"Haha, it wasn't actually as bad as I said; I was just joking with you guys.
You don't know, those guys from the Body Sect, the moment they saw me, they were astonished like they had seen a deity, crying and begging me to be their Holy Son.
Power, money, beautiful women—they were willing to give me anything, but none of these could sway my steadfast heart."
Qin Xiao said seriously.
"Really!"
Meng Hongchen was greatly shocked, her eyes wide and round with disbelief.
Jing Hongchen snorted dismissively. "Just listen to him spin tales. I know very well what kind of characters those from the Body Sect are.
Each one is incredibly arrogant, strutting around as if they own the place. Would they really beg a kid?
Especially that Poison Not Dead, Sect Master of the Body Sect—he's insufferably arrogant. He sees himself as third only to Heaven and Earth. Anyone who dares to defy him is definitely in for a hard time.
Really... Sometimes the intelligence of girls is practically zero; Grandpa, I'm starting to worry about your future now."
He said, and couldn't help but facepalm.
He undoubtedly thought Qin Xiao was bluffing.
It wasn't that Qin Xiao's talent didn't meet the Body Sect's needs, but Poison Not Dead was someone who couldn't stand even a grain of sand in his eye.
He would never allow anyone not to listen to him.
"Pfft."
Meng Hongchen suddenly laughed. "Uncle Master, that joke you just told was quite funny."
Qin Xiao: "..."
Telling a lie, nobody believes it; telling the truth, still nobody believes it?
Am I that unreliable?
A look of disdain flashed in Vina's lowered eyes.
In her heart, she sneered silently. How was the headmaster of the Imperial Sun Moon Soul Academy any different?
He was nothing but a frog in a well.
Qin Xiao was already being very modest in what he said.
Holy Son?
If Qin Xiao had agreed, Sect Master would have been willing to hand over the position of Sect Master to him immediately.
"Alright, if there's nothing else, I'm going to head back. I've had some new ideas about soul tools recently and plan to go back and work on them."
Qin Xiao spoke and then stood up from his seat.
Jing Hongchen said, "Going back is fine, but I want to remind you not to leave the academy when there's no need, in case those fanatics from the Body Sect come to Ming City and take actions against you.
Secondly, regarding your return, the upper echelons of the Sun-Moon Empire will soon be aware. They're likely to hold a meeting and possibly put you through an evaluation.
Furthermore, no secrets can stay hidden forever, and your return will eventually reach Duke Bai Hu's ears. The grudge between you both runs deep, and even though his current conditions will certainly be rejected by the Sun-Moon Empire, no one knows whether he might raise the stakes, and then, you could well end up being used as a bargaining chip."
"Oh?" Qin Xiao raised an eyebrow, "Can't you, headmaster, keep me safe?"
"Hmph." Meng Hongchen snorted coldly, "I'd like to see who dares to cause trouble at my Imperial Sun Moon Soul Academy."
"However, the royal household has already started making big movements, and there may be some changes involving me as well. I worry that some with ulterior motives might take hidden action against you. It's difficult to guard against a silent thief, so you too need to be extra cautious."
After hearing this, Qin Xiao slowly nodded.
"Thank you, headmaster, for the advice. I will remember and be careful."
"Well then, if that's the case, I won't keep you any longer." Jing Hongchen waved his hand, indicating he could leave.
...
Inside the laboratory.
Xuan Ziwen was busily engaged in his work.
Thud, thud, thud.
Suddenly, he heard a knock on the lab door.
"Didn't I say not to disturb me if it's nothing important?"
"If it's food being delivered, just leave it at the door. I'll get it when I have the time."
He said without lifting his head.
Though his voice was soft, thanks to the enhancement from his Soul Power, the person outside could still hear him clearly.
But the person outside did not leave.
It was as if he hadn't heard him at all, and he continued knocking on the door.
"This is utterly unreasonable!"
Xuan Ziwen slammed the carving knife onto the table with force, stood up from his chair, and walked over to the door, bypassing the workbench.
"I really want to see who is so ignorant this year as to bother me relentlessly!"
He thought angrily and then pushed open the door.
However, the moment the door opened, he was stunned.
The person outside the door.
Was so familiar.
Yet in his heart, there was a sense of incorrectness.
