Douluo Jueshi: Who let him join Shrek!

Chapter 816 Conversation with Jing Hongchen, the Unwavering Desire to Recruit Talent

Because of her love for playing with fire, Ma Xiaotao didn't get out of bed all day. She wanted to get up, but she was too weak to do so.

Seeing Ma Xiaotao like this, Ling Luochen, her mortal enemy, did not hesitate to mock her.

Too weak!
Ma Xiaotao dismissed it with disdain.

If Ling Luochen had experienced the battles she faced, he would probably be driven mad. To still mock her is utterly absurd!
Because Ma Xiaotao hadn't gotten up, Zhang Lexuan, Liya, and Wang Qiu'er all entered Ma Xiaotao's room with a bit of curiosity.

Upon seeing Ma Xiaotao's appearance, both Liya and Wang Qiu'er, the two novice girls, couldn't help but swallow hard.

They had seen what Zhang Lexuan and Ling Luochen looked like before, and they knew that Jiang Ming was very strong in combat. They had been preparing themselves mentally these past few days.

But when they saw Ma Xiaotao's condition, their psychological defenses crumbled somewhat.

Ling Luochen was fine; like Zhang Lexuan, he just spent a morning in bed and was alright.

But Ma Xiaotao hasn't recovered for a whole day.

Isn't this too cruel?!
Liya and Wang Qiu'er exchanged a glance. One had a pair of sea-blue eyes, and the other had a pair of pink-blue eyes with a hint of gold. Both could see the slight panic in the other's eyes.

And the idea of ​​wanting the other party to take the lead.

After Jiang Ming ignited the fire a second time with Ma Xiaotao, he completely tormented her to the point that she dared not play with fire anymore. Ma Xiaotao also experienced what it meant to play with fire and get burned.

While Ma Xiaotao was playing with fire and getting burned, being observed by the other girls, Jiang Mingren was already inside the Sea God Pavilion.

Inside the Sea God Pavilion, not all the elders were present; only Elder Song, Elder Lin, Yan Shaozhe, and Xian Lin'er, who were currently in charge, were there.

Jiang Ming had originally intended to invite Jing Hongchen to the Sea God Pavilion for a talk, but Elder Mu and Elder Xuan were currently in seclusion. Even though Jiang Ming had enough strength to suppress everything, he chose to entertain Jing Hongchen outside just in case.

"Xiao Ming, Jing Hongchen and the others have made all the arrangements. They're on the eighth floor of the Shrek Grand Hotel. Now..."

Old Lin looked at Jiang Ming and asked softly.

Shrek City is now thriving, but the Shrek Grand Hotel remains its most iconic building, used specifically to receive distinguished guests.

Arranging for Jing Hongchen to stay at the Shrek Hotel, and even on the eighth floor, is already giving them plenty of face.

After all, even an imperial princess like Xu Jiujiu Vina is only on the ninth floor.

Jiang Ming nodded slightly and said, "Well, I'll leave Jing Hongchen to you all. You don't need to worry about him anymore. By the way, Elder Song, could you check on Mingdu for me? Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen should be under Xu Tianran's control. Find out where they are."

It goes without saying that Jing Hongchen and Xiao Hongchen are being controlled by Jing Hongchen.

He didn't care much about others, but he was obsessed with the mortal world.
Old Song nodded and said, "Although some of our spies in Mingdu have been killed, there are still some left. I'll go and contact them."

Since Mingjiang's identity was exposed in Mingdu, Xu Tianran immediately launched a large-scale purge plan.

I would rather kill a thousand people by mistake than let one go!
Under this brutal purge, Shrek Academy's spies in Mingdu were naturally mostly eliminated.

But an intelligence system cannot be abandoned because of something like this.

Some spies were not eliminated, and some have been added to the Ming capital over the years.

Finding out the whereabouts of Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen shouldn't be too difficult.

"Xiaoming, are you going to rescue someone?"

Yan Shaozhe asked in a deep voice.

He had heard some things about the relationship between Meng Hongchen and Jiang Ming.

