Chapter 70

Brothers, there really is no need anymore.

Translation: "Brothers, there's really no need for this anymore."

Brothers, there really is no need anymore.

Have a seat. Jing Hongchen pointed to the chair in front of the desk, then turned to Lin Jiayi and said, "Pour him a cup of water, then you leave."

Translation: "\"Have a seat. \" Jing Hongchen pointed to the chair in front of the desk, then turned to Lin Jiayi and said, \"Pour him a cup of water, then you leave. \""

Check: need to keep quotes. We'll output: "\"Have a seat. \" Jing Hongchen pointed to the chair in front of the desk, then turned to Lin Jiayi and said, \"Pour him a cup of water, then you leave. \""

Yes. Lin Jiayi didn't dare say anything else, poured a cup of clear water and placed it in front of Huo Yuhao.

Translation: "\"Yes. \" Lin Jiayi didn't dare say anything else, poured a cup of clear water and placed it in front of Huo Yuhao."

This time, Huo Yuhao didn't decline again, and sat down directly in front of Jing Hongchen. He picked up the water cup, glanced at Lin Jiayi who had just left, and asked Jing Hongchen, "Chief, there's no poison in this water, right?"

Translation: "This time, Huo Yuhao didn't decline again and sat down directly in front of Jing Hongchen. He picked up the water cup, glanced at Lin Jiayi who had just left, and asked Jing Hongchen, \"Hall Master, is there no poison in this water? \""

The anger Jing Hongchen had barely kept in check flared up again. "You..." he almost slapped him, he really wanted to smack this kid. "No." Considering the importance of that triggering device, Jing Hongchen ultimately restrained himself and replied in a calm tone.

Translation: "Jing Hongchen, who had barely suppressed his anger, saw it flare up again instantly. \"You... \" He almost slapped him; he really wanted to beat this kid to death! \"No. \" Considering the importance of that triggering device, Jing Hongchen ultimately held back and replied in a seemingly calm tone."

"All right then." Huo Yuhao said that, but he didn't drink the water; he just set the cup on the table, clearly still distrustful. Jing Hongchen's face was already turning red.

Translation: "\"All right. \" Huo Yuhao said while doing so, but he didn't drink the water, merely setting the cup on the table; it was clear he still didn't trust him. Jing Hongchen's face had already turned somewhat red!"

"You're asking for the sky and paying on the spot—name a price I can accept." Jing Hongchen got straight to the point; he really didn't want to keep arguing with this kid.

Translation: "\"You ask for a sky‑high price and pay on the spot—name a price I can accept. \" Jing Hongchen got straight to the point; he really didn't want to keep wrangling with this kid."

"All right, three ninth‑level soul tools. No less than that." Huo Yuhao held up three fingers again. For some reason, Jing Hongchen found his middle finger especially grating.

Translation: "\"We've already agreed on three ninth‑level soul tools. It can't be any less. \" Huo Yuhao held up three fingers again, but for some reason Jing Hongchen found his middle finger especially glaring."

"You know this condition is impossible to fulfill." Jing Hongchen said coldly. "If that's the case, you can leave."

Translation: "\"You know this condition is impossible to fulfill. \" Jing Hongchen said coldly. \"If that's the case, you can leave. \""

"Oh. Then why did you call me back? You've been putting me through the wringer a few times." As he spoke, Huo Yuhao stood up and headed out, completely like a dead pig unafraid of boiling water.

Translation: "\"Oh. Then why did you call me back? You've tossed me around several times. \" As he spoke, Huo Yuhao stood up and headed out, completely like a dead pig unafraid of boiling water."

"You..." Jing Hongchen felt like he was about to explode with anger. "Come back!" he roared, stopping Huo Yuhao.

Translation: "\"You... \" Jing Hongchen felt like he was about to explode with anger. \"Come back! \" He roared, stopping Huo Yuhao in his tracks."

