In truth, if Jiang Hai had insisted, he was confident he could have taken more than ninety percent of the Civilization Research Institute's Soul Engineers away with him. No Soul Engineer could resist the allure of the Flame of Civilization, but he would not-and did not want to-do that.
Only by remaining within the Sun Moon Empire could the Civilization Research Institute develop to its fullest.
Admittedly, any faction would welcome such a large group of Soul Engineers from the Civilization Research Institute, even Shrek Academy.
But setting aside how much poorer the Three Great Empires were in rare metals than the Sun Moon Empire, no matter how much they trusted Jiang Hai, they would never tolerate such an enormous force sitting right before their eyes without trying to get their hands on it.
In the Sun Moon Empire, however, thanks to the sheer number of Soul Engineers and their standing, even if the imperial family felt some apprehension toward the suddenly rising Civilization Research Institute, it would never reach the extent it would in the Three Great Empires.
In the Sun Moon Empire, Level 9 Soul Engineers were important, but not indispensable. There were plenty of possible replacements, so the treatment and attention they received on either side would differ.
The principle that scarcity made things precious held true everywhere.
Zhang Lexuan studied Jiang Hai with her lovely eyes, seemingly able to discern his thoughts. She sighed softly to herself and said, "It's all right. I was presumptuous. After this is over, are you planning to return to the academy?"
Jiang Hai shook his head.
Zhang Lexuan was a little disappointed, but she still managed a smile. "Whatever happens, the academy is your home. Don't forget that you're also an honorary pavilion elder."
"I'm leaving. Tomorrow, I'll act together