Chapter 152: Jing Hongchen : "I'm Arresting You"
He Caitou instinctively felt that something was wrong with what his teacher, Fan Yu, had said.
But when he thought of his deceased parents and everything Shrek Academy had done for him, he remained silent and continued his work.
"For the academy… and for revenge against Xu Tianran and his father, I must steal these blueprints!"
His mind was filled with determination.
Thus, the master and apprentice duo continued their relentless theft.
The blueprints they stole detailed the core inscription methods of various soul tools and for any soul tool, the core formation was the most crucial component.
Fan Yu was not concerned about being discovered.
Through his careful observations over the past few days, he knew that during this time, the Mingde Hall researchers always took a break.
There was plenty of time.
After all, researchers were only human long work hours without rest would affect their mental and physical health.
Soul Tool Surveillance Room
Jing Hongchen sat before a large screen, his expression dark as he watched Fan Yu and He Caitou steal the blueprints.
His brows furrowed slightly.
Previously, Huo Yuhao had suggested strengthening Mingde Hall's security.
So Jing Hongchen had secretly installed highly concealed soul tool surveillance devices within Mingde Hall.
Not because he distrusted his researchers but because internal threats were just as dangerous as external ones.
In truth, surveillance technology was not particularly complex.
It was similar to the light projection screens used at the Starlight Auction House.
So, Jing Hongchen had spent only a modest sum of gold soul coins to discreetly set up surveillance throughout Mingde Hall.
Even among the Mingde Hall researchers, only a few knew about these surveillance devices.
So it was perfectly understandable that Fan Yu and He Caitou had no idea they were being watched.
Jing Hongchen's fingers tapped lightly against the table.
"I never expected Shrek Academy's Fan Yu and He Caitou… to be thieves."
Without turning his head, he spoke to the girl beside him.
"Xiaomeng, how do you think I should punish them?"
Meng Hongchen, watching the screen with displeasure, scoffed.
"Punish them according to the laws of the Sun Moon Empire, of course! Those blueprints are the hard work of our researchers.
Fan Yu and He Caitou are clearly stealing them to send back to Shrek Academy!
If our researchers ever find out that their painstakingly developed designs were stolen by Shrek Academy through such disgraceful means… it will be a devastating blow to their morale!"
Every researcher in Mingde Hall was a gifted soul engineer.
However, even the most talented soul engineers needed years of effort to develop truly valuable soul tools.
And while Mingde Hall did not store blueprints for eighth or ninth tier soul tools,
the value of a soul tool was not solely determined by its level.
For example
The Invincible Barrier was only a seventh tier soul tool, yet its utility was unparalleled.
If Shrek Academy got away with stealing these blueprints, it would undoubtedly deal a huge blow to the Sun Moon Empire.
Jing Hongchen sighed.
"Yes… I would prefer to handle this strictly according to our laws.
But because they are backed by Shrek Academy, we cannot simply execute them.
The empire is not yet ready for war. And with Xiaotao still at Shrek Academy, we must tread carefully."
"However, I also cannot ignore this theft.
Those blueprints are too important to Mingde Hall.
If they are stolen under my watch, I will have failed in my duty as Hall Master."
Jing Hongchen's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Fortunately, Huo Yuhao advised me to strengthen Mingde Hall's security."
"At first, I thought it was only to defend against external threats."
"But now, it seems the real threat was inside all along."
With that, Jing Hongchen turned to Meng Hongchen.
"Xiaomeng, let's go. We are arresting Fan Yu and He Caitou.
They must not be allowed to leave Mingde Hall with those blueprints."
Meng Hongchen nodded.
"Understood, Grandfather."
At the Mingde Hall Entrance
Fan Yu smiled to himself.
The blueprints were secured.
With them, Shrek Academy's Soul Engineering Department would develop at an unprecedented rate.
"With these blueprints, we will create even more advanced soul tools.
By the time the next Continental Soul Master Tournament arrives, Shrek Academy will have cutting edge weaponry!"
Lost in his vision of the future, Fan Yu absentmindedly rubbed the storage ring on his finger.
Shrek Academy's Soul Engineering Department had a bright future ahead.
At that moment
He Caitou suddenly tensed.
He heard footsteps approaching.
He quickly leaned toward Fan Yu and whispered, "Teacher, someone's coming."
Fan Yu nodded.
"I know.
It's probably the researchers returning from their break.
Let's pretend to take a break as well."
He subtly gave He Caitou a look.
Resting was just an excuse.
The real priority was to leave Mingde Hall and get the blueprints back to Shrek Academy as soon as possible.
"The longer we stay, the greater the risk.
Once the blueprints are safely delivered, then I can truly relax."
He Caitou understood the message immediately and nodded.
"Alright, Teacher. Let's go take a break."
Fan Yu took the lead, walking toward the hall's exit.
He Caitou followed closely behind.
Sure enough, as they neared the entrance, they saw several researchers returning to work.
Everything was going according to plan.
Then, suddenly
Fan Yu froze.
Standing at the entrance, blocking their way, was Jing Hongchen.
The Hall Master's face was dark as a stormcloud.
And beside him, Meng Hongchen stood with arms crossed, a dangerous glint in her eyes.
Jing Hongchen's piercing gaze locked onto Fan Yu.
He did not look away.
Fan Yu's heart sank. He immediately realized
Something was wrong.
Did… did they find out?!
But he remained outwardly calm.
This was not the time to panic.
The key to surviving situations like this was composure.
If he panicked now, he would expose himself.
So he steadied his pace and kept walking forward.
Just as he was about to pass by Jing Hongchen
A hand shot out.
Jing Hongchen grabbed Fan Yu's shoulder.
At the same time, Meng Hongchen seized He Caitou's arm.
"Fan Yu, He Caitou."
"You have been caught stealing soul tool blueprints from Mingde Hall."
"I am placing you under arrest."
A stunned silence fell over the entrance.
The returning researchers all stopped in their tracks.
They turned toward Jing Hongchen
their faces filled with shock.
Fan Yu's expression darkened.
Then, in a voice full of righteous indignation, he said
"Dean Jing, you must not throw around such accusations lightly!"
"He Caitou and I have been diligently studying here in Mingde Hall. We have never stolen anything!"
He clenched his fists.
"They must only have suspicions.
They have no proof.
As long as we deny everything…
…these blueprints will still make it back to Shrek Academy!"
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