He rubbed his eyes subconsciously, making sure he wasn't seeing things.
"Qin Xiao, is it really you!"
Xuan Ziwen leaped up in surprise.
As happy as a child.
"It's really great to see you alive and back."
Qin Xiao: "..."
"What could possibly happen to me? With my abilities, no matter where I go, I live well," he said, shaking his head helplessly.
It was evident that Xuan Ziwen was truly happy to see him.
But...
"Big brother, what kind of torment have you been through? How have you become so disheveled?"
Qin Xiao asked in bewilderment.
The Xuan Ziwen from the past was refined and well-dressed, a veritable high-quality god among men.
And now?
His clothes were dirty, with some parts even torn; was this something a respectable person would wear?
And the hair, which was nearly waist-long, casually draped over him like a Chow Chow's fur. His beard was also a mess.
Judging by his appearance, Xuan Ziwen looked even more beggarly than the actual beggars outside.
Where was the appearance that a high-quality man should have?
"Uncle Master, you don't know, ever since you were taken away by the people from the Body Sect, the teacher became like a madman.
He blamed himself for not having the power to protect you and could only watch you being taken away; since then, he's fallen into deep self-reproach. Every day, he locks himself in the laboratory, and aside from when he eats and sleeps, he's researching soul tools, hoping to break through to a ninth-level Soul Master so he can rescue you from the Body Sect," Meng Hongchen gave an explanation from behind.
Qin Xiao was silent.
Did Xuan Ziwen really care that much for him?
Seemingly noticing Qin Xiao's thoughts, Xuan Ziwen shook his head, "Don't listen to her nonsense; I just felt like I had some new ideas, so I kept trying and experimenting. You don't need to feel any pressure."
"Come, my dear friend. I have prepared a lot of things for you, and you will definitely find them useful."
With that, he led Qin Xiao into the laboratory and then had Qin Xiao sit down at a table.
He placed some items on the laboratory table.
"These are fifty Grade 8 Invincible Shields. With these shields, even Titled Douluos won't be able to touch you."
Xuan Ziwen was very generous, and then he put a bunch of soul cannons on the table as well.
"These are Fixed Soul Guidance Cannons I've modified. Although they're only level 6, they can all explode with the power of Grade 8. With these, given the particularities of your Martial Soul, even powerful Titled Douluos will be injured by you, or even killed."
Qin Xiao: "..."
"Enabling the soul cannons to unleash such power will reduce the lifespan of their use, won't it?" he asked in a serious tone.
Xuan Ziwen shook his head, "You don't need to worry about that; these items are specially made for you. Your safety is of utmost importance. I'd like to see who would dare to touch you then?"
"I still don't think it's enough. When the subsequent funds come in, I'll make another batch for you."
Qin Xiao understood. Xuan Ziwen wanted to arm him.
Besides, he also felt that Xuan Ziwen was ill.
Suffering from a fear of inadequate firepower.
These things were still not enough; he actually wanted more.
Even Vina, who was watching the commotion, was stunned.
It was known that every soul tool Xuan Ziwen took out was extremely expensive. Each casually presented piece was at least a Level 7 Soul Guidance Device, or equivalent in strength, representing wealth many could not earn in a lifetime.
He actually took out so many?
"Enough, enough."
Qin Xiao shook his head helplessly, "With so many soul tools, if I'd been prepared in advance, even if several Titled Douluos came, they could all be blasted to death by me."
"No, it's still not enough. Recently I've had an epiphany, and the threshold to become a Ninth-Level Soul Master seems to be right before my eyes. Just wait for me to cross this threshold. I will be able to make even stronger soul tools, and then I'll improve the equipment I give you."
As Xuan Ziwen spoke, he clenched his fists tightly, "By then, even if Jinpeng from the Body Sect comes again, I will ensure he can't escape and might even meet his end!"
Vina: "..."
She could tell, Xuan Ziwen held a lot of resentment in his heart towards Elder Jin.
She couldn't help but wonder, if this guy knew that Elder Jin was currently in Ming City, would he immediately go and kill him?
"Ha ha, brother, the path of the Soul Master is similar to cultivation. Don't be too hasty. Make sure to be steady and methodical, progressing step by step.