Huo Yuhao's inner feelings were nothing like the nasty impression he gave on the surface; he was actually secretly admiring his teacher, Dragon God Douluo Mu Lao, for his judgment of Jing Hongchen. Mu Lao held Jing Hongchen in high esteem, calling him a hero, but noted his only flaw was a personality defect: he was overly opinionated, quick‑tempered, and when angry could not think clearly, leaving an opening. Otherwise, why would Huo Yuhao act petty for no reason? "Three ninth‑level soul tools are impossible. I admit, your idea is great, but you should also understand that the problems I pointed out really exist. Let me make you an offer: one eighth‑level soul tool plus five million gold soul coins. How about that?"

Translation: "Huo Yuhao's inner feelings were nothing like the nasty impression he gave on the surface; he was actually secretly admiring his teacher, Dragon God Douluo Mu Lao, for his judgment of Jing Hongchen. Mu Lao held Jing Hongchen in high esteem, calling him a hero, but said his only flaw was a personality defect: his tendency to speak without compromise was too strong, making him quick‑tempered and easily angered, and once angry he could not think clearly, leaving an opening for others. Otherwise, why would Huo Yuhao act shamelessly here for no reason? \"Three ninth‑level soul tools are impossible. \" He admitted, \"Your idea is good, but you should also understand that the problems I pointed out really exist. Let me give you a price: one eighth‑level soul tool plus five million gold soul coins. How about that? \""

Huo Yuhao shook his head like a rattle drum. "No, no, this is the fruit of my hard work; I can't sell it cheaply. I want ninth‑level, eighth‑level is meaningless."

Translation: "Huo Yuhao shook his head like a rattle drum. \"No, no, this is the fruit of my painstaking work; I can't sell it cheaply. I want ninth‑level only; eighth‑level is meaningless. \""

"No, ninth‑level soul tools are strategic assets for our Sun Moon Empire; we can't just hand them out."

Translation: "\"No, ninth‑level soul tools are strategic assets for our Sun Moon Empire; how could we just hand them out? \""

Huo Yuhao patted his chest and said, "Isn't that right, Chief? Back when you were in our Sea God Pavilion, my teacher asked you for one item, you gave it without any compensation, and you handed it over happily—you even gave that Red Dust Longing. I'm still benefiting from it."

Translation: "Huo Yuhao patted his chest and said, \"Isn't that right, Hall Master? Back when you were in our Sea God Pavilion, my teacher asked you for one, paid nothing, and you readily handed it over—this very Red Dust Affection. I'm still benefiting from it. \""

Veins on Jing Hongchen's forehead throbbed nonstop. "This kid really knows how to pick at old wounds." Back then, if you hadn't given it, he might not have made it back alive. But his words left Jing Hongchen speechless; his slightly reddened face turned bluish from holding back.

Translation: "The veins on Jing Hongchen's forehead throbbed \"thump‑thump‑thump\". \"This kid really knows how to pick the worst moment to bring up the past—back then, if you hadn't given it, he might not have made it back alive! \" Yet he was left speechless by Huo Yuhao's remark, his slightly reddened face turning bluish from holding his breath."

"No means no. Two eighth‑level soul tools!" Jing Hongchen snarled lowly, having jumped to his feet, hands braced on the table as if ready to devour someone.

Translation: "\"No means no. Two eighth‑level soul tools! \" Jing Hongchen snarled lowly, having leapt to his feet with both hands braced on the desk, as if ready to devour someone."

This time Huo Yuhao simply stayed silent, as if afraid of Jing Hongchen, yet he still shook his head firmly.

Translation: "This time Huo Yuhao simply stayed silent, as if afraid of Jing Hongchen, yet he still shook his head firmly."

"What do you want then? Besides ninth‑level soul tools, what else are you after?" Jing Hongchen sat back down, his tone slightly softer.

Translation: "\"Then what do you want? Besides ninth‑level soul tools, what else are you after? \" Jing Hongchen sat back down, his tone slightly softer."

Huo Yuhao thought it over and said, "Chief, creativity is priceless. Although the soul tools I've made are still crude, I believe my creativity is extremely valuable, which is why I quoted a high price. Calm down, do you think this could work? I don't even need ninth‑level soul tools anymore—I know you'd hate to part with them."

