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Snake Granny fell silent. The older one grew, the more cautious they became.
Though Ye Tianxin's group was large in number, their members were all around 20 years old at most, with cultivation levels likely not exceeding that of Soul Lords—nothing Snake Granny considered a threat.
However, for these youngsters to reach such levels at their age meant they couldn't possibly be from an ordinary faction. This implied the presence of hidden protectors.
Yet, this Phoenix-Tail Crested Snake was exceptionally well-suited for her granddaughter's martial soul. After spending an entire week in the Great Star Forest searching for it, Snake Granny hesitated, unwilling to give up so easily.
After some thought, Snake Granny narrowed her eyes and spoke gravely.
"Since this is the case, let us settle this according to the rules of the soul master world.
Whichever student among you needs this Phoenix-Tail Crested Snake's soul ring can duel my granddaughter in a one-on-one spirit battle."
"I'm afraid that won't be possible, Senior Snake Granny," Ye Tianxin said calmly.
Though Snake Granny only possessed the cultivation of a Soul Emperor, she still had her pride. Negotiating with a junior like this already made her feel humiliated, and now she was being outright rejected.
"Little girl, don't push your luck! The name Dragon-Snake isn't just for show!"
Ye Tianxin glanced indifferently at Snake Granny, inwardly remarking on her impatience—likely accustomed to being above others.
Pointing to Liu Yuanyuan, Ye Tianxin said,
"Senior Snake Granny, our companion here requires this soul ring, but she is a food-based soul master. Surely you wouldn't expect her to fight your granddaughter?"
Snake Granny's momentum faltered, irritation rising within her. 'Why didn't you say she was a food-type soul master earlier? What a waste of breath.'
"Well, there are so many of you. Just switch to someone else. My granddaughter is a level 30 two-ring quasi-Soul Lord. Find someone of similar strength."
"It's still not possible."
"What do you mean, 'still not possible'?!" Snake Granny snapped angrily.
Ye Tianxin could only shrug helplessly. Aside from auxiliary-type soul masters, who faced difficulties in cultivation and relatively lower levels, everyone else in the group was around 20 years old and possessed at least level 40 soul power, qualifying them as Soul Lords.
"Senior Snake Granny, your granddaughter's strength is too low to compete with us. Among us, aside from Liu Yuanyuan, the lowest cultivation level is that of a quasi-Soul Lord. Fighting a quasi-Soul Lord would clearly be bullying."
Though Ye Tianxin hadn't intended to belittle anyone, Liu Yuanyuan couldn't help but feel a bit stung. 'I'm just a mere level 30 quasi-Soul Lord—how embarrassing.'
Meanwhile, Snake Granny was utterly shocked.
Aside from that little food-type girl, everyone else was at least a quasi-Soul Lord. When had the Douluo Continent produced such a terrifying generation of young talents? Had she and Dragon Elder been out of touch for so long that they'd fallen behind?
But then, a sudden realization struck Snake Granny.
"Are you from Tianxing Academy?"
Though she and Dragon Elder had spent recent years focused on managing their own Beast Academy, paying little attention to external affairs, Snake Granny was well aware of the rise of Tianxing Academy—a school that had achieved prominence in less than two decades. Its teaching quality was unparalleled, far surpassing even the most prestigious advanced academies.
The standard graduation requirement for most high-level soul master academies was reaching level 30 Soul Lord by age 25. However, graduates of Tianxing Academy often reached the Soul Lord realm upon graduation, meeting the qualification threshold to participate in the Continental Advanced Soul Master Tournament.
Many of the textbooks used in their own academy were even adapted from Tianxing Academy's curriculum.
If these young men and women truly hailed from Tianxing Academy, given their cultivation levels, Snake Granny realized she would have no choice but to abandon this Phoenix-Tail Crested Snake's soul ring. She sighed inwardly.
Ye Tianxin smiled faintly. "Senior, your insight is sharp."
She took immense pride in her academy.
As expected, Snake Granny prepared to leave with Meng Yiran.
'Tianxing Academy—they're untouchable. Untouchable. The teachers lurking in the shadows are definitely stronger than me. I'll just have to find another spirit beast.'
"Senior, why leave in such a hurry?
Since you've come all this way, why not spar with me? If you defeat me, what harm is there in giving this Phoenix-Tail Crested Snake's soul ring to this young lady?" Ye Tianxin suddenly suggested.
The crowd remained unfazed. Liu Yuanyuan, the person directly involved, simply assumed the eldest daughter was causing trouble again.
Ye Tianchen, who had been quietly observing, muttered under his breath, "Big Sister must be bored—she's starting to entertain herself."
Snake Granny's expression darkened. Though her cultivation as a Soul Emperor paled in comparison to her husband's Soul Battle Lord level, how dare this girl, no older than twelve or thirteen, provoke her so brazenly?
Suppressing her anger, her lips twitched as she said, "Little girl, don't regret this later."
A smile curled at the corner of Ye Tianxin's lips.
"Everyone, step back. Don't blame me if someone gets hurt by accident."
At once, the surrounding spectators quickly dispersed. While outsiders might not know Ye Tianxin's true strength, those from Tianxing Academy were well aware.
"Sigh, this Snake Granny is doomed."
"Tsk tsk, it's been a while since we've seen the eldest daughter in action—perfect timing for a spectacle."
"Come to think of it, though Snake Granny's cultivation is high, her martial soul seems somewhat troublesome."
The murmurs and discussions of the distant onlookers only deepened Snake Granny's scowl.
'A bunch of brats who haven't ventured into the soul master world yet, ignorant of their place, daring to look down on me.'
"I am a 68-level power-type Soul Emperor, Chao Tianxiang. My martial soul is the Serpent Staff. If we truly fight, don't blame me for showing no mercy, young one. Withdraw your words now, and I'll graciously allow you to take this Phoenix-Tail Crested Snake.
After all, we owe much to Tianxing Academy—this small favor I can grant."
Though Snake Granny's tone was gentle, her presence exuded authority. Her soul power burned fiercely, six soul rings swirling around her, radiating an imposing aura.
Two yellow, three purple, one black.
Seeing this soul ring configuration, Ye Tianxin felt disdainful. Among those present, who didn't possess soul rings beyond standard years?
Still, Ye Tianxin didn't underestimate Snake Granny. Ye Wen had taught her that in battle, even a lion attacking a rabbit must use full force—otherwise, one invited disaster.
"I am Ye Tianxin, a 45-level power-type Battle Soul Lord. My martial soul is the Blue-Gold Tyrant Spear. Please, guide me."
In an instant, a surge of overwhelming pressure erupted. Despite the over 20-level difference in soul power, Snake Granny felt her martial soul tremble with fear.
*What kind of martial soul is this? How can my Serpent Staff react like this?*
When Snake Granny finally saw Ye Tianxin's soul rings, she was chilled to the bone.
Purple—Purple—Black—Black!!!
A thousand-year first soul ring! A ten-thousand-year third soul ring! What kind of monster was this girl?
Wait—she said her surname was Ye. Could she be the child of Master Ye Wen?
Snake Granny inwardly resolved not to underestimate her opponent—otherwise, her dignity would be at stake.
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