Inside Jing Hongchen's spacious, metallic office, the air seemed to linger with a faint, intertwined scent of cold fragrance and evil energy.
Tang Ya huddled inside her black robe, her hands twisting together tightly.
When she heard Liu Yuan get straight to the point without reservation, requesting the head of the Sun Moon Empire's Soul Engineers in a tone that almost took it for granted, her heart nearly skipped a beat.
"He... how does he dare to speak like that?"
Tang Ya had traveled the Douluo Continent for many years and knew well the majesty of a Titled Douluo.
In Shrek, even an Outer Court teacher would have to bow and show deep reverence when meeting an existence like Yan Shaozhe.
But what about Liu Yuan? Facing the rank ninety-three Jing Hongchen, though his tone was polite, it carried the casualness of speaking to a peer, and even a hint of dominance that suggested, "You must handle this matter well for me."
She had even prepared herself mentally to be coldly rejected by Jing Hongchen, or even seized on the spot.
After all, the words 'Evil Soul Master' were like a scourge in the eyes of any orthodox power.
However, the subsequent development completely overturned Tang Ya's perception.
After hearing Liu Yuan's statement, Jing Hongchen did not get angry; instead, he frowned slightly and took another serious look at Tang Ya.
A flash of blue light crossed his wise old eyes, clearly indicating he was using some form of spiritual detection.
A moment later, Jing Hongchen's expression softened. With a wave of his large hand, he laughed heartily, "I thought it was some massive ordeal. Since Xiao Yuan has spoken, and this young lady is your close friend, I will definitely help with this!"
He paused, his tone becoming professional and rigorous: "I just did a preliminary scan. This girl's situation is indeed as you described—a malignant mutation induced by external forces."
"Fortunately, it hasn't been long. Although the evil energy has seeped into her bones, it hasn't completely corrupted her mind yet. To cure it at the root will indeed take some effort."
"Tell you what, I'll go gather two Titled Douluo Elders from the academy who specialize in life and purification. We'll also use that ninth-rank spirit tool in the laboratory specifically designed for regulating spirit power fluctuations, 'Hongchen's Protection: Light of Purification.' Within a month, I guarantee I'll return a clean and refreshed Tang Sect Sect Master to you!"
"Then I thank the Dean," Liu Yuan said with a slight smile and a nod of acknowledgment.
"You brat, why are you being polite with me?" Jing Hongchen laughed, patting Liu Yuan's shoulder, then hurriedly pushed the door open and left.
"Sit here for a moment. I'll go make the arrangements. Those old guys have been obsessed with researching new core Formations lately; if I don't go personally to invite them, they won't budge."
The door closed, and the office fell into a brief silence.
Tang Ya stood there blankly, her body still trembling slightly under the black robe.
She suddenly turned her head and stared at Liu Yuan through the gap in her hood with eyes that looked at him like he was a monster, her voice shaking violently:
"Liu Yuan... he, he just agreed like that? That's a Titled Douluo! And did you hear? He's going to use a ninth-rank spirit tool... that's a ninth-rank spirit tool! He's planning to use it just because of a few words from you?"
"Has your status here really reached such a height?"
She couldn't understand it.
Why had Liu Yuan's status become so high?
Was this right?
Liu Yuan pulled over a chair and sat down, his movements elegant and composed.
Hearing Tang Ya's words, he gave a faint smile, his tone carrying a bit of teasing:
"Calm down, Tang Ya. In this world, there is no hatred without cause, and no love without reason. The Sun Moon Empire values my potential, and the value I've shown is worth them using these resources. As for status..."
Liu Yuan paused, the corners of his mouth curling into a meaningful arc: "Indeed. I am now a 'Duke' officially appointed by the Imperial Family. My status is quite high."
"Duke?!" Tang Ya cried out in shock, completely dumbfounded.
She had originally thought Liu Yuan was just doing well here, perhaps as a key person being nurtured.
But what did 'Duke' mean?
That was a top-tier noble, second only to the Imperial Family!
In the Heaven Dou Empire, even a Sect Master would have to be polite in front of a Duke.
And Liu Yuan had actually become a Duke of the Sun Moon Empire at the age of sixteen?
