Douluo Continent: Who says evil soul masters can't achieve sainthood through merit?

Xiao Hongchen nodded, seemingly satisfied with the result: "Is Teacher Xuan still short of people?"

The middle-aged teacher was taken aback at first, then realized what he meant and quickly nodded: "Indeed, Teacher Xuan is currently forming a new research group to study mental attribute soul tools, and is in need of students with mental talent."

"Then arrange for him to go there." Xiao Hongchen waved his hand and made the decision.

"Yes," the middle-aged teacher replied respectfully.

Xiao Hongchen said no more, patted Li Qing on the shoulder, and walked out of the personnel hall first.

Li Qing nodded to Huo Yuhao, told him to cultivate diligently, and then followed him out.

Only Huo Yuhao and the middle-aged teacher remained in the hall.

As Huo Yuhao watched Li Qing's departing figure, a complex mix of emotions welled up within him—gratitude, trepidation, anticipation, and a touch of inexplicable unease.

"Your name is Huo Yuhao?" The middle-aged teacher's voice brought him back to reality.

"Yes," Huo Yuhao replied quickly.

"My name is Lin Tao, and I am the head of the Human Resources Department."

The middle-aged teacher's tone softened considerably as he said, "Come with me. I'll take you to complete the enrollment procedures first, and then I'll take you to see Teacher Xuan."

"Thank you, Teacher Lin," Huo Yuhao quickly said.

The two walked towards the office area inside the lobby.

On the way, Lin Tao suddenly asked, "How did you meet Li Qing?"

Huo Yuhao hesitated for a moment before answering truthfully: "I met him in the Star Dou Great Forest. Brother Qing saved me and helped me obtain my first spirit ring."

Lin Tao nodded, a hint of understanding flashing in his eyes: "No wonder. But..."

He paused, then reminded her, "You're getting so close to Li Qing, you need to be more careful in the future."

"careful?"

Huo Yuhao asked, puzzled, "Isn't Brother Qing... a member of the academy?"

Lin Tao shook his head: "He is neither a student nor a teacher at the academy. But he has a very good relationship with Young Master Xiao Hongchen, so he has a very special status in the academy."

He looked at Huo Yuhao and said seriously, "Young Master Xiao Hongchen is the heir of the Hongchen family. His grandfather is His Majesty Jing Hongchen, the dean of the Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy."

Huo Yuhao gasped.

He knew that Xiao Hongchen's identity was not simple, but he did not expect it to be this high.

The grandson of the academy's dean and the heir to the Hongchen family—this background is among the best in the entire Sun Moon Empire.

"so!"

Lin Tao continued, "With Young Master Xiao Hongchen's protection, you'll have many advantages here. But remember, with great power comes great responsibility, and more people will be watching you. What you need to do is prove yourself with your abilities and not embarrass Li Qing and Young Master Xiao Hongchen."

Huo Yuhao nodded emphatically: "I understand. I will definitely work hard."

.......

On the path in the academy, Li Qing and Xiao Hongchen walked side by side.

When the students around saw Xiao Hongchen, they all bowed and greeted him from a distance, but no one dared to go up and disturb him.

"So, are you satisfied with my arrangement?"

Xiao Hongchen asked, a hint of smugness in his voice: "Xuan Ziwen is the youngest and most talented level eight soul master in the academy, specializing in researching spiritual attribute soul tools. Huo Yuhao's growth rate will definitely far exceed expectations if he follows him."

"satisfy."

Li Qing nodded and thanked him, saying, "Thank you."

"Tsk, it's rare to hear you say thank you."

Xiao Hongchen chuckled, but his expression quickly turned serious as he asked, "And then? Are you going to continue with that thing?"

Li Qing didn't answer directly, but instead asked, "Do you have some ideas?"

"Yes, I have!"

Xiao Hongchen said without any hesitation, "Join us! The Continental Advanced Soul Master Tournament is less than a year away, and we desperately need top-tier combat power like you. I guarantee that with your joining us, our Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy will definitely win the championship!"