After all, when Shrek Academy and Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy cooperated, Meng Hongchen was studying in Shrek's inner academy.

Although Meng Hongchen had the most contact with Zhang Lexuan at the time, he had also heard about the matter between Meng Hongchen and the so-called Mingjiang.

Based on his understanding of Jiang Ming, if it was confirmed that Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen were being controlled by Xu Tianran, then Jiang Ming would most likely go to rescue them.

Jiang Ming shook his head and said, "Save people? If I'm not mistaken, Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen are just being monitored by Xu Tianran. After all, Jing Hongchen is a top-tier level nine soul master. If Xu Tianran really imprisons Jing Hongchen's grandchildren, it could easily cause unrest among the other level nine soul masters in the Sun Moon Empire."

Having spent so many years in Mingdu and by Xu Tianran's side, he understood Xu Tianran quite well.

This guy is ambitious, and because of the assassination attempt that turned him into a eunuch and left him paralyzed from the waist down, he has a twisted and perverse mentality. But to say he's stupid is definitely not an exaggeration.

Now, Jiang Ming has wiped out all the strong members and core forces of the Holy Spirit Cult. Those evil soul masters with low cultivation levels have either been recruited by Xu Tianran or slaughtered. Even if there is still a Dragon Emperor Douluo and a Death God Douluo left, they can't cause any big trouble.

The loss of the Holy Spirit Cult had both advantages and disadvantages for Xu Tianran.

Evil spirit masters are a taboo subject. Xu Tianran did indeed intend to eliminate the Holy Spirit Cult after using them, but the timing was wrong.

If the Holy Spirit Cult and Jiang Ming had perished together in the Battle of the Ice Sea, that would have been the best outcome for Xu Tianran.

But now, the Holy Spirit Cult is gone, but Jiang Ming is still here, which is very difficult to accept.

Having lost the Holy Spirit Cult, the Sun Moon Empire has fallen to an absolute disadvantage in terms of high-end Soul Master combat power.

At this critical moment, the ninth-level Soul Masters, representing the very foundation of the Sun Moon Empire, absolutely could not afford any mishaps. Even the slightest wavering in morale would be extremely damaging to Xu Tianran.

Xu Tianran's decision to reinstate Jing Hongchen as the head of the Mingde Hall was also intended to appease the other level-nine soul masters.

After all, during his tenure as the head of Mingde Hall and the dean of Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy, Jing Hongchen had trained a large number of outstanding soul masters. With Jing Hongchen's return, Mingde Hall and Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy will be more stable.

"That"

Yan Shaozhe hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.

Since they're just being monitored, there's no need to go out of their way to find out.

Jiang Ming said softly, "This is just my personal guess. We still need to check the situation over there to know for sure. Besides, not moving now doesn't mean we'll stay still forever. That ceasefire agreement is supposed to be for peaceful development, but given Xu Tianran's personality and ambition, he probably wants to use this time to accumulate strength and seek a bigger war!"

He had spoken with Xu Tianran face to face and knew about the almost obsessive ambition in Xu Tianran's heart!
Xu Tianran will not give up his plan to unify the continent. He is paralyzed from the waist down. Before, he devoted all his attention to the royal struggles. Now that he has become the emperor of the Sun Moon Empire, he has devoted all his attention to the plan to unify the continent.

As for the development of the Sun and Moon Empire
Hehe, the Sun Moon Empire itself is much stronger than other empires on the continent, and its soul tool technology is a thousand years ahead!
Compared to the seemingly endless and unattainable development, the goal of taking over the entire Douluo Continent, renaming it Sun and Moon Continent, and becoming the supreme being is much clearer!
"If Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen have the chance, we can bring them out. Maybe that way we can bring Jing Hongchen over as well."

Whether out of personal motives or for some other reason, bringing Xiao Hongchen and his sister out is beneficial.

Upon hearing Jiang Ming's words, the elders seemed to be deep in thought.

