# Chapter 25: Small Conflict
Before the journey to Star Dou Great Forest began, Chen Sheng had taken a morning to visit Soto City's marketplace.
He purchased substantial quantities of preserved foods—dried fruits and cured meats.
The vendors appeared genuinely delighted by his bulk purchases, their eyes widening as Chen Sheng counted out gold coins with casual efficiency. He stored everything directly into his jade pendant's pocket dimension, the items vanishing seamlessly as curious onlookers watched with barely concealed amazement.
Upon returning to his room that evening, Chen Sheng opened the treasure chest he'd earned from Xiao Wu's.
『Treasure Chest: Soul Ring Age Improvement Card (100,000 Years)』
Chen Sheng's expression shifted to profound satisfaction. Another extraordinary reward—this card could elevate a soul ring's age by a full 100,000 years.
He activated the card immediately, directing its enhancement toward his third soul ring. The black ring, already impressive at 53,000 years, pulsed with tremendous energy as its color shifted dramatically.
The black ring transformed into brilliant crimson—a red soul ring representing over 100,000 years of accumulated power. Its age had ascended to 153,000 years, placing it firmly in the legendary category.
The accompanying transformation was equally dramatic. His third soul ability—White Tiger God Transformation—underwent fundamental enhancement:
- Time Limit: Increased from 3 minutes to 10 minutes
- Power Boost: Elevated from 230% to 300% attack power enhancement
- Duration: Now sustainable as long as spirit power remained available
His spirit power surged in response to the ring's evolution, climbing from level 46 to level 49—approaching the critical threshold of Spirit King rank.
Chen Sheng could feel the raw power coursing through his meridians.
Level 49. Just one level from Spirit King officially. But my actual combat capabilities already exceed most Soul Douluo, Chen Sheng reflected with quiet confidence.
---
The next morning, Flender assembled the group with characteristic authority, his voice carrying across the academy grounds.
"Is everyone prepared? We'll be running the entire distance to Star Dou Great Forest with minimal rest periods. Oscar will provide his recovery sausages to replenish stamina and spirit power throughout the journey!" Flender announced loudly.
Standing beside him were Yu Xiaogang and Zhao Wuji, both observing the students with evaluative gazes.
Oscar, hearing mention of his sausages being consumed by the three attractive female students, couldn't suppress his excitement. His imagination clearly wandered to inappropriate territory as he responded enthusiastically, "Yes, Dean! I'll definitely produce plenty of sausages along the way!"
Despite his admittedly handsome features after shaving, Oscar's lecherous expression remained transparently obvious to everyone present.
The three girls—Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing frowned—xiao wu responded, her voices carrying unmistakable rejection. "No need. We all have substantial supplies of preserved foods provided by Chen Sheng to restore stamina. If we deplete our spirit power, we can simply stop briefly to rest and meditate. Recovery won't require excessive time!"
Yu Xiaogang's expression darkened immediately, his pedagogical pride wounded by their defiance.
"This arrangement is unacceptable. As a coordinated team, you will eventually require Oscar's sausage assistance. This represents essential training in cooperative tactics! Moreover, stopping for meditation will inevitably prolong our travel time, which also trains patience and endurance!"
However, the three girls remained distinctly unreceptive to Yu Xiaogang's authoritative proclamation—particularly Xiao Wu, whose expression suggested she would sooner starve than consume Oscar's inappropriately presented sausages.
Xiao Wu stepped forward with evident frustration. "Grandmaster, with all due respect, your insistence seems unreasonable. We have adequate provisions. Forcing us to rely on Oscar's sausages when we possess alternatives serves no legitimate pedagogical purpose."
Ning Rongrong added her support. "I agree with Xiao Wu. My family has provided comprehensive survival training—I understand team coordination principles. However, mandatory consumption of specific food sources when superior alternatives exist defies logical resource management."
Yu Xiaogang's jaw tightened visibly, but before he could formulate a counterargument, Chen Sheng interjected calmly.
"Grandmaster, perhaps we could compromise? Those who prefer Oscar's sausages can consume them. Those with alternative provisions can utilize their own supplies. The ultimate objective is reaching Star Dou Forest efficiently—the specific nutritional source seems secondary to that goal."
Flender, recognizing the brewing conflict, sided pragmatically with Chen Sheng's diplomatic solution. "That seems reasonable. Let's proceed."
---
After several days of sustained travel—running through varied terrain, navigating dangerous plains, maintaining consistent pace despite fatigue—Chen Sheng's group finally arrived at a small tavern near Star Dou Great Forest one evening.
