After the conversation, Xu Fu stormed out, fuming, to find the other Titled Douluo in the Sect, preparing to convene a Sect meeting. Only Xu Xiaoyun and Xiao Changfeng remained in the hall.
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After a moment of silence, Xu Xiaoyun looked at Xiao Changfeng with a half-smile.
"Changfeng, after today, our Xuanming Sect will have no retreat. Are you satisfied with this outcome?"
Xiao Changfeng didn't answer, merely cupping his hands respectfully.
Xu Xiaoyun's lips curved upward. "What do you mean by that?"
Xiao Changfeng stood motionless. "If this disciple says he's not satisfied, you certainly wouldn't believe it. But if I say I am satisfied, I'm afraid you'd be angry; after all, going all-in isn't the stability you seek."
"You're honest, at least." Xu Xiaoyun shook his head and sighed.
"Since things have come to this, what more can I say? You didn't do anything wrong; in fact, you did extremely well. At least we weren't too passive."
"What does Master mean by that?" Xiao Changfeng asked.
"Heh heh, it means nothing special, just making the worst assumptions about that old geezer Mu En."
Xu Xiaoyun sneered, his expression as dark as water, and scoffed:
"According to what you said, your disciple can confirm that Bei Bei entering the Tang Sect was certainly at Mu En's behest. Bei Bei is Mu En's only descendant. If Mu En wants this great-grandson to inherit his position, he must cultivate a support group for him. It's only natural that San Shi was targeted."
"To pave the way for this great-grandson, Mu En might even humble himself personally, allowing San Shi to join the Tang Sect and, in a muddled way, fall under Bei Bei's jurisdiction.
This way, San Shi will inevitably become one of Shrek's Sea God Pavilion members in the future, unable to contend with Bei Bei for the Sea God Pavilion Master's position, and will also become his helper in succession."
"As for our Xuanming Sect, it's naturally also among their targets. However, he knows this old man isn't dead, so he probably won't dare to act rashly for a few decades. After a few decades, it's hard to say—"
"If that old geezer Mu En had truly tricked San Shi into joining the Tang Sect before we found out, even if we knew afterward, it would be useless. If we didn't want the Sect's foundation to be tainted, we'd have no choice but to painfully give up this successor—"
Xiao Changfeng clapped his hands in agreement. "Master's insight is truly sharp, seeing the autumn from a single leaf, observing every minute detail."
Xu Xiaoyun shook his head with a laugh, waving his hand. "Mu En has gone to such lengths that this old man can no longer harbor any illusions about them. If we fully align with Sun Moon, then so be it. It's merely a matter of price."
Xiao Changfeng smiled faintly. "This disciple, however, believes that with Tian Xi's talent, our entire Sect aligning with Sun Moon is not a bad thing at all; on the contrary, it's a great boon."
Tian Xi's Soul Engineer talent is exceptionally high. Once his cultivation reaches the Titled Douluo level, he will naturally advance to a Level 9 Soul Engineer. It's not a pipe dream for his attainments to reach Kong Deming's level.
In other words, the speed at which he reaches the Limit Douluo level might be faster than we can imagine. At that time, he'll be in the open, and we'll assist from the shadows. We might even be able to accomplish greater things.
Xu Xiaoyun's gaze shot up instantly, his eyes like thunder in a snowy night. "Are you saying—"
Xiao Changfeng's brow bones slanted upward, and a look of towering pride appeared on his flawless, jade-like face.
"Tian Xi already possesses Sun Moon Imperial Family blood, and his surname is Xu. Since everyone's surname is Xu, why can't he sit on the throne?"
"Besides, the current emperor only ascended the throne after killing his elder brother's entire family. His path to power wasn't exactly legitimate."
With that, Xiao Changfeng rose from his seat and bowed deeply, veins bulging in his neck. With each word, he lifted his sharply defined jaw, speaking earnestly and passionately.
"Master, Mu En can resort to any means to pave the way for his great-grandson. Can't our Xuanming Sect go all out for Tian Xi this one time? Not to mention the benefits our Xuan Ming Lineage will gain if this succeeds, how can we let go of Junior Sister's blood feud from back then?!"
"If I hadn't met Tian Xi, I would have chosen to seek revenge on Shrek's people when my lifespan was nearing its end. But now! I implore you, for his sake, to go all out this one time! He is worth us risking everything!"
Xu Xiaoyun stared at Xiao Changfeng for a moment, then pushed himself up from the table with his calloused palms. As he walked, he spoke:
"When you go to the Sun Moon Empire, take the 100,000 Year Golden Hawksbill Left Leg Bone from the Sect with you. I promised it to Tian Xi long ago. As for other matters, do as you see fit."
"I'm going into seclusion. If a crisis arises, remember to summon me."
"Thank you, Master, for your support."
Mingdu, Bright Moon Auction House.
As an auction house situated in an excellent location near the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy, students from the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy considered it their primary choice for treasure hunting. The Treasure Gathering Pavilion occasionally held appraisal events, exclusively for outstanding students to enjoy the pleasure of appreciating treasures.
Generally, the Treasure Gathering Pavilion would at most attract some Level 8 Soul Engineer researchers from Mingde Hall to join the fun. But on this particular night, a Level 9 Soul Engineer attended the appraisal event, and it was none other than the Dean of the Sun Moon Royal Academy.
Jing Hongchen wore a trench coat he hadn't used in many years, donned a mask, and stood beside his granddaughter, a wry smile on his face behind the mask.
