Over the past two years, the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy had repeatedly experienced mysterious thefts—soul tools vanishing without a trace. The most valuable stolen item so far had been a Grade-4 Fixed Soul Cannon Shell, and despite their efforts, the culprit remained unidentified.
Fortunately, this particular thief seemed to have a bit of "honor." Every time something went missing, they left behind gold soul coins slightly above market value—along with various rare pills from the Three Kingdoms.
So Jing Hongchen, rather than investigate too deeply, simply signed off the losses as "experimental material consumption."
Despite his frustration, Jing Hongchen knew that without any leads, there was nothing to be done. As long as the thief paid up—and even left behind superior-quality medicines—he was willing to turn a blind eye. Even Lin Jiayi, his assistant, had grown used to running the paperwork.
In the Sun Moon Empire, many people smuggled soul tools below Grade 5. There was no real way to prevent it. As long as the thief didn't cross the line and go after Grade 5 or above, Jing Hongchen was happy to treat it as if he'd just bought some expensive tonics for his grandchildren. After all, the pills the thief left behind were better than what even he could obtain.
He'd once worried that rapid advancement might cause side effects for his grandchildren as they neared the Soul King level, but now those worries had faded.
In fact, he had begun to look forward to each "gift package" from this strange, reclusive expert from the Three Kingdoms.
But the next moment, Lin Jiayi's smile froze on his face. He stammered, hesitated, clearly unsure how to break the news.
Jing Hongchen's eyes narrowed.
"Out with it. Don't tell me the thief targeted a soul tool above Grade 5?"
"No, not that…" Lin Jiayi said awkwardly as he handed over a crumpled slip of paper.
"This time… they sent a shopping list. Apparently, they want to buy an entire batch of soul tools under Grade 5. The price is negotiable."
Jing Hongchen: "???"
Stealing a few pieces was one thing—but now they were placing bulk orders?
This was the Sun Moon Empire's highest academic institution, not a black market!
He, the grand Head of the Hall of Virtue, was now being treated like some back-alley dealer?
"Let's see just how greedy this guy is, placing an order at our school!"
He snatched the list and scanned it. Soon, his eye began to twitch. No wonder Lin Jiayi had hesitated.
"Forty Grade-5 Fixed Soul Cannon Shells with thunder, high-explosive, shock, and ice effects…
Five Grade-5 launchers…
One Grade-5 flying-type soul tool…
Three Grade-5 invincibility shields…
What the hell is this?!
Is he gearing up a Soul King for war?!"
From Jing Hongchen's perspective, while the quantity was a bit bold, it was still within the realm of possibility.
More confusing was this person's confidence. Did they really think he, the dean, would just hand over such powerful tools? If word got out, even he would be in hot water.
At the bottom of the list, he noticed faint markings. Injecting soul power, two icy lines of text emerged:
"This will be our final transaction for the next three years.
If the Hall Master declines, we'll seek out your black market instead.
We hope Dean Hongchen will honor our two years of business and keep things friendly."
"Three years from now, my prodigy son will enroll at your academy.
I hope Dean Hongchen will offer some guidance in the name of mutual understanding.
After all, we share common enemies in the Three Kingdoms."
Jing Hongchen immediately sensed something—this wasn't the same person as two years ago. The soul power aura on this note was from a different Title Douluo.
His brow furrowed into a "川" shape.
"This… is bizarre. A different Titled Douluo? Sending their child here for training?"
After a moment of thought, he exhaled.
"Fine. If it's just these items, there's no real issue. Three years… I'll see what kind of game you're playing."
He turned to Lin Jiayi and ordered:
"Semester's just started. Assign this order as a class assessment for the sixth-year students.
We'll provide the rare metals. After the deal's done, give the students 40% as a labor fee.
Draft the materials loss form for me later."
"Understood, Dean."
Hanhai City
Hanhai City, situated on the western coast of the Heaven Dou Empire, was its only seaport. Built against the sea, it was vast and bustling.
As far back as the original Heaven Dou Empire—before its split into the Heaven Soul and Dou Spirit Empires—Hanhai City had already been its largest coastal hub, and the greatest port on the original Douluo Continent.