Translation: "Huo Yuhao thought for a moment and said, \"Hall Master, creativity is priceless. Although the soul tools I've made are still crude, I believe my creativity is of immense value, which is why I quoted a high price. Calm down—do you think this could work? I don't even need ninth‑level soul tools anymore; I know you're reluctant to part with them. \""

"What do you mean 'I wouldn't want to give them either'? You can't give them anyway." Jing Hongchen's anger, which had just eased a bit, began to rise again.

Translation: "\"What do you mean I'm also reluctant? \" I simply can't give them. Jing Hongchen's anger, which had just eased a bit, began to rise again."

"You could give me materials equivalent in value to a ninth‑level soul tool. You also know that rare materials are still scarce at Shrek Academy." Huo Yuhao tried to say this tactfully.

Translation: "\"You could give me materials equivalent in value to a ninth‑level soul tool. You also know that rare materials are still scarce over at Shrek Academy. \" Huo Yuhao tried to say this tactfully."

Jing Hongchen thought to himself, "I'm not afraid you'll slip up, kid. This must be your real goal."

Translation: "Jing Hongchen secretly thought, \"I'm not afraid you'll slip up, kid. This must be your real goal. \""

"What do you want?" Jing Hongchen said in a low voice. "There are many kinds of rare materials, and their value is hard to judge."

Translation: "\"What do you want? \" Jing Hongchen said in a low voice. \"There are many kinds of rare materials, and their value is hard to judge. \""

Huo Yuhao said, "I just need a few things—let me know if this works: 5,000 kg of purple‑gold copper, 5,000 kg of heavenly spirit silver, and for the dark crystal, a single piece over 10 cm in diameter—give me 1,000 pieces. Also 100 kg of meteoric iron, plus 500 kg of the Star‑Moon alloy special to our Mingde Hall. Add another 50 kg of high‑quality sun‑purified gold I saw last time, and finally 180 pieces of dragon‑scale silver. You can't say you don't have them—I've checked our academy's annals; we once hunted a silver dragon, which bears tens of thousands of scales. I'm only asking for 180, less than one percent, so don't be stingy."

Translation: "Huo Yuhao said, \"I just need a few things—tell me if this works: five thousand kilograms of purple‑gold copper, five thousand kilograms of heaven‑spirit silver, nether crystal in single pieces over ten centimeters in diameter—give me a thousand of those. Also a hundred kilograms of extraterrestrial meteoric iron, plus five hundred kilograms of the star‑moon alloy special to our Mingde Hall. Add fifty kilograms of the good‑quality sun‑essence gold I saw last time, and finally one hundred eighty pieces of silver‑dragon scales. You'd better not say you don't have them! I've checked our academy's history—it once hunted silver dragons, and a single silver dragon bears over ten thousand scales; I'm only asking for one hundred eighty, less than one percent, so don't be stingy. \""

As Huo Yuhao listed each condition, Jing Hongchen's face grew darker—now it was black with hints of blue and purple, on the verge of exploding.

Translation: "As Huo Yuhao listed each condition, Jing Hongchen's face grew darker—now it was black with hints of blue and purple, right on the verge of exploding."

Everything Huo Yuhao demanded was top‑tier rare metal. Especially the items he mentioned later—sun‑purified gold and Star‑Moon alloy—are extremely precious, used to forge the core arrays of ninth‑level soul tools. Even a kilogram would be astronomically priced, let alone hundreds of kilograms.

Translation: "Everything Huo Yuhao demanded was top‑tier among rare metals, especially the sun‑essence gold and star‑moon alloy he mentioned later—these are extremely precious materials used to forge the core formations of ninth‑level soul tools. Even a kilogram would be astronomically priced, let alone hundreds of kilograms."

"Are you trying to empty Mingde Hall's warehouse?" Jing Hongchen involuntarily stood up again, grabbed the black box Huo Yuhao had given him earlier, and shook it hard. "This cheap trinket made of refined iron, and you want to trade it for all that? You're just day‑dreaming. Even a lion asking for a lot wouldn't ask as much as you. Take your junk and get out—I never want to see you again." With that, he threw the black box at Huo Yuhao.

Translation: "\"Are you trying to loot Mingde Hall's warehouse? \" Jing Hongchen rose involuntarily, seized the black box Huo Yuhao had given him earlier, and shook it hard. \"This crude little thing made of refined iron—you want to trade it for all that? You're just day‑dreaming. Even a lion opening its mouth wide couldn't match your greed. Take your junk and get lost—I never want to see you again. \" With that, he flung the black box at Huo Yuhao."