He'd said the wrong thing and angered his granddaughter; she was hard to coax.
He looked at many exhibits, but Meng Hongchen didn't stop or linger. Hongchen Dean's immense wealth had no outlet. Helpless, he picked up his intercom and gave a few instructions to the person in charge of the Treasure Gathering Pavilion, then stepped forward and whispered:
"Meng Meng, Grandpa really didn't intentionally let Xiao and Tian Xi go out without calling you. It's just that the Star Dou Great Forest is too dangerous, and I thought your brother was thick-skinned, so I let Tian Xi go find him, right?"
"I told them long ago to come back quickly after circling the forest, and to tell me about any opportunities they found. At that time, Grandpa will inform you immediately, okay?"
Meng Hongchen mumbled softly, "You say you're afraid it's too dangerous for me to go to the Star Dou Great Forest, but I think you just believe I'd be a burden. Little Xu went out without telling me, and I wasted so much time tutoring him on Soul Guided Device knowledge. That guy Xiao is even worse..."
Meng Hongchen felt very wronged. She was the one who had gotten close to Xu Tianxi first. That guy Xiao only became familiar with Xu Tianxi through his 'battling wits with thin air' because of her initial cowardice.
Now, these two guys had completely bypassed her, the middleman, and teamed up to explore the Star Dou Great Forest.
Even Xuan Ziwen, who only met Xu Tianxi through her introduction, had run off with them! It was me, it was me first!
Hmph, those two guys, one prioritizes friends over his sister, and the other prioritizes friends over romance. They're simply a pair of oddballs!
Jing Hongchen smiled bitterly, thinking to himself that he'd have to keep his mouth shut tighter from now on. He couldn't let Meng Meng find out any more.
Fortunately, at this moment, Hongchen Dean's earlier instructions took effect. The auction house manager urgently prepared an auction and broadcasted the news throughout the venue:
Good news, good news! After careful consideration by our auction house, a special temporary auction will be held in ten minutes, exclusively for the young talents from the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy to choose their desired treasures. There are also many exquisite items, perfectly suited to the temperament of beautiful ladies! "Meng Meng, this auction seems very interesting. Should we go take a look?" Jing Hongchen probed.
Meng Hongchen looked at Jing Hongchen suspiciously and nodded lightly. Although she was very curious why there would be a temporary auction, since she was already there, it wouldn't hurt to take a look.
Night had fallen over Mingdu. Xuan Ziwen, piloting a bionic Flying Soul Guided Device, returned with Xu Tianxi and Xiao Hongchen, landing near the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy.
"I'm going back to write up some reports. You two go enjoy the night market. Call me if you need anything, alright?" Xuan Ziwen instructed them quickly before rushing off.
"What's next? Reporting back to your grandfather?" Xu Tianxi asked.
"No, no, no. We've been training so hard for so long. Tonight, we deserve to relax," Xiao Hongchen said, stretching, indicating that after completing a mission, it was time to enjoy themselves.
Xu Tianxi mused for a moment, then nodded. "I'm not familiar with Mingdu. You lead the way?"
"Sounds good!" Xiao Hongchen looked around and spotted the Bright Moon Auction House not far away, brightly lit and broadcasting announcements. An auction was about to begin in three minutes.
"That's the one!" Xiao Hongchen, the "Mingdu veteran," led Xu Tianxi in a mad dash, bursting into the auction house. He pulled out a premium black card and immediately secured a reserved private box.
"Ah~ The supreme Young Master Xiao has returned with his friend to his loyal, loyal private box!"
Xiao Hongchen lay on the sofa in the private box, unable to stop himself from exclaiming something that made Xu Tianxi's mouth twitch.
Xu Tianxi thought about it; there was no need to argue over details. So, he also picked a sofa and lay down.
Xiao Hongchen was right; it was a rare chance to relax.
Unbeknownst to them, the moment they entered their private box, an auction house staff member made a call to Private Box One. Jing Hongchen, who received the call, was almost moved to tears of joy.
Finally, you two are back!
Hongchen Dean was a thoughtful person. He shared the good news with his granddaughter. After a brief conversation, grandfather and granddaughter reached a consensus.
So, when the auction ended and Xu Tianxi and Xiao Hongchen exited, they were surprised to find two familiar figures blocking the doorway.
"Why didn't you say anything when you returned? And you came all the way here?"
Meng Hongchen said with a beaming smile, holding an Ice Blue Carving Knife between her slender fingers. The smile on her face looked dangerously sweet.
Without hesitation, Xu Tianxi quickly improvised, "Dean, Senior Sister, we just returned from the Star Dou Great Forest. We wanted to bring you some gifts, which is why we came here. Senior Brother Xiao led the way for me."
Xiao Hongchen's eyelids twitched. He quickly chimed in, "That's right, that's right. Meng, you have to believe us. Just now, my brother and I were bidding against the people in Private Box One multiple times, all to get you a gift!"
As he spoke, Xiao Hongchen pulled out an exquisitely crafted bracelet-style Soul Guided Device, to prove he wasn't lying.
Jing Hongchen reminded them, "We were in Private Box One earlier."
Xu Tianxi: "..."
Xiao Hongchen: "..."
So, you were the ones bidding against us? We just wasted money on the auction house!
Rubbing his forehead with one hand, Xu Tianxi quickly changed the subject. "Dean, Senior Sister, we had huge gains on this trip. We absolutely must report them in person. Let's hurry back to the academy."