In a restaurant in Suotuo City!
The seven members of the Imperial Spirit Team, along with Chen Yuan, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing, had reserved a private room in the restaurant.
Yu Tianheng, as the captain of the Imperial Spirit Team, was hosting the meal. He stood up, raised his glass, and said loudly:
"To celebrate another victory for our team, let's toast!"
The other six members of the Imperial Spirit Team, including Dugu Yan, also raised their glasses. This was their victory, and they were thrilled.
After everyone drank their toast, Yu Tianheng picked up the wine jug and filled his glass again. He then looked at Chen Yuan, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing. No matter what he was thinking inside, he couldn't show it on the surface. With a stiff smile, he said:
"Chen Yuan, Ning Rongrong, Zhu Zhuqing, your talents are impressive. Once we return to the academy, you'll definitely be able to enroll smoothly. Consider this a pre-celebration."
Chen Yuan picked up his glass but didn't drink immediately. Instead, he turned to Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing beside him and asked:
"Can you drink? If not, we can switch to juice."
Ning Rongrong was curious. She had never tried alcohol before, so this was a good opportunity. Holding her glass, she said firmly:
"I can drink."
Zhu Zhuqing also nodded:
"It's fine. Just a little wine."
Since they agreed, Chen Yuan didn't say more. He raised his glass to Yu Tianheng and said with a light smile:
"We'll have to trouble you to look out for us in the future."
Yu Tianheng didn't refuse. Instead, he said seriously:
"You're Yanzi's friend, so you're also my friend, Yu Tianheng. Once you're in Heaven Dou Royal Academy, just mention my name if you need anything."
After saying this, he downed the ale in his glass.
Chen Yuan smiled but didn't say anything. He sipped the ale in his glass, savoring its flavor. It was similar to beer, with a low alcohol content.
Ning Rongrong also took a sip and muttered softly:
"So this is what alcohol tastes like. It's as mild as juice."
Perhaps her constitution was different from others.
Afterward, everyone sat down and began eating.
At the table, Dugu Yan's gaze frequently lingered on Chen Yuan, intentionally or not. She was curious about his past. How could a spirit master dare to absorb a thousand-year spirit ring for his second ring? By the time he reached his third ring, wouldn't he dare to absorb a three-thousand-year spirit ring?
It was like everyone else was taking a 100-point test, but Chen Yuan had somehow scored 150. Dugu Yan wanted to ask, but since this was Chen Yuan's private matter, she never found the right moment to bring it up.
However, this scene made Yu Tianheng feel deeply frustrated. Chen Yuan's talent was indeed impressive, but his strength might not be as extraordinary. He needed to find a way to show Dugu Yan that he was the strongest.
Taking a deep breath, Yu Tianheng told himself to stay calm. But then he spoke bluntly:
"Chen Yuan, when we met you earlier at the Great Spirit Arena, were you there to participate in a match?"
Chen Yuan raised an eyebrow. Was Yu Tianheng trying to challenge him to a fight? After a moment's thought, he explained:
"I occasionally go to watch, but I haven't participated in any matches. I haven't encountered any opponents who truly interest me."
"In my opinion, challenging the weak, even if you win every time, isn't meaningful. Only by challenging the strong can you recognize your shortcomings and improve."
Yu Tianheng was momentarily stunned but then grew excited. So Chen Yuan was also a battle enthusiast. This made him even more interested. He said with great approval:
"Well said! Challenging the weak is boring; challenging the strong is where the excitement lies. Since you haven't found a worthy opponent, I'll give you that opportunity today. Fight me, and I'm sure you'll gain a lot from this battle."
Before Chen Yuan could respond, Dugu Yan interjected with a cold expression:
"Yu Tianheng, when the teacher left, he told you to take care of them, not to bully them."
Yu Tianheng's expression stiffened. Dugu Yan had called him by his full name, which annoyed him. He retorted with a sharper tone:
"Yanzi, this is a matter between men. Women shouldn't interfere."
Dugu Yan's eyes turned icy. Yu Tianheng's dismissive attitude had angered her. She was about to explode, but Chen Yuan accepted the challenge.
He smiled and nodded:
"Alright. I hope Senior Yu Tianheng is a worthy opponent for me to draw my sword. After we finish eating, let's head outside the city for a duel. We don't want to cause too much commotion in the city."
When Chen Yuan accepted the challenge, neither Ning Rongrong nor Zhu Zhuqing tried to stop him. They both knew Chen Yuan's strength. If Yu Tianheng wanted a beating, they'd let him have it. Afterward, he'd probably behave.
On the other side, Yu Feng, Osler, and the others also looked intrigued. As Yu Tianheng's teammates, they naturally hoped he would win Dugu Yan's affection. At the same time, they were also very curious about Chen Yuan's strength.
Yu Tianheng slammed the table and declared:
"Junior Chen Yuan, you're straightforward! Since this is a fight, I won't hold back. But don't worry—among my teammates, Lingling's Nine-Hearted Begonia spirit can heal even the most severe injuries in no time."
Hearing this, Chen Yuan glanced at the woman who had removed her veil. She had delicate features and long, flowing hair. This was Ye Lingling.
Ye Lingling nodded gently and said:
"Don't worry about injuries. I'll heal him immediately after the fight."
Once the duel was settled, no one had much appetite left. They quickly finished their meal, paid the bill, and headed outside the city.
---
Outside the city, on an open grassy field!
Chen Yuan and Yu Tianheng stood facing each other, while the others watched from a distance.
Yu Tianheng shouted:
"Spirit, manifest!"
The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon spirit merged with his body. His figure grew taller, and blue-purple arcs of electricity crackled around him. The sleeve of his right arm burst apart as his arm transformed into a dragon's claw.
One by one, his spirit rings appeared—yellow, yellow, and purple. With each ring, his aura grew stronger.
After completing his spirit manifestation, Yu Tianheng said in a deep voice:
"Chen Yuan, summon your spirit. I'll let you make the first move."
Chen Yuan smiled. He reached out, and a white light flashed. The Seven Kill Sword appeared in his hand, its sharp aura spreading rapidly.
At his feet, three spirit rings rose. Unlike Yu Tianheng's configuration, his rings were yellow, purple, and purple.
At this moment, except for Dugu Yan, the other six members of the Imperial Spirit Team were utterly stunned.
They finally understood why Dugu Yan had taken such an interest in Chen Yuan.
Yu Tianheng's expression was complicated. He glanced at Dugu Yan, but her gaze remained fixed on Chen Yuan…
(End of Chapter)
Word Count : 1,186
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