Wu Siduo's Challenge, and a Little Manipulation of Xie Xie

"I roughly understand the situation..."

The encounter with Wu Siduo was a simple accident, but it also shows that Qi Ji's existence is still bringing some butterfly effects to this world.

Geniuses like Wu Siduo, who share the same name as Qi Ji, are less drawn to the Shrek Academy because of him.

In their eyes, Shrek, which lacks Qi Ji, is no longer the sacred place for Soul Master that they would go to great lengths to enter.

Well, Qi Ji didn't know if this was a good thing or not, since his position was naturally opposed to Shrek.

At least... until Shrek stops being the Shrek that honestly teaches and nurtures students, the conflict between the Federation and Shrek is irreconcilable.

However, on the other hand, it's not necessarily a bad thing for Qi Ji that these top talents won't all flock to Shrek Academy—after all, it's better for them to stay in the Federation system than to contribute to Shrek Academy's development.

"Boss! I'm back... What's this?"

Xie Xie squeezed back through the crowd carrying two overflowing plates piled high with grilled fish, lobster, crab legs, and several delicate snacks. The plates were steaming hot and fragrant, making them look incredibly appetizing.

He had just placed the plate on the table when he noticed a strange red-haired girl standing next to Qi Ji. He paused for a moment, a hint of wariness flashing in his eyes.

"I am Wu Siduo."

Wu Siduo glanced at Xie Xie, simply stating her name with a hint of self-satisfaction in her tone.

Xie Xie was nothing but a nobody to her—he had never even been on the Young Genius Rankings, so Wu Siduo didn't know him at all.

In her eyes, Xie Xie was probably just an insignificant follower of Qi Ji, not even worth a second glance.

Conversely, after Xu Xiaoyan's Martial Soul evolved from the Starwheel Ice Staff into a pure Star Staff, she smoothly entered the Young Genius Rankings, and her ranking was not low, firmly in the top twenty.

Therefore... Xie Xie so much pressure as the only one not on the list.

Whenever someone mentions the Young Genius Rankings, he can only stand silently to the side, listening to others discuss those names he can't even touch. It feels like an invisible wall separates him from the world around Qi Ji.

"Wu Siduo? That Nether Wu Siduo?"

Xie Xie paused for a moment, then blurted out.

Clearly, he had done extensive research on the so-called Young Genius Rankings; even though he couldn't make it onto the list himself, he had memorized all the names and information on it.

"Of course... I didn't expect you to actually recognize me!"

Xie Xie's reaction pleased Wu Siduo. The corners of her mouth curled up slightly, her chin lifted slightly, and her tone carried a hint of smugness.

That's true. After all, she's still a twelve-year-old child. She'd be happy to be recognized, especially by someone who seems to be close to Qi Ji.

"Then... Boss, why is she with you?"

Xie Xie quickly turned his attention back to Qi Ji, his tone carrying a sense of wariness, as if asking, "Who is this woman?"

Are you kidding me? My boss is invincible! You, who barely made it into the top 10, dare to stand next to him?

"I... I want to challenge him!"

Before Qi Ji speak, Wu Siduo suddenly pointed at Qi Ji, her voice clear and firm, as if she had finally said what she had been holding back for a long time.

"Are you drunk?"

Xie Xie blurted out, his expression shifting from wary to bewildered and amused.

She actually wants to challenge the boss? Xie Xie thought this Wu Siduo was incredibly audacious. She didn't understand the difference in strength and yet wanted to challenge Qi Ji?

He personally witnessed Qi Ji sweep through Shrek single-handedly, tearing those seven Shrek elites to shreds like paper. What makes you, a twelve-year-old girl, think you can? Just because you're ranked tenth?

Qi Ji is at the top of the list, and by a huge margin. The gap between him and the second-place player is even greater than the gap between the tenth and the hundredth place.

"You... who are you saying is drunk?"

Wu Siduo glared at Xie Xie, her face flushing red. Then she straightened her back and said righteously, "Of course I know the gap between me and him, but how will I know where I fall short if I don't try?"

From her words, it's clear that she's a very ambitious person with an indomitable spirit.

Unfortunately... she probably chose the wrong opponent.

After all, if the gap becomes too large, it brings not only motivation, but also a sense of despair that no matter how hard you try, you can never catch up.

Over the years, quite a few geniuses have had their Dao hearts shattered by challenging Qi Ji. Some have even become despondent and their cultivation has regressed, casting a shadow over their once bright future.

Even so, people continued to challenge Qi Ji, just like Don Quixote charging at a windmill, knowing full well that he would be smashed to pieces, yet still charging forward without hesitation.

Why climb mountains? Because the mountains are there.

Among the young people in the Douluo Continent, Qi Ji is probably positioned like this—a peak that people look up to, yet can't help but want to challenge.

Xie Xie wanted to say something, after all, he had seen many people who came to challenge Qi Ji because of his reputation, only to have their inner demons broken.

Among them were many who made it onto the Young Genius Rankings, but they often had a fleeting moment of brilliance before disappearing from the public eye.

However... Xie Xie was not in a position to persuade Wu Siduo, after all, he had never even made it onto the Young Genius Rankings.

If he were to fight with Wu Siduo, he'd most likely become a speed bump, right? He's aware of that much.

"OK."

Qi Ji patted Xie Xie on the shoulder, signaling him to stop talking, and then casually agreed, "But let's talk about it after I finish eating, okay? Consider it post-meal exercise."

"Really? That's great, thank you!"

Wu Siduo bowed deeply to Qi Ji, her face filled with gratitude and excitement.

"It's nothing... just a small matter."

Qi Ji said casually, picked up his teacup, took a sip, and spoke in a flat tone as if he were saying that the weather was nice today.

"Boss... haven't you always been someone who doesn't really like taking on challenges?"

Xie Xie closer and asked in a low voice.

Having followed Qi Ji for so long, he naturally knew that Qi Ji had never had much patience for those random challengers. He would usually refuse them if he could, and only deal with them if he really couldn't refuse.

"I really don't like it..."

Qi Ji put down his teacup and sighed. In his opinion, challenging himself on every roadside was genuinely troublesome—winning brought no benefit, losing was even less likely, and it was purely a waste of time.

"But... Xie Xie, as my underling, you can't keep the challengers out for me, so I have no choice but to accept the challenge!"

Qi Ji said this as if it were the most natural thing in the world, his tone implying that "you should reflect on your actions."

"I'm sorry... I'm just too weak..."

Xie Xie lowered his head, his tone full of self-reproach and guilt.

He felt that Qi Ji was right—if he was strong enough, he could help Qi Ji fend off those arrogant challengers instead of having the boss take action himself.

A good subordinate should be able to help the boss share the burden, rather than making the boss do everything personally.

"It's okay... Remember your current vulnerable mindset."

Qi Ji patted him on the shoulder, his tone suddenly becoming more serious. "One day, you will definitely soar to the sky."