Douluo Continent: Heaven rewards diligence, Tang San's defenses are breached by liver damage.

Putting aside the fact that Shrek Academy doesn't have any ranking system at all, and that its so-called strong teaching staff is just a hoax, every advanced academy in the original work had a Soul Saint teacher, and many advanced academies even had Soul Douluos.

In comparison, Shrek Academy is at a disadvantage. It is short of funds and lacks various types of auxiliary training grounds. It is only slightly better than intermediate soul master schools, but compared with advanced soul master schools, it would be completely crushed.

As for the claim that they only recruit monsters... that's simply overestimating their abilities.

Anyone can teach geniuses, but Shrek Academy has neither resources nor a strong background, so it doesn't seem to have any core competitiveness.

Therefore, Shrek Academy was never part of Lin Chuan's plans.

"Thank you for your high regard, senior. However, I do not plan to study at the Soul Master Academy for the time being. I hope you will understand."

"Huh? You refused?"

Flander's smile froze instantly, his eyes filled with disbelief.

He couldn't believe that Lin Chuan would so decisively refuse an invitation personally extended by him, a Soul Saint.

This isn't quite what I expected!

Both Ma Hongjun and Oscar successfully lured them to Shrek Academy after just one invitation. Why is it suddenly not working now?

"Little monster, are you sure?"

"Our Shrek Academy is absolutely the best place for you. There are professional teachers there to guide your training and will definitely bring out your full potential. If you miss this opportunity, you will definitely regret it in the future!"

Even after being rejected, Flanders seemed unwilling to give up and persistently asked again.

However, Lin Chuan refused again without hesitation.

"I hope you will forgive me, senior."

"May I know why you refused?"

Flander's expression was somewhat unpleasant, but he was not angry.

"Excuse my bluntness, senior, but I am currently a Silver Soul Fighter in the Great Soul Arena, and I receive one thousand gold soul coins for every victory. Can your academy give me that?"

Can money compare to true power?

Flanders gave a righteous and stern lecture.

Lin Chuan's expression remained unchanged. "But cultivation is closely related to money. I have never heard of Shrek Academy. It must not be famous, and it has no connection with the two great empires or even the major sects. That means it has no resources."

"Also, does Shrek Academy, where you studied, have teachers who are skilled in swordsmanship and archery?"

"This……"

Flanders felt awkward and didn't know how to respond.

Shrek Academy doesn't have many teachers, only a handful. Most of them possess beast spirits, while weapon spirits are either support-type or staff-type. There really aren't any candidates who meet the requirements.

"Your reaction speaks for itself, so I'm sorry, but I must decline."

"OK then……"

Flanders opened his mouth, but could only let out a long sigh.

Lin Chuan is indeed a promising talent, and he is very enviable. If possible, Flander would certainly not want to miss out on such a little monster.

But if someone is unwilling, you can't force them, can you?

Or should we nip such geniuses in the bud?

Flander shook his head. Although he was cunning and treacherous, he wouldn't do something like this. Only a complete stranger would kill someone so randomly.

His Shrek Academy is just a small institution, not a behemoth like the two great empires or the Spirit Hall. Does he really fear the growth of a genius who might threaten his position?

Flanders closed his eyes, stroked his newly sprouted beard, and felt a deep sense of regret.

Just when Lin Chuan thought it was all over, Flander invited him a third time before leaving, but Lin Chuan still chose to refuse.

There was nothing Flanders could do but leave with regret.

Lin Chuan couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief after the other person actually left.

Lin Chuan did not sense any malice from his Observation Haki, which is why he chose to refuse again.

"It's a pity. If Shrek Academy were richer or had a stronger background, it would be a really good choice. But Tang San will come eventually, and I have no interest in being teammates with that guy."

Lin Chuan shook his head gently and quickly composed himself.

Now that such a huge mess has occurred, Flander's appearance has served as a wake-up call for Lin Chuan. He is still too weak and unable to control his own destiny.

Perhaps... it's time to leave Sword City!

Chapter 27 Frozen Forest

Jax's reputation grew louder and louder, but this did not affect Lin Chuan's normal life.

Or rather, ever since that battle against a higher-level opponent, Lin Chuan has never appeared in the Sword City Great Arena again, and Jax, who had achieved a thirty-game winning streak, has also disappeared without a trace, and no one knows his whereabouts anymore.

The day after meeting Flander, Lin Chuan left Sword City.

As for the identity of Jax, he wouldn't use it for a long time afterward. After all, Lin Chuan had made a fortune in the past month or so. Not to mention, he still had nearly 100,000 gold soul coins, enough for him to cultivate for a long time.

