NOVEL NEXT Chapter 26: Jing Hongchen
"Alright, you go ahead with your work. I'll be on my way," said Elder Ran, placing his teacup down and rising to head toward the door.
"Teacher."
"Hmm?"
After a moment's hesitation, Lin Jiayi spoke up, "Teacher, I still think no one can predict the future. Even if you truly want to take him as a disciple, you shouldn't rush it."
"Don't worry, I know my limits," replied Elder Ran. With that, he waved his sleeve and strode out decisively.
Worried that Su Luoheng would be a mere flash in the pan?
What a joke!
He didn't even know what the boy's first soul skill was. With the ability to analyze weapons, even if his subsequent soul skills weren't impressive, the first soul skill alone would be enough for him to become an outstanding Soul Engineer!
If he didn't quickly take in such an excellent disciple, then what was he waiting for?
"..."
In the office, Lin Jiayi smiled helplessly, watching Elder Ran's figure gradually disappear.
How many years has it been?
Elder Ran's temperament and style are still the same as they were back then.
Then, he turned his gaze back to the document on his desk, his expression gradually becoming serious: Su Luoheng, bone age nine years, soul power level seventeen, Grade 1 Soul Engineer... Affiliation: Heavenly Soul Empire.
"Su Luoheng..."
Lin Jiayi muttered softly, his fingers resting on the words "Heavenly Soul Empire," and a trace of concern flickered in his eyes.
Su Luoheng's talent and abilities were excellent.
But the only issue was his identity: he belonged to the Heavenly Soul Empire.
This raised a sense of caution in Lin Jiayi's heart.
His previous numerous attempts to dissuade Elder Ran were largely due to this reason.
Normally, if Elder Ran wanted to take on a disciple, he would not be so adamant. If he wanted to introduce a student, it could be done with just a word from him.
After all, since the child was a citizen of an enemy nation, how could he not be cautious?
"..."
After a moment of contemplation, Lin Jiayi put away the documents and sighed softly.
Normally, having a talented student join the academy would be a good thing, but that special status was troubling.
"I'd better leave it to the Hall Master to decide."
He was unable to make a decision on this matter, so he could only report it to someone with the authority to make a final decision.
With that thought, Lin Jiayi immediately got up and headed to Mingde Hall. As an eighth-level Soul Engineer, he was allowed to enter and exit Mingde Hall freely without restrictions.
...
...
Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy.
Illustrious Virtue Hall was located at the center of the entire experimental area.
A spacious hall, its interior decor was entirely metal-themed, with a light golden tone. It wasn't luxurious, but it exuded a sense of substance.
A plaque hung high above the entrance to the hall, its dark golden characters projecting an aura of commanding presence. This was the true core of the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy.
About one-third of the soul tools in the country were produced here, and its status within the Sun Moon Empire was equally significant.
Inside the hall, a man was seated in the central chair.
This middle-aged man appeared to be in his forties, with a slightly plump body and a kind face.
Though his appearance was ordinary and his attire plain, his eyes were bright and profound, full of spirit.
Despite the constant smile on his face, there was an imposing aura about him that made people reluctant to meet his gaze.
He was Jing Hongchen, the true head of the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy and the Hall Master of Mingde Hall.
"Director Lin, what brings you here so late?"
"Hall Master, I need to report some information about a new student."
"Oh, a new student?"
"Please take a look, Hall Master."
As he spoke, Lin Jiayi handed over Su Luoheng's file to Jing Hongchen, then took two steps back and stood respectfully as he reported the situation in brief.
"This new student is named Su Luoheng and has shown remarkable talent during the tests."
"Even Elder Ran has praised him highly and even hinted that he wants to take him as a disciple."
"Elder Ran is interested as well?"
"Yes."
Upon hearing that Elder Ran had praised the child, a subtle change flickered in Jing Hongchen's eyes, and he became somewhat more serious, beginning to peruse the file on Su Luoheng that Lin Jiayi had handed over.
When he saw that Su Luoheng was already a Soul Engineer of the first rank, a trace of surprise also flashed in his eyes.
"..."
"Hall Master, this is the detailed information on the child. I didn't dare to make a decision on my own and thought it best to leave it to you," Lin Jiayi said after reporting all the details about Su Luoheng to Jing Hongchen. He cupped his hands in respect and stepped aside to await further instructions.
After a brief silence, Jing Hongchen closed the thick dossier in his hands, put it down, and looked up to glance in Lin Jiayi's direction. He suddenly spoke.
"Director Lin."
"Yes, Hall Master."
"I remember that Shrek Academy is within the borders of the Heavenly Soul Empire, correct?"
"Yes," Lin Jiayi replied, cupping his hands again.
Jing Hongchen stood up and walked over to the window with his hands behind his back.
"Director Lin, with this child's talent, he could easily gain admission to Shrek Academy, couldn't he?"
"Hmm." Lin Jiayi nodded, though he was unsure where this line of questioning was heading.
"Haha, interesting, quite interesting~"
A subtle, enigmatic smile appeared on Jing Hongchen's lips, and he seemed to be in a good mood. "A genius from the Heavenly Soul Empire chose not to go to Shrek Academy, which is close by, but instead came all the way to our academy."
"This..."
Lin Jiayi didn't know how to respond, so he simply asked, "Hall Master, how should we handle this child?"
Jing Hongchen glanced at the file in his hand and said calmly, "Don't mind his background. Treat him as you would any other student."
Lin Jiayi was taken aback and quickly reminded him, "Hall Master, shouldn't we observe him for a period first? After all, he is from the Heavenly Soul Empire..."
"So what if he's from the Heavenly Soul Empire?"
"When has our Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy ever discriminated against students based on their origin? As long as they pass the selection process, they are our students. Why should we be suspicious of our own students?" Jing Hongchen's expression remained calm, as if he truly didn't care about such matters.
"That's true, but given his talent, if he has ulterior motives, I'm afraid..." Lin Jiayi was still a bit uneasy.
"You suspect that he was sent by another kingdom on purpose?" Jing Hongchen raised an eyebrow and glanced at Lin Jiayi.
"Uh..."
Lin Jiayi rubbed the tip of his nose and cautiously nodded, "Though the possibility is low, I believe it's not entirely impossible."
"Director Lin, you're thinking comprehensively, but you're underestimating human nature," Jing Hongchen said slowly.
"Hall Master, forgive me, but I don't understand what you mean," Lin Jiayi replied, confused. He felt that the Hall Master's words had become increasingly cryptic lately.
"Su Luoheng's talent is such that even Shrek Academy would pay attention to him. If you were them, would you be willing to let such a genius become a spy?" Jing Hongchen asked.
"This..." Lin Jiayi hesitated.
While that made sense, if it were up to him, he certainly wouldn't want to waste such a talented soul engineer on spying.
"Even if that's the case, I would actually welcome it. I wouldn't mind if they sent a few more geniuses our way," Jing Hongchen continued.
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