"Yes, I also think Xu Tianran won't give up launching a war. But after all, the other side has already put forward a ceasefire agreement, so in recent years we can only weaken the Sun Moon Empire in other ways."

Yan Shaozhe nodded.

The war hasn't started yet. Even though everyone can guess that Xu Tianran won't give up the idea of ​​war, as long as the war hasn't really begun, at least on the surface, some semblance of a war is still needed.

The current situation is somewhat awkward, because after so many events, the initiative in the war still remains in the hands of the Sun Moon Empire.

why?
Because the gap in national strength is too large!

The current situation is that the war can only be initiated by the Sun Moon Empire. The three empires that originally belonged to the Douluo Continent, including the Star Luo Empire and the Heavenly Soul Empire which border the Sun Moon Empire, can only passively retaliate against the war launched by the Sun Moon Empire.

It would be futile to have these two great empires launch an attack on the Sun and Moon Empire.

War is a battle of national strength!

The reason why Xu Tianran never lost his desire to wage war against the Sun Moon Empire was because the Sun Moon Empire's national strength was far greater than that of the other three great empires!

A strong nation can attack a weak nation whenever it is ready.

But a weak country can't defeat a strong country, and it not only gives the strong country a reason to take action, but it can also arouse public outrage among the people of the strong country!
Imagine if the Star Luo Empire and the Heavenly Soul Empire formed an alliance to wage war directly against the Sun Moon Empire. People in the Sun Moon Empire who were originally against the war would probably all join the war!

In this situation, the Star Luo Empire and the Heavenly Soul Empire would only be asking for trouble, and there is also the possibility of being invaded again.

Therefore, even though they had to be wary of the Sun Moon Empire launching a war at any time, the Star Luo Empire and the Heavenly Soul Empire could only passively defend themselves.

The difference lies in the vast disparity in national strength!

Even if the Sun Moon Empire attacks, they can still use the numerous obstacles within their own country and the unity of their people to put up a tenacious resistance.

But if they were to attack, their army might be overwhelmed by the Sun Moon Empire's territory, and then quickly pushed back by the Sun Moon Empire, ultimately leading to the annihilation of their country!
The disparity in national strength meant that the three great empires could only fight defensive wars and could not wage offensive campaigns.

Before war even begins, they can weaken the enemy's strength in various ways, such as abducting their level nine soul masters, sowing discord, constantly using gold soul coins to buy up rare metal resources produced within the Sun Moon Empire, and using entertainment to promote anti-war ideas. These underhanded tactics are the means they can use.

"Alright, elders, this isn't really a big deal. Since Jing Hongchen is here, I'll have him take some 'useful' information back to Xu Tianran to scare him a bit. As for the rest, just do what needs to be done, everything as usual." After saying this, Jiang Ming inquired about the recent events at the Sea God Pavilion and Shrek Academy. Once he confirmed that there was nothing he needed to handle, he left the Sea God Pavilion.

He did not return to the lakeside cabin, but instead went to Shrek City and found Jing Hongchen's room.

Bang bang bang!
Jiang Ming knocked on Jing Hongchen's door. A few seconds later, Jing Hongchen opened the door, and his eyes narrowed the moment he saw Jiang Ming.

Jiang Ming smiled and said, "Master Hongchen, I've already told you not to be so nervous. If I really wanted to kill you, it would only take a moment."

If someone else said these words, it would be an absolute insult and mockery to a top-tier level nine soul master.

But the person who said this was Jiang Ming, and Jing Hongchen believed that Jiang Ming had the ability to do so, so he did not feel that it was an insult or mockery.

Jing Hongchen was silent for a second, then stepped aside and said, "Please."

Jiang Ming shook his head and said softly, "I won't go in. I was the one who suggested renovating this Shrek Hotel. I know the situation inside very well. There's no point in going in."

As he spoke, Jiang Ming turned his head slightly to look at the scenery outside the floor-to-ceiling window at the end of the corridor and said, "Would the Red Dust Hall Master be interested in taking a stroll around Shrek City? Shrek City has changed quite a bit in the past few years."

