3 Bonus mission. Bet with Nie Li

Shen Xiu smiled in amusement, as she took in Nie Li's enraged expression. She resumed lecturing, "After being tested, among the students in this class, Ye Ziyun, with a Cyan soul realm, has a soul force of 86. Shen Yue and Xiao Ning'er both have a Green Soul realm, with a soul force of 78. They will soon reach 1-star Bronze rank. Congratulations to them!"

Listening to Shen Xiu's words, the students in the class all cried out in surprise.

For the other students these three existences were like the full moon, shining but impossible to touch. The achievements that these three geniuses will have were not something they could ever dream of. No matter what, ordinary people have no hope of catching up to them.

Shen Yue's eyes drifted to Xiao Ning Er when she was mentioned. In the first row, he saw a beautiful young girl with a cold and indifferent expression. She had a slender and slim figure. Her lush orange hair was bound into an elegant half-ponytail.

Aside from having a charming feeling on her, she also had an indescribable wild beauty and the cold expression on her face added a different kind of taste to it. Although she was still young, she was already an incredibly cute and charming young girl.

'Xiao Ning Er…' Shen Yue thought of a name.

In Shen Yue's view this world combined the manhua, the novel and the donghua in reality, creating what seemed as the most beautiful magical world of Tales of Demons and Gods, using the best aspects of all of them. And so, among other things, Xiao Ning Er looked very similar to her appearance in the manhua, having beautiful orange hair, except that she was real.

In the Tales of Demons and Gods novel and manhua Xiao Ning Er poured out her heart to Nie Li, dedicating her life to him. She was an incredibly hard-working and determined girl with limitless potential, willing to sacrifice everything to be by his side, but Nie Li behaved like a retard toward her in general, eventually accepting her sort of out of pity. Every time John read about how Nie Li treated Xiao Ning Er he felt like bitch slapping him a few times.

Back on Earth, John always felt very sorry for Xiao Ning Er when reading the novel. She was his favorite character, someone his heart went out to. In his mind Xiao Ning'er was the true gem, not Ye Ziyun.

For Xiao Ning Er, whether it was in the first or the second life in the novel, she suffered endlessly. Even at this moment Shen Yue could see her being slightly bent forward while stealthily clutching her side. It seemed that her Arctic Affliction was acting up, because that should be where one of her bruises was, with the other being on her foot.

Shen Yue felt his soul hurting to see her like that. Given that he is now in this world, able to make his own choices, he would definitely help Xiao Ning Er. He wanted her to be happy for once, and he felt that Xiao Ning Er could be a great companion on his journey to the peak.

"In two months time there will be a Fighter and Demon Spiritualist test. I hope that there will be a few 1-star Bronze rank Demon Spiritualists. Both myself and the Holy Orchid Institute will be proud!" Shen Xiu said proudly.

Bronze, Silver, Gold, Black Gold, Legend, these five ranks are further broken down into 1 to 5 star levels, and thus obtaining a 1-star Bronze rank is considered the starting point.

Once a Fighter's strength or Demon Spiritualist's soul force reaches 100, they can be considered a 1-star Bronze rank. Entering the entry level is extremely difficult. Lots of people are unable to step into the entry level to become a real Fighter or Demon Spiritualist, only less than 1% are able to achieve it.

Hearing Shen Xiu's words, the students in the class started whispering to one another. In order to become a 1-star Bronze rank Fighter you must be able to lift up a 100 pound rock and break a tree as thick as an arm with a punch in order to qualify. For these kids, it's simply too difficult. Unless one has been consuming elixirs since being young, it will be hard to achieve.

As for becoming a Demon Spiritualist, one is required to refine a large amount of soul force within their body and it is a lot harder to accomplish compared to becoming a Fighter, as the limiting factor is one's innate talent.

Soul realms are divided into seven colors: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Cyan, Azure and Indigo.

A normal human would have a Red soul realm; for them to become a Demon Spiritualist in Glory City is nearly impossible. They would normally choose to become a Fighter instead.

The students in the class all looked at Ye Ziyun, Xiao Ning'er and Shen Yue. They envied them because they are the only ones that could become a 1-star Bronze rank in less than half a year.

