At that time, on the stage of the Soul Master Tournament, he would possess even greater confidence and capital to deal with the Shrek Team!
No time to lose!
Liu Yuan immediately got up and finished washing up with the fastest speed possible.
After hurriedly eating breakfast in the academy cafeteria, he walked straight toward Jing Hongchen's Dean's office.
"Knock, knock, knock."
He knocked on the door properly.
"Come in."
Jing Hongchen's slightly majestic voice came from inside the office.
Liu Yuan pushed the door and entered, seeing Jing Hongchen bent over his desk, handling a mountain of files.
This Ninth-Rank Soul Engineer was clearly very diligent, having started work so early in the morning.
"Oh? It's Little Yuan." Jing Hongchen looked up, and after seeing who it was, a gentle smile appeared on his face. "Coming here so early, is there something the matter?"
"Dean." Liu Yuan bowed slightly and said with a solemn expression, "I've come this time because I would like to request a leave of absence."
"Leave of absence?" Jing Hongchen raised an eyebrow in surprise.
"Yes." Liu Yuan nodded, having already prepared his excuse. "News came from home that there are some urgent matters I need to return and handle. I must set off immediately."
He didn't say he was going to obtain a spirit ring.
Because with the level of importance Jing Hongchen placed on him, if he knew Liu Yuan was going to hunt a Spirit Beast, he would most likely dispatch powerful experts from the academy to accompany and protect him.
When the time came, if he killed a Spirit Beast in front of others but didn't absorb its spirit ring, the scene would be too bizarre and impossible to explain.
And the reason of "matters at home" was both reasonable and could avoid unnecessary trouble.
Of course, Liu Yuan originally thought that at this critical juncture with the Soul Master Tournament approaching, suddenly asking for a long leave as the team captain would definitely lead to questioning and might even take some effort to get approved.
After all, if Xuan Zi of Shrek Academy encountered this situation, he would probably directly reject the request on the grounds of "prioritizing the big picture."
However, Jing Hongchen's reaction greatly exceeded his expectations.
Upon hearing Liu Yuan's request, the look of surprise on Jing Hongchen's face flashed by and was immediately replaced by an elder-like concern.
Without any hesitation, he directly put down the pen in his hand and asked in a deep voice, "Are the matters at home serious? Do you need any help from the academy's side?"
"If you need manpower or if there's anywhere I need to step in, just say the word. The academy is your strongest backing!"
There wasn't a trace of suspicion, not a single redundant question, and certainly no use of the "big picture" to pressure him.
There was only the purest and most sincere concern and support.
These words caused a sudden warmth to flood Liu Yuan's heart.
He looked at the Dean before him, and his heart couldn't help but be filled with a thousand emotions.
This kind of unreserved trust...
Xuan Zi wouldn't be able to provide it in a lifetime!
In the eyes of that Shrek Elder, Disciples might forever be just tools to maintain the academy's glory.
But here with Jing Hongchen, Liu Yuan truly felt the warmth of being treated as "one of their own."
In an instant, Liu Yuan's heart, which was already leaning toward the Sun Moon Royal Academy, became even more steadfast.
He wanted more than ever to help this academy and the elder before him, to completely trample Shrek Academy underfoot in the upcoming Soul Master Tournament and seize that supreme glory belonging to the champions!
"Thank you for your concern, Dean." Liu Yuan took a deep breath and gave Jing Hongchen a solemn salute. "It's just some small private matters that I can handle myself, so I won't trouble the academy. I promise that within one month, I will definitely return to the team!"
"Good." Jing Hongchen nodded. "Be safe on the road. Remember, no matter what difficulties you encounter, the academy will help you."
"Yes, Dean!"
Liu Yuan turned and left the office.
...
At the same time, inside the exclusive training ground of the Sun Moon Royal Team.
Xiao Hongchen and the others were conducting their daily combat training.
Suddenly, the doors to the training ground were pushed open, and Jing Hongchen's majestic figure appeared at the entrance.
"Grandpa?"
"Dean!"
The team members stopped their movements one after another and looked over curiously.
The Dean was occupied with a myriad of affairs and rarely came to the training ground in person on weekdays.
Jing Hongchen walked slowly to the front of the group, his gaze sweeping across the field, but he didn't see the figure he most wanted to see.
He cleared his throat and announced in a flat tone:
"I've come to inform everyone of something."
"From today onward, Captain Liu Yuan will be taking a leave of absence to leave the academy for a period of time to handle some private affairs."
"During the time he is away, the daily training and management of the team will be fully handled by Vice Captain Ma Rulong."
-------------------------------
I've already uploaded 40 chapters of this story on Patreon!
If you enjoy it, come check out the latest chapters in advance.
Here's the link:
[email protected]/DaoistRoeoNQ
Thank you so much for your support!!!
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"