# Chapter 27
"Among the eight of them, only three are below level thirty," Zhao Wuji stated, pointing directly at Oscar.
"He's the one who requires this spirit ring. Granny Snake, do you believe my words now?"
Granny Snake remained stunned, struggling to process the revelation. Spirit Elders! Multiple Spirit Elders, all approximately thirteen years old, appearing simultaneously?
What kind of extraordinary circumstances could produce such concentrated genius?
At this moment, jealousy consumed her so intensely she felt as though her very essence might rupture from envy!
Meng Yiran similarly registered complete shock. She had initially assumed Zhao Wuji was engaging in tactical exaggeration, but the undeniable evidence of manifested spirit rings shattered that assumption entirely.
However, she protested with visible reluctance. "Granny, are we truly surrendering this opportunity without resistance?"
It must be acknowledged that the mature Meng Yiran possessed considerable beauty. While she couldn't match Zhu Zhuqing or Ning Rongrong's exceptional attractiveness, she definitely qualified as first-rate. Her furrowed brows at this moment created a genuinely pitiable expression.
Granny Snake recovered her composure and spoke with calculated pragmatism.
"Brother Zhao, how about this arrangement? Since neither party wishes to relinquish this Phoenix-Tailed Crested Serpent, let's follow established Spirit Master community protocols and allow the two young people to determine ownership through combat!"
She continued with formal declaration. "They'll duel! Whoever achieves victory obtains the Phoenix-Tailed Crested Serpent."
Such protocols indeed existed within Spirit Master society—when two parties both targeted a spirit beast and both contributed to its subjugation, combat determined the victor. Whoever won claimed the spirit ring!
Of course, this represented theoretical principle and generally only applied when both sides possessed relatively equal strength, maintained mutual wariness, and possessed no alternative resolution method.
Otherwise, if one side could overwhelmingly crush the other, they wouldn't bother with elaborate procedures. If my strength exceeds yours dramatically, why should I yield? If you disobey, I'll beat you into submission. If you still resist, I'll simply kill you!
That represented reality—the Spirit Master world operated according to principles where the strong preyed upon the weak without apology!
Granny Snake proposing this suggestion stemmed from sheer helplessness combined with confidence in Meng Yiran's combat capabilities. Otherwise, she would have already departed without further negotiation.
"That's a reasonable method," Zhao Wuji responded with measured smile.
"But unfortunately, this disciple of mine is a food-type spirit master incapable of combat engagement."
Granny Snake registered genuine surprise.
A food-type spirit master? Approximately thirteen years old, level thirty Spirit Elder?Such talent could only be described as terrifying—genuinely exceptional even by Upper Three Sects' standards. For a moment, she even considered attempting to recruit Oscar to their partnership.
Just then, Tang San stepped forward diplomatically.
"How about this arrangement—I'll combat Meng Yiran in Oscar's place. I'm a level thirty-three control-type spirit master, so engaging you would provide appropriate challenge balance."
After speaking, Tang San glanced at Oscar reassuringly.
"Don't worry. Even though I'm not as capable as Brother Sheng, I still possess reasonable probability of victory!"
"My granddaughter is only level thirty—that creates unfair advantage!" Granny Snake protested immediately.
Tang San considered briefly before offering compromise.
"I won't utilize my third soul ring during combat. That should balance our capabilities appropriately."
But just then, Meng Yiran interrupted with clear, confident voice.
"No! I won't fight you!"
Everyone wondered about her reasoning when they observed Meng Yiran pointing directly at Chen Sheng.
"I want to fight him! Didn't you claim that individual defeated a thousand-year spirit beast? I don't believe it! He didn't even dare display his spirit rings moments ago—he must be weak! I'll fight him. If he can defeat me, then I'll accept your claims, and I won't pursue this serpent further!"
At this moment, Meng Yiran's expression radiated arrogance, as though she had penetrated directly through Chen Sheng's supposed deception.
Hearing this declaration, everyone registered stunned silence before regarding her with distinctly strange expressions.
