Chapter 268: The Women Join the Martial Spirit Sect, Qian Ran Takes the Stage

Qian Renxue, now cultivating the Divine Control Art granted by the system, had even mastered secret techniques for controlling souls.

If she truly wished, she could subtly seize control of the entire Star Luo Empire. If she decided to pursue such an ambition, Qian Ran wouldn't stop her.

"Is that so?"

"Then, dear Holy Son," Wang Dong'er teased, sticking out her tongue, "is the Martial Spirit Sect still accepting members?"

"I want to join too!"

"Me too!"

Wang Dong'er's playful request made Jiang Nannan and the others light up with excitement as they crowded around Qian Ran.

Shrek Academy didn't forbid its students from joining other sects, and for these women, wherever Qian Ran went, they would follow.

In an instant, Qian Ran found himself recruiting more than a dozen members.

"Is it just me, or does Shrek Academy feel like it's training disciples just for you?" Cai Mei'er said, feigning irritation.

With Qian Ran preparing to take away over a dozen of Shrek Academy's most talented students, it was a heavy blow.

These weren't just any students—they were the cream of the crop, the strongest of their generation. Figures like Ma Xiaotao, Jiang Nannan, and Xiao Xiao were all part of this group. If Qian Ran claimed them all, Shrek's inner court could face a talent gap in the future.

Each of these individuals was destined to reach at least the Soul Douluo level. In any power, they would become pillars of strength.

Ma Xiaotao and Tang Ya, in particular, were Shrek Academy's prized students. In the original timeline, Ma Xiaotao had even become the dean of the Martial Spirit Department.

While Shrek Academy didn't stop students from joining outside forces, they always hoped the strongest talents would stay.

Especially Ma Xiaotao—Yan Shaozhe had been grooming her as his successor.

"Don't be so stingy. Shrek Academy has plenty of talents; it won't miss a few," Qian Ran said with a grin.

"Shrek Academy may have many talents, but even it can't keep up if you take so many!" Cai Mei'er's lips twitched.

She didn't know the current strength of the Martial Spirit Sect, but with this group joining, the sect would surely become a formidable power in the next few decades.

"By the way, Qian Ran, tomorrow's your turn to take the stage," Cai Mei'er said, arms crossed, her posture accentuating her graceful figure.

She looked mildly exasperated. "You've been hiding behind Ma Xiaotao and the others for long enough. As long as I'm here, you can forget about shirking your responsibilities."

Her words drew everyone's attention, and Qian Ran couldn't help but look embarrassed.

He had been happy to avoid fighting during the elimination rounds, which mostly involved weaker teams. His reasoning was simple—if he stepped onto the field, his opponents wouldn't even have a chance to strike.

"Not every match in the elimination rounds is against weak teams," Cai Mei'er countered.

"Your next opponent is strong. In the last tournament, they made it to the quarterfinals before losing to the Sun-Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy in the top-eight match. Their overall strength is impressive, and they're capable of reaching the top four.

"Their seven main team members include three Soul Kings and four Soul Elders. Their captain is regarded as a once-in-a-millennium prodigy. Even Elder Xuan once remarked that if this individual had been at Shrek Academy, they would have reached the Soul Emperor rank before the age of twenty. Unfortunately, their potential was delayed due to circumstances."

"And I want you to face them alone."

Cai Mei'er's statement left the room stunned.

Three Soul Kings and four Soul Elders—Qian Ran, alone?

If they hadn't known Qian Ran's capabilities, they might have thought Cai Mei'er was setting him up for failure.

However, those familiar with Qian Ran's strength knew the truth. Only opponents above the Soul Emperor rank could pose a challenge to him.

"Dean Cai, isn't this a bit much?" Wang Yan asked in shock.

Even a Soul Emperor would struggle against three Soul Kings and four Soul Elders, especially when the opponent's captain was a Level 58 Soul King, with the weakest member being above Level 45.

"Teacher Wang, Qian Ran's strength is no less than mine. He'll be fine," Ma Xiaotao interjected, fully confident in Qian Ran's abilities.

"What a monster," Gongyang Mo muttered, his awe for Qian Ran deepening. He had already been amazed when Qian Ran easily defeated Chen Zifeng. The more he learned about Qian Ran, the more terrifying he seemed.

If Ma Xiaotao believed Qian Ran's strength rivaled her own, it must be true.

But Qian Ran was only a Soul Elder!

In truth, Qian Ran had recently advanced further, nearing the Soul King level. He simply hadn't had the time to acquire a new soul ring.

"No problem," Qian Ran said casually. "It'll be good practice. Otherwise, everyone will keep calling me lazy."

His nonchalant response drew laughter from the room.

So, he knew he'd been slacking off all this time?

Though weaker opponents didn't require Qian Ran's intervention, he hadn't exactly been sitting idle. Most of his time was spent either wooing women or exploring local attractions.

"That works. Their captain is known as their academy's greatest genius in a thousand years, while you're our academy's greatest genius in a thousand years. Watching you two face off should be interesting," Cai Mei'er said with a smirk. "I'll report your name for tomorrow's match—it's sure to cause a stir."

"Many academies are already keeping a close eye on Shrek's new generation. Your name is well-known among them, thanks to your antics in the outer court. Tomorrow's match will certainly draw attention."

Wang Yan nodded in agreement. "Qian Ran has never failed to impress. With Dean Cai so confident, I have no doubts either."

Shrek Academy wasn't the only one closely watched by the Sun-Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy. Across the continent, Shrek's talents were viewed as a benchmark of excellence.

Any student who made a name for themselves at Shrek would inevitably find their information filed in the offices of rival academies.

Qian Ran was already a figure of interest, especially as a core member of the Shrek team at just under fifteen years old.

Tomorrow, all eyes would be on him.

(Chapter End)

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