of the most prominent powers on the continent. If Spirit Hall's Divinities descended in the future and wanted to unify the continent, what would become of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School?
"You don't need to worry about that. We'll deal with future matters in the future. If the sky falls, isn't there still a tall person to hold it up?"
If Ye Chen were to tell Ning Fengzhi now that his beloved daughter and future son-in-law could both become Divinities, Ning Fengzhi definitely wouldn't believe him, so Ye Chen had no intention of saying more.
Ning Fengzhi looked at Ye Chen speechlessly. His Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School was precisely one of those few tall people.
"Forget it, tell me about Sea God Island. What kind of power is it, exactly?"
Although there were rumors of Sea God Island in the coastal areas, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School hadn't paid much attention to it. This was the first time Ning Fengzhi had heard of Sea God Island as a power.
"Sea God Island is just Sea God Island, you know~"
"...You brat, stop joking around. Tell me about the general strength of Sea God Island."
Ning Fengzhi rolled his eyes.
"You must have heard of Qian Daoliu and Tang Chen, right?"
"Mm."
Ning Fengzhi nodded.
Back in the day, when Qian Daoliu and Tang Chen were active on the continent, their names were very well-known, with titles like 'Invincible in the Sky' and 'Invincible on Land.' As a Sect Master, Ning Fengzhi, despite their different generations, had still heard of their names.
"Sea God Island has a Sea God Grand Priest, Poseidon, whose spirit power level has reached 99th level Titled Douluo, just half a step away from Divinity, known as 'Invincible in the Ocean.'
In a marine environment, both Qian Daoliu and Tang Chen have been defeated by Poseidon. Furthermore, besides Poseidon, Sea God Island has at least seven other Titled Douluo."
"Is it that powerful?"
Ning Fengzhi couldn't help but be astonished. Sea God Island had eight Titled Douluo; his own Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School simply couldn't compare, not to mention the super Douluo, Poseidon.
"Mm, I'll tell you quietly, but don't spread it around. That Qian Daoliu is even Poseidon's simp!"
"Cough cough~, simp?"
Ning Fengzhi was caught off guard.
"That's right. Spirit Hall's former Supreme Pontiff, Qian Xunji's mother, died early. When Qian Daoliu went to Sea God Island and met Poseidon, he immediately had ill intentions due to her beauty. Unfortunately, Poseidon liked strong men and fell for Tang Chen.
His beloved girl didn't fall for him, but rather for his rival. This made Qian Daoliu very sad and reclusive. So, for all these years, Qian Daoliu has become an old homebody, rarely leaving the Hall of Offerings."
"..."
Looking at Ye Chen, who was gossiping, Ning Fengzhi was somewhat speechless.
"Alright, you brat, tell me about Rongrong's Spirit transformation. Don't talk about these useless things."
Ning Fengzhi wasn't interested in the emotional stories and gossip between Qian Daoliu, Tang Chen, and Poseidon.
"Fine, if you don't like to hear it, I won't say anymore."
Seeing that Ning Fengzhi wasn't interested in this, Ye Chen also decided not to continue.
"Father-in-law, your son-in-law congratulates you."
Ye Chen said seriously.
"Oh? What's the good news?"
"Your title as the continent's number one support system Spirit Master will soon be no more."
Ning Fengzhi, an Eight-Ring Spirit Douluo, had an amplification of 90% for all his various attribute boosts. However, Ning Rongrong is currently only a Four-Ring Spirit Ancestor, and her amplification has already reached 75%. As long as Ning Rongrong advances to Five-Ring Spirit King, she will be able to amplify five attributes by 90%, matching Ning Fengzhi's amplification.
A Five-Ring Ning Rongrong, compared to an Eight-Ring Ning Fengzhi, would only lack a sixth and eighth Spirit Ability in terms of support.
And, her stamina would also be much less, because Ning Fengzhi's level is higher and he has more spirit power.
"Title no more? What do you mean?"
Ning Fengzhi was a bit confused.
"The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda and Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda Spirit's initial several attribute-boosting Spirit Abilities provide a 10% amplification, and for each additional ring, it increases by 10%. You are an Eight-Ring Soul Douluo, so your attribute amplification has reached 90%.
After Rongrong's Spirit transformed into the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, the initial amplification of her Spirit Abilities became 15%, and for each additional ring, it also increases by 15%. Currently, Rongrong's four amplification Spirit Abilities have already reached a 75% amplification."
Picking up the cup on the table, Ye Chen took a sip of hangover tea and said lightly.
"!!!"
Hearing this, both of them immediately widened their eyes.
