Douluo Dalu II—Chapter 152: Jing Hongchen: I Will Arrest You
He Caitou instinctively sensed that something was off about what Teacher Fan Yu said. However, recalling his deceased parents and the kindness Shrek Academy had shown him, he silenced his doubts and continued working silently.
'For the sake of the academy, and to get revenge on Xu Tianran, we must steal the blueprints!' His thoughts were filled with conviction.
The master and disciple then proceeded to secretly steal the blueprints one after another. These blueprints mainly contained the engraving methods for the core arrays of various soul guidance devices. Since the core array is always the most vital part of any soul guidance device, they were extremely valuable.
Fan Yu was not worried about being caught. Based on his observations over this period, most researchers in Illustrious Virtue Hall would go to rest at this time, giving him ample opportunity.
After all, researchers are human. Working nonstop without rest isn't good for their physical or mental health.
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Soul Guidance Monitoring Room
Jing Hongchen narrowed his eyes slightly as he watched Fan Yu and He Caitou stealing blueprints on the monitor screen.
Because Huo Yuhao had proposed to strengthen Illustrious Virtue Hall's defenses comprehensively, he had installed some highly secretive soul guidance monitoring devices inside the hall. This wasn't because he distrusted the researchers, but mainly to prevent internal issues.
Soul guidance monitoring wasn't very technically complex. It was similar to the soul guidance screens used in the Starlight Auction House. Jing Hongchen hadn't spent many gold soul coins to secretly install these devices—only enough to ensure security.
Few people knew about the existence of this monitoring system. Even among the researchers, not everyone was aware. So, it was entirely normal that Fan Yu and He Caitou had no idea they were being watched.
"I didn't expect that Fan Yu and He Caitou—both born in Shrek Academy—would steal blueprints in Illustrious Virtue Hall," Jing Hongchen said softly, without turning his head. "Xiao Meng, how do you think I should punish them?"
Meng Hongchen, standing nearby and watching the screen, expressed her dissatisfaction. "Naturally, the punishment should follow the laws of the Sun-Moon Empire. Those blueprints are the hard work of our researchers. Fan Yu and He Caitou stole them to send back to Shrek Academy."
She paused, then continued: "One day, if the researchers find out that their work has been taken away so despicably, it will be a huge blow to morale."
The researchers of Illustrious Virtue Hall were all talented soul engineers. Designing useful soul guidance devices was no easy task, even for talented individuals.
Although Illustrious Virtue Hall wouldn't store blueprints for level 8 or 9 soul guidance devices casually, the level of a soul guidance device didn't necessarily determine its value.
For example, the invincible shield was only level 7. Once these blueprints were sent to Shrek Academy, it would likely cause significant losses for the Sun-Moon Empire.
Jing Hongchen sighed. "Yes, I want to punish them according to the laws of the empire, but they are backed by Shrek Academy. That means, at most, we can't let them steal the blueprints without repercussions."
"Still, we can't just do nothing," he added. "Those blueprints are too important to Illustrious Virtue Hall. If they're stolen, I, as head of Illustrious Virtue Hall, will be considered derelict in my duties."
He paused, then said, "Fortunately, Yuhao reminded us to strengthen Illustrious Virtue Hall's defenses. I initially thought it was just to guard against external threats, but now I see there's a threat inside."
Turning to Meng Hongchen, he said, "Xiao Meng, let's go. We need to arrest Fan Yu and He Caitou. We can't let them take the blueprints out of Illustrious Virtue Hall."
Meng Hongchen nodded without hesitation. "Okay, Grandpa."
Almost. With these blueprints, the soul guidance department at Shrek Academy would develop rapidly, creating better soul guidance devices. When the next soul-fighting competition arrived, Shrek would have access to some extremely advanced equipment.
Thinking of this, Fan Yu couldn't help but smile. He subconsciously rubbed the ring on his finger, feeling optimistic about the future of Shrek's soul guidance technology.
Suddenly, He Caitou heard hurried footsteps approaching from outside. He leaned toward Fan Yu in a low voice. "Teacher, someone's coming."
"Yeah, I know," Fan Yu replied quietly, glancing at He Caitou. "Probably other researchers— they're probably done resting and ready to continue developing soul guides. Let's take a quick break first."
But the rest was just a pretense—getting these blueprints back to Shrek was the real goal.
The night was long and dreams abundant. As long as they successfully sent the blueprints back, Fan Yu could finally breathe a sigh of relief.
He Caitou understood immediately. Nodding, he said, "Okay, teacher. Let's go rest."
Fan Yu led the way out of Illustrious Virtue Hall, with He Caitou close behind. Soon, they reached the door. As expected, some researchers were already heading toward Illustrious Virtue Hall.
Suddenly, Fan Yu saw Jing Hongchen standing not far away. His face was grim, and his gaze fixed on him. Beside Jing Hongchen was the renowned genius girl, Meng Hongchen.
Fan Yu's heart skipped a beat. He was worried that his theft might be exposed. Yet, he remained calm and showed no signs of nervousness, knowing that the closer they were to discovery, the more important it was to stay composed—otherwise, he risked being caught.
He quickened his pace.
Jing Hongchen approached. Just when Fan Yu thought he might pass by, Jing Hongchen suddenly stretched out his hands, gripping Fan Yu and He Caitou's shoulders firmly. He said coldly, "Fan Yu, He Caitou, you stole the soul guidance device blueprints from Illustrious Virtue Hall. I am arresting you now."
As these words left his mouth, the researchers approaching also stopped and turned to look. Their faces showed shock—evidently, they were stunned by Jing Hongchen's declaration.
Fan Yu's face changed, and he looked wronged. "Dean Jing, you can't say things casually. He Caitou and I have been studying diligently in Illustrious Virtue Hall. We've never stolen any blueprints."
He knew that once accused, denying it was the best strategy. He was always cautious. The other party might suspect something but lack proof. As long as he didn't admit theft, he believed he could eventually send the blueprints back to the academy.
End of Chapter