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"What are you talking about? Xiao Hongchen is only thirteen, okay?"
"That's true! I almost forgot. Although Xiao Hongchen is in the fourth grade, he is still only thirteen."
"So who do you think will win this fight?"
"Isn't that obvious? Of course, Xiao Hongchen will win."
"Hey, aren't you guys going to consider whether Su Yu will agree to this challenge?"
"..."
"That's a good point!"
...
In response to Xiao Hongchen's challenge, Su Yu shook his head.
"You're thirteen years old; I'm only twelve. There's a year between us. Why should I fight you?"
Xiao Hongchen's expression twitched.
How could a record-breaking genius be so petty?
"Then how about this: my sister is the same age as you. Surely she can fight you?"
Xiao Hongchen pointed at Meng Hongchen beside him.
Then his expression stiffened.
At that moment, Meng Hongchen was secretly glancing at Su Yu, looking like a shy girl.
Xiao Hongchen, familiar with his sister, understood that she was acting strangely again.
"I won't fight you. You've been training in the academy for over three years, while I just joined the academy."
Two months ago, Su Yu had been training alone.
In contrast, the Xiao siblings had been training at the Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy for three years.
The resources they received were overwhelming.
Not to mention the support of Jing Hongchen behind them.
Su Yu sensed that both of them had already reached the Soul Master level and were likely at a high-level rank.
Accepting the challenge at this time would be nothing short of foolish.
While he felt he had the strength to put up a fight, especially with his full effort and some crafty tactics, the battle itself would ultimately be meaningless.
Su Yu didn't want to act tough, so he decisively refused Xiao Hongchen.
"Let's go!"
Su Yu called over the chubby boy next to him and headed toward the dining hall.
The onlooking classmates felt quite disappointed not to witness a battle.
But no one blamed Su Yu.
After all, he had just joined the academy; it was perfectly normal to decline a challenge from a senior in the fourth grade.
The few who criticized Su Yu soon faced backlash from other classmates.
"Boss, why didn't you fight them?"
Qian Buduo could sense Su Yu's strength, a confidence that emanated from deep within him.
"It's unnecessary."
Qian Buduo nodded, lost in thought.
This perspective differed somewhat from the education he received growing up, but it didn't bother him.
In fact, he felt that this approach seemed more normal.
Time passed quickly.
Two days later,
Su Yu successfully passed the transfer application without an exam.
At the same time, he received the status of a top core disciple.
Now, Su Yu was called to the office by Jing Hongchen, where he saw an elderly man dressed in extravagant clothing.
"Su Yu, this is Kong Deming, the stabilizing force of the Sun Moon Empire and the highest-level Soul Master in the empire."
Jing Hongchen appeared respectful in front of Kong Deming, aware of his status as a junior.
Upon hearing Jing Hongchen's introduction, Su Yu immediately bowed and said, "Greetings, Elder Kong."
"Not at all. I heard you became a Soul Master in just two months?"
"Yes."
"Have you worked with soul tools before?"
"I've used soul tools twice but have not studied them."
Kong Deming nodded with satisfaction.
"Su Yu." Jing Hongchen shot Su Yu a knowing glance from the side.
Su Yu understood Jing Hongchen's intent and did not hesitate.
"Greetings, Teacher."
Kong Deming stroked his beard and laughed heartily, feeling even more pleased.
"From now on, you will be my disciple, Kong Deming. You may visit the Royal Worship Hall every month during the first week, where I will guide you in the creation of soul tools.
At other times, if you encounter any issues at the academy, you can also consult Jing."
"Yes, Teacher."
Su Yu accepted the token that Kong Deming handed to him.
On the token, a massive purple dragon roared at the sky, with the sun and moon shining brightly on either side.
Jing Hongchen congratulated him from the side.
Although he couldn't take Su Yu, this prodigy, as his disciple, Jing Hongchen felt no regret.
As long as Su Yu could grow independently without getting involved in royal power struggles, it would be a blessing for the Sun Moon Empire.
Moreover, he realized that accepting Su Yu would only lead to envy.
With two extraordinary geniuses as his grandchildren and an even more exceptional Su Yu, having the three most talented individuals in the Sun Moon Empire under his wing would surely raise concerns among many.
Kong Deming's arrival was not something Jing Hongchen had arranged.
It was likely a move made by someone within the royal family.
Kong Deming took Su Yu to the Royal Worship Hall.
"Your identity as a citizen of the Sun Moon Empire was only established two months ago. Prior to that, you should have been from the Star Luo Empire."
Kong Deming spoke casually, revealing Su Yu's background.
Su Yu was not the least bit flustered; in fact, he remained completely composed.
With a clear conscience, he was at ease.
"Teacher, as you know, I practiced in the southeastern area of the Star Luo Empire, in Wangyue City. After breaking through to the thirtieth level, I obtained my third soul ring in the Star Dou Forest and then came to the Sun Moon Empire."
Kong Deming raised his hand, stopping Su Yu from explaining further.
"I don't doubt you.
The Wanhulou is an interesting force. Since you came here with them, I can roughly guess their intentions."
Su Yu found it absurd.
The Wanhulou is an interesting force?
Goodness, isn't that guy Qian Tong an exception?
Truly—
What a forward-thinking organization.
Kong Deming did not care about Su Yu's origins; he was more concerned with Su Yu's attitude.
"What do you think of the current situation on the Douluo Continent?"
"The Sun Moon Empire's unification is the inevitable trend."
"Oh?"
Kong Deming urged Su Yu to elaborate.
"The Sun Moon Empire's overall national strength is already greater than that of the three original empires on the Douluo Continent.
The only reason it hasn't unified yet is the obstruction from Shrek Academy.
Shrek Academy's current status relies entirely on its strength.
Their strength, in turn, comes from continuously attracting talented prodigies from the three empires.
Today, the Sun Moon Empire is an indispensable part of the Douluo Continent, even occupying nearly half of it.
Shrek's biases have weakened its position; it is no longer in a stage of monopolizing talents.
Now, it simply relies on its reputation to continue attracting gifted individuals.
Moreover, it is complacent and arrogant, looking down on soul tools.
If the Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy seizes the opportunity to defeat Shrek in some aspect,
then Shrek will undoubtedly enter a downward spiral."
In his words, Su Yu did not display any bias against the legendary Shrek Academy but instead revealed an acute awareness of its flaws.
Kong Deming remained noncommittal about Su Yu's views.
He neither particularly agreed nor raised any doubts.
This was a perspective he once held, yet now he found himself lost in confusion.
Could the unification of the Sun Moon Empire truly be achieved?
A hint of worry flashed deep in Kong Deming's eyes.
He had sufficient confidence in the empire's strength, but he feared external forces.
Shrek was not the real threat.
What he truly feared was the retribution from heaven that could not be overcome.
A sense of apprehension flickered in the depths of Kong Deming's eyes.
(End of Chapter)