Huo Qiqiang opened another wall cabinet. Inside was a row of soul tool injectors, each labeled with the words: Golden Holy Dragon Martial Soul Gene Factor Injection.
"This was extracted from Yu Xiaogang's blood and evolved in the most advantageous direction," Huo Qiqiang explained.
Both Huo Qiqiang and Qian Renxue knew that the Golden Holy Dragon had no relation to the Golden Dragon, but was a stage of evolution from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Martial Soul toward the Holy Dragon.
"In other words, just one of these gene factors would allow Yu Xiaogang to realize his lifelong dream? Not only that, his Martial Soul would fully evolve into the Holy Dragon?" Qian Renxue asked.
"Exactly," Huo Qiqiang replied, and then opened another cabinet. Inside was a row of prepared injectors labeled: Dark Holy Dragon Martial Soul Gene Factor Injection.
"Long Xiaoyao, Mu En, the twin Holy Dragons of Light and Dark... But in my hands, this kind of top-tier Martial Soul can be mass-produced," Huo Qiqiang said.
Qian Renxue was amazed. "You've achieved what no one in the past twenty thousand years of Douluo Continent has ever been able to do."
"I think rather than saying no one could do it, it's more accurate to say that those who could didn't want to go down this path," Huo Qiqiang replied.
"Why not?" Qian Renxue asked.
"Because to develop what you call this miracle-level technology, all it takes is a single idea, enough investment, and some time. I believe it wouldn't take a thousand or ten thousand years—just a few hundred might be enough."
He paced around the room as he spoke. "You inherit the highest quality Martial Soul from your parents. If both parents' Martial Souls are of the same level, you might inherit one of them, or possibly develop twin Martial Souls. Martial Souls can also mutate—either for better or worse. Isn't that considered common knowledge on Douluo Continent?"
Qian Renxue nodded.
"But why has no one ever asked the most fundamental question: Why is this considered common knowledge? What's the underlying truth behind it?" Huo Qiqiang countered.
"This..." Qian Renxue hesitated.
Huo Qiqiang activated a soul screen, projecting an image of a microscopic double-helix structure.
"What is this?"
"This is a gene."
"A gene?"
"It's like a book. A person's book is composed of part from the father and part from the mother. Beauty or ugliness, tall or short—every innate trait is decided by this book. And, of course, their Martial Soul."
He zoomed in on the helix and pointed at some markers inside. "These are the Martial Soul gene factors."
They resembled human genes from Huo Qiqiang's original world, but with an extra 'book' labeled Martial Soul. A person necessarily inherits two Martial Soul factors—one from each parent. The dominant one manifests, while the weaker one stays hidden. Only when both are equally matched is it possible for twin Martial Souls to appear.
"Twin Martial Souls, soul evolution, soul mutation—all of it can be explained through this book," Huo Qiqiang concluded.
Qian Renxue was shaken. "This is incredible. Doesn't that mean you could mass-produce soul master armies with powerful Martial Souls like the Seraphim, the Clear Sky Hammer, and the Blue Silver Emperor?"
"Martial Soul gene factors aren't omnipotent," Huo Qiqiang said. "They can affect innate traits, but some factors are determined after birth. For example, the Blue Silver Emperor—I can at most make a gene factor for the Blue Silver King."
"Now do you understand? It's not that it can't be done—just that no one wants to do it."
"Because... it's too terrifying. If this technology spreads, the entire order of Douluo Continent will collapse," Qian Renxue responded.
Even after twenty thousand years of development, whether it's soul tools or battle armor, the status of soul masters was only strengthened—but the gap between the strong and weak remained unchanged.
Those truly capable of developing and using such revolutionary technology were powerful clans and factions like the Clear Sky Clan and Shrek Academy—those who held the top Martial Souls and controlled the resources.
But would they ever dig their own graves?
If Martial Soul gene technology became widespread, the line between strong and weak would shift. Powerful Martial Souls would no longer be monopolized by noble bloodlines. The Nobles and sects of this world would never allow that.
"Now that you've seen the miracle I've created, know this: from the moment it was born, the world was destined to change. I will upend the order of this world, and in doing so, the sects and noble houses will retaliate. What choice will your Spirit Hall make?" Huo Qiqiang asked.