After the Spirit transformed, the amplification effect actually increased by half? Is this the power of a divine Spirit? They loved it, loved it.
"Oh, and after Rongrong's Spirit transformed into a divine Spirit, her innate Domain also awakened."
"Innate Domain?"
"That's right. Divine Spirits are different from Spirits of other qualities; they come with an innate Domain. Rongrong's innate Domain is called the Nine-Colored Domain, and its effect is to reduce spirit power consumption by half."
"Mm, that's not bad."
Ning Fengzhi nodded, knowing his own business.
Although the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda Spirit can ignore level differences and amplify Spirit Masters whose levels exceed its own without any reduction in effect, this is not without cost. It requires a large amount of spirit power, so stamina is a major weakness.
With a Domain that reduces spirit power consumption by half, his beloved daughter's stamina in support will also be greatly enhanced in the future.
Afterward, after chatting for a while, Ye Chen took his leave.
Having made Angel Miss drink, Ye Chen naturally drank a lot too. Fortunately, he was only a bit muddled, and it didn't have much of an impact.
Actually, Ning Fengzhi also wanted to go to Shrek Academy, after all, his little darling's Spirit had transformed, so he had to go and see it with his own eyes. However, he had previously arranged to discuss matters with Emperor Xue Ye and couldn't stand him up.
...
Leaving the Tiandou Great Hotel, Ye Chen walked towards Shrek Academy.
And just as Ye Chen passed a restaurant, what he didn't notice was that Shi Nian had just finished eating with the Canghui Team and was preparing to return to Canghui Academy's residence in Heaven Dou City.
'That Ye Chen from the Shrek Team?'
The passing Ye Chen was naturally spotted by the sharp-eyed Shi Nian.
"You all go back first, I have something to do."
Shi Nian said to the Canghui Team.
"Yes."
Shen Xinshui and the others didn't suspect anything and nodded.
Subsequently, Shi Nian followed closely behind Ye Chen from a distance, becoming a greasy old man tailing him.
Although in Shi Nian's eyes, Ye Chen was only a 'Three-Ring Spirit Elder,' a notch below attack system Spirit Ancestor like Ma Hongjun, given his special Spirit Ability effects, Shi Nian felt that Ye Chen was barely worth his attention.
What Shi Nian didn't know was that he was about to 'capsize in the gutter,' after all, Ye Chen was a Six-Ring Spirit Emperor disguised as a Three-Ring Spirit Elder, not as harmless as he appeared on the surface.
Similarly, at this moment, Ye Chen also didn't know that an old YB behind him was preparing to make a move against him.
Chapter 164 There are always people who want to harm me
Although in the original novel, Shi Nian did try to harm Little San, that was after Canghui Academy and Shrek Academy had several conflicts. However, currently, besides Flender and Shi Nian's past grievances, there are no other issues between the two academies.
As for Canghui Academy losing the competition, in Ye Chen's view, that cannot be considered a grievance. If that were enough to hold a grudge, Canghui Academy would have been finished long ago.
'Hmph, this kid even drank alcohol? Good, consider it his last drink.'
Shi Nian, who was secretly following, noticed Ye Chen swaying a bit, and could smell alcohol from afar. He immediately realized Ye Chen had been drinking, and quite a lot, a cold sneer instantly appearing on his lips.
Ye Chen, walking on the Heaven Dou City streets, was feeling quite pleased with himself at this moment.
He had encountered Qian Renxue twice, and both times she seemed to have been bullied quite badly by him. He just wondered if she would throw a tantrum after waking up, now that he had hooked arms with her and plied her with alcohol.
'She shouldn't come looking for me, right?'
Ye Chen thought to himself.
Suddenly, Ye Chen felt something was wrong. The pedestrians coming and going in his line of sight, and the buildings beside him, seemed somewhat illusory? He immediately began to concentrate his mental force and examine them carefully.
In an instant, Ye Chen discovered that he had deviated from the direction back to Shrek Academy and was walking towards the Heaven Dou City gate.
'Which scoundrel wants to harm me?'
Realizing he had fallen into an illusion, his remaining tipsiness immediately vanished, and his mind cleared.
Judging by the level of this illusion, it was probably from a six or seven-ring Spirit Master. With a slight thought, Ye Chen linked it to Shi Nian of Canghui Academy. After all, there weren't many masters of mental illusions these days, and it was nine times out of ten Shi Nian.
In fact, with Ye Chen's mental force level, if he hadn't drunk so much alcohol earlier and felt a bit muddled, he would have definitely noticed it from the start.
