Ch. 248 - I Am the Nanjiang Bandit — I Speak for Myself

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"Looks like you're about to lose!"

Chen Shu broke into a grin. Nancang First High was indeed overwhelmingly powerful — their array of control skills could drive anyone to despair.

Unfortunately, too many control skills meant insufficient damage output.

And all the opposing contract spirits were elemental types — which the Slime's newly learned Resistance talent just so happened to counter perfectly.

Even after tanking two full rounds of crowd control, it still hadn't taken any serious damage.

"Goo-gii! Goo-gii!"

The Slime widened its eyes and wobbled its body — as if it hadn't gotten enough.

The Shadow Blood-Eye Bird was too small. The Slime felt zero sense of accomplishment from crushing it.

Staring into those dopey eyes, the Ice-Horn Deer and Purple Thunder Beast both took a step back in unison...

Then the two exchanged a glance, conveying the exact same message:

You go first?

This wasn't the Beast Tamers pulling the strings — the contract spirits themselves were feeling genuine fear, to the point of slightly breaking free from their masters' control.

The two sides fell into a deadlock — big eyes locked on small eyes, each adhering strictly to the principle of "the enemy doesn't move, neither do I."

"I was waiting for my skill cooldowns. What were you waiting for?"

Chen Shu grinned, then had the Slime Charge again directly!

Xie Fengyu and Su Weiyun exchanged a look and sighed.

Their contract spirits were slipping out of control. On top of that, their own skills hadn't finished cooling down. They no longer had the capacity to fight!

"Goo-gii~~~"

In that instant, the Slime's massive form came barreling forward, its momentum terrifying beyond words.

Both contract spirits began to flee on pure instinct — they didn't even dare glance back.

On the competition platform, the Slime squealed with joy, swinging its rear end as it chased down two S-rank contract spirits.

Staring at such a reality-defying scene, the entire arena fell into utter silence...

This thing was genuinely capable of beating the shit out of S-rank contract spirits now...

In the end, both S-rank spirits were sat on and forcibly recalled into their tamers' Beast Taming Spaces.

And with that, Nancang First High had lost the match!

A brief silence descended upon the Spirit Fighting Arena — then, an earth-shaking roar of cheers erupted!

"We won?! We actually fucking won?!"

"That Poop Monster is way too terrifying — if not for Nancang First High's nonstop control skills, they'd have lost ages ago!"

"Poop Monster invincible! POOP MONSTER INVINCIBLE!"

At this moment, the crowd rose to their feet, cheering and shouting for this year's champions.

Chen Shu and company had created a miracle for Nanjiang City — a small-town team that snatched the crown right out of Nancang City's geniuses' hands.

This moment wasn't just unprecedented — it would likely never be repeated!

"Damn. That's genuinely fucking awesome."

Shen Wushuang clenched his fists. For the first time in years, he felt genuinely moved.

"BANDIT INVINCIBLE!"

"BANDIT INVINCIBLE!"

Now, only the unified chanting remained in the Spirit Fighting Arena.

Chen Shu had lifted Nanjiang City to a completely new height.

"Nice work."

Chen Shu nodded with a smile, complimenting Xu Xiaoyu and Xia Bing.

If it had been just him alone, there was absolutely no way he could have won this match.

Beast Tamer combat was all about technique and coordination!

Nancang First High's control loop had countered the Slime — but the Slime's powerful elemental resistance had countered them right back.

This battle was, without a doubt, brilliantly spectacular — it hadn't disappointed the tens of millions of viewers.

Nancang First High's three members wore expressions of utter dejection. They had specifically formulated a plan... and still lost.

"Don't be down!"

Chen Shu grinned and, radiating positive energy, said: "Life, you know — it's all about the ups and downs. And downs. And more downs. Just... downs, really."

"......"

All three fell into collective speechlessness. Looking at Chen Shu's sleazy, punchable face, they wanted nothing more than to beat him up.

Unfortunately, that wasn't possible!

The three withdrew in dejection as the entire arena's attention converged upon Chen Shu's trio.

Xu Xiaoyu and Xia Bing's bodies trembled slightly — they couldn't suppress the surging excitement in their hearts.

"Today, we have truly witnessed history!"

