After speaking, Jing Hongchen rose into the air in front of Dean Yan Shaoze and sped away into the distance. Yan clenched his fist, watching him depart.
True to Hongchen's words, with nine Level‑9 soul-guided tools enhancing him, few within Shrek Academy could stop him—or Dean Yan himself if it came to a fight.
Back at the Hall of the Sea God, Yan Shaoze recounted everything to Mu En and Xuan Zi.
Xuan Zi frowned. "That Hall Master really is arrogant. I should have gone instead—there's no way I couldn't hold him, not against that guy with Level 94 cultivation."
Mu En cleared his throat. "Don't overlook his Level‑9 soul-guided tools. In the Academy, I'm probably the only one who could hold him in check. Zi, you can beat him, but you can't stop him from leaving."
"Amplification… that strong?" Xuan Zi's eyes widened, stunned at how Hongchen, though just Level 94, could resist a Level 98 Super Douluo.
Mu En nodded. "We've underestimated these tools. The strength of the Sun Moon Empire must be reassessed—it may exceed our previous estimates."
He then looked to Yan. "Shaoze, are you on board with heavy Academy investment in soul-guided research now?"
Yan sighed and nodded. "I still believe self-cultivation is vital, but yes—I admit their battlefield potential."
Mu En added, "That doesn't conflict."
Pausing, Yan then asked, "I heard Qing tong call Jing Hongchen 'Senior Brother', not 'Teacher'. But at first, she referred to him as her teacher. Master Mu, your thoughts?"
Mu En considered. "Hongchen is Hall Master and the Empire's top figure. No one's soul force or craftsmanship surpasses him. If Qing tong and he share a teacher, that suggests another hidden power—someone even stronger."
Xuan Zi groaned. "Is that possible? A Level‑10 Soul Tutor? That'd rival a Super Douluo..."
Mu En replied, "While unbelievable, if someone's quietly stronger, we have to acknowledge his presence."
Yan Shaoze shook his head. "Impossible! If such a figure existed in the Sun Moon Empire, they'd be heralded—World-Changers at that level."
Mu En sat in silence, thinking deeply. Finally, he suggested, "Let it rest for now. Qing tong carries on normally. The upcoming Elite Tournament is approaching—Zi, prepare your squad."
"Yes, Master Mu." Xuan Zi nodded.
"Yan, bring Beibei here," Mu En added.
Once Yan and Xuan Zi left, Mu En stared at the ceiling and sighed. "Let me deal with this villain—after all, this isn't the first time."
---
Meanwhile, back at the Hall of Great Virtue:
Hongchen returned from Shrek Academy to a tense atmosphere. Several Douluo were discussing something grave. He asked one, discovering that Jing Shengyu had a problem.
Rushing to Tianyin Douluo's consultation room, Hongchen demanded, "What's Shengyu's condition?"
Inside, Jing Shengyu sat quietly on the sofa. Kong Deming, Tianyin Douluo, and a few healers were already there.
Tianyin Douluo explained: "Two nights ago, Shengyu's soul tremored without cause. I used spirit-soothing music, but couldn't identify the problem."
Hongchen turned to Shengyu. "How are you feeling?"
Shengyu straightened up: "Eat well, sleep well, great health."
Hongchen frowned — that didn't add up.
A healer interjected, "Your soul didn't break, no flaws. But we can't be sure without monitoring—stay here another month."
Hongchen nodded—Jing Shengyu was too important to the Empire. Kong Deming agreed. He then noted, "Qing tong has safely arrived at Shrek Academy. On my way back I ran into Yan Shaoze."
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