Jing Hongchen said to Kong Deming, "If his body could handle higher-level soul rings, I'd swear he'd drag that second soul ring up to ten-thousand-year grade before he agreed to advance."
Kong Deming reflected for a moment and nodded—this was exactly the sort of thing Jiang Shengyu would do.
Jiang Qingtong, however, felt a bit awkward. Truth be told, these thoughts really had crossed her brother's mind.
"All right, unless there's anything else, we're dismissed." Kong Deming waved his hand, signaling the meeting was over. Then he remembered something and turned back to Qingtong: "Qingtong, Shrek Academy's semester is starting soon, right?"
Qingtong nodded. "In about two weeks."
Kong asked, "Given travel conditions from the Three Great States on the original Douluo Continent, she probably won't make it in time?"
Seeing her hesitation, Jing Hongchen said, "Teacher, no need to worry. I'll personally escort Qingtong to Shrek Academy."
Kong Deming approved. "Perfect."
After Kong left, Qingtong and Hongchen exited the hall. Hongchen said, "You don't need to walk me out—go check on your brother. Let me know if he unlocks a new Soul Skill."
Qingtong shot him a look. "An older brother not needing an escort? There's only one road, after all."
Hongchen was speechless. Qingtong turned, waved, and said, "Bye, Senior Brother!"
She headed down the street toward her dorm. Nearby, she brushed past a tall old man in a black robe. Immediately, a faint yet chilling aura made her stiffen.
She frowned and glanced back—he did the same. The man was tall, with neatly combed silver hair, rosy, baby-soft skin, and long eyebrows that framed his face. His hands were clasped behind his back, with an expression unreadable.
Qingtong's spiritual radar beeped in alarm—this was a top-tier powerhouse. She averted her gaze and kept walking.
"Wait, young lady…" the old man's voice called out.
Her heart leapt. Just as she evaluated her chances of escape, he was already behind her. Qingtong felt his eyes tracking her every move—there was no way she could get away.
She took a deep breath, turned around, and asked politely, "Sir, may I help you?"
He looked at her calmly and said, "I've not visited Mingdu in ages and might be lost. Could you give me directions?"
Qingtong opened her mouth to refuse, but stopped when she met his steady gaze. She sensed that resistance was futile—and no nine-tier soul tools of hers would deter him.
Only an Limit-level Douluo could inspire such dread—and within the Star Luo Empire, there are only two: Ye Xishui and Long Xiaoyao.
If her insight was correct, this man was Dragon Emperor Douluo, Long Xiaoyao.
Her heart pounded. Long Xiaoyao seemed to notice her reaction and soothed, "Don't be nervous, I'm not a bad person."
"How could a bad person say they aren't?" she whispered as a teasing retort, then asked, "Where are you headed, sir?"
"To the Soul Hall," he replied.
Qingtong froze and forced out a polite smile. "What is the Soul Hall?"
Inside the empire, only high-ranking individuals knew of the Soul Hall. Even though the hall's headquarters was in Mingdu, locals were kept in the dark, and its staff never disclosed its true nature—to avoid diplomatic backlash from the three western states.
Long Xiaoyao studied Qingtong, an amused expression on his face. "You really don't know of the Soul Hall?"
She shook her head. "No, I've never heard of it."
"Are you sure?" He met her gaze once more, but the pressure of an Empire-level Douluo forced her to look away. "No."
She decided to leave. "Please go ask someone else."
"Not so fast," Long Xiaoyao said gently. "Let me treat you to a meal, shall we?"
Qingtong shook her head vehemently. "Sir, you needn't—you're just being polite. My home is nearby; I should go."
He smiled and nodded. "You helped me, so I owe you. Please, come with me."
Qingtong's thoughts spun: Is he trying to recruit me into the Holy Spirit Sect? She shook her head in disbelief. If I got brainwashed—or worse—how would Shengyu react? And what about Kong Deming or Hongchen?
Facing Mu En was easier—at least she knew exactly what to expect.
But now, with this inscrutable Limit-level Douluo…
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