Douluo Dalu 2: The True God King

Credits: Fugu

Just as Su Yu was about to leave, Jing Hongchen called him back.

Rubbing his temples, Jing Hongchen said, "You've got me so riled up I almost forgot something important."

Su Yu turned back and asked, "Hall Master, what else is there?"

Jing Hongchen shot Su Yu a glance, sighed, and said, "Shrek Academy proposed an exchange program with our academy."

"Each side will send students to the other academy to promote learning and exchange."

"What does that have to do with me?" Su Yu replied dismissively.

"Because Shrek Academy specifically requested that you join the exchange program."

"You defeated Shrek Academy's team, and clearly, they haven't forgotten you."

"Maybe," Su Yu said with a faint smile. He knew those people weren't up to anything good. He had already declined Yan Shaozhe's offer before, but it seemed they hadn't given up and were now targeting him through this exchange program.

"What do you think, Hall Master?" Su Yu asked.

Jing Hongchen said slowly, "The exchange program would be beneficial for our academy."

"Shrek Academy has accumulated experience over 10,000 years, especially in training soul masters. That's precisely what our academy lacks."

"Sending students to Shrek Academy, even if they only gain a fraction of that knowledge, would greatly benefit our academy as a whole."

"Hall Master, don't forget that they would also learn things from Illustrious Virtue Hall," Su Yu reminded.

"That's not a concern. Shrek Academy is just an academy; they don't belong to any empire."

"But we are part of an empire."

"In the long run, the benefits favor us."

Su Yu: "…"

If I hadn't read the original story and seen how Huo Yuhao took so much from Illustrious Virtue Hall, I might've believed you.

Going to Shrek to study? What could he possibly learn there? Running drills?

Su Yu dismissed the idea internally. But in this lifetime, Huo Yuhao wouldn't be part of the exchange team. If it were just a simple exchange program, it wouldn't be a loss.

Too lazy to dampen Jing Hongchen's enthusiasm, Su Yu stayed quiet.

Seeing this, Jing Hongchen asked, "Su Yu, have you thought about it? Will you join the exchange program?

"I intend to send Meng and Xiao as part of the exchange team. Perhaps they might learn something."

"If you go, you'd be with them, and as for your safety, I doubt Shrek Academy would dare target you."

With Haibodong and Mu Wu protecting Su Yu, Jing Hongchen wasn't worried about his safety. And given Su Yu's attitude toward Shrek Academy, he wasn't concerned about them trying to recruit him either.

Su Yu said with some exasperation, "Hall Master, what do you think Shrek Academy could teach me?

"Shrek Academy has, at most, 10,000 years of history, while our Ice God Palace has 30,000 years of heritage."

"We have our well-developed system for nurturing talent."

"Me joining the exchange program would just be a waste of time."

Su Yu rolled his eyes. If he were willing to go to Shrek Academy, he wouldn't have bothered coming to the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy. Jing Hongchen didn't even consider that?

However, Jing Hongchen smiled and said, "I knew you'd refuse, but hear me out first."

"Yes, when it comes to general soul master training, Shrek Academy can't teach you much."

"And in terms of understanding ice-related martial souls, they're nowhere near your Ice God Palace."

"But... have you forgotten about your second martial soul?"

"Your second martial soul is the Ultimate Wind."

"In nearly ten millennia, there have been powerful figures with Ultimate Wind and Ultimate Fire, both of whom came from Shrek Academy's martial soul department."

"You might not need anything else, but what about the training insights of an Ultimate Wind Soul Master?"

"I think that's something you could use."

In terms of ice-related expertise, Shrek Academy didn't hold a candle to the Ice God Palace. But when it came to Ultimate Wind, the Ice God Palace lacked the knowledge. The training experience of Shrek's former Ultimate Wind expert could save Su Yu a lot of trouble.

Hearing this, Su Yu raised an eyebrow.

True, he had overlooked that. Shrek Academy had once nurtured Ultimate martial soul masters.

And his second martial soul, if he wasn't mistaken, would possess multiple Ultimate attributes.

Whether it was Ultimate Wind or Ultimate Fire, they were all part of his future potential.

If he could study the notes of those two experts, it would indeed be beneficial.

However...

