# Chapter 24: PowerSurge
That night, Chen Sheng sat quietly in his room, the door secured and windows covered to ensure complete privacy.
The day's events had generated substantial emotional responses from multiple individuals—which meant his system had accumulated considerable rewards.
"Open all treasure chests," he commanded mentally, his consciousness interfacing with the system.
『Treasure Chest Opening...』
The first notification materialized:
『Treasure Chest: Martial Soul Improvement Card』
Chen Sheng examined this reward with immediate recognition of its tremendous value. Without hesitation, he activated the card, directing its enhancement toward his Ten-Winged Divine Archangel.
Brilliant divine radiance erupted within his spiritual sea as the martial soul underwent yet another profound transformation. Two additional magnificent wings burst forth from the angel's ethereal form, bringing the total to an unprecedented twelve wings. Each wing blazed with golden holy light infused with subtle traces of silver divinity.
The martial soul's presence had transcended even divine-grade classification—it now approached something that might be termed "Supreme Divine" quality, a level of power that exceeded known continental standards.
『Treasure Chest: Soul Ring Age Improvement Card (10,000 Years)』
Chen Sheng immediately applied this to his third soul ring. The black ring pulsed with tremendous energy as its age ascended from 43,000 years to 53,000 years.
『Treasure Chest: Drop of Hundred-Year Spiritual Liquid』
This reward appeared as a single luminous droplet suspended in a crystalline vial—concentrated spiritual energy in liquid form, radiating gentle warmth.
Chen Sheng uncorked the vial and consumed the spiritual liquid immediately. As the substance entered his body, he activated the Heaven Devouring Demon Technique, carefully guiding the spiritual energy according to the principles of the Dragon Elephant Prison Suppression Technique.
The energy flowed through his meridians with extraordinary potency, eventually concentrating within a single cellular structure deep within his body. The spiritual power infused that individual cell completely, triggering the first transformation described in the Dragon Elephant Prison Suppression Technique.
ROAR!
Within his consciousness, Chen Sheng heard—and felt—an ancient elephant's thunderous roar as that single cell awakened, transforming into something fundamentally more powerful. The cell now possessed strength equivalent to an entire giant elephant compressed into microscopic space.
One cell. One elephant. 840 million cells to fully awaken...
The implications were staggering. His physical capabilities had increased dramatically from just this single cellular transformation.
Chen Sheng estimated his pure physical strength—without deploying any martial souls or spirit abilities—could now contend with normal Soul Douluo level opponents. Combined with his three martial souls, diverse spirit abilities, and super healing regeneration talent, his actual combat capabilities defied conventional classification.
『Treasure Chest: Decorative Jade Hairpin』
Useless for him personally, but potentially valuable as a gift. Stored.
『Treasure Chest: Ancient Medicine Manual (Damaged)』
Potentially useful eventually, though the damaged condition limited immediate application. Stored for future research.
『Treasure Chest: Cooking Utensils Set』
Completely useless. Stored without consideration.
『Treasure Chest: Historical Encyclopedia』
Might provide entertainment during downtime. Stored.
『Treasure Chest: Mechanical Pocket Watch』
Interesting curiosity from his previous world, but not particularly useful. Stored.
『Treasure Chest: Modern World Novel Collection』
Entertainment value only. Stored.
『Treasure Chest: 100,000-Year Soul Ring (Flaming Tiger King)』
Chen Sheng's breath caught entirely. A 100,000-year soul ring—the legendary red ring that represented the absolute pinnacle of spirit ring quality. This was extraordinarily rare, typically only obtainable by defeating 100,000-year soul beasts, and even then the ring might dissipate before successful absorption.
His system had simply generated one as a reward.
However, absorbing such a powerful soul ring required absolute privacy and extended time. He couldn't risk performing this cultivation within the academy dormitory where disturbances or detection remained possible.
Chen Sheng made an immediate decision. He would leave the academy temporarily, secure a private hotel room in Soto City, and complete the absorption overnight.
