Chapter 58: Jing Hongchen

Chen Qiye quietly followed behind Xuan Lao; when Mu Lao, leaning on his cane, returned to the Sea God Hall, his aura was noticeably weakened.

"Qiye, come here," Mu Lao beckoned to Chen Qiye.

Chen Qiye nodded and stepped forward to support Mu Lao.

"I am very glad that Shrek Academy has a student like you, and I am also glad that I found you back then. You are young, yet your mind is already extraordinarily mature; I believe you will become an excellent leader in the future. I hope you will think of Shrek Academy in the future; if you do, I will be at ease. Chen Qiye, now I ask you: if in the future you stand on the opposite side of Shrek, can you do it?"

Xuan Lao, standing nearby, sensed trouble; Mu Lao's words clearly carried hidden meaning.

Xuan Lao was about to speak, but Mu Lao stopped him with a glance; Xuan Lao could only stare anxiously at Chen Qiye, hoping his answer wouldn't be earth‑shattering, after all, that kid...

Chen Qiye calmly said, "As a member of Shrek Academy, I will naturally think of the academy. Since I chose to participate in the All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Battle Competition, the decision was already made; it is so now, and it will be so in the future."

"Even if I may end up on the opposite side of Shrek in the future, I guarantee that what belongs to Shrek will never change!!"

"The name Shrek will be passed down across the continent for ten thousand years, a hundred thousand years, even into eternity."

"Shrek will always be that Shrek, still the place that raised me..."

Chen Qiye knows that to completely transcend this dimension, he must defeat the Asura God, one of the five Great Divine Kings, as well as Tang San of the Sea God!

The root of everything in this world.

"Good, very good, good child, your answer just now pleases me," Mu Lao smiled at Chen Qiye, as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his heart.

Xuan Lao also exhaled, suddenly realizing that unless something important is at stake, Mu Lao would not be this serious.

However, just after Mu Lao finished that sentence, Chen Qiye turned and vanished inside the Sea God Hall.

At that moment, a hint of surprise flashed in Mu Lao's eyes as he said, "Du Bu Si just left, and now another friend arrives. It seems today is indeed a good day."

Xuan Lao narrowed his eyes, a sharp glint flashing, about to act.

Mu Lao raised a hand to stop him, saying, "A visitor is a guest; you invited him in, that's all."

Xuan Lao exclaimed in surprise, "Enter the Sea God Hall?"

Mu Lao smiled calmly, "Yes, enter the Sea God Hall."

Although startled, Xuan Lao would not defy Mu Lao's wishes; however, in his memory, no outsider had ever entered the Sea God Hall.

A flash of light, and Xuan Lao vanished from his spot; the next moment he stood outside the Sea God Hall. His gaze swept the distance, and he said coldly, "Since you're here, don't sneak around. Come out." As he spoke, his right hand made a phantom grab in the air; instantly, a large crystal‑yellow hand materialized, opened, and reached toward a direction, causing countless tiny black spatial fissures to appear in the air there.

Although these fissures were nowhere near those from his battle with Du Bu Si, they were nonetheless real.

"Xuan Lao, that's not exactly hospitality," a pale golden light flared, its halo expanding in an instant, then rippling, the twisted light patterns canceling the large hand Xuan Lao had summoned, and a figure emerged from that direction.

The newcomer was short but extremely plump, wearing an ornate black robe embroidered with gold patterns. His hands were clasped behind his back, smiling brightly at Xuan Lao. Could he not be the Master of Mingde Hall of the Sun‑Moon Royal Soul Mentor Academy, indeed the true authority of that academy?

"You? Jing Hongchen," Xuan Lao was startled as well; although he sensed the visitor's strength, he did not expect it to be the Master of Mingde Hall.

Jing Hongchen, Master of Mingde Hall, gave a slight smile and said, "Xuan Lao, you shouldn't be surprised. Since you took something from my Mingde Hall, I had to come personally to retrieve it and also pay a visit to you and Shrek Academy."

A divine light flickered in Xuan Lao's eyes as he thought to himself, this Jing Hongchen's arrival was truly coincidental! He came with members of the Body Sect, perhaps deliberately appearing now, or maybe it was pure chance? Though he pondered this, he showed no reaction and said calmly, "Since that's the case, a visitor is a guest; please come in." As he spoke, he turned and walked toward the interior of the Sea God Hall.

Now it was Jing Hongchen who was taken aback. When he was discovered, he was already startled; relying on his self‑invented hidden Soul Conductor, he had been confident that as long as he remained still, no one in this world could find him. Yet Xuan Lao's single remark exposed his trail. What surprised him even more was that Xuan Lao actually invited him into the Sea God Hall.