Tang San even offered genuine advice. "Don't you want to reconsider? Chen Sheng is genuinely powerful. Your probability of victory would be substantially higher against me."
"Haha! I was correct, wasn't I? That individual must be extremely weak—I choose him!" Tang San's reaction further confirmed Meng Yiran's assessment in her own mind. What nonsense about a student defeating a thousand-year spirit beast—it's all elaborate deception! She appeared triumphant, praising her own supposedly keen insight!
"..."
Chen Sheng placed a hand to his forehead, genuinely speechless.
The moment Meng Yiran displayed that particular expression, Chen Sheng recognized this girl was beyond rational assistance.
She had constructed a complete narrative in her mind that conveniently supported her preferred conclusion.
She's a fool. Not just any fool—an exceptional specimen among fools, Chen Sheng reflected with resignation.
"Are you absolutely certain you want to select me?"
Chen Sheng asked with calculated indifference. "If you choose me, you'll have no probability of victory whatsoever."
To be honest, Chen Sheng genuinely felt no desire to engage in this combat. Meng Yiran was far too weak—so weak he could accidentally kill her with a casual strike if he failed to calibrate his power appropriately.
"Don't worry, little brother. I'll restrain my capabilities and won't injure you," Meng Yiran responded, clearly interpreting Chen Sheng's statement as fear-driven hesitation.
Chen Sheng sighed with profound resignation.
"Alright. Let's conclude this quickly so you can all depart early."
Hearing this, Zhao Wuji whispered urgently. "Kid Sheng, exercise extreme caution—don't strike too forcefully and accidentally kill her. Grandmaster Dragon should be monitoring nearby, and we absolutely cannot afford provoking him!"
Although his voice remained low, Granny Snake possessed Spirit Emperor level perception—she naturally heard his warning clearly.
She couldn't help glancing toward Chen Sheng with renewed assessment. This youth has remained largely silent since initially pointing out the spirit beast's pre-existing injuries. Could he actually be the strongest among Zhao Wuji's students?
However, Granny Snake quickly dismissed that notion. Yiran must be correct—all of this represents Zhao Wuji's elaborate scheme. That boy appears approximately thirteen or fourteen years old.
Regardless of his capabilities, he remains merely Spirit Elder at most. For a Spirit Elder to defeat a fifteen-hundred-year spirit beast independently? That's virtually impossible.
This youth must simply be theatrical show-off, perhaps not even Great Spirit Master in reality, considering he didn't even dare display his spirit rings.
Speculation remained merely speculation. Soon, Chen Sheng positioned himself before Meng Yiran as everyone's attention focused intensely on their confrontation.
At this moment, Meng Yiran wore a triumphant smile.
"My name is Meng Yiran. My spirit is Snake Staff, and I'm a level thirty Battle Spirit Grandmaster. Please advise!"
Chen Sheng responded with notable listlessness, stating casually, "Chen Sheng. My spirit is Ancient White Tiger, and I'm a level fifty Battle Spirit King."
"Battle-type? And also level fifty?!"
Everyone: "..."
These two revelations clearly exceeded Meng Yiran's expectations entirely. She registered visible shock at both assertions.
Granny Snake's eyes similarly widened with disbelief! How dare this youth fabricate such outrageous claims during formal duel proceedings in front of multiple witnesses? Does he consider us complete fools? She was thinking this when Chen Sheng announced, "I'm initiating combat now!"
"Come on! I'll permit you first strike!"
Meng Yiran responded with relaxed confidence.
"Heh."
With a faint chuckle, Chen Sheng instantly revealed four spirit rings orbiting his form—though he utilized his Soul Ring Aura Adjustment talent to display them as two purple and two black rather than revealing their true ages!
Suddenly!
Granny Snake froze completely!
Meng Yiran became utterly bewildered!
