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Xiao Chenyu walked slowly, as if trying to appear dignified. However, in Ye Wen's eyes, this was nothing more than an awkward imitation of sophistication—like a monkey wearing a crown, utterly laughable.
But as the son of the local authority figure, Xiao Chenyu exuded an air of unwarranted confidence.
After much posturing and delay, Xiao Chenyu finally stepped to the forefront of the aristocratic group. With his arms crossed, chin slightly raised, he arrogantly addressed the two young girls, who, though only six years old, already carried themselves with grace:
"Little girl, it's not too late to regret. Considering you two are somewhat pleasing to the eye, I wouldn't mind having two more pets. However, given that you already possess a soul ring at such a young age, your talent must be commendable. Perhaps in the future, I could even take you as my wife through proper means.
So, have you thought about it? Not every commoner has the privilege of becoming a nobleman's wife."
Though Xiao Chenyu hadn't used any vulgar language, the implications behind his words were disgusting enough.
Ye Wen felt particularly nauseated. Was it appropriate for a twelve-year-old boy to say such things? Had his secondary sexual characteristics even fully developed yet? Or was it really fitting for a youth to spout such predatory words to two six-year-old girls?
This was exactly why Ye Wen despised the nobility of Douluo.
Huo Yu'er's face darkened, as if rainclouds were about to burst forth. Before she could speak, Xiao Wu, acting as her spokesperson, fired back first with biting sarcasm:
"What a big mouth you have—do you think you're a toad? 'Not every commoner has the chance to become a nobleman's wife'?
Who do you think you are with such arrogance?
Since we're soul masters, let's settle this like soul masters. Could it be that you're just a useless loudmouth with no combat ability?
Looks like you nobles aren't so impressive after all—just trash."
Although Xiao Chenyu felt intimidated by the century-level soul ring, his earlier observation suggested it wasn't a powerful offensive skill. Thus, he feigned nonchalance and laughed heartily:
"Hahaha, you think I'm afraid? Little girl, have you lost your mind? Just because you have a soul ring doesn't mean you can look down on me."
The moment he finished speaking, Xiao Chenyu completed his martial soul fusion.
"Xiao Chenyu, sixth-grade student, martial soul: Wolf. Level 11, one-ring Battle Soul Master."
As he fused with his martial soul, Xiao Chenyu introduced himself. This was standard etiquette in non-life-or-death battles among soul masters, meant to showcase one's noble demeanor.
However, in real combat, no one cared about such formalities. In fact, most would actively conceal their information. If your trump cards were analyzed by the enemy, once targeted, how could you possibly fight back?
As a flash of light illuminated the area, dense fur sprouted all over Xiao Chenyu's body, and his fingernails sharpened into claw-like protrusions, resembling true talons.
Still, Xiao Chenyu's martial soul was far too weak, and his cultivation level too low, for the fusion to bring about any significant transformation. He merely went from being a youthful boy to a hairy youth.
Hidden among the crowd, Ye Wen observed Xiao Chenyu thoughtfully, sensing that the latter wasn't as confident as he appeared on the surface.
He seemed... cautious, or perhaps probing.
Ye Wen's gaze swept back and forth before finally settling on Huo Yu'er. In an instant, he understood.
"It's apprehension toward an unknown martial soul and soul skill. Despite having attacked earlier, he's now making a grand introduction to extract intelligence."
However, Ye Wen soon chuckled silently. Such petty tactics were hardly sophisticated or useful.
After all, Xiao Chenyu, a minor boss in the early stages, couldn't even defeat Xiao Wu, let alone Huo Yu'er.
At this moment, Huo Yu'er broke free from Xiao Wu's embrace and stepped forward calmly.
"Huo Yu'er, first-grade student, martial soul: Spiritual Pupil. Level 10, one-ring Control System Battle Soul Master."
Huo Yu'er's introduction was more detailed, even specifying her combat type.
But Xiao Chenyu felt no joy. It was clear that these seemingly ordinary work-study students weren't as simple as they appeared.
Reaching Level 10 at such a young age was already extraordinary. Add to that the faint aura of nobility, which no commoner could imitate—it was evident that she had received specialized training. And the knowledge of soul master classifications, which first-year students shouldn't possess...
Xiao Chenyu reached a conclusion.
This little girl was definitely not an ordinary work-study student. She was likely a direct descendant of a prestigious family, sent here to experience life.
Thinking of this possibility, Xiao Chenyu wanted to slap himself twice. How had he been so lecherous earlier? Now he had thoroughly offended her!
"Don't get distracted—I'm coming in."
Before Xiao Chenyu could react, Huo Yu'er had already launched her attack.
Snapping out of his thoughts, Xiao Chenyu pushed aside concerns about offending her and focused on dealing with the immediate threat.
Perhaps he could decisively overpower her and then smooth things over with a laugh, erasing her animosity.
With his mind made up, Xiao Chenyu activated his soul power and summoned his soul ring.
Ye Wen watched the white soul ring and shook his head inwardly.
Though he hadn't investigated the city lord's affairs in detail, as the ruler of a city, Xiao Chenyu's father should at least possess strength comparable to the academy principal—that is, a Soul Ancestor.
Having a Soul Ancestor as a father, yet wielding only a ten-year soul ring, Xiao Chenyu was clearly the neglected type in his family.
"First Soul Skill—Wolf Soul Fusion!"
Suddenly, Ye Wen heard Xiao Chenyu roar. A shadow of a wolf flashed behind him, and the muscles on his already enlarged frame swelled further.
A flicker of surprise passed through Ye Wen's eyes. Evidently, his initial judgment about the city lord's family based solely on the soul ring color had been incorrect.
If Ye Wen wasn't mistaken, the effect of this soul skill was augmentation. Though he didn't know the exact percentage or duration, it was undeniable.
In an era where soul masters prioritized offensive skills to boost their strength, whoever chose such a skill for Xiao Chenyu was undoubtedly wise.
After all, the early soul skills of a soul master could later be simulated without triggering the soul ring once they reached higher cultivation levels.
At this thought, Ye Wen smacked his lips.
It was admirable that someone had planned so carefully for him, but unfortunately, Xiao Chenyu himself was incompetent.
Failing to mature properly, he indulged in base desires. At twelve years old, he was only at Level 11. At this rate, even reaching his father's level of a Soul Ancestor would be the best-case scenario; anything beyond was out of the question.
Moreover, the augmentation from a mere ten-year soul ring likely amounted to no more than 10%.
And who was standing before him? A monster capable of defeating Xiao Wu, who possessed a century-level soul ring, without even activating her own soul ring.
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