Jing Hongchen hesitated. The Sea God Hall might be easy to enter but hard to leave! This place is indeed Shrek Academy, though he does have enough leverage. Yet Shrek Academy has been famous for ten thousand years, originally among the three kingdoms of Douluo Continent, like a fixed sea‑needle. Because of Shrek, the Sun‑Moon Empire treads carefully, clearly having enough reserves yet unwilling to act rashly.

Sea God Hall, what a Sea God Hall indeed! …

After leaving the Sea God Hall, Chen Qiye went to the outer courtyard and learned from Zhou Yi that Gu Yue had already left Shrek Academy.

Gu Yue left Chen Qiye with only one sentence.

"You are mine!!!"

Chen Qiye gave a helpless smile, "Yours? No, perhaps I don't belong to this world. Maybe Chen Qiye belongs to you instead!"

……

Xuan Lao walked to the Sea God Hall's entrance, turned around and teasingly said, "What? A dignified Master of Mingde Hall, afraid to step through our Sea God Hall's gate? If so, then why did you come here?"

Jing Hongchen raised an eyebrow; in arrogance, he even surpassed the Body Sect leader Du Bu Si. He appeared now because he did not want to be with the Body Sect members, lest it diminish his reputation. Provoked by Xuan Lao, he laughed heartily and strode toward the Sea God Hall.

A faint smile curled at Xuan Lao's mouth; in his heart he silently praised Mu Lao's grasp of human nature! Simply inviting Jing Hongchen into the Sea God Hall had already significantly curbed his momentum.

Upon entering the first floor of the Sea God Hall, Jing Hongchen's gaze roamed everywhere, his eyes occasionally showing surprise. Clearly, he had already sensed the Hall's extraordinary nature.

Xuan Lao walked to a golden tree chair on the side of the first floor and sat, gesturing an invitation to Jing Hongchen.

Jing Hongchen, unreserved, smiled and sat opposite Xuan Lao.

Neither spoke first; they simply sat opposite, staring at each other, the air instantly feeling as if it might solidify. Xuan Lao and Jing Hongchen's auras were somewhat similar, both very weighty. Yet the difference lay in that Xuan Lao's weight was like the earth, steady and grounded, whereas Jing Hongchen's weight stemmed from a pressure on the brink of eruption.

"It seems the Soul Conductor can indeed aid a Soul Master to some extent. Though your cultivation is only around level ninety‑three, you can still sit steadily before me," Xuan Lao said lightly.

Jing Hongchen gave a slight smile and said, "I have always believed that research on Soul Conductors is only at its initial stage. The future world will belong to Soul Conductors. When the day comes that a Soul Conductor no longer relies on a Soul Master's soul power for power, the profession of Soul Master will inevitably be eliminated. I wonder whether Xuan Lao believes this."

Xuan Lao said coldly, "Whether I believe it or not, you will never see that day."

Jing Hongchen replied casually, "Whether I can see it or not is irrelevant. As long as this inevitability eventually appears in my Sun‑Moon Empire, that is enough. It will certainly appear in my Sun‑Moon Empire. Star Array, Heaven Soul, Dou Ling, even your Shrek Academy, are far too lagging behind in Soul Conductors."

Xuan Lao laughed, "Oh? So far behind? I don't think so. When will you be able to defeat our Shrek Academy using the gap in Soul Conductors? In the just‑concluded All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Battle Competition, we fielded only half our main forces yet still took the championship. The facts show that, at least so far, your advantage in Soul Conductors is not decisive."

What Xuan Lao did not expect was that after hearing his words, Jing Hongchen actually nodded seriously: "You are absolutely right. Previously I received a message from your academy indicating that we could engage in exchange and study with our Sun‑Moon Royal Soul Mentor Academy. I was truly delighted at the time. I just don't know why your academy later changed its mind. If it was due to the unpleasantness of this year's All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Battle Competition, I think it was unnecessary. Our Sun‑Moon Empire still has that magnanimity. A competition is a competition; we do not turn the accidents within it into hatred."

Xuan Lao said, "Is this the purpose of your visit?"

Jing Hongchen replied, "That is part of it. There is another reason: I wish to retrieve the Sword of Judgment. That Sword of Judgment is my prized work, and it holds great significance for me. I hope you can return it to me."

"Certainly!!"

After Chen Qiye's future restoration, he was able, by himself alone, to completely suppress the evil fire, leaving Yan Shaozhe both shocked and delighted.

The happiest of all was Ma Xiaotao.

At that moment, Mu Lao's voice rang out, "Very well, bring him to the second floor."

Hearing that voice, Jing Hongchen's expression instantly turned stern, and he rose quickly.

Earlier, although he had not appeared with the Body Sect, from a distance he had watched Xuan Lao and Du Bu Si's clash, and later Du Bu Si being deterred by the golden light of Shrek Academy, with crystal clarity.