"You've all traveled extensively these past days. Tonight, rest properly and recuperate thoroughly. Tomorrow morning, we enter Star Dou Great Forest!" Flender announced to the exhausted students.
Ma Hongjun collapsed dramatically onto the ground, his voice revealing profound fatigue. "Finally arrived! I've been traveling all these days, eating nothing but Oscar's sausages. Finally, I can enjoy different flavors!"
"Enough complaining! If you want proper food, go order it inside the tavern!" Flender glared at his impetuous disciple before proceeding inside with Yu Xiaogang to select a table.
Tang San observed this with mild confusion. "Aren't the teachers sitting with us?"
Dai Mubai waved dismissively. "Academy rule. External expenses are self-funded—teachers won't subsidize our meals."
Chen Sheng's group soon occupied a table laden with substantial meat dishes and modest vegetarian offerings. After days of intensive physical exertion, protein-rich foods were essential for recovery. The vegetarian dishes accommodated the girls' preferences.
As Ma Hongjun enthusiastically attacked a roasted chicken leg, the tavern door opened to admit a new group—several individuals wearing distinctive academy uniforms led by a middle-aged man with a gold-rimmed monocle.
Their bearing radiated arrogance as they surveyed the tavern's interior with barely concealed disdain.
Ma Hongjun's attention immediately fixated on the sole female student among the newcomers. He stopped mid-bite, his expression shifting to unmistakable lechery. "Boss Dai, look—that girl is genuinely attractive, don't you think?"
His already small eyes narrowed further as he conducted an inappropriately thorough visual assessment of the woman's mature figure.
Dai Mubai glanced at the Canghui Academy group, then responded with characteristic pride. "Just a small Canghui Academy. What justifies their arrogance?"
Their voices carried throughout the suddenly silent tavern. Flender and Zhao Wuji observed from their distant table with interest rather than concern.
Chen Sheng shook his head with resignation. I'm not accepting responsibility for this disaster. If they enjoy provoking conflicts, they can resolve the consequences themselves.
Xiao Wu and the others similarly felt dissatisfied. They were exhausted from travel—couldn't these two idiots simply eat peacefully without manufacturing problems?
"Dead Fatty, did I not hit you hard enough last time? Do you ever learn appropriate behavior?"
Xiao Wu demanded, raising her small fist threateningly.
Ma Hongjun's neck immediately retracted defensively.
"Cough cough, Xiao Wu, I was merely appreciating aesthetic beauty! This situation differs from previous incidents!"
Too late. Ye Zhiqiu, Canghui Academy's lead teacher, had already approached their table with measured steps.
"What did you two just say?" His voice carried cold authority.
Dai Mubai stood to defend his pride. "I said—a small Canghui Academy possesses no legitimate basis for arrogance!"
Chen Sheng's indifferent voice cut through the mounting tension.
"Indeed, their arrogance seems excessive. Therefore, Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun—you two will handle the people you've provoked yourselves. This isn't our conflict."
『DING! DETECTED Dai Mubai's Resentment emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
『DING! DETECTED Ma Hongjun's Frustration emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
Ye Zhiqiu instinctively glanced toward Chen Sheng, initially anticipating support for his fellow students. The unexpected detachment surprised him, though Chen Sheng's tone suggested neither cowardice nor timidity—simply pragmatic disinterest in manufactured conflicts.
"Hahahaha, the young man demonstrates wisdom. If these two apologize to our students now, this matter concludes peacefully!" Ye Zhiqiu was leading his students to obtain spirit rings—he genuinely preferred avoiding unnecessary complications.
Flender, observing from his distant table, frowned at Chen Sheng's declaration. "Wuji, Xiaogang, what are your assessments?"
Zhao Wuji curled his lips dismissively. "Chen Sheng appears cowardly. A Spirit Master who avoids conflict isn't a proper Spirit Master!"
Chen Sheng's internal response was immediate skepticism. What absurd logic suggests Spirit Masters must constantly provoke conflicts? Should I manufacture problems simply to satisfy arbitrary definitions of "proper" behavior?
Dai Mubai snorted toward Chen Sheng. "A Spirit Master who doesn't cause trouble isn't a good Spirit Master—the Dean himself said that! Chen Sheng, are you frightened because you see superior numbers on their side?"
Chen Sheng's gaze sharpened with cold intensity. "What kind of twisted logic is that? If our academy's teachers weren't present as backup, would you still possess the courage to make such declarations?"
