Silence fell on the other end of the Student Badge.
Li Chen's words were very realistic: why should they fight them?
Just because they're using the challenge tournament, they're willing to gamble away their place in the Academy Tournament?
Li Chen wasn't stupid; accepting their challenge would be a huge loss. It wasn't that he couldn't accept the challenge, nor was he afraid of losing. However, the fact that they wanted to use a get-rich-quick scheme as a wager made him somewhat agitated.
After all, although he obtained the qualification for the Academy Tournament inexplicably, the quota is now full and the Academy Tournament is about to begin.
Coming here to challenge them now, aren't they just looking for trouble?
He's not some great philanthropist; he's not friendly to everyone.
After a moment of silence...
The other person from the Student Badge spoke up, "The qualification for the Academy Tournament can be forgone as a wager. Are you willing to fight us?"
Li Chen looked at Mu Hen, only to see that Mu Hen also seemed somewhat uncertain.
In fact, Li Chen had already guessed that although the other side had given up their qualification for the Academy Tournament, they had already planned ahead. They wanted to use this challenge to weaken their prestige. As long as they could win, just as they had said before, they would not be able to keep their qualification for the Academy Tournament.
Mu Hen nodded slightly without speaking, but his meaning was clear: others had already come to their doorstep; if they didn't come out and respond, they would truly be cowards.
If they're already afraid of this challenge before the Academy Tournament has even started, then there's no point in them participating.
"Heh... that's interesting." Li Chen chuckled, waved his hand, and said, "Alright, we agree, but we'll still accept the bet. What can you offer in return?"
The other person was clearly still a bit dazed. At first, they thought the negotiations had broken down, but now that things had suddenly improved, they hurriedly said, "We can offer 20 million in cash as a wager."
"After all, as people on the list, you shouldn't lack Study Points."
What are the conditions?
Mu Hen to the side, widened his eyes and whispered, "You guys play a match like this? 20 million?!"
"Before I entered the academy, the largest amount I had ever seen was only 10,000."
"Damn, you guys really don't value money at all."
Li Chen smiled. This condition was acceptable. To be honest, he didn't lack the Study Points. It would also be good if it were money from outside, since they would be graduating from the academy soon.
Seemingly not hearing a response from Li Chen, the person on the other end grew impatient and continued, "How about 30 million?"
"Can."
"When does the challenge begin?"
"Tomorrow."
Beep beep~
A disconnection sound came, and Li Chen put away his Student Badge.
Not bad. This is his first time participating in a challenge with such a large prize pool. Thirty million is no small sum. It can at least support several ordinary families for several years.
The fact that they dare to offer such a high price shows that those who challenge them are not simple people either.
However, Li Chen was not afraid. Now their team was complete and almost at full strength Ji Mumu, who was slightly weaker, had been able to fully control the power contained within her body over the past few days.
It's impossible to find a team like theirs within the academy, unless they bring in outside help.
Mu Hen put away the Precept Stele, looking somewhat excited, and said, "Should we tell them now that the order has arrived?"
"This is my first time participating in the academy's challenge, and I never expected the stakes to be so high!!"
"Also, it seems we don't have 30 million. What will we do when the competition starts and we need to verify the funds?"
Li Chen smiled and said, "You've forgotten about Su Zhe, haven't you? That guy can lack anything, but he'll never lack money."
"And actually, it seems like you and I are the poorest in our group..."
"Huh?" Mu Hen was shocked. So the big boss was right beside him.
Thirty million just appeared out of thin air; the students at this academy were truly astonished by his worldview.
"Let's call it a day. You should have absorbed enough Dark Energy by now."
Mu Hen nodded.
He's been absorbing Dark Energy so quickly these past few days that he's finding it hard to adjust. It's like someone who used to only eat pickled vegetables and steamed buns every day suddenly being able to eat a full meal every day – they'd feel a bit out of sorts.
However, the rate at which he absorbed and consumed Dark Energy was not keeping up with the rate at which it was replenished.
Otherwise, he could absorb boundless Dark Energy every day and might even be able to directly advance towards the Calamity Realm.
He was a year older than Li Chen, just turned eighteen. Reaching the Withered Sea Realm at that age was already quite an achievement. If he could really enter the Calamity Realm, he would truly be the first prodigy in the Xia Kingdom to enter the Calamity Realm right after coming of age.
Such glory was something he never dared to dream of before, but now that Li Chen has appeared, perhaps there really is hope.
The two quickly left the Darkness Door.
We need to go to the other gates to find Su Xian and the others; it's necessary to tell them about this.
After all, this challenge wasn't just targeting Li Chen, but everyone in their Academy Tournament.
I don't know how much time has passed...
On the Secret Realm Student Island.
Several people gathered together.
Su Xian stroked her chin, pondering, "So, someone is challenging us for a spot in the Academy Tournament? And they've even bet 30 million?"
"No, to be precise, their condition was that the loser would give the winner 30 million, but the Academy Tournament didn't have that condition."
"But if we lose, you all know we won't be able to keep our place in the Academy Tournament either, since we're not as strong as them. Why shouldn't we let them participate in the Academy Tournament?"
Su Xian nodded slightly; that was indeed the case.
They are currently at the pinnacle of Canglan, and it would indeed be unacceptable for them to refuse the challenge, as many students would think they were afraid, thus damaging their honor.
We must accept this challenge.
Ji Mumu chimed in, "What's there to be afraid of? Watch me burn them all down!"
Ji Shao tapped her on the head and said, "You're just too cocky. You've become arrogant and ignorant just because you have a little power."
Ji Mumu whimpered, feeling wronged. "I don't know who it is, but they keep bullying Xian-ge."
Ji Shao twitched his lips and glared at Su Xian.
Su Xian: "..."
"In that case, tomorrow's challenge is going to be tough. This group must have been hiding in Canglan's shadow all along, just waiting for this moment." Li Chen frowned, after all, the timing they chose was perfect.
It's hard not to suspect that this group had been secretly observing and preparing for an attack for a long time.
Once we defeat them, everything they have will be lost.
At that moment, Su Zhe's voice came from afar.
"Chen-ge, something terrible has happened!!"
"Why does the giant screen in Canglan show that we're going to have a challenge match against a mysterious team?!"
"The biggest problem is that the stakes are a whopping thirty million!!"
"Holy crap..."