Chapter 59: What Confidence Do You Have

As a disciple of the Shrek Academy's inner courtyard, Ye Xinglan was very powerful. If she were a bit more cautious, she could drain Xia Yi's soul power even through attrition.

Yesterday, in order to defeat Ye Xinglan, Xia Yi had exposed all his techniques.

Ye Xinglan was now on guard against him, and if they fought again, Xia Yi was very likely to lose outright.

Originally, losing was just losing, and it wasn't a big deal.

But the official organizers of the Tianhai Alliance competition, along with Shrek Academy, insisted that Xia Yi admit he violated the competition rules yesterday if he failed to beat Ye Xinglan today.

Since that was the case, Xia Yi decided to let them suffer another defeat.

Xia Yi had never doubted Gu Yue's strength.

What he was worried about was whether Gu Yue might intentionally hold back.

As it turned out, he was overthinking. If they were in a normal match and met on the competition stage, Gu Yue might have held back, but since Xia Yi had already defeated Ye Xinglan, there was no need for that.

Once Gu Yue made her move, she was going to win decisively and cleanly, even better than Xia Yi.

Shen Yi's face turned dark. She never expected Gu Yue to be this strong.

Even ordinary elemental martial soul soul masters, even at the Soul Sage level, might not be able to comprehend the Heart of an Element.

But Gu Yue, she was able to simultaneously use the Heart of Wind and Fire elements.

Had she not seen it with her own eyes, Shen Yi would never have believed it.

Without hesitation, Shen Yi immediately entered her martial soul possession state. As her third soul ring lit up, a massive Mimosa leaf appeared in front of her.

In the stunned eyes of the referee and the audience, the Mimosa leaf opened and closed, swallowing the massive Wind and Fire Twin Dragon Tornado that had grown almost three meters high.

"No wonder you're the leader of the Shrek Academy team," the official in charge of the skysea Alliance competition muttered, swallowing hard. He clearly sensed a destructive aura emanating from the Mimosa leaf as it devoured the Wind and Fire Twin Dragon Tornado.

Although he was a Soul Sage, he felt that if he were to be swallowed by that Mimosa leaf, he wouldn't die, but he'd definitely be severely injured.

And this was without Shen Yi using her Battle Armor.

If Shen Yi had used her Battle Armor, any ordinary Soul Sage, once swallowed by the Mimosa leaf, would probably be digested within a short time.

"It seems I win," Gu Yue said with a slight smile as she turned and walked off the competition stage.

"We should go," Shen Yi sighed lightly. She was unwilling to accept Ye Xinglan's defeat to Xia Yi, because Xia Yi's strength was clearly not on par with Ye Xinglan's.

That's why she wanted them to fight again.

But after seeing Gu Yue's displayed strength, Shen Yi was completely convinced.

Given Gu Yue's displayed power, the only person from Shrek Academy who could help restore their reputation among peers was Na'er.

But Na'er couldn't possibly show up here.

Outclassed, Shen Yi had nothing to say. Staying behind would only bring embarrassment, so she dejectedly turned and left with Ye Xinglan.

"You all can go back now," Long Hengxu said to Xia Yi and Gu Yue, his smile so wide it seemed like his mouth would split open.

For one academy to produce two geniuses who defeated Shrek Academy students—this was an achievement that would help the East Sea Academy grow stronger. With so many media present, it was the perfect time to promote East Sea Academy, and Long Hengxu was reluctant to leave.

"Xia Yi." As Xia Yi and Gu Yue left the Skysea Sports Arena, a voice suddenly called out to them.

Xia Yi turned around and saw an elderly man with white hair and a few middle-aged people approaching him.

The man in the lead was tall and strong, with a head of white hair and an energetic appearance. His hands looked particularly broad, and he exuded an aura of authority, clearly someone who had been in power for a long time.

"Are you looking for me?" Xia Yi smiled, recognizing this man as the one who had been seated in the center of the judge's platform during the blacksmithing competition of the Tianhai Alliance event.