'Damn it, is this old man Shi Nian so petty? Just because I won against his Canghui Academy, he wants to kill me?'
Ye Chen wasn't afraid of Shi Nian, but he felt that Shi Nian was too petty. If he couldn't win in a competition, he would resort to underhanded tactics?
Previously, when he realized Shi Nian possessed a rare head Spirit Bone, Ye Chen had originally planned to 'fish' for it. After all, he was a good young man and wouldn't actively kill people for treasures without reason.
But since the fish had delivered himself to his doorstep, Ye Chen naturally wouldn't be polite. He continued walking without stopping, pretending not to have seen through the illusion, and headed towards the outskirts of Heaven Dou City.
Not long after, Ye Chen arrived in the forest outside Heaven Dou City.
Seeing that this place was perfect for murder, arson, and destroying evidence, Ye Chen nodded in satisfaction.
"You stinking rat in the dark, come out!"
Yawning, Ye Chen looked at a large tree about ten meters to his front right.
"I didn't expect you, kid, to be able to find me?"
Exposed by Ye Chen, Shi Nian no longer hid and walked out from behind the large tree.
Shi Nian was a little surprised at this moment. He had originally planned to secretly kill Ye Chen in the illusion, but he didn't expect Ye Chen to discover him before he even made a move.
"Old man Shi Nian, didn't I just win against your Canghui Academy in a competition? Is it really necessary to go this far?"
Ye Chen rolled his eyes, truly not understanding what Shi Nian was thinking.
"Kid, for Canghui Academy to qualify for the promotion rounds, I can only send you on your way."
Feeling confident of victory, Shi Nian spoke indifferently with his hands behind his back.
Ye Chen narrowed his eyes: "I bet you wouldn't dare to kill me!"
It was only because Shi Nian hadn't investigated thoroughly. If he knew that Ye Chen was the future son-in-law of Ning Fengzhi, the Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, he would never have had this idea.
A mere Canghui Academy could not withstand the retaliation of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School. Of course, this premise was that Ye Chen had to be killed.
"Hmm? Why?"
Shi Nian raised an eyebrow.
"Old man, you've lived a long life, don't you know that some people can be provoked and some cannot? If you accidentally kick an iron plate, wouldn't you be finished?"
Ye Chen said with a playful expression.
"!!!"
At this moment, Shi Nian had a bad premonition. Could it be that this Ye Chen had some powerful background?
"Kid, who are you?"
Shi Nian narrowed his eyes, intending to get a clear answer.
Of course, even so, this Ye Chen still had to die.
If he had no background, he would just be killed. If he had a profound background, well, it would be the same.
After all, putting himself in Ye Chen's shoes, if someone tried to ambush him, he would definitely seek revenge afterward. The reason Shi Nian wanted to clarify was naturally to prepare in advance.
"You don't need to know that. A mere Spirit Saint, where do you get the confidence to ambush me?"
Immediately, the Pure Nether Bamboo Staff appeared in Ye Chen's hand, and six black ten-thousand-year spirit rings bloomed.
In Ye Chen's eyes, Shi Nian was already a dead man, so there was no need to hide his spirit rings.
"Six-ring Spirit Emperor? All black spirit rings? Impossible, absolutely impossible!"
As soon as the six black spirit rings appeared, Shi Nian was immediately shocked, exclaiming that it was impossible.
If the fourth spirit ring's age reached ten thousand years, while surprising, it wouldn't be incomprehensible. After all, there are always some geniuses who can exceed ordinary expectations.
But for even the first spirit ring's age to reach black ten thousand years, this could not be explained by the word 'genius' alone.
Impossible? Do you think you're Boss Cao?
"Hmph, a frog in a well. Just because you can't do it doesn't mean others can't! Third Spirit Ability, Banning God!"
Ye Chen curled his lips in disdain, no longer wasting words. With a wave of the bamboo staff in his hand, his third spirit ring flickered slightly, and a bamboo staff phantom glowing with a white jade luster rapidly flew out, instantly descending upon Shi Nian's head.
Shi Nian, who was in shock, saw Ye Chen activate his Spirit Ability, immediately snapped back to reality, and prepared to dodge.
Unfortunately, all of Ye Chen's Spirit Abilities came with a tracking and locking effect, making them not so easy to dodge, unless Shi Nian could Teleport over long distances.
"Thud—"
Unable to dodge, Shi Nian could only watch helplessly as the bamboo staff phantom struck his forehead.
In an instant, Shi Nian felt unwell. Although the blow to his forehead wasn't very powerful and didn't knock him out, his vast mental force could not be mobilized.
