Chapter 30: A Mentor's Influence and Unforeseen Consequences
Before Zhang Zhao could finish his words, Xiao Qiang swiftly cut him off by mentioning his mentor, Jing Hongchen.
Xiao Qiang's father, the Chief Censor and Junior Minister of the Ministry of Rites, held an esteemed official position—comparable to a vice-state level official in Xiao Qiang's previous life. However, Jing Hongchen was even more influential, ranking in the national echelon's top tier.
A pillar of the Sun and Moon Empire, Jing Hongchen was the second strongest force after Xuan Lao, with a reputation so commanding that even the emperor and prince showed him utmost respect, calling him the "Master of the Red Dust Hall." His status was unparalleled.
When Zhang Zhao heard "mentor Jing Hongchen," his anger halted mid-sentence. Though doubts still lingered in his mind, he chose to tread carefully.
"Excuse me," Zhang Zhao began, his tone cautious. "You say your teacher is the Master of the Red Dust Hall. Can you show me proof?"
Xiao Qiang calmly presented a token bearing the identity of Jing Hongchen's disciple. He extended it with one hand, and Zhang Zhao received it with both, inspecting it closely.
After a brief glance, Zhang Zhao returned the token with a respectful bow, his earlier frustration replaced with a smile of admiration.
"To be accepted as a disciple by the Master of the Red Dust Hall…" he mused. "Only one in a million can achieve such a feat. Your Excellency must be an extraordinary talent. My apologies for the misunderstanding."
"No problem," Xiao Qiang replied nonchalantly. "Now, I need you to deliver something to Bai Qingshan, Vice President of the East China Sea Junior Soul Instructor Academy. The sooner, the better."
Xiao Qiang handed over a storage soul guide. Zhang Zhao accepted it with equal gravity and replied solemnly, "Rest assured, I will deliver this in person. There won't be any issues."
"There's also a soul guide communicator inside. Once you deliver it, make sure to ask him to call me to confirm."
"Understood. Do you have any other instructions?"
"No, just get it to him as soon as possible."
Xiao Qiang turned and walked out of the Sun and Moon Royal Soul Instructor Transport Group's headquarters. As he watched Zhang Zhao depart, flying swiftly toward Mingdu City, a hint of concern crossed his face. I hope he arrives quickly. Uncle Bai's situation won't improve anytime soon if he doesn't.
In Donghai City, within the East China Sea Junior Soul Instructor Academy…
"You want another advance on your salary?" Zhao Yuanbu, the dean of the academy, slammed his hand onto the desk in exasperation. "Bai Qingshan, you've gone too far this time."
Bai Qingshan, standing across from the younger dean, offered an awkward, apologetic smile. "Dean, I swear this is the last time. Just this once, please be lenient."
"Lenient?" Zhao Yuanbu scoffed. "Which month in the past two years haven't you asked for more? I'm not trying to be cruel, but Xiao Qiang isn't your son. Why are you helping him so much? If you weren't a food-type soul master and a fourth-level soul guide, I might start wondering if you're just trying to feed his insatiable appetite!"
Bai Qingshan fell silent, though a flood of thoughts raced through his mind. Why am I helping Xiao Qiang so much? The answer was obvious—because of this very dean.
Bai Qingshan had reached the soul master level with innate second-level soul power at the age of ten. After his graduation from the East China Sea Junior Soul Instructor College, he returned to teach there. It took nearly thirty years of hard work before his soul power reached level 40, and with it, the rank of soul master. Only then could he take over as the principal after the former principal's retirement.
But when that day came, the unexpected happened. Zhao Yuanbu, a man without martial arts prowess, was parachuted into the position of dean due to his connection to the Zhao family, one of the three major families in Donghai City. The situation left Bai Qingshan disillusioned. He had thought that his qualifications would guarantee him the role, but in reality, his lack of connections had left him sidelined.
It was during this time that Xiao Qiang entered his life, offering a proposal. Xiao Qiang promised to supply Bai Qingshan with the resources he needed for Xiao Qiang's own cultivation until the boy reached fourteen. In exchange, Bai Qingshan would benefit from Xiao Qiang's potential once the boy matured. At the time, Bai Qingshan had few other options. He was not part of any influential family, and he lacked the background to compete with the likes of Zhao Yuanbu. When the proposal came, Bai Qingshan was quick to accept.
Now, two years later, Bai Qingshan had sold everything of value just to keep up with Xiao Qiang's ever-growing demands. The resources required for Xiao Qiang's training were overwhelming, and Bai Qingshan was left deep in debt.
"I'm telling you, you're too soft on him," Zhao Yuanbu scolded. "You've given him everything he's asked for! It's embarrassing. If you'd been more careful, you wouldn't have lost everything. Look at you—still wearing the same clothes you had on when I first met you. You've sold your house, your shops, even your soul guides. You're bankrupt, all for a kid you're not even related to. And on top of that, you're in debt. Are you really going to let it go on like this?"
Bai Qingshan said nothing, keeping his gaze down. Zhao Yuanbu continued, "You've been a fourth-level soul guide for years. You should know better than to let him drain you like this. I've already seen the kind of resources he's after. Half of what he wants would be enough for me to add three new servants to the Zhao family. But you—you're letting him control your life. It's embarrassing."
Bai Qingshan stood there, enduring the lecture. He wasn't naive enough to believe that Xiao Qiang would give him anything in return, but there was a part of him that still hoped for something to change.
"Don't fool yourself," Zhao Yuanbu sneered. "Even if Xiao Qiang grows into someone powerful, how much time do you really have left? You're over fifty now. If he gives you something useful, you won't even live long enough to enjoy it. Face the facts—he's not going to give you anything worth your sacrifice. If he does, I'll eat this table."
Bai Qingshan just sighed, knowing Zhao Yuanbu was right, yet unable to break free from the choices he'd made.