『DING! DETECTED Meng Yiran's Profound Shock and Horror emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
『DING! DETECTED Granny Snake (Chao Tianxiang)'s Disbelief and Surprise emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
『DING! DETECTED Yu Xiaogang's Awe emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
『DING! DETECTED Tang San's Complex Emotions (Jealousy and Concern) toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
『DING! DETECTED Zhu Zhuqing's Surprise and Hidden Longing emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
『DING! DETECTED Ning Rongrong's Amazement emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
『DING! DETECTED Flender's Surprise and Awe emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
『DING! DETECTED Zhao Wuji's Disbelief emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
"This... purple, purple... and ten-thousand-year spirit ring...?! How is this even possible?!"
Meng Yiran murmured, her face completely drained of color and filled with absolute disbelief!
A ten-thousand-year spirit ring! Level fifty spirit power! Already Soul King rank! What this meant—how could a human achieve this? He absorbed such a soul ring configuration...
This defied everything she understood about spirit cultivation limitations! Don't tell me this is merely a dream...
"Hey! I'm attacking now!"
Chen Sheng's shout brought Meng Yiran and others back from their shocked stupor.
Meng Yiran's confident arrogance evaporated instantaneously, replaced by genuine terror.
She recognized with dawning horror that challenging Chen Sheng represented catastrophic tactical error.
Why did I insist on fighting him?!
"Wait, wait! Perhaps we can discuss this reasonably and avoid combat—" she began desperately backpedaling.
However, at that moment, Yu Xiaogang spoke with academic fascination. "Extraordinary! To achieve Soul King rank at approximately thirteen years old while absorbing such optimal spirit ring configuration—this represents unprecedented genius that rewrites our fundamental understanding of cultivation limitations!"
Tang San similarly offered commentary, though his tone carried subtle concern. "Brother Sheng's capabilities continue exceeding every assessment I construct. His growth trajectory appears limitless."
Zhu Zhuqing watched Chen Sheng with undisguised admiration, her earlier hesitations about requesting his guidance completely evaporated. This is the strength I require to forge my own destiny.
Ning Rongrong's expression radiated fascination and growing affection. How could anyone not be attracted to such overwhelming capability?
This scene also prompted subtle shift in Dai Mubai's internal assessment.
He recognized with painful clarity that if Chen Sheng desired Zhu Zhuqing's affection, no external force could prevent that outcome. His previous engagement to her had become meaningless formality.
I no longer possess any viable future with Zhu Zhuqing, Dai Mubai concluded with resignation. Rather than futilely opposing the inevitable, perhaps I should facilitate Chen Sheng's pursuit and avoid positioning myself as obstacle.That might preserve some dignity and potentially maintain functional relationship within the academy.
Meng Yiran's current thoughts precisely mirrored Dai Mubai's feelings when he had faced Chen Sheng during the hotel confrontation—absolute recognition of overwhelming power disparity combined with dawning terror at having provoked such an opponent.
"Come on! I'm not afraid of you!"
Meng Yiran declared with false bravado while revealing her two hundred-year spirit rings with trembling hands.
At that precise instant, Chen Sheng moved!
His entire form transformed into afterimage, moving with such velocity he appeared to have vanished from his original position entirely!
Whoosh!
When he reappeared, his right fist hovered mere centimeters from Meng Yiran's forehead—deliberately redirected at the last microsecond toward a massive tree beside her!
The scene seemed to freeze in suspended animation.
The next second, the force of that punch violently propagated outward from its impact point near Meng Yiran's ear!
Behind her, the punch's residual force—infused with thunder attribute power—raged destructively.
Trees in the punch's directional path shredded into dust and splinters. The ground appeared as though ploughed by violent storm and concentrated lightning, with long devastated trail appearing where the force had traveled!
Spirit beasts throughout the immediate vicinity startled and fled in all directions—among them even several thousand-year classification creatures!
At this moment, Chen Sheng calmly uttered three words with absolute finality.
"You lost."
The entire field descended into profound silence!
After speaking, Chen Sheng calmly turned and walked back toward his group without further commentary.
Meanwhile, Meng Yiran stiffly rotated her neck, observing the drastically transformed scenery behind her—hundreds of meters of complete devastation extending in straight line from where she stood. She collapsed onto the ground, her legs refusing to support her weight as terror overwhelmed her nervous system.
