"Grandfather, you called for me?"
In the headmaster's office, Meng Hongchen approached Jing Hongchen reluctantly.
"You haven't been attending classes recently?" Jing Hongchen looked at his vibrant and lively granddaughter, feeling a headache coming on. He had already abandoned the idea of pairing her with Huo Yuhao—forcing it clearly wouldn't work. If Meng Hongchen wasn't interested, there was nothing he could do.
However, he didn't want her spending all her time messing around with Qianran either.
Thanks to his guidance, both Meng Hongchen and Xiao Hongchen had become Rank 6 Soul Engineers at a young age. If a romance distracted Meng Hongchen from her studies, he would be devastated.
Qianran was different. Even if he seemed to be slacking off, he could easily achieve what others could not. But Meng Hongchen, while talented, couldn't afford to squander her potential by following Qianran's carefree ways.
"Well, I haven't been attending much recently. But that's because I've already learned everything the instructors are teaching," Meng Hongchen replied nonchalantly.
"Already learned? You've only recently qualified as a Rank 6 Soul Engineer! Don't think that just because you can make a few Rank 6 Soul Tools, you know everything. Even I wouldn't claim that," Jing Hongchen said skeptically.
"If you don't believe me, feel free to test me," Meng Hongchen replied confidently. "Anything within Rank 7 in my specialty, I can answer."
Seeing her self-assured demeanor, Jing Hongchen hesitated.
Although his granddaughter was headstrong and often gave him trouble, she had always been serious about her studies. Could it be true...?
Jing Hongchen asked her a few obscure theoretical questions, including the properties of rare metals that were seldom used. Meng Hongchen answered them all quickly and accurately.
His expression grew more serious as he moved on to practical questions about crafting Rank 7 Soul Tools, focusing on issues one might encounter during manufacturing. Meng Hongchen provided detailed answers to each problem.
"You taught yourself all this?" Jing Hongchen asked, baffled. Since when had his granddaughter become so diligent? She seemed even more outstanding than her brother.
And how could she know so much about crafting Rank 7 Soul Tools when she hadn't reached that rank herself?
Was this Qianran's doing? What kind of magic did that boy have?
Jing Hongchen hadn't paid much attention when Qianran helped Ke Ke and Ju Zi rapidly increase their strength. He had assumed it was due to the potent pills Qianran had brought with him. Backed by what seemed like an ancient and powerful organization, it wasn't too surprising.
But this was different. How had Meng Hongchen gained so much knowledge of Soul Engineering in just a few days with Qianran? Pills couldn't implant this level of expertise—it required dedicated study.
"How did you manage this?" Jing Hongchen asked, astonished.
"Grandfather, don't ask—I'm not going to tell you," Meng Hongchen said, cutting him off. She could already see the incredulity in his expression.
"Fine, fine, I won't ask." Jing Hongchen sighed. He knew his granddaughter's loyalties were no longer with him. Pressing further wouldn't achieve anything. However, her progress was undeniable. Mastering the theoretical knowledge of Rank 7 Soul Tools ahead of schedule would allow her to focus more on cultivating her soul power.
Jing Hongchen couldn't deny the advantages of her association with Qianran. If Meng Hongchen reached the Soul Emperor rank, she would be able to start developing Rank 7 Soul Tools.
What he didn't yet realize was that Meng Hongchen's foundation in Soul Tool theory was already stronger than most Rank 7 Soul Engineers in Mingde Hall. The only thing she lacked was hands-on experience, which could easily be remedied.
"Grandfather, I don't like Huo Yuhao. Please stop letting him bother me," Meng Hongchen pouted.
"Fine, as you wish," Jing Hongchen said, resigned.
What else could he say? He couldn't very well lock her up.
Given her feelings for Qianran, she was likely to give herself to him willingly, without any need for persuasion. Faced with this reality, Jing Hongchen knew he couldn't stop it.
Besides, from a pragmatic standpoint, Meng Hongchen wouldn't lose out by following Qianran. Even Ju Zi and Ke Ke, whose talents were far inferior, had seen tremendous growth under Qianran's guidance.
And their progress came without any apparent harm to their bodies. The resources Qianran provided were clearly far superior to the potent yet side-effect-laden pills developed by Mingde Hall.
With Meng Hongchen's natural talent, she might even become a Rank 7 Soul Engineer before the age of twenty.
"You're the best, Grandfather!" Meng Hongchen exclaimed, hugging him tightly before skipping off happily.
As soon as she left the office, Meng Hongchen eagerly shared the good news with Qianran.
Qianran was surprised. While Jing Hongchen had never been overly strict with him, the old man was always cautious about Meng Hongchen. For him to suddenly let go and allow their relationship to progress freely was unexpected.
After some thought, Qianran concluded it was likely due to Meng Hongchen's recent advancements in Soul Engineering. If he could evolve her martial soul further, Jing Hongchen might even encourage her to stick with Qianran.
If Meng Hongchen's Toad martial soul were to achieve Ultimate Ice, wouldn't Jing Hongchen worship him?
With Jing Hongchen relinquishing control, Qianran could now visit Meng Hongchen's home openly.
Meng Hongchen had already given him a key to her home.
When Qianran arrived, he found Meng Hongchen fresh out of the shower, wandering around her room. At home, her attire was much more daring: a matching set of black lace lingerie.
Her ensemble included a black lace bra, semi-revealing panties, and thigh-high black stockings with garters. The outfit accentuated her long, shapely legs and slender figure.
Meng Hongchen's style had grown incredibly versatile. She could effortlessly switch between mature black and innocent white, looking stunning in either.
She didn't bother to avoid Qianran, her back turned to him as she rummaged through the cluttered room. She bent over without a second thought, her lace panties highlighting her curvaceous hips and thighs.
Unlike many girls' tidy rooms, Meng Hongchen's room, though clean, was noticeably chaotic. This was normal for a student at the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy, where rigorous schedules left little time for housekeeping.
(End of Chapter)