Among the students, several girls in class gazed at Shen Yue, touching their cheeks in adoration. Not only was Shen Yue extremely handsome and had a noble background, but he was also a genius Demon Spiritualist, his bearing was high-class and he was very daring. It's only today that Shen Yue joined the Fighter Apprentice Class and the teenage girls in class couldn't help but be infatuated by him.

Under the many admiring gazes Shen Yue felt slightly embarrassed. Even though he received Shen Yue's memories of being a stuck-up, this kind of attention and popularity felt quite new. He had to admit that it was certainly not a bad feeling to be eyed as a prized jewel.

As Shen Yue naturally noticed the girl staring at him in wonder, he lightly smiled, his eyes accidentally making contact with the girl sitting at the right of Ye Ziyun.

The girl immediately blushed and lowered her gaze, smiling shyly. She wore a green silk dress and her brown hair was tied into two buns at the side, with the rest of her hair dropping down her back loosely. She had a graceful disposition and although the girl's hair made her look a little ordinary, she was certainly a young beauty. Being seated in the first row next to Ye Ziyun and Shen Yue, she was surely of noble birth as well.

The few other girls in class had similar reactions and Shen Yue couldn't help but laugh. Transmigrating as Shen Yue was certainly not a bad thing!

Meanwhile, Shen Xiu continued her lesson. She glanced toward Nie Li at the back of the classroom and said, "At the same time, three people with the worst results will be expelled. If you have a Red soul realm you have nearly no chance of becoming a Demon Spiritualist, so you should focus on your studies and raising your physical strength. Aim not to get expelled."

'Expelled?' Nie Li felt a bout of anger arising in his heart.

"Teacher Shen Xiu, you believe that Red soul realms cannot become Demon Spiritualists. In that case, do you dare to make a bet with me?" Nie Li suddenly said.

All students in class turned to Nie Li at the back of the classroom. A bet? What is Nie Li going to say again?

Shen Xiu was also stunned. Was getting humiliated once not enough for Nie Li? She sneered. "What bet?"

At the same time, Shen Yue saw a message in his mind.

[Mission: Rebuke Nie Li. | Status: Mission complete!]

[Reward: Nie Li's knowledge on soul realm attributes and soul shapes. <Receive the Reward>]

[Bonus mission: Still in progress.]

[Bonus reward: System Points depending on the level of Nie Li's humiliation and hate.]

[Failure penalty: None.]

"Teacher Shen Xiu, my soul realm is Red. We'll bet that on the coming test in two months' time I will be able to reach Bronze rank. If I fail to do so, I will resign from school. But if I reach Bronze rank, then you will resign, how about it?" Nie Li said with a smug smile, looking at Shen Xiu.

Listening to what Nie Li said, everyone was stunned. Nie Li actually proposed this kind of bet with teacher Shen Xiu after just being humiliated. Wasn't once enough? Is he some sort of retarded masochist that enjoys humiliation and attention? He still had to brag and keep spouting nonsense?

'Holy crap, Nie Li is either incredibly reckless or he has some sort of a plan? Which one is it?' Shen Yue was also shocked by Nie Li's proclamation.

Shen Yue just pointed out that red soul realms are unable to cultivate, but Nie Li still made a bet, bringing attention to himself to keep an eye on him, and perhaps capture and interrogate in the future for his method or a cultivation technique.

Luck had it that in the novel people that went after Nie Li were only low-rank minions of the Dark Guild, just strong enough for him to deal with, all while no one dared to make a move against Nie Li when he was inside the Holy Orchid Institute. But if there was anyone smart and daring enough, based on the numerous stunts and commotions that Nie Li pulled off, then Shen Yue didn't see a reason for Nie Li to not get secretly kidnapped since he's a backwater nobody. Shen Yue could only think that Nie Li was incredibly reckless and it's plot armor that saved him in the novel.

But from Nie Li's POV, he simply despised Shen Xiu and the Sacred Family way too much, it was a hatred of two lifetimes! The Sacred Family is a villainous bunch of traitors and deserves to be annihilated for their crimes. Nie Li was unwilling to let Shen Xiu and Shen Yue win one over him today.

Since Nie Li was reborn, with the level that he reached in his previous life, why would he fear facing such nobodies? In the first life he was a timid and shy teenager, and would definitely not dare to go a gainst the Sacred Family, but in this life, if he's still useless as a scrap wood, he might as well commit suicide. He will get rid Glory City of this hypocritical family!