This time Huo Yuhao didn't leave; he caught the black box and chuckled, "Chief, don't be angry! We can negotiate the price. Besides, you see I'm asking for items worth the same as three ninth‑level soul tools. Even though you insulted my design, I didn't raise the price. If something is worth three ninth‑level soul tools, wouldn't it naturally require this much stuff? I'm not making this up."

Translation: "This time Huo Yuhao didn't leave; he caught the black box, chuckled, and said, \"Hall Master, don't be angry! We can negotiate the price. Besides, you see, I'm asking for items worth the same as three ninth‑level soul tools, and you haven't raised the price despite insulting my design. Isn't it natural that something worth three ninth‑level soul tools would require this much stuff? I'm not making it up. \""

"Who ever agreed to give you rare metals worth the equivalent of three ninth‑level soul tools?" Jing Hongchen glared at him.

Translation: "\"Who promised to give you rare metals worth the equivalent of three ninth‑level soul tools? \" Jing Hongchen glared at him."

Huo Yuhao said, feeling wronged, "Then let's negotiate again. You see which items I'm asking for in excess—can we cut back a bit?"

Translation: "Huo Yuhao said, aggrieved, \"Then let's negotiate again. Tell me which item I'm asking for too much of, and we can reduce it a bit, okay? \""

Jing Hongchen roared, "Everything you're asking for is too much. And those 180 silver‑dragon scales? That dragon was slain over three thousand years ago; all its remaining materials are rare treasures. How many could possibly still exist? At most there aren't even a hundred pieces. Even I don't have the authority to use them directly—they require imperial approval."

Translation: "Jing Hongchen roared, \"You're asking for too much of everything. And those one hundred eighty silver‑dragon scales! That silver dragon was slain over three thousand years ago; all its remaining materials are priceless rarities, and what's left today probably doesn't even reach a hundred pieces. Even I don't have the authority to use them directly—they must be approved by the imperial family. \""

Huo Yuhao said, "Chief, you're in charge of Mingde Hall, second only to the emperor and above everyone else. Surely you can decide this? I don't believe it. I've long heard of silver‑dragon scales; I'm determined to get them. At most we can reduce the amount by ten percent; the rest you must give me. The other items can be lowered somewhat—cutting them in half is fine."

Translation: "Huo Yuhao replied, \"Hall Master, you control Mingde Hall—you're second only to the emperor and above all others. How could you not decide this? I don't believe it. I've long heard of silver‑dragon scales; I must have them. At most you can cut ten percent; the rest you must give me. The other items can be reduced—even halved would be fine. \""

Looking at Huo Yuhao's magnanimous demeanor, Jing Hongchen's eyes flashed with cold light; he really wanted to kill this jerk right then. But killing him wouldn't get him the design either, and besides, his grandson and granddaughter are still in Shrek Academy's hands.

Translation: "Looking at Huo Yuhao's magnanimous air, Jing Hongchen's eyes flashed with cold light; he really wanted to kill this bastard right then. But killing him wouldn't get him the design, and besides, his grandson and granddaughter are still in Shrek Academy's hands."

Taking a deep breath and barely suppressing his emotions, Jing Hongchen said in a low voice, "All the items you want will be priced at ten percent of their value; we won't discuss the silver‑dragon scales. Let's just make the deal."

Translation: "Taking a deep breath and barely suppressing his emotions, Jing Hongchen said in a low voice, \"All your requested items will be priced at ten percent of their value, and we won't discuss the silver‑dragon scales. We have a deal. \""

Huo Yuhao immediately shook his head. "Your price‑cutting is too harsh—who slashes prices by ninety percent all at once? No, no. At most we can cut ten percent, and I must have the silver‑dragon scales. Give me eighty pieces."

Translation: "Huo Yuhao immediately shook his head. \"Your slash‑and‑burn pricing is too harsh—who cuts ninety percent off in one go? No, no. At most you can deduct ten percent, and I must have the silver‑dragon scales. Give me eighty pieces. \""

"Damn it! If all this material just flows out like that, how am I supposed to explain it?" "You're second only to the emperor and above everyone else!"

