Chapter 315: Xu Tianran's Praise
As he spoke, Mu En's face gradually took on a look of doubt. He slowly said, **"However, what concerns me the most is how Xuanzi was captured by the Sun Moon experts.
*"Capturing Xuanzi alive is no easy feat.
*"After all, Xuanzi is a Rank 98 Super Douluo, and when burning his Life Fire, his strength can temporarily reach the level of an Ultimate Douluo.
"For the Sun Moon Empire to successfully capture a temporary Ultimate Douluo, does this mean their already advanced soul tool technology has made a sudden leap forward?"*
In Mu En's view, the Sun Moon Empire's soul tool technology had already developed to an extremely advanced level.
That was why he had been so eager for Shrek Academy's soul tool technology to advance rapidly even sending Yan Shaozhe to discuss the exchange student program with Jing Hongchen.
Yan Shaozhe shook his head, looking at Mu En's aged face, and said calmly: **"Teacher, I acknowledge that the Sun Moon Empire is highly advanced in soul tool technology.
*"But how could they rely solely on technological progress to capture Elder Xuan, who temporarily had Ultimate Douluo level strength?
*"It's not like they suddenly gained a legendary Rank 10 Soul Engineer… or developed a mythical Rank 10 soul tool, right?
"That's absolutely impossible. Rank 10 Soul Engineers are purely theoretical there's no way one actually exists in reality."*
"I believe they must have used some underhanded scheme otherwise, even if Elder Xuan had been facing an Ultimate Douluo, he shouldn't have been captured alive."*
Mu En pondered for a moment, feeling that Yan Shaozhe's reasoning made some sense.
He had known Xuanzi for many years and understood that he was not the type to fear death.
If Xuanzi had threatened to self detonate his soul core, even an Ultimate Douluo would have been forced to retreat.
Then, a thought struck Mu En. "Shaozhe, who exactly captured Xuanzi?"
It was only now that he realized he had forgotten to ask for a name.
Yan Shaozhe sighed helplessly. **"Mu Lao, according to information from the Sun Moon Empire, it was their Rank 9 Soul Engineer Kong Deming and Huo Yuhao who captured Elder Xuan together.
*"But that's an obvious lie.
*"A Rank 9 Soul Engineer might be able to exchange a few blows with Elder Xuan…
*"But Huo Yuhao? Sure, he's a genius student, but there's no way he could participate in a high level battle like this.
"Most likely, the Sun Moon officials are just inflating Huo Yuhao's reputation, wanting to make him look more impressive than he really is."*
Mu En nodded in agreement: **"Indeed, the real issue here must be Kong Deming.
*"Shaozhe, arrange for someone to contact Xiao Song's group and negotiate with the Sun Moon officials.
*"Do whatever it takes to bring Xuanzi back even if we have to make some concessions.
*"However, you are absolutely forbidden from going to the Sun Moon Empire yourself.
"You are the future of Shrek Academy."*
"Understood, Teacher." Yan Shaozhe nodded.
Sun Moon Imperial Palace
Xu Tianran, seated in his wheelchair, gazed at Juzi with a smile and said:
**"Juzi, Kong Lao and Huo Yuhao successfully captured Shrek's Xuanzi this is truly a remarkable achievement.
*"After all, in history, no elder of the Sea God's Pavilion has ever been captured by the Sun Moon Empire.
*"On the other hand, a Sun Moon imperial prince was once captured by Shrek Academy…
*"This is a moment of great pride for our empire.
*"Shrek Academy will definitely contact me about this soon.
"Tell me how should I respond to them?"*
Although Xu Tianran dreamed of unifying the Douluo Continent and visiting Shrek Academy in the future, he knew that before that could happen, he needed to strengthen the Sun Moon Empire while weakening Shrek Academy.
Now that Xuanzi had been captured, not only had Shrek's power been reduced, but it also signified an increase in the Sun Moon Empire's strength.
Even though the Sun Moon Empire was a nation built on soul tools, the presence of powerful individuals still played a decisive role.
He didn't know why Kong Lao had suddenly grown so strong, but this was undoubtedly a great thing for the empire.
Juzi thought for a moment, then spoke calmly:
**"Your Highness, I believe you should focus on Kong Lao's stance rather than Shrek Academy's.
*"After all, if Kong Lao was strong enough to capture Xuanzi, it's possible that he's already reached the level of a Rank 10 Soul Engineer a figure of legend.
"If Kong Lao chooses to support you, your future claim to the throne will be even more secure."*
Xu Tianran nodded. "Juzi, you make a good point. I will speak with Kong Lao and try to bring him to my side."
Then, his gaze hardened slightly as he pointed out a flaw in Juzi's statement. **"However, you seem to have **deliberately ignored one person Huo Yuhao.
*"If he was involved in capturing Xuanzi alongside Kong Lao, then his strength is likely far beyond his soul power rank.
*"Given Kong Lao's personality, he wouldn't allow a student to take undeserved credit.
*"Which means… Huo Yuhao must have actually played a significant role in Xuanzi's capture.
*"He is an unprecedented genius in the Sun Moon Empire.
"Perhaps he is someone similar to Tang San someone who has acquired special methods allowing him to fight above his level."*
Juzi had deliberately left that "flaw" in her words.
She knew that Xu Tianran enjoyed finding flaws it highlighted his intelligence and allowed him to notice her supposed "oversights," making him more confident in his control over her.
However, when she heard him compare Huo Yuhao to Tang San, she felt deeply dissatisfied.
To her, Tang San couldn't compare to Huo Yuhao at all.
Huo Yuhao had created countless innovations that would benefit generations of soul masters.
As for Tang San, according to Shrek Academy's own narrative, his greatest achievement was destroying the "evil" Spirit Hall.
But in Juzi's opinion, this had actually caused terrible consequences for future generations.
A unified Spirit Empire would have been far more beneficial to the Douluo Continent's development.
She immediately corrected herself, following Xu Tianran's lead.
"Your Highness is absolutely right. Juzi promises not to make such a mistake again."
Xu Tianran smiled in satisfaction clearly pleased with her response.
After weighing the situation carefully, he finally said:
**"Kong Lao and Huo Yuhao have followed the rules. Even if Shrek Academy sends envoys, they won't be able to find fault with how we handled this.
*"They have done a great service not only showcasing the Sun Moon Empire's power, but also humbling Shrek's arrogance.
*"Issue my decree: Huo Yuhao shall be granted the noble title of Count of Spirit Eyes, making him a great noble of the Sun Moon Empire.
"As for Kong Lao I will personally meet with him to discuss his reward."*
"Yes, Your Highness," Juzi said.
Although Xu Tianran had not yet granted Huo Yuhao a fief, the title of Count meant he was now officially part of the Sun Moon Empire's aristocracy.
And since the Sun Moon Emperor remained unconscious and near death,
Xu Tianran in practice held power almost equal to that of the Emperor himself.
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