Jing Hongchen's Compromise

The top floor of the office area.

There were numerous rooms here. Besides the offices, there were Soul Tool testing areas and rest areas. The rest areas even included entertainment facilities and private kitchens.

It was difficult to imagine that such a fully equipped, luxurious office complex served a single person. In the entire Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy, Jing Hongchen was the only one who received such treatment.

Inside the central office on the top floor, Ye Chen surveyed the room's decor and clicked his tongue in admiration. "Hall Master Hongchen, it seems you're living quite comfortably. I wonder, though, whether you've ever used your position for personal gain?"

An elderly man who appeared to be over sixty sat behind the desk before him. Ye Chen's words were openly provocative, yet not only did the other man not get angry, he even wore a genial smile.

"Student Ye Chen, you mustn't speak carelessly. I hold this position, receive the Emperor's salary, and devote myself wholeheartedly to strengthening the Empire. These are merely rewards bestowed by His Majesty in recognition of my tireless efforts to develop Soul Tools," Jing Hongchen said with a light chuckle.

This old fox! Ye Chen cursed inwardly.

Jing Hongchen was clearly trying to brush him off. Given Ye Chen's understanding of the man, he did not believe Jing Hongchen was unaware of the purpose of his visit.

However, Ye Chen had no intention of playing along. He went straight to the point. "I trust Hall Master Hongchen has guessed why I am here. I have come to demand an explanation from you."

"Or, to put it another way, shouldn't you give me an account?" As he spoke, Ye Chen's tone gradually turned colder.

Jing Hongchen was furious inside. In all these years, this was