Douluo Continent: Starting with a Heavenly Fire Judgment

Chapter 188 I've been to your house

"Hello, may I ask your honorable name, senior?" Jing Hongchen bowed slightly and greeted Elder Mu.

Old Master Mu smiled slightly and said, "My name is Mu En, and I believe there are not many people in this world who still remember my name."

Upon hearing Elder Mu's name, Jing Hongchen's face indeed showed complete bewilderment. In his memory, and in his investigation of Shrek Academy, there was indeed no record of this name. But the more bewildered he was, the stronger his wariness of Elder Mu became.

Old Master Mu is over two hundred years old and became famous a century ago. It's normal that someone of Jing Hongchen's age hasn't heard of him.

Elder Mu said calmly, "Could you tell me, in your opinion, which is better, Mingde Hall or Sea God Pavilion?"

Jing Hongchen was slightly taken aback. Elder Mu's question seemed vague, but he immediately understood what Elder Mu meant. Elder Mu was asking him about the advantages and disadvantages between Soul Masters and Soul Instructors, as well as the comparison between Mingde Hall and Shrek Academy.

After a moment's thought, Jing Hongchen said, "Since I don't fully understand the Sea God Pavilion, I dare not make any rash comments. But in terms of high-end combat power, Shrek Academy's position on the continent is unshakeable, neither our Mingde Hall nor the Body Sect can compare. But if it were a war, our side would surely win."

When she finished speaking, Jing Hongchen's tone was firm, resolute, and unwavering. Even Elder Mu was slightly moved.

Elder Mu fell silent for a moment. He had actually taken some time to visit the Sun Moon Empire and discovered that the Sun Moon Empire's soul tools had developed to a level he couldn't understand. He even discovered soul tools that he felt were dangerous. That's why he wanted to promote exchanges and learning with the Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy. Although it was too late to catch up now, he wanted to at least let Shrek Academy know how far the Sun Moon Empire had developed.

Only after sending someone to study at the Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy can we see the truth.

"Jing Hongchen, I once visited your Mingde Hall. Your development in soul tools has indeed exceeded my expectations. There's one thing I think you're right about: when soul tools no longer rely on a soul master's soul power, then the soul master profession will inevitably be replaced, just like soul tools replaced Tang Sect's hidden weapons. However, I must add something for you. Even if that day truly comes, the strongest will still be the soul master. Because only a powerful soul master can unleash the full power of a stronger soul tool. Do you agree?"

Jing Hongchen nodded and said, "Yes, you're right. The stronger the individual wielding a soul tool, the higher their potential. At least for now, apart from fixed-installation soul tools, we haven't developed a sufficiently powerful soul tool that doesn't require the power of a soul master. I can't predict future developments. But the rise of soul masters is inevitable, just like how soul tools replaced cold weapons." His words were earnest, but inwardly he was filled with doubt and apprehension. Elder Mu had been to Mingde Hall? If such an unpredictable and powerful expert were…? Cold sweat dripped down his back.

Old Master Mu smiled slightly. He said it on purpose to intimidate Jing Hongchen. He had indeed visited Mingde Hall.

"Elder Mu, you are truly awe-inspiring." Bowing slightly, Jing Hongchen tried his best to suppress his inner shock. "I have come here today to discuss the exchange and learning between our students. Our Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy and Shrek Academy are both top academies on the continent today, and I believe this exchange is very necessary. It can also greatly promote mutual understanding and learning between the two sides."

Elder Mu said calmly, "Exchange and learning are fine. But can you guarantee the safety of my students? Also, what will our Shrek disciples actually learn at your esteemed academy?"

Jing Hongchen seemed to have anticipated this question and answered without hesitation, "Safety is absolutely guaranteed. I assure you with the honor of Mingde Hall. During their studies at my Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy, your students will receive the best guidance. If they are capable enough, they may even be admitted to my Mingde Hall."

Old Master Mu said, "Words are no proof."

Jing Hongchen said, "If you are still not at ease, you can send a teacher from Shrek Academy to accompany them. You can send several."

Elder Mu shook his head and said, "That won't be necessary. Exchange learning is fine. You send Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen from your academy to Shrek Academy. Then pick up the disciples we sent. I can guarantee that they will be able to study in our inner academy. After the exchange learning period is over, you will personally send our students back and then pick up your students."

Jing Hongchen immediately shook his head and said, "That's probably not appropriate. Although I trust your character, senior, it's best to be cautious first. What if Shrek Academy..."

Old Master Mu smiled calmly and said, "Then what do you suggest?"

Jing Hongchen said, "There's no rush for this exchange. How about this: we can have this exchange again in two years. The exchange program will be held every three years. That will also be the start of the next Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Battle Tournament. We can invite your academy's teachers to attend the event, and after the competition, we can bring your students back. We can also send our students back at the same time."

Elder Xuan couldn't help but ask, "How do you solve the same problem?"

Jing Hongchen said, "The Sun Moon Empire is hosting the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament, which has attracted worldwide attention. Under these circumstances, if we were to take any action in private, we would surely be ridiculed by the world."

"Alright, let's do it this way. Two years from today, bring your men here. I will have Xuanzi send them to the Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy at the same time," Elder Mu said decisively.

"It's a deal." Jing Hongchen's face lit up with joy. Shrek Academy had finally agreed to the exchange and learning. Jing Hongchen knew very well that while the development of soul tools was important, the training of soul masters was also very important. Advancing them on both fronts was the key. No matter how strong a soul tool was, it was just a decoration if there were no soul masters who could use it.

In particular, Shrek's millennia of accumulated knowledge, even if only a portion of it is learned, can greatly enhance the overall Mingde Hall.

Moreover, allowing his grandson and granddaughter to study at Shrek Academy would be of great benefit to the two children, provided that Shrek Academy would truly do its best to nurture them.

Of course, Shrek Academy might learn some knowledge about soul tools at the Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy, but Jing Hongchen doesn't care about that. How much can one learn in three years? Besides, they can't possibly teach the core knowledge to Shrek's exchange students.

Both sides will hold back some of their skills and cannot teach with all their might, but it is still a gain if they can learn something. Elder Mu and Jing Hongchen think the same way.

(End of this chapter)