Chapter 549: Displaying Mighty Power, Astonishing the Crowd

Jiang Chen, due to a sudden urgent matter, was hurriedly expelled from the Divine Stone instance by the stone spirit.

He didn't even have time to fully merge his soul into his body, when a powerful force thrust him out of the realm.

After being baptized by the blue fire, Jiang Chen's soul power was significantly enhanced.

However, this newly added power had not yet perfectly harmonized with his body, so in an instant it leaked a powerful Soul Breath.

This powerful Soul wave, like a storm, swept the surrounding space, allowing many to feel Jiang Chen's extraordinary strength.

Those who had originally been skeptical of Jiang Chen were now shocked by this astonishing power.

And those who had already revered Jiang Chen now felt even greater awe and apprehension toward him.

Although Jiang Chen's cultivation is only Level 56, his soul strength is already comparable to a Divine-level Strongman.

Such talent and strength make people unable not to believe that Jiang Chen becoming a Divine-level Strongman is merely a matter of time.

Moreover, he has already displayed seemingly Divine-level combat power.

Ye Chen Shi and his several close aides, upon witnessing this scene, saw the last sliver of luck and resentment in their hearts completely vanish.

They had originally doubted that Jiang Chen's Military Merit was fabricated, that Hong Jishi and Li Xueru and others had deliberately promoted him as a prodigy for hype.

But now, they finally understand that Jiang Chen's strength truly exists, and he needs no one's hype or support.

Ye Chen Shi sighed bitterly, "Jiang Chen's achievements have already far surpassed those of Hong Jishi and Li Xueru back then. Among the younger generation, he is already an invincible presence."

Wang Lin, hearing Ye Chen Shi's words, felt a bit resentful but also knew Old Ye spoke the truth. He whispered, "Old Ye, what should we do next?"

Ye Chen Shi paused briefly, then said in a low voice, "Do not provoke Jiang Chen any longer. His strength is more terrifying than you and I imagined. If you face him in a life‑or‑death duel, you will undoubtedly be defeated."

Wang Lin, upon hearing this, couldn't help but have his eyebrows twitch a few times. He hadn't expected Ye Chen Shi to rate Jiang Chen so highly.

But he made no verbal rebuttal, only a hint of resentment and helplessness in his eyes.

Ye Chen Shi, seeing Wang Lin's expression, knew there was still resentment in his heart.

So he added, "I know you have ideas about the Demon-Slaying Tower, but I can tell you, I've spent half my life without gaining the Demon-Slaying Tower's recognition.

With your potential, the outcome would likely be the same as mine. So, heed my advice: before Jiang Chen comes to claim the tower, you might try to make a bid.

However, do not cling stubbornly to the Demon-Slaying Tower; you cannot hold it.

Wang Lin, hearing this, still felt a bit resentful but also knew Old Ye spoke the truth. He whispered, "Old Ye, what about you? Do you still want to try again?"

Ye Chen Shi shook his head and sighed, "No need, I've tried for half my life; the result is already clear. I will no longer hold any hope."

Jiang Chen slowly opened his eyes; his soul had fully merged with his body, with no trace of breath leaking out.

In his spiritual realm, the Domain Godstone floated silently, burning with blue flames that seemed magical, tightly wrapping Jiang Chen's killing aura, gradually refining it to become clearer and purer.

Jiang Chen felt a slight tremor in his heart; he recalled Ao Hongchen's great effort to purify killing aura, yet his own aura, under the blue flame's burn, seemed naturally refined to utter purity.

He imagined that when he could wield this killing aura in the future, its power would surely be astonishing.

The Domain Godstone intermittently emitted strands of blue fire, which silently merged into Jiang Chen's soul, causing his soul to strengthen slowly and peacefully.

Jiang Chen sensed this change and couldn't help but feel full of anticipation.

He stood, returned to the guest area, and gave a slight bow to Li Xueru, Hong Jishi and the others, "Apologies for keeping you teachers waiting."

Li Xueru looked at him, curiously asking, "What rewards did you obtain in the instance?"

The reason Li Xueru asked so directly was that many Divine-level Strongmen present were curious about the rewards he obtained.

They wanted to know what the next trial would be, its Difficulty, and most importantly, the reward.

While questioning, Li Xueru subtly gave Jiang Chen a signal.

Jiang Chen understood, and retrieved from his spatial Ring a box containing a Talent Divine Stone.

"In the ninth stage, I killed the multicolored ferocious tiger, then faced some puppet challenges. Among those puppets, 300 were equivalent to Level 70 professionals, and 12 were equivalent to Level 80 professionals. After defeating them, I obtained this."

As he spoke, he opened the box, revealing the Talent Divine Stone inside.

"Talent Divine Stone!"

"A complete Talent Divine Stone!"

Someone exclaimed in envy. Although for those already at Divine level the complete Talent Divine Stone held little use, for the juniors in their families it was undeniably extremely precious.

At that moment, everyone learned of Jiang Chen's reward from the instance, and the scene instantly erupted in excitement.

Many people cast admiring glances, also unable to help but respect Jiang Chen's strength and luck.

After all, they had all attempted the Divine Stone instance before and knew its Difficulty well.

However, despite everyone's covetous desire for the Talent Divine Stone, no one asked for it.

They all knew that the Talent Divine Stone in Jiang Chen's hand was a priceless treasure to him. Moreover, they were unaware that Jiang Chen had already possessed a Talent Divine Stone.