---
Under cover of darkness, Chen Sheng departed Shrek Academy through methods that avoided detection. His Phantom Steps technique and enhanced physical capabilities allowed him to traverse the distance to Soto City with remarkable speed.
He secured a private room at a reputable inn, paid generously for absolute non-disturbance, and established defensive barriers using his limited knowledge of protective formations.
Settling into meditative position, Chen Sheng withdrew the 100,000-year soul ring from his system storage.
The magnificent red ring materialized before him, radiating overwhelming power that seemed almost sentient.
He focused his consciousness, summoned his Ancient White Tiger martial soul as the absorption vessel, and initiated contact with the soul ring.
The moment the ring merged with his spiritual energy, Chen Sheng felt as though he had plunged into an ocean of pure power. The soul ring's accumulated energy—representing 100,000 years of a soul beast's cultivation—flooded his meridians with crushing force.
His Heaven Devouring Demon Technique worked, processing the overwhelming energy with methodical precision. His physical capabilities withstand the damage by the absorption's intensity.
Hours passed in deep meditation. The soul ring's red radiance gradually dimmed as its power integrated into Chen Sheng's body and spirit.
When dawn's first light penetrated the room's window, Chen Sheng finally opened his eyes.
His spirit power had surged dramatically—from level 40 to level 46, a six-level advancement that would leave most spirit masters speechless with disbelief.
The fourth soul ring now orbited his Ancient White Tiger martial soul—a magnificent red ring that proclaimed his unprecedented achievement.
『Fourth Soul Ability Acquired: White Tiger Meteor Shower』
The ability's description materialized in his consciousness:
Summons multiple concentrated projectiles of destructive white tiger essence infused with thunder attribute, each capable of independent tracking and devastating impact. Can target multiple enemies simultaneously or concentrate all projectiles on a single opponent for overwhelming assault. Duration and quantity scale with spirit power investment.
The ability possessed both area-of-effect capability for multiple opponents and concentrated firepower options for single powerful targets. Combined with his other abilities, his combat versatility had increased exponentially.
His fourth soul ability—White Tiger Meteor Shower—provided devastating offensive capability that could overwhelm multiple opponents or concentrate firepower against singular powerful targets.
Combined with his enhanced physical strength from the awakened elephant cell, his Twelve-Winged Supreme Divine Archangel martial soul, his Void Breaking Sword, and his comprehensive array of abilities and talents, Chen Sheng had effectively transcended conventional power classification.
He could confidently engage Soul Douluo level opponents and potentially survive—or even defeat—weaker Titled Douluos through strategic application of his diverse capabilities.
But I haven't truly tested these limits yet, Chen Sheng reflected. Actual combat against peak-level opponents would provide more accurate assessment of my current strength.
---
## **THREE DAYS LATER**
Yu Xiaogang had not appeared for three full days following his humiliating collapse, instead allowing the students to train freely without structured oversight. His pride had evidently suffered severe damage requiring recovery time.
During this period, Ning Rongrong had successfully transmitted her letter back to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect through someone who had been covertly following her expedition—likely a guard assigned by Ning Fengzhi or one of her grandfathers to ensure her safety.
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Two nights prior, Chen Sheng had called Xiao Wu to a private meeting location away from the academy—a secluded area near the village outskirts where their conversation wouldn't risk detection.
The soft moonlight illuminated Xiao Wu's beautiful features as Chen Sheng prepared to deliver information that would fundamentally alter her understanding of her situation.
"Xiao Wu, I need to tell you something critically important," Chen Sheng began, his expression uncharacteristically serious.
"Tang San's father is a Titled Douluo. And more significantly—he has discovered your identity as a 100,000-year soul beast."
The words struck Xiao Wu like physical blows. Her entire body went limp, her complexion draining to ghostly pallor. She hadn't expected that a Titled Douluo would be present near a small city like Notting—it defied reasonable probability.
Her original plan had been simple: find a remote academy, integrate with human society covertly, and gradually increase her spirit power through careful cultivation while maintaining her disguise. Instead, she had been discovered almost immediately upon entering Notting Academy.
