FE—Chapter 117: Absorbing the Falling Heart Flame, Meng Hongchen: Let the Senior Sister Come!
When Tai Tan heard Di Rachel casually say that Di Tian beat him like a grandson, his mouth twitched, and his thoughts ran wild.
"This little girl doesn't give me any respect. My brothers and I were resurrected by Tang San. We are at least priests now! Compared to the beasts in the Core of the Star Dou Forest, we've already transcended the ordinary..."
If it had been ten thousand years ago, when he was still a Titan Giant Ape, Tai Tan would have admitted that Di Tian easily outmatched him.
But now, things were different. Tai Tan had received a fragment of the Sea God's power from that adult, elevating his status well above those fearsome beasts in the core region.
He was confident that even the beast god Di Tian would struggle to defeat him now.
Looking at Di Rachel with a touch of nostalgia, he said, "Little girl, if there's a chance, my elder brother Niu Tian and I will pay a visit to your adult."
Di Rachel waved her golden dragon spear dismissively. "Go if you want; I won't stop you. Just know you'll only end up getting beaten again."
Ignoring the latter part of her statement, Tai Tan shifted his gaze to Jing Hongchen, a frown forming on his face.
He snatched the penalty ticket handed over by Jing Hongchen, glanced at it with disdain, and sneered. "Haha, banned from entering Mingdu for five years? A country that only fusses over trivial things like soul guidance devices? I wouldn't set foot here even if you invited me."
"Dong'er, Xiaoxiao, let's go." He prepared to leave with Wang Dong and Xiao Xiao in tow.
However, Wang Dong strutted toward Di Rachel, mischief dancing in her pink-blue eyes. "My friends and I came to Mingdu to have fun, and now we're being sent away without even getting to eat! All I wanted was delicious barbecue—can't you be a little generous?"
"Stop! Keep a safe distance from Yuhao. If you dare take another step forward, I will challenge you to a duel."
Di Rachel raised her golden dragon spear horizontally, the tip pointing threateningly at Wang Dong to reinforce her warning.
With a playful smile, she turned to Tai Tan and said, "Uncle, if there's a little conflict between Wang Dong'er and me, you won't intervene, will you?"
Tai Tan chose silence. He figured Dong'er was outmatched; her soul power was no match for Di Rachel's. A fight would only see her defeated.
Wang Dong paused, her pink-blue eyes narrowing as she decided to take a softer approach this time.
She looked at Huo Yuhao, frustration evident in her gaze. "Huo Yuhao, when you opened your barbecue stall on the snack street, Xiao Xiao and I helped take care of your business—we were friends! Now I've come to Mingdu just for you. It's fine if I can't eat, but Miss Meng wants to arrest us. If I'd known this would happen, I'd rather not have crossed paths with you at all!"
A sigh escaped Wang Dong's lips, her disappointment evident.
Meanwhile, Xiao Xiao's gaze occasionally fell on Huo Yuhao's handsome face, her light green eyes reflecting her hopes as she joined in. "Huo Yuhao, you know Wang Dong and I didn't come here just for a meal, right? We want to be friends with you!"
The corners of Huo Yuhao's mouth twitched at the resentment in their tones—it was a bit scary, to be honest.
In truth, what Wang Dong said was better than not knowing each other at all. Huo Yuhao raised his hand, smiling gently. "Alright, alright, I'll treat you to some skewers so it won't be a wasted trip."
"Hmph…"
Wang Dong shot a glare at Meng Hongchen and Di Rachel, her previous sadness vanishing instantly. Holding her head high, she marched past Meng Hongchen, striding confidently into the barbecue restaurant.
"Tsk, what are you so proud of?" Meng Hongchen couldn't be bothered to argue; after all, they were leaving after this meal, so why waste her mood?
Soon, the grilled fish and skewers were served, and Wang Dong and Xiao Xiao joyfully devoured them.
Although they didn't develop much affection towards Huo Yuhao this time, who could resist delicious skewers? Having a good meal was certainly better than being expelled outright.
After eating, Wang Dong was in high spirits. Before stepping out, she waved her tiny hand at Huo Yuhao at the door and called cheerfully, "Huo Yuhao! We'll meet again!"
Xiao Xiao smiled coyly beside her. "I'd love to be friends with you."
Huo Yuhao responded warmly, then hung the plaque of "Huo Ran Cheerful BBQ Restaurant" back up, which he had taken down for their visit.
Meng Hongchen waved her hands impatiently at Wang Dong and Xiao Xiao, signaling them to leave quickly. Watching them linger was just irritating.
