Chapter 175: Shouldn’t a Challenge Be One-on-One?

Words : 1033 Updated : Sep 25th, 2025

Chapter 175 - 175: Shouldn't a Challenge Be One-on-One?Early morning, several days later. Tom and Jerry, who normally hated waking up early, were already standing in front of the mirror grooming themselves with unusual enthusiasm. Their movements were perfectly synchronized - carefully combing their hair into neat center parts and applying generous amounts of hair pomade. However, Tom had one particularly stubborn strand of fur that refused to stay down. After repeatedly licking his paws and trying to smooth it unsuccessfully, his eyes fell upon Jerry standing nearby. Without hesitation, Tom grabbed Jerry and started using him like a hammer, pounding on his own head until the unruly strand finally laid flat. Next, Tom meticulously curled his tail into an elegant spiral shape before liberally dousing himself with expensive cologne, applying enough that the bottle was nearly emptied. Jerry, dizzy from being used as a grooming tool, glared at Tom with clear mischief brewing in his eyes. Recognizing the danger, Tom quickly offered the remaining half bottle of cologne as a peace offering. Jerry's expression softened as he applied the fragrant liquid to himself. "Cough cough! What is this overpowering smell?" Shen An complained as he entered. "Tom, Jerry, it's just a formal banquet. Even though you'll be performing, there's no need for this level of extravagant preparation," Shen An sighed while observing the dozens of grooming products and their elaborate hairstyles. Today was the day of the prestigious Aristocratic Gala. Two days earlier, Shen An had received a personal invitation from Tang Yuehua, with Tom and Jerry scheduled as the grand finale performance - hence their unusually enthusiastic preparations. The two excitedly chattered and gestured about their long-awaited return to the stage. "Alright, alright, I know it's been a while since you've performed publicly. Just do your best today," Shen An said with an amused smile. "But absolutely no mischief or troublemaking, understand?" he added sternly. They both nodded vigorously while pounding their chests in assurance - except they were slapping each other's chests instead of their own. Since Tom's normal strength far exceeded Jerry's, the powerful pat sent the tiny mouse flying across the room, immediately sparking another wild chase that quickly escalated into their signature chaotic brawl. Shen An and the two women accompanying him quickly stepped outside just as the entire building collapsed from the violent scuffle. Well... they'll rebuild it later, Shen An thought with resignation. The gala represented an important opportunity. His previous exploits at Shrek Academy had already earned him tremendous fame, accumulating over one million reputation points. An impressive showing tonight could provide the final push needed to reach Soul Ancestor rank - and he had a strong suspicion the system might undergo significant changes once he achieved that breakthrough. Meanwhile, in the royal palace... Xue Qinghe stood before her wardrobe in an unusual state of indecision. As the Crown Prince of Heaven Dou Empire, she normally maintained a perfectly composed and dignified appearance without needing to deliberate over clothing choices. But tonight's gala would gather every important noble in the kingdom - including one particular guest she found herself thinking about. After considerable deliberation, she finally selected an elegant moon-white robe with intricate gold embroidery. As she prepared to leave, her eyes lingered on the rose placed prominently in a vase. Despite her earlier declaration to give it to Xue Ke, she had secretly kept it for herself. Strangely, after nearly a week of careful tending, the flower showed absolutely no signs of wilting - an impossibility that defied normal floral lifespan. Shaking off the inexplicable observation, she departed for the event. The gala was being held in a magnificent venue adjacent to the royal palace, an area normally strictly off-limits to commoners. Rows of heavily armored guards maintained tight security as aristocratic guests streamed through the grand entrance. Presenting his invitation, Shen An entered with Tom and Jerry following close behind. The overwhelming cloud of cologne surrounding the trio immediately drew attention from everyone nearby. Having used an entire bottle between them, the powerful fragrance was impossible to ignore. Many nobles stared curiously at the well-dressed cat and mouse, their eyes gleaming with acquisitive interest at the unusual pets. "Shen An! We meet again! I demand a rematch!" a voice suddenly declared. Turning, Shen An saw a beautiful young woman with fiery red hair - though he honestly couldn't recall ever fighting her before. "Shouldn't challenges be one-on-one affairs?" Shen An asked curiously. seaʀᴄh thё ηovelFire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Huo Wu's face flushed slightly. She couldn't very well admit that facing him alone would be hopeless. After her humiliating defeat during their last encounter, she had trained relentlessly and made significant breakthroughs. Yet she knew Shen An's overwhelming combat prowess still far surpassed her own. "Will this be a private match or public exhibition?" Shen An continued when she hesitated. "Public of course! The gala includes demonstration matches. We must have this rematch to restore our honor!" she declared, though her cheeks reddened further. Organizing a group fight against a single opponent was somewhat embarrassing, but her competitive nature and wounded pride left no other option. Shen An's face broke into an eager grin. "Then let's give them a proper show." As Huo Wu hurried off to gather her teammates, a pale-faced noble youth swaggered up to Shen An. "Name your price for these unusual pets of yours," the young man demanded arrogantly. Shen An didn't even bother responding, simply turning away in dismissal. "How dare you ignore me! Do you have any idea who my father is?!" the noble sputtered in outrage. "Threatening my friend? Get lost." Xue Qinghe's icy voice cut through the hall before she even entered the room. The noble's face immediately drained of color upon recognizing the Crown Prince. All conversation in the vicinity ceased as every guest stared in shock - who was this young man that even the famously composed Crown Prince would publicly defend him with such uncharacteristic sharpness?

Chapter 175: Shouldn’t a Challenge Be One-on-One?

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