"A trio from a small city fought their way through round after round — and seized the crown!!"

The host, overcome with emotion, kept on speaking.

The fervent passion infected every single person, and the entire arena roared without end.

Finally, Wang Qing himself took the stage to present them with their prizes, including a championship trophy — a symbol of glory itself.

"For this moment... even spending twenty years in prison, I'd accept it!"

Shen Wushuang hesitated for a brief moment, then ultimately joined them on stage.

The four stood together, beaming at the camera. Click — the image was frozen in time.

Next came the reporter interview segment.

Chen Shu rubbed his hands together, his emotions stirring. THIS was his strong suit!

"Alright, let's wrap it up, time to head out!"

"That's a wrap, that's a wrap!"

"What's for dinner tonight? My treat!"

The reporters from various media outlets conferred among themselves — then turned and headed for the Spirit Fighting Arena's exit...

"Hey — hold on!"

Chen Shu's mouth twitched, and he called out: "Where the hell is my champion treatment?! No feature article?!"

"Chen Shu, your performance was simply too outstanding — it needs no coverage whatsoever!"

With that, every last reporter bolted out, leaving behind a thoroughly disheveled Chen Shu...

"I'll pay, alright?! I'LL PAY!!"

Chen Shu wore an expression of pure desperation. Didn't a champion get any kind of prestige?!

At long last, one young reporter stepped forward.

"May I... interview you, Chen Shu?"

"Of course! Of course!"

Chen Shu's eyes lit right up, and he immediately snatched the microphone straight out of the reporter's hands — terrified that this one would run off too.

Someone had actually delivered themselves to his doorstep?!

The young reporter began to feel like something was very, very wrong...

Chen Shu cleared his throat and, with dead seriousness, launched in: "First of all — Nanjiang City managed to seize this championship primarily through my formidable strength, astonishing intellect, and unmatched personal charisma!"

"Of course, my two teammates also held up their end!"

He coughed once, then added: "As for the teacher who guided me..."

Shen Wushuang's gaze snapped toward him instantly. Chen Pi, oh Chen Pi — so you haven't lost your conscience after all!

Then Chen Shu let out a sigh and said: "Better not mention him!"

"???"

Shen Wushuang's eyes went wide, his face a mask of utter stupefaction.

Motherfucker — you're just skipping right past me?!

Chen Shu cleared his throat again and continued:

"I specialize in demolition, incineration, and various related services. Any and all business collaboration inquiries are welcome!"

"I am the Nanjiang Bandit — I speak for myself!"[1]

"Additionally — anyone who wants my autograph can place an order now. Only 998,000 yuan each!"

???

In that instant, every gaze in the vicinity shot toward him. Mouths hung wide open. Every thought process had completely derailed.

"Uhh..."

The reporter shuddered — he was getting the distinct sense that he'd made a mistake.

He immediately tried to snatch the microphone back.

"Wait! Don't rush!"

Chen Shu, still not entirely satisfied, added: "Also — this trophy right here, the very symbol of glory — any tycoons in the audience interested in purchasing it?!"

"Only 100 million Huaxia currency! Take the glory of a champion home with you!"

"???"

The area around the award podium fell deathly silent once more. You literally just received that trophy, and you're already flipping it?!

"Give me a break..."

The reporter grabbed a fistful of his own hair, dropped his equipment right there on the spot, and ran...

Off to the side, Education Minister Wang Qing stood with arms folded, shaking his head.

Good thing he'd come prepared. Not a single word Chen Shu spoke would ever reach any television screen or online platform.

What could he say? The government had to maintain a champion's image — a positive one, full of wholesome energy.

[1] 我为自己代言 (wǒ wèi zìjǐ dàiyán — "I speak for myself"): Originated from a 2012 Jumei Youpin ad starring CEO Chen Ou. The ad ended with the tagline "我是陈欧，我为自己代言" (I am Chen Ou, I speak for myself), a self-empowerment monologue about struggle, dreams, and defiance. The "Chen Ou Style" (陈欧体) template went mega-viral in 2013, spawning thousands of parodies. By modern standards, using this phrase is deliberately cringe and self-aware — the equivalent of an old motivational poster delivered with zero irony. Chen Shu branding his criminal services with this format is peak absurdity.