"Victory and defeat are common fare for soldiers. Hall Master Jing, let's return to discussing the student exchange."
He knew that, on the subject of this year's tournament, no matter how much more he said,
he would gain nothing.
So he cleared his throat twice and returned to the matter at hand. "Among the continent's top institutions today, aside from our Shrek Academy, there is only the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy. Both of us have our strengths and weaknesses."
"Take our Shrek Academy, for example. As the continent's foremost soul master academy, we have nurtured countless talented students of outstanding character, scholarship, and strength."
"Yet, though we are far ahead in martial souls, we lag somewhat behind in soul tools."
"Conversely, your academy leads in soul tools but falls particularly far behind in martial soul education."
"That is why I believe this exchange is very necessary. Both sides can use their strengths to make up for the other's weaknesses, while greatly furthering learning between us."
"What do you think, Hall Master Jing?"
Jing Hongchen nodded. "I think Dean Yan makes an excellent point. I wholeheartedly approve of an exchange between our students as well."
"..."
Hearing that the other man actually agreed with him,
and so readily at that,
Yan Shaozhe could not help feeling suspicious.
From their earlier round of sparring, he had already gained a preliminary understanding.
Jing Hongchen was an old fox and a consummate actor rolled into one.
He had clearly refused the exchange before.
Now he had suddenly agreed.
When things strayed from the norm, something sinister was afoot. There had to be a catch.
Sure enough, after expressing his agreement with Yan Shaozhe,
Jing Hongchen immediately continued, "Brother Yan, there's something you don't know. Though I support this exchange with both hands,