Dai Mubai choked on his response, unable to formulate adequate counterargument.
『DING! DETECTED Dai Mubai's Shame and Suppressed Rage emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
Ma Hongjun, meeting Chen Sheng's piercing gaze, protested weakly. "But they also have a lead teacher supervising their side!"
"Fatty! Shut up! Didn't you two instigate this situation? You even insulted their teacher. They're demonstrating remarkable restraint by simply requesting apologies!" Xiao Wu glared with undisguised frustration.
Tang San pondered silently. The teachers observed this entire exchange but haven't intervened. Are they testing our conflict resolution capabilities?
"Teacher, why waste words on these fools? Everyone, let's go!" A male Canghui Academy student swung his fist toward Dai Mubai aggressively.
Dai Mubai's eyes narrowed. He caught the attacking wrist, twisted efficiently, and delivered a powerful kick that sent the student crashing into the tavern wall with tremendous force.
"Ah ah ah—" The sudden violence triggered panic throughout the establishment as patrons scrambled toward exits.
"Spirit Master sirs, this humble establishment operates on modest means. Please show mercy and take your conflict outside!"
The shopkeeper emerged from behind his counter, voice trembling with desperate plea.
Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun were already engaged in intensive combat with Canghui Academy students, their martial souls manifesting as the violence escalated. Even Tang San and Oscar had joined the melee.
Chen Sheng observed the chaos destroying their carefully prepared meal, anger gradually building within him. Good food, completely wasted. Bastards!
"ENOUGH!"
His voice carried commanding authority—but everyone ignored him, too consumed by combat fury to register his objection.
"Brother, what should we do? If they continue fighting inside, this tavern will be destroyed completely," Xiao Wu asked with genuine concern.
Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing exchanged glances. "Chen Sheng, tell us your plan. The three of us will follow your lead."
Chen Sheng's mind spun through tactical calculations, arriving at a decisive conclusion. His tone grew considerably heavier. "Since that's the situation, then the three of us will execute something dramatic—beat them all up. Everyone involved."
"Ah?" The three girls registered simultaneous astonishment.
『DING! DETECTED Ning Rongrong's Surprise emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
Xiao Wu, after momentary shock, began rubbing her palms together with evident excitement. She'd been annoyed with that Fatty for considerable time!
"But... Dai Mubai and the others are from our academy, and the teachers are observing. Is this approach truly acceptable?" Zhu Zhuqing's expression revealed hesitation.
"What's problematic about it? Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun instigated this conflict initially. If they destroy the tavern, we won't have accommodation tonight!"
Chen Sheng glanced at Zhu Zhuqing with calculated indifference. "Didn't you come here specifically to become stronger? Or are you genuinely willing to accept Dai Mubai continuing as your fiancé? Resolve this quickly!"
He shifted his attention away from Zhu Zhuqing. "Xiao Wu, seize opportunities and use Teleportation to kick weaker combatants outside the tavern. Stronger opponents are my responsibility. We cannot allow fighting inside the establishment."
Zhu Zhuqing's complexion paled slightly. She recognized that her hesitation had likely angered Chen Sheng considerably.
Ning Rongrong couldn't spare attention for Zhu Zhuqing's emotional crisis. Her Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda manifested immediately, dual amplification buffs cascading over Chen Sheng and Xiao Wu.
"First, strength! Second, speed!"
Empowered by Ning Rongrong's enhancement, Xiao Wu teleported directly beside Ma Hongjun, delivering a devastating kick to his face followed immediately by a powerful strike to his waist.
Ma Hongjun, completely unprepared for betrayal from his own side, absorbed both impacts with no defensive response.
Xiao Wu then teleported to each Canghui Academy student, methodically kicking them outside through the tavern entrance with practiced efficiency.
As for potential consequences from attacking her own academy members? Xiao Wu dismissed such concerns entirely. Chen Sheng had confirmed Tang Hao no longer monitored them actively. If Flender attempted retaliation, they could simply retreat to Star Dou Great Forest where Da Ming and Er Ming would sense her aura once she removed her concealment bracelet.
Phantom Steps!
Chen Sheng activated his movement technique at maximum output, his form fragmenting into multiple afterimages that confused perception.
He accelerated to his physical limits—augmented by Ning Rongrong's speed enhancement and his awakened Dragon Elephant boost—arriving between combatants and ejecting Dai Mubai and Oscar through the tavern entrance with precisely calibrated kicks.
