Flanders' steps gradually slowed down, like a tired old hen. After a long - distance pursuit, he began to consider how to let the group of tired chicks behind him get proper rest and supplies.
Finally, his footsteps stopped on a quiet open space. The sunlight filtered through the gaps in the tree branches, casting mottled light and shadow, and the ground was covered with soft fallen leaves.
Flanders took a deep breath, turned around, and was about to announce a short rest to the students following closely behind.
In his mind, he had already made up his mind. He would take out the big sausages that Oscar had prepared long ago to help these tired children recover their soul power.
However, when Flanders turned around and faced the trailing team, he couldn't help but be stunned.
Among the panting and sweating students, Chen Feng's face remained unchanged, and he didn't seem out of breath at all. It was as if the long - distance run just now was a piece of cake for him.
Along the way, everyone stopped frequently to rest. Each time they stopped, the students couldn't wait to take out the big sausages made by Oscar to restore their soul power and physical strength.
However, Chen Feng always stood aside and didn't even take a bite.
Not only did he not eat the big sausages, but he also remained calm and composed throughout the journey, as if this long journey had no impact on him at all.
Tang San noticed this, and his heart was filled with envy, jealousy, and a bit of helplessness.
"Brother Feng, are you trying to make the rest of us look bad?" Ma Hongjun finally couldn't help but complain, with an exaggerated expression on his face. His clothes were already soaked with sweat.
"What's wrong?" Chen Feng said indifferently.
"You're way too persistent!" Oscar quipped from the side, his words laced with a bit of teasing.
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone burst out laughing.
"Hey, hey... I mean, Chen Feng, are you and Zhuqing also this persistent?"
Xiao Wu's eyes rolled, and she smiled slyly like a little fox.
Zhu Zhuqing's face instantly turned as red as the sunset glow. She lowered her head, and her feet kept rubbing on the ground, as if she wanted to dig out a three - bedroom, one - living - room apartment.
Her shy appearance made everyone laugh even more heartily.
The sun slowly sank below the horizon, and the last rays of sunlight fell on the tired faces of the Shrek group, gilding them with a golden glow.
A whole day of traveling had almost exhausted all their soul power and physical strength.
Dai Mubai's steps became heavy, and each step seemed to carry a thousand - catty weight.
Ning Rongrong leaned against the tree trunk, gently stroking her chest, trying to calm her rapid breathing.
Oscar, while gasping for breath, squeezed out a few sausages and handed them to everyone to replenish their energy.
Ma Hongjun, who was usually the most active, also looked extremely tired and just wanted to find a place to rest well.
This time, Flanders, rather unusually, changed his usual stingy nature and decided to find a warm place for everyone to stay in a quiet small town.
Walking on the stone - paved road of the small town, the lanterns on both sides of the street emitted a soft light, shining on the tired faces of everyone.
When the group finally stopped in front of a small inn, Flanders, with his unique merchant's eyes, quickly scanned the price list.
Although he decided to let everyone have a good rest, he still showed his stingy side in arranging the rooms.
It was good enough to have a place to stay. The teachers squeezed into one room, the male students in one room, and the female students in another.
The night was deep, and the small town became even quieter. Only an occasional few barks of dogs broke the silence.
The night passed without incident. At dawn the next day, as the sky began to light up, everyone was already ready to go and continued their journey.
The faint light of dawn fell on them, as if gilding them with a layer of golden light.
They left the border of the Barak Kingdom and stepped onto the land of the Silvis Kingdom.
After a day of arduous journey, towards evening, they finally arrived at the capital of the Silvis Kingdom.
The prosperity and hustle - bustle of the city rushed towards them, standing in sharp contrast to the previous journey.
Flanders' decision once again took everyone by surprise. He actually chose to stay in this big city.
What was even more astonishing was that he booked five rooms.
This move left everyone dumbfounded. Both the Grandmaster and Zhao Wuji, along with the other teachers, were greatly puzzled by Flanders' generous behavior this time.
Zhu Zhuqing's curiosity was piqued. Her beautiful eyes sparkled with doubt and curiosity.
She gently tugged at Chen Feng's sleeve and whispered, "Brother Chen Feng, how come the dean has suddenly changed his ways?"
Upon hearing this, the corners of Chen Feng's mouth curled up slightly, revealing a faint smile. He said softly, "An iron - fisted miser doesn't suddenly become generous. In my opinion, Flanders must be planning to let us earn some money in the Soul Dueling Arena."
Flanders' steps were brisk and energetic. His mood was like the spring sunshine, bright and eager.
However, when he eagerly negotiated with the staff of the Silvis Grand Soul Dueling Arena, the other party's reply was like a sudden storm, instantly washing away the sunshine in his heart.
"Sorry, we don't have any Gold Soul - Master teams at level 30 to have a fair soul duel with you."
What could be done?
This unexpected news was like a heavy punch, hitting Flanders right in the heart, instantly shattering his enthusiasm and expectations.
Thoughts raced through Flanders' mind. If they couldn't participate in the soul - dueling competition, then the large sum of money he spent today on accommodation and food for the students would have no way to be "reimbursed".
For someone as stingy as him, this was a huge blow.
"Dean Flanders, perhaps we're not without a solution."
Chen Feng's voice wasn't loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears.
"What solution?"
Flanders looked up, a glint flashing in his eyes. His tightly - clenched hands relaxed a little unconsciously, a sign of his eagerness for hope.
"We can challenge level - 40 teams."
"That's right. If you challenge higher - level teams, there will be no restrictions due to the soul - dueling badges," the staff member affirmed.
"No, level - 40 opponents are simply too dangerous for you," Flanders' heart sank suddenly, and he almost instinctively retorted.
"The dean is right. With such a big gap in levels and soul rings, how could we possibly win?" Oscar said in a low voice.
"I'm only level 28 now. There's a gap of two soul rings compared to level - 40. How can I fight?" Ma Hongjun was even more unconfident.
The Shrek Team formed a circle, and the atmosphere was solemn. Everyone's brows were tightly knitted. In the oppressive silence, everyone could clearly feel the huge pressure brought by the 40 - level gap.
Chen Feng stood in the center of the circle, his gaze firm, like a sharp sword piercing through the thick fog of the upcoming battle.
He took a deep breath and slowly said, "I have a strategy. As long as we make good use of the Zhuge Divine Crossbow and catch them off - guard, perhaps we can decide the outcome as soon as we enter the arena."
His voice carried an indescribable magic, as if lighting a lamp in the darkness, instantly attracting everyone's attention.
"Chen Feng and I are on the same page. I agree," the Grandmaster clapped his hands and smiled.
"But..." Flanders still wasn't completely at ease.
"Don't worry, dean. If the first strike doesn't succeed, the team members can use the Mushroom Sausages to leave, and the rest will be up to me," Chen Feng said confidently.
Flanders' eyes lit up. Indeed, if they did it this way, the team members would be in little danger.
Chen Feng was truly remarkable!