『DING! DETECTED Meng Yiran's (extreme) Shock emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
『DING! DETECTED Granny Snake (Chao Tianxiang)'s Disbelief and Shock emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
『DING! DETECTED Yu Xiaogang's Shock and Horror emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
『DING! DETECTED Tang San's Complex Emotions (Shock and Concern) toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
『DING! DETECTED Xiao Wu's Pride and Admiration emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
『DING! DETECTED Zhu Zhuqing's Shock and Admiration emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
『DING! DETECTED Ning Rongrong's Shock and Increased Affection emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
『DING! DETECTED Flender's Shock and disbelief emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
『DING! DETECTED Zhao Wuji's Shock emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
『DING! DETECTED Oscar Shock emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
『DING! DETECTED Ma Hongjun's Shock and Awe emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
『DING! DETECTED Dai Mubai's Complex (Disbelief, Shock and Terror) emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
It was only then that Granny Snake recovered from her shocked paralysis. She grabbed Meng Yiran urgently and immediately fled the area with maximum speed.
"Brother Zhao is truly formidable! We'll meet again someday!"
Her voice drifted back from considerable distance as they retreated rapidly through the forest.
A Soul Sage like Zhao Wuji, plus a monstrous youth completely beyond conventional comprehension—the destructive power of a single punch causing such extensive environmental damage is genuinely unimaginable! We must depart immediately!
Zhao Wuji didn't pursue them. Instead, he turned toward Chen Sheng with mixture of awe and concern.
"My goodness, you absolute monster. That punch of yours contained truly excessive power."
Such extensive area destruction spanning hundreds of meters represented something even a Soul Sage like himself couldn't easily replicate. A Soul Douluo should be capable of such devastation, but they would probably need deploying powerful soul skill! This youth achieved it with apparently casual physical strike!
---
After the dramatic conclusion, Xiao Wu quietly approached Chen Sheng, requesting private conversation.
Oscar, meanwhile, settled into meditative position to begin absorbing the Phoenix-Tailed Crested Serpent's spirit ring.
Once they'd established adequate distance from the group, Xiao Wu spoke with hesitant vulnerability.
"Brother, I should have told you previously that I originated from Star Dou Great Forest, correct? I have two family members residing here, and I want to utilize this opportunity to return and visit them. Oh, by the way, they're also 100,000-year Spirit Beasts, but I'm uncertain what justification to provide for departing from the group temporarily."
Xiao Wu quietly revealed the existence of Da Ming and Er Ming to Chen Sheng.
Chen Sheng felt warmth suffusing his heart, though he simultaneously couldn't suppress a sigh. He gently flicked Xiao Wu's forehead. "You disclosed their existence so readily? What if I harbored malicious intentions toward them eventually?"
Xiao Wu responded with absolute conviction. "No. I trust you completely!"
Ah, is this what unconditional devotion represents? Chen Sheng reflected.
In his previous life, many viewers had criticized female heroine and supporting characters like Xiao Wu, Bibi Dong, Qian Renxue, and Hu Liena. One primary complaint centered on their supposedly irrational devotion—what critics dismissed as "love-led brains."
Even he himself had participated in such criticism during his previous existence.
However, now that he had gained such unconditionally devoted companion whose entire heart focused on him, he instantly understood the fundamental truth!
People don't actually hate such devoted partners—they hate that such devotion was directed toward Tang San! If the object of their devotion was themselves, they would be a hundred times willing to accept and cherish it!
What defined a "love-led brain"?
The term typically described individuals who, once in love, devoted all their energy and thoughts exclusively to romance and their lover.
Such people often lost themselves within love, became excessively dependent on their partner, neglected their own needs and personal development, viewed romantic relationship as their entire existence, and might even sacrifice principles, interests, and personal growth for love's sake.
Their emotions and behaviors became controlled by the romantic relationship, potentially leading to irrational decisions and actions—such as modifying themselves without limitation to accommodate their partner, ignoring their lover's obvious flaws, or giving excessively without expecting reciprocation.