Ye Guyi watched the skeletons in the back kitchen busily grilling, her curiosity piqued. "Yuhao, the fish and skewers smell amazing. Have those skeletons picked up grilling skills?"
Huo Yuhao smiled with reassurance. "Don't worry, they're summoned by me and share a certain contractual bond. They have strong learning capabilities. With a bit of guidance, I can teach them to grill fish and skewers in no time."
He spent some time instructing the working skeletons, feeling confident that it wouldn't be long before he could remotely control them to run the barbecue restaurant seamlessly.
As dusk approached, everyone followed Jing Hongchen back to Illustrious Virtue Hall.
Jing Hongchen bowed to Kong Deming and added with a bright smile, "Mr. Kong, your timely arrival was crucial; otherwise, I, the hall master, would have struggled to maintain control of the situation alone."
Kong Deming waved his hand dismissively, then glanced at Ye Guyi and Di Rachel, a smile forming on his lips. "It seems the Illustrious Virtue Hall Master shall gain two more exceptional students. Congratulations!"
"If I weren't concerned about the implications for the imperial family, I'd also love to take on one or two more disciples."
His tone became wistful. Currently, he only had Xuan Ziwen as a true disciple, a bond formed more than a decade ago.
Amidst the sensitive political turmoil surrounding the Imperial family, Kong Deming's high status required him to tread cautiously, aware that any move he made might be scrutinized by the princes.
In contrast, the learning environment at Jing Hongchen's side—free from interruptions—was the best option for the youngsters.
Inside the Illustrious Virtue Hall Meeting Hall, Huo Yuhao introduced Jing Hongchen. "Hall Master, this is Ye Guyi; she is also my friend, and like Rachel, she plans to register at the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy."
Jing Hongchen's eyes darted between Di Rachel and Ye Guyi, his excitement barely contained. He beckoned for them to introduce their martial souls.
Di Rachel hesitated, wondering if stating her martial souls directly—the golden dragon, ultimate fire, and ultimate light—might intimidate them. She decided on a less daunting explanation.
"My martial souls are the golden dragon and the ultimate light. Recently, while accompanying Yuhao, I encountered a great opportunity and gained the ultimate fire attribute."
With a swift motion, she extended her hand, revealing delicate golden dragon scales adorning the back, alongside a radiant flash of golden light and a hint of golden flame originating from her palm.
Even though Jing Hongchen had prepared himself, he was struck with astonishment. "As expected from a proud daughter of a prominent family, possessing twin super martial souls, and then gaining the ultimate fire attribute!"
He accepted the second part of Di Rachel's claim without a doubt—after all, Huo Yuhao's fire martial soul was immensely strong, surpassing even the ultimate fire.
Seeing them both excel from a fortuitous encounter made him wonder about the profound implications of the ultimate fire.
Meng Hongchen pursed her lips. "With such high talent, it's no wonder you weren't intimidated when you saw me, Yuhao's authentic girlfriend, and even aspired to contest that title."
Di Rachel bristled slightly; although it felt like a compliment, it was condescending.
It sounded as if Meng Hongchen considered herself the primary claim of Yuhao's affections, relegating Di Rachel to the role of a mere younger sister. This was unacceptable. After all, she had met Yuhao first and deserved to assert her position.
Before Di Rachel could retort, Jing Hongchen waved his hand with a cheerful smile, redirecting attention to Ye Guyi and her martial soul, prompting Di Rachel to contain her comments for now out of politeness.
Ye Guyi activated her soul power, releasing an aura that felt pure and sacred, as a pair of white, illusory wings unfurled gracefully from her back.
"Hall Master, my martial soul is a holy angel."
Jing Hongchen's expression shifted to concern. "You opened a barbecue restaurant in the Holy Moon District today, and no one sensed it?"
Ye Guyi shook her head slightly in reassurance. "As long as I don't activate it, the evil soul masters won't be able to detect me; those who fought me before are all gone."
Jing Hongchen breathed a sigh of relief. "That's good; I'm glad we haven't been discovered."
A soul guidance screen materialized in front of him, displaying Di Rachel and Ye Guyi's basic information. He instructed Lin Jiayi to handle their enrollment procedures, preparing for their direct entry after the holiday.
"Rachel, Guyi, you'll both reside in Illustrious Virtue Hall just like Yuhao."
After a moment of thought, Jing Hongchen continued, "Meng stays in the room to the left of Yuhao, so how about you two sharing the room to the right?"
Di Rachel and Ye Guyi exchanged glances, both feeling comfortable with each other and agreed readily.
In the corridor outside their room, Meng Hongchen distributed metal cards to them with a smile. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to reach out to me or Yuhao at any time."
