Chapter 293: Preparing for the Soul Master Tournament

  "Dean Jing Hongchen, isn't the academy busy right now?"

  If it were any other time, Kong Deming might have exchanged a few pleasantries with Jing Hongchen.

  But today, he had serious matters to handle and had no interest in meaningless chatter.

  "Busy? Of course, I’m busy! Especially with the Continental Elite Soul Master Academy Tournament approaching, I barely have time to breathe!"

  Jing Hongchen sighed as he compined.

  Then, his gaze shifted to Qin Xiao.

  "Kong Lao, you might not know this, but this kid is our academy’s secret weapon. Our performance in this year’s tournament will depend entirely on him!"

  Hearing this, Kong Deming's thoughts settled.

  It was confirmed.

  Jing Hongchen was here for Qin Xiao.

  "Qin Xiao is still young. He’s just passed rank twenty—how much can he contribute to the tournament?"

  "I think he should focus on cultivation and wait for the next tournament instead."

  Kong Deming said indifferently, "Coincidentally, I have some free time. This kid has great potential. Let him enter the royal pace, and I’ll personally guide him."

  "This…"

  Jing Hongchen's pupils shrank.

  In the end, the secret was out.

  Kong Deming had come to take Qin Xiao.

  But he wasn’t willing to give up so easily.

  After all, a talent like Qin Xiao was extremely rare.

  And even if he couldn't take Qin Xiao as his disciple, he could at least buy some time for Meng Hongchen.

  If Qin Xiao and Meng Hongchen ended up together, he would have succeeded through an indirect approach.

  So, no matter what, he had to keep Qin Xiao at the academy a little longer.

  It was his duty to create opportunities for his granddaughter.

  "Kong Lao, you’re mistaken."

  Jing Hongchen shook his head.

  "Qin Xiao’s cultivation may not be high, but you’re overlooking one crucial thing—his spiritual martial soul."

  Kong Deming paused.

  This was something he hadn’t fully understood before.

  His gaze shifted to Xuan Ziwen, expecting his disciple to expin.

  Xuan Ziwen, worthy of being Kong Deming’s personal disciple, immediately understood his master’s intent.

  Without hesitation, he detailed Qin Xiao’s martial soul.

  The more Kong Deming learned, the more his expression changed.

  Even with his status and experience, he couldn't help but reveal a look of shock and uncertainty.

  "Who would’ve thought… this boy possesses such outstanding talent? A twin martial soul and an Ultimate Ice martial soul…"

  "Kong Lao, Qin Xiao’s spiritual martial soul is also extraordinary."

  "If used to assist soul engineers, it would be like adding wings to a tiger!"

  "With spiritual detection activated, even the most powerful soul tools could hit their targets blindfolded!"

  "With Qin Xiao in our team, our Soul Engineering Academy has the absolute potential to win the championship!"

  Kong Deming nodded immediately.

  He had already experienced the power of spiritual detection before.

  And he had to admit—it was incredible.

  For a soul engineer, this ability could enhance their combat effectiveness severalfold.

  With Qin Xiao’s support, they could even equip their team with higher-level fixed soul tools.

  Each team member could essentially become a walking cannon.

  No matter who the enemy was, they could simply carpet-bomb the battlefield with soul cannon fire.

  Kong Deming’s gaze became complicated.

  If Qin Xiao truly had such capabilities, then he had no immediate reason to take him away.

  After all…

  If he could bring glory to the Sun Moon Empire, it would also be a rare and valuable achievement.

  Time passed, and the room fell silent.

  Only the sound of steady breathing remained.

  After a long pause, Jing Hongchen finally spoke.

  "Kong Lao, do you still intend to take Qin Xiao to the royal pace immediately?"

  Kong Deming shook his head.

  "Let him participate in the Continental Soul Master Academy Tournament first."

  "This will be an excellent training opportunity for him."

  Hearing this, Jing Hongchen’s face lit up with gratitude.

  "Thank you, Kong Lao, for your wisdom and generosity."

  Kong Deming scoffed.

  "Enough with the fttery."

  Jing Hongchen chuckled awkwardly, scratching his head.

  "You heard everything, kid?"

  "This is a test for you. If you don’t perform well, forget about entering the royal pace for further training."

  Kong Deming wanted to push Qin Xiao a little.

  Qin Xiao froze.

  Was this even a punishment?

  This was exactly what he wanted!

  Perfectly aligned with his pns!

  Kong Deming, dispying his authority, flipped his robe and strode away without waiting for a response.

  Qin Xiao: "…"

  He just left like that?

  At least leave behind some pills to help me train faster!

  But just as he was about to compin, his spiritual senses picked up something interesting.

