Jing Hongchen slowly raised his head, meeting Xu Jiangliu's gaze, which held a trace of provocation.
"The news has just reached Shrek Academy," Xu Jiangliu said, hands clasped behind his back, eyes fixed intently on Jing Hongchen's every move. Yes, the purpose of his visit was to force Jing Hongchen into rebellion, following a secret order from His Majesty.
Though Jing Hongchen wore soul power-restraining shackles, Xu Jiangliu had cleverly left them loose enough for him to break free—just enough. The entire area outside the prison was already surrounded. Four Rank 9 soul engineers stood ready.
If Jing Hongchen, in his rage, tried to break his bonds by force, what awaited him was certain death.
As expected, provoked, a flicker of agitation, anxiety, and anger flashed in Jing Hongchen's eyes.
There are few greater agonies in the world than being forced to "watch" your own grandson die, step by step.
"Despicable!" Jing Hongchen, shrewd and seasoned, saw right through Xu Jiangliu's ploy. But this was an open scheme—he was like a trapped beast, pushed step by step toward the abyss.
His anger was barely contained.
"Haha, Hallmaster Jing, isn't that a bit unfair? If I remember correctly, it was you who proposed the student exchange, even volunteering your own grandson to win Shrek Academy's trust," Xu Jiangliu said with a smile.
"In other words, you… personally pushed Xiao Hongchen off the cliff."
"Shut up!!" Jing Hongchen, like a lion in his twilight years, roared in fury. His bloodshot eyes were locked onto Xu Jiangliu, his fists clenched so tightly his nails bit into his flesh as he struggled to restrain himself.
Even knowing it was a trap, an open ploy, even someone as cunning as he couldn't help but step into it.
Rage surged uncontrollably.
"If I'm not mistaken, at this very moment, all of Shrek Academy will have heard the news. Given Su Wen's reputation there… tsk tsk, I wonder if Shrek's higher-ups will step in to protect him. If not, he might just be torn to pieces by the enraged students."
Xu Jiangliu continued to fan the flames.
Of course, there was a flaw in his words.
The message had actually reached Shrek Academy days ago, sent by Fan Yu. But to their confusion, Shrek Academy had suppressed their anger and did nothing to Xiao Hongchen, leaving the instigators at a loss.
Should they beg Shrek to kill him? That would be ridiculous. But if they didn't, their original plan couldn't proceed.
According to the plan, the news should have been about Xiao Hongchen's death and some tragic images…
But whatever.
Since things had gone this far, they might as well use the chance to force Jing Hongchen's hand.
Thus, today's confrontation.
As expected, upon hearing this, Jing Hongchen began to tremble, lowering his head, a wave of indescribable sorrow and despair washing over him—but soon, it was replaced by fury…
"You beast, I'll—" Jing Hongchen's eyes glowed red, his aura surging as he prepared to break his shackles. But at that very moment—
"Grandpa!!"
He saw his granddaughter burst into the cell holding a command token. Though tears streaked her face, her expression was firm. "Brother isn't dead! I've checked with the Shrek exchange students—Shrek Academy never killed him!!"
"What?" Jing Hongchen was stunned. His aura vanished, his sleeves settling quietly.
"Brother isn't dead!" Meng Hongchen's eyes stung as she saw her grandfather, but she held back tears and stepped to his side.
"Damn!" Xu Jiangliu glared at his subordinate who had followed in. "You couldn't even handle such a small matter…"
"My lord, she had Elder Kong's token. We didn't dare stop her," the middle-aged man stammered.
"Hmph!" Xu Jiangliu snorted coldly, his plans exposed and his face lost. If this had worked, not only would the royal family have seized the largest share of Mingde Hall, but Xu Jiangliu himself would have reaped huge benefits.
But since this was all being done in secret, the Sun Moon Empire had to save face. Forcing a loyal subject into such a situation would chill the hearts of all who served them. He couldn't push further.
"Hmph, Jing Hongchen, take care of yourself!"
With that, Xu Jiangliu swept his sleeve and left.
"Huff, huff…" Jing Hongchen stroked the hair of his sobbing granddaughter, his tone gradually calming. "Did you go to see the teacher?"
"Yes. Elder Kong found me himself. He also asked me to bring you an apology," Meng Hongchen answered through tears. "If not for him, I wouldn't have known you were already… wuwuwu…"
"Ah, the bond of master and disciple," Jing Hongchen murmured to himself. "I don't blame him. From his position, he's already helped me as much as he can… Cough, cough…" He paused. "Your brother is really alright?"
"He's fine!" Meng Hongchen nodded firmly.
"Fan Yu, the Shrek team leader, seems to have an agenda. It's almost as if he wants Shrek to kill Brother and trigger a continental war, but Shrek didn't believe him."
