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Jing Hongchen: “As for an old man like me, who already has one foot in the grave, I’m not worth risking your life for.”

“Listen to me, before those people notice, hurry and go back.”

Su Yu’s lips curled up slightly, his tone unhurried, “Hall Master, can’t you have a little more trust in me?”

“If I say it’s possible, then it is. When have I ever boasted without reason?”

He smiled lightly, then changed the subject, “Hall Master, in this Illustrious Virtue Hall, there must be quite a few people who are Xu Tiannan’s lackeys by now, right?”

Jing Hongchen was taken aback for a moment, then nodded.

Xu Tiannan was now the emperor of the Sun Moon Empire, so naturally some soul engineers would side with him.

With such a large organization, there are all sorts of people. Besides, Xu Tiannan really is the ruler now.

“That’s perfect then…”

Su Yu clenched his fist, smiling, “Let’s use this chance to clean out all these rotten apples.”

“If we get rid of these people, Xu Tiannan will surely feel the pain.”

“Su Yu, are you insane?”

Jing Hongchen was dumbfounded.

Not only did Su Yu not want to retreat, but he was also thinking of killing all the soul engineers in Illustrious Virtue Hall loyal to Xu Tiannan?

How bold must one be to come up with such a crazy idea?

Su Yu smiled calmly, “The merciful can’t command soldiers. Since we are destined to be enemies, how can I be soft-hearted?”

“Since we’re leaving, we might as well leave Xu Tiannan a shocking parting gift.”

“Shocking?”

“I think you mean infuriating.”

Jing Hongchen was speechless.

There were quite a few soul engineers in Illustrious Virtue Hall loyal to Xu Tiannan. If Su Yu really did as he said, who knows how many people would die.

And to kill so many people in public — is Su Yu trying to make Xu Tiannan hate him even more?

This was truly making an enemy to the death!

“The impotent rage of a clown is meaningless.”

Su Yu laughed with contempt; he had never taken Xu Tiannan seriously.

Just a disabled eunuch with no ability, whose ambitions outstripped his fate.

His skills were nowhere near enough to match his twisted ambitions.

“I really think you’re crazy now.”

Jing Hongchen didn’t know what to say, only that Su Yu was becoming more and more reckless compared to before.

He had some reason previously, but now he was practically deranged.

Was the elite soul engineer corps of the Sun Moon Empire just for show?

Jing Hongchen could never have imagined that in just a short time, Su Yu had already grown to a level he could no longer reach.

“Su Yu, there’s something I have to remind you: if you start a massacre, even the Imperial Consecration Hall will come after you.”

Jing Hongchen warned.

Su Yu just smiled indifferently, “Let them come. What do I have to fear?”

“Fine!”

Jing Hongchen turned his head, helpless. He’d said all he could, but Su Yu was as stubborn as ever, leaving him no other options.

“Hall Master, have you made up your mind?”

Su Yu asked with a smile.

Jing Hongchen curled his lip, “Do I even have a choice?”

“Besides getting on your pirate ship, what other option do I have?”

“I’m almost regretting it now. How did I end up choosing such an unreliable brat like you?”

Su Yu chuckled, “Hall Master, it’s too late for regrets now.”

“Let’s just give the order and gather all the soul engineers. We don’t have much time.”

“What do you mean? Have you been discovered?”

Jing Hongchen was shocked.

Su Yu neither confirmed nor denied it, just spread his hands, “Your director, Lin Jiayi, just sneaked out of Illustrious Virtue Hall.”

“What… he…”

Jing Hongchen’s face darkened, “Good, good… what a wolf I’ve raised.”

He had expected betrayal, but never thought it would be Lin Jiayi.

After all, Lin Jiayi was someone he had personally mentored for years, almost like a son.

And yet…

“Sigh, it seems I really am a failure as a Hall Master.”

Jing Hongchen laughed at himself.

Su Yu teased, “People always seek higher ground, water flows downward. Loyalty is always rare.”

“Besides, if you don’t fall, how could he ever get promoted?”

“He wants to move up too.”

Jing Hongchen suddenly understood, then sneered, “Him, become Hall Master of Illustrious Virtue Hall?”

“Ridiculous!”

Illustrious Virtue Hall, the continent’s number one soul tool sanctuary.

