"Xiao Chen, your title of 'Nine Heavens Azure Dragon' is already famous across the Arena of Souls. It's a good start."
"Because of this, the eight-member team matched against you today—a junior academy team from Soto City—chose to forfeit outright."
"Therefore, today's battle in the Arena of Souls ends early."
Amid the discussions of countless spectators, Yu Xiaogang held a freshly delivered report, walking up to Yu Chen's side with a rare smile on his face.
The strength displayed by Yu Chen's team had been overwhelmingly dominant. Facing an opponent who was merely from a small academy, the opposing team wisely chose to surrender rather than suffer humiliation.
Thus, Shrek Academy won today's match without even having to fight.
"Since we've won without a fight today, as the principal, I'll treat you all to a good meal!"
Flander, who was normally extremely tight-fisted, also came over with a broad grin plastered across his face.
Zao Wou-ki and the other teachers of Shrek Academy were equally smiling from ear to ear.
The teachers and students of Shrek were obviously very satisfied with today's flawless soul battle result.
"Awesome!"
"Brother Chen, let's go quickly!"
Upon hearing Flender's rare generosity, Xiao Wu revealed a brilliant, sweet smile and eagerly walked next to Yu Chen.
Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing also followed closely behind, their steps lively.
Ma Hongjun and Oscar, along with the rest, naturally surrounded Yu Chen at the center as they left the Arena of Souls in high spirits.
Today's visit to Soto City had been primarily for the soul fight. Now that they had secured a resounding victory, there was no need to linger.
In high spirits, Flender and Yu Xiaogang led Yu Chen and the others to an upscale tavern located near the central district of Soto City.
The tavern was lavishly decorated—easily one of the most prestigious establishments in all of Soto.
They dined and drank until nightfall. Flander and several others even got drunk, their laughter echoing across the building. It was only after a long, lively evening that they returned to Shrek Academy.
Shua!
After returning to the academy, everyone dispersed to their respective dormitories—Yu Chen and Xiao Wu among them.
Entering the dormitory, Yu Chen casually waved his hand, instantly activating the [Mimicry Space] over the room.
"Ah! Brother Chen, what is this?!"
"Why do I feel like my cultivation and comprehension speeds suddenly multiplied several times over?!"
Xiao Wu, freshly bathed and now wearing a delicate pink dress, looked at Yu Chen with her big, astonished eyes, a flush of excitement blooming on her cheeks.
Inside the [Mimicry Space], Xiao Wu could clearly sense that her soul power cultivation speed had doubled, if not more!
Just then—
Ding! Three Choices System Activated!
1. Ignore Xiao Wu's question, and receive 200 Gintama Coins!
2. Explain it patiently to Xiao Wu, and receive the reward—Three Thousand Thunderbolt Third Stage!
3. Tease Xiao Wu by calling her a "bun-head" and receive 30 Gold Soul Coins!
Please choose within 30 seconds!
Hearing Xiao Wu's surprised voice, Yu Chen's mind rang with the system's mechanical prompt.
"This is a spatial treasure that can accelerate cultivation speed."
"Do you like it?"
Yu Chen smiled, reaching out to rub Xiao Wu's soft hair, his voice warm.
Without hesitation, Yu Chen decisively chose the second option, regardless of the rewards—because he liked seeing Xiao Wu's joy.
"Like it!"
Xiao Wu nodded vigorously and immediately sat cross-legged, closing her eyes to cultivate soul power.
Thanks to the enhancement provided by [Mimicry Space], Xiao Wu's soul power surged visibly. Her cultivation was progressing at a rate several times faster than normal!
"Silly girl."
Yu Chen chuckled softly, his gaze affectionate as he watched Xiao Wu.
Then, he sank his consciousness into the sea of knowledge.
The moment his choice was confirmed, the fog over the Three Thousand Thunderbolt scroll in his body dissipated completely!
Buzz!
In an instant, the end of the scroll erupted into a beam of purple light, shooting directly into Yu Chen's body!
The purple radiance merged into him, causing Yu Chen's pupils to flicker with countless purple lightning streaks. His entire body exuded a faint purple mist, emanating an extremely terrifying aura!
"This is the third stage of Three Thousand Thunderbolt."
Yu Chen's eyes gleamed slightly. Tapping lightly with his toes, his entire figure instantly vanished—transforming into a streak of purple lightning that traversed thousands of meters in a blink!
Compared to the first stage, the current speed was several times faster!