"Hehe…" Jing Hongchen let out a bitter laugh. He finally understood what it meant to shoot himself in the foot. This enemy was someone he'd personally recruited as a spy. He thought he could just discard him when he was no longer useful, but in the end, he was stabbed in the back.
"Grandpa, Su Wen, is he really…" Meng Hongchen bit her lip, her beautiful eyes full of complexity.
"Sigh. Ye Yushui acted personally, even unleashing the full power of the Death God Tower. Surviving against such a force… Even I couldn't guarantee it," Jing Hongchen sighed, his expression dark.
For some reason, at that moment, he felt a strange sense of kinship with Su Wen. It was both sad and laughable.
"Have you run into any trouble lately?" Jing Hongchen looked at his granddaughter with concern. Although Shrek hadn't acted, it didn't mean Xiao was safe. But he didn't say this, fearing she'd worry, and changed the subject.
"Um…" Meng Hongchen hesitated, as if afraid to worry her grandfather.
"The Crown Prince sought me out once."
"Xu Tianran?!" A flash of anger appeared in Jing Hongchen's eyes. That cripple dared set his sights on his granddaughter? Seeking out Meng Hongchen now could only mean one thing…
Trying to swoop in and play the hero while the Hongchen family was down?
Not a chance!
Time to ask the teacher for help again…
…
Crown Prince's Residence.
Incense curled up from a burner, the blue smoke drifting away.
Xu Tianran, dressed in snowy white robes, sat in the hall reading a book, a faint smile playing at his lips. Clearly, he was pleased with the current situation.
Why not sit back and reap the spoils?
Now was the perfect time to draw the Hongchen family to his side.
His faction lacked power, and someone had just presented him with a great gift. With his support, Jing Hongchen could reclaim the Mingde Hall, and his own influence would soar.
Without the shrewd old Jing Hongchen, Meng Hongchen would be easy to win over.
Just as he'd said that day: "Miss Meng, you wouldn't want to see your grandfather die in prison, would you…"
It worked instantly.
"Your Highness."
A figure emerged from the shadows behind him.
A stunning woman in a white palace dress silently watched Xu Tianran. "His Majesty has an order."
"Your son is here!" Xu Tianran's eyes flickered with confusion.
She was his father's concubine, her strength unfathomable. For her to deliver an order personally meant it was something significant. But why today…
"Stay away from the Hongchen girl. Do not approach within a hundred paces."
The palace woman cast a cool glance at the bowing Xu Tianran, as if seeing through all his thoughts. As soon as she finished speaking, her figure faded away.
"..."
For a long moment, Xu Tianran remained bent over, his body trembling slightly. What a humiliation!
This was no different from telling him to get lost!
"Jing Hongchen!!!"
This order most likely didn't come from his father, but from someone who pressured the emperor—no doubt Kong Deming. But no matter how humiliated, Xu Tianran dared not mention that name, and could only vent all his anger on Jing Hongchen.
Slowly, he looked up, his face twisted in rage. "Sooner or later, I'll make you kneel and beg me…"
…
Shrek Academy.
Soul Dueling Area.
Zhang Lexuan gripped Xiao Hongchen's neck, her beautiful eyes filled with the utmost grief and despair. With Su Wen dead, her world was bleak and gray, as if everything had lost its meaning.
Being able to pick the Lovesick Heartbreak Red meant her love for Su Wen was pure to the extreme.
At this moment, she thought of following him in death.
Kill Xiao Hongchen, then march on Mingdu.
But a sliver of hope still lingered in her heart. What if? What if Su Wen was still alive?
This hope was almost hallucinatory—like Su Wen was standing right beside her, gently stroking her cheek, leaning in to whisper, "Senior Sister, long time no see."
"Wait!"
A dazed look flashed through Zhang Lexuan's eyes.
This didn't seem like a hallucination at all!
"Yes, Senior Sister," Su Wen replied with a helpless smile, cupping her flawless, delicate face. "I'm back."
"Su Wen…"
A moment ago, she was a killing goddess. Now, Senior Sister collapsed, her slender arms wrapping around Su Wen's, tears streaming like broken pearls, soaking his chest. Only this living, breathing warmth could slowly bring color back to her world.
Beside them, Xiao Hongchen was dumbfounded.
Bro, weren't you dead?!!
Even if you weren't, shouldn't you be in the Sun Moon Empire?!!
How could you just appear here like this? Is this even allowed?!!
"I'll explain everything to you later." Su Wen shot an exasperated glance at the bewildered Xiao Hongchen, then scooped up the beauty in his arms, carrying her toward the inner courtyard.
Half a year apart—the best way to reconnect was, naturally, through the heart.
….