After pondering for a moment, Su Yu said, "Hall Master, you make a valid point, but what I want to learn likely isn't part of Shrek Academy's curriculum."

"For instance, would you share your insights with Shrek Academy students?"

"Of course not," Jing Hongchen replied without hesitation.

"Exactly. You already know it's impossible."

"So even if I join the exchange program, will they just hand over those notes to me?"

"Obviously not."

"If I want that knowledge, I'd have to exchange something for it."

"In that case, whether I participate in the exchange program or not doesn't matter."

Jing Hongchen: "…"

He clicked his tongue but had to admit Su Yu had a point. He had been too naive in his thinking.

"So, are you sure you're not going?"

"Fine. Then stay and study at the academy. With your talent, you'll undoubtedly make great strides in soul engineering."

At that moment, Su Yu added, "I never said I'd stay at the academy either."

Jing Hongchen's temple throbbed with frustration. "You're not going as an exchange student, you're not staying at the academy—what exactly are you planning to do?"

Su Yu replied nonchalantly, "Can't I go travel and train on the continent?"

"Reading ten thousand books can't compare to traveling ten thousand miles. How can I grow if I stay cooped up in the academy all the time?"

"By the way, when does the exchange program start?"

"You're not going, so why are you asking?" Jing Hongchen retorted irritably.

"I'm not going as an exchange student, but I didn't say I couldn't make a trip to Shrek Academy on my own."

"If they have something I need, of course, I'll figure out a way to get it," Su Yu said matter-of-factly.

Jing Hongchen was momentarily speechless. How could this kid sound so righteous about something so brazen?

Although he mentally rolled his eyes, Jing Hongchen still answered, "The exchange program is tentatively set for the academic year after next—about a year from now.

"The exchange will last two and a half years, ending a few months before the next Soul Master Tournament."

"Oh~" Su Yu nodded, filing the information away. The timeline matched the original story.

"Anything else you want to ask?" Jing Hongchen looked at Su Yu.

"Nope, that's it."

"Then scram already," Jing Hongchen said, rolling his eyes.

"Hehe," Su Yu chuckled. "Hall Master, think about what I said earlier."

'Why should nobles and kings always come from the same lineage?'

"A call to arms isn't impossible, you know."

"Of course, if you don't like that slogan, you could go with something like 'Restore Order, Overthrow Tyranny.'

"Or, 'Every dynasty has its turn, why not the Hongchen family?' Who says only the Xu family can be emperors?"

Before Jing Hongchen could respond, Su Yu scooped up Meng Hongchen and darted out of the hall.

Jing Hongchen had barely raised his hand when Su Yu was already out of sight.

After a moment of stunned silence, Jing Hongchen laughed and cursed, "That brat! Always stirring up rebellion like it's child's play. Does he think it's that simple?"

He shook his head but then noticed Xiao Hongchen muttering under his breath, phrases like "restore order" and "defend the throne."

Jing Hongchen narrowed his eyes and smacked Xiao Hongchen on the head.

Smack!

The slap landed squarely, leaving Xiao Hongchen dazed but unharmed.

Xiao Hongchen looked up, eyes full of confusion and disbelief.

"Are you awake now?"

"With your limited skills, how dare you entertain such ideas? Su Yu casually said a couple of things, and you're already brainwashed?"

"Still thinking about such nonsense? You've got some nerve!" Jing Hongchen scolded him harshly, leaving Xiao Hongchen looking like a scolded child.

Xiao Hongchen: "..."

Why am I always the one getting hit? Why don't you hit Su Yu instead? He said way more than I did.

Seeing Xiao Hongchen's expression, Jing Hongchen frowned. "What? Are you still not convinced?

"Let me tell you, don't show any dissatisfaction in front of your grandfather."

Saying this, Jing Hongchen started rolling up his sleeves.

Seeing this, Xiao Hongchen immediately bolted.

But how could Jing Hongchen let him off so easily? He knew his grandson's rebellious and ambitious nature too well. Xiao Hongchen had more ambition than skill and likely got excited by Su Yu's words.

Jing Hongchen had to make it clear: some ideas were not to be entertained—at least not yet.

And so, poor Xiao Hongchen got caught and received a thorough beating. His wails of pain echoed far beyond Mingde Hall, evoking pity from all who heard them.

