Now that Su Yu has been given unlimited resources, the members of Illustrious Virtue Hall will be so envious that their eyes will turn red.
As for the best food treatment, it may sound ordinary, but it's anything but.
The food at Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy is divided into levels. First- to third-year students form one level. Fourth- and fifth-year students are at another level. Sixth-year students have a separate level.
That's why the academy's cafeteria is located beneath the dormitories—it makes it easier to differentiate between levels.
Of course, the differences between these three levels of food aren't huge. Even the first-year cafeteria serves the same meals as the sixth-year one. But there's one big difference: it's expensive!
The same dish costs much more in the first-year area than in the sixth-year area.
That's the so-called "leveling system"—because the academy's subsidies differ.
Above the sixth-year level is the food for the members of Illustrious Virtue Hall, which is yet another level. Illustrious Virtue Hall members eat for free, and the ingredients are top-notch.
But even the food for Illustrious Virtue Hall members isn't the best. The highest quality meals are reserved for Level 8 and above Soul Engineers or the most exceptionally gifted members of Illustrious Virtue Hall.
Rare ingredients, and even meat from ten thousand-year-old soul beasts, are not uncommon.
When Jing Hongchen gave Su Yu this treatment, it was already exceptional.
The monthly stipend of 100,000 gold soul coins also surprised Lin Jiayi.
This means that even if Su Yu does nothing, he can earn over a million gold soul coins a year.
Isn't that a substantial benefit? You could say Jing Hongchen is truly bold.
"Hall Master, if this treatment gets out, I'm afraid the other students will have complaints," Lin Jiayi cautiously tested the waters.
"Who would complain?"
Jing Hongchen looked up and said indifferently.
Lin Jiayi remained silent, but his eyes said it all.
Others might not care, but your precious grandson certainly will.
"If anyone has a complaint, let me see if they can become a Level 4 Soul Engineer in eight months."
"Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy values ability."
"Those with skill get better treatment—if not, they should stay quiet," Jing Hongchen said coldly.
Since he dared to offer this, he wasn't afraid of causing trouble. And with Su Yu's skills, he believed Su Yu could win over the masses.
He wasn't acting recklessly—Su Yu's performance and talent warranted such treatment.
Since Jing Hongchen put it that way, Lin Jiayi didn't press further. In his view, while the treatment was generous, Su Yu deserved it.
"By the way, how's Wang Dong doing?"
Jing Hongchen asked casually.
"After transferring to the Real Combat Soul Engineering Department, she hasn't caused any trouble."
"It's said she's been working hard and is now a third-year student," Lin Jiayi replied.
Advancement in the Real Combat Soul Engineering Department mainly depends on soul power and the use of soul tools. As long as a student can skillfully combine their martial soul with various Level 2 soul tools, they can advance to the third year. It's relatively simple, as they don't need to learn how to craft soul tools.
However, entering the Real Combat Soul Engineering Department is difficult. Without a powerful or special martial soul, one isn't qualified.
"Well, that's good. I was worried she'd waste time, but she hasn't disappointed."
"As for her meals, the academy should cover them too. Provide her with the same level of food as an ordinary Illustrious Virtue Hall member."
"Of course, don't tell anyone. Just bring her meals along when delivering food to Su Yu."
Wang Dong had considerable talent, so Jing Hongchen wasn't stingy with her treatment. However, unlike Su Yu, she wasn't as strong. It was better for her to quietly improve without attracting attention.
"Yes, Hall Master, I understand," Lin Jiayi replied.
"All right, go make the arrangements," Jing Hongchen waved him off.
"Your subordinate takes his leave!"
Lin Jiayi bowed and left Illustrious Virtue Hall.
...
Not long after, the news that Su Yu had been selected as Illustrious Virtue Hall seed spread throughout the academy.
To manage public reaction, the first- to sixth-year students were only informed that Su Yu had been chosen as an Illustrious Virtue Hall seed and would directly join Illustrious Virtue Hall upon reaching Level 5 as a Soul Engineer.
For a time, countless students were envious, and Su Yu became the talk of the entire school.
However, things were different inside Illustrious Virtue Hall. Many students were so envious their eyes turned red.
They knew the full extent of Su Yu's special treatment.
"Impossible!"
