Huo Yuhao immediately answered respectfully, "Yes, Hall Master Hongchen. That has always been my wish."
The look in Jing Hongchen's eyes changed in an instant.
Before meeting Huo Yuhao, he had only felt a trace of interest in him. Now, however, a hint of approval shone in his eyes.
After a brief moment of contemplation, the master of the Illustrious Virtue Hall said with some emotion, "When we founded the Illustrious Virtue Hall, we had an original aspiration: to develop soul tools that even ordinary people could use."
"Unfortunately, that aspiration has only ever been lip service. Many people, myself included, don't believe it will come true. At least, I probably won't see it in my lifetime."
"To hear that wish from your lips now is rather amusing."
As he spoke, Jing Hongchen gave a self-mocking chuckle, then looked at Huo Yuhao with a smile that harbored ill intent. "Huo Yuhao, let me ask you something."
"Do you truly intend to stay at the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy?"
Huo Yuhao nodded. "Yes. After this year of study ends, even if I fail the academy's assessment, I intend to remain in Mingdu rather than return to the Star Luo Empire. With the Star Luo Empire's level of soul tool technology, realizing my ideas would be far too difficult."
Jing Hongchen narrowed his eyes and pressed him. "Heh, you should understand that doing so means serving our Sun Moon Empire. The Star Luo Empire and the Sun Moon Empire are enemies. If we go to war with the Star Luo Empire in the future, and I order you to develop and manufacture weapons aimed at it, what would you choose?"
Huo Yuhao's expression changed instantly. Only after a long silence did he refuse. "Hall Master, if that day truly comes,