Chapter 65

"You truly inspire reverence like a lofty mountain."

Slightly bowing, Jinghongchen tried to suppress the shock within, "I have another reason for coming. Several months ago, Slake Academy sent a letter to our institute, promising student exchanges, but for some reason it stalled."

"Our Sun‑Moon Royal Soul Mentor Academy and Slake Academy are both top institutes on the continent today; I believe this exchange is essential and can greatly promote mutual integration and learning between us."

Mu En said lightly, "Exchange learning is fine. But can you guarantee the safety of my students? Moreover, what can our Slake disciples learn upon arriving at your academy?"

Jinghongchen seemed to have anticipated the question and answered without hesitation, "Safety can certainly be guaranteed. I pledge with the honor of Ming De Hall that during their study at my Sun‑Moon Royal Soul Mentor Academy, your academy's students will receive the best guidance."

"If they possess sufficient ability, they may even be admitted to study at Ming De Hall."

Mu En said, "Words are no proof."

Jinghongchen, seeing this, quickly replied, "If you are still uneasy, you may send teachers from Slake Academy to accompany them. You may dispatch several."

Mu En shook his head, "No need for that. Exchange learning is fine. Send your academy's Xiaohongchen and Menghongchen to Slake, and retrieve the disciples we send."

"I can guarantee that they will study in the inner courtyard of my institute; after the exchange period ends, you personally return our students, and then take back yours."

Jinghongchen immediately shook his head and said, "That would probably be improper; although I, as a junior, trust the senior's character, it's better to put the petty before the gentleman, lest when I send someone back, Shrek…"

Mu En smiled calmly and said, "Then how would you propose?"

Jinghongchen said, "The exchange need not be rushed. How about this: two years from now, we will conduct this exchange again."

The exchange study is scheduled every three years, and that time will also be the opening day of the next continent‑wide Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul‑Combating Tournament. At that time we could invite your academy's teachers to attend the ceremony, and after the competition ends, bring your academy's students back—how does that sound? At the same time we would send our students back.

Xuanzi couldn't help but ask, "How do you solve the same problem?"

Jinghongchen's method is almost the same as what Old Mu previously said, only the host and guest positions are reversed.

Jinghongchen said, "The Sun‑Moon Empire is holding the continent‑wide Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul‑Combating Tournament, which draws the whole continent's attention. Under such circumstances, if we act privately, we would certainly be ridiculed by the world."

I am willing, before the tournament begins, to come to Slake Academy and be a hostage in person, until the tournament ends and your academy's students return.

Of course, if there is any mishap during the competition, it will have nothing to do with Ming De Hall.

"Fine, it's settled. On this day two years from now, you bring people here, and I will have Xuanzi send people to the Sun‑Moon Royal Soul Guide Academy at the same time," Mu En declared decisively.

"Agreed," Jinghongchen replied, feeling satisfied.

Although he constantly disparaged Soul Masters and praised Soul Guides, he also knew clearly that for Ming De Hall's future development, the fabrication of Soul Guide Devices is one aspect, while the cultivation of Soul Masters is of utmost importance.

Especially since Shrek has millennia of accumulation; even learning just a part could greatly boost Ming De Hall as a whole.

Perhaps students of Slake Academy can also learn some knowledge about Soul Guide Devices from Ming De Hall, but do not forget that Slake Academy is ultimately an institution not affiliated with any nation.

Whereas Ming De Hall belongs to the Sun‑Moon Empire; this distinction will surely make Ming De Hall's gains larger and more easily ferment into long‑term benefits.

At that moment, the previously silent Bosabei suddenly spoke, saying, "Master Jinghongchen, I would like to ask you a question."

"Hmm?" Jinghongchen was slightly startled; he had been ignoring Bosabei all along and only then remembered that a youth was beside him.

"What would you like to ask?" he asked with interest.

"In the Sun‑Moon Empire, or rather Ming De Hall, how long does it take the most outstanding Soul Guide to go from zero to Level Two?" Bosabei voiced his curiosity.

Jinghongchen, though unsure why Bosabei asked, answered earnestly, "From zero to Level Two, the fastest at Ming De Hall should be about nine months."

Mu En heard this, chuckled, evidently understanding Bosabei's thought, and said, "It's funny, actually. I, as a disciple, also want to study Soul Guide Devices, but I fear I'd waste his innate talent, so I refused."

"But this kid, I don't know if he's being stubborn, claims he can reach Level Two Soul Guide in three months, and even made a bet with me over it."

Hearing this, Jinghongchen was taken aback, feeling a hint of disdain.

Three months to become a Level Two Soul Guide?

Know that even I, as the head of Ming De Hall, took a full ten months to reach Level Two.

And my grandson also spent nine months!

Thinking of this, Jinghongchen laughed heartily and said, "A young man with ambition is commendable. If you can reach Level Two in three months, I could even let you join Ming De Hall unconditionally, perhaps even as a Core Disciple."

Bosabei's eyes lit up; Ming De Hall is a great place!

Not to mention, many rare metals cannot be obtained at Slake Academy; the golden crystal stone used to make an invincible shield is one such example!

It even has three silver dragon scales!

This is enough to show how massive Ming De Hall's resources are.

Moreover, if I recall correctly, the Xue Di embryo was apparently bought by Xiaohongchen for several hundred million Gold Soul Coins.

That's also good money; we must find a way to get it!

"Really?" Bosabei asked.

"Of course," Jinghongchen nodded, a hint of mockery in his eyes.

"Alright, then I'll trouble Master Jinghongchen to come fetch me in three months," Bosabei said nonchalantly.

"Hehe, fine," Jinghongchen replied, his interest piqued by this audacious fellow.

He can be taken as a disciple by Mu En; his talent is terrifyingly strong, but that does not mean he also has a talent for Soul Guide Devices.

Even if he does, he could not reach Level Two in three months.

Then we'll see the joke.

"Alright, I've finished speaking, senior, you may leave now," Jinghongchen said to Mu En.

"Hold on, regardless, you are also the first outsider to enter the Sea God Pavilion; leave a Level‑9 Soul Guide Device and explain its usage as a ticket," Mu En said calmly.

"What? This… senior, you were the one who let me in earlier!" Jinghongchen forced a wry smile.

A Level‑9 Soul Guide Device, and you really have the nerve to speak out, Shizi.

"Hehe, indeed I let you in, so consider it a ticket to enter Slake Academy. If you refuse, stay here and discuss the Dao with this old man for two years," Mu En chuckled, and a terrifying aura instantly pressed upon Jinghongchen.

(End of chapter)