Wang Chen looked at Jing Hongchen's suddenly kind and amiable expression and couldn't help but feel surprised. In the past, Jing Hongchen had never treated him this way—every glance and every word used to carry disdain.
He still remembered that one time Jing Hongchen had seen him meeting with Meng Hongchen; the man's face had been so long and dark, as if Wang Chen owed him tens of millions of Gold Soul Coins.
But now, the change in attitude was so drastic that it almost made Wang Chen feel… uncomfortable.
Soon, however, he understood why.
Clearly, Jing Hongchen had learned about a part of his true strength.
As the saying goes, "Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river; never look down on a young man when he's poor."
Wang Chen was no longer that weak, helpless Great Soul Master from before.
After three years of cultivation, he had undergone a complete transformation.
His strength now far surpassed those of his generation—by an astronomical margin. When using his secret arts, he could even crush veterans like Wang Yan, a peak Soul Douluo.
His combat power was already approaching that of a Titled Douluo.
Even if only part of his power was shown, it was enough to make him the number one prodigy in the entire history of the Sun and Moon Empire.
Such talent and strength made him more than worthy of Meng Hongchen—he could even be matched with the Emperor's own daughter without anyone daring to object.
Finding a grandson-in-law like Wang Chen was pure fortune for Jing Hongchen.
If he didn't treat Wang Chen well now and the boy got snatched away by someone else, Jing Hongchen would regret it for the rest of his life.
So, his current friendly attitude was perfectly reasonable.
After all, when one becomes strong, everyone around them suddenly becomes "good people."
"Grandpa Jing," Wang Chen greeted politely.
Jing Hongchen smiled warmly. "Chen'er, don't just stand there—sit down, sit down. Treat this place as if it were your own home."
After Wang Chen humbly declined twice, Jing Hongchen pretended to scowl and snorted, "Sit! Or do you want me, an old man, to personally invite you to sit down?"
Wang Chen could only smile and sit. Soon, servants brought in pastries, fruits, and drinks.
As the two talked casually, Meng Hongchen sat at the side, smiling sweetly as she watched them. Her heart was full of happiness. Since childhood, she had idolized her grandfather—and now, seeing him treat her beloved Wang Chen so kindly, she couldn't be happier.
After a bit of small talk, Jing Hongchen finally shifted the conversation toward the real purpose of this meeting.
He hadn't invited Wang Chen here just for tea and snacks—he wanted to secure this promising young man as his granddaughter's future husband before others could.
After all, once Wang Chen's true strength and talent spread throughout the empire, those shameless Rank 9 Soul Engineers would surely swarm over, trying to steal him away.
Jing Hongchen chuckled. "Chen'er, I heard from Lin Jiayi that your performance in the Mingde Hall assessment was extraordinary—even defeating Ji Juechen himself. That's no small feat. Among the younger generation of the Sun and Moon Empire, I fear none can rival you anymore."
As the Dean of the Sun and Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy, Jing Hongchen knew Ji Juechen well. He had once personally recruited him into Mingde Hall, despite his mediocre innate soul power of Rank 3, because Ji's sword comprehension and cultivation speed were astonishing.
Jing Hongchen had even studied Ji Juechen's unique "Soul-Into-Sword" cultivation method—one that was impossible to replicate and suited only for that single, sword-obsessed madman.
But when he heard from Lin Jiayi that Wang Chen had also mastered that sword intent—and even surpassed Ji Juechen—his mind began to piece things together.
"Could it be," Jing Hongchen thought, "that Wang Chen has also followed a path similar to Ji Juechen's 'Soul-Into-Sword'? That would explain such rapid progress over only three years."
After all, Ji Juechen's mediocre talent still allowed him to cultivate at a speed rivaling those with innate full soul power. For Wang Chen, whose innate soul power was Rank 9, such growth would only be faster.
Jing Hongchen secretly mused:
"To achieve the 'Soul-Into-Sword' method, one must have an incredibly deep understanding of their Martial Soul—so deep that they can convert it into a pure energy state.
Most Soul Masters merely use their Martial Souls; they know how, but not why.
Only Soul Saints, who can manifest their true Martial Soul form, begin to understand its nature.
Only Titled Douluo truly comprehends it fully.
And Soul Engineers? Their focus is even further from this path.
For ordinary people, Ji Juechen's method is utterly impossible.
Only a lunatic—someone who lives and breathes their Martial Soul, like Ji Juechen—could achieve it.
But now, it seems there's another…"
He looked at Wang Chen—handsome, calm, and poised—and was inwardly amazed at how rare such a combination of talent and temperament was.
When Wang Chen heard the praise, he smiled humbly.
"Grandpa Jing flatters me. I was just lucky. Ji Juechen's strength is tremendous—I only managed to win by half a move."
Jing Hongchen nodded inwardly with satisfaction.
"Good, very good. To have such power yet remain humble—excellent. If it were someone else, they'd already be boasting across the entire empire.
Staying modest is best. If the whole Sun and Moon Empire learned of this, those Rank 9 Soul Engineers would already be lining up to steal my future grandson-in-law."
The more Jing Hongchen looked at Wang Chen, the more pleased he became. He even wanted to marry off his granddaughter immediately, but seeing that the two were still too young, he decided to wait a few years.
He stroked his beard and asked, "Chen'er, do you plan to continue studying in Mingde Hall, or return to the Wang family to cultivate?"
Naturally, Wang Chen had no intention of staying in Mingde Hall. It was filled with surveillance devices, and he possessed far too many secrets to risk exposure.
