Chapter 429: Chapter 428: Arrival at Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy
Accompanying Qian Ran on this mission to the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy were eight other Soul Engineering disciples from Shrek Academy.
Although the inner disciples of the Soul Engineering Department couldn't compare to those of the Martial Soul Department in status, anyone trained within the department was exceptional. All Shrek students had undergone foundational Martial Soul training before joining the Soul Engineering Department, meaning their Martial Souls were far from ordinary.
The selected disciples for this exchange program were all at least Level 5 Soul Engineers, an impressive feat even by Sun Moon Empire standards.
Qian Ran, however, stood out prominently. His chest proudly displayed a black, seven-star Soul Engineer badge, signaling his status as a Level 7 Soul Engineer.
Soul Engineer badges, shaped as octagonal stars, varied in color based on rank. Levels 1 to 3 were light blue, Levels 4 to 6 were purple, Levels 7 and 8 were black, and Level 9 was red. Qian Ran's black badge with seven diamond stars gleamed against his chest, making him the center of attention.
He had no intention of keeping a low profile. In the world of Soul Engineers, his badge, combined with his youth, striking appearance, and magnetic charisma, was a potent combination—irresistible for those he wanted to impress.
This was leagues ahead of flashy cars in his previous life. A luxury car could be borrowed or rented, but a Soul Engineer badge was indisputable proof of skill.
Shrek Academy had debated whether Qian Ran should tone down his presence. However, given his already monstrous achievements, it seemed unnecessary. His performance during the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament had already placed him under scrutiny.
In truth, if not for Cai Mei'er and Xian Lin'er knowing that Qian Ran had the protection of Bing Di and Xue Di—ensuring his absolute safety—they would never have allowed him to venture into the Sun Moon Empire.
Huo Yuhao, walking in the group, wore a cold expression, silently watching as Qian Ran and Cai Mei'er walked arm-in-arm. The sight of Qian Ran, the man who had stolen his mother, pained him deeply.
He knew causing trouble for Qian Ran at Shrek Academy was unwise. A single word from Qian Ran would be enough for Cai Mei'er to deal with him.
Before long, the group arrived at the border city of Maple Leaf City.
Once inside, Cai Mei'er led the students to a hotel for rest and instructed them to recuperate for the journey ahead.
After ensuring everyone was settled, Cai Mei'er urgently pulled Qian Ran aside to check on his condition. Only after confirming his vitality—both physically and metaphorically—did she relax.
During the trip, Qian Ran's stamina had fully recovered, his body as resilient as ever. Naturally, he didn't let the opportunity to spend private time with Cai Mei'er go to waste.
Over the years, Qian Ran's body had been strengthened to an extraordinary degree, capable of enduring incredible challenges.
"You really are amazing," Cai Mei'er murmured, nestled against Qian Ran in their room. But once they stepped out, she shed her gentle demeanor, transforming back into her commanding, imposing self.
The group soon encountered representatives from the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy. Among them was Xiao Hongchen, a familiar face.
"Your sister isn't coming to Shrek for advanced studies?" Qian Ran asked, scanning the group for Meng Hongchen but not finding her. His curiosity was piqued.
"She chose to continue her studies at Mingde Hall. And let me warn you—not to get any ideas about her. She'll soon have a fiancé," Xiao Hongchen snapped, clearly annoyed.
Initially flattered that Qian Ran was addressing him, Xiao Hongchen felt conflicted—resenting Qian Ran yet envious of him. The moment Qian Ran brought up Meng Hongchen, however, his mood soured.
"You're playing your old tricks again, aren't you?" Xiao Hongchen muttered angrily.
The decision to keep Meng Hongchen at the academy was strategic. Xiao and Jing Hongchen hoped she would grow closer to Huo Yuhao, whose connection to the Clear Sky Clan made him a valuable ally. But in their calculations, they had clearly underestimated Qian Ran.
"Oh? And so?" Qian Ran asked indifferently.
He recalled that Meng Hongchen had been quite fond of him during the tournament. If not for the tight supervision of the Sun Moon Royal Team, he might have won her over back then. Her continued presence at the academy was nothing but good news for Qian Ran.
"Stay away from her," Xiao Hongchen warned.
"But your sister is very beautiful, you know. Don't worry, Xiao. I'll make sure Shrek gives you a warm welcome," Qian Ran said with a sly grin before walking off.
Xiao Hongchen clenched his fists in frustration. Letting his sister remain at the academy suddenly felt like a mistake. Seeing Huo Yuhao sulking nearby didn't help his confidence.
"Let's move out," Jing Hongchen said, turning to the Shrek students.
When his gaze fell on Qian Ran's chest and the seven-star badge, he froze, visibly startled.
Level 7?
This had to be a joke.
A Level 7 Soul Engineer was a rarity at Shrek, and such individuals were usually instructors in the inner courtyard. But this… could Shrek's badges be that easily earned?
Jing Hongchen's mind raced with questions. After a moment, he regained his composure, activating a golden flying soul tool.
A shimmering golden barrier descended, enveloping the group. With a surge of energy, they were lifted into the air and flown toward their destination.
The display left the Shrek Soul Engineering students awestruck, though Qian Ran remained unimpressed. He understood the principles of these soul tools; he simply hadn't constructed them yet.
Hours later, the group arrived at Mingdu, the capital of the Sun Moon Empire.
The sight of Mingdu from the air reminded Qian Ran of the bustling cities of Earth. Most buildings were over five stories tall, with some reaching even higher. The countless lights of the city stretched endlessly, rivaling the stars in the sky.
The golden glow descended, and Jing Hongchen led the group to a wide plaza.
Several figures awaited them there and quickly approached.
Jing Hongchen smiled. "Allow me to introduce someone important. This is Lin Jiayi, the director of education at the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy. For the next two and a half years, he'll oversee your studies and lives. Lin, please get these students settled. Fan Yu, come with me."
Jing Hongchen departed with Fan Yu, leaving Lin Jiayi to address the group.
Lin Jiayi began distributing academy maps, explaining rules, and providing essentials to the new arrivals.
To Qian Ran's surprise, the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy was even larger than Shrek Academy. Its facilities were far more luxurious, rivaling the most advanced designs of Earth.
"Feels nostalgic," Qian Ran murmured, observing his surroundings. Many of the academy's amenities, though based on different principles, functioned similarly to modern conveniences from his past life.
(End of Chapter)