Without even bothering to wipe the tea from his face, Lin Jiayi rushed in with a look of urgency to report to the Headmaster:
"Headmaster, the freshman physical assessment at our academy just ended, but the soul tool testing device and strength measurement instrument have gone missing. Only a pile of Gold Soul Coins was left behind."
Hearing this, the fire of anger in Jing Hongchen's eyes quickly turned to surprise. His eyes widened in disbelief as he asked again:
"You're saying, only the testing equipment was stolen, and the thief... left money?"
Lin Jiayi nodded earnestly. "That's what the staff said. I went to check the scene myself — those Gold Soul Coins are just enough to purchase two Grade 6 Soul Tools from the market."
Jing Hongchen: "...???"
What kind of moralistic thief does this nowadays? If you've got money, why not just buy them? Why bother stealing? For the thrill?
Though the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy wasn't a military base, its security was still top-tier. Even an eight-ring Soul Douluo or Level 8 Soul Engineer might not escape unscathed if they tried something here.
Besides, he, Hall Master of the Hongchen Hall, wasn't some soft touch. Anyone capable of infiltrating this place should know better than to provoke him.
And yet, the thief only stole two Grade 6 testing devices? Wouldn't a Grade 7 or 8 Soul Tool have been more worthwhile?
Even with all his experience, Jing Hongchen found himself stunned by the sheer absurdity of it all.
Seeing that the Headmaster was caught in confusion, Lin Jiayi quickly pulled out a pitch-black envelope from his robe and handed it over:
"In addition, Headmaster, I found this among the Gold Soul Coins. It's sealed with Soul Power at the Title Douluo level."
"Now that makes more sense. Clearly, this wasn't a theft—it was a message."
Jing Hongchen let out a breath and accepted the envelope. He channeled his soul power into it, and six bold ink-like characters immediately appeared on the surface:
"To Headmaster Jing Hongchen – Personal."
"Hah... interesting. Not only is this person not a thief, they're not even from the Sun Moon Empire. They're from the original Douluo Continent's Three Nations."
Jing Hongchen's eyes gleamed with shrewd light as he confidently analyzed the situation.
"Headmaster, what makes you so sure?" Lin Jiayi skillfully played the role of the sidekick.
"The soul power seal on this envelope is incredibly advanced. I couldn't unlock it immediately. There's no one in the Sun Moon Empire, not even among our Title Douluos or Super Douluos, who could leave a seal like this."
Jing Hongchen spoke with absolute certainty, his tone laced with subtle pride.
He knew the capabilities of all the Level 9 Soul Engineers. Apart from Elder Kong, none were stronger than him — and Elder Kong wouldn't pull a stunt like this.
Moreover, there was no trace of that disgusting aura associated with Evil Soul Masters in the seal. Clearly, the sender was a powerhouse from the original Three Nations.
All falsehoods were powerless before the discerning eyes of Jing Hongchen!
"Ah... uh…" Lin Jiayi found himself choking on the flattery he'd been preparing, unsure how to continue.
Compliment the Headmaster's wisdom and risk offending all the Level 9 Soul Engineers?
Luckily, the Headmaster didn't dwell on it. With a wave of his hand, he brought out a sealed Grade 9 Soul Tool and began cracking the soul power seal. After some time, he finally managed to break it.
Lin Jiayi looked on in awe at the Headmaster's capabilities, while beads of sweat formed on Jing Hongchen's forehead. His gaze grew deep, and a spark of excitement ignited in his eyes.
He wasn't sure before, but now he was certain — the person behind this was definitely a Super Douluo, likely at Rank 96 or higher.
Such a powerhouse would be among the elite even in the Douluo Three Nations. The challenge was exhilarating to Jing Hongchen.
"I, Headmaster Jing, want to see just what's in your gourd."
He opened the envelope and took out the letter. The free-flowing brushstrokes danced on the paper, and Jing Hongchen's eyes sharpened as he read:
"Your grandson has exceptional talent and great potential to become a Super Douluo. Please nurture him well. My own Kirin child may one day compete with him. Enclosed are three pills as a gift for the younger generation."
"It's from Chong Xiao and Meng?"
Jing Hongchen folded the letter and glanced back into the envelope. Inside were three small boxes, each emitting a faint medicinal aroma and cool mist.
"Well now, quite generous," he muttered as he opened one. Inside the swirling mist lay a plump, crystal-clear deep-blue pill, its surface adorned with delicate pill patterns.
"Is that... a Mystic Water Pill?" Lin Jiayi's eyes lit up instantly.
The Mystic Water Pill was a rare elixir that refined one's physical constitution and boosted innate soul power. Soul Masters under Rank 20 could expect at least one rank increase after taking it. It was incredibly valuable and highly sought after.
If such pills ever appeared at the Mingdu Auction House, they would be hotly contested. Soul Engineers with poor foundations prized these kinds of body-purifying treasures.
Inferior pills could harm one's core, while high-quality ones could vastly improve it.
"Yes, it's indeed the Mystic Water Pill. And it's of top-tier quality. Potent and pure," Jing Hongchen confirmed after scanning it with an eighth-grade detection device. No harmful substances were found.
"What should we do with the pills, Headmaster...?"
"What do you mean, what should we do? We eat them, of course," Jing Hongchen said, popping one into his mouth and chewing casually. "Go get Xiao and Meng for me. Tell them there's something good for them. They just broke through Rank 20—this is perfect."