"Absolutely impossible!"
When Xiao Hongchen heard the news, he couldn't sit still and angrily knocked over a chair.
"Why? It's bad enough that they let him into Illustrious Virtue Hall without an exam, but they're also giving him such excellent treatment?"
Xiao Hongchen fumed.
In the past, only he and Meng had received this level of treatment among the students. Even Illustrious Virtue Hall's top student, Ma Rulong, hadn't.
And now Su Yu was getting the same treatment? Why? Xiao Hongchen couldn't accept it! How could Su Yu, of all people, receive the same treatment as him?
"I'm going to find Grandpa! This is outrageous! I'm going to make him take back this decision."
As Xiao Hongchen said this, he was about to storm out, but Meng Hongchen stopped him.
"Brother, what are you doing?"
Meng asked calmly.
"Don't stop me, Meng. Grandpa's gone senile, giving out this kind of treatment," Xiao Hongchen said anxiously.
"Grandpa isn't senile—you are! What's the rush? What does this have to do with you?"
Meng critiqued.
"But I'm not convinced! Why does Su Yu get the same treatment as us?" Xiao Hongchen stubbornly replied.
"Because he became a Level 4 Soul Engineer in eight months. Isn't that enough?"
"This…"
Xiao Hongchen was momentarily speechless, but still muttered, "But making him an Illustrious Virtue Hall seed should've been enough. At most, just add some food benefits."
"And what about his Ultimate Ice?"
Xiao Hongchen: "…"
"And what about the Ice God Palace behind Su Yu? Did you think of that?"
Xiao Hongchen fell completely silent.
Damn, the more he thought about it, the more it made sense—Su Yu not only had talent but also a powerful background.
"Brother, you're too impulsive. Su Yu is so outstanding that it's normal for him to receive this kind of treatment," Meng advised.
"Hmph, you're just defending him because you're close to him."
"Don't think I don't know you like him."
Xiao Hongchen crossed his arms and huffed.
"Brother, what are you talking about?"
Meng's cheeks turned red, and she bashfully punched him.
Xiao Hongchen smirked.
"You blush every time you see him. Who wouldn't notice?"
"And how many times have you gone to see him in the past six months?"
"Such a lack of restraint for a girl!"
"Brother!"
Meng stomped her foot in embarrassment, stepping hard on Xiao Hongchen's foot, making him howl in pain.
"See? You're worked up because I hit the mark, right?"
"I bet Grandpa knows you like Su Yu, and that's why he's treating him so well. He's probably trying to make him a grandson-in-law."
"Yeah, ouch… I'm so smart," Xiao said, wincing as he held his foot.
Xiao Hongchen suddenly realized that he had uncovered the truth. It must be that Jing Hongchen saw Su Yu's immense talent, powerful background, and the fact that Meng Hongchen liked him. Jing Hongchen must be thinking of making Su Yu his grandson-in-law. Otherwise, there's no way Su Yu would have received such special treatment.
This kind of treatment had only ever been given to Xiao and Meng before.
Case solved: Jing Hongchen now regarded Su Yu as one of his own.
Thinking along these lines, Xiao Hongchen wasn't as angry anymore. Even though he still thought Su Yu was a bit inferior to him, pairing him with his sister was just about acceptable. If Su Yu were to become his future brother-in-law, then it wouldn't be so bad for him to receive this treatment.
"Brother, you're still talking!"
As soon as Xiao Hongchen voiced his thoughts, Meng Hongchen's face flushed bright red with embarrassment. She clenched her delicate fists, ready to strike him, but Xiao Hongchen quickly dodged.
"Brother, stop dodging!"
Meng Hongchen shouted as she chased after him, determined to land a hit.
Not being a fool, Xiao Hongchen evaded her quickly.
"Meng, what are you doing?"
"I'm just speaking the truth. You do like him."
"Maybe Grandpa is trying to make Su Yu his grandson-in-law. This treatment is proof!"
Meng Hongchen's face turned even redder, her thoughts wandering. Could Grandpa be thinking that way? As the possibility dawned on her, she blushed even more and felt a little shy.
"Nonsense! Grandpa values his talent," she said softly, trying to regain her composure.