In Chen Sheng's assessment, this actually represented perfect partnership characteristics—when genuinely reciprocated with equal care and protection!
Of course, Chen Sheng would never exploit Xiao Wu or others by demanding they compromise fundamental principles merely to achieve his personal objectives.
Regarding Spirit Beast hunting, he could only apologize to Xiao Wu for now. He could promise only that he wouldn't indiscriminately slaughter Spirit Beasts—limiting hunting exclusively to circumstances requiring advancement or legitimate self-defense.
---
Approximately one hour later, Oscar completed his spirit ring absorption and opened his eyes with somewhat disheartened expression.
"My third Spirit Ability is called Extreme Speed Flying Mushroom Sausage. After consuming it, one can fly for one minute," he announced without enthusiasm.
"What? Only one minute? That's disappointingly brief!"
Ma Hongjun exclaimed with genuine surprise.
Dai Mubai similarly waved his hand dismissively, shaking his head with visible disappointment.
"Little Ao, I anticipated some powerful Spirit Ability. What practical use does one minute provide? You probably couldn't even traverse a wide river in that duration!"
Yu Xiaogang appeared puzzled, thinking privately, This doesn't align with theoretical expectations. Is the Spirit Ability derived from Phoenix-Tailed Crested Serpent truly so limited?
Oscar secretly observed the girls' reactions before deliberately coughing twice to recapture attention.
"What if it's flying for one minute at the Phoenix-Tailed Crested Serpent's maximum velocity?"
As Oscar elaborated, his expression shifted to smug satisfaction, and he even winked suggestively in Ning Rongrong's direction.
See?
This represents the Spirit Ability quality of a food system Spirit Master with innate full spirit power. Isn't it remarkable?
To be honest, Ning Rongrong did register genuine surprise. After all, the Phoenix-Tailed Crested Serpent's speed ranked among the top tier of thousand-year Spirit Beasts—even surpassing certain ten-thousand-year classification creatures in pure velocity.
This capability became evident from how the serpent had managed escaping from Grandmaster Dragon and Granny Snake's combined encirclement.
Of course, that escape also resulted from the duo deliberately restraining their power to avoid inflicting damage that would render the spirit ring unsuitable for Meng Yiran's absorption.
"Dead Fatty, do you still consider it inadequate?"
Oscar addressed Ma Hongjun with distinctly arrogant expression, clearly proud of his Spirit Ability's actual capabilities.
Ma Hongjun felt genuine temptation—although his Spirit was a phoenix, he didn't yet possess real flight capability.
However, he maintained stubborn defiance. "Hmph, although the flying speed is impressive, that doesn't alter the fundamental brevity. How about we find opportunity to compare capabilities?!"
"Bah, dead Fatty, I'm not engaging in juvenile comparisons with you!" Oscar retorted dismissively.
These vulgar exchanges between the two made the girls frown involuntarily with distaste.
"Hahahaha, Oscar, your third Spirit Ability is genuinely valuable! This expedition proved worthwhile," Zhao Wuji declared enthusiastically, patting Oscar's back heavily. "With your current spirit power, how many such Sausages can you produce simultaneously?"
Oscar estimated briefly before gesturing. "Approximately ten."
Zhao Wuji chuckled approvingly. "Ten represents solid quantity. You'll produce more as your strength increases."
"Brother, what's your assessment of Oscar's third Spirit Ability? Is it genuinely powerful?" Xiao Wu asked with genuine curiosity, wanting Chen Sheng's professional evaluation.
Chen Sheng hesitated momentarily before responding. "Hmm, for the current developmental stage, it's quite adequate."
Xiao Wu nodded acceptance, though Ning Rongrong—positioned nearby—caught the deliberate phrasing of Chen Sheng's statement.
She recognized his emphasis: "for the current stage!"
Ning Rongrong shifted closer to Chen Sheng before asking with lowered voice, "Brother Chen, do you harbor reservations about this Spirit Ability? Is it not as powerful as it appears? Why specifically emphasize 'for the current stage'?"
