Regardless of how earnestly and persuasively Jing Hongchen tried to convince him, counting off the various benefits of going to Shrek Academy as an exchange student one by one...
...such as top-tier Spirit Master cultivation resources, the millennia-old Spirit theoretical system... the ability to compete and exchange with the continent's top young Spirit Masters, broadening one's horizons and perspective... or even building a more stable bridge of communication for the future between the Sun Moon Empire and Shrek Academy, Xu Tianhao remained completely unmoved.
(In the original work, when Jing Hongchen went to Shrek five years later, he even asked if they could cooperate more deeply. It is clear that the Sun Moon Empire intended to win over Shrek; after all, if they won over Shrek, taking down the original Douluo Continent would be half as easy.)
(However, the protagonist is a transmigrator, so he certainly wouldn't have any attachment to Shrek.)
Xu Tianhao's answer was already set in his heart; no matter how great the temptation, he would absolutely never go to Shrek Academy.
Seeing that Xu Tianhao was completely unmoved, Jing Hongchen stood to the side, his face full of confusion and deep regret.
In his view, given Xu Tianhao's talent and status, this exchange trip to Shrek Academy would undoubtedly be the icing on the cake.
Missing this opportunity meant waiting several more years for the next one. It wasn't even certain if there would be a next time.
Looking at the calm-faced Xu Tianhao before him, Jing Hongchen could ultimately not suppress his inner doubts. Just as he was about to speak up and continue his persuasion, he saw Xu Tianhao raise his eyes first, speaking in a calm yet incredibly clear tone to explain:
"Teacher, Hall Master Hongchen, actually, you two really don't need to dwell on this matter so much."
Xu Tianhao's voice was crisp, yet carried a tone that brooked no argument.
His gaze swept across Kong Deming and Jing Hongchen in turn, without the slightest hint of childish timidity:
"Even if I don't go to Shrek, for me, it is actually no loss at all."
"Once Teacher Poison Immortal returns to the Bright Capital, my path of cultivation for my Body Martial Soul will be fully laid out, and I will not fall behind in the slightest."
He paused slightly, then continued clearly: "Furthermore, I am only seven years old right now; even if two more years pass, I will only be nine."
"Even if I really were to go to Shrek, that would be a matter for the next exchange student program; there is no need to finalize it right now."
Upon hearing this, the previously slightly furrowed expression on Kong Deming's face slowly relaxed, and the last shred of worry in his heart dissipated.
He knew Xu Tianhao's temperament well; he seemed gentle, but in reality, he had his own firm plans inside. Once this little fellow made a decision, he would not change it easily.
Since the child had made up his mind, he was unwilling to interfere forcefully. On the path of cultivation, one's original intention was of the utmost importance. If one were forced to go against their own will, it would instead affect their future cultivation.
"Since that is the case, then just follow your own ideas." Kong Deming spoke slowly, his tone carrying a hint of doting.
Then he added a stern reminder: "However, you must be clear: in these next few years, if your cultivation shows even the slightest slack or falls behind, then, it will not be up to you to act so willfully."
Upon hearing this, a gentle smile curled at the corners of Xu Tianhao's mouth: "Yes! This disciple will keep Teacher's teachings in mind!"
Looking at this transparent and exquisite young heart before him, Kong Deming smiled helplessly yet gratified.
Kong Deming then turned to the side, his gaze falling upon Jing Hongchen beside him, and he ordered in a steady tone: "Since Tianhao already has his own ideas, there is no need to mention this matter again."
Jing Hongchen nodded: "Yes, Elder Kong."
Kong Deming then looked at the treasure box beside Jing Hongchen: "Hand that Spirit Bone to Tianhao."
Jing Hongchen did not hesitate in the slightest; he directly held the treasure box with both hands and handed it to Xu Tianhao, his tone carrying a hint of admiration: "Sixth Highness, this Spirit Bone is a one-in-a-ten-thousand treasure of excellent quality."
Xu Tianhao reached out to take the treasure box, and he clearly perceived the immense spirit power and pure fire-attribute energy contained within the Spirit Bone inside the box.
He nodded gently, without a shred of greed, and spoke with a calm expression: "The attributes and power of this Spirit Bone are most suitable for Fourth Sister. I will not stand on ceremony with Teacher and Hall Master Hongchen; I will accept it to keep for Fourth Sister."
Upon hearing this, the joy in Kong Deming's eyes grew even more intense, and he laughed heartily: "This was something you earned through your own wisdom and fortune." "How you choose to handle it is naturally up to you to arrange; there is no need to be polite with us."
In fact, when Kong Deming gave this precious Spirit Bone to Xu Tianhao, he had intended it as a test. He wanted to see what choice his exceptionally talented disciple would make when faced with such a rare treasure. Would he keep it for himself to improve his own strength? Or would he care for his siblings and gift it to another?
Because this 75,000-year-old Blazing Kite Left Arm Bone had pure fire-attribute energy and perfectly matched Xu Tianzhen's Spirit attributes. Once Xu Tianzhen absorbed and fused with this Spirit Bone, her spirit power foundation and Spirit Ability power would undergo a qualitative leap. Her overall strength would undoubtedly increase significantly, and among her peers of Spirit Masters, it would undoubtedly add another asset for her to stand proudly above the rest.
And Xu Tianhao's choice, made without the slightest hesitation, precisely confirmed his character. Not greedy or jealous, valuing affection and righteousness—having such a perspective and breadth of mind at such a young age, how could it not make him incredibly pleased?
Xu Tianhao put away the treasure box, and then he raised his eyes again to look at Kong Deming: "Teacher, now that the matters here at Mingde Hall have been handled properly, let us return to the palace."
Kong Deming slowly stood up and nodded slightly: "Very well. The many events that occurred today, especially the arrangements for the exchange student program and the matter of cooperation between the Body Sect and the Empire, all need to be reported truthfully to His Majesty immediately."
After speaking, Kong Deming took Xu Tianhao and turned, walking slowly out of Mingde Hall. Sunlight spilled onto the two of them, plating the old man and the young one with a layer of warm golden halo.
Jing Hongchen, behind them, watched their departing figures and sighed softly, then composed himself, turned, and threw himself into the complex affairs.
As the current Hall Master of Mingde Hall, he shouldered the development and growth of the entire Sun Moon Empire's Soul Engineer system. The burden on his shoulders was heavier than a thousand catties; he simply had no spare time to sigh with regret.
Watching the departing Kong Deming and Xu Tianhao, he could only immediately begin arranging the subsequent matters for the exchange student program, coordinating and planning, not daring to have the slightest negligence.
Unlike Kong Deming, who could take time off to accompany his disciple and act with composure, his own status and responsibilities destined him to be busy all day long, with few moments to relax or rest.
Leaving Mingde Hall, traveling through the streets of the Bright Capital, Xu Tianhao followed behind Kong Deming, his gaze calmly observing the bustling scenery along the way.
As the imperial capital of the Sun Moon Empire, the spirit tool civilization was naturally highly developed. The variety of spirit tool technologies on the streets was dazzling, and the level of prosperity was even greater than in Xu Tianhao's previous life. Everything highlighted the strength and prosperity of the Sun Moon Empire.
Thinking about how Yan Shaozhe had to obediently hand over a Spirit Bone in front of his teacher, the conviction in Xu Tianhao's heart to become stronger grew even more intense.
Because only by being strong oneself, and only by adhering to one's original intention, could one have a place in this turbulent continental landscape. Only then could one protect their own home, country, and loved ones.