On the sidelines, Meng Hongchen, who had been watching the duel, jumped up in excitement the moment Wang Chen defeated Ji Juechen.
"Brother! Did you see that? Brother Wang Chen is so amazing—he actually beat that sword freak!" she exclaimed happily to her brother, Xiao Hongchen.
Xiao Hongchen: (︶︹︺) Speechless.
He was completely numb at this point. Wang Chen's strength was simply overwhelming. Xiao Hongchen no longer had the will or courage to compare himself to Wang Chen—let alone try to catch up.
When the gap in strength is small, one might still think, I'll work harder and surpass him someday.
But when that gap becomes insurmountable, there's nothing left but to look up in awe.
Compared to the siblings, Lin Jiayi, the Soul Douluo-level instructor, could no longer keep calm either.
Watching Wang Chen and Ji Juechen, his head buzzed.
Their exchange was so simple—a sword and a spear clashing—but the power behind it was unfathomable.
No brilliant soul skills, no explosions of light, yet the destructive force had been terrifying.
Lin Jiayi couldn't fully comprehend what he'd witnessed, but one thing was certain: both of these young men were extraordinary geniuses—and Wang Chen, especially, was a monster among geniuses.
So young, yet already stronger than Ji Juechen.
As Wang Chen shattered his understanding again and again, Lin Jiayi no longer knew how to evaluate him.
In truth, he didn't feel qualified to judge Wang Chen at all.
"This Wang Chen's talent… It's terrifying—so terrifying it makes my heart tremble. I've never even heard of such a prodigy.
If he continues to grow, the entire Sun and Moon Empire will have its eyes on him.
It's best not to get too close to someone like this… for someone like him, being involved could mean either great fortune or utter disaster.
I'd better just keep my head down and focus on my job as the Dean of the Royal Soul Engineering Academy."
—Lin Jiayi sighed inwardly.
After losing, Ji Juechen showed no trace of frustration.
He was used to this—at the Royal Soul Engineering Academy, he constantly sought out the strongest to challenge, lost, and constantly improved.
Failure never discouraged him; it only strengthened his resolve.
Each defeat was fuel for his next breakthrough.
Looking at Wang Chen, Ji Juechen said sincerely, "I lost. As we agreed before the duel, if you ever need my help, I'll do one thing for you without question.
Fighting you has benefited me greatly. Once I recover, I'll challenge you again."
Wang Chen smiled faintly.
He hadn't expected much when he came to the Academy—just to pass some time—but running into Ji Juechen had been an unexpected stroke of luck.
From Ji Juechen, he had recorded the rare cultivation method "Integrating the Soul into the Sword" through the Black Book, gaining insights that might push his own strength even further.
Still, he wasn't particularly interested in Ji Juechen's future challenges.
The gap between them was already vast, and with time, it would only grow wider.
But out of respect for the man's contribution, Wang Chen didn't refuse.
"When you've truly perfected your Sword Intent, then come find me again," Wang Chen said calmly. "Right now, you're still too weak."
He then retrieved a Wang Family Guest Token and a healing pill from his storage soul tool, handing them to Ji Juechen.
"Take the pill. Keep the token. When the time comes, you can use it to find me at the Wang Family's Yinghou Manor."
With that, Wang Chen turned and left the hall with Meng Hongchen, the ecstatic; Xiao Hongchen, the dejected; and Lin Jiayi, the dutiful teacher.
Ji Juechen looked down at the items in his hand—the pill and the token—then swallowed the pill without hesitation.
He wasn't the type to worry about poisons or traps; his instincts told him Wang Chen wouldn't bother with such things.
Warmth spread through his body as the medicinal power began to work.
He sat cross-legged, quietly circulating his soul power to absorb the energy while forcing the remaining blood from his injuries out of his system.
Not long after Wang Chen and the others left, a woman appeared at the entrance to the hall.
She looked to be in her thirties, with an unremarkable face and figure—someone you could easily lose in a crowd.
Her name was Jing Ziyan, Ji Juechen's friend… and secret admirer.
When she spotted him sitting on the floor, her face lit up with relief—followed by anger.
"Ji Juechen! There you are! Do you know how long I've been looking for you? What are you doing here?" she scolded.
Ji Juechen slowly opened his eyes and spat out a mouthful of dark blood.
Seeing that, Jing Ziyan panicked and rushed to his side.
"You're injured! Who did this to you? Come on, I'll take you to a healer!" she cried, helping him up.
Ji Juechen shook his head lightly.
"No need. My injuries aren't serious. That person controlled his strength perfectly—enough to defeat me without causing lasting harm.
The gap between us… was far greater than I imagined."
Jing Ziyan blinked in surprise. "Who was it? You've always been so proud of your swordsmanship—who could make you so… submissive?"
Ji Juechen didn't hide it. He told her everything truthfully.
———
Meanwhile, after leaving the hall, Wang Chen and his group parted ways with Lin Jiayi.
Though the man was busy with his duties as Dean, he didn't go straight to work.
Instead, he immediately went to report to Jing Hongchen, the Hall Master of Mingde Hall.
As Jing Hongchen's trusted subordinate, Lin Jiayi knew well: whether or not his superior already knew about Wang Chen, it was best to show initiative.
If you never report your work, how would your superior know you're being diligent?
After hearing Lin Jiayi's report, even someone as composed as Jing Hongchen was briefly stunned.
Once Lin Jiayi left, Jing Hongchen sat in his chair for a while, muttering to himself,
"To have defeated the Sword Fanatic Ji Juechen… truly, a terrifyingly gifted youth.
It seems I must meet this future grandson-in-law of mine soon. If I wait any longer, someone else might snatch him away."
That afternoon, Wang Chen spent time with Meng Hongchen and Xiao Hongchen, strolling through the Academy and chatting casually.
Meng Hongchen, of course, took every opportunity to show affection—much to her brother's suffering.
Watching his sister giggle and cling to Wang Chen, Xiao Hongchen's handsome face twisted in frustration.
Finally, unable to bear it, he shouted, "Meng! You're a girl—can't you have some restraint?" and ran off in embarrassment.
Time passed quickly, and by afternoon, Wang Chen arrived at Mingde Hall's private domain.
Facing the powerful and esteemed Jing Hongchen, Wang Chen bowed respectfully.
"Greetings, Hall Master."
Jing Hongchen smiled kindly. No need for formality. You're Meng'er's boyfriend—just call me Grandfather.