  He intercepted a mental transmission from Kong Deming to Xuan Ziwen and Jing Hongchen.

  "This boy is an exceptional talent, but raw jade must be polished to shine."

  "Don’t indulge him too much. He needs discipline."

  "Of course, the goal is still to nurture him well. Be careful not to push him too hard."

  "And most importantly—his cultivation is still too weak. He needs to advance as quickly as possible."

  Kong Deming seemed indifferent toward Qin Xiao.

  But in reality, he cared a lot.

  He had already instructed Jing Hongchen and Xuan Ziwen on what to do.

  "Kong Lao, I’ve already provided him with plenty of pills. I even gave him the whale balm that cost me a fortune."

  "I don’t see him as an outsider."

  Jing Hongchen quickly responded.

  "You’ve done well. Come with me—I have a few more high-grade pills.

  Combined with the whale balm, they’ll be enough for him to break through rank thirty before the Soul Master Tournament."

  Kong Deming’s voice was still lingering in Jing Hongchen’s ears, but he had already disappeared.

  Jing Hongchen understood immediately.

  Finding an excuse, he left the boratory.

  Qin Xiao watched them leave and couldn’t help but ugh inwardly.

  That secret transmission was completely unnecessary.

  After all that effort, didn’t I still hear every single word without missing a thing?

  And those pills…

  Why not just give them directly to me?

  Cutting out the middleman would save time.

  Such a pointless detour.

  Elsewhere.

  In the Hongchen family estate.

  In a spacious courtyard, a handsome young man sat at a long table, carefully polishing a soul tool.

  Sensing someone approaching, he looked up.

  Seeing the girl entering the courtyard, his gaze softened with affection.

  "Dream, you’re back?"

  "Grandfather called you over alone today—was there something important?"

  He pced the soul tool on the table, his face filled with curiosity.

  Meng Hongchen pursed her lips tightly, saying nothing.

  Xiao Hongchen immediately noticed her clenched fists and trembling shoulders.

  His expression changed drastically.

  "What did Grandfather say to you?

  Tell me!"

  His voice was urgent, like an ant on a hot pan.

  "Brother… I won’t be able to go to school with you anymore."

  Meng Hongchen finally spoke.

  "What?"

  Xiao Hongchen froze, as if struck by lightning.

  "Why?

  Grandfather has never favored boys over girls.

  Or… is it because you’re getting older, and the family wants you to find a husband?

  Are they afraid you’ll become an old maid?

  But that’s too soon, isn’t it? There’s no need for that yet!"

  Xiao Hongchen rubbed his chin, guessing wildly.

  He didn’t notice Meng Hongchen’s expression had changed.

  Her face had darkened completely.

  As if she had swallowed a dead fly.

  No, half a dead fly was a more accurate description.

  "Xiao Hongchen, are you looking to die?"

  She erupted in fury.

  Who was he calling an old maid?!

  She was a blossoming flower, thank you very much!

  And besides…

  In Mingdu, among all the powerful families, who wouldn’t want their most outstanding young heir to marry her, the Hongchen family’s proudest genius?

  If she announced a marriage proposal today, the line of suitors would wrap around the city three times—with an extra turn at the end!

  "Do I look like someone who can’t find a husband?

  Do I seem desperate to get married to you?!"

  Meng Hongchen could no longer hold back.

  She took out two soul ray pistols from her spatial soul tool and opened fire at Xiao Hongchen without hesitation.

  Fortunately, Xiao Hongchen’s reaction speed was fast.

  He had already sensed the danger moments before she acted, quickly taking out a defensive soul tool.

  With a swish, a soul power shield appeared in front of him, blocking Meng Hongchen’s barrage.

  "Little sister, calm down!

  I might have misspoken just now, but it was only because I care about you!"

  Meng Hongchen ignored him and continued bsting away.

  "Alright, alright! I admit my mistake!

  I spoke without thinking—it’s all my fault!

  Please, my dear dy, don’t be angry anymore!"

  Xiao Hongchen looked helpless.

  He felt like he had been struck by an unexpected disaster.

  If he could rewind time, he swore he wouldn’t interfere with Meng Hongchen’s affairs ever again.

  But at least this time, admitting fault worked.

  Meng Hongchen slowly lowered her soul pistols.

  Her expression also softened.

  "Heh heh heh…"

  Xiao Hongchen chuckled awkwardly.

  "Hmph! You can still ugh?

  I was going to joke around with you, but now I’m not in the mood anymore!"

  Meng Hongchen pouted.

  "Luckily, starting tomorrow, I won’t have to see you anymore.

  That makes me really happy!"

  "Where exactly are you going? Are you still going to study?"

  "Of course. Why wouldn't I?"