Without time to think, Shi Nian immediately thought of escaping.
Not to mention that his mental force was already sealed, even if his strength was at its peak, Shi Nian wasn't confident he could defeat Ye Chen.
Putting everything else aside, just the spirit ring configuration, which far exceeded the optimal ratio, made Shi Nian feel a sense of despair.
spirit rings provide comprehensive enhancements to a Spirit Master's strength. The higher the age, the greater the increase in strength. Six black spirit rings—to say he couldn't challenge across ranks, Shi Nian wouldn't believe it even if he died!
What's more, Shi Nian could also tell that the bamboo staff Spirit in Ye Chen's hand was of no simple quality, definitely one of the rare top-tier Spirits on the continent.
Seeing Shi Nian turn and flee, Ye Chen naturally couldn't let him go. Not to mention the issue of the head Spirit Bone on Shi Nian, just for seeing his spirit ring configuration, Shi Nian had to die. After all, only dead men tell no tales.
"Spirit Bone Skill, Endless Blood Vines."
In an instant, a blood-red light flashed on Ye Chen's right arm. Six blood-colored demonic vines, as thick as thighs and covered with sharp barbs, appeared. Like six blood-colored pythons, they rapidly coiled towards the fleeing Shi Nian.
Before Shi Nian could run much further, he was caught by the six blood-colored demonic vines. The blood vines coiled around him, completely engulfing Shi Nian.
The sharp barbs covering the blood vines immediately pierced Shi Nian's skin, beginning to rapidly draw blood.
Chapter 165: Illusionary Wisdom Skull
Shi Nian, entangled by the Endless Blood Vines, was initially unable to break free from the Binding. As he lost blood, he became even weaker, and had even less strength to struggle.
Shi Nian's screams didn't last long before they completely died down.
Feeling that Shi Nian had lost his life force, Ye Chen released the Blood Vines, revealing Shi Nian's corpse.
At this moment, Shi Nian, with all the blood drained from his body, looked like a 'mummy', appearing utterly terrifying.
"Hiss~"
Looking at the dried corpse before him, even though he was responsible for this 'deed', Ye Chen couldn't help but gasp, his scalp tingling.
This wasn't because Ye Chen was surprised that the Soul Bone Skill: Endless Blood Vines, could instantly kill Shi Nian, but rather it was the first time in his life he had seen someone die so horribly.
Fortunately, as the saying goes, 'alcohol gives courage to cowards'. Because he had drunk a lot of alcohol earlier, even though this was Ye Chen's first kill, he didn't throw up uncontrollably, only feeling a bit nauseous.
"No wonder Evil Soul Masters are hated by everyone!"
Using the Endless Blood Vines Soul Bone Skill to kill for the first time, Ye Chen finally understood what an Evil Soul Master was. He imagined that the innocent civilians harmed by Evil Soul Masters probably died in a similar state to Shi Nian, or perhaps even worse?
Of course, Evil Soul Masters harming innocent civilians and being hunted by Spirit Hall with nowhere to run or hide was well-deserved, and they deserved to die.
But Shi Nian was not innocent; if he wanted to kill him, he had to be prepared to be counter-killed.
Ye Chen glanced at the Blood Vines, which were emitting a bloody light, and then at Shi Nian, who had died a terrifying death. He immediately made the Blood Vines disperse the blood essence they had absorbed from Shi Nian.
The Soul Bone Skill: Endless Blood Vines, was classified by Ye Chen as an evil Spirit Ability not only because the scene after a kill was terrifying, but also because the Blood Vines could absorb the blood of living beings and convert it into blood essence to enhance one's own strength.
However, Ye Chen's strength increased very quickly, and he didn't care for this blood essence. Cultivating by absorbing human blood, wasn't that disgusting?
With that effort, it would be better to lie down and earn more gold coins, just spend money to level up.
Besides, once a boundary is crossed and there's a first time, there will almost certainly be a second, third, and countless more times. What if this thing is like drug use and becomes addictive? Then it would be completely over.
Why walk down a dirty ditch when there's a perfectly good, honorable path?
Of course, while he could do without the blood essence, Ye Chen naturally wouldn't be polite about the Illusion Wisdom Skull on Shi Nian's body.
"Bang--"
A Blood Vine whipped Shi Nian's body. The powerful force immediately shattered the 'hard' corpse into dust, and a Soul Bone shimmering with profound brilliance appeared.
"Uh, it even saved me the trouble of destroying the body. I hope old man Shi Nian has better judgment in his next life and doesn't kick an iron plate again."