"Your enemies are also our enemies. Of course I choose to follow you," Qian Renxue replied. "I want to see what kind of era you will create."
"A wise choice."
After Spirit Hall made its decision, Huo Qiqiang said, "Martial Soul gene factors are the core to changing the world—but we cannot neglect soul tools. You've learned soul tool manufacturing, right?"
"I know a bit," Qian Renxue replied.
"A bit is enough. Starting now, promote soul tool technology in Spirit Hall," Huo Qiqiang instructed.
After handling Spirit Hall matters, Qian Renxue departed. Meanwhile, Snow Empress returned from seeing off two students.
"Flender's ragtag team is in place. We can't fall behind," Huo Qiqiang said. "It's time to establish Spark Academy. Our academy won't value talent—we'll value ambition. We'll only recruit commoner soul masters. As long as they have dreams, even if their Martial Souls are trash, we'll take them. Especially people like Mu Yuanfang and Luo Xingqi—discontent with the current order but powerless to resist. The more, the better. All we do is hand them the knife."
"I will build Spark Academy as fast as possible," Snow Empress said.
"Use the money generously 'donated' by the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect to fund it," Huo Qiqiang said with a smile.
Of course, Snow Empress and the others had prepared for years and didn't lack money to start an academy. But isn't it more satisfying to use a fool's money to train their future enemies?
Huo Qiqiang couldn't wait to see the look on Ning Fengzhi's face once he learned the truth.
With Spirit Hall above and Spark Academy below, the Three Great Sects and the Two Empires would be caught in the middle. The Body Sect sat in the center. Huo Yuhao already had a preliminary plan for the future.
Now that he had a second life, Huo Yuhao wouldn't just settle for repaying Tang San for everything he'd suffered. He would also accomplish the grand reform he had failed to complete in his past life—to overhaul this distorted world.
Lou Gao had no interest in anything other than blacksmithing. Unlike the other two divine blacksmiths known for their strength, Lou Gao specialized in technique. He could craft armor and weapons as exquisite as works of art.
These items, when sold on the market, were always in high demand.
However, what people didn't know was that the pieces Lou Gao allowed to be sold were, in fact, items he had deemed failures.
A perfectionist to an extreme degree, Lou Gao would consider even the slightest flaw a reason to discard a creation.
He disdained using wealth to evaluate his work. Yet, the Blacksmith Association barely brought in any income each year. Members lived frugally, and to help fund the association, Lou Gao was forced to sell some of his "failures."
That day, after attending a meeting of the Blacksmith Association and returning to his workshop, Lou Gao was approached by his disciple, Si Long.
"Master, someone from Spirit Hall wishes to see you."
"Not interested. Tell them to leave," Lou Gao replied impatiently.
Lou Gao paid little attention to the outside world. Because of his old friend Titan, he had an extremely poor impression of Spirit Hall (Bishop Miles of Gengxin City had not yet arrived). His temperament meant he wasn't one to be cowed by Spirit Hall either.
"He said he brought something you won't be able to refuse. If you don't see it, you'll regret it," Si Long said.
"Something I can't refuse?" Lou Gao frowned. "Is there really anything in this world I can't refuse? Interesting. I want to see what trick Spirit Hall is playing. Take me there."
Curiosity got the better of him.
Si Long led Lou Gao to the reception room.
There, Lou Gao saw the back of an angelic figure with pale white hair.
When she turned around and he saw her clearly, Lou Gao lost it.
Tears welled up in his eyes. Reflected in his pupils was the armor she wore. Lou Gao's voice trembled.
"My God... This is an offensive-type Soul Tool only found in ancient texts..."
"Please, I beg you, let me study it. I'm begging you!" Lou Gao pleaded, bowing his head.
The woman said, "Studying just this armor alone won't help you recreate ancient Soul Tool technology. Coincidentally, I possess the knowledge to make such Soul Tools."
"What..." Lou Gao was utterly shocked. "You... actually created a Soul Tool like this?"
"As you can see."
Lou Gao dropped to his knees:
"I beg you, please grant me your knowledge. I want to peer into the abyss of Soul Tool creation. Please, I beg you..."
A surge of soul power lifted Lou Gao up. She said, "Old master, there's no need for this. As long as you're willing to agree to my request, I see no reason not to share Soul Tool knowledge with you."
"What request?"