Translation: "\"Scoundrel! If all this material just flowed out like that, how could I explain it? \" \"You're second only to the emperor and above everyone else! \""

「……」

Translation: "\"... \""

"Twenty percent, and I'll give you five silver‑dragon scales at most. Take it or leave it." Jing Hongchen couldn't take it anymore; he felt that continuing to argue with this kid would drive him insane.

Translation: "\"Twenty percent, and I'll give you five silver‑dragon scales at most. Take it or leave at this price. \" Jing Hongchen couldn't take it anymore; he felt that continuing to argue with this kid would drive him mad."

Huo Yuhao said, "How about eighty percent? Will that work?"

Translation: "Huo Yuhao said, \"How about eighty percent? Will that work? \""

"Just twenty percent." Jing Hongchen shouted.

Translation: "\"Just twenty percent. \" Jing Hongchen shouted."

Huo Yuhao said, "That's not right, is it? Shouldn't we each make concessions and end up with a fifty‑fifty deal?"

Translation: "Huo Yuhao said, \"Isn't that wrong? Shouldn't we each make concessions and end up with a fifty‑fifty split? \""

"Get out, get out of here!" Jing Hongchen slapped his desk, and the solid‑wood office table collapsed with a crash.

Translation: "\"Get out, you get out! \" Jing Hongchen slapped his desk, and the solid‑wood office table collapsed with a crash."

Huo Yuhao jumped in surprise, frowned at Jing Hongchen, who looked like an erupting volcano, said nothing more, and turned to leave.

Translation: "Huo Yuhao jumped in surprise, frowned at the erupting‑volcano‑like Jing Hongchen, said nothing more, and turned to leave."

Jing Hongchen felt his blood rush to his head, nearly spitting blood, and even his inner soul power became a little disordered.

Translation: "Jing Hongchen felt his blood surge, nearly spitting a mouthful of blood, and even his soul power became somewhat disordered."

A glint of cold light flickered in Huo Yuhao's face as he left Jing Hongchen's office. He glanced at the black box in his hand, not rushed at all—he had never expected to settle the negotiation in one go. He'd take his time; after all, he still had time. He would not give up until he achieved his goal.

Translation: "A glint of icy light flickered across Huo Yuhao's face as he left Jing Hongchen's office. Looking at the black box in his hand, he wasn't in a hurry; he had never expected to settle the negotiation with Jing Hongchen in one go. He'd take his time—after all, he still had time. He would not give up until his goal was met."

He headed straight back to his dormitory, and this time no one came out to call him.

Translation: "He simply returned to his dormitory; this time no one came to call him."

A day passed quickly. The exchange students' study program at Shrek Academy also finally came to an end.

Translation: "A day passed quickly. The exchange students' study program at Shrek Academy also finally came to an end."

Out of consideration for appearances, the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy held a farewell ceremony, with Mingde Hall Chief Jing Hongchen personally attending.

Translation: "Out of consideration for face, the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineer Academy held a farewell ceremony, with Mingde Hall Master Jing Hongchen personally attending."

On Shrek Academy's side, Fan Yu led the team, with Huo Yuhao, He Caitou, and Ye Xisheng standing in a row. They had already changed back into Shrek Academy uniforms that morning, signifying they were about to leave and return to their alma mater.

Translation: "On Shrek Academy's side, Fan Yu led the team, with Huo Yuhao, He Caitou, Ye Xiaosheng and other students standing in a row. They had already changed back into Shrek Academy uniforms that morning, signifying that they were about to leave and return to their alma mater."

Jing Hongchen delivered a warm, enthusiastic speech at the farewell ceremony; his expression showed no change, he seemed completely calm, as if he had forgotten yesterday's unpleasantness with Huo Yuhao, even exchanging a smile with him, appearing quite pleased.

Translation: "Jing Hongchen delivered a warm, enthusiastic speech at the farewell ceremony; from his expression one could see no change, his whole demeanor seemed calm, as if he had forgotten yesterday's unpleasantness with Huo Yuhao, even exchanging smiles with him at times, seeming quite pleased with him."