Although Jing Hongchen's cultivation had not yet reached the level of a Super Douluo, his insight was extremely sharp. He immediately realized that the outside world's perception of Shrek Academy had been wrong. The strongest person in Shrek Academy was not the gluttonous Douluo Xuan Lao, but someone else. That person even caused the Body Sect leader Du Bu Si to retreat three steps—what power is that? Therefore, after the Body Sect members left, he quietly slipped into Shrek Academy rather than making a grand entrance like the Body Sect.

Master of Mingde Hall Jing Hongchen said in a deep voice, "Xuan Lao, and this unnamed senior, on me there are at least three hair‑raising level‑nine Soul Conductors. If I am attacked, the power of these three level‑nine Soul Conductors could raze the entire Shileke Cheng, and no force could impede them."

In terms of age, he is about the same as Yan Shaozhe, so addressing Xuan Lao and Mu Lao as seniors is normal. By revealing his ability now, he was clearly showing weakness.

This is Shrek Academy; according to Jing Hongchen's knowledge, the number of Titled Douluo here probably exceeds five. Even if his soul tool is strong, his cultivation is only rank ninety-three. At close range, he definitely cannot be a match for so many Titled Douluo. However, he is indeed well-prepared, and he also believes Shrek Academy will not really act against him. That does not conform to Shrek Academy's consistent principles.

Mu Lao said calmly: "Enter my Sea God Pavilion, and you are a guest. If I truly wanted to move against you, your so-called rank-nine soul tool might not be able to exert its power."

Jing Hongchen did not refute; instead, he showed a hint of relief, chuckled, and said: "Being able to be a guest of the Sea God Pavilion, I, Hongchen, feel deeply honored."

Under Xuan Lao's guidance, he quickly came to the second floor.

Mu Lao leaned back on the recliner.

……

"Master Mu, you are truly awe-inspiring." Jing Hongchen bowed slightly, doing his best to suppress his inner shock, and said: "Junior, I have another reason for coming this time. A few months ago, Shrek Academy sent a letter to our academy, promising student exchanges, but for unknown reasons it was stalled. Our Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy and Shrek Academy are both the top academies on the continent today; I believe this exchange is very necessary and can greatly promote mutual integration and learning between the two sides."

Mu Lao said lightly: "Exchange and learning can be done. But can you guarantee the safety of my disciples? Also, what can our Shrek disciples learn when they reach your academy?"

Jing Hongchen seemed to have anticipated this question, and without hesitation replied: "Safety can definitely be guaranteed. I guarantee it with the honor of the Hall of Virtue. During their study at our Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy, your academy's disciples will receive the best guidance. If they have sufficient ability, they can even be admitted to study in the Hall of Virtue."

Mu Lao said: "Words alone are not enough."

Jing Hongchen said: "If you are still not at ease, you can send teachers from Shrek Academy to accompany them. You can send several."

Mu Lao shook his head and said: "That's not necessary. Exchange and learning can proceed. You send your academy's Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen to Shrek, and then receive the disciples we dispatch. I can guarantee that they will enter the inner court of my institute to study. After the exchange period ends, you personally send our disciples back, and then take back your own disciples."

Jing Hongchen immediately shook his head and said: "This might be inappropriate. Although I, as a junior, trust the senior's character, it's better to be cautious first. If something happens when I send the people back, Shrek..."

Mu Lao smiled faintly and said: "Then what do you suggest?"

Jing Hongchen said: "There's no rush for the exchange either. How about this: two years later, we conduct this exchange. The exchange study lasts three years regularly. At that time, it will also be the opening day of the next Continental Elite Soul Master Academy Tournament. Then, you can invite teachers from your academy to attend as observers; after the competition ends, you can take back your academy's disciples. At the same time, we will also send our disciples back."

Xuan Lao couldn't help but say: "Then how do you solve the same problem?" Jing Hongchen's method is almost the same as what Mu Lao said earlier, only with the host and guest reversed.

……

the Star Dou Great Forest

"Bang."

A huge figure also fiercely collided with Xuan Lao's Taotie Divine Bull martial soul, a tremendous force surged forth, and a heaven-shaking air wave exploded with a boom.

In that astonishing sound wave, Huo Yuhao and the others turned and ran; such fluctuations had already reached the level of fierce beasts—getting involved would be no different from courting death.

The air wave had little effect on Chen Qiye; he crossed his arms over his chest and quietly watched the soul beast before him, while another soul beast lay prone beneath him, and Chen Qiye simply sat upon it.

This soul beast's entire body resembled translucent crystal, filled with an extraordinary texture. Its overall shape was like a lion, but with dragon claws; under each dragon claw stepped a cluster of golden flame. Its mouth was somewhat longer than that of typical lion-type soul beasts, and beneath its fur seemed to be fine golden scales. Besides its normal pair of eyes, it actually possessed a third eye.

(End of chapter)