CHAPTER 55
While all major factions were still reeling from the awe-inspiring appearance of the Xuanwu Spirit, within Soto City's Great Spirit Arena, another storm had settled.
"The third martial spirit, Xuanwu. Primarily defense-oriented,"
Yu Chen murmured calmly, the formidable shell-like phantom fading behind him. "It complements my Azure Dragon and Vermilion Bird martial spirits perfectly."
As the manifestation of the Xuanwu receded into his body, the immense pressure that had weighed down on the entire arena instantly dissipated. The relief was almost tangible—both spectators and spirit masters let out long breaths.
Among them, Yu Tianheng, still slightly dazed from the confrontation, clenched his fists and forced a smile.
"Uncle, the gap between us is just too vast," he said with deep respect. "But I won't give up. I'll catch up to you—someday."
"If you ever decide to visit Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, I, Tianheng, will welcome you with open arms!"
With that, Yu Tianheng nodded solemnly and leapt from the stage. Following his example, Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling both offered respectful nods to Yu Chen before departing. They had felt the crushing gap in power firsthand.
All eight members of the Heaven Dou Imperial Battle Team exited the stage together. Before leaving, they paused, turned around, and bowed deeply to Yu Chen.
Their gazes were serious, no longer clouded by pride.
Each one of them was a prodigy—a shining star in the empire's most elite academy. Together, they were considered nearly invincible, boasting an undefeated streak within Soto City's Great Spirit Arena.
They had believed themselves unmatched—until today.
Yu Chen's display had utterly shattered that illusion.
His possession of three martial spirits, spirit power at Rank 33 despite being only twelve, and several ten-thousand-year soul rings had shaken them to their core.
Such a prodigy was not just rare—it defied reason.
It was this overwhelming realization that stripped them of their arrogance.
As they vanished from the arena tunnel, silence fell.
Only Team Shrek remained on the stage.
"Team Shrek vs. Team Heaven Dou Imperial Academy!"
"Victory: Team Shrek!"
The announcer's voice echoed across the coliseum as the golden text of victory lit up across the walls.
"Victory again!"
"It's all because of Brother Chen!"
"He's way too strong. No one would ever believe he's only twelve!"
Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, and Ma Hongjun ran toward Yu Chen excitedly, their faces glowing with admiration. The girls, especially, stared at Yu Chen with sparkling eyes, their admiration turning into something deeper.
"Lost… We actually lost…"
In stark contrast, murmurs of disbelief echoed in the stands. Countless audience members wore grim expressions.
They had bet heavily on the Heaven Dou team.
"My… My thirty golden soul coins are gone!"
A familiar middle-aged man in the crowd slammed his fists against the barrier, wailing in regret—the same man Yu Chen had encountered outside the arena entrance.
Yu Chen merely chuckled lightly and descended the stage. There was no longer any need to stay.
Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong quickly followed him.
After the group match concluded, Team Shrek proceeded with their usual singles and pairs battles.
Thanks to their advanced training and actual combat experience, the results were unsurprising: Dai Mubai, Tang San, and Ma Hongjun all won their singles matches with ease, their ranks upgrading from bronze to silver.
Zhu Zhuqing and Xiao Wu were now sitting at the peak of the bronze tier and were just one win away from reaching silver as well.
Yu Chen, of course, stood out the most. His opponent surrendered the moment he appeared, granting him a perfect 100% win rate and placing him at the top of the silver tier. He could challenge for the gold tier at any time.
Back in the preparation area, Flender and Yu Xiaogang approached with broad smiles.
"Well done, everyone," Flender beamed. "Especially with that performance against the Heaven Dou team. The principal's decided we're eating out again tonight!"
Before anyone could respond, a slightly disheveled man sprinted toward them from the entrance corridor—it was Lu Yang, the manager of Soto City's Arena of Souls.
"Please wait!"
He panted, holding a golden soul card with both hands, his expression unusually serious.
"If it weren't for your Shrek Academy today, our arena would've lost both its reputation and millions of gold soul coins!"
"We've already paid the appearance fees, but this extra one million is a special bonus—a token of gratitude!"
Yu Xiaogang accepted the gleaming card, smiling slightly. Lu Yang's actions were clearly both gratitude and investment. A genius like Yu Chen was worth befriending at all costs.
"Xiao Chen, this victory belongs to you," Yu Xiaogang said. "You deserve this reward."
He turned and held the card out to Yu Chen.
At that moment, a familiar system prompt rang in Yu Chen's mind.
> "Ding! Three-Option Divine Selection Triggered! Please choose one of the following within 30 seconds:
1. Reject the one million gold soul coins and return them to the Arena. Reward: Thousand-Year Phoenix Soul Ring.
2. Accept and keep the golden soul coins. Reward: Basic Storage-Type Soul Tool +1.
3. Accept the reward and donate it to Shrek Academy. Reward: Divine Skill – Miraculous Rejuvenation!"
Yu Chen analyzed the options.
The first option, while tempting, was redundant—he already had superior soul rings.
The second was more practical but unimpressive.
The third, however, offered both strategic and personal value. A divine recovery-type technique was far more versatile and rare.
And besides, as heir to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, Yu Chen didn't care for money.
He made his decision instantly.
"Principal, I suggest we use these gold coins to upgrade our academy's equipment."
He handed the soul card back to Flender, expression steady.
A golden light briefly flashed across Yu Chen's eyes.
Inside his consciousness, intricate script appeared, forming the words:
Miraculous Rejuvenation – Technique Acquired.
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