Looking at Shi Nian, who was instantly whipped into powder, Ye Chen thought for a moment and offered a blessing. After all, 'good people' were rare these days, especially those who actively delivered Spirit Bones to him.
Putting away the Illusion Wisdom Skull that had dropped, Ye Chen examined it carefully and found that its age was not low. Judging by the intensity of its spirit power fluctuations, it should have reached ten thousand years.
Afterward, Ye Chen returned to the academy.
...
Upon returning to the academy, Ye Chen sought out Ning Rongrong.
"Brother Chen, why did you drink so much alcohol?"
Ning Rongrong frowned, a little displeased with Ye Chen, who reeked of alcohol.
"Uh, I met a 'good friend' with whom I felt an instant connection, and we had a few more drinks."
Ye Chen felt a little guilty, like he was caught red-handed by his current girlfriend after secretly drinking with another girl.
"Good friend? Is it another pretty girl?"
Ning Rongrong said suspiciously. She knew what 'good friend' meant in Ye Chen's mouth.
"Rongrong, where are you thinking? This time it was my father-in-law treating, would he invite other girls?"
Ye Chen rolled his eyes. Although Ning Fengzhi might trick others, he would never trick his own precious daughter.
"Then who was it?"
Ning Rongrong said a little awkwardly, somewhat embarrassed.
"Your father's disciple, Xue Qinghe."
"Oh~, so it was Brother Qinghe!"
Ning Rongrong suddenly understood. Yes, it was perfectly normal for her father to introduce his senior disciple to Brother Chen.
'Brother Qinghe? She'll be your little sister sooner or later!'
Ye Chen thought to himself, but of course, he wouldn't say it out loud.
"Alright, let's not talk about that. When I was coming back from dinner, I happened to pick up a Spirit Bone. I think it's in good condition, so I'm giving it to you."
Saying that, Ye Chen took out the Illusion Wisdom Skull that Shi Nian had dropped from his storage spirit tool.
"Picked up? You can pick up Spirit Bones on the streets of Heaven Dou City? And a relatively rare head Spirit Bone at that?"
Ning Rongrong didn't believe Ye Chen's explanation at all. Why didn't she pick one up?
"Ahem~, well, it's like this: that Shi Nian from Canghui Academy, I don't know what nerve he crossed, but he tried to ambush me. I lured him out of Heaven Dou City and counter-killed him, and I didn't expect a Spirit Bone to drop."
"Tsk tsk~, Brother Chen, is this what you call feigning Weakness to ambush the strong?"
Ning Rongrong's eyes lit up. Others might not know Ye Chen's strength, but the three of them did. An ordinary Soul Sage (7 Rings) was no match for him.
Moreover, she knew the effect of Ye Chen's third Spirit Ability, Banning God, which was very effective against Mental-type Spirit Masters.
"What nonsense are you talking about! Do I need to feign Weakness? This is clearly just Shi Nian lacking judgment and kicking an iron plate."
Feigning Weakness to ambush the strong wasn't popular these days, because if you pretended to be a pig for too long, you could easily become one for real.
"Brother Chen, you don't have a head Spirit Bone yet, do you? Are you really giving it to me?"
Suddenly, Ning Rongrong remembered that Ye Chen didn't have a head Spirit Bone yet!
"Mm-hmm, it's for you. Who told you that you're my good Rongrong?"
Ye Chen gently stroked Ning Rongrong's head, saying with a warm expression.
With more girlfriends, Ye Chen's emotional intelligence also increased, so he naturally wouldn't mention that there would be an even better head Spirit Bone in a while.
Actually, without considering its age, just looking at the Soul Bone Skill, the Illusion Wisdom Skull was not inferior to the Mind Condensing Wisdom Skull, which was the championship prize of the Soul Master Competition. It was just that the type of Soul Bone Skill was different.
The Mind Condensing Wisdom Skull's Soul Bone Skill was a mental attack, while the Illusion Wisdom Skull's Soul Bone Skill was a mental support.
And with Ye Chen's powerful mental force, the Mind Condensing Wisdom Skull, which had a mental attack Soul Bone Skill, was clearly more suitable than the support-type Illusion Wisdom Skull.
"Love you~, mwah~"
Immediately, Ning Rongrong stood on her tiptoes and gave Ye Chen a sweet kiss.
"Hehe, Rongrong, that's not enough, you know~"
Ye Chen said with a mischievous smile.
"Hmph hmph~, then you come on~! Anyway, I'm just a weak support, aren't I at your mercy?"
Ning Rongrong, as expected of a little devil, wasn't timid at all and directly beckoned Ye Chen with her finger.