Chapter 410: Yuhao, Are You Planning a Rebellion?
Moreover, Huo Yuhao had only been a six ring Soul Emperor this morning, which meant that sometime in the afternoon or evening, he must have acquired a new soul spirit, allowing him to break through to Rank 74 Soul Sage.
There was no doubt that Huo Yuhao's rapid advancement was a result of long term accumulation. He had already reached the peak of Soul Emperor and continued cultivating and stockpiling soul power.
Otherwise, even though absorbing soul rings or soul spirits could increase soul power, it would have been impossible to jump directly to Rank 74 so suddenly.
Realizing this, Jing Hongchen's expression filled with admiration.
He made no attempt to hide his appreciation for Huo Yuhao:
"Yuhao, I've always known you were exceptionally talented and that you would become a young Soul Sage before the age of twenty.
But I never expected that you would reach Rank 74 so soon.
Perhaps you might even become a Soul Douluo or maybe even a Titled Douluo before turning twenty?"
"I used to think I had an accurate grasp of your talent, but once again, you've shattered my expectations."
"Throughout Douluo Continent's history, there have been many extraordinarily gifted soul masters, most of them from Shrek Academy.
After all, as the continent's top academy, Shrek naturally attracts and nurtures countless talents.
But I believe that if those so called geniuses from history had been born in the same era as you, it would have been a tragedy for them.
Because compared to you, no other genius could ever be considered outstanding."
Hearing Jing Hongchen's enthusiastic praise, Huo Yuhao couldn't help but smile.
He had to admit Jing Hongchen was much better at giving compliments than Xiao Hongchen.
But that was understandable. Jing Hongchen was much older and had far more life experience than Xiao Hongchen.
Jing Hongchen then shifted his gaze to Xiao Hongchen, sighed, and said with a tone of disappointment:
"Xiao, look at Yuhao.
Not only is he more talented than you, but he also works harder. That's why his cultivation is progressing so rapidly!"
"You should learn from him spend more time improving both your soul power and your soul tool skills!"
As a grandfather, Jing Hongchen naturally hoped that Xiao Hongchen would improve under his guidance.
Even though he knew that Xiao Hongchen would never surpass Huo Yuhao, at the very least, he could try to narrow the gap.
His grandson was a competitive person he hated losing.
If he used Huo Yuhao as a benchmark, Xiao Hongchen would surely be motivated to push himself even harder.
Even though Jing Hongchen wanted Huo Yuhao as his grandson in law, he also hoped that Xiao Hongchen would continue growing stronger.
Xiao Hongchen froze for a moment.
Weren't they just talking about Yuhao?
How did Grandpa suddenly turn this into a lecture about me?
However, what his grandfather said was true, so he didn't argue.
Instead, he nodded in agreement:
"Grandpa, you're right.
I'll definitely learn from Yuhao.
Even though I can't compare to him in terms of talent, I'll put in even more effort!"
Jing Hongchen nodded in satisfaction.
Then, he gave Xiao Hongchen a glance and said:
"Alright, Xiao, now that Yuhao is here, you may leave.
I have some things I need to discuss with him privately."
Xiao Hongchen hesitated for a moment.
But after seeing his grandfather's firm expression, he nodded and said:
"Understood, Grandpa."
With that, he left the office.
The moment the door closed, Jing Hongchen activated a soundproofing soul tool.
Then, he turned to Huo Yuhao with a serious expression and said:
"Yuhao, His Majesty is dying!"
"According to the latest information, the Emperor is now in a state of constant unconsciousness.
It won't be long before he passes away."
Huo Yuhao was not particularly surprised.
Based on the timeline of the original story, the old emperor of the Sun Moon Empire indeed had only a few days left to live.
That meant Xu Tianran would soon ascend to the throne, launching a war to conquer Douluo's three kingdoms.
Huo Yuhao smirked and jokingly asked:
"Dean, why are you telling me this?
Could it be that you have rebellious intentions and plan to overthrow the throne?"
Jing Hongchen let out a helpless sigh:
"Yuhao, let me ask you
are your actions really those of a loyal citizen of the Sun Moon Empire?
Your Spirit Pagoda wields enormous influence not only spreading the use of soul spirits but also teaching the 'Fate Arts' that allow even ordinary people to become soul masters!"
"According to my intelligence, your title as 'Tower Master Huo' holds immense prestige.
Both among the Soul Engineer Legions and even among ordinary soldiers, your reputation is overwhelming.
If you were to raise your banner, it's uncertain how many would remain loyal to the imperial family.
But one thing is clear
countless people would follow you without hesitation."
"For the royal family, this is an extremely dangerous situation!"
"If it weren't for the contracts you imposed on the Spirit Pagoda to prevent rumors from spreading, Xu Tianran would have already caught wind of your actions."
After saying this, Jing Hongchen narrowed his eyes, paused for a moment, and then asked in a low voice:
"Yuhao, are you planning a rebellion?"
Huo Yuhao didn't answer directly.
Instead, he responded calmly:
"Dean, since you're telling me all of this instead of reporting me, I assume you don't disapprove of my actions."
"Which means you must have something more to say."
Jing Hongchen nodded, his expression showing approval:
"That's right.
And don't worry
both Elder Kong and I have no objections to your ambitions."
"Many people assume that Elder Kong and I are loyal subjects of the Emperor. But the truth is… we are loyal to the nation, not the ruler."
"In our eyes, a good Emperor is one who can lead the Sun Moon Empire to prosperity.
And Yuhao, you are exactly the kind of ruler we need.
If you truly wish to take the throne, Elder Kong and I will support you."
Hearing this, Huo Yuhao silently analyzed the situation.
What Jing Hongchen said was indeed logical.
Elder Kong was a patriot, but he was not particularly loyal to the Emperor.
In the original story, Elder Kong even cooperated with Ju Zi and did not stop Huo Yuhao from assassinating Xu Tianran.
As for Jing Hongchen, he had ultimately betrayed the Sun Moon Empire in the original story.
However, Huo Yuhao knew that if this were ten or twenty years earlier, Jing Hongchen would have never betrayed the Empire, no matter the cost.
After pondering for a moment, Huo Yuhao replied:
"Dean, now is not the right time. Let Xu Tianran take the throne."
"I will continue gathering power and slowly weaken his authority.
Once the time is right, I will claim the throne openly."
Huo Yuhao's strategy was simple:
"Build strong defenses, stockpile resources, and wait for the right moment to strike."
Jing Hongchen looked slightly disappointed.
He had been ready to seize the opportunity and reap the rewards of helping Yuhao claim the throne.
But since Huo Yuhao insisted on waiting, he had no choice but to agree.
"Alright, Yuhao. I'll follow your lead."
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