CHAPTER 56: The Unseen Protector

Chapter 56: The Unseen Protector

Xiao Qiang was full of questions. He didn't understand why the old man in front of him suddenly changed his mind, but at this moment, Xiao Qiang was indeed more concerned about something else.

"You said that the Ten Thousand Souls Banner in your hand is called the Human Emperor Flag?" Xiao Qiang asked, skepticism evident in his voice.

"Nonsense!" the old man snapped. "Boy, don't slander me! Otherwise, I'll make you experience the pain of refining the soul!"

Xiao Qiang raised an eyebrow. "I won't discuss what the Human Emperor Flag brings with it, but your Ten Thousand Souls Banner is clearly emitting black smoke. How can the Human Emperor Banner emit black smoke?"

The old man huffed in indignation. "Humph! My Human Emperor Banner doesn't emit black smoke but rather extremely rich Hongmeng purple air. The purple reaches a certain level, making it appear black. You've slandered me again, boy! Have you thought about how you'll die for this?"

Xiao Qiang was rendered speechless, while Jin Chuan, standing beside him, was a picture of frustration.

"Teacher, if we want to kill him, why did you hit me just now? And shouldn't we be more cautious?" Jin Chuan asked, confusion and a touch of complaint lacing his voice.

Xiao Qiang's silence was a response in itself, while Jin Chuan was now shedding tears of snot as he contemplated his teacher's actions. After the initial surprise of being hit, Jin Chuan soon realized what had happened.

A soul master who could defeat a five-ring soul master with only four rings was no mere genius. Such a person required strong resources to support their growth. Moreover, an evil soul master like himself, capable of challenging and defeating someone of a higher level, was already a rarity. The difference in soul power was eleven levels, yet Xiao Qiang had been able to overcome him. This showed that Xiao Qiang was no ordinary talent.

To defeat someone as strong as Jin Chuan, Xiao Qiang must have had a powerful protector. Jin Chuan, once he calmed down, began to put the pieces together.

A soul ring that surpassed 8,500 years was difficult to obtain, requiring both extraordinary talent and the assistance of a strong figure. Considering Xiao Qiang's ability to win against someone like him with such a disparity in soul power, Jin Chuan concluded that Xiao Qiang had a powerful protector.

This realization was the reason why Xiao Qiang's teacher had been cautious earlier. If Xiao Qiang had a powerful protector, they couldn't afford to act recklessly. They needed to wait for the right moment to strike, ensuring their chances of victory were overwhelmingly in their favor.

Jin Chuan mulled over this conclusion until the teacher spoke again.

"Well, that's because I wasn't sure about the strength of his protector, so I had to be more cautious," the teacher explained, his tone serious.

Jin Chuan's confusion only deepened. "Teacher, are you saying that you know the strength of his protector?"

Seeing the perplexed look on Jin Chuan's face, Xiao Qiang's teacher sighed. "You're still young, Jin Chuan. Though you are cautious, sometimes your brain needs a little more work."

The teacher then turned his gaze to Xiao Qiang. "Let me ask you something. Under what circumstances would a young and frivolous person immediately choose to give in?"

Jin Chuan thought for a moment before speaking. "It's certain that his strength is completely inferior to the other person."

"Exactly," the teacher nodded. "But here's the key: under what circumstances would he be sure that his strength is inferior to mine?"

Jin Chuan's eyes widened as the pieces clicked together. "His protector is a Soul Saint!"

The teacher smiled, though it was not a smile of approval. "Yes, but that's not all. If his protector were merely a Soul Saint, Xiao Qiang could still be confident of defeating you. But he wouldn't necessarily know for sure that you wouldn't get into trouble during a fight."

Jin Chuan's heart skipped a beat. "Wait… does that mean…?"

"Yes," the teacher replied. "His protector is a Soul Douluo."

The realization hit Jin Chuan like a ton of bricks. "Soul Douluo? But teacher, what now?"

The teacher waved a hand dismissively. "There's no need to worry. Do you remember what I taught you at the start? It's only safe to strike when there's a 98% chance of victory."

"Right. 98% chance of victory." Jin Chuan was still trying to grasp the full situation, the logic slowly coming together.

"98%?" Jin Chuan paused. "But teacher, his protector hasn't even shown up yet, right?"

The teacher chuckled softly. "You need to think carefully. Remember what Xiao Qiang said earlier. Think about why I chose to attack at this moment."

Jin Chuan thought hard, then a realization dawned on him. "Wait. Does that mean…?"

The teacher gave a nod of approval. "Exactly. Xiao Qiang's protector is a Soul Douluo-level guardian. Even though he seemed young and foolish earlier, the fact that he didn't immediately reject your challenge shows he's confident that his protector can't win against me."

The teacher's voice became more analytical. "If his protector were a Soul Douluo with two yellows, three purples, and three blacks, Xiao Qiang would never have been so quick to yield. But with a bad soul ring ratio, like three yellows, two purples, and three blacks, that kind of Soul Douluo wouldn't stand a chance against me. The soul ring ratio is too poor, and at most, his protector would be at level 81 or 82."

Jin Chuan's eyes lit up as understanding washed over him. "So Xiao Qiang knew his protector couldn't defeat you and chose not to risk it."

"Exactly," the teacher said, looking at Xiao Qiang. "It's too late for you to try and play dumb now. You've already shown your true reaction."

Xiao Qiang couldn't help but rub his forehead. "I think I've underestimated you two. I didn't even realize how badly I'd given myself away."

"Indeed," the teacher said with a smirk. "Your first reaction is always the most genuine. You thought you were being clever, but you've just confirmed that your protector is a Soul Douluo with a bad soul ring ratio."

Xiao Qiang sighed inwardly. If it weren't for the fact that Xue Di was resting in his storage soul guide, he might have believed their reasoning.