In the office on the top floor of Bright Virtue Hall, the lights of countless homes spread beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows, bringing every corner of Mingdu into view.
Jing Hongchen stood before the window with his back to the door. His round face had lost its usual smile, and his silhouette looked grave.
Hearing footsteps behind him, he asked without turning, "How did the tests go?"
Lin Jiayi hurried forward and bowed. "Hall Master, I checked the data from both instruments several times. The first test was most likely accurate. Huo Yuhao's physical resilience and strength are far beyond what a three-ring Soul Elder should possess. Even a Head Soul Bone couldn't boost him to that extent. That boy has hidden his abilities well. Leaving him alone could become a grave threat."
He raised his head, a ruthless glint flashing in his eyes. "The sooner we eliminate an enemy of the empire, the less we'll have to worry about him."
Jing Hongchen slowly turned and shook his head. "Without evidence, we can't touch him."
"Hall Master, we don't need evidence for a genius like him!" Lin Jiayi said urgently. "Once he grows stronger, it'll be too late!"
"I said we can't touch him." Jing Hongchen's voice hardened. He fixed Lin Jiayi with a stare and spoke one word at a time. "Late last night, a secret order came directly from the Worship Hall. Protect Huo Yuhao at all costs. The academy must meet all his needs. No one is to target, probe, or suppress him. That is an absolute order."
"What?!"
Lin Jiayi cried out, disbelief written across his face. "Protect him? He's from Shrek! He's a potential enemy of the empire! Has the Worship Hall gone mad? We'd be raising a tiger to bring disaster on ourselves, Hall Master!"