Chapter 104: The Future Genius of the Sun Moon Empire
On Shrek Academy's side, after Dai Yueheng and Ling Luochen appeared, the atmosphere on the opposing side—the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy—visibly shifted.
When she saw Dai Yueheng step forward, Meng Hongchen instinctively shrank her neck. It was clear that his previous display of the White Tiger Destruction Kill had left a deep psychological scar on her.
"Meng, how are you holding up?" Jing Hongchen asked with concern.
"Grandpa… I'm a little scared," Meng Hongchen admitted softly.
Seeing her in that state, Jing Hongchen sighed helplessly. "Xiao Qiang, Xiao Hongchen, you two will take this match. Just do your best. After all, this isn't our home court. Your real moment will come in the tournament five years from now. Especially you, Xiao Qiang—this isn't the Sun Moon Empire."
"Don't worry, Teacher. It's just a Soul Emperor. I still have my ways," Xiao Hongchen replied confidently.
"But the opponents number only two. There's no need to go all out—just keep them occupied. It's time they witness the future number one genius of the Sun Moon Empire."
Having confirmed the Hongchen family's legacy remained strong, Xiao Hongchen returned to his previous cocky demeanor. Despite his boastful claim, deep down, he was aware that Xiao Qiang surpassed him in terms of innate talent. However, Jing Hongchen had acquired a soul beast embryo for him. With its help, Xiao Hongchen was confident he could gain a second martial soul. The mere thought of that potential power made him believe his talent could rival anyone's.
"You'd better be careful," Xiao Qiang warned flatly, "Don't get accidentally defeated again."
"Defeated? When have I ever been defeated?" Xiao Hongchen huffed indignantly.
Xiao Qiang looked at him silently and rubbed his face with one finger. Though he said nothing, the gesture alone conveyed everything.
"It was just an accident… Okay, two accidents. But this time is definitely my moment of glory!" Xiao Hongchen insisted.
Xiao Qiang chose not to argue further. He simply walked silently toward the competition stage.
"Wait!" Xiao Hongchen called out, stopping him mid-step. "You can imitate my soul skills, right?"
"Of course," Xiao Qiang replied.
"Then you know, if someone gets hit head-on by my attack style, even a Soul Emperor wouldn't survive, right?"
Xiao Qiang gave a small nod.
Grabbing his shoulder, Xiao Hongchen stared at him with rare seriousness. "Let me be the one to defeat Shrek this time. You take care of support and clean-up."
Xiao Qiang thought for a moment. "There's not much value in defeating Shrek. Aside from a slightly better reputation, there aren't any great benefits."
"I'll give you all of my Tree King Red Grapes for the year if you let me take the spotlight!" Xiao Hongchen pleaded.
The Tree King Red Grape was a rare fruit produced by a ten-thousand-year-old plant-type soul beast found only in the Sun Moon Empire. While it only slightly enhanced soul power, its taste was unparalleled. Due to its rarity, even powerful nobles received only one per year.
Thanks to being Jing Hongchen's disciple, Xiao Qiang received one annually as well—just one.
Hearing the offer, Xiao Qiang said, "If that's what you're offering, I have no problem. But…"
He glanced at Dai Yueheng and Ling Luochen, then back at his companion. "Nephew, don't bribe your way into a fight again."
"What do you mean by bribe? I've never done that! Besides, it's just a Soul Emperor and a Soul King. I'll take care of both. You just assist me. We'll be fine!" Xiao Hongchen declared, full of confidence.
Xiao Qiang didn't reply. Seeing his nephew's enthusiasm, he chose to keep an eye on him instead. He couldn't let the boy get into trouble.
As the referee announced the start of the match, Xiao Qiang activated Mental Detection Sharing at Xiao Hongchen's request, allowing him to pinpoint the positions of Dai Yueheng and Ling Luochen in real time.
Without hesitation, Xiao Hongchen immediately threw out a core array containing 128 soul guide cannons. His first and third soul rings lit up—activating his Metal Control and Gold Condensation soul skills to boost the assembly speed and stability.
In just seconds, he had fully assembled the powerful artillery. Then, activating his second soul skill Gold Boiling and his fourth skill Gold Sacrifice, Xiao Hongchen supercharged all 128 soul cannons, each one a level 5 threat.
The sight caused Dai Yueheng and Ling Luochen's expressions to change drastically. Even with all his self-enhancing abilities, Dai Yueheng wouldn't survive a direct hit from that kind of firepower.
Without delay, Dai Yueheng charged at Xiao Hongchen at full speed, determined to stop him before the barrage could launch.
The sudden burst of speed raised eyebrows among the audience, especially the Titled Douluo in attendance.
"What's going on, Uncle Qin?" asked the Emperor of the Star Luo Empire, noticing his companion's reaction.
"Nothing… It's just that Dai Yueheng's speed isn't what I'd expect from a sixth-ring Evil Eyed White Tiger. He's never shown speed like this before. It's almost like… he's being assisted," the Protector of the Nation Douluo said cautiously.
"Assisted?" the emperor echoed, surprised.
The elder didn't deny the possibility.
Hearing this, Xu Jiujiu frowned deeply. "Is this what Shrek calls its ten-thousand-year honor? Its foundation? This is simply—"
"Your Highness, be careful with your words," another Titled Douluo interjected firmly. "Shrek Academy isn't something our empire can afford to offend lightly. We still need their power. Loose talk is dangerous—especially from someone of your standing."
In truth, Dai Yueheng had used two special items: Acceleration Chocolate and Teleportation Chocolate, advanced tools developed by Shrek Academy's hidden research team.
The acceleration item helped him close a significant gap. Then, when he was within range and Xiao Hongchen's cannons were just about to fire, he used Teleportation Chocolate to instantly blink to a position just five meters away.
Panicked, Xiao Hongchen unleashed a blast of cannon fire at close range. But Dai Yueheng was ready.
Activating his first soul skill, White Tiger Body Barrier, and supercharging it with amplification chocolate that increased its power by 11,000%, Dai Yueheng weathered the storm of firepower.
Then, with his right hand glowing, he launched his sixth soul skill—
White Tiger Destruction Kill!
A devastating close-range blow, powered to its maximum.