"You didn't participate in the final round of the blacksmithing competition today," the white-haired elder said, stopping right in front of Xia Yi.

This elder's physique was indeed imposing. Even though Xia Yi wasn't short for his age, the elder's height made Xia Yi only reach his chest.

"I was banned from the competition," Xia Yi said flatly. He guessed that this elder must be the president of the Skysea City Blacksmiths' Association or someone similar, so he should be aware of his suspension.

"That's a pity," the elder sighed dramatically. "The top three in this round of the Skysea Alliance Blacksmithing Competition were supposed to be from your East Sea City Blacksmiths' Association. I never expected all three of you to be banned simultaneously."

The elder looked at the calm Xia Yi curiously and asked, "A ban without explanation, don't you feel any resentment?"

"If I had any resentment, what could I do about it? Could I change the officials' decision?" Xia Yi responded lightly.

"True," the elder nodded, then continued, "I'm Duan Xuan, the president of the Skysea Blacksmiths' Association. You can call me Elder Duan. I've seen your blacksmithing works, and you have great talent. It's such a shame you didn't participate in the final round of the shaping competition."

"Just as I thought," Xia Yi thought to himself, realizing Duan Xuan's purpose for approaching him.

"I'll try harder next time," Xia Yi said seriously.

Duan Xuan smiled and said, "Actually, Skysea City is currently running a talent recruitment program. I've seen your work, and I believe you have great potential. I wonder if you'd be interested in coming to develop your skills here in Skysea City?"

"I'm afraid that won't be possible," Xia Yi quickly shook his head.

Although Skysea City was much larger than East Sea City, the president of the East Sea Blacksmiths' Association, Mu Chen, was ranked a level higher than Duan Xuan in terms of blacksmithing. Plus, Xia Yi had already connected with the legendary craftsman Zhen Hua, so there was no reason for him to leave the East Sea City Blacksmiths' Association.

Unless Xia Yi was a fool.

Duan Xuan said, "Little one, don't be in such a hurry to refuse. Let me tell you my conditions first. You should know that Skysea City is the largest city in the eastern part of the continent, both politically and economically. Anything the East Sea Blacksmiths' Association can offer you, we can provide as well. Additionally, we guarantee that we'll cover all your expenses for forging studies until you reach the Spirit Craftsman level. You should know how much money is required for forging during the Spirit Forging stage. Many blacksmiths waste years, time, and resources at this point. With your talent, our Skysea City Blacksmiths' Association is willing to cover those expenses until you reach the Spirit Forging level. We can also guarantee to help you reach at least the Soul Emperor level in the future. We have the resources to back this up. What do you think?"

"Soul Emperor!" Xia Yi frowned, nearly grabbing Gu Yue and fleeing.

Duan Xuan, seeing Xia Yi's expression, thought he might be swayed, so he quickly added, "Little one, do you know how much resources and money are required for my guarantee? It would be an astronomical sum. On your own, even with good luck and talent, it would likely take you at least ten more years of struggle. How many more ten-year periods will you have in your life? If you miss your golden period, your chances of reaching the Holy Craftsman level will become slim. I'm sure you understand that what I'm offering is something the East Sea Blacksmiths' Association can't provide."

Xia Yi pondered for a moment, then asked in a deep voice, "Can you teach me how to master Heavenly Forging?"

"Heavenly Forging?" Duan Xuan was taken aback, not expecting Xia Yi to have such ambitions, then shook his head. "I can't teach you that."

"My goal is Heavenly Forging," Xia Yi said resolutely.

"Little one, do you realize that the prerequisite for Heavenly Forging is reaching the Title Douluo level? You're only ten years old and your soul power is only at level twelve. What confidence do you have in breaking through to Title Douluo?" Duan Xuan asked sternly.

"Just because I can defeat Shrek Academy students," Xia Yi laughed loudly.

(End of Chapter)