CHAPTER 49: CHAPTER 49, THE TENTH LEVEL, SHENLONG ACADEMY HEADMASTER_1

When Jiang Chen was forty meters away, he frantically launched Sword Qi Attacks, but the Tree Demon was unable to strike back. The Tree Demon moved slowly, often at a pace of one meter every three seconds, moving as slowly as a tortoise.

As the Tree Demon moved towards Jiang Chen, once it was within thirty meters, Jiang Chen would retreat a few meters, stand still, and continue his Sword Qi Attacks.

「In the Dean’s office.」

Zhang Wencheng watched Jiang Chen’s attacks and couldn’t help but find it amusing. "The Demonic Tree Monster is a Hero’s nightmare. Whether in close combat or at a distance, it’s very difficult to damage. Yet you, young fellow, stumbled upon an easy way to pass the ninth level."

It’s time to go to the tenth level and wait for him, to see if he can break through the tenth level.

Zhang Wencheng became intrigued.

「Outside the Tower of Trial.」

"What Demonic Being is on the ninth level?"

"The ninth level seems to be a Demonic Tree Monster with an attack range of thirty meters. It has a very wide range; I’m afraid Jiang Chen will be stopped at the ninth level."

"What? It’s actually a Demonic Tree Monster! That thing is very vulnerable to Magic, but once a Magician gets close, they’ll be attacked. Magicians simply can’t get within thirty meters."

"A Demonic Tree Monster! How could such a terrifying Demonic Being appear in the Tower of Trial? With such a monster, no one can break through the ninth level."

"I remember a team once encountered the Demonic Tree Monster and was completely wiped out. With such a terrifying Demonic Being, no one can get through."

The higher-level students frowned upon learning it was a Demonic Tree Monster.

The Demonic Tree Monster is every Hero’s nightmare. Close combat is impossible; dozens of vine whips striking the body can instantly kill those of the Melee Class, and even Magicians’ ranged attacks aren’t sufficient.

Jiang Qiu looked grave. "A Demonic Tree Monster of all things! Little brother, you mustn’t try to be a Hero. Hurry up and come out!"

Alice also furrowed her brow. "It looks like your brother won’t make it through. The Demonic Tree Monster is too terrifying."

Wang Gang asked, "What is a Demonic Tree Monster?"

"That’s a type of Demonic Ancient Tree with dozens of vine whips. Each whip is tipped with barbs that carry a potent toxin; it’s a truly fearsome entity. Moreover, the Demonic Tree Monster has a very long attack range—a full thirty meters. Neither melee nor ranged attacks are effective unless one can kill it instantly; otherwise, it’s very difficult to defeat. The Demonic Tree Monster also has a weakness: its extremely slow movement speed. As long as one doesn’t enter its attack range, it’s completely harmless. I also didn’t expect the ninth level to feature a Demonic Tree Monster. Jiang Chen should be safe, but it’s unlikely he can get past it. He’s probably going to stop at the ninth level," Alice explained.

Wang Gang chuckled. A thirty-meter attack range. Don’t they know my boss’s attack distance is forty meters?!

While they were discussing, a flash of white light appeared.

Jiang Chen had successfully killed the ninth level’s boss.

Everyone was completely flabbergasted.

"What’s going on? He actually got past the ninth level! Could it be that the ninth level wasn’t a Demonic Tree Monster but some other Demonic Being?"

"It can’t be! I clearly remember it being a Demonic Tree Monster. How could it not be?!"

"You must have remembered wrong. Otherwise, how could he have gotten through?"

"It’s very likely the Demonic Being has changed. After all, with such a powerful creature, it’s impossible to get through, let alone kill the Demonic Tree Monster."

"That’s probably what happened."

"Does anyone know what boss is on the tenth level?"

「The tenth level.」

Jiang Chen stood at the entrance. He entered the tenth level and saw an old man standing opposite him, smiling.

Jiang Chen was taken aback.

Good grief, the tenth level actually features a humanoid boss! This boss must be very strong. I’ll kill it first, then we can talk.

A beam of sword light shot across the sky, firing at the humanoid boss.

