Chapter 527: Teacher Has Urgent Business, Must Leave First

On the way home, Jiang Chen carefully sorted the entire incident's thread in his mind.

Jiang Chen had vaguely guessed from the start how the Tianshan Snow God learned that he possessed a divine seat.

The root of the problem lay in the Tianshan Snow Grass.

Since its inception, the Tianshan God Palace Dungeon has seen only a handful of players who can solo clear it within the time limit, let alone obtain the extra special reward.

Yet the Tianshan Snow Grass remained there, quietly growing year after year, eventually condensing the power of wind and snow and metamorphosing into a Water Element deity.

When the Tianshan Snow God self‑detonated earlier, the phantom of the Snow Grass that appeared above its divine stature was the best proof of Jiang Chen's conjecture.

"The Tianshan Snow God, as the progenitor spirit of the Tianshan Snow Grass, is tightly linked to later generations of the Snow Grass," Jiang Chen muttered to himself, a faint smile at his lips.

"When I obtained the Tianshan Snow Grass, the aura of my divine seat was undoubtedly sensed by it."

"That's why it sought me outside the Instance, but because of the Instance's rule restrictions it couldn't act directly. And each time I stay outside the Instance, my time is too brief, so it never finds a chance."

"It only seized the opportunity when I was returning, pulling me into the Elemental World."

Although the battle brought no tangible benefit to Jiang Chen, the feeling of personally slaying a true deity gave him an unprecedented sense of exhilaration and satisfaction.

"Regrettably, that creature was too impulsive. Had it been calmer, perhaps it wouldn't have met such an end," Jiang Chen sighed lightly, a hint of remorse in his heart.

"But those who can obtain a divine seat are hardly the easy kind."

……

In the Hong Shen Courtyard, Hong

Jishi was leisurely sipping tea, while Li Xueru was not present.

Lately, Li Xueru has been swamped, fully dedicating himself to arranging the Soul‑Melding Grand Array.

It is a massive and complex project, requiring precise deployment across the nation.

With the military's backing and Si Tu Liang's full assistance, the deployment proceeded relatively smoothly.

According to Li Xueru's calculations, in about a month this unprecedented Soul‑Melding Grand Array will be completed.

For Li Xueru, researching and arranging such a Divine Level formation is undeniably a huge challenge and opportunity.

The formation's rank reaches Divine Level, and its scale covers the entire nation, spanning thousands of cities.

This is an experience Li Xueru has never had before, and a chance he has long dreamed of.

Before departing, Li Xueru excitedly said that if he could successfully arrange this Soul‑Melding Grand Array, he would ascend to Level 96 and become a high‑rank Divine Level formation master.

In Human Race history, a high‑rank Divine Level formation master has appeared only once—the legendary figure who sealed the Fusishi Jie. Yet he fell after the sealing, forging an immortal legend with his life.

Since then, admiration and expectation for Divine Level formation masters have grown among the Human Race, but those truly capable of reaching that tier remain exceedingly rare.

Li Xueru's prospective breakthrough not only earns him respect, but also exhilarates the entire Shenlong Empire.

Upon hearing the news, Jiang Chen also felt genuine joy for Li Xueru. He knows Li Xueru's breakthrough is not merely a personal power increase, but a massive boost to the Human Race's formation field.

One day, Jiang Chen returned to the Hong Shen Courtyard, feeling

the subtle spatial fluctuations; he smiled faintly, knowing that teacher Hong Jishi was summoning him.

He hurried into the room, respectfully pouring tea for Hong Jishi and handing it over with both hands.

"Teacher, please," Jiang Chen said.

Hong Jishi looked at Jiang Chen, a flash of surprise in his eyes, "Did you encounter a deity?"

"Yes, teacher. I encountered a Level 90 deity," Jiang Chen replied.

He poured himself a cup as well; the tea's delicate fragrance was just right to soothe his post‑battle mood.

Hong Jishi asked curiously, "And then? Deities aren't that easy to deal with."

Jiang Chen nonchalantly recounted the entire battle, including the Tianshan Snow God's self‑detonation. Upon hearing this, Hong Jishi's brows twitched a few times.

The power of a deity's self‑detonation even a strong one like him must handle cautiously. That Jiang Chen emerged unscathed made Hong Jishi reassess his own disciple.

"I originally intended to intervene and clear those toxic gases for you, but now it seems that's unnecessary," Hong Jishi said.

"During my clash with the Tianshan Snow God, indeed some people were affected and perished," Jiang Chen said regretfully, "Among them were people from our Shenlong Empire and some from other nations."