Once inside, Di Rachel unzipped her bag and began arranging her side of the room.
Ye Guyi admired the soft bed and well-equipped environment, relief washing over her as she realized she finally had a place to settle.
Huo Yuhao took a moment to clean himself up before sitting on the bed, preparing to absorb the Fallen Heart Flame.
He looked over at Meng Hongchen. "Take Rachel and Gu Yi around the room; I need to digest the opportunity I received during the holiday."
Meng Hongchen readily agreed. Through their conversation in the meeting hall, she grasped that Huo Yuhao had encountered a significant fire attribute alongside Di Rachel.
Thus, she did not doubt this undertaking.
Di Rachel, understanding Huo Yuhao's seriousness, smiled and reminded him, "Don't forget to utilize the Great Silver Dragon's Heart Scale; it'll provide you with added safety."
Huo Yuhao nodded appreciatively, channeling energy into the Heart Scale given to him by the Silver Dragon King, beginning to absorb the Fallen Heart Flame.
…
Meanwhile, deep within the Core Area of the Star Dou Great Forest.
The Silver Dragon King, wearing an elegant gown of shimmering silver dragon scales, stood by the Lake of Life. She had just observed a scene in the light ball where Gu Yuena had called that human 'dad'—a moment she'd chosen to skip.
That memory was unbearable and even shameful, compelling the Silver Dragon King to expel creatures like Di Tian from her presence; only Bi Ji remained, tasked with fielding questions when necessary.
Bi Ji observed the Silver Dragon King and softly asked, "Master, what have you realized from the events you witnessed?"
The Silver Dragon King took a calming breath and replied, "I understand that I must ensure my personality remains whole—I cannot allow it to split again."
"Additionally, I've recognized my flaws: I am too soft... not strong enough."
After a moment's thought, Bi Ji inquired, "How do you intend to proceed, Master?"
A subtle smile formed at the corner of the Silver Dragon King's lips. "I plan to first comprehend Huo Yuhao's character through the auspicious beasts, then fully capture his heart in one decisive move!"
"Through the auspicious beast?" Bi Ji looked puzzled. "How do you intend to use the auspicious beast? Will you observe the dynamics of its relationship with the human?"
Shaking her head slowly, the Silver Dragon King clarified, "No, I'll allow the auspicious beast to merge with the soul of the Silver Dragon's reverse scale that I bestowed upon her."
"With my assistance, it should not be difficult for the auspicious beast to merge with a fragment of a silver dragon's soul. This way, I can truly understand Huo Yuhao's character through her genuine feelings in the human realm."
Bi Ji's eyes spoke volumes as she considered. Was this akin to establishing a double soul within a single body? It seemed her master had done extensive groundwork to revive the Soul Beast clan, and it warranted serious attention.
"But my Lord, can the auspicious beast withstand your bloodline?"
The Silver Dragon King waved her hand dismissively. "It's fine, just like how Huo Yuhao manages Electrolux's consciousness residing within him."
"The auspicious beast is of the golden dragon bloodline. If I choose to merge my silver dragon consciousness with it, the fusion will be seamless."
In that moment, within Di Rachel's room at Illustrious Virtue Hall…
"Hey, what's that big silver dragon plotting?" Di Rachel was exploring her new space when she suddenly felt information flow from the Silver Dragon King. The tone was unquestionable, leaving her with no choice but to comply.
Turning back to her companions, she said, "Gu Yi, Senior Sister Meng, like Yuhao, I need to digest the opportunities I gained during the holiday."
Meng Hongchen nodded. After explaining the various functions of soul guidance devices in the laboratory to Ye Guyi, she and Di Rachel returned to the bedroom, only to be taken aback by Huo Yuhao's condition.
His once fair cheeks had flushed a deep red; he was gritting his teeth as though enduring intense pain, beads of sweat gathering on his forehead.
Meng Hongchen blinked, recognizing that Huo Yuhao's present state mirrored his previous struggle when he absorbed the ten-thousand-year whale glue.
With a swift glance at Di Rachel, she strategized how to quickly extricate Huo Yuhao from this predicament while Di Rachel was distracted; otherwise, he might fall prey to unintended consequences.
"Why is Yuhao's face so red?" Di Rachel exclaimed, her concern evident.
Acting quickly, Meng Hongchen stepped forward, lifting Huo Yuhao with determination. "Rachel, Yuhao has dealt with this before, and I know exactly how to handle it. Don't worry—just leave this to me!"
Before Di Rachel could utter a single objection, Meng Hongchen hurriedly carried Huo Yuhao out the door.
"Hey, Miss Meng! What do you plan to do? Explain yourself clearly!"
(End of this chapter)