"So that's what you think. My idea might be a bit different from yours," Wang Nan said casually while looking at other exhibits. "I think Soul Guidance Masters and Spirit Masters should complement each other, not be at odds."
"Actually, if you think about it from another perspective, Soul Guidance Masters and Food-Type Spirit Masters aren't that different. They both create things to assist themselves and other Spirit Masters. It's just that one uses Spirits, and the other uses spirit tools."
"How can those be compared? Learning how to use spirit tools takes time; wouldn't that delay the cultivation of spirit power?" Gongyang Mo felt that all his previous understanding of spirit tools had been overturned by Wang Nan's words. It took him a while to find a point to refute.
"Is the cooperation between Spirit Masters achieved overnight? Besides, understanding some basic knowledge of spirit tools will make it easier to deal with Soul Guidance Masters later," Wang Nan countered.
As he was speaking, Wang Nan suddenly quickened his pace and quickly arrived in front of a display stand.
"Is the distinguished guest interested in this Spirit Bone?" The young girl who had previously led Wang Nan also followed. "This right arm bone comes from a Scarlet-Faced White Ape. Although it lacks offensive power, it provides an ability called 'As Easy as Pointing a Finger.'"
Scarlet-Faced White Apes are a type of Spirit Beast that prefer to live in the mountains. They are named for their all-white fur and crimson faces. They are solitary creatures that enjoy eating fruit. Of course, being vegetarian does not mean they are gentle. On the contrary, they frequently use tools like branches to harass other Spirit Beasts in the vicinity.
Unlike other Spirit Beasts, in combat, besides their claws and tails, they also use "weapons" in their hands to attack. Their advances and retreats even show a certain method, no less sophisticated than some Spirit Masters' Spirit Abilities.
The skill 'As Easy as Pointing a Finger,' provided by its right arm bone, as the name suggests, allows the Spirit Master to greatly enhance their control over weapons for a period of time.
This effect is a bit of a waste for Beast Spirits, but it's perfect for Tool Spirits.
Looking at the price again, it was one million gold coins. It was still very expensive, but not particularly outrageous.
"If the distinguished guest is interested, you can come with me to assess the discount you can receive," the young girl smiled and extended her right hand.
Wang Nan did not rush to respond but instead looked back at Gongyang Mo. "Do you want to come with me or look around more?"
Gongyang Mo was still thinking about the difference between Soul Guidance Masters and Food-Type Spirit Masters. He only came back to his senses when Wang Nan called him. "I... I won't go; I'll look around more."
Wang Nan nodded and followed the young girl to the assessment and registration area. Besides the staff, there was also an old woman with white hair and a youthful face.
"I accidentally overheard your conversation with your friend when I passed by. Comparing Soul Guidance Masters to Food-Type Spirit Masters is something I've never heard before. Would you be willing to chat more with me?" The old woman said, gesturing toward the VIP room next to them.
Wang Nan knew that the old woman in front of him was probably one of the elders in the Academy, so he didn't stand on ceremony and followed her into the VIP room. Shortly after sitting down, someone brought in two cups of tea and some snacks.
The old woman showed a kind smile. "I imagine many teachers in the Academy have told you that in battles between strong individuals, Spirit Masters are superior to Soul Guidance Masters. I'd like to know why you are interested in spirit tools?"
Wang Nan had expected that his unique ideas would attract attention, but he didn't expect it to happen so soon, being called to talk as soon as he spoke. It seemed that Shrek Academy's emphasis on spirit tools was much higher than he had imagined.
However, there was nothing to hide, so Wang Nan spoke truthfully.
"Because in combat, spirit tools can change a Spirit Master's fighting style. For example, flying spirit tools can give Spirit Masters higher mobility, long-range attack spirit tools can increase a Spirit Master's offensive methods, and even Advanced Spirit Masters can reduce damage taken through defensive spirit tools."
"Different types of spirit tools are like different types of support system Spirits, helping Spirit Masters deal with battles more easily. Likewise, only Spirit Masters can unleash the full power of spirit tools. I believe that powerful Spirit Masters paired with powerful spirit tools is the best way to use them."
"Besides, as you just said, only in battles between Advanced Spirit Masters are Spirit Masters stronger than Soul Masters. So, for low-Rank Spirit Masters like me, it's even more important to learn how to use spirit tools to protect ourselves."
"Hahaha, I was wondering what kind of student could make that boy Yan Shaozhe personally make a trip. Now it seems he's a child with quite a few ideas," the old woman said with a chuckle.
Wang Nan didn't know when he had met the dean of the Martial Soul Department, so he could only laugh along with the old woman.
"It is indeed you young people who have ideas. Spirit tools are like alternative Spirits, and Soul Guidance Masters are like alternative Spirit Masters," the old woman suddenly thought of something as she said this.
'Soul Guidance Masters are also a type of Spirit Master, then would there be classifications like attack system or control system? Yes, there should be. Soul Masters also have cooperation similar to Spirit Masters, so they would have different tendencies and divisions of labor. Just as one person doesn't have the energy to cultivate both Spirits and spirit tools, no Soul Master can excel in all directions simultaneously. So the Academy's cultivation direction…'
After a long pause, she slowly spoke, "Let's not talk about spirit tools anymore. Let's talk about the Spirit Bone you were interested in. Unfortunately, with your current strength, you can only reach a credit limit of one hundred thousand gold coins at most. Even after a discount, you can't afford it."
Wang Nan was not surprised. He had neither unique twin spirits nor powerful ultimate Spirits. To have a limit of one hundred thousand was already due to his higher spirit power rank. However, the old woman bringing this up at this moment probably had something else to say.
So Wang Nan remained silent, quietly waiting for her to continue.
Sure enough, the old woman continued, "However, I can hold onto it for you. Jubao Pavilion reassesses annually. If you can meet the standard within three years, not only can you take that Spirit Bone, but I will also give you a gift. What do you think?"
Wang Nan agreed without much thought. Even if he didn't meet the standard, he wouldn't suffer any losses, so there was no need to hesitate.
For the rest of the time, Wang Nan didn't buy anything else. The expensive items were unaffordable even if he used up his credit, and the cheaper ones weren't worth it. Although Wang Nan's family wasn't extremely wealthy, they weren't short of medicinal herbs and the like, so there was no need to incur debt for such things.
Just as Wang Nan was about to leave, the young girl from before suddenly called out to him.
"Distinguished guest, this is a gift our Pavilion Master prepared for you, in appreciation of your valuable suggestion." As she spoke, she handed over a token-like storage spirit tool.
Wang Nan took it and focused his mental force to probe inside, finding that it was indeed the Level 4 flying spirit tool he had looked at earlier.
Generally speaking, only after reaching Rank 4 spirit power is there enough continuous power for a flying spirit tool. With Wang Nan's current spirit power, it was not enough to sustain long-distance flight, so he had not bought it earlier. He hadn't expected it to be given as a gift in the end.
"Then I'll accept it. Please thank the Pavilion Master for me."
"Alright, distinguished guest, take care."
After Wang Nan left, a streak of light rose from Jubao Pavilion and flew towards Shrek Academy.