For a long time, there will be no need to worry about money. If you really run out of money, you can simply go to the Great Arena and fight one or two more matches.

Lin Chuan headed north, his destination the Frozen Forest.

This place is also one of the three major gathering places of soul beasts. In addition to Star Dou Forest and Frozen Forest, there is also Sunset Forest.

However, compared to the other two soul beast forests, the Frozen Forest is known as a high-altitude forbidden zone with very few species of plants and animals, and only a few cold-attribute soul beasts appear, so few people are willing to come here.

Further north lies the far north, a place even more dangerous than the Frozen Forest. Not only are there a vast number of spirit beasts there, but their strength is also formidable. Coupled with the terrifyingly low temperatures, getting lost there is a near certain death.

Even though it was so dangerous, Lin Chuan was not afraid.

He was close to reaching level 20 in soul power and needed a soul ring. After careful consideration, he decided to hunt an ice-attribute soul beast to obtain the soul ring.

However, such soul beasts are extremely rare in the Star Dou Great Forest and Sunset Forest.

There was no other way but to go to the Frozen Forest.

To reach the Frozen Forest, one must traverse the entire territory of the Kingdom of Silves, pass through Jialing Pass near the Tianling Mountains, and then enter the imperial city of the Heavenly Dou Empire. Only then can one travel north to reach the Frozen Forest.

The Tiandou Empire has a vast territory, and the entire journey is long, more than two thousand miles, involving traversing mountains and rivers, making it quite arduous.

Fortunately, Lin Chuan was not in a hurry and continued his journey while cultivating.

At this rate, my soul power might not have broken through level 20 by the time I reach the Frozen Forest. I might as well stay in Tiandou City for now and go to the Frozen Forest after I reach level 20.

The plan went quite smoothly.

Following the caravan, they encountered no trouble along the way.

About half a month later, Tiandou City was already within reach, and from a distance, one could see the flags fluttering in the wind atop the city walls.

As one of the two largest and most prosperous cities on the continent, Tiandou City's city walls are nearly sixty zhang high and are entirely constructed of the hardest granite. On and off the city walls, soldiers wearing fine armor and holding spears stand at their posts, exuding a strong sense of killing intent, clearly all of them elite troops.

The towering city gate was five zhang high and wide, capable of accommodating six riders abreast. There were also two side gates on the side, specifically for pedestrians to enter and exit the city.

"So this is Heaven Dou City! It's truly magnificent and an eye-opener!"

Lin Chuan stood at the city gate, sighing involuntarily.

As we entered the city following the procession, a lively atmosphere immediately enveloped us. The city was a completely different world, with its main streets being incredibly wide, far surpassing any small border town.

Looking at the bustling crowds and the magnificent buildings around him, Lin Chuan couldn't help but marvel at the prosperity of the capital of the Heavenly Dou Empire.

Having found a decent place to settle down, Lin Chuan also learned a good lesson.

All I can say is that the cost of living in such a big city is outrageous. Take the hotel he's currently staying in, for example. It's quite far from the center of Tiandou City and can hardly be considered the city center, yet the price of renting a room is still shockingly high.

Those who can live in Tiandou City, or even own property or businesses, are basically either rich or noble. It is extremely difficult for ordinary people to survive here.

Even if you are a Soul Master, without sufficient background, you will probably have to keep a low profile.

After all, throwing a brick into Heaven Dou City could kill a large number of Soul Masters, most of whom were of extraordinary origin.

Lin Chuan didn't think much of it and spent his days meditating in his room, using the Azure Veined Cauldron to refine his spirit. His cultivation speed was quite astonishing.

Finally, after half a month, I successfully broke through to level 20.

"I've finally reached level 20! It wasn't easy!"

Lin Chuan got up and stretched, his bones crackling as they moved.

Name: Lin Chuan

[Soul Power]: Level 20 (One-Ring Soul Master)

[Blessing]: Diligence is rewarded by Heaven (Blessing from the will of the Blue Star; you reap what you sow, and your efforts will surely be rewarded).

[Technique]: Soul Power Meditation Technique LV3 (633/1000)

【技能】：箭术·入微（577/1w）、枪法·基础（713/1000）、刀法·入微（685/1w）、拳法·基础（698/1000）、身法·入微（452/1w）、见闻色霸气LV1（654/1000）……

[Soul Skill]: First Soul Skill - Explosive Arrow LV1 (55/100)

More than two months have passed since I obtained my first spirit ring. Apart from my spirit power increasing by two levels, my other abilities have not been upgraded, but they have still been significantly improved.

Lin Chuan was quite satisfied with his progress.