Everyone's thoughts turning to immortal-grade herbs was exactly what Dai Youheng had expected. His cultivation method could only conceal his soul power, not his soul rings, so he had prepared his excuse long ago.
Back in the days of the first Shrek Seven Devils, gaining five, six, or even seven levels in a single day had not been unheard of. They had relied on immortal-grade herbs, and this was recorded in Shrek's history books. Everyone knew about it.
However, Dai Youheng's plan had one drawback. Having obtained an immortal-grade herb, he now possessed limitless potential. If he also displayed exceptional combat ability in this tournament and helped Shrek win the championship, Shrek might not let him leave when he later applied to graduate from the outer courtyard. They might try every means possible to draw him into the inner courtyard.
But that was fine. Dai Youheng had already made plans for that possibility as well. He would definitely be able to leave Shrek.
Besides, in the future, he and Shrek would probably become enemies sooner or later, rather than friends. No one with ambitions to rule the world would truly tolerate a terrifyingly powerful, uncontrollable state within a state inside his own sphere of influence.
"An immortal-grade herb!" Hearing those words, Dai Huabin suddenly trembled. His face grew even paler, and he bit his lower lip so hard it nearly bled. His clenched fists tightened until his knuckles turned white.
Boundless jealousy and resentment gnawed at his heart like venomous snakes. Why-why did my eldest brother and I both end up crippled, while he received such a heaven-defying opportunity? What gives him the right?!
The crushing contrast nearly made him lose control on the spot. Fortunately, Zhu Lu held him firmly back.
Zhou Yi, meanwhile, was both shocked and delighted.