After the collision of the Douluo and Sun Moon continents, Hanhai naturally became a vital node for sea trade between the Heaven Soul and Sun Moon Empires. Its thriving commerce now ranked it just below the four imperial capitals and Shrek City itself.
After nearly half a month of sea travel, Elder Yue anchored their soul-powered vessel at Hanhai's harbor. He turned to check on the two passengers:
Xu Xiaoyun and Xu Tianxi were still in deep meditation.
"Looks like they still need time. We mustn't disturb them."
Elder Yue activated his soul communicator, calling a number.
"Hello? Xuanwu Chamber of Commerce headquarters?
This is a representative from the main sect.
We've arrived outside the port of Hanhai City. Send someone to receive us."
A response came quickly, filled with excitement.
"Understood! The President is already nearby. I'll inform him right away!"
The call ended with a crisp ding. At once, Elder Yue saw several powerful auras flare from the port, like heatwaves rising into the sky.
"Elder Yue, are Master and Junior Nephew in deep meditation?
That's wonderful news!"
A few figures blinked into view. A clear, warm voice reached his ears.
Elder Yue smiled and turned to greet the speaker.
"Greetings, Your Grace Ice Phoenix."
The man who had arrived—Xiao Changfeng, known as Ice Phoenix Douluo—wore flowing robes and carried himself with ease. His complexion was cold as jade, yet his expression was warm and full of kindness.
"Elder Yue, no need to be so formal. We're all family.
You must be tired from the journey—please, come rest. I'll stand watch here myself."
He signaled to his attendants, who moved to pull the vessel ashore.
Leading Elder Yue up into the air toward the port, Xiao Changfeng continued:
"I recently acquired a batch of soul tools from the Sun Moon Empire—intended as a gift for the young nephew.
Didn't expect him to fall into deep meditation. I wonder when he'll awaken…"
"No matter, no matter," Elder Yue replied cheerfully.
"Good things are worth waiting for. The young master will surely be thrilled."
Xiao Changfeng nodded, though his eyes—watching over Xu Tianxi—carried a mix of emotions.
Half a Month Later – Early Morning
Xu Tianxi emerged from meditation with the rising sun. He stepped out of the cabin, eyes gleaming with curiosity and clarity.
"We've arrived? This must be Hanhai City."
The city's architecture was a far cry from the austere style of the Xuanming Sect. Though it lacked the skyscrapers of his past life, he could still see many five-story buildings. The bustling streets held a variety of clothing styles—even a few dark-skinned individuals.
The sun had fully risen. Ships moved busily through the port. Soul masters were forming teams to venture out to sea, while soul beast hunters returned fully loaded. In the market, someone was even openly auctioning a century-old soul beast.
Some were selling soul tools like compasses and terrain maps—items rarely seen in the Heaven Soul Empire, which generally rejected soul tools. This was a miracle of seaborne trade.
A gust of sea breeze brought a strong fishy smell that made Xu Tianxi wrinkle his nose.
"Ugh… not used to that smell yet."
Just then, a cheerful voice called out:
"Welcome to Hanhai City. This is what the sea smells like—get used to it, junior nephew."
Xu Tianxi turned, startled. Before him stood a handsome man in his thirties. Not a trace of soul power leaked from him, yet his air was sharp and commanding.
Elder Yue stood beside him, smiling knowingly.
Xu Tianxi understood immediately.
"Greetings, Senior Uncle."
Xiao Changfeng nodded warmly, returning the bow without any airs.
"I've met you before, but it's been a long time. You probably wouldn't recognize me now."
"I'm Xiao Changfeng. You'll be staying with me for the next few years."
"With you…? Wait, where's Master Ancestor?"
Xu Tianxi glanced around the cabin—Xu Xiaoyun was gone.
"He's left," Xiao Changfeng said, voice calm.
"He asked me to pass on a message:
'From here on, I can no longer walk with you. This road is yours to walk—alone.'"
His gaze drifted out toward the sea.
PS: Read Advance Chapters at https://www.patreon.com/c/ReadJin