Jing Hongchen didn't understand what Jiang Ming wanted to do, but since she had already decided to stay in Shrek City for a few days, staying in the hotel all the time wasn't a good idea.

He nodded and said, "Since the honorary pavilion master of the Sea God Pavilion and the strongest person on the continent has invited me, I am naturally more than happy to accept."

Jing Hongchen flattered Jiang Ming a few times, then walked out of the room. The two went to the soul-guided elevator and waited for it to come up.

With their combined strength, they could easily jump off the eighth floor, but that wouldn't be dignified.

A few seconds later, the soul-guided elevator came up, and the two went inside.

A day passes quickly. Jiang Ming spent several hours tinkering with Ma Xiaotao at the lakeside cabin for a second time, then went to the Sea God Pavilion for a short meeting. By the time he arrived in Shrek City, it was already getting dark.

As night fell, the soul-guided lights in Shrek City gradually came on.

Looking out from the one-way transparent elevator, the night sky was shrouded in darkness, swallowing all light, while the earth was lit up with tiny lights, twinkling like bright stars in the sky, illuminating this bustling city.

Jing Hongchen stared blankly at the scene before him, at the lit soul-guiding lamps and the convenient soul-guiding devices.

As the top research institute of the Sun Moon Empire for researching soul tools, Mingde Hall has developed countless advanced soul tools since its establishment.

However, the vast majority of those soul tools, at least 70%, are used for combat, or even war.

As for convenient soul tools, few people are researching them, and they don't receive much research and development funding.

The most typical figure among them is Xuan Ziwen, the former chief researcher of Mingdetang!
When Xuan Ziwen was at Mingde Hall, although he also studied combat-type soul tools, he actually put forward many soul tool design ideas that were beneficial to people's livelihood.

It's a pity that back then, because Xu Tianran gradually eliminated the other princes and the old emperor was terminally ill, he sided with Xu Tianran, and the entire Mingde Hall's research direction for soul tools has always focused on war-type soul tools.

Xuan Ziwen proposed the idea of ​​using soul-guided devices to improve people's livelihoods, but he has not approved its development.

Only now, after experiencing great ups and downs, has he seen many things clearly.

Compared to war and power, perhaps living a good life is more important.

It's a pity that we didn't realize it back then, and now that we do, it's too late.

Jing Hongchen sighed softly in his heart.

The two quickly descended from the eighth floor to the lobby. Without lingering, Jiang Ming led Jing Hongchen directly to the most bustling street in Shrek City.

"Master of the Red Dust Hall, what are your thoughts?"

Jiang Ming looked at the bustling crowd and then turned to look at Jing Hongchen beside him.

Jing Hongchen's eyes were somewhat complicated as he said in a deep voice, "Shrek City gives me the feeling of being in Mingdu. No, it seems to be even more prosperous and bustling than Mingdu."

Mingdu is the largest city on the Douluo Continent, without a doubt, because Mingdu's land area alone is larger than Star Luo City, Heaven Dou City, and Shrek City combined!

However, in terms of sheer prosperity and bustle, Shrek City is now comparable to Mingdu.

After all, Shrek City is now a place where the Tang Sect is starting anew, a huge merchant organization has been established, and even the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile School and the Body School have invested heavily in settling here.

Furthermore, all the major empires have set up offices in Shrek City. For one thing, the soul tools produced by Shrek Academy's Soul Guidance Department and the Tang Sect's Soul Guidance Hall are in great need of the three major empires.

With the gathering of various forces, coupled with Shrek City's already great reputation, its proximity to the Star Dou Great Forest, and its location at the border of two great empires, the combination of favorable timing, location, and popular support makes it quite normal for its prosperity to rival or even surpass that of Mingdu.

"Yes, indeed. But Master Hongchen, you also visited Shrek Academy seven or eight years ago. What was Shrek City like in your memory back then?"

Jiang Ming asked softly.

This wasn't Jing Hongchen's first time here. Seven or eight years ago, after Jiang Ming participated in the competition, Jing Hongchen had visited Shrek Academy once.