『DING! DETECTED Dai Mubai's Humiliation emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
『DING! DETECTED Oscar's Confusion emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
"Tang San, walk outside voluntarily, or I'll forcibly remove you!" Chen Sheng's voice carried unmistakable warning.
Tang San, observing his companions' ejection, recognized pragmatic wisdom in compliance. His face reflected frustrated acceptance as he withdrew from combat voluntarily.
『DING! DETECTED Tang San's Frustration emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
Subsequently, Chen Sheng locked his targeting on Ye Zhiqiu himself.
The Spirit King, demonstrating his superior experience, rapidly summoned his Black Tortoise martial soul upon recognizing the threat. His body became encased in a formidable turtle shell as five spirit rings ascended from beneath his feet.
"First Spirit Ability, Black Tortoise Possession!" Ye Zhiqiu's defensive enhancement activated fully.
Originally, he had simply wanted the two aggressors to apologize. His students' inability to restrain themselves had escalated circumstances into full combat within the confined tavern space.
The chaotic scene had exceeded his control—and now people were being systematically ejected from the establishment by some impossibly fast combatant.
Chen Sheng's physical capabilities—enhanced by his awakened Dragon Elephant and augmented by Ning Rongrong's buff—had elevated his combat effectiveness far beyond what his spirit power level alone would suggest.
Chen Sheng assessed with clinical precision. I'll limit myself to my Ancient White Tiger martial soul to avoid revealing my full capabilities.
His Ancient White Tiger manifested—Ancient White Tiger radiating overwhelming presence. Thunder crackled across his form as he moved with devastating efficiency.
Chen Sheng closed the distance to Ye Zhiqiu in an instant, his thunder-wreathed claw striking the Black Tortoise shell's chest armor with tremendous force.
CRACK!
Ye Zhiqiu was sent flying backward, crashing through the tavern entrance and sliding several meters across the exterior ground.
『DING! DETECTED Ye Zhiqiu's Shock emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
---
Flender and Zhao Wuji, recognizing the situation's rapid deterioration, had moved to intervene—intending to restrain Chen Sheng before further violence occurred.
Flender reached Chen Sheng first, attempting to grab his shoulder with Spirit Saint level speed and strength.
Chen Sheng's response was instantaneous and calculated. Without even fully turning, he executed a precise palm strike augmented by his physical enhancements—not his full strength, but sufficient to demonstrate his capabilities.
WHAM!
Flender was thrown backward through the air, impacting the tavern wall with sufficient force to crack the wooden structure. His expression registered complete shock as he struggled to process what had just occurred.
『DING! DETECTED Flender's Profound Shock and Disbelief emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
A level 49 Spirit Ancestor just threw me—a level 79 Spirit Saint—like I was a child?!
Zhao Wuji, witnessing Flender's humiliating ejection, charged forward with his Vigorous Vajra Bear martial soul fully manifested, intending to subdue Chen Sheng through overwhelming force.
Chen Sheng didn't even bother looking at him. As Zhao Wuji's massive bear paw descended, Chen Sheng executed a spinning back kick that caught the Vice-Dean squarely in the chest.
BOOM!
Zhao Wuji was launched backward even more dramatically than Flender, his massive frame tumbling across the ground before crashing into an exterior support post hard enough to shatter the wood.
『DING! DETECTED Zhao Wuji's Shock and Hidden Fear emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
Both teachers lay stunned, their expressions mixtures of shock, disbelief, and dawning comprehension that they had fundamentally underestimated this student's actual capabilities.
Yu Xiaogang, who had wisely remained at his table throughout the chaos, sat frozen—his hand trembling slightly as he processed what he'd just witnessed.
『DING! DETECTED Yu Xiaogang's Disbelief and Hidden Jealousy emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
From Chen Sheng's initial movement to the complete ejection of both Canghui Academy and Shrek Academy combatants, only three to four seconds had elapsed—a display of overwhelming dominance that left witnesses stunned into silence.
"Thank you, thank you, Spirit Master sir!" The tavern owner emerged from his cowering position, relief evident in every word.
Chen Sheng withdrew ten gold coins and placed them on the counter. "For damages and inconvenience."
The tavern owner accepted the generous compensation with profuse gratitude.
---
"Dean, Vice-Dean, now do you understand my actions? Perhaps we should discuss this outside?" Chen Sheng's tone carried cold politeness—the voice of someone who had proven his point decisively and now expected acknowledgment.
Zhao Wuji and Flender slowly recovered their footing, their complexions reflecting complicated emotions—embarrassment, shock and lingering disbelief.