Li Qing smiled and said, "Actually, you can do just fine without me. You have to believe in yourself."

He knew very well that the reason why the Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy lost to Shrek Academy in the original work was the Martial Soul Fusion Skill of Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong'er.

But in this life, Huo Yuhao is already on my side. Wang Dong'er, or rather Tang Wutong, is missing Huo Yuhao, a key figure on her side, and the situation might be completely different.

Moreover, even if Shrek Academy remains powerful, if Ma Xiaotao encounters problems, Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen, with their combined martial soul fusion skill, would be fully capable of fighting against them.

"Of course I'm confident I can win!"

Xiao Hongchen proudly raised his chin and said, "But if you join, it'll be a sure thing! How about it, consider it?"

Li Qing shook his head: "I still have things to do."

"What could be more important than the Continental Advanced Soul Master Tournament?"

Xiao Hongchen said, puzzled, "That's the most prestigious competition on the entire continent. Winning it brings both fame and fortune!"

Li Qing didn't explain, but changed the subject: "Speaking of which, I have something else to ask you this time."

Xiao Hongchen's face fell: "No way? Not again? Didn't I already give that kid special treatment? Why are you asking for more?"

Li Qing crossed her arms and looked at him leisurely: "So, will you agree or not?"

Xiao Hongchen gritted his teeth, finally sighing helplessly, "You win! So, what is it?"

Li Qing's expression turned serious: "I'll be leaving Mingdu soon to go to the far north. During my absence, someone might run into trouble, and I hope you can look after them."

Xiao Hongchen raised an eyebrow, intrigued: "Oh? Who is it? Male or female?"

"A woman!"

Li Qing answered truthfully, "You don't know him."

Xiao Hongchen narrowed his eyes slightly, his tone becoming subtle: "She's not your girlfriend, is she?"

Li Qing rolled her eyes: "No."

"If she's not your girlfriend, why are you so concerned?" Xiao Hongchen pressed.

"That's none of your business."

Li Qing, too lazy to explain, asked, "Just tell me if it's okay or not."

Xiao Hongchen stared at him for a few seconds, then finally relented: "What should I do?"

"Before I leave, I will give her your mortal token. If she finds you with the token, I hope you can protect her, at least until I return."

"Who exactly is she?" Xiao Hongchen's expression also turned serious.

The fact that Li Qing entrusted this matter to him so solemnly means that the other party is definitely not an ordinary person.

Li Qing remained silent for a moment, but finally told the truth:

"She is a Soul Master with a Sacred Angel Martial Soul."

As soon as he finished speaking, the surrounding air seemed to freeze.

Xiao Hongchen's expression changed instantly.

He stopped in his tracks, staring intently at Li Qing, his voice hushed: "You... what did you say? The Holy Angel Martial Soul? In Mingdu?"

"right."

Li Qing nodded and said softly, "I know this is dangerous, that's why I asked you for help."

"Are you crazy?!"

Xiao Hongchen almost jumped up, saying, "You know better than I how many evil soul masters there are in Mingdu! The headquarters of the Holy Spirit Cult is right here, with tons of Title Douluos! If her identity is exposed, let alone me, even if my grandfather personally intervened, he might not be able to protect her!"

"I know."

Li Qing's voice was calm as he said, "That's why I said it would be best if she wasn't exposed. But if she really encounters danger, I hope you can help buy her some time."

Xiao Hongchen fell silent.

He stared at Li Qing as if he were seeing the man before him for the first time.

After a long silence, he finally spoke: "It's possible, but I must consult my grandfather about this matter. After all, her identity... is far too special. And as you know, although our Hongchen family is the most powerful family under the royal family, we cannot easily offend the Holy Spirit Sect."

"I see."

Li Qing nodded, "Then I'll trouble you."

The two continued walking, but the atmosphere had completely changed.