Chapter 41

"How is the situation?" Xuan Lao, who had released his martial soul, had a grim face as if water could drip from it; he turned his head and asked Wang Yan. Since the encounter with a hundred-thousand-year soul beast in the Star Dou Great Forest that caused heavy casualties among the inner courtyard disciples, this is another major loss under his command. The pain in his heart is something ordinary people cannot comprehend.

Wang Yan said: "Chen Zifeng's injuries are slightly lighter thanks to the blocking effect of his soul tool armor, but the most seriously injured is Gong Yang Mo; his chest and abdomen were blown open by a large amount of toxic flesh and blood, causing severe internal injuries and grave poison damage. Yao Haoxuan's half of his body is a blur of flesh and blood, but the poison has already entered his internal organs."

"Xi Xi's internal injuries are relatively lighter, but the poison damage is also extremely dangerous. All three of them have already started running high fevers. I gave them detox pills, but that can only temporarily stabilize their conditions. They must receive the best treatment to save their lives."

"Ma Xiaotao and Dai Yaoheng were at the epicenter of the explosion; although they had the highest cultivation and blocked a large amount of the toxic flesh and blood produced by the blast, they both suffered shock injuries to their internal organs and need time to recuperate. Fortunately, neither of them nor Ling Luochen was contaminated by that toxic flesh and blood. With the academy's healing medicines, about half a month should be enough for them to recover."

Upon hearing this, Xuan Lao's heart eased at once; fortunately, no tragedy of deaths occurred.

Xuan Lao opened his eyes again, his firm gaze showing that he had made a decision, and he said in a deep voice: "Wang Yan, the arduous task will soon fall on you. Take them back to the camp first; once Xiaotao and the other three's conditions stabilize, immediately rush to Star Luo City to participate in the tournament. I will bring Gong Yang Mo, Chen Zifeng, Yao Haoxuan, and Xi Xi back to the academy for treatment. There's no delay—let's act now."

No one noticed that Huo Yuhao, who had been staying silent in the corner, remained silent, while Chen Qiye fell into a coma due to excessive mental power consumption.

When Chen Qiye woke up again, it was already a bright noon, the strong smell of blood had long dissipated, replaced by the fresh air of the mountains and forests.

Smelling that faint fragrance, Chen Qiye also knew who was taking care of him.

He slowly sat up from Wang Dong's embrace, and only then did he notice that everyone had gathered around him.

Wang Dong had previously been leaning against a large tree, and Chen Qiye's comfortable pillow was his shoulder.

Before Huo Yuhao could speak, Wang Dong fiercely hugged him, his voice trembling with tears as he said, "Chen Qiye, do you know how you scared me? When you burst out from Shandong, you were covered in blood, I—I..."

As soon as he said that, his voice immediately trembled with tears again.

Xu Sanshi chuckled low beside Bei Bei: "Look, the bond between those two brothers is really deep."

Bei Bei pursed her lips: "Anyway, it's much better than you, this cold-hearted guy."

Xu Sanshi instantly flared up: "Nonsense, how am I cold-hearted? Don't be so affectionate! Humph!"

Jiang Nannan frowned slightly: "What time is it now, and you two are still bickering?"

Xu Sanshi looked aggrieved at Jiang Nannan and said: "Nannan, I'm wronged..."

Jiang Nannan glared fiercely at Xu Sanshi, then said nothing more; everyone silently sat down around Chen Qiye.

Wang Yan also came to Chen Qiye's side and said: "Chen Qiye, the protective soul tool armor of Yao Haoxuan and Chen Zifeng was given by you, right?"

"Yes, Senior Yao Haoxuan is a tool soul master specializing in support, not good at defense, and Senior Chen Zifeng's strength is not as great as Ma Xiaotao's senior sister and Dai Yaoheng's senior brother, so to be safe I gave them both protective soul tool armor." Chen Qiye responded with a feigned look of incomprehension. Wang Yan looked at Chen Qiye, somewhat moved, and said: "This time we owe you thanks; if it weren't for the protective soul tools you gave them, their injuries would likely be far worse. Yao Haoxuan's protective soul tool has been completely destroyed, yet half of his body remains a blur of flesh and blood; without your soul tool, half his body might have been blown away. Chen Zifeng's leg injury is also severe. Being able to preserve them both, Chen Qiye, on behalf of the academy I thank you for your contribution."

Saying that, Wang Yan actually stood up and bowed to Chen Qiye.

"It's fine, after all, from another perspective they're also like my older brothers and sisters..."

He Caitou couldn't help but ask: "Teacher Wang, are we really supposed to go up this time?"

This question is also what the seven outer courtyard members are most concerned about now; Wang Dong also loosened his grip on Chen Qiye, and Huo Yuhao walked in from outside the crowd, and together they looked at Wang Yan.

Wang Yan gave a bitter smile: "I'm afraid we have no choice. The Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Duel Tournament lasts a long time, continuing for a month. Ma Xiaotao, Dai Yaoheng, and Ling Luochen will need at least about half a month to fully recover. For now, only you can represent the academy and go into battle."

One day later, Shrek Academy.

A disheveled-haired Xuan Lao sat on the steps, pouring liquor into his mouth. Footsteps sounded behind him, and an old man in white robes walked over.

"How is the situation?" The white-clothed old man respectfully stood behind Xuan Lao and said: "The situation has stabilized; it's corpse poison, and fortunately it's just this single toxin. You brought them back in time, which was timely. Their lives are now out of danger; after our treatment, Chen Zifeng's leg has returned to normal, and Yao Haoxuan's injuries are under control. This time we managed to save Chen Zifeng's leg and Yao Haoxuan's life thanks to the soul tools on their bodies."

Xuan Lao exhaled a mouthful of alcohol vapors, surprised, and said: "Soul tools? Where did they get soul tools on their bodies? They are students of the inner courtyard's martial soul department!"

"I think it would be better for you to go see them yourself," the white-clothed old man said after respectfully reporting the situation, then he left the place.

"Soul tools—who else could have soul tools? Wait a minute, could it be that kid..."

…………

Sea God's Pavilion.

Apart from being no different from the previous Sea God's Pavilion meeting, the atmosphere is now several degrees more solemn. Mu Lao, seated in the chief position, is still lying on the recliner, his appearance indistinct.

On either side below the seat are Lin Lao and Xuan Lao respectively. The four vice and deputy deans of the Martial Soul Department and the Soul Tool Department on both sides still occupy the lower seats as before.

Originally, this meeting should have seen Xuan Lao come forward to resign taking responsibility, but because of Chen Qiye's appearance, we don't know what kind of turning point this Sea God's Pavilion meeting will bring.

A gentle voice sounded: "Speak, Xuanzi, what do you intend to do by proposing this Sea God's Pavilion meeting?"

Xuan Lao nodded, slowly rose to his feet, and said in a deep voice: "Everyone already knows what happened this time. This is not the first problem that has occurred under my leadership as the team leader; as the leader, I bear full responsibility. Therefore, I have decided to resign from the position of Deputy Leader of the Shrek Academy Surveillance Corps and to withdraw from the Sea God's Pavilion, remaining merely an idle member of the academy."

(End of chapter)