"What are you talking about? Xiao Hongchen is only thirteen, alright?"
"Oh right, I almost forgot. Xiao Hongchen may be in the fourth grade, but he's still only thirteen."
"So who do you think will win this battle?"
"Isn't it obvious? Of course, Xiao Hongchen will win."
"Hey, aren't you considering whether Su Yu will even agree to this?"
"..."
"Seems like you're right!"
...
Regarding Xiao Hongchen's invitation to battle, Su Yu shook his head.
"You're already thirteen, and I'm only twelve. We're a year apart. Why should I fight you?"
Xiao Hongchen's face twitched.
This record-breaking genius is so petty?
"In that case, my younger sister is the same age as you. She can fight you, right?"
Xiao Hongchen pointed to Meng Hongchen beside him.
Then his face turned awkward.
At this moment, Meng Hongchen was sneakily glancing at Su Yu, looking like a shy little girl.
Familiar with his sister, Xiao Hongchen understood that this was another one of her episodes.
"No fight. You two have been cultivating at the academy for over three years, while I've just joined."
Su Yu had been cultivating on his own until two months ago.
But Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen had been cultivating for three years at the Sun and Moon Royal Soul Guide Academy.
The resources they've received were enormous.
Let alone having Mirror Hongchen supporting them from behind.
Su Yu sensed that both of their soul powers had reached the Soul Sect, possibly even the High-Tier Soul Sect.
Accepting a challenge now would be a foolish move, wouldn't it?
Although he felt capable of fighting, with full effort and a little cunning strategy, there was a chance of winning.
But a battle like this itself was meaningless.
Su Yu didn't try to show off, and straightforwardly refused Xiao Hongchen.
"Let's go!"
Su Yu called the chubby boy beside him and headed to the cafeteria.
...
The onlooking classmates were quite disappointed not being able to watch a grand battle.
But no one blamed Su Yu.
After all, he had just joined the academy, so refusing a challenge from a fourth-grade senior was understandable.
The few who questioned Su Yu were quickly rebuked by other students.
...
"Boss, why didn't you fight them?"
Not Much Money could feel that Su Yu was very strong, emitting a confidence from his bones.
"It's not necessary."
Not Much Money nodded thoughtfully.
This was a bit different from the education he received growing up, yet it didn't make him dislike it.
On the contrary, Not Much Money felt this was seemingly the right way...
Time flew by.
Two days later.
Su Yu directly passed the application to change departments without a test.
At the same time, he received the top-tier treatment of a Core Disciple.
At this time, Su Yu was called to the office by Mirror Hongchen, where he saw an elegantly dressed old man.
"Su Yu, this is Elder Kong, the stabilizing force of the Sun and Moon Empire and the highest level of Soul Guide in the empire."
In the presence of Kong Deming, Mirror Hongchen was self-aware as a junior and very respectful.
After hearing Mirror Hongchen's introduction, Su Yu immediately bowed and said, "Nice to meet you, Elder Kong."
"At ease, I heard you were certified as a Soul Guide in just two months?"
"Yes."
"Have you worked with any Soul-guiding Device before?"
"I've used a Soul-guiding Device twice, but never studied it."
Kong Deming nodded in satisfaction.
"Su Yu." Mirror Hongchen signaled to Su Yu with his eyes.
Su Yu understood Mirror Hongchen's intention, and didn't hesitate.
"Greetings, teacher."
Kong Deming stroked his beard and laughed, even more satisfied.
"From now on, you're my disciple. You can visit the Royal Hall of Sacrifice in the first week of each month where I'll guide you in creating Soul-guiding Devices.
During other times, if you encounter problems in the academy, you can directly find Mirror."
"Yes, teacher."
Su Yu received the token Kong Deming handed over.
On the token, a purple dragon roared towards the sky, with the sun and moon shining on each side of the dragon.
Mirror Hongchen congratulated Su Yu beside him.
Although he couldn't accept Su Yu, this prodigy, as his disciple, Mirror Hongchen didn't feel regretful.
As long as Su Yu can grow independently from royal power struggles, it will be a blessing for the Sun and Moon Empire.
Moreover, he understood. If he accepted Su Yu, Mirror Hongchen might attract some hatred.
The grandchildren, two exceptional geniuses, and the even more extraordinary Su Yu.
Almost the three most talented individuals in the Sun and Moon Empire were under his guidance, which would cause much apprehension among many.
Kong Deming's visit was not due to Mirror Hongchen's notification.
Very likely, someone from the royal family made a move.
...
Su Yu was taken to the Tribute Hall by Kong Deming.
"Your Sun and Moon Empire identity was processed two months ago. Before that, you were from the Xingluo Empire."
Kong Deming spoke casually, revealing Su Yu's background.
Su Yu showed no panic, instead remaining calm.
Having nothing to hide, he stood confidently.
"May teacher understand. Previously, I cultivated in Wangyue City in the southeast of the Xingluo Empire. After breaking through to Level 30 and acquiring my Third Soul Ring in the Xingdou Great Forest, I came to the Sun and Moon Empire."
Kong Deming raised his hand, indicating for Su Yu to stop explaining.
"I'm not doubting you.
The Hall of Myriad Households is an interesting force. Since you came with them, I can somewhat guess their purpose."
Su Yu was speechless in his heart.
The Hall of Myriad Households, an interesting force?
Goodness, could it be that Qian Tong is not a mere exception?
Truly--
It's really a farsighted organization...
Kong Deming didn't care about Su Yu's origins or reasons; he cared about Su Yu's attitude.
"What do you think of the current situation on the Douluo Continent?"
"Sun and Moon unification, it's the trend of times."
"Oh?"
Kong Deming gestured for Su Yu to elaborate.
"The Sun and Moon Empire's overall national strength is already stronger than the Three Great Empires originally part of the Douluo Continent.
The reason unification hasn't happened yet is just the opposition from Shrek Academy.
And the reason Shrek Academy holds its current status.
Is merely due to its strength.
And their strength, comes primarily from constantly absorbing gifted individuals from the Three Great Empires.
In today's Douluo Continent, the Sun and Moon Empire is an indispensable part, occupying almost half of the continent's area.
Shrek's biases have shaken its status, and it hasn't been a monopoly on talent for a long time.
Now they're just relying on their reputation to continue attracting talent.
They're complacent, arrogant, and dismissive of Soul-guiding Devices.
Now, as long as the Sun and Moon Royal Soul Guide Academy seizes the opportunity to defeat Shrek in some aspect.
Then Shrek will head downhill completely."
In Su Yu's words, there was no bias towards the legendary Shrek Academy, but rather a clear understanding of Shrek's shortcomings.
Kong Deming was noncommittal about Su Yu's perspective.
He neither agreed nor questioned it.
Because he used to hold this view, but now he's confused.
Can the unification of the Sun and Moon Empire really be accomplished?
A trace of worry flashed in Kong Deming's eyes.
He had enough confidence in the empire's strength, but feared external forces.
Shrek is not to be feared.
What he feared was that insurmountable divine retribution.
A hint of dread flickered in Kong Deming's eyes.
...