"Ahem! Yes... let's discuss this rationally," Zhao Wuji managed, his voice carrying unprecedented humility.
The group relocated outside the tavern where the ejected combatants were gradually recovering their senses and assessing their injuries.
Ye Zhiqiu, despite his pain and wounded pride, found himself genuinely impressed. To possess such overwhelming capabilities at such a young age—his talent cannot be underestimated! That strike ignored my Black Tortoise shell's defense entirely. The physical power behind that attack...
Chen Sheng addressed Flender directly, his tone brooking no argument. "Dean, since Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun instigated this conflict through their inappropriate comments and unprovoked insults toward Canghui Academy's teacher, they should apologize formally. Additionally, Oscar should provide several recovery sausages to Teacher Ye Zhiqiu to address the injuries my intervention caused."
Flender, still processing his own humiliating defeat, could only nod agreement. "Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun—apologize immediately."
Both students, recognizing the precariousness of their situation, bowed toward Ye Zhiqiu with genuine contrition.
"We apologize for our disrespectful behavior and inappropriate comments."
Oscar quickly produced several Big Recovery Sausages, offering them to Ye Zhiqiu with respectful deference.
Ye Zhiqiu accepted the sausages, consumed one immediately, and felt his injuries beginning to heal with remarkable efficiency. He took a long, measuring look at Chen Sheng—assessing, calculating, memorizing this young man's capabilities for future reference.
"Alright, let's consider this matter concluded. We'll depart now," Ye Zhiqiu announced to his students, leading them away from the tavern with dignified efficiency.
Before leaving, he offered Chen Sheng a respectful nod—acknowledging both the youth's power and his diplomatic handling of a potentially catastrophic situation.
Flender forced an awkward smile toward Chen Sheng.
"Satisfied now?"
Chen Sheng's lips curved slightly. "As expected of the Dean—so sensible and understanding!"
---
The night passed with relative quiet, though Zhu Zhuqing remained awake in her room—insomnia preventing rest as her mind churned through uncomfortable realizations.
She had been completely disappointed by Dai Mubai's behavior—his cowardice, his lechery, his inability to accept responsibility for consequences he himself had manufactured.
Her decision crystallized: she would abandon any remaining attachment to Dai Mubai and focus exclusively on her own strength development. Now, she would request Chen Sheng's guidance formally—seeking the power necessary to forge her own destiny independent of aristocratic marriage arrangements.
---
Early the next morning, Flender led everyone toward Star Dou Great Forest with notably subdued authority. Yesterday's events had fundamentally altered power dynamics within the group.
The journey from the tavern to the forest edge proceeded in relative silence—the previous day's humiliation hanging over everyone like uncomfortable weight.
The Star Dou Great Forest appeared before them—ancient, vast, mysterious. Nobody knew precisely how long this wilderness had existed. Perhaps it had been present since the Douluo Continent's very birth.
Upon entering the forest's outer regions, everyone advanced cautiously. The atmosphere shifted immediately—darker, more primal, carrying scents of ancient vegetation and lurking predators.
Xiao Wu demonstrated obvious happiness from the moment they crossed the forest boundary, showing no concern whatsoever about potential dangers. Apart from Chen Sheng, nobody understood why—they assumed she was simply excited about her first major expedition.
By noon, they had penetrated considerable distance into the forest. Everyone's nerves had remained tense throughout the morning, creating accumulated fatigue. They established a temporary camp for rest and meal preparation.
---
That night, everyone gathered around the campfire. The flames cast flickering shadows across faces as Oscar finally voiced his burning question.
"Grandmaster, what type of spirit beast would be most suitable for my third soul ring?" Oscar asked Yu Xiaogang earnestly. They'd encountered numerous thousand-year spirit beasts throughout the day, yet Yu Xiaogang had consistently rejected each potential target.
Yu Xiaogang remained silent briefly before responding thoughtfully.
"Your existing abilities restore spirit power and stamina while providing detoxification. For your third ability, considering the team's overall composition, you should pursue enhanced defense, injury healing, or specialized auxiliary capabilities—such as flight capability, all-attribute amplification, or similar strategic advantages."
Chen Sheng nodded internally with grudging acknowledgment. Yu Xiaogang does possess genuine theoretical knowledge despite his practical limitations. However, as soon as Chen Sheng recalled that Oscar would likely obtain the Flying Mushroom Sausage as in the original timeline, his interest waned.
The campfire crackled peacefully as the group settled into evening meditation and rest, preparing for tomorrow's continued hunt through Star Dou's dangerous depths.
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