Chapter 23: A Lesson in Arrogance
Jing Hongchen nodded after confirming Xiao Qiang and Tian Meng's relationship. "How are you in combat?" he asked, his eyes studying the boy closely.
"In combat, I should be alright," Xiao Qiang replied confidently. "Against opponents of the same level, there shouldn't be any problem. With the dynamic vision of the Sharingan, I can clearly track the movements of people who are even stronger than me."
"Oh? Dynamic vision? That's quite the ability." Jing Hongchen's interest piqued. "In that case, prepare yourself. I'll arrange for a fourth-level Soul Master from the Four Rings Soul Sect to test your strength."
"Understood, Teacher."
Because soul beasts were scarce in the Sun Moon Empire, it was considered a luxury to use them as assessment targets like Shrek Academy often did. However, soul masters were abundant, and that was enough.
Soon after Jing Hongchen gave the order, a fourth-level soul master from the Four Rings Soul Sect arrived at the martial arts field.
After instructing Tian Meng to prepare the soul guide equipment, Xiao Qiang stepped onto the field to face his opponent.
"Both sides, state your names," the referee instructed.
"Xiao Qiang. Level 35 Soul Master. Auxiliary-type soul guide."
"Li Zihao. Level 46 Soul Master. Strong attack-type soul guide."
"The match begins!"
At the sound of the referee's voice, Li Zihao gave Xiao Qiang a mocking glance. With his soul power at level 46—eleven levels higher than Xiao Qiang—he saw this fight as little more than child's play. Coupled with the subtle effect of Xiao Qiang's first soul skill, Psychological Suggestion, Li Zihao was already underestimating him deeply.
Were Jing Hongchen not watching from above, he might have openly mocked Xiao Qiang.
"Little brother, why don't you step down? With just three rings and such a soul power gap, you're going to get crushed."
But even as he taunted him, Xiao Qiang was closing the distance. Li Zihao didn't notice anything amiss. The effects of Xiao Qiang's second soul skill, Simulation, concealed his intentions perfectly.
Suddenly, a Level 4 soul guide behind Xiao Qiang exploded with a burst of energy, launching him forward like a missile. Li Zihao didn't even have time to react, let alone activate his soul guide or release his martial soul. He was knocked out cold by a single punch.
He lay there dazed, completely unaware of how it had even happened.
"Master, do you want them to fight again?" the referee asked, slightly embarrassed.
Jing Hongchen didn't answer immediately. He stared down at Xiao Qiang, eyes narrowing in thought. "…Call someone else."
"Yes, Master."
Not long after, another Level 4 soul master was sent in. Yet the result remained the same—another knockout, fast and clean.
"Master…?" the referee hesitated again.
"No need to call anyone else. Bring Xiao Qiang to me," Jing Hongchen said calmly.
"Understood."
Moments later, Xiao Qiang stood respectfully before the Hall Master.
"Tell me," Jing Hongchen said, "They all underestimated you from the start, as if under some kind of spell. That's not normal."
Xiao Qiang nodded. "That's the effect of my first soul skill—Psychological Suggestion. Against soul masters or soul engineers whose mental power is weaker than mine, I can influence their thoughts to a certain extent."
"I see," Jing Hongchen said thoughtfully. "But I didn't notice your soul ring light up when you used it. Why?"
"That's because of my second soul skill—Simulation. It lets me make others see a false image within a certain range. That's how I got close without being detected."
Jing Hongchen's eyes gleamed with approval. "Excellent. Both of those are incredible skills. Jingyun!"
"Yes, Hall Master?" a middle-aged man stepped forward.
"Go find Xiao Hongchen. Don't tell him anything about what I want."
"As you wish."
As Jingyun left to carry out the order, Jing Hongchen turned his gaze back to Xiao Qiang.
"Xiao Hongchen is my grandson. I'll have him fight you next—but listen carefully. When the time comes, don't go easy on him like you did with the others."
"Teacher?" Xiao Qiang blinked, confused. "You mean… use more force?"
"Exactly. Don't hold back. Hit him hard—hard enough to put him in bed for a few days."
Xiao Qiang was stunned.
Jing Hongchen sighed, then explained further. "My grandson awakened a divine beast martial soul—the Three-Legged Golden Toad—when he was just six. Born with full soul power, and last year, he absorbed an 8,000-year-old soul ring as his fourth ring. Among his peers, he's practically unmatched."
"Confidence is good. But lately, he's gotten arrogant—too arrogant. He no longer listens to advice. He thinks no one can touch him."
"No matter how much I try to teach him, he brushes it off. But if words don't work… experience will. I need you to give him a proper lesson. Humble him. Make him feel the consequences of looking down on others."
"I understand," Xiao Qiang replied seriously.
"Good. Just don't kill him. Anything short of that is fine. At worst, I'll have the Imperial Physician Douluo treat him—I still have that much face."
Not long after their conversation ended, a white-haired boy with heterochromatic pupils walked in. It was Xiao Hongchen.
Beside him was a girl with the same white hair and striking blue eyes. She looked around thirteen or fourteen and bore an unmistakable resemblance to her brother—this was Meng Hongchen.
The moment Xiao Qiang saw her, a strange thought popped into his mind. White hair, blue eyes, strong grandfather… Why does this feel familiar?
He suddenly recalled a character from a game in his past life—Honkai Impact 3. A young-looking girl with white hair and blue eyes, who also had a powerful grandfather. Though she was actually over forty, she still insisted she was the cutest in the world.
I… I can't look at her the same way now, Xiao Qiang thought awkwardly.
"Wow! Grandpa, where did you find this handsome guy?" Meng Hongchen asked with excitement, stepping up to Xiao Qiang. "Hi, I'm Meng Hongchen. What's your name?"
"Xiao Qiang. Hello, Miss Meng," he replied politely.
"I saw the look in your eyes earlier. What were you thinking about when you looked at me? Can you tell me?"
Xiao Qiang paused, then scratched his head. "Um… nothing important. I just thought of someone who also claimed to be the cutest in the world."
"Oh? And this 'cutest' person… were they smart too?"
Xiao Qiang nodded seriously. "Yeah… very wise, in a way."
Meng Hongchen chuckled, covering her mouth as she laughed.
At that moment, Xiao Hongchen stepped up to his grandfather. "Grandpa, what did you want to talk to me about?"
"I've taken in a new disciple," Jing Hongchen said, gesturing to Xiao Qiang. "You two should spar. But take note—he may only be a level 35 Soul Master, but he's already defeated two level 4 soul instructors."
Hearing that, Xiao Hongchen snorted in disdain. "Hmph. A mere three-ring Soul Master? He's not worth my time."
"I'm telling you—don't underestimate him. You could lose."
Xiao Hongchen sneered. "What a joke. I, Xiao Hongchen, lose to a three-ring Soul Master? If I do, I'll wash Meng's socks for a year."
Meng Hongchen raised an eyebrow in amusement. "Deal. I'll hold you to that."
Xiao Qiang just smiled quietly. Let's see how long that arrogance lasts…