Everyone present possessed adequate perception—although Ning Rongrong deliberately lowered her voice, their relatively close proximity meant Flender and the other Spirit Saints heard her question clearly.
"Chen Sheng, what exactly do you mean by that qualification?" Flender frowned suspiciously. "Is this individual attempting to manufacture problems again?"
"No, it means nothing significant. Please don't concern yourselves. Little Ao's Flying Mushroom Sausage is indeed powerful and provides substantial tactical advantage at our current developmental stage," Chen Sheng deflected diplomatically.
He genuinely didn't want excessive entanglement in this discussion. He simply wanted them maintaining their current satisfaction and morale.
However, Oscar—now possessing opportunity to demonstrate expertise—felt somewhat unconvinced by Chen Sheng's qualified assessment.
Oscar wanted to understand what possible criticism Chen Sheng could articulate. This is a flying Spirit Ability! Does he not comprehend the strategic value of flight capability?
Chen Sheng shook his head helplessly.
You insisted I elaborate, remember? Originally, he hadn't intended crushing Oscar's current self-confidence through premature criticism.
Otherwise, wouldn't his poorly-timed commentary make him appear unnecessarily cruel?
"Oscar, your Flying Mushroom Sausage is indeed powerful for current circumstances, but examining its long-term growth potential reveals it's actually inferior to your first Spirit Ability—the Super Big Recovery Sausage," Chen Sheng stated with measured precision.
Oscar frowned defensively. "What do you mean? This is a thousand-year Spirit Ability—how could it be inferior to a hundred-year ability?"
Chen Sheng explained patiently.
"You stated yourself that your third Spirit Ability permits flying at Phoenix-Tailed Crested Serpent velocity for one minute. For our current capabilities, this substantially increases combat effectiveness. But what about later developmental stages? When we all achieve Spirit Douluo and Title Dauluo ranks, will this Flying Mushroom Sausage retain practical utility?"
He continued developing his analysis. "Your third Spirit Ability lacks growth potential. Even if you eventually achieve Spirit Saint, Spirit Douluo, or even Titled Douluo rank, your third Spirit Ability will remain fixed at precisely the same parameters—flying at Phoenix-Tailed Crested Serpent speed for one minute!"
"Though the Phoenix-Tailed Crested Serpent possesses remarkable velocity—representing top-tier performance among thousand-year Spirit Beasts—it remains merely a thousand-year creature! For example, when Fatty obtains his own flying Spirit Ability and his strength reaches Spirit Emperor rank, or possibly even before that milestone, he won't require your Flying Mushroom Sausage whatsoever!"
"Now, do you comprehend? Your Mushroom Sausage won't maintain utility comparable to your Big Recovery Sausage during later developmental stages."
Chen Sheng observed Oscar's complexion becoming increasingly pale as the atmosphere grew noticeably heavier. He paused deliberately before offering consolation.
"Of course, discussing these limitations seems premature currently. Perhaps alternative methods will emerge to modify Spirit Ability effects eventually? For example, when you achieve Spirit Saint rank..."
What Chen Sheng referenced was accurate—in the original timeline, Oscar's seventh Spirit Ability obtained upon reaching Spirit Saint was the Enduring Golden Fly. After self-consumption, it increased his produced Sausages' effects by thirty percent.
Converted, the third Spirit Ability's duration changed from one minute to one minute and eighteen seconds.
Hmm... that technically counts as improvement, I suppose.
However, as a food system Spirit Master, his seventh Spirit Ability manifesting as an edible fly-shaped object seemed... questionable regardless of perspective.
And the Spirit Incantation was: "Endure! Endure! Golden Fly!"
Hahahaha, that Spirit Incantation also carried distinctly lewd implications!
After Chen Sheng's comprehensive explanation, everyone's idealized perception of Oscar's third Spirit Ability shattered like fragile glass.
Was Chen Sheng's reasoning sound?
None present were fools—even though Chen Sheng later offered comforting qualification that such considerations remained premature, the fundamental logic was irrefutable.
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