Jing Hongchen’s position was earned by true skill.

As for Lin Jiayi?

Not even a rank nine soul engineer, and he wants to be Hall Master?

“When a great building is about to fall, even the clowns start acting up.”

Jing Hongchen said with a cold smile.

Su Yu stretched lazily, loosening his muscles, “Hall Master, let’s not waste time. Gather everyone quickly, or Xu Tiannan’s army will arrive soon…”

Seeing Su Yu’s smiling face, Jing Hongchen understood everything, “You brat, you let him see you on purpose to force me to give in.”

Jing Hongchen glared at Su Yu. Asking whether he agreed or not—Su Yu never gave him a choice.

Otherwise, how could Lin Jiayi have discovered Su Yu’s whereabouts?

“Hall Master, I have no idea what you’re talking about. Don’t slander a good person!”

Su Yu protested righteously.

Jing Hongchen couldn’t be bothered to argue. Once again, he’d been outplayed by this brat.

With a snort, Jing Hongchen turned and left the hall to give the gathering order.

Su Yu followed Jing Hongchen, arms folded, looking completely at ease.

…

Sun Moon Imperial Palace.

Xu Tiannan, wearing his imperial robes and crown, had a cold, silent gaze that suddenly sharpened, turning beastlike and fierce.

“What you said—is it true?”

“It’s absolutely true, Your Majesty,” Lin Jiayi said with a flattering smile. “I saw Su Yu enter Illustrious Virtue Hall with my own eyes. There’s no mistake.”

A vicious glint flashed in Xu Tiannan’s eyes, and then he smiled playfully, “I hear you and Su Yu go way back?”

Lin Jiayi quickly replied, “Your Majesty, it’s true we knew each other, but that was in the past.”

“Now, I’ve already severed all ties with them.”

“My heart belongs only to the Empire and to Your Majesty.”

Xu Tiannan smiled faintly, “You’re loyal. Illustrious Virtue Hall needs a new Hall Master. I think you have some ability.”

Lin Jiayi was overjoyed. “I will go through fire and water for Your Majesty!”

Xu Tiannan waved his hand, and Lin Jiayi tactfully withdrew.

A flash of red light; Ye Xishui, dressed in blood-red robes, suddenly appeared.

She glanced at the door, her blood-red eyes full of contempt. “What use are such petty men?”

Xu Tiannan smiled, “Even petty men have their uses. Used well, they can be quite effective.”

“By the way, Your Eminence, Su Yu has appeared in Radiant City.”

Ye Xishui’s eyes narrowed, a bloodthirsty gleam in her gaze. “Heaven has a door, but he doesn’t take it; Hell has no gate, but he insists on barging in.”

“Since he’s here, he won’t be leaving.”

Xu Tiannan said, “Su Yu is protected by the Ice Emperor Hai Bodong. Are you confident?”

Ye Xishui snorted, “Hai Bodong will be handled. As for Mu Wu, I’ve long wanted to settle old scores with him.”

“As for Su Yu, leave him to Xiaoyao. With his strength, dealing with Su Yu is more than enough.”

A subtle glint flashed in Xu Tiannan’s eyes. He smiled, “Then I’ll have the Royal Soul Engineer Regiment and the Fire Phoenix Soul Engineer Regiment on standby, just in case.”

“With such an inescapable net, I doubt Su Yu could escape even with wings.”

“It’s just a pity that the Silver Moon Douluo still can’t quite make up his mind. Otherwise, with everyone moving together, it would be even more foolproof.”

“Hmph, one more or less doesn’t matter. With his strength, he won’t change the outcome.”

Ye Xishui snorted and disappeared.

Watching Ye Xishui leave, Xu Tiannan’s smile faded.

His eyes glowed red, hatred almost tangible. “Su Yu, let’s see how you die this time.”

“If you insist on walking into the trap, I’ll gladly accept.”

Xu Tiannan clenched his fist, his gaze murderous, like a tiger about to devour its prey.

…

Inside Illustrious Virtue Hall.

In the metal hall, thousands of soul engineers had gathered.

Rows of metal tables stretched into the distance, each soul engineer sitting at his place, looking ahead.

“Jing Hongchen, what’s going on? Why such a big fuss?”

“I still have soul tools to research!”