Dean Zhang Wenchen saw Jiang Chen approaching and intended to say, "Congratulations, student. You’ve broken through the ninth level. I am the Dean of Shenlong Academy."

But Jiang Chen didn’t give him a chance to speak. Without a word, he launched an attack.

Zhang Wencheng quickly retreated. "Wait! Stop! Let’s talk first!"

Jiang Chen was stunned.

Well, this boss can even talk! When did Demonic Beings become so powerful? I can’t let him make the first move; otherwise, the consequences will be unimaginable.

SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH!

Several more flashes of Sword Qi followed.

Zhang Wencheng teleported to dodge, greatly irritated. I told you to stop! Why are you still attacking? You have no martial virtue!

Jiang Chen watched Zhang Wencheng teleport away and began to teleport himself, appearing next to Zhang Wencheng and instantly activating Jianqi Zongheng.

"Restrict!"

A Hexagram Array trapped Jiang Chen.

Jiang Chen was shocked, his face paling.

Zhang Wencheng fumed internally, You little brat! Didn’t I tell you to stop? Why are you still attacking? Do you even know who I am?!

Jiang Chen asked, "Aren’t you the boss of the tenth floor?"

"Who told you I’m the tenth floor’s boss?"

"If you’re not the boss, then what are you doing on the tenth floor?"

Zhang Wencheng coughed. "Listen clearly. I am the Dean of Shenlong Academy. You can call me Dean Zhang."

This kid dares to attack even the Dean? He must have a death wish!

Jiang Chen said, "Unless you show your Badge."

"..."

"Didn’t I tell you? I am the Dean, the big boss of Shenlong Academy—no, the Dean!"

Zhang Wencheng was so angry he almost cursed aloud.

"Are you really the Dean?"

"Nonsense!"

"Then let me out."

Zhang Wencheng was about to withdraw the Magical Array, but after looking at Jiang Chen, he hesitated. I can’t trust this little fellow. What if he attacks after being released? Although the attack wouldn’t be lethal, who knows what other trump cards this guy has up his sleeve.

Zhang Wencheng coughed. "First of all, congratulations, student, on passing the ninth floor. The boss of the tenth floor is not a Demonic Being but a virtual shadow."

At this point, Jiang Chen began to believe that the old man before him was indeed the Dean.

"A virtual shadow?"

"Yes. It’s from a master who once passed the tenth floor; it’s his virtual shadow. You’re going to challenge him. If you win, you will become the new virtual shadow of the tenth floor."

Jiang Chen now understood. A powerful individual like him had once passed the tenth floor, leaving behind a virtual shadow in the tower to await the next challenger.

Zhang Wencheng continued, "But don’t worry. Everyone who passes the ninth floor will leave behind a virtual shadow. So, you won’t die, and there’s no need to worry about death. If you win, I will reward you with a Skill Book. If you lose, you get nothing. Understand?"

"Just one?"

Zhang Wencheng rolled his eyes. "Nonsense! How many do you want? This Skill Book is very powerful, not a common Skill. You’re only Level 20; what would you do with so many?"

"Understood."

With a wave of his hand, Zhang Wencheng released Jiang Chen.

Zhang Wencheng made another move. A ray of light enveloped Jiang Chen, and a virtual shadow appeared next to him. Jiang Chen looked at the shadow, and the shadow looked back.

Jiang Chen laughed. "This is my virtual shadow?"

"Yes. It was created based on your current strength, possessing one hundred percent of your power. However, this shadow has no thoughts; it’s not a real entity."

"So, it’s like a Shadow Subdivision?"

"There’s a big difference. It only exists within the Tower of Trial and cannot go outside. So don’t even think about taking the shadow out to be your enforcer."

Jiang Chen had indeed entertained that thought. It would be great if it were a real entity; then I would have another version of myself to fight monsters and level up.

Assassins have a Shadow Subdivision Skill that can inflict damage on enemies.

Zhang Wencheng waved his hand again. Another virtual shadow appeared beside him: a smiling man dressed in a White Battle Robe, holding a Thin Sword.