48: Chapter 48 Temporary Withdrawal from the Competition: For the Future System of the Soul Master World

In Elder Xuan's cloudy eyes, that trace of sharp scrutiny gradually faded away.

He looked deeply at Su Chen, then glanced once more at the holy white halo on the table.

After a long while.

"That's enough."

Elder Xuan slammed his wine gourd onto the table, producing a dull "thud."

"Tell me about your plans for the future."

He didn't ask what this "symbiote" really was, nor did he ask about its origin; instead, he directly asked for Su Chen's plan.

This immediately drew everyone's attention back.

That's right, spending three hundred million gold coins to buy this "new concept" item, surely it couldn't just be left in a box as a decoration?

Under everyone's gaze, Su Chen carefully lifted the dark gold box from his lap and gently placed it on the table in front of them.

The soft white halo instantly became the visual center of the entire room, casting a layer of holy radiance upon everyone's faces.

Su Chen's gaze was calm and firm.

He slowly swept his gaze over everyone present.

"I cannot continue to participate in the upcoming matches."

A single sentence, like a giant boulder crashing into a calm lake.

The atmosphere in the entire room instantly exploded.

"What did you say?!"

Huo Yuhao was the first to lose his composure, abruptly standing up from the sofa, his face full of shock and confusion, "Brother Su Chen, why? The tournament has only just begun, and we…"

He didn't finish his sentence, but everyone understood what he meant.

Shrek's goal was the championship, and Su Chen was the undisputed anchor of the team.

If he withdrew, how could they play?

Wang Dong, Xu Sanshi, and the others all revealed expressions of disbelief, their mouths slightly agape, clearly stunned by this news.

Even the usually composed Dai Yueheng had his brows instantly locked together.

Only one person was an exception.

Bei Bei.

He did not excitedly question him like the others, and there wasn't even much surprise on his face.

He just silently stared intently at Su Chen's eyes; within those gentle and refined orbs flashed the light of contemplation, as if he could see through everything.

He believed that Su Chen must have a reason for making this decision that was far more important than the tournament championship.

Facing the various gazes of the crowd, Su Chen remained exceptionally calm.

He slowly raised his hand and pressed it downward.

"Sorry, I know this decision is very sudden."

"The tournament championship is certainly important, but compared to this, it is nothing."

He pointed at the halo, his tone becoming unprecedentedly serious.

"This thing might… relate to the future system of the Spirit Master world, and relate to the future path of every one of us."

Once these words were spoken, everyone was shocked once again.

A tournament championship versus the future of a system?

Is there even a need to choose?

"I must immediately take it back to Shrek, and in the academy's safest environment, under the witness of Elder Xuan and the Sea Gods Pavilion elders, conduct the most in-depth research on it."

Su Chen's reasoning was impeccable.

This was Star Luo City, where there were many people and prying eyes; who knew how many pairs of eyes were watching in the dark. A treasure worth three hundred million gold coins was enough to make any faction take risks.

Only by returning to Shrek Academy could it be the safest place, where nothing could go wrong.

After speaking, his gaze turned to Ma Xiaotao, who had long, fiery red hair and a sizzling figure.

"Sister Xiaotao."

"With me gone, the burden of the Shrek team must fall back onto the shoulders of you, our former captain."

Su Chen's eyes were filled with trust, "I believe in your strength, and I believe in your leadership."

Ma Xiaotao was stunned, subconsciously puffing out her already towering chest.

Next, he looked toward the brow-furrowed Dai Yueheng.

"Senior Dai, you are the pillar of the Inner Court. With Senior Xiaotao charging on the front lines, you must stabilize the rear."

Then it was Bei Bei, Xu Sanshi, and Jiang Nannan.

"Senior Brother Bei Bei, you are the brain of the team. Senior Xu Sanshi, you are the most solid shield. Senior Jiang Nannan, your control is unmatched."

Finally, his gaze fell on Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong, who were still somewhat dejected.

"And Yuhao, Wang Dong. You are the true future of Shrek. Don't forget, we at Shrek have never relied on one person to win."

Su Chen scanned the entire room, every word resonant and powerful.

"The Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Dueling Tournament championship has only ever had one owner!"

"And that is—Shrek!"

"With or without me, this result will not change in the slightest!"

Just as Su Chen finished speaking, a scorching aura that seemed almost capable of igniting the air erupted from Ma Xiaotao.

Her long, fiery red hair danced without wind, fluttering wildly.

Those alluring peach-blossom eyes now held no trace of coquettishness, only the dominance and arrogance of a queen.

"Hmph, you make it sound like we can't win the championship without you."

Ma Xiaotao lifted her chin, her sizzling figure outlining breathtaking curves with her movement.

"It's just one person less, right? What's the big deal?"

"This year's championship trophy, I will lead the team personally and bring it back for everyone!"

These words were even more direct and domineering than Su Chen's mobilization just now.

In an instant, it burned away the trace of confusion and loss that had arisen in everyone's hearts due to Su Chen's departure.

That's right, what is there to be afraid of!

We are Shrek!

Dai Yueheng took a deep breath, his tightly clenched fists slowly loosening, and a raging fighting spirit reignited in his eyes.

"The glory of Shrek will absolutely not be tarnished in our hands."

"Junior Su Chen, go with peace of mind."

Bei Bei smiled gently and sat back down on the sofa, as if everything was under control.

Xu Sanshi chuckled and patted his chest, "With me in the rear, it's steady as a rock."

Jiang Nannan rolled her eyes at him, but still nodded gently, acknowledging it.

Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong looked at each other, seeing the rekindled fighting spirit in each other's eyes.

Watching this scene, a gratified smile appeared on Su Chen's face.

He knew that the team morale issue he was most worried about had already been solved by Ma Xiaotao in the most simple, crude, yet effective way.

He turned around and bowed deeply toward Elder Xuan, who had been silent in the corner of the room.

Then, he turned his head back once more, lingering for half a second on Ma Xiaotao.

In that gaze, there was gratitude, encouragement, and a tacit understanding that only the two of them understood.

Having done all this, Su Chen no longer had any hesitation.

He carefully put away the deification platform and placed it into his spirit tool.

He turned around and strode out the door.

In the entire room, everyone's gaze converged on his retreating back.

It was a resolute and firm back.

For a grander goal, he temporarily set aside the personal glory that was within reach.

The pressure of the subsequent matches weighed heavily on the hearts of every Shrek team member present.

Pressure is also motivation.

Shrek, will win!