"Just how strong is this guy anyway? Tang San and I are both Spirit Masters at level eleven. Why should we be afraid of him?" Xiao Wu said irritably.
"I heard he's already reached the Grandmaster realm," Wang Sheng replied, his face pale. If that guy really showed up, they'd all be in for a serious beating.
"Seriously?" Xiao Wu's expression changed instantly. She turned quickly to Tang San. "Let's get out of here. We definitely can't take on a Grandmaster."
"Haha! Scared now? Too late. Just be a good girl and become my pet rabbit."
A loud laugh rang out—Xiao Chenyu, or "Boss Xiao," had returned. Behind him were two others. One was about his height—Jing Wuming. The other was Jiang Chen.
"Boss Jing, it's these ignorant work-study students. They dared to disrespect us. Teach them a lesson!" Xiao Chenyu said flatteringly, bowing and scraping in front of Jing Wuming.
Moments ago, his entire group had been defeated by Tang San, and even he had taken a beating. Normally, he'd have backed down by now. But today, with this powerful new ally—someone he had met by chance—he felt confident that the work-study students would be completely crushed.
Especially that adorable little bunny girl. Just imagining her in his arms made his heart race with anticipation.
Xiao Wu's expression darkened. She realized she couldn't see through Jing Wuming's strength at all, which meant he was most likely truly a Grandmaster.
Though she was curious why Jiang Chen was walking with someone like him, now was definitely not the time to fight.
But instead of taking action, Jing Wuming seemed to be awaiting the boy's instructions—Jiang Chen's.
Xiao Chenyu was puzzled. "Boss Jing, they're just two kids who barely became Spirit Masters. You could finish them off with a flick of your hand," he urged again.
Jing Wuming finally turned to look at him—without a word, he raised his hand and slapped Xiao Chenyu across the face.
The strike was so powerful that Xiao Chenyu was sent flying through the air, spewing blood and teeth. He landed with a thud, one side of his face swelling rapidly. He passed out cold on the spot.
The crowd instantly fell silent. Xiao Chenyu's underlings were completely stunned.
What… was Jing Wuming doing?
Then, to everyone's shock, Jing Wuming and the boy beside him began walking toward the work-study students.
"Jiang Chen! You knew him all along? Why didn't you say anything earlier? I was worried for nothing," Xiao Wu complained.
She blinked her big, curious eyes at Jing Wuming and thought, He doesn't look that old… Is it really so easy for humans to cultivate to Grandmaster level?
"Let's go," Jiang Chen said calmly.
Wang Sheng, who had been terrified just moments ago, now shouted in excitement, "Let's see who dares to bully us work-study students ever again!"
The formal students nearby were left red-faced in shame as the work-study group walked off with pride.
Back at the academy, Tang San excused himself and hurried off, saying he was going to the Martial Soul Hall to undergo his Spirit Master certification.
Jiang Chen shook his head. Tang San would likely still be certified by Mathuno—but the one receiving him wouldn't be Su Yuntao anymore.
As for Mathuno… his days of basking in glory were numbered.
Jiang Chen turned to Jing Wuming. "Stick to the plan. Go."
Jing Wuming gave a respectful nod and left quickly.
Xiao Wu, Wang Sheng, and the rest of the work-study students all stared in shock, eyes wide in disbelief.
"Jiang Chen… why did that guy call you 'Young Master'? He's a Grandmaster!" Xiao Wu couldn't help but ask.
Jiang Chen gave a helpless smile—seemed like he'd accidentally exposed himself.
"Uh… fine. I'll admit it. I'm actually a rich second-generation heir."
"No way! Tang San said you two came from the same village," Xiao Wu clearly didn't believe him.
"You can ask Tang San yourself. He knows I'm a rich heir," Jiang Chen replied without missing a beat.
After all, Tang San knew that Jing Wuming was actually a corpse puppet. There was no way he'd ever reveal Jiang Chen's secret.
Meanwhile, at Su Yuntao's home…
He gently caressed Sisi, who was nestled in his arms, and said with heartfelt emotion, "Sisi, you've been so good to me. I swear I'll treat you well for the rest of my life."
Sisi held his strong, firm body close, listening to his heartbeat, her face radiant with happiness.
"Yuntao… after all the foolish things I've done in the past, you can still forgive me. Meeting you is the greatest blessing of my life."
Su Yuntao clutched Sisi even tighter, as if trying to merge the two of them into one.
"You don't understand, Yuntao," Sisi whispered. "That old snake Mathuno is utterly ruthless. He feared you'd one day challenge him for the position of Hall Master, so he cut off your future. He even went as far as to kill that child you awakened back in Saint Soul Village."
"What?" Su Yuntao suddenly sat up, his face filled with shock.
"You mean… Jiang Chen?" he asked in a trembling voice. He still remembered how devastated he was upon hearing of the boy's death. He'd been depressed for days—how could he possibly forget?
Sisi nodded. "Yes, that child. I don't know what method Mathuno used, but he had that boy killed. Then he forced me to lie to you, to say I saw the child die with my own eyes. The truth is—I never even went to Saint Soul Village that day."
Su Yuntao froze, stunned. Then, suddenly, he grabbed his head and began to weep bitterly.
"It's all my fault… all my fault. If I hadn't handed over that report to Mathuno, that child might still be alive. I'm the one who got him killed…"
Sisi held his head gently, heart aching as she tried to comfort him. "This isn't your fault. Blame that old bastard—he's the real monster. One day, he'll get what he deserves."
Suddenly, Su Yuntao leapt off the bed and began dressing rapidly.
"No, I must go to Saint Soul Village. I was the one who caused Jiang Chen's death. No matter what, I need to visit his grave and offer my apologies. I have to at least do something for his family."
As he spoke, he pulled out his savings and packed a decent amount of gold soul coins.
"I'll go with you," Sisi said, standing as well.
"No need. Stay here and wait for me," Su Yuntao replied.
"Then please be careful… and stay safe."
As soon as he left the house, Su Yuntao didn't even bother getting a carriage—he broke into a sprint, racing straight toward the city gates.
All he could think about was reaching Saint Soul Village as quickly as possible—to kneel before Jiang Chen's grave and beg for forgiveness. He also needed to visit Jiang Chen's grandfather, Old Jack, and offer him some comfort.
Just after Su Yuntao had departed, Sisi turned around to head back upstairs—when suddenly, a shadow leapt over the outer wall and landed inside the courtyard.
It was a young man dressed in black, standing nearly 1.7 meters tall. His looks were unremarkable, and his expression was cold and emotionless.
"Who are you?" Sisi instinctively stepped back, her voice wary. At the same time, she silently activated her spirit power, ready to summon her martial soul at a moment's notice.
The boy grinned. "Miss Sisi, there's no need to be alarmed. I mean you no harm."
"No harm? Then why did you barge into my home uninvited?" she replied with a cold smirk.
The young man got straight to the point. "Do you want revenge on Mathuno? I have a way to make him wish he were dead."