An old man looked at Jing Hongchen with displeasure.

He, too, was a rank nine soul engineer, highly respected in Illustrious Virtue Hall.

“That’s right, old pal, this better be important or I’ll teach you a lesson.”

Another rank nine soul engineer spoke up.

The rest of the elite rank eight soul engineers also looked unhappy.

Most of them were engrossed in research when they were interrupted.

How could they possibly be in a good mood?

Everyone complained, all eyes on Jing Hongchen.

Jing Hongchen raised his hand, and immediately the murmuring stopped.

He had managed Illustrious Virtue Hall for years. Though his situation was precarious now, his reputation still held.

Clearing his throat, Jing Hongchen said solemnly, “Sorry to disturb you all, but this is indeed an important matter.”

“Before I begin, let me introduce someone.”

Jing Hongchen clapped his hands. The air shook, and Su Yu appeared out of nowhere.

Seeing this, many soul engineers were stunned, with more than a few looking shocked.

“Su Yu?”

In the crowd, Ma Rulong exclaimed.

He knew Su Yu all too well.

In fact, most soul engineers were not strangers to Su Yu.

Jing Hongchen introduced, “Many of you know the man beside me.”

“He set our academy’s latest record, breaking thousands of years of history since its founding.”

“Now, let me formally introduce him again.”

“He is Su Yu, Young Master of the Ice God Palace, Hall Master of the Holy Slayer Palace, the youngest rank nine soul engineer on the continent, and of course, my proudest grandson-in-law.”

The old man frowned, “Jing Hongchen, did you gather us just to introduce your grandson-in-law?”

Jing Hongchen shook his head, “Elder Mu, don’t be impatient, I’m not finished.”

“At Su Yu’s invitation, I’ve decided to leave the Sun Moon Empire and join the Heavenly Soul Empire.”

“I’ve called you all here today to ask who wants to come with us.”

“Outrageous!”

Another rank nine soul engineer jumped up; he was the last rank nine soul engineer present.

“Jing Hongchen, you’re out of your mind. Do you know what you’re saying?”

“You’re challenging the authority of the Sun Moon Empire. This is treason, do you hear me?”

Hearing this, many soul engineers looked at Jing Hongchen with changed expressions, their eyes now scrutinizing him.

Jing Hongchen’s face remained calm, “Yes, I am leaving, but this is not betrayal.”

“Or rather, the real traitor to the Sun Moon Empire is not me, but the current emperor, Xu Tiannan.”

“Xu Tiannan used despicable means to murder his own father, slaughtered all his brothers, and seized the throne by force.”

“If anyone’s a usurper, it’s Xu Tiannan.”

“Now he is even more deranged, trying to drag the entire Sun Moon Empire into the abyss.”

“If he’s allowed to continue, one day Illustrious Virtue Hall will also be dragged down, until it’s destroyed.”

“I’ve poured my heart and soul into Illustrious Virtue Hall. I will never let that happen.”

“I’ve decided to rebuild Illustrious Virtue Hall in the Heavenly Soul Empire, and I hope you’ll come with me.”

“Delusional! Jing Hongchen, if you want to betray your country, fine, but don’t slander His Majesty. How dare you!”

“That’s right! Jing Hongchen, you traitor, you should be executed along with your clan.”

“You want me to betray the Empire? Impossible.”

“Traitor, you really are up to no good, plotting rebellion!”

Jing Hongchen’s words were like a hornet’s nest.

One after another, soul engineers stood up, cursing Jing Hongchen.

Some were genuine patriots; many more were Xu Tiannan’s lackeys.

“What, only this many?”

“You cowards, can’t even curse properly?”

Su Yu sneered.

“Bastard, what did you say?”

“I knew it, you’re the one who bewitched the Illustrious Virtue Hall, you little wretch!”

Provoked by Su Yu, even more people jumped out.

Su Yu kept up the pressure, “What, angry that I called you trash?”

“Not only are you trash, Xu Tiannan that eunuch is even worse, the worst of the worst, useless beyond measure.”

“Shut up!”

“How dare you insult His Majesty?”

Even those who had remained seated could no longer stay silent after Su Yu’s words.

They had no choice.

If they didn’t react to Su Yu cursing Xu Tiannan, they’d never escape punishment when Xu Tiannan took revenge later.