"Senior Brother ran into Dean Yan Shaoze?"
Huo Yuhao was taken aback at what Jing Hongchen told him. Dean Yan arrived after Qingtong departed, which neither Huo Yuhao nor Qingtong expected.
Hongchen nodded and recounted his conversation with Yan Shaoze in full.
Kong Deming snorted. "Shrek Academy always has this strange confidence—calling themselves the continent's top academy after millennia. That title should be changed. 'Soul Master Academy' might be more accurate."
Huo Yuhao laughed. "Teacher, with the Soul Hall backing us, it's only a matter of time before we claim that title."
Kong Deming waved dismissively. "Kid, always flattering me well. Go get some rest—Hongchen and I will leave you be." With that, he and Hongchen exited.
Outside, as they walked side by side, Kong Deming turned to Hongchen. "We need to follow up on research in the Extreme North. And Yuhao's idea about phones—I've already had Ziwen and Yuhao start examining it."
Hongchen nodded. "Rest assured, teacher. The soul-guided satellite will launch before the phone is mass-produced. Once it's up, apart from areas blanked by arrays, no secrets will remain across the continent. The Empire's communications will leap to unprecedented levels."
Kong Deming nodded. "Don't follow me further. Go on."
Hongchen stopped, bowed, and replied, "Take care, Teacher."
Moments later, Hongchen ran into brothers Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen, loaded with packages. He asked, "What brings you here?"
Xiao Hongchen replied, "To check on Jing Shengyu."
Meng Hongchen added, "We wanted to come yesterday, but Tianyin Douluo and Silvermoon Douluo suggested waiting so as not to disturb him. That's why we came today."
Hongchen smiled and gestured. "He's fine for now—you two go in and care for him. We're family."
Xiao Hongchen patted his chest confidently. "Don't worry, Grandpa. I've got it covered."
Meng Hongchen nodded. "We won't let him play fights all day."
Hongchen watched them walk away and sighed. "Better not interfere. Let things flow naturally—otherwise I'll annoy that brat."
---
At the Soul Academy's Hall of the Sea God:
Beibei arrived under Dean Yan's guidance and respectfully bowed before Mu En. "Ancestor Xuan, did you call for me?"
Mu En, reclining in a chair, asked, "Beibei, any news from Tang Ya?"
Beibei shook his head. "None yet... I can't get updates from the Sun Moon Empire. Tang Ya must be having a hard time there."
Mu En nodded. He knew that Tang men had recently rebuilt in the Empire—but high-level communication had been locked down deliberately.
Mu En asked, "What do you think of Jing Qingtong?"
Beibei answered without hesitation, "She's cunning! If not for her, Tang Ya wouldn't have gone to the Empire—and gone missing."
Mu En waved a hand. "She's from the Empire. Naturally, her actions favor Imperial interests—that's understandable."
Beibei pressed on: "The Academy stands for peace between Sun Moon and the Empire. Why admit her, then?"
Mu En sighed. "Debate can't be based on appearances. Shrek's reputation for peace must be real."
Beibei looked down. "I'm not at your level. Are you asking my opinion of Qingtong?"
Mu En shook his head. "No—I want you to stay close to her. Keep her at Shrek."
Taken aback, Beibei looked up. "Ancestor—you know how I feel about Tang Ya…"
Mu En interrupted, "I know. But Tang Ya is gone now. You have two choices—Marry Lexuan or be by Qingtong's side."
Beibei replied firmly, "Ancestor, there's no way with Lexuan!"
Mu En responded calmly, "Then stay with Qingtong. Find a way to keep her at Shrek."
Beibei frowned. "Ancestor, isn't that asking too much? She's so young, and we barely know each other..."
But Mu En's decision was final.
PS: Access advance (60+) chapters at
https://www.patreon.com/c/NanamiTL