Shen Xiu and Shen Yue are nothing but passersby in Nie Li's life, his true enemy is the great Sage Emperor! How could he put them in his eyes?

Nie Li already thought about it - so what if people suspect that he has a method for a Red soul realm to become Legend rank Demon Spiritualist? By the time Nie Li reveals his full talent, he would already gain the protection of the authorities or be able to protect himself. He can attribute his cultivation speed to his unique talent, inheritance from ancient ruins or even forge the identity of a mysterious master. Once Nie Li's talent and status is high enough, most people in Glory City wouldn't dare to provoke him. As for 1-star Bronze rank at the year-end exam - Nie Li can control his soul force and only show off a soul force of 100 which is not considered that outstanding, so he won't get too much attention.

"Hahaha, funny enough to actually say you will reach Bronze rank in two months as a Red soul realm! Your current soul force is 5, do you really think that you can raise your soul force from 5 to 100 in two months?" Shen Xiu's face was full of contempt. Has Nie Li gone crazy?

"I only ask one question, do you dare or not?" Nie Li ignored what Shen Xiu just said. Once Shen Xiu agrees, he will become the symbol to motivate the commoners.

But before Shen Xiu had a chance to accept the bet, Shen Yue abruptly stood up from his seat. His mind was working on high gears, as he called out to Nie Li, "Nie Li, how about having a bet with me instead?"

Everyone's eyes turned to Shen Yue, including Nie Li.

Nie Li sneered. "What bet?"

It seems that to get the full bonus reward Shen Yue needed to continue rebuking Nie Li, because the bonus mission screen still didn't disappear, so he decided to speak up. Furthermore, he could take this chance to steal Nie Li's spotlight as the hero of the commoners.

"How about this? If you are able to reach 1-star Bronze rank in 2 months then I will reach 1-star Silver rank in two months! Hahaha!" Shen Yue laughed arrogantly.

Nie Li widened his eyes and was taken aback. He never expected Shen Yue to actually propose such an arrogant and stupid bet. He thought, 'Shen Yue has a Green soul realm, soul force only 78. He is just like Ziyun told me! Prideful, condescending and looks down on others. No wonder he made such a bet with me. This is perfect.'

"1-star Silver rank? You really think you can reach 1-star Silver rank?" Nie Li questioned, blinking his eyes in surprise. It would be too strange if he accepted the bet right away.

"If you can reach 1-star Bronze rank in two months, then why can't I reach 1-star Silver rank? I am from the great Sacred Family! As a typical young master from a noble family I refuse to be beaten in arrogance by a newbie like you!" Shen Yue proudly announced with a thick hint of sarcasm.

Shen Yue's words caused a way of laughs and chuckles across the students in class. As Shen Yue glanced at Xiao Ning Er, he saw her stifling a chuckle as well; it looked really cute.

"A typical young master!"

"Beaten in arrogance, Shen Yue is too funny."

"He's right though. If Nie Li can reach 1-star Bronze rank with a Red soul realm, then why can't Shen Yue reach 1-star Silver rank? Hahaha!"

The students laughed.

"Shen Yue, since you proposed such a bet, then you wouldn't step away from it, right? I accept it!" Nie Li unyieldingly said, staring at Shen Yue. Everything was going perfectly.

"What? You actually accepted?" Shen Yue was stunned.

Nie Li looked at Shen Yue smugly, saying, "How about this? Whoever loses will have to do the other a favor that they cannot refuse, no matter what it is. Do you dare to accept?"

Nie Li sneered in his heart. If Shen Yue accepts then he can at least make him stay away from Ziyun! In the previous life Shen Yue was always chasing after Ye Ziyun non-stop; he was someone handsome and with a good background. Although Shen Yue can't compare to him when it comes to talent, this way Nie Li could get rid of his main love rival early and have more chances to get close to Ziyun. He could even make Shen Yue humiliate himself in public to soil the Sacred Family's reputation or use him in another way! It was perfect!

At this moment Shen Yue looked shocked and dazed for a moment. A favor that cannot be refused no matter what is a big wager after all. However, he soon emerged with a prideful expression. Looking at Nie Li, he said, "Then I accept. Nie Li, if you can really reach 1-star Bronze rank as a Red soul realm in two months, then you will have nothing but my respect and admiration. But if you lose, don't blame me for the consequences."

