Chapter 14: Why Do You Keep Bringing This Up?

Chapter 14: Why Do You Keep Bringing This Up?

"That's not necessarily true." Meng Hongchen had a different opinion. She spoke softly, "Xiao, how about we make a bet? Let's wager on how long it will take Huo Yuhao to pass the Rank 2 Soul Engineer assessment."

Hearing this, Xiao Hongchen's expression changed slightly. He raised his voice, "Are you short on money again? Is that why you're trying to use me to make some quick cash? Last time we made a bet, I lost, and you took so many of my gold soul coins!

"It hasn't even been that long, and you already spent all of it?

"Meng, Grandfather is right here. If you really need money, just ask him! He's way richer than me!"

Meng Hongchen's lips curled into an adorable dimpled smile. She twirled the tips of her wine red hair around her delicate fingers before saying, "Xiao, don't tell me you're afraid? If I recall correctly, it took you a whole month and a half to become a Rank 1 Soul Engineer which means Huo Yuhao is already ahead of you."

"Afraid? That word doesn't exist in my dictionary!"

Xiao Hongchen scoffed confidently.

"After all, I am the greatest genius the Sun Moon Empire has seen in a thousand years. I'm thirteen years old, just one step away from Rank 50, and I'm already a Rank 4 Soul Engineer. Even Grandfather wasn't as accomplished as me at this age!

"I admit, becoming a Rank 1 Soul Engineer in just twenty days makes Huo Yuhao a talent, but he can't compare to me. Unlike him, I focused most of my time on cultivating my soul power!"

Sitting comfortably in his chair, Jing Hongchen watched the two siblings argue with amusement.

For someone who had reached grandfather status, seeing his grandchildren bicker was truly a source of happiness.

But when Xiao Hongchen brought him up as a comparison, he suddenly felt a bit conflicted.

"Sure, you've achieved a lot, but who do you think made that possible?!"

Everything that benefited Xiao Hongchen's cultivation, from precious resources to powerful soul tools, had been provided by him.

Compared to most people, Xiao Hongchen was already winning from birth.

As his grandfather, Jing Hongchen had spared no effort in ensuring both of his grandchildren had a bright future.

Of course, despite his mixed feelings, he didn't intend to correct him.

Confidence was an essential quality for the strong, and a person who lost their confidence could never reach the peak.

In Jing Hongchen's eyes, Xiao and Meng Hongchen were bound to become Rank 9 Soul Engineers.

If that happened, along with himself, the Hongchen Family would have three Rank 9 Soul Engineers. Their status in the Sun Moon Empire would soar, and even the Emperor would have to rely on them more than ever.

Meng Hongchen let out a playful "Oh" before adding, "But Xiao, Huo Yuhao broke the record. That means you lost."

"Shut up! Meng, you're too much!"

Xiao Hongchen's face darkened.

"I've done so many great things worthy of your praise, but you never compliment me.

"Huo Yuhao broke one record, and suddenly that's all you want to talk about?! If someone overheard us, they'd think he was your real brother!

"Why do you keep siding with an outsider?"

Meng Hongchen blinked innocently.

"Xiao, you sound pretty worked up. I was just stating facts."

"I'm not worked up!" Xiao Hongchen shouted.

"Alright, enough!" Jing Hongchen sighed, standing up from his chair.

"Regardless of your opinions, the fact remains Huo Yuhao broke the record. As the Academy's Principal, I have to reward such an outstanding student.

"Meng, go find Xuan Ziwen and have him bring Huo Yuhao to me. I'll personally give him two Rank 4 Soul Tools as a reward."

"Got it, Grandfather."

Meng Hongchen nodded and turned to leave.

Jing Hongchen watched her fly off using a soul tool, the light of its propulsion gradually fading from view before he looked back at Xiao Hongchen and sighed.

"Xiao, you're too obsessed with winning.

"In this world, there will always be someone better than you in some way.

"When I was younger, I was also one of the top talents of my time.

"But now? I've been stuck at Rank 94 for years, unable to break through to Rank 95 and become a Super Douluo.

"If I could reach Super Douluo, I might've had a chance to become the first ever Rank 10 Soul Engineer.

"But that wasn't my fate.

"And there are others even stronger those who have reached Rank 99 and become Ultimate Douluos.

"Compared to them, I'm far weaker.

"But in the field of soul tools, there are only a handful of people stronger than me.

"Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses.

"Huo Yuhao might be more talented in soul engineering, but his overall potential is limited.

"His innate soul power is just Rank 1. Even if he improves his foundation with rare herbs, he will never reach Titled Douluo.

"And without reaching Titled Douluo, he will never become a Rank 9 Soul Engineer.

"You understand what that means, right?

"Even Xuan Ziwen, who is incredibly gifted at making soul tools, is stuck at Rank 8 because he can't become a Titled Douluo."

Xiao Hongchen clenched his fists.

Word by word, he declared, "Grandfather, I refuse to lose.

"Even if I fail, I will always find a way to win.

"Even if my opponent is a Titled Douluo, I will figure out how to defeat them!

"This is my conviction!"

"Huo Yuhao broke the record?

"Fine. Then I'll create a record he'll never surpass.

"My next goal is to become a Soul King as soon as possible and pass the Rank 5 Soul Engineer assessment!"

Meanwhile, Huo Yuhao sat cross legged in his dormitory.

He took a deep breath, clenching his fists as a powerful surge of soul power coursed through his body.

He had broken through.

He was now a Rank 15 Soul Master.

During his studies with Xuan Ziwen, he had taken the Ascension Pill.

The pill boosted soul power for a Rank 30 Soul Elder, it would increase their level by one.

For Huo Yuhao, who was still at a low level, the effect was even greater.

Because the pill's medicinal energy was gentle yet potent, he didn't immediately break through.

Instead, as he continued cultivating, the medicine slowly took effect, naturally elevating his soul power.

(End of chapter.) Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon. Read 15 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Albino1