"Join Spirit Hall."
A month and a half later, Lou Gao officially announced his decision to join Spirit Hall.
After speaking, he looked at everyone present. "I can't disclose the exact reason for joining Spirit Hall. Anyone willing to join me can come along."
The members of the Blacksmith Association looked at each other. Si Long and the other disciples decided to follow Lou Gao and join Spirit Hall.
But the usually silent Titan finally exploded.
Titan angrily pounded the table and shouted, "President Lou Gao, are you sure you didn't misspeak? You want to join Spirit Hall? Don't you know about the conflict between Spirit Hall and our Blacksmith Association?"
"I know," Lou Gao replied calmly.
Titan fumed, "Then you can't join Spirit Hall. As president of the Blacksmith Association, you represent us."
"The conflict is between the Association and Spirit Hall, but this is my personal decision. It won't involve the Association. If necessary, I'll resign as president and hand the role over to you," Lou Gao said nonchalantly.
"No, you can't join Spirit Hall," Titan's eyes gleamed with fury.
"Why not?" Lou Gao asked.
Titan continued to try moral persuasion, but Lou Gao seemed resolute in his decision to join Spirit Hall.
The argument dragged on until finally, Titan lowered his voice and asked, "Old friend, are you really sure about joining Spirit Hall?"
"I'm sure," Lou Gao said.
Knowing Lou Gao well, Titan finally sighed, "Alright then, Lou Gao. I won't stop you. I just hope you won't regret your decision in the future. Those willing to follow Lou Gao, go with him. Those who want to stay with the Association, stay here."
Both Titan and Lou Gao were among the three divine blacksmiths of their era and held great influence in the blacksmithing world. When Lou Gao left, half of those present followed him, while the other half stayed with Titan.
Watching Lou Gao's departing figure, Titan looked conflicted. He decided to report the matter to his master.
After Tang Hao had left, he had kept in close contact with Titan, likely to ensure the future foundation for his son. For the Tang Sect's hidden weapons to truly reach their potential, a divine blacksmith like Lou Gao was essential. That's why he had tied Titan to the Blacksmith Association—to guard it for Tang San.
Titan was fiercely loyal. Even after losing an arm, he continued to serve as the vice president of the Blacksmith Association, safeguarding its legacy for Tang Hao.
In Titan's heart, the Association was his master's inheritance. Perhaps because he knew Tang Hao valued Lou Gao highly, Titan didn't act against Lou Gao right away but instead returned to ask for instructions.
"Master, this is what happened," Titan reported to Tang Hao.
Hearing that Lou Gao wanted to join Spirit Hall, Tang Hao's brow furrowed deeply. "Why does Lou Gao want to join Spirit Hall?"
Titan replied, "Master, I asked him many times, but Lou Gao stubbornly refuses to reveal the reason."
Tang Hao thought to himself, Damn it, another variable...
As someone who benefited from the previous timeline, Tang Hao detested unpredictability. In the past life, Lou Gao had joined Tang San because of hidden weapons and ultimately sacrificed his life to forge the Rainstorm Pear Blossom Needle, a hidden weapon that heavily injured two of Spirit Hall's top enforcers during the Battle of Jialing Pass.
But in this life, Tang San was still young and yet to shine. Lou Gao, that old fool, had gone off the rails.
Doesn't he know my son is the future Sea God, the Asura God, the destined ruler of the Douluo Continent? Spirit Hall is just a bunch of losers, and you want to join them??
"In any case, Lou Gao cannot join Spirit Hall. No one from the Blacksmith Association can. If Lou Gao insists, Titan, you know what you have to do."
A glint of killing intent flashed in Tang Hao's eyes.
Titan smiled coldly. "Master, of course. I will have the Strength Clan take care of this for you."
Before long after Lou Gao decided to join Spirit Hall with his disciples and followers, he packed his belongings and set off in a carriage heading toward Spirit City.
However, their carriage was ambushed in the dense forest outside the city.
A group of men in black burst out from the forest, blocking Lou Gao and his companions.
Without saying a word, they attacked.
But in the next moment, a ghostly figure darted between their shadows. Each time it passed through a shadow, its owner collapsed lifelessly.
Only the last few attackers realized they were under a stealth attack—but it was too late. The ghostly assassin killed them one by one.