Xiao Wu's first instinct was immediate flight. Escape back to the Star Dou Great Forest where her friends protection and familiar territory offered relative safety.
She didn't doubt the authenticity of Chen Sheng's information.
Chen Sheng wouldn't lie to her about something this consequential.
No wonder Tang San's martial soul is merely Blue Silver Grass yet he possesses innate full spirit power, she realized with dawning comprehension. His father is a Titled Douluo—that explains everything about his exceptional foundation.
However, Chen Sheng had deliberately withheld information about Tang San's twin martial souls. That detail remained unnecessary for Xiao Wu's immediate decision-making, and she needed time to process the information already provided.
Xiao Wu desperately wanted to return to the Star Dou Great Forest immediately. But the thought of permanent separation from Chen Sheng created unbearable emotional pain. She wanted to remain by his side—even with a Titled Douluo's threat looming nearby.
Moreover, her relationship with Chen Sheng introduced additional complications. If she fled, Tang Hao—upon discovering her departure—might harm Chen Sheng as leverage to lure her back. That outcome was absolutely unacceptable.
Xiao Wu gazed at the beast aura concealment bracelet on her wrist, lost in contemplation.
The moonlight cast gentle illumination across her features, and her pitiful, vulnerable expression would easily awaken any man's protective instincts.
"Brother," she finally whispered, her voice trembling, "if Tang San's father decides to hunt me down to obtain my 100,000-year spirit ring... what would you do?"
Her gaze locked onto Chen Sheng with desperate intensity.
Chen Sheng met her eyes directly and raised his right hand toward the heavens in solemn oath. "As your brother, I will protect you for life! If Tang Hao truly desires your spirit ring, then he must step over my corpse first! This I swear!"
Boom!
Something within Xiao Wu shattered. Tears flowed freely down her cheeks as the full weight of his declaration settled upon her heart.
Perhaps she had always known what Chen Sheng would say. But she also hadn't wanted him to say it—because with Chen Sheng's current strength, he couldn't possibly defeat Tang Hao in direct confrontation.
Yet he remained willing to offer such an absolute guarantee regardless of the consequences.
At that moment, Xiao Wu's feelings crystallized with perfect clarity. She finally understood her own heart.
When she saw him getting close to other girls, jealousy consumed her.
To remain by his side, she was willing to risk her life rather than return to the Star Dou Great Forest's safety. Even for a verbal promise from Chen Sheng, she was willing to sacrifice everything.
Don't worry, Brother, she resolved silently. How could I bear to let you die protecting me? Without you, I feel no joy in living anyway.
Observing Xiao Wu's gradually firming expression, Chen Sheng understood her internal decision.
He actively embraced her, pulling her close against his chest. "Don't worry, Xiao Wu. Even if Tang Hao truly harbors the intention of having Tang San absorb your spirit ring, he needs to wait until Tang San's cultivation reaches Spirit Douluo level—which remains years away."
"Therefore, we simply need to cultivate even harder and leave Tang San far behind in strength before he reaches that threshold!"
Chen Sheng's tone shifted to reassurance. "Also, don't forget about the bracelet I gave you. It completely conceals your soul beast aura—you saw how Teacher Zhao looked after Tang Hao beat him, right? Tang Hao has now completely departed from Shrek Academy. That's precisely why I gave you this protection. With me beside you, you're safe. Trust me!"
To ease the emotional atmosphere, Chen Sheng gently released Xiao Wu from his embrace and tenderly wiped her tears with his right hand, offering a warm smile.
『DING! DETECTED Xiao Wu's Love and Absolute Trust emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
The notification appeared, though Chen Sheng paid it minimal attention. This moment transcended system rewards.
Xiao Wu managed a trembling smile through her tears, finally feeling the suffocating anxiety begin to lift. With Chen Sheng's protection and the concealment bracelet, perhaps survival remained possible.
"Thank you, Brother," she whispered, the words carrying depths of meaning that simple gratitude couldn't fully express.
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