Besides, haven't I returned now? We can set aside our vendetta, and speak of revenge when we are stronger."
Qin Xiao tried to advise earnestly.
"I understand what you're saying, but just thinking of that old man makes me seethe with anger. But, said or unsaid, he has also become my motivation to move forward.
I believe in the words Teacher once said to me: one must have a goal; otherwise, reaching the pinnacle aimlessly is impossible.
I previously thought becoming a Ninth-Level Soul Master was my life's goal. Now it seems that what Teacher meant was that I should hope for a powerful enemy; it's hatred that can spur rapid growth."
As Xuan Ziwen spoke, he suddenly asked Qin Xiao, "Do you have enemies?"
"Yes," Qin Xiao replied without hesitation.
Xuan Ziwen was taken aback for a moment but quickly realized, "Ah, right, I already know about the affairs with the Xingluo Empire. With such deep hatred, it's no wonder you have grown so quickly."
After hearing their conversation, Vina felt dreadful.
She thought to herself, what a disaster.
The Body Sect's last operation might have well created for themselves a powerful enemy.
Elder Jin could never have dreamt of it, could he?
And she could see that Qin Xiao's relationship with Xuan Ziwen was extraordinary; if anyone targeted Xuan Ziwen, Qin Xiao would definitely not allow it.
"Qin Xiao, Qin Xiao, I heard you're back?"
Just then, a clamor came from outside the laboratory door.
Everyone turned their gaze to the door and saw a young man rushing in hastenedly.
Seeing this person, the corners of Qin Xiao's mouth lifted slightly.
Xiao Hongchen.
This guy was quite well-informed to have arrived so quickly.
"I'm really happy you're not dead," Xiao Hongchen said excitedly, patting Qin Xiao's shoulder.
Qin Xiao: "..."
The rest fell into silence as well.
Vina barely concealed a frown.
The young man who had entered seemed to be capable, except for his inappropriate words.
"Why aren't you speaking? Are you too happy to see me?" Xiao Hongchen asked, puzzled.
Qin Xiao shook his head, "I could go my whole life without seeing someone like you and not miss it."
Xiao Hongchen: "..."
What kind of response was that?
"You're back just in time. While you were away, I also trained hard, making substantial progress both in cultivation level and in the path of the soul tool.
Why don't we have a match and see how much of a gap there is between you and me now?" Xiao Hongchen's eyes shone with excitement.
"Bro, aren't you saying it backwards? Shouldn't it be to see how big of a gap there is between you and Uncle Qin?" Meng Hongchen unhesitatingly stepped forward to speak her mind.
"I, with my exceptional talent, the number one genius of the Hongchen Clan, how can I be subordinate to others for long?"
Xiao Hongchen said proudly, "Maybe that was true in the past. But now I am no longer who I was, and I believe my strength must be above Qin Xiao's! Don't ask why; it's confidence!"
Meng Hongchen frowned deeply, "Bro, have you been taking too much of that spiritual power enhancement medicine lately, causing you delusions?"
She truly didn't understand where Xiao Hongchen's confidence came from.
Yet,
Xiao Hongchen ignored Meng Hongchen, his gaze fixed on Qin Xiao with an eager look, "How about it? Wanna give it a try?"
Qin Xiao smiled and nodded, "Sure, I'd also like to try out the new equipment I've gotten."
With that, he gathered up all the soul tools from the laboratory table in one stroke.
Seeing this, Xiao Hongchen's face immediately fell.
What kind of joke was this?
"Qin Xiao, are you planning to use these tools to fight me?"
"They are soul tools, aren't they? Just right for my level of use. I'm sure they can bring you plenty of surprises," Qin Xiao said with a smile.
Xiao Hongchen's face turned dark instantly.
"Then what's the point in fighting? I might as well just admit defeat. It's obvious that these soul tools are from Teacher Xuan's hand.
If I fight you with these, isn't it a guaranteed loss for me? Might as well twist off my head and hand it to you..."
Xiao Hongchen said indignantly.
He felt he was being treated unfairly.
"Bro, do you have any pride at all?"
Meng Hongchen couldn't help but press her forehead.
Her brother was truly exasperating.
Who could have thought that the first-in-line heir to the Hongchen Clan would be like this?
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