Meanwhile, Su Yu carried Meng Hongchen as he sprinted out of Illustrious Virtue Hall.

Meng Hongchen snuggled in his arms, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

Su Yu dares to do anything...

Along the way, many people noticed them. Seeing Su Yu carrying Meng Hongchen, they assumed the young couple was simply being playful.

Many cast their kind smiles, and a few even chuckled softly.

In the eyes of most in Illustrious Virtue Hall, Su Yu and Meng Hongchen were a perfect match—a golden boy and jade girl, an ideal pair.

It wasn't until they were far from Illustrious Virtue Hall that Su Yu finally put Meng Hongchen down.

By this time, her face was as red as a ripe apple.

Meng Hongchen's delicate face was flushed, and her shy demeanor made her look like an innocent little rabbit, tugging at Su Yu's heartstrings.

Unable to resist, Su Yu lightly tapped her delicate nose. This girl was still so easy to fluster.

But it was precisely her innocence that made Su Yu like her, wasn't it?

"Meng'er, walk with me," Su Yu said softly.

"Mm," Meng Hongchen nodded gently, placing her small hand in Su Yu's.

Despite her shyness, Meng Hongchen would never let it stop her from being close to Su Yu. She loved clinging to him most of all.

With a slight twist of his left hand, Su Yu interlocked their fingers. The two walked hand in hand, strolling through the academy grounds, laughing and chatting as they went. It felt like a tranquil and timeless moment.

Their leisurely steps brought them to a pavilion by a scenic lake. The lake was home to many ornamental fish, their vibrant colors adding to the picturesque setting.

Su Yu sat by the edge of the pavilion, and Meng Hongchen settled on his lap, leaning into his embrace.

A gentle breeze rippled across the lake's surface, carrying with it a refreshing sense of peace.

Meng Hongchen nestled against Su Yu's chest, breathing in his scent with an expression of quiet adoration.

Su Yu's hand caressed her smooth, delicate face, his fingers occasionally brushing over her long lashes, dainty nose, and soft, rosy lips.

"Yu~" Meng Hongchen murmured, her voice soft. "Do you think Grandpa will listen to you?"

Her tone carried a hint of worry. She was concerned that Jing Hongchen might insist on collaborating with the Holy Spirit Sect, which would inevitably strain her relationship with Su Yu.

In her heart, both Jing Hongchen and Su Yu were equally important. She couldn't bear the thought of either of them getting hurt.

"The Hall Master is a smart man," Su Yu replied with a gentle laugh. "If I hadn't spoken up, he might've entertained some cooperation with the Holy Spirit Sect under the Sun and Moon Empire's guidance."

"But since I've voiced my stance, it's impossible for him to align himself with the Holy Spirit Sect."

"What ties does the Hall Master have with the Holy Spirit Sect?"

"And what relationship does he have with me?"

"The answer is pretty clear."

"The Hall Master asked so many questions because he's worried I might interfere with the Sun and Moon Empire and become their enemy."

"But it's obvious that I hold no hostility toward the empire itself. My target is solely the Holy Spirit Sect."

"Oh, I see. That puts my mind at ease," Meng Hongchen said, visibly relaxing. Her momentary concerns vanished completely.

As long as her grandfather wouldn't face Su Yu as an enemy, nothing else mattered to her.

Whether Su Yu's actions against the Holy Spirit Sect might drag the Sun and Moon Empire into the fray was irrelevant to her.

After all, as long as the Ice God Palace didn't clash with the Hongchen family, that was enough.

Her world was small, and her heart cared only for a handful of people.

"You trust me so easily—aren't you afraid I'm deceiving you?" Su Yu teased.

Meng Hongchen looked at him with serious eyes. "I trust you, Yu. You would never lie to me."

"I'm so clumsy; you'd never have the heart to trick me."

Su Yu smiled faintly, gently pinching her soft cheeks. "Who calls themselves clumsy? My Meng'er isn't clumsy—just pure-hearted."

Hearing this, Meng Hongchen's lips curled into a sweet smile, her expression radiating a happiness that seemed to bloom from the depths of her heart.

"Yu, let's never be apart, okay?" Meng Hongchen said softly.

"Okay," Su Yu replied. His voice was quiet but resolute, like a promise carved in stone.