"Fools who don't know their place. You dare lay a hand on someone from Spirit Hall?" the ghostly figure sneered. Killing these men was like crushing ants to him.
"Many thanks for your rescue, Ghost Douluo," Si Long quickly expressed his gratitude.
"No need to thank me. I was merely carrying out the Pope's orders," Ghost Douluo replied. Then he pointed to the corpses and asked, "Aren't you going to check who tried to assassinate you?"
Si Long came to his senses and stepped up to the corpses. He pulled off their veils and checked their clothing, discovering that they were from the Strength Clan—they all shared one characteristic: they were missing one arm.
"It was them?" Si Long was shocked.
Lou Gao also approached the corpses. Although Titan himself hadn't come, his clansmen had—representing Titan's will.
Lou Gao and Titan had been friends for decades. He never expected that just by choosing to join Spirit Hall, Titan would abandon their years of friendship and send assassins after him.
This chilled Lou Gao's heart, completely shattering his relationship with Titan.
After the crisis was handled, Lou Gao joined Spirit Hall under Ghost Douluo's escort.
Later, he even received personal teachings on soul tools from Qian Renxue. His disciples, all talented in machinery, flourished after mastering soul tool technology. Like fish in water, they quickly rose in the ranks of the soul engineer world.
And they, in turn, contributed their knowledge back to Spirit Hall—developing soul tools and cultivating soul engineer prodigies. But that's a story for another time.
Meanwhile, in a Different Tale:
Over a year ago, Yu Xiaogang (Xiao Gang) accepted a registered disciple named Lin Chen.
What inspired Yu Xiaogang to break decades of inactivity and finally accept a student was something he overheard. One day, a Spirit Hall steward was drunkenly boasting about how he had overseen the awakening of two innate level-9.5 civilian soul master siblings. Because of his contribution, he had been promoted three levels within Spirit Hall.
When Yu Xiaogang heard this, he began to pay attention to the potential of civilian soul masters.
"Although these mud-legged commoners are beneath me, using them as test subjects to verify my theories is actually a blessing for them," he thought.
With this in mind, Yu Xiaogang began accepting disciples.
Although Spirit Hall had long stripped Yu Xiaogang of his "Grandmaster" title, in this slow-to-communicate world, not even Yu Xiaogang himself was aware his title had been revoked—let alone the ignorant commoners.
His "Grandmaster" reputation still carried weight. Once word spread that he was accepting disciples, eager youths came flocking to his door.
Yu Xiaogang proudly stood tall before them—and kicked every one of them out.
"What a joke. I, Yu Xiaogang, of noble Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon bloodline, a master of soul theory, will only teach those with at least innate level-8 soul power. And what do I get? A bunch of rotten fish and stinking shrimp."
In the end, with no better options, he reluctantly accepted Lin Chen, who had innate level-6 soul power and a plant-type martial soul called Spirit Rest Grass, as a registered disciple.
Even though level-6 was pitiful in his eyes, Yu Xiaogang never intended to treat Lin Chen as a real disciple. He was just another test subject for his theories.
Yu Xiaogang firmly believed that his destined student would one day bravely come to him. When that happened, he would impart all his knowledge, and that student would bring him glory across the Douluo Continent.
Meanwhile, Lin Chen admired Yu Xiaogang and studied diligently under him. Eventually, when he reached level 10, Yu Xiaogang took him to obtain his first soul ring.
"According to my theory, your Spirit Rest Grass is a weak plant-based martial soul, so you should choose an animal-type soul beast. A snake would be ideal—it could enhance your martial soul's resilience and give it a decent attack ability. Poisonous is even better," Yu Xiaogang instructed.
Soon, Yu Xiaogang found a target—a 35-year-old Arrow Viper. For his own 10-year soul beast, Luo Sanpao, handling it was a breeze.
Yu Xiaogang had Luo Sanpao let out a fart to knock the snake unconscious. Then, with his hands behind his back, he turned to Lin Chen and said:
"Go on. This is the soul ring I chose for you."
Most soul masters begin with ten-year soul rings, so Lin Chen didn't question it. He took out a dagger and killed the snake. A pale white soul ring rose from the snake's body, and Lin Chen drew it in and began absorbing it.
Afterward, Lin Chen excitedly reported:
"Teacher, I did it!"