Someone couldn't help but ask, "Divine General Jiang, did you only obtain this Talent Divine Stone in the instance?"

The Talent Divine Stone is indeed precious, but in their view, it still seems insufficient to explain Jiang Chen's astonishing performance in the instance.

They always felt that Jiang Chen's gains from the instance were far beyond that.

Jiang Chen gave a slight smile, returning the Talent Divine Stone to his spatial Ring, and said, "Besides the Talent Divine Stone, I indeed received some additional benefits; you seniors should have noticed as well."

Feng An, recalling the brief Soul Breath leak when Jiang Chen emerged, felt something stir and asked, "Divine General Jiang, does that mean your soul has been enhanced?"

Jiang Chen nodded, his tone bearing a hint of humility, "Senior Feng, you are absolutely right; besides the Talent Divine Stone, my soul has also gained a significant enhancement."

"I believe this soul enhancement is the true priceless treasure; it lays the foundation for my future becoming a Divine-level Strongman."

Jiang Chen's words revealed a trace of confidence, making it hard not to believe.

Li Xueru laughed beside him, "Xiao Chen truly is extraordinary; each time he creates a new record."

Jiang Chen humbly replied, "Thank you, teacher, for the praise; I am merely doing my best."

Li Xueru patted Jiang Chen's shoulder, then drew three Advanced Cooldown Talismans from his sleeve, saying, "These talismans I have recharged for you; you may continue using them. If they are exhausted, come find me at any time."

Having spoken, Li Xueru's figure flickered, turning into a beam of light that flew into the Shenlong Tower in midair, announcing loudly, "Everyone, I, Li, will go ahead."

"Farewell, Divine General Li!" the crowd chorused in sending off.

Jiang Chen watched Li Xueru depart, tightly gripping the three Advanced Cooldown Talismans in his hand. He knew that, though precious, these three talismans would only suffice him temporarily.

Hong Jishi also walked over, patted Jiang Chen's shoulder, "Xiao Chen, I also have some matters to attend to and need to be away for a few days."

Jiang Chen nodded in understanding, "Teacher, please go ahead with your duties."

Liu Qingqing also walked over at this moment and handed Jiang Chen an Advanced Cooldown Talisman, "Old Hong asked me to give this to you, saying you need it lately."

Jiang Chen gratefully took the Talisman, "Thank you, teacher's wife."

He turned to Lin Caier and suggested, "Cai Er, I'll take you to run the Instance together."

Lin Caier shook her head, "Yi Ning and I have already made plans; the two of us will go run the Instance together."

Jiang Chen looked at Yi Ning, who gave a slight nod of agreement.

Lin Caier explained, "Jiang Chen, I know running the Instance with you is fast and easy, but I can't always rely on you. I also want to prove my own strength and pursue my own dreams."

Jiang Chen slightly frowned, showing a hint of displeasure. Lin Caier, seeing this, quickly grabbed his hand and gave it a gentle shake.

"Jiang Chen, don't be angry. I know you're worried about me, but please trust that I'll be careful," Lin Caier's voice carried a hint of coquettishness.

Jiang Chen looked at Lin Caier's resolute gaze, and his displeasure gradually faded.

He understood that Lin Caier had her own dreams and pursuits, and he could not always keep her bound by his side.

"Alright, since you've decided, then go ahead," Jiang Chen finally nodded and released Lin Caier's hand.

"I also want to become a Divine-level Strongman, Jiang Chen; you understand that no Divine-level Strongman grows by relying on others' help."

Lin Caier's eyes were steadfast, her words filled with determination.

"I understand your meaning, Cai Er," Jiang Chen said, looking at Lin Caier's determined eyes, his own resolve wavering slightly.

He deeply knew that for Lin Caier, only her own effort could lead to true growth.

"Moreover, the enemies you face now are becoming stronger; I heard the Abyss and the Dragon Race are both watching you."

Lin Caier's voice carried a hint of worry as she continued, "Therefore you must quickly boost your strength to ensure your safety."

Jiang Chen gave a slight nod; he understood that Lin Caier's concern was not unfounded. He had never dared forget the threat of the Abyss and the Dragon Race.

Lin Caier, seeing Jiang Chen nod, seemed to think her words had taken effect, and she went on, "And when I reach level Third Transfer, will you marry me?"

She suddenly pressed her head close to Jiang Chen's ear, whispered softly, and after finishing quickly pulled her head back, a shy blush spreading across her face.

Jiang Chen looked at Lin Caier's flushed little face, felt a warm current rise in his heart, and smiled, nodding, "Definitely."

……

The legend of the Divine Stone Instance may have ended for many, but for ordinary practitioners yearning to challenge themselves and chase extremes, it remains a tempting existence.

The military announced that the Divine Stone Instance will continue to exist for another month, and they will be responsible for its management.

This means that other practitioners also have a chance to take part in the Divine Stone Instance challenge.

However, for ordinary practitioners, the Difficulty of the Divine Stone Instance is extremely high, and few can succeed in the challenge.

But this time, the situation seemed different.

After the crowd dispersed, Wu Lingdong arrived at the Entrance of the Divine Stone Instance.

As a top Human Race Knight class practitioner, after his successful Job Change he exerted tremendous effort, almost training desperately.

At this point he had already surged to Level 46, which, without any resources or support, was a remarkable achievement.

He, with steadfast belief and determination, stepped through the gates of the Divine Stone Instance.