Narrowing his eyes as he looked at Dai Huabin dressed in white, Xiao Yan gave a slight smile, his gaze cold as a glint of malice flashed in his dark eyes. A plan quickly took shape in his mind to lure Dai Huabin out of Shrek Academy.
"Dai Huabin, I know you're dissatisfied with losing to me. So why don't we settle it? Meet me outside the academy on East Street tonight, and we'll fight again. How about that?" Xiao Yan's voice carried a hint of provocation, as he raised an eyebrow and smirked.
Dai Huabin let out a harsh laugh, his anger cooling to a sinister grin. "I could meet you outside the academy, but let's make it interesting. Let's bet on something, shall we?"
"What do you want to bet?" Xiao Yan asked, frowning slightly.
Dai Huabin's tone turned serious, "Let's bet the prize you won during the freshmen assessment."
At that, the Lan sisters' expressions changed. The prize from the assessment included one chance to obtain a soul ring from the academy, as well as a ten-thousand-year soul bone that Xiao Yan's team had been awarded. However, Dai Huabin was unaware of the soul bone, as rewards were kept private.
Knowing that there could be unforeseen complications, Lan Susu had already absorbed the "Void Shadow Panther Left Leg Bone" the previous day. Unlike soul rings, soul bones could be inherited. Even if the original owner died or willingly removed the limb with the soul bone, it could be absorbed by someone else.
Seeing the change in the Lan sisters' expressions, Zhu Lu, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up with a smug smile. "What's wrong? Scared? If you are, then get out of Class One."
"Bet on it, Xiao Yan! Dai Huabin is no match for you," Lan Susu fumed, feeling provoked by Zhu Lu's taunt. "If we lose, I'll even chop off my own leg!"
"But if you lose, you'll need to offer something equivalent," Xiao Yan countered firmly.
"Chop off a leg? What are you even talking about?" Dai Huabin and Zhu Lu exchanged a glance, clearly puzzled. They hadn't realized that Xiao Yan's team's reward included a soul bone.
Xiao Yan took a deep breath, meeting Dai Huabin's gaze. "Our reward was a soul bone, which Susu has already absorbed. If we lose, we'll cut off her leg to give you the soul bone. But if you lose, you'll owe me one of your legs and an equivalent soul bone. I think that's fair, right?"
Dai Huabin hesitated, surprised at Xiao Yan's uncompromising tone, which held a faint threat. But his confidence returned upon remembering that Xiao Yan was offering a fight outside the academy, fitting perfectly with his own plans.
"Fine, I—"
"Enough!" A sharp voice interrupted Dai Huabin before he could finish. Wang Yan strode over, his expression furious. "What's going on here? This is the academy! You're too young to gamble with your bodies. If you want a fight, I won't stop you, but this wager is unacceptable. Lose a leg, and what future would you have as a soul master?"
"How about this," Wang Yan continued, "You can fight here, in the academy's Battle Arena. Whoever loses must leave Class One and bow in apology to the winner. I'll be your referee. How does that sound?"
Dai Huabin's expression turned ashen, frustration seething beneath his calm facade. He had intended to lure Xiao Yan out of the academy, where he could rely on outside help. Now, Wang Yan's intervention left him with no choice. Refusing in front of everyone would make him look afraid of Xiao Yan.
Just then, Zhu Lu's eyes glinted as an idea struck her. She suddenly exclaimed, "Apologizing is too easy! Whoever loses should kneel and call the other 'Grandfather,' and shout three times, 'I'm worthless!'"
Dai Huabin wanted to object, but Xiao Yan quickly replied, "Agreed. Whoever loses kneels, calls the winner 'Grandfather,' and shouts three times, 'I'm worthless.'"
"Deal!" Zhu Lu immediately raised her hand to shake on it with Xiao Yan, sealing the wager before Dai Huabin could protest.
"You—" Dai Huabin gritted his teeth, his face contorted with rage as he glared at Zhu Lu, wishing he could tear her apart for her foolish meddling.
Seeing his reaction, Zhu Lu looked confused. She approached him and whispered, "What's wrong, Huabin? This is a perfect wager for you."
"Get lost!" he barked, shoving her away. He shot Xiao Yan a venomous glare and stormed off toward the Battle Arena.
Zhu Lu watched him leave, her face showing confusion. "What's with him? Did I do something wrong?"
---
The Battle Arena was an essential area at Shrek Academy, located in the northwest of the Martial Soul Department, close to Sea God's Pavilion. It was used for various types of combat, overseen by teachers who acted as referees, provided protection, and offered first aid and treatment.
Of course, all of these services came at a cost.
Each duel required a minimum entry fee of ten gold soul coins from each participant. Yet many students eagerly paid, as they could fight freely without holding back, knowing the referees would intervene if things got too dangerous.
All the Class One freshmen gathered at the arena, while Wang Yan paid the entry fees for Xiao Yan and Dai Huabin.
Following closely behind Xiao Yan, Wang Yan remained silent. He assumed Xiao Yan wanted to prove himself after not being granted core disciple status and after facing such open disdain from classmates.
The Lan sisters didn't speak either, their eyes firmly on Xiao Yan, fully confident in his ability to defeat Dai Huabin.
Within minutes, Xiao Yan and Dai Huabin stood across from each other in the arena, with Wang Yan acting as the referee for their match.
Positioned between them, Wang Yan's expression turned stern. "This is a friendly duel between classmates. Do your best, but do not cause serious injury. If anyone gains an overwhelming advantage, I'll immediately stop the match."
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