With Xiao Hongchen's admission of defeat, the spar officially came to an end.
Throughout the entire match, Jing Hongchen's sharp gaze had never once left Liu Yuan.
And now—
He finally understood why both his grandson and granddaughter spoke of Liu Yuan with such admiration.
This young man's strength… was simply terrifying.
Jing Hongchen knew his grandson's ability very well.
Xiao Hongchen was already among the top talents of his generation. Once fully equipped with spirit tools, his combat power far exceeded his actual rank.
Yet even so—
In front of Liu Yuan, the gap was absolute.
A crushing difference.
For Shrek to let such a genius slip away—
They must truly be blind.
"Clap! Clap! Clap!"
Clear applause echoed through the training ground.
Jing Hongchen stepped forward, Meng Hongchen following beside him, both applauding without restraint.
"Excellent! Truly excellent!"
"Xiaoer is no match for you at all, Little Yuan."
There was no attempt to hide the admiration in his voice.
Liu Yuan smiled lightly.
"I was just fortunate. Brother Xiao Hongchen is already very strong."
Hearing this, Xiao Hongchen immediately made a bitter face.
"That's exactly why I didn't want to fight you!"
"This isn't sparring—it's getting beaten up!"
"You're basically a monster!"
"Smack!"
Jing Hongchen slapped the back of his head without hesitation.
"Now you know your limits?"
"I've told you before—there's always someone stronger, always a sky beyond the sky!"
"You've been too arrogant. This is a good lesson for you!"
"…I understand, Grandfather."
For once, Xiao Hongchen didn't argue back.
---
After scolding him, Jing Hongchen turned back to Liu Yuan, his expression instantly softening again.
"Little Yuan, if you have time, help discipline this brat a bit."
"He doesn't listen to us—but maybe he'll listen to you."
Liu Yuan simply smiled and nodded.
He understood.
This was Jing Hongchen's way of strengthening their relationship.
Looking at the harmonious scene, Jing Hongchen felt extremely satisfied.
He waved his hand.
"Alright, I've seen enough."
"I'm very pleased."
"The rest of the day is yours."
He turned to Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen.
"Take Little Yuan around the academy. Let him get familiar with everything."
"Classes will begin in a few days."
"I've already arranged his dormitory—a top-tier single suite in Building Four."
"Everything is prepared to the highest standard."
"Just make sure he's comfortable."
"Got it, Grandfather!"
Before he could say more, Meng Hongchen had already grabbed Liu Yuan's arm and started dragging him away.
"You're so long-winded!"
Xiao Hongchen quickly followed, throwing an arm over Liu Yuan's shoulder.
"Come on, Brother Liu Yuan! I'll show you the spirit tool labs—tons of good stuff there!"
"You two…" Jing Hongchen shook his head helplessly, though his eyes were full of affection.
Only after the three disappeared from sight did the smile on his face slowly fade.
---
He turned around and headed straight back to his office.
Inside, his expression became serious.
Without delay, he activated two highest-level encrypted files and began writing rapidly.
One report detailed last night's "mysterious Spirit Beast."
The other focused entirely on Liu Yuan.
For the latter—
He spared no praise.
Talent. Strength. Mentality.
Everything was described in glowing terms.
He even included how Shrek—specifically Xuan Zi—had foolishly driven Liu Yuan away, emphasizing how the Sun Moon Academy had secured him with "utmost sincerity."
Finally, he concluded:
Liu Yuan would become the absolute core of future competition against Shrek—
—and the key to seizing the title of the continent's number one academy.
As for the Spirit Beast report—
There was little to write.
After all, no useful clues had been found.
Once both reports were completed, encrypted, and handed to his most trusted guard for immediate delivery to the palace—
Jing Hongchen finally leaned back.
It was already noon.
After an entire night and morning of work, exhaustion finally caught up to him.
He stretched slightly.
Now, at last—
He could eat, bathe, and rest.
---
At the same time—
Inside the Imperial Study of the Sun Moon Empire.
The two reports now rested on Emperor Xu Tianhan's desk.
Xu Tianhan opened Liu Yuan's file first.
As he read, a hint of surprise appeared in his eyes.
"Interesting… very interesting."
He set the report aside and pushed it toward the elderly man seated nearby.
The man wore simple robes, yet his presence was as steady as a mountain.
He was the empire's pinnacle Soul Engineer—
Kong Deming.
"Elder Kong, what do you think?"
Kong Deming read the report in silence.
When he finished—
He snorted coldly.
"Your Majesty, Jing Hongchen is becoming increasingly extravagant."
He slapped the report onto the table.
"Core disciple treatment, luxury residence, astronomical funding, plus soul bones…"
"A complete waste of resources!"
"For years, the empire has given him full support—yet he still hasn't produced anyone capable of defeating Shrek!"
"But when it comes to spending money, he's never hesitant!"
Xu Tianhan smiled faintly.
"Elder Kong, that's not entirely fair."
"Shrek has a ten-thousand-year legacy. Their foundation is unmatched."
"Even so, we have firmly held second place all these years."
"Second?" Kong Deming scoffed.
"What difference is there between second and last?"
"Our goal has always been first!"
His tone grew sharper.
"Your Majesty, you must not indulge him any further."
"We've endured long enough."
"It's time to win."
Xu Tianhan nodded slowly.
"Your words make sense."
He paused, then said solemnly:
"Then let the upcoming tournament be the deadline."
"I will give him one final chance."
"I expect results."
Kong Deming remained silent for a moment—
Then finally nodded.
"Very well."
"But if he fails again…"
His eyes flashed coldly.
"I will not let this go."
---
Meanwhile—
Back at Shrek Academy.
Inside a dim chamber deep within the Sea Gods Pavilion—
The air reeked faintly of alcohol and roasted meat.
Xuan Zi reclined lazily, a chicken leg in hand.
Knock knock.
A soft knock sounded.
The next moment, a shadow slipped inside like a ghost and knelt on one knee.
"Elder Xuan."
"The matter you ordered us to investigate… has a lead."