When Xiao Hongchen heard his grandfather's words, he was at first happy that he wasn't being scolded, but immediately afterward, he felt unconvinced.
Xiao Hongchen thought unhappily, Impulsive? He wants me to learn from Wang Chen? Does that mean Grandfather thinks Wang Chen is stronger than me? More talented than me?
All his life, Xiao Hongchen had been the one others were told to learn from. Since when did he, Xiao Hongchen, need to learn from someone else?
The pride in Xiao Hongchen's heart was completely ignited. He immediately decided he had to see for himself what kind of ability Wang Chen had that made his grandfather praise him so highly.
…
At this time, inside the Mingde Hall's assessment chamber, after exchanging a few polite words with several Rank Seven Soul Engineers, Wang Chen had now become acquainted with them. The Rank Seven Soul Engineers soon left.
These people were all clever. They knew that when meeting for the first time, it was best just to make an impression—trying to get too close would have the opposite effect and might even cause annoyance.
Now, only the Director of Education, Lin Jiayi, and Wang Chen remained in the vast examination hall.
Lin Jiayi said, "Wang Chen, from now on, you are an official member of the Mingde Hall.
From this day forth, every year you'll be entitled to receive a certain quota of rare metals for cultivation. If you make any research discoveries, you can report them. Once approved by the higher-ups, you'll be awarded accordingly.
When you become a Rank Seven Soul Engineer, you'll be able to lead your own research group. And if you reach Rank Eight, you'll even have your own private laboratory within the Mingde Hall…"
Wang Chen had no interest in any of this. As for the so-called quota of rare metals, he didn't even care.
He could freely access all the resources of the Wang Clan. Compared to that, the small amount of rare metal allocated to Rank Five Soul Engineers by the Mingde Hall was utterly insignificant in his eyes.
As for the privileges of Rank Seven or Rank Eight Soul Engineers, they were equally meaningless. Wang Chen had no intention of staying in Mingde Hall long-term anyway.
Wang Chen casually replied, "Director Lin, as you've probably already noticed, I do have some skill in the field of soul tools.
However, what's currently limiting my progress in that field is not knowledge—but soul power.
My soul power is too weak. It can't support me in creating or using higher-level soul tools.
That's why I've decided to focus on cultivating my soul power for now, rather than spending too much time researching or crafting soul tools. So, I'll rarely take part in projects within the Mingde Hall."
Lin Jiayi thought to himself, Soul power too weak to support his research? Does this boy even realize what he's saying? Perhaps… this is what they call the troubles of a genius.
Lin Jiayi said aloud, "Since you're not tied to any projects or tasks, the Mingde Hall won't impose any restrictions on you. But, if you're only listed as a nominal member, you won't receive many of the usual benefits."
Wang Chen nodded, showing that he didn't mind.
At that moment, Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen arrived at the Mingde Hall's assessment chamber.
Seeing the two "little ancestors" arrive, Lin Jiayi—who was one of Jing Hongchen's most trusted aides—immediately smiled and greeted them, "Young Master, Young Miss."
Meng Hongchen asked, "Director Lin, has Brother Wang Chen passed the Mingde Hall assessment?"
At her side, Xiao Hongchen also pricked up his ears to listen.
Lin Jiayi replied, "He passed."
Upon hearing those two words, Xiao Hongchen's gaze immediately fixed on Wang Chen, eyes burning with intensity.
He remembered clearly that Wang Chen was only fourteen, not yet fifteen. For someone that young to have already passed the Mingde Hall assessment and reached the level of a Rank Five Soul Engineer—it was no wonder Grandfather praised him.
Xiao Hongchen grinned slightly, thinking, With that kind of strength, he's qualified to be my opponent.
Xiao Hongchen said aloud, "Wang Chen, I want to spar with you!"
When Wang Chen heard that Xiao Hongchen wanted to challenge him, he raised an eyebrow. What, did this guy take a stimulant or something? He wants to spar with me? Isn't that just asking to be beaten?
Glancing at Xiao Hongchen—whose handsome, youthful face still carried traces of immaturity—Wang Chen could only regard him as a child.
In Wang Chen's eyes, Xiao Hongchen's strength was far too weak to even pique his interest.
Wang Chen had already far surpassed the level of his peers. His eyes were set on the strongest figures of the older generation.
In Wang Chen's view, his goals were the Rank Nine Soul Engineers and the true power holders of the Sun Moon Empire.
It wasn't that he looked down on Xiao Hongchen—he simply didn't see him as someone worth paying attention to.
However, though Xiao Hongchen was beneath his notice, since he had challenged him, Wang Chen didn't mind wasting a second or two to teach him a lesson.
He'd let Xiao Hongchen experience a bit of defeat—to understand what it truly meant when people said "there is always someone stronger."
Wang Chen nodded slightly, indicating his agreement.
When Meng Hongchen heard that her brother was challenging Brother Wang Chen, her curiosity was instantly piqued.
With Lin Jiayi, a Soul Douluo-level powerhouse, present to supervise, Meng Hongchen wasn't worried about either of them getting hurt.
She was just curious—who would win? She knew her brother's strength well, but she'd never seen Wang Chen fight, so she had no idea how strong he really was.
Brimming with curiosity, Meng Hongchen said, "Brother Wang Chen, do your best!"
Standing to the side, Lin Jiayi frowned slightly at the situation.
From Wang Chen's earlier assessment, Lin Jiayi had already realized that his strength was terrifying. Several Rank Five Soul Engineers had fallen to him within two moves.
Such power was definitely not something the young master, Xiao Hongchen—who had only recently reached the Soul Ancestor level—could match.
Lin Jiayi immediately intended to stop the duel. If they really fought, Young Master Xiao Hongchen's confidence might be completely shattered.
He said tactfully, "Young Master Xiao Hongchen, Wang Chen just went through the assessment. He's still exhausted. How about you wait until another day, when he's fully recovered, and then have your match?"
It was a clever way to intervene—he could stop the fight while preserving Xiao Hongchen's dignity.
But Xiao Hongchen didn't catch the good intentions behind Lin Jiayi's words. He simply took out a small jade bottle from his storage soul tool and tossed it to Wang Chen.
Then he said confidently, "I don't take advantage of others when they're weak. Winning that way wouldn't be honorable. I'll give you an hour to recover, then we'll fight."
Lin Jiayi was speechless. My dear young master, you're really not his match—why won't you listen?!
Wang Chen looked at the jade bottle in his hand and tossed it back casually. "We can start right now. I'm in perfect condition. Come."
Standing to the side, Meng Hongchen clapped her hands happily. "I'll be the referee! The match begins!"
As soon as the words left her mouth—
In less than a breath, a terrifyingly overbearing fist shadow shattered the sky filled with soul tool cannon blasts.
In the next instant, Xiao Hongchen was struck by the edge of the aftershock. His body rolled dozens of times before finally landing on the floor, eyes blank and unfocused.
At that moment, only one thought echoed in Xiao Hongchen's mind—
The title of the Sun Moon Empire's strongest genius… has changed hands.