Douluo Dalu 2: The True God King-Chapter 371: [DD2]:

A little venting calmed him down, and Jing Hongchen once again regained control of his emotions.

Looking at his handsome and dashing grandson and his graceful and elegant granddaughter, Jing Hongchen felt a sense of comfort in his old age.

In this lifetime, what he was most proud of was probably having such an outstanding pair of grandchildren.

"Alright, let's not talk about these unpleasant things anymore. How has your cultivation been going lately?" Jing Hongchen asked kindly.

Xiao Hongchen raised his head proudly and said smugly, "Of course! I've now broken through to Soul Sage!"

"And my Soul Tool cultivation has also reached the level of a Rank 7 Soul Engineer. I'm practically unstoppable!"

Xiao Hongchen's usual youthful arrogance hadn't waned at all. Growing older hadn't dulled his unruly spirit.

"Not bad, but don't get too arrogant. Your soul power seems a bit unstable. From now on, you can't rely on medicinal aids for cultivation anymore," Jing Hongchen said seriously.

With Xiao Hongchen's talent, breaking through to Soul Sage at his age was undoubtedly aided by heavy reliance on medicine—and not just a little reliance, but an extreme amount.

The main reason for this was that he had been feeling pressured; after all, some peers far surpassed him.

"I understand, Grandpa. I'll remember that," Xiao Hongchen said, knowing full well the truth of the matter. He was aware that his over-reliance on medicine had already begun to affect his foundation.

If he continued on this path, it would be extremely difficult for him to break through to the rank of Super Douluo in this lifetime.

Without reaching Super Douluo, he would never be able to become a Rank 10 Soul Engineer. Xiao Hongchen couldn't bear the thought of being stuck there forever.

Xiao Hongchen had grand ambitions—he had always wanted to surpass Jing Hongchen.

"As long as you remember, that's good. And you, Meng?" Jing Hongchen asked with a smile, turning his gaze to Meng Hongchen.

This granddaughter of his had always been well-behaved and far less troublesome than his grandson.

Meng Hongchen responded softly, "Grandpa, I'm currently a Level 66 Soul Emperor and have also reached the level of a Rank 7 Soul Engineer."

Meng Hongchen had taken Su Yu's advice to heart and had long since stopped using any medicinal aids.

Her soul power was now lagging behind Xiao Hongchen's by a fair amount, but her foundation was much stronger.

Without some extraordinary stroke of luck, Xiao Hongchen's future achievements would undoubtedly fall short of Meng Hongchen's.

Using medicine might provide a temporary lead, but it came at the cost of the future.

"Level 66 Soul Emperor isn't bad either. Meng, just follow your own pace; there's no need to rush," Jing Hongchen said with a smile.

"No matter what, the next Continental Soul Master Elite Tournament's championship will still be ours again. Don't put too much pressure on yourself."

Meng Hongchen nodded in response.

Xiao Hongchen grinned and added, "Exactly, exactly!

"With me and Su Yu around, what team out there could beat our Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy?

"Meng doesn't even need to worry about it."

Xiao Hongchen puffed out his chest, full of pride. Having broken through to Soul Sage, his confidence was through the roof.

Of course, he hadn't forgotten Su Yu, his brother-in-law, who had been capable of defeating three Soul Sages and fending off a Soul Douluo two years ago.

Even now, Xiao Hongchen didn't dare underestimate Su Yu.

Despite having achieved Soul Sage, he still had a lingering fear of Su Yu.

When Su Yu fought, he truly fought—he showed no mercy, not even to his brother-in-law.

Speaking of Su Yu, Jing Hongchen's expression darkened, and his anger flared.

"Hmph! That brat Su Yu! He said he'd take a two-year leave, but it's already been six months past that!"

"Your exchange program is over, and yet there's still no word from him. I don't know what he's been up to cooped up in the Ice God Palace all this time."

"When he gets back, he's in for it!"

Jing Hongchen's tone was full of resentment. He had never seen such a willful student as Su Yu.

Oh, wait, there was also Wang Dong.

Those two were cut from the same cloth—completely unrestrained and utterly dismissive of school rules and regulations.

In all the years the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy had been established, there had never been students as arrogant as those two.

Hmph. When they returned, he would teach them a lesson and cut off all their benefits.

The academy's finances had been tight recently, and every little bit saved would help.

Seeing Jing Hongchen's indignant expression, Meng Hongchen bit her lip and tried to defend Su Yu.

"Grandpa, maybe Su Yu encountered some urgent matter and couldn't leave right away."

"It's been six months over the limit now. What kind of urgent matter could last this long?" Jing Hongchen rolled his eyes, clearly unconvinced.

His granddaughter's willingness to defend her beloved was truly swift.

Meng Hongchen blushed and lowered her head, unable to find a good excuse for Su Yu.

It wasn't just a matter of a day or two—this was a full six months. It was hard to come up with an explanation that would satisfy Jing Hongchen.

Yes, she had wanted to make up a story to appease Jing Hongchen, but he was far too sharp to be fooled.

"Meng, Grandpa knows you're concerned about that brat Su Yu, but he's far too undisciplined and needs to be taught a proper lesson."

"You can't keep spoiling him," Jing Hongchen said sternly.

Meng Hongchen averted her gaze, keeping her thoughts to herself.

She wasn't doubting Jing Hongchen's intention to discipline Su Yu; she was doubting whether he could pull it off.