"Tch, who would believe that? My explanation makes way more sense. There are so many geniuses at the academy, but no one else is getting this kind of treatment. Our family's little princess is even visiting him herself. Grandpa must have no choice but to act on your behalf."
Xiao Hongchen spread his hands and sighed dramatically.
"Brother, you!"
Meng Hongchen pointed at him, her face so red it looked like it might start dripping blood.
"What about me?"
Xiao Hongchen blinked, feigning indifference.
"You always bully me! I'm going to tell Grandpa," Meng Hongchen muttered softly before turning to run away. Though she seemed angry, she was just too shy to handle the situation.
"Is that it?"
Xiao Hongchen curled his lip in disdain.
"You're admitting it, Meng. With how shy you are, if Grandpa doesn't step in, when will you ever win Su Yu over?"
No one knew his sister better than Xiao Hongchen. She blushed at the mere sight of Su Yu and couldn't say a word, only lowering her head in embarrassment. How was she ever going to win him over like that?
"Looks like I'll have to step in as the great and mighty Xiao Hongchen!"
He put his hands on his hips and laughed heartily, looking like a complete eccentric.
...
Room 212.
Su Yu held a piece of heavy silver in his left hand and a fine gold carving knife in his right. The knife danced nimbly in his hand like a swimming dragon. With smooth movements, a core formation was carved effortlessly.
With a gentle shake, Su Yu shook off the metal shavings, revealing a hollow metal sphere. The sphere was covered in intricate patterns, looking highly complex.
"Did you succeed?" a soft voice asked from beside him. It was Wang Dong.
Su Yu shook his head.
"Still a little off. A Level 5 core formation isn't easy to carve. This can still only be considered Level 4."
"That's already pretty good," Wang Dong said, patting his shoulder.
"Your current achievements are unprecedented. Besides, you can't even use a Level 5 soul tool yet."
"Actually, I can. I broke through to Level 40 a while ago," Su Yu replied casually, storing the core formation.
Wang Dong's mouth twitched slightly. She made a mock "fierce" face and wrapped her hand around Su Yu's throat.
"You're just trying to provoke me, aren't you?" she said, baring her teeth, trying to look fierce. But with her sunny, delicate face, she looked more like a cute little cub trying to act tough.
Su Yu flicked her forehead, causing her to break character.
"You're such a freak, always making people feel pressured," Wang Dong pouted.
"Aren't you at Level 27, almost 28? That's faster than me," Su Yu said, smiling.
"That's not the same. I'm a Grandmaster, and you're a Soul Elder. You even broke through the Level 40 bottleneck. How is that the same?"
Wang Dong said with frustration.
"Other geniuses get stuck at Level 40 for at least six months—especially with an Ultimate Martial Soul like yours."
Su Yu didn't reply. He simply ruffled her hair.
Wang Dong pretended to be annoyed, but her eyes sparkled with laughter.
"I heard you advanced to the third year. Not bad!"
"It seems like the Real Combat Soul Engineering Department suits you," Su Yu smiled.
"Not as good as you. You're about to advance to the fifth year, right?" Wang Dong crossed her arms, pretending not to care.
"Maybe," Su Yu said with a chuckle, not overly concerned.
"Made any new friends in your new class?"
"Nope. I don't get along with them," Wang Dong replied indifferently. Aside from Su Yu, she had no other close friends. And that was fine by her.
"Too proud to lower yourself?"
Su Yu asked, reclining in his chair with a smile.
"You're always criticizing me! What about you?"
Wang Dong pouted.
"I don't see you with any friends either."
"I do. I get along well with the girls in my class," Su Yu said with a grin.
Wang Dong froze for a moment, feeling an inexplicable twinge of displeasure, though she quickly hid it.
"So, you know a lot of pretty senior girls. Why don't you bring some back to meet us?"
"They're just acquaintances. Why would I bring them to the dorm?"
Su Yu waved dismissively.
Hearing this, Wang Dong suddenly felt much better.
"What about the boys? Why don't you mention them?"
"Do you even need to ask?"
Su Yu rolled his eyes. With his talent, the teachers favored him, and he attracted the attention of the girls. How many boys would like him? They probably cursed him behind his back, calling him a "pretty boy."
Besides, he wasn't one to go out of his way to befriend people who didn't like him.