He replied, "I plan to return to the Wang family to continue cultivating. Mingde Hall has the empire's best Soul Engineers and facilities, but my current bottleneck lies not in Soul Tool research—it's in Soul Power cultivation. For that, the Wang family suits me better."
Jing Hongchen's eyes gleamed approvingly. He patted Wang Chen on the shoulder.
"Excellent. A young man with a clear goal is admirable. Remember—Soul Power is the foundation. No matter how powerful a Soul Tool is, without Soul Power, it's like a tree without roots. Since you've chosen your path, focus and give it your all."
Then he reached into his storage-type Soul Tool and pulled out a purple-gold card.
"This is a small gift from your grandpa. Use it for whatever you need. If you run out, just tell me. If you require rare cultivation resources, say the word—your Grandpa Jing still has some influence in the Sun and Moon Empire."
Wang Chen looked at the purple-gold card—representing ten million Gold Soul Coins—and couldn't help but marvel at Jing Hongchen's generosity.
Ten million! Enough to buy a high-quality ten-thousand-year Soul Bone.
"Grandpa Jing, this is too much," Wang Chen said politely.
But Jing Hongchen's tone was firm. He shoved it into Wang Chen's hand.
"When I give something, I never take it back. If you don't want it, just throw it away."
Seeing that there was no refusing, Wang Chen accepted it.
Fine, he thought. Let's count this as part of Meng'er's future dowry.
Out loud, he said gratefully, "Thank you, Grandpa Jing."
Jing Hongchen nodded, satisfied. "Remember—so long as I stand behind you, you have nothing to fear. Whatever happens with your Wang family, even if your faction loses in the imperial succession, I can guarantee your family's safety."
Those words stunned Wang Chen. Though unspoken, the meaning was clear:
If the Second Prince—the one the Wang family supported—failed in his bid for the throne, Jing Hongchen would protect the Wang clan.
Seeing that Jing Hongchen offered money, resources, and even political backing, Wang Chen couldn't help but feel genuinely moved.
He bowed slightly. "Chen'er thanks Grandpa Jing on behalf of the Wang family."
Jing Hongchen smiled, eyes gleaming with satisfaction. The benefits had been given—now it was time for the real business.
This outstanding young man would become his grandson-in-law. Before the rest of the empire discovered this treasure, he would lock him in.
He cleared his throat. "Chen'er, you and Meng'er grew up together, and your feelings run deep. I've watched you both since you were little. I can rest easy entrusting Meng'er to you.
When she reaches sixteen, how about the two of you get engaged? Would you agree?"
Wang Chen's eyes widened in disbelief.
So that's why this old fox was acting so nice—he was setting me up for this!
Beside him, Meng Hongchen blushed bright red, her heart fluttering. Though shy, she couldn't hide her joy.
She had never seen Wang Chen look so flustered before—usually, he was calm and mature, unfazed by anything. Seeing him like this made her giggle.
"Brother Wang Chen say something" she teased, blinking her big blue eyes.
Wang Chen looked from her to Jing Hongchen's smug face and sighed inwardly. What else could he say? Refusing would offend the entire Hongchen family.
Finally, he nodded. "Grandpa Jing, I'm willing. You can rest assured—Meng'er will be in good hands. (And someday, old man, I'll make sure to loot your gold coins back tenfold.)"
——
After chatting for a while longer, Jing Hongchen waved them off. "Alright, you two young people, go have some fun. I won't keep you."
Meng Hongchen immediately jumped up, pulling Wang Chen by the hand. "Heehee, Grandpa, we're going now!"
As the two left, Jing Hongchen watched their departing figures, secretly pleased.
"I'm sure that boy is grateful to me now. I'll continue to show him kindness and favors—so that when those other Rank 9 Soul Engineers come trying to recruit him, he'll still choose the Hongchen family."
Once outside, Meng Hongchen clasped Wang Chen's hand excitedly. "Brother Wang Chen, Grandpa was so nice to you! He's never been that gentle with anyone before."
She blinked playfully. "So… now that we're engaged, does that mean I'm your fiancée?"
Wang Chen chuckled, gently pinching her cheek. "You're really in such a hurry to marry me?"
Meng Hongchen pouted adorably. "Of course! I've been waiting for so long already."
The two strolled together as Meng Hongchen chattered happily about all sorts of academy gossip.
Wang Chen quietly enjoyed the peace. He had been pushing himself constantly these past years—it felt good to finally relax, even for a moment.
As dusk fell, Meng Hongchen reluctantly held his hand. "Brother Wang Chen, are you going back to the Wang family now?"
He nodded. "Meng'er, I'll come see you whenever I can."
Her eyes dimmed briefly, but she quickly brightened again. "Then you must! Otherwise, I'll miss you too much."
Wang Chen smiled, rubbing her head. "Don't worry, I will."
She nodded, then suddenly tiptoed up and kissed his cheek, blushing furiously. "Brother Wang Chen, travel safely."
But one kiss wasn't enough.
She leaned in again—this time pressing her lips softly against his.
Smack… slurp…
After a long moment, they finally parted.
Meng Hongchen clung to his arm, reluctant to let go.
Wang Chen stroked her silky hair and whispered, "Meng'er, be good."
After they said their farewells, Wang Chen turned and left the Sun and Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy, heading back toward the Wang family estate.
——
Once home, he immediately entered his cultivation chamber, sitting cross-legged.
His mind replayed everything that had happened that day—especially Ji Juechen's "Soul-Into-Sword" method.
"That cultivation technique is truly unique," Wang Chen thought. "If I can master it, my strength will reach an entirely new level."
With that, his consciousness sank deep into the Black Book within his soul, beginning his study of Ji Juechen's "Soul-Into-Sword."