"Alright, alright, don't be so surprised," Liu Yuan waved his hand.
Not long after, steady footsteps echoed in the hallway.
Jing Hongchen pushed the door open and entered, followed by three elderly men.
The aura of these three Elders was as deep as an abyss, and every movement they made faintly triggered a resonance with the surrounding Heaven and Earth spirit power.
Tang Ya felt her breath hitch; these three people were all Titled Douluo!
However, an even more absurd scene unfolded before Tang Ya's eyes.
These three Titled Douluo, who in the outside world were enough to start their own Sects and be revered by thousands, actually stopped in their tracks upon seeing Liu Yuan, placed their right hands over their chests, and bowed slightly.
"Greetings, Lord Duke."
There wasn't a hint of reluctance in their tone; instead, it carried a sense of heartfelt admiration.
After all, Liu Yuan had led the team from Sun Moon Royal Academy to win the Soul Master Tournament, gaining supreme honor for their Sun Moon Empire.
Moreover, he himself had demonstrated sufficient talent and strength.
Everyone knew very well that although Liu Yuan hadn't fully grown yet, it was a certainty that such a Genius would become a great talent in the future.
So, it was best for them to win him over in advance.
Liu Yuan also stood up and politely returned the gesture: "Elders, there is no need for such ceremony. I will have to trouble you all regarding today's matter. This young lady is very important to me; I leave her in your hands."
"Lord Duke, you are too kind. Your friend is a friend of the academy; we will certainly do our utmost," the leading white-haired Elder said respectfully.
Then, the several Titled Douluo wasted no time. At Jing Hongchen's signal, they led Tang Ya toward the academy's deepest, top-secret medical laboratory.
Before leaving, Tang Ya turned back and gave Liu Yuan a deep look.
At that moment, the red glow in her eyes completely extinguished, replaced by an unprecedented sense of peace.
She knew that as long as this youth was there, her nightmare was truly over.
After seeing Tang Ya off, Liu Yuan returned to his Duke's Mansion in the Bright Capital.
He entered the quiet room, dismissed the servants, and sat cross-legged.
He began a new round of cultivation.
At the same time...
Sea God Island, Yan Shaozhe's office.
Outside the window was the shimmering Sea God Lake, with a breeze blowing through the willow branches, creating ripples.
Inside the office were Du Weilun and Yan Shaozhe.
Du Weilun gently placed a sealed file on Yan Shaozhe's desk and said in a low voice, "Dean, this is the first draft of the exchange student list for both sides."
Yan Shaozhe picked up the file, glanced at it casually, and tossed it back onto the desk, his gaze deep as he looked out the window.
"Weilun, what do you think our true purpose for this exchange is?"
Du Weilun was taken aback, then said seriously, "Nominally, it's to learn from each other and progress together. But in reality, we want to use this opportunity to understand the latest developments in the Sun Moon Empire's spirit tools. At the same time, through the exchange students' identities, we can see if they have discovered any 'Geniuses' who could threaten us."
"Geniuses who could threaten us..." Yan Shaozhe sneered, the figure of the youth who had defeated them during the Soul Master Tournament involuntarily surfacing in his mind.
"If we're talking about geniuses who threaten us, who else is there but him?" Yan Shaozhe turned around, a calculating light flashing in his eyes.
"To ensure the safety of the students on both sides, it's an old rule—exchanging 'hostages.' Both sides will designate several important students from the other side as hostages to stay in their own academy, under the guise of advanced studies, but actually for containment."
Du Weilun nodded: "Indeed. So this time, I intend to have Huo Yuhao and the others go..."
"On our side, I only want one person." Yan Shaozhe interrupted Du Weilun, his finger tapping heavily on the desk, his voice carrying a determined gloominess.
"Liu Yuan."
"Elder Xuan expelling him back then was the biggest mistake."
"We can use this opportunity to bring him to Shrek Academy and win him back."
"Of course, that's the ideal scenario."
"If that fails, then we can find a way to eliminate him."
"Otherwise, as long as he exists, our Shrek Academy will never have a chance to shine! We will always be suppressed by the Sun Moon Royal Academy!"
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