Lu Yuan ignored Jing Hongchen's empty promises and poured himself a cup of tea.
"Hall Master Hongchen, not this time. We belong to an organization too. We have to win some glory for our sect, don't we?"
"Your sect? The Abyss Cult?"
Jing Hongchen raised an eyebrow.
"Isn't your Abyss Cult a secluded sect? You said before that you'd erased every trace of yourselves from the outside world. Why are you suddenly coming out to win glory?"
"Why not keep competing under the Royal Soul Engineer Academy's name? As specially invited competitors, you'd get the same benefits, or even better ones. Doesn't that sound good?"
Lu Yuan lowered his head slightly, his expression turning solemn.
He said mysteriously, "Hall Master Hongchen, don't you think the situation on the continent is a little delicate right now?"
"Even geniuses are becoming more numerous than in previous generations. There's a term for it—a talent boom. Do you understand?"
Lu Yuan's bluff left Jing Hongchen rather bewildered.
"Isn't that a good thing? Talented people emerging in droves is a sign of a golden age!"
Lu Yuan wagged a finger. "It could also be a warning sign of a crisis!"
"What crisis could there possibly be? Don't go scaremongering, brat!"
Jing Hongchen waved a hand, looking unconcerned.
In truth, however, he was somewhat worried.
If they were talking about crises, there certainly was one!
Looking at Sun Moon alone, it was certain to launch a war within the next decade or so!
War meant slaughter and destruction. If that wasn't a crisis, what was?
Lu Yuan smiled. "It's fine if you don't believe me, Hall Master Hongchen, but our Abyss Cult will inevitably emerge into the world!"
"To build momentum for our debut, I can't think of anything better than appearing at the Soul Master