Gu Yu couldn't hold back any longer.
Are they happy?
They're trying to scam you because they see you have a lot of chips and that you look young!
You're unbeatable!
What kind of quirk is this?
I always felt that she was taking advantage of her talent and gloating.
To build one's own happiness on the suffering of others.
That's wrong!
"Ugh, so annoying! You're even more annoying than Di Tian!"
The auspicious Auspicious Beast impatiently pushed him down onto the bed, sat on his waist, and covered his mouth with its hand.
He said fiercely, "You're not my parent, you have no right to tell me what to do!"
"I am the Imperial Lucky Beast, you should listen to me!"
"If you keep yelling at me, I won't be so polite!"
Meanwhile, in a quiet study at the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineer Academy, the atmosphere suddenly became tense.
An elderly man with a kind face and white hair and beard arrived uninvited, instantly putting the usually composed Jing Hongchen on edge.
In the Sun Moon Empire, Jing Hongchen, as the head of the Mingde Hall and a ninth-level Soul Master, held a highly respected position, and there were very few people who could make him feel uneasy. The old man in front of him was one of them.
Kong Deming is hailed as the closest soul master to level 10 in the world. His strength is comparable to that of a Limit Douluo. He is the recognized "pillar of stability" of the Sun Moon Empire and also serves as the head of the Hall of Worship.
More importantly, he possesses Imperial Family blood, and even the current emperor treats him with deference.
Jing Hongchen wondered to himself: Why has this reclusive and powerful figure suddenly come to the academy?
Did he even specifically mention his plan to take on apprentices? Is he trying to interfere?
That won't do!
Although he maintained a respectful expression, his palms were slightly sweaty.
Kong Deming spoke slowly, his tone gentle yet carrying an undeniable authority. "I heard you're planning to take on a Disciple? He's a talented child, but his background in the Dou Ling Empire is somewhat sensitive."
Jing Hongchen nodded quickly and replied cautiously, "That's true. The child has good talent, but his background is complicated. I'm considering this carefully."
Kong Deming waved his hand and said earnestly, "There's no need to be so rigid. The reason why our Sun Moon Empire was able to withstand the combined suppression of the Three Great Empires and has developed to the point where it even has the confidence to unify the continent is precisely because of its magnanimous spirit of embracing all rivers."
"We have never been particular about talent. No matter where they come from, as long as they have real skills in Soul Tool, they can be used by us and give back to the Empire with their talents."
"As for their original identities, as long as they remain loyal, once they join my Sun Moon Sect, they become members of the Sun Moon Sect."
Jing Hongchen echoed, "You're right."
Deep down, however, he was secretly groaning, worried that this important figure had ulterior motives.
Otherwise, why tell yourself all this?
Kong Deming seemed to see through his nervousness and changed the subject to casual conversation, his tone relaxed yet meaningful. "By the way, your two precious grandchildren, you actually decided to send them to the Shrek Academy?"
It can drive people to madness, causing them to abandon their nationality and identity, and become loyal to the Shrek Academy.
It is said that their unconventional Sun Moon to recruiting talent from all over the world was also due to the inspiration they received from the Shrek Academy.
Otherwise, their Sun Moon Empire alone wouldn't have developed to its current state.
He paused, then said with a touch of emotion, "In truth, the reason why Sun Moon can attract talents from all over the world is partly due to the 'inspiration' of Shrek. Without such an open mind, I'm afraid we wouldn't have achieved our current success."
Jing Hongchen smiled wryly, "It's good for these two good-for-nothing children to go and gain some experience, to see that there are always people more capable than themselves."
Kong Deming suddenly changed the subject, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes. "Isn't your grandson Xiao Hongchen hailed as the number one genius of the younger generation at Sun Moon Academy?"
" The Imperial Family happens to have a princess of marriageable age; why not arrange a marriage between our families?"
"And your granddaughter, Meng Hongchen, is a good match for a prince. If they could marry, the relationship between the Hongchen Family and the Imperial Family family would be even closer."
"Your dream has come true."
"I'd be happy to be the matchmaker, what do you say?"
Jing Hongchen:???
Upon hearing this, Jing Hongchen's face turned pale, and she quickly bowed and begged for mercy, "Please, sir, don't joke like that! The children are still young, and marriage is a long way off~"
Alarm bells rang in his mind: a marriage alliance? Absolutely not!
Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen are prodigies, a once-in-a-century talent in their family. How could they easily be drawn into the Imperial Family infighting?
Although he hoped that the Hongchen Family could be passed down for generations and participate in the struggle for the throne, even though he was Level 9 Soul Engineer, the slightest mistake could lead to the tragic death of his entire family.
Moreover, he was well aware of the cruelty of court intrigue and had no desire for his descendants to become political pawns.
He only needs to be honest and show his loyalty to the emperor and the empire.
Everything is safe!
Seeing this, Kong Deming sighed softly, a hint of regret flashing in his eyes.
He had known this all along; the Hongchen Clan had deep roots and held great power in the Mingde Hall and the academy, and they only wished to be loyal to the imperial power and not get involved in factional struggles.
Even if they support the new emperor to the throne, it will not bring any further benefit to the family, so why get involved in this mess?
At the same time, Jing Hongchen was also sweating profusely.
Fine beads of cold sweat trickled down his forehead; the oppressive air in the study made it almost impossible for him to breathe.
Although they are both Level 9 Soul Engineer.
It's the most premium kind.
However, the differences between the two are vast.
Although both are level 94 Titled Douluo, he focuses on the research of Humanoid Soul Tool and is fond of external objects.
The person before them had established a very deep connection between the Soul Tool and their own being.
Natal Soul Tool.
Their strength far surpasses mine.
Kong Deming's words, "Let me see that child," fell lightly, yet felt like a heavy Qian Jun blow to his heart.
Jing Hongchen suppressed her turbulent thoughts and bowed, replying, "Yes, I'll arrange it right away."
"But that child recently passed the exam, and classes have already ended, so he's probably back at his lodgings resting by now."
Kong Deming smiled slightly, a knowing glint in his aged eyes. "It's alright. Tomorrow at noon, bring him to the ' Star Gazing Pavilion ' on the top floor of the Mingde Hall."
"I'll also take a look at the Exchange Student from the Shrek Academy. I heard his name is Huo Yuhao? My good-for-nothing Disciple Xuan Ziwen, is taking care of him."
Jing Hongchen's pupils contracted slightly.
Kong Deming even knew Huo Yuhao's movements perfectly!
This reclusive head of the Hall of Offerings had far more tight control over the academy than he had imagined.
He dared not ask any further questions, and simply bowed his head and agreed.
Kong Deming slowly rose to his feet, his black robe brushing against the ground without making a sound.
As he reached the door, he suddenly turned back and gave Jing Hongchen a meaningful look. "Hongchen, the future of the Sun Moon Empire must ultimately be handed over to the younger generation."
"Whether it's Gu Yu, Huo Yuhao, or Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen, their competition, cooperation, and even friction are all part of the tide of the times."
"As the head of the Mingde Hall, you should know the weight of the word 'balance'."
Jing Hongchen stiffened and said in a deep voice, "This student understands."
Kong Deming said no more, his figure disappearing like smoke at the end of the corridor.
Jing Hongchen stood alone in the study for a long time before finally letting out a long sigh.
He walked to the window, gazing at the brightly lit Soul Tool workshop in the distance, his mind racing. "Is Kong Lao's personal inquiry into Gu Yu truly out of appreciation for talent, or is he plotting something else entirely?"
"Could it be that the Imperial Family intends to use Gu Yu to give the Hongchen Family a warning?"
"No, I still need to stay far away!"