Even though both siblings were equipped with multiple Level 9 Spirit Tools, they still carried a ten-thousand-year Spirit Beast embryo—an incredibly rare treasure. If anything happened en route and the Empire lost these three prodigies, Jing Hongchen would be held responsible.
So despite all three insisting they'd be fine, Jing Hongchen decided to personally escort them back to the Empire.
With Jing Hongchen's escort, they bypassed the major checkpoints between the Soul Empire and Sun–Moon Empire, flying over the Mingdou Mountains directly into Empire territory.
---
"Flying's really convenient," Shengyu remarked admiringly.
Jing Hongchen scoffed, "With your talent, if you focused on cultivating, you'd be able to fly yourself soon enough!"
Shengyu laughed and shook his head. "Can't have that, Senior Brother. I bear the future of the Spirit Master path! If I can establish a new cultivation system, I'd be the greatest teacher in the land."
Jing Hongchen sighed. "I know your ambition is grand." In truth, both he and Master Kong had repeatedly advised Shengyu not to get lost in theoretical cultivation systems and to focus on increasing his own power.
The traditional method of slaying Spirit Beasts to gain Spirit Rings had been passed down for hundreds of thousands of years—it wouldn't be easy to overhaul. Shengyu's talent was outstanding; by this age, he should've surpassed three rings and nearly reached four already.
---
Once they returned to the Empire, Kong Deming, Xuan Ziwen, and the others learned about Huo Yuhao's awakening of his second Spirit Skill. Xuan spent days pouring over every record in the Imperial Spirit Mentor Academy but found no explanation.
"It's bizarre! A second awakening of the Spirit Skill? Huo Yuhao, could this be unique to a primal Spirit Skill?"
Primal Spirit Skills were extremely rare in the Empire. Even the investigation at Shrek Academy was shallow, let alone at Sun–Moon. Xuan couldn't determine whether Huo Yuhao's primal gift slowed down his awakening or if another reason lay behind it.
Despite the confusion, Tianmeng transcendent's confidence remained unwavering as he smugly said, "If those humans could easily uncover the truth, this million-year-old Spirit Beast wouldn't still be alive!"
Huo Yuhao couldn't argue; no one expected a million-year-old Beast to contribute a second Spirit Skill—let alone that the Ice‑Jade Emperor Scorpion would be the choice.
---
Kong Deming, however, had heard of primal lineages. Upon discovering Huo Yuhao's situation, he activated Soul Hall's undercover network across the former Spirit Mainland to gather intel.
At the news of Huo Yuhao's "second awakening," Xiao Hongchen barged in demanding a duel—but Jing Hongchen, still in the capital, brought him back calmly.
---
Time flew in the capital. Qingtong inspected the Tang Sect with Tangya by her side.
Over the past six months, with support from Soul Hall, the Tang Sect had reestablished itself. In the capital's expensive real estate, they now had a sect base and over a hundred disciples. Though most were Ages 1–2, with only a few at Age 3, Tangya couldn't have been happier.
"As long as it wasn't for you, Miss Qingtong, I don't know when the Tang Sect would've reopened—or recruited students again! Thank you so much!" Tangya bowed with tears in her eyes, though she was considerably older.
---
Qingtong smiled and waved off the bow. "Don't worry, Sister Ya—honestly, it's mutual benefit."
Tangya inclined her head. "I know people benefit from each other. Sun–Moon Empire and Soul Hall have supported us more than Shrek Academy ever did."
At this, Qingtong frowned. "Sister Ya, what do you mean?"
Tangya met her gaze. "The Empire has ambitious plans. The Tang Sect has received great favor. As Sect Leader, I must repay it."
"How?" Qingtong asked.
Tangya spoke firmly: "The Tang Sect has millennia of history. Though in decline, the name still carries weight. Shengyu hopes the sect's name can now be used by Soul Hall, and I agree."
"So you mean, the Soul Hall can operate under the Tang Sect's name in future?" Qingtong was surprised.
Tangya nodded. "Yes."
Qingtong smiled in relief. "Understood. On behalf of Soul Hall and my brother, thank you, Sister Ya."
Tangya shook her head, lightly smiling. "I know this is far from full repayment—it pales compared to what Soul Hall has done for us. But this is all I can offer right now. The Tang Sect will repay the Hall a hundredfold."
Qingtong waved her hand. "We're friends. Friends don't tally debts. Let's go—tonight, I'm treating you to the capital's top banquet!"
---
For the others, Tangya's decision wasn't surprising. Kong Deming only nodded, saying, "At least she showed gratitude. With over a hundred good disciples, what other force could've supported the Tang Sect like Soul Hall?"
Qingtong laughed. "Teacher, the Tang Sect's name is a banner—though it faded, it still carries power!"
Jing Hongchen nodded. "She's right. Just the interactions between Shrek Academy and Tang Sect alone gives us plenty to work with."
Kong Deming held out his hand. "I'll leave it to you. By the way, what about Shengyu?"
Jing Hongchen looked at Qingtong. She replied, "Oh, my brother is breaking through the third ring—he's doing a seclusion in his room now."
Kong snorted. "Finally willing to exceed the third ring?"
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