That time, it was to determine the relationship between Jiang Ming and Ming Jiang.

A hint of reminiscence flashed in Jing Hongchen's eyes as he slowly said, "The Shrek City of that time was vastly different from what it is now, if not drastically different."

When he first came to Shrek Academy, in order to avoid never returning, he deliberately concealed his identity and looked around Shrek City first, thinking about various methods and escape routes. At that time, he also learned a bit about Shrek City.

Shrek City at that time was indeed very prosperous, almost comparable to the capitals of the other three great empires, but it was still far inferior to Mingdu.

But now, Shrek City has improved significantly in both size and prosperity!

"Yes, things have changed a lot. Master Hongchen, do you know why these changes have occurred?"

Jiang Ming asked softly.

Jing Hongchen glanced at Jiang Ming and said, "I would like to hear the details."

Jiang Ming didn't say it directly, but instead led Jing Hongchen to a small stall and ordered a lot of barbecue and drinks.

"Let's talk while we eat."

The barbecue stall was doing very well; as soon as it got dark, the few small tables were already full of people.

While waiting for their food to be served, the people chatted idly.

They might talk about seeing some stunningly beautiful women that day, or how well their children behaved, or complain about how controlling their wives are—all sorts of things.

They also discussed national affairs, talking endlessly about the current situation on the mainland, implying that if they were in power, this and that would definitely happen.
"Master of the Red Dust Hall, as the head of the Mingde Hall, you must be very familiar with how the Sun Moon Empire has led other countries in soul tool technology over the years, and how Mingdu has been built into the number one city on the continent. What do you think is the most important thing for development?"

Jiang Ming picked up a skewer of grilled meat about the length of his forearm and took a big, bold bite.

Looking at Jiang Ming's demeanor, which was just like the ordinary people around him, Jing Hongchen thought for a moment and said, "Talent is what development needs most. The Sun Moon Empire has been able to develop soul tool technology to this level because of the continuous breakthroughs made by individual talents."

The development of soul tools requires talent, a large number of high-end soul tool talents with innovative ideas!

"Well, what factors do you think influence the emergence of talented individuals, Master Hongchen?"

Jiang Ming continued to ask.

Jing Hongchen said, "Population! Environment! Population is the foundation for the emergence of talent. Only with a large enough base can one in a hundred, or even one in ten thousand, geniuses appear! And the environment is the key to protecting geniuses so that they can grow up."

Jiang Ming nodded and smiled, "It seems that Master Hongchen is very knowledgeable about these things. If the Sun Moon Empire were to launch a war, what kind of changes do you think would occur in the population and environment?"

Jing Hongchen fell silent.

Population and environment are the core factors for ensuring the emergence of talent, but once war breaks out, death is inevitable, not to mention anything else! War will bring endless casualties, and the population will inevitably decline.

Even if a country is strong enough to launch a war abroad and ensure that it does not affect its own territory, the environment will certainly become harsh.

Once war breaks out, it will affect the nation's resources! The prices of rare metals, and even the prices of ordinary daily necessities, will skyrocket. When people are struggling to make a living, where will the creativity come from to drive the development of soul tools?
"This is His Majesty's will. If you want me to persuade His Majesty to completely abandon the idea of ​​war, I cannot do it."

Jing Hongchen got straight to the point.

Even though he has now given up his obsession with power and even has anti-war thoughts, he can't change anything now.

Jiang Ming shook his head and said, "I've also spoken with Xu Tianran. I know he won't give up easily, and I'm also aware of the awkward situation the Red Dust Hall Master is in right now."

Jing Hongchen's eyes narrowed, and he said, "Then what is this?"

Jiang Ming picked up a glass of wheat juice from the side, took a sip, and laughed, "I just wanted to tell Hall Master Hongchen that Xu Tianran is now gradually pushing the Sun Moon Empire towards destruction. And if that time comes, would Hall Master Hongchen be willing to change the environment?"

(End of this chapter)