To Huo Yuhao's surprise, his two "bull‑skin candy" close friends didn't show up to see him off today, leaving him feeling a bit down.

Translation: "To Huo Yuhao's surprise, those two \"toffee\" friends of his didn't show up today to see him off, leaving him a bit disappointed."

"His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has arrived." With a chant, the clanking of armor rang out as a large contingent of soldiers rushed in from outside.

Translation: "\"The Crown Prince has arrived. \" With a chant, the clanking of armor rang out as a large contingent of soldiers rushed in from outside."

These soldiers were all clad in silver armor, looking exceptionally mighty and valiant—clearly the Imperial Guard of the Sun Moon Empire.

Translation: "These soldiers were all clad in silver armor, looking immensely mighty and valiant; at a glance they were the Imperial Guard of the Sun Moon Empire."

Following the silver‑armored troops came a unit of soldiers wearing light armor, mostly over thirty, with a steady, solemn demeanor. Though only about fifty strong, their appearance caused the pupils of everyone at Shrek Academy to contract.

Translation: "After the silver‑armored troops came a unit of soldiers in light armor, mostly over thirty, steady and composed. Though only about fifty strong, their appearance alone caused the pupils of everyone at Shrek Academy to contract."

Soul engineers, fully armed soul engineers. Their armor is clearly soul‑tool armor. Their gear looks standard but is extraordinarily refined, so the combat capability of such a unit is beyond doubt.

Translation: "Soul engineers, fully equipped soul engineers. Their armor was clearly soul‑tool armor, their gear looked standard yet was exceptionally refined, so the combat power of such a unit was beyond doubt."

The Crown Prince of the Sun Moon Empire, Xu Tianran, under the escort of a group of attendants, slowly entered the Sun Moon Empire's grand drill field.

Jing Hongchen hurriedly led the teachers of the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy to go up and meet him.

"Your Highness, the Crown Prince." Jing Hongchen bowed, and the other teachers all knelt on one knee.

Xu Tianran gave a slight smile, lightly nodding his head at Jing Hongchen. Jing Hongchen's eyes narrowed slightly, also nodding. He then personally walked behind Xu Tianran's wheelchair, pushing him onto the drill field, arriving before the crowd of Shrek Academy.

Fan Yu's eyes showed a hint of surprise; what does it mean that the Crown Prince of the Sun Moon Empire has come here with a large entourage at this time? "Teacher Fan Yu, let me introduce you: this is our Sun Moon Empire's first heir, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."

"Your Royal Highness, greetings." Fan Yu bowed slightly; he is not a subject of the Sun Moon Empire, so naturally he would not perform the great ceremonial bow.

Xu Tianran smiled warmly and said, "Teacher Fan Yu, no need for extra courtesy; I have long admired your academy. Unfortunately, I was unable to visit. If I get the chance, I will definitely come in person. Yesterday I heard from the Hall Master of Red Dust Hall that your academy's exchange students have finished their studies. I, representing the Sun Moon Empire, have come to see you off. I hope that in the future our Sun Moon Empire can have more exchanges with your academy, thereby deepening our friendship."

"Your Royal Highness, you're too kind." Coming to see us off? Fan Yu was even more surprised. But the farewell ceremony had basically ended already, and he didn't want to delay further, so he said, "Thank you, Your Royal Highness and the Hall Master of Red Dust Hall, for seeing us off. It's getting late; I will now lead the students on their departure. Hall Master of Red Dust Hall, will you also come along?"

The exchange of students will still take place in that Maple Leaf City as before; to ensure safety, the Hall Master of Ming De Hall, Jing Hongchen, will naturally go in person.

Jing Hongchen nodded and said, "I'll see you off a little further, but please wait a moment, Teacher Fan Yu, while I speak a few words with the Crown Prince."

"All right." Fan Yu didn't know what they were up to, but he didn't think much of it. The long-term exchange study had ended, and Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen still hadn't returned, so he wasn't afraid that Jing Hongchen would play any tricks.

Then he led the group of students to the side.

Huo Yuhao's gaze remained fixed on Jing Hongchen and Crown Prince Xu Tianran; only he could faintly guess why this crown prince had personally come to see them off.

(End of chapter)