"Oh, right away!" Lin Jiayi nodded quickly and hurried out, marveling at the Headmaster's good fortune. Even his grandchildren were getting unexpected benefits the moment they enrolled.
Once Lin Jiayi left, Jing Hongchen quietly felt the pill's power coursing through him. He stared at the two remaining glowing pills, deep in thought.
This Mystic Water Pill was said to be the secret medicine of a reclusive sect from the original Three Nations. For someone to offer up three at once... could they be affiliated with that sect? Or perhaps a high-ranking member?
No matter — Jing Hongchen had complete faith in his grandchildren, especially Xiao Hongchen, who had awakened a Divine Beast Spirit. Even in Shrek Academy, he was considered a top-tier prodigy.
"Kirin child," is it? My Hongchen Clan's geniuses aren't like those wastes of the past. I'll see just how capable your so-called genius is. So confident... must be someone from Shrek."
"Hmph, Shrek may have reigned for ten thousand years, but the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy won't remain second fiddle forever. Under my leadership, Mingde Hall will rise to new glory…"
Jing Hongchen clenched his fist lightly, his eyes gleaming with burning ambition.
"Vmm—"
Before long, the office door opened again, and two silver-haired youths—a boy and a girl—jogged in with light steps.
"Grandpa, did you need us for something? I was about to head to the library to study and prepare for my next Soul Engineer certification,"
said Xiao Hongchen, already showing the outlines of maturity on his face. He grinned confidently as he walked over.
Pleased by his grandson's drive, Jing Hongchen smiled kindly, gently patting his head. "I called you because there's something good. You're still young; no need to rush through certifications. Focus on getting to know your classmates. This is the best academy in the Sun Moon Empire—make some friends."
Xiao Hongchen shook his head seriously. "No way. Everyone's watching us out there. I can't bring shame to the Hongchen Clan."
His face radiated the conviction of someone who believed in the duty of carrying on the family's legacy.
"Xiao, Grandpa must have his reasons. If the Hongchen Clan wants to become stronger, we may need our friends' help someday."
The clear, melodious voice belonged to Meng Hongchen, her bright eyes blinking as she mimicked an adult's scolding tone.
She tried her best to act grown-up, but her silver hair and flushed cheeks betrayed her childish charm.
Xiao Hongchen lifted his chin arrogantly and crossed his arms with a grave tone:
"Dream, we're the greatest prodigies in a millennium for the Sun Moon Empire. There's no rival here worth my time. Perhaps only Shrek Academy has people who can match me.
When the next Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament comes around, I'll make my mark. Hopefully, they won't disappoint me…"
On his first day at the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy, Xiao Hongchen had already set his sights on greatness. He would carve his name into the history of the empire and become its future Number One Genius!
"(*ˉ▽￣～) Cheh~~"
Meng Hongchen stuck out her tongue and turned away, ignoring her boastful brother.
Xiao Hongchen twitched at the corner of his eye, forcing himself to keep his composure. She's my sister. I won't get mad… Not this time…
Jing Hongchen chuckled, enjoying the family moment. Once they finished their back-and-forth, he handed them the Mystic Water Pills.
"Here. These are the finest pills from the Three Nations, gifted by a Title Douluo. Take them now—I'll stand guard."
Xiao Hongchen accepted the pill with a head full of question marks. "Grandpa, what's going on? Did that Title Douluo defect and join the Sun Moon Empire?"
"Haha, no. He sent them on behalf of a genius from his clan—a challenge of sorts. He said this youth would compete with you two someday."
Xiao Hongchen's eyes lit up with excitement. "Perfect! I hope that genius is strong enough not to go down in just a few hits."
Meng Hongchen smiled sweetly, inspecting her pill. "Let's hope you're not the one who goes down first."
Xiao Hongchen froze, nearly dropping the pill. "Dream… must you always provoke me?!"
"Hehe, not really. But it's fun! You're the empire's top genius—you need to build mental resilience!"
"You—whose side are you even on?!"
Meng Hongchen tilted her head, her expression thoughtful. "Hmm… That's hard to say. If the genius from the Three Nations is handsome, maybe I'll team up with him and beat you together. You never know~"
Xiao Hongchen covered his face in despair, turning to complain to his grandfather. "Ugh, Grandpa, look at her!"
Jing Hongchen wasn't fazed in the slightest and smiled warmly. "Xiao, she's your little sister. Be the bigger brother—show some patience."
"You… both of you…"
Xiao Hongchen looked at them in anguish, as if the whole cold-hearted Hongchen Clan had no place for him anymore. He turned his grief into determination, popped the pill into his mouth, and sat cross-legged to meditate—out of sight, out of mind.
"You damned genius from the Three Nations… Don't let me meet you too soon, or I'll make sure to defeat you soundly in front of Dream and win back my dignity as her big brother…"
That afternoon, Xu Xiaoyun returned to the Xuanming Sect Estate, the silhouette of the manor coming into view.
"I've delivered the letter to that old dragon and passed the message to Jing Hongchen. When Tianxi heads to the Sun Moon Empire for cultivation, things should go much smoother now…"
Xu Xiaoyun floated above the stone path, going over his plans in his mind, considering what else needed to be done.
Suddenly, a loud wail of despair echoed from up ahead. Xu Sanshi's voice rang out, filled with grief:
"Ahhh! Tianxi, what did you eat?! Don't come any closer, I can't take it anymore!"
Xu Xiaoyun: "..."
Where did this brat learn such ridiculous lines? Time for a beating.