Moreover, Yu Chen could clearly feel that as his own strength continued to rise, the Three Thousand Thunderbolt would continue evolving, becoming even swifter!
Shua!
Thinking this, Yu Chen returned to the dormitory with another light tap of his feet.
He sat across from Xiao Wu and resumed quietly cultivating soul power.
…
Under the night's gentle watch, the two sat cross-legged, cultivating through the long hours.
It was already noon the next day when Yu Chen and Xiao Wu finally emerged from the dormitory.
"Brother Chen, that treasure is incredible!"
"In just one night, my soul power rose by nearly half a level!"
Xiao Wu followed Yu Chen closely, her sparkling eyes full of reliance and admiration as they walked together toward the academy's open training ground.
At this moment, the training ground was bustling.
All of Shrek's students and teachers—including Yu Xiaogang, Flender, and Zao Wou-ki—were present.
"The results from yesterday's Arena of Souls were excellent. In the coming period, you will continue attending matches frequently."
"Your current Arena of Souls rank must be upgraded from Black Iron to Silver as soon as possible."
Yu Xiaogang looked at the gathered students and spoke solemnly.
"Understood, Master!"
Everyone, including Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun, and Ning Rongrong, responded loudly.
"But..." Dai Mubai rubbed his chin and said half-jokingly, "If only we had some kind of treasure land that could boost our cultivation speed, that would make everything perfect."
"Our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan actually has such a place," Ning Rongrong smiled sweetly, casting a quick glance at Yu Chen. "There, cultivation speed can double."
Yu Xiaogang, upon hearing this, shook his head with a sigh.
"Treasure lands that increase cultivation speed are monopolized by the top aristocratic families of the Empire."
"Ordinary forces simply have no chance to occupy such lands."
Indeed, within the Heaven Dou, Star Luo, and Galu Empires, countless treasure lands existed—but nine out of ten had long been seized by dominant clans like the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, and Evil Eye White Tiger Clan.
Ordinary sects and academies simply had no access.
"Treasure land that increases cultivation, huh..."
Hearing their conversation, Yu Chen murmured softly.
He gently waved his hand—and in an instant, a brand-new [Mimicry Space] expanded, enveloping the entire Shrek Academy!
"This... what's happening?! My cultivation speed just tripled!"
"Mine increased fivefold!"
"Brother Chen, you... what kind of monster are you?!"
Under the power of [Mimicry Space], Ning Rongrong and the others froze in shock, their eyes wide with disbelief!
Just moments ago, Ning Rongrong had mentioned that her family's sacred land could only double one's cultivation speed. Yet now, with Yu Chen's casual wave, everyone could feel their speed increasing by three, even five times!
If this matter were spread outside, it would undoubtedly trigger countless forces across the three great empires to covet Shrek Academy!
However, what they didn't realize was that the more concentrated the [Mimicry Space], the stronger the cultivation effect. Spreading it thinly across the entire academy naturally diluted its power.
"As someone at Rank 86, I can feel a clear doubling of my cultivation speed," Flender muttered in astonishment. "Xiao Chen is truly monstrous. Nothing is impossible for him!"
Zao Wou-ki, Liu Erlong, and other instructors were equally shaken.
Yu Xiaogang, in particular, was almost trembling.
Because he possessed the Dragon Clan bloodline enhancement, under [Mimicry Space], his cultivation comprehension rate had increased nearly sixfold!
"This is... a secondary ability of my martial soul."
Yu Chen remained composed in the face of everyone's amazement, offering only a brief explanation.
Just like when he displayed the Azure Sacred Dragon's bloodline, he chose not to elaborate unnecessarily.
"Hahaha! Xiao Chen! You really are the guardian star of our Shrek Academy!"
"I'm regretting it now—why wasn't I born a few decades later?!"
"If I could have followed you as your little brother, my achievements today would be unimaginable!"
Flender joked heartily, eliciting laughter from the entire group.
After a moment of lively chatter, everyone once again sat cross-legged, focusing on cultivating their soul power.
Even Yu Xiaogang summoned his martial soul—the Golden Sacred Dragon—and began cultivating!
Yu Chen and Xiao Wu exchanged a gentle smile.
Under the enhancement of [Mimicry Space], everyone first cultivated soul power, then participated in Arena of Souls battles—forming a perfect cycle of rapid growth!
And thus, time flowed by quietly, under the brilliant light of both cultivation and battle.