Nie Li was surprised by Shen Yue's complimenting and encouraging words, but after a moment he understood the meaning behind them and became enraged. The people from the Sacred Family are really despicable and cunning, saying flowery words just to earn a good reputation!

"Shen Yue, since you agreed to the bet, don't regret it later on!" Nie Li said.

Shen Yue's words were powerful and resonating, "Nie Li, if you win this bet then I can only accept the result. I have to say that although you are arrogant, I admire you a little. Without a determined heart, without the courage to turn the impossible into possible, even possessing extraordinary talent would be useless. We practitioners are already challenging the impossible, by going against the way of the heavens! Regardless of our talent, we should all do our best!"

Shen Yue's words couldn't help but to cause the students in the class to feel their blood surging. Their admiration toward Shen Yue reached a new height. Practicing already was going against the way of heavens, if one did not oppose the heavens, how could they talk about practice? Regardless of talent, they should all walk on their path!

Nie Li blinked his eyes, stunned. It was something that he wanted to say next and motivate the commoners! But now Shen Yue stole his spotlight!

Shen Xiu laughed coldly, looking at Nie Li's stupified face. She said, "Nie Li, it seems that you still haven't learned your lesson! You keep making a ruckus, so not only for this month, but you will stay at the back of the classroom for the next two months! I just want to see how you'll reach 1-star Bronze rank by then."

In response to Shen Xiu, Nie Li smiled calmly, unafraid of her stare. This Nephew and Aunt duo are surely good with words, but so what? They simply dug their own graves! Reaching 1-star Bronze rank in 2 months is not a problem for Nie Li. As for Shen Yue, reaching 1-star Silver rank in two months - even if Nie Li himself imparted Shen Yue a supreme level cultivation technique, he might still not be able to achieve it.

Seeing Nie Li staying silent, a few Noble kids started mockingly whispering again.

"Two months to raise his soul force from 5 to 100, who does he think he is? Even when Lord Ye Mo was younger he didn't even reach such frightening speed!"

"Shen Yue really is daring. He actually accepted Nie Li's bet."

"Nie Li has no chance of winning, so why wouldn't Shen Yue accept it? This Nie Li is too stupid and egoistic."

"Hehe, I wonder what Shen Yue will make this kid do once he wins."

Shen Xiu sneered on stage. She naturally didn't believe what Nie Li said, two months to raise his soul force from 5 to 100? Shen Xiu thought of it as a joke, this kind of stuff will absolutely not happen! She felt quite amused that her silly nephew managed to make this kid bet something like a favor. She looked forward to the day that this egoistic orange-haired brat is further humiliated.

But despite all the insults, Nie Li himself swallowed this humiliation and was soon calm, focusing on the future. Although Nie Li's reputation took a hit now, it will all be overturned soon enough. How can such a small step back affect him? If Nie Li felt depressed right now then his two lifetimes would have been in vain. In two months it will be this aunt and nephew duo that will be humiliated instead.

***

///Note regarding the System prices///

A singular cultivation technique/secret technique/array formation/ability or particular piece of knowledge in the System's store are all standardized to cost 1 system point regardless of their objective value or rarity. It means that the Heavenly God Technique and the Daoyin Technique both cost 1 system point.

A low-value technique or ability that Shen Yue might need at the moment and that's far less, objectively, valuable in the outside world than the strongest cultivation technique also costs 1 system point.

This forces Shen Yue to make smart decisions with how he spends his points. And every system point gained and spent is also meaningful. And it isn't like rarity or value made any difference to Nie Li when he freely learned all of these techniques in the Temporal Demon Spirit Book.

As for abilities/knowledge - the cost is mainly estimated based on the time required to master something, then it's based on the difficulty/value/importance/rarity. (Nie Li's inscription pattern knowledge is at a far higher level than his alchemy, which Nie Li didn't study much in the first life, thus reaching Nie Li's peak level in Alchemy is much cheaper)

You also need to keep in mind that Nie Li earned thousands of top-tier techniques and Shen Yue needs hundreds of system points just to max out the different aspects of Nie Li's knowledge and abilities (there are quite a lot of them). Then just to provide cultivation techniques for various girls or followers will cost Shen Yue quite a bit of points.