Discipline Su Yu? Could Grandpa manage that?

Sneaking a glance at Jing Hongchen, Meng Hongchen had no confidence in his ability to succeed.

With Su Yu's personality, it was more likely that Jing Hongchen would end up angered to no end.

Of course, she kept those thoughts to herself.

...

While the three of them were deep in conversation, Su Yu and Wang Dong'er had already arrived in Radiant City.

As the largest city on the continent, Radiant City's grandeur left Shui Lingguang and Lan Lan utterly stunned.

Shui Lingguang managed to mask her surprise relatively quickly, but Lan Lan was a different story. At every new sight, she let out exclamations of awe, as if everything she saw was a marvel.

Su Yu arranged a suite at a hotel near the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy for Shui Lingguang and Lan Lan as a temporary residence.

Speaking of hotels, it seemed like there were a lot more in Radiant City than before.

But upon closer thought, it made sense—the next Continental Soul Master Elite Tournament was approaching.

This was a once-in-twenty-years grand event, and the hosting nation would undoubtedly make a fortune. The Sun Moon Empire certainly wouldn't miss this opportunity.

After settling Shui Lingguang and Lan Lan, Su Yu and Wang Dong'er entered the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy without any trouble.

Inside the Illustrious Virtue Hall...

Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen had just left when a Soul Engineer suddenly rushed in.

"Report, Hall Master!"

"What is it?" Jing Hongchen asked casually.

"Young Master Su Yu is here to see you."

Jing Hongchen: ?????

Jing Hongchen froze for a moment before asking, "Who did you say?"

"Su Yu is here to see you," the Soul Engineer repeated.

Jing Hongchen's eyes widened.

"Just as I was talking about that brat, he shows up?"

"Hurry, hurry, bring that little troublemaker to me!" Jing Hongchen exclaimed, slamming the table.

"Yes, Hall Master!"

The Soul Engineer quickly left, and moments later, Su Yu and Wang Dong'er entered the hall.

The hall had a metallic style—bright, spacious, and giving off a tough and unyielding vibe.

Jing Hongchen held a teacup in his hands, looking at Su Yu and Wang Dong'er as they entered. A trace of surprise flickered in his old eyes but quickly vanished.

Placing the teacup heavily on the table, Jing Hongchen's face turned stern as he said with a snort, "Well, isn't this our student, Su Yu? What's this, you remember to come back?"

Seeing Jing Hongchen's face practically screams, "I'm not happy," Su Yu smiled nonchalantly. "What are you saying, Hall Master? I'm still a member of Illustrious Virtue Hall. Of course, I'd come back."

"Oh, really?" Jing Hongchen sneered coldly. "I thought our young master Su Yu had forgotten he was still a student. Half a year without attending classes, hanging out with beauties outside—you must've been having a great time, huh?"

"Hall Master, aren't you asking the obvious?" Su Yu replied with a grin.

Jing Hongchen: ????

Kid, you've got some nerve.

"Ahem, slip of the tongue, slip of the tongue. Hall Master, you wouldn't be angry, right?" Su Yu said with a cheeky smile.

Jing Hongchen's face was stern as he snorted, "Stop joking around. You've been absent for half a year without returning. Tell me, how should I punish you for that?"

"However Hall Master wants to punish me, I'll accept it," Su Yu replied casually.

Hmm, I'll accept it.

But accepting it doesn't mean I'll follow through.

Jing Hongchen didn't catch the hidden meaning in Su Yu's words. His tone softened slightly as he said, "That's more like it. At least you're saying something reasonable."

"Then I'm honored to inform you that your monthly stipend of 100,000 gold soul coins is canceled."

Jing Hongchen delivered the news with a casual air.

Su Yu blinked. "That's it?"

"I thought it was something serious. Turns out it's just that."

He spread his hands. A monthly stipend of 100,000 gold soul coins?

Glancing at the mountain of gold soul coins in his system space, Su Yu fell into contemplation.

"What do you mean by that? Are you saying it's too light of a punishment?"

"Fine. Let me add this: your unlimited monthly supply of rare metals is also cut off. From now on, if you want rare metals, you'll have to pay for them."

Jing Hongchen slammed the table. This little brat dared to mock him!

Yes, Su Yu's casual "that's it" sounded like pure mockery to Jing Hongchen.

"I don't mind. I'm not short on money. But Hall Master, why are you suddenly so petty? Don't tell me Illustrious Virtue Hall is struggling financially?" Su Yu blinked innocently, his face full of feigned naivety.

That innocent look almost made Jing Hongchen lose his composure.

Once upon a time, Jing Hongchen was wealthy beyond imagination. But right now, he was short on funds.

Damn it. As always: cursed Body Sect. Cursed Du Busi. May your descendants be born without—

Jing Hongchen cursed silently in his mind.

But who was Jing Hongchen? How could he possibly admit defeat in front of a junior?

"What nonsense is this? Illustrious Virtue Hall is rich beyond measure! How could we possibly be short on money?"

"You brat, stop spouting such nonsense."

"Oh," Su Yu said, nodding thoughtfully. "In that case, I was going to say that if Illustrious Virtue Hall was short on funds, I could chip in a billion gold soul coins as support for your entrepreneurial ventures, Hall Master."

"But since Illustrious Virtue Hall isn't short on money, forget I said anything."

"You..."

Jing Hongchen pointed at Su Yu, his chest suddenly tightening with frustration. He almost couldn't catch his breath.