Hong Jishi waved his hand, indifferent, "Those who disobey the Divine General's orders die, no sympathy needed. As for foreigners who die within our Shenlong Empire, that's their own suffering. Any nation that dares to whine, I will naturally give them a lesson."

Jiang Chen took out the freshly obtained Tianshan Snow Grass and handed it to Hong

Jishi said, "Teacher, take a look at this."

Hong Jishi took the Tianshan Snow Grass, ran Detection Technique over it, and his face instantly showed surprise, "Fine stuff! How did you obtain it?"

Jiang Chen explained, "I solo ran the Tianshan God Palace Dungeon, earned an excellent rating, and the system granted me this extra reward."

Hong Jishi nodded appreciatively, "With your strength you can easily crush same‑level Instances. Especially after you level up, even the toughest Instances are a piece of cake for you. Gaining this extra reward is only natural."

He instructed Jiang Chen to keep the Tianshan Snow Grass safe and study it together after Li Xueru returns. He believes Li Xueru will have a deeper understanding of such things.

"But this time Lao Li has probably been immersed in formation research for so long, I doubt he can attend the matchmaking gathering; his old lovers will likely be disappointed," Hong Jishi suddenly shifted tone, with a hint of teasing.

Jiang Chen was taken aback; how did the topic suddenly jump to Li Xueru's old lovers? He helplessly shook his head, not expecting such gossip among teachers.

Hong Jishi continued mysteriously, "You don't know, Lao Li in his youth was quite the dashing charmer, with countless admirers. If he ever truly settles down, you'd better be careful; you might end up with several teacher‑wives."

Jiang Chen's mouth twitched slightly, thinking the topic was getting more absurd. He cleared his throat and changed the subject, "Master Hong, do you have someone you like?"

Hong Jishi's gaze instantly turned complex, first flashing a glint of brilliance, then

and quickly dimmed. He let out a soft sigh, closed his eyes, seemingly sinking into some memory.

Jiang Chen saw this, realizing he might have asked an inappropriate question. He tactfully refrained from further probing, simply staying quietly beside Hong Jishi.

……

The days of the Divine Stone Instance Trial are gradually approaching, and the entire Fortress No. 4 is immersed in bustling anticipation.

Young people from various great families, factions, and top universities gather here, exchanging and chatting.

On a stage specially built by the military, the youths spar and compete for honor. Here are not only powerful professionals but also strikingly handsome men and beautiful women of extraordinary temperament.

The older generation busily weaves through the crowd, seeking suitable partners for their youngsters. For a moment, the entire fortress is suffused with a romantic, fervent atmosphere.

Hong Jishi pointed at the bustling figures in the crowd and said to Jiang Chen, "Look, in just a few days so many young people have come together. That's the charm of the matchmaking gathering."

Jiang Chen smiled faintly, his gaze scanning the crowd for Lin Caier's figure. He sent Lin Caier a message, but received no reply. A worry rose in his heart, yet thinking Lin Caier might be busy, he let it go.

Hong Jishi, seeing this, teased: "You kid only have Lin Caier in your eyes; there are so many beauties in the world, why don't you try a few more?"

Jiang Chen was momentarily stunned, then smiled and replied: "Master Hong, stop joking. In my heart there's only Cai Er."

Hong Jishi took a deep breath and continued: "What I mean is, although the Empire…

…advocates monogamy, Divine Generals and Divine-level Strongmen indeed enjoy certain privileges; taking several additional spouses is not improper."

"Just like your Master Li—if she is willing, I believe countless suitors would line up to await his favor."

Jiang Chen heard that, could only smile helplessly and had no intention of commenting further.

Before Hong Jishi finished speaking, suddenly a gentle yet powerful voice rang in his ear.

"Hong Jishi!"

The voice carried feminine tenderness and an unmistakable heroic vigor, pleasant and melodious.

At the moment Hong Jishi heard the voice, he seemed struck by something, his complexion changed, and he hurriedly said: "Xiao Chen, I have an urgent matter to attend to; we'll meet again in three days."

Before the words finished, his figure flashed and he vanished swiftly into the sky.

Immediately after, Jiang Chen saw a woman in a simple white long dress sprint toward him.

She appeared to be in her thirties, yet her face remained stunningly beautiful, and her aura was extraordinarily refined.

Watching Hong Jishi's frantic retreat, the woman hummed lightly, then transformed into a streak of light, pursuing him closely.

Clearly, she too was a powerful Divine-level Strongman, on par with Hong Jishi.

And Hong Jishi was evidently deliberately evading the woman.

"Seems Master Hong truly fears her."

A hint of amusement flashed in Jiang Chen's eyes, as if he had uncovered an intriguing secret, and his mouth involuntarily curved upward.