  Meng Hongchen spread her hands. "Not only will I keep studying, but I'm also going somewhere even better. Then, I’ll stomp you into the ground and beat you up."

  Heh, this little girl sure has ambition...

  Xiao Hongchen sneered inwardly but knew better than to say it aloud.

  If he did, Meng Hongchen would explode like a cat whose tail had been stepped on.

  "So, where are you going to study?"

  "With Xuan Ziwen."

  "Hmm?" Xiao Hongchen raised an eyebrow. "Sister, that's not a shortcut. That's a detour."

  "With our current teacher, you still get occasional guidance from Grandfather. Isn't that better than learning from Xuan Ziwen?"

  "Heh, you just don’t understand."

  Meng Hongchen let out a cold chuckle.

  Could there be some hidden reason?

  Xiao Hongchen muttered to himself but got no further response.

  Meng Hongchen simply smirked without saying anything, making him feel incredibly irritated.

  It was as if an invisible hand was stirring his heart.

  So, he put on a fawning smile.

  "Heh heh, my dear sister, why don’t you tell me what’s going on?"

  Instead of answering, Meng Hongchen changed the topic.

  "Brother, do you remember that item I wanted at the auction a few days ago?"

  Oh boy, here comes the extortion.

  Does she really think I’m a fool?

  Xiao Hongchen knew exactly what was going on.

  But in the end, he gritted his teeth and said, "It's just 30,000 gold soul coins, right? I'll pay for it!"

  "Hehe, suddenly, I feel much better. Now, I'll tell you what’s really happening."

  Meng Hongchen giggled and then expined everything Jing Hongchen had told her.

  After hearing it all, Xiao Hongchen was stunned.

  "What?!

  Grandfather is sending you on a spy mission?

  And if you keep an eye on this guy, you'll be rewarded?"

  Xiao Hongchen was in disbelief.

  "Who the hell is this guy?

  What's his name? What’s his background? Tell me!"

  "Brother, to be honest, I also saw another item at the auction. But it’s a little expensive…"

  As she spoke, Meng Hongchen rubbed her hands together.

  Xiao Hongchen immediately understood.

  She was extorting him again!

  This girl really sees me as a walking money bag.

  "Brother, you already spent 30,000 gold soul coins. What’s another small amount?"

  Xiao Hongchen sighed.

  "Fine, I’ll give you another 30,000 gold soul coins."

  "That’s not enough. If you really want the information, you’ll need to pay more."

  "Don’t push your luck."

  "I want 40,000 gold soul coins."

  "You’re being greedy! This is robbery!"

  "I want 50,000 gold soul coins."

  "Wait, fine! 40,000! I’ll give it to you right now!"

  Xiao Hongchen caved instantly.

  He had to admit, his sister had him completely in her grasp.

  Meng Hongchen grinned, taking the bck card Xiao Hongchen handed over.

  Only then did she finally tell him about Qin Xiao.

  Xiao Hongchen listened intently.

  After a long silence, Meng Hongchen finished her expnation but added a warning.

  "Grandfather specifically instructed that Qin Xiao’s situation must not be leaked. You have to remember that."

  "So what are you doing right now?"

  "I don’t see you as an outsider, of course."

  Meng Hongchen looked completely justified.

  Xiao Hongchen scoffed.

  Tch.

  She’s just trying to scam me for money.

  She might as well admit it.

  "But this Qin Xiao is interesting.

  At such a young age, he already has this level of talent.

  His future is limitless."

  He was intrigued.

  Xiao Hongchen stroked his chin, putting on an air of wisdom.

  Meng Hongchen rolled her eyes.

  "You’re still ughing?

  He’s only been at the academy for a short time, yet he’s already a rank-two soul engineer.

  At this rate, he’ll surpass you in no time."

  Xiao Hongchen scoffed.

  "You think I’m afraid?

  The stronger Qin Xiao is, the more excited I am."

  "Right now, I’m just a step away from becoming a rank-five soul engineer.

  Looking across the entire Sun Moon Empire, I don’t see any real competition.

  Not a single one.

  I’ve been lonely for so long."

  "You probably don’t understand, but I dream of having a worthy rival who can crush me."

  As he spoke, Xiao Hongchen radiated an aura of dominance.

  "Oh please, keep pretending."

  Meng Hongchen rolled her eyes again.

  Xiao Hongchen csped his hands behind his back.

  "Standing at the peak, looking down on the world—it’s something you’ll never understand."

  "Being invincible… is lonely."

  Meng Hongchen sincerely hoped someone would put him in his pce.

  "If you’re so confident, why don’t you challenge Qin Xiao tomorrow?

  Let’s see who’s truly stronger."

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