Yu Xiaogang nodded with satisfaction:
"Show me your first soul skill."
"Okay." Lin Chen summoned the Spirit Rest Grass, pointed at a green stone, and said, "First Soul Skill—Spirit Wrap!"
The grass burst from the ground and wrapped around the stone. But… that was all.
Yu Xiaogang nodded again, pleased:
"Not a bad skill. Looks like my theory was correct. Plant-type martial souls can absorb animal-type soul rings."
However, what neither of them realized was that Lin Chen's Spirit Rest Grass, like Tang San's Blue Silver Grass, had a life attribute. By attaching a venomous snake's soul ring, Tang San's Blue Silver Emperor could endure it, but Lin Chen… was basically ruined.
Yu Xiaogang, unaware of the harm done, was already thinking:
"Now that my theory has been proven, this mud-legged brat is no longer useful. Keeping him around would only sully my name."
So, Yu Xiaogang decided to expel Lin Chen from his tutelage.
Suddenly, a screech echoed from the forest.
A 13-meter-long giant snake emerged, its gaze fixed on Yu Xiaogang and Lin Chen...
At the very sight of that giant serpent, Yu Xiaogang broke into a cold sweat from sheer terror.
Though this so-called "Master" was actually a fraud, he still had some basic knowledge. He could immediately tell the age of this serpent—it was a five-thousand-year-old soul beast.
Damn it, how could a soul beast of this level appear here?
(This highlights how unqualified Yu Xiaogang is as a teacher.
Is a five-thousand-year soul beast really that strong? If you had a Title Douluo as your mentor, forget five thousand years—you could pick ten-thousand-year soul beasts at will.
Even if your teacher were just a Soul Sage or Soul King, they could still help you handle thousand or ten-thousand-year soul rings. Even with a Grandmaster or Soul sage, they'd have more credibility than Yu Xiaogang. He's only a Grandmaster in strength but acts like a Title Douluo. If Tang San hadn't had memories from his past life, and died while hunting the Mandrake Snake, the story of Douluo Dalu would've been a complete joke.)
The giant serpent's icy gaze shifted between Lin Chen and Yu Xiaogang, making sweat pour down from Yu Xiaogang's flat-topped head.
"Hiss hiss..." The snake coldly slithered toward Yu Xiaogang.
It thought that this flat-headed, fat-eared human probably tasted great, so it moved in his direction.
Yu Xiaogang immediately wet himself.
"N-no... don't eat me! I don't want to die..."
Terrified to the extreme, Yu Xiaogang suddenly glanced at Lin Chen, who was standing there dazed—and a wicked idea formed in his mind.
Taking advantage of Lin Chen's lack of awareness, he shoved him straight at the serpent, then turned and ran for his life.
"Teacher, you...?" Lin Chen couldn't even react before the giant python bit his neck, coiling tightly around him in a death wrap. Crushed under the immense pressure, he couldn't speak—only glance with bitter hatred in the direction Yu Xiaogang had fled.
As he was running, Yu Xiaogang looked back and saw the python entangled with Lin Chen.
He let out a small sigh of relief.
Seeing Lin Chen's venomous stare, Yu Xiaogang shamelessly shouted over his shoulder:
"Don't look at me like that, Lin Chen! I never intended to treat you as a real disciple.
You were just my test subject. Now that you've completed the experiment and proven my theory, your death serves a purpose! I'm the eldest son of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and a soul theory master! If I were to die here, it'd be a loss to the entire world!
Dying for me—isn't that your honor?!"
Lin Chen's consciousness gradually blurred. As it faded, all he saw was the giant python opening its bloody jaws toward him.
Yu Xiaogang... if there's a next life, I'll make you pay.
Lin Chen lost consciousness completely.
When Yu Xiaogang returned, he casually forgot the whole matter of Lin Chen's death. He simply announced that Lin Chen had failed his test and was no longer his disciple.
And the flat-headed man fell back into his usual melancholy.
Lin Chen had perfectly validated his theory—but now, who would put that theory into practice?
Having wallowed in mediocrity for over a decade, Yu Xiaogang had completely lost hope in himself. But he refused to die with the label of a failure, so he placed all his hopes in his theory. He dreamed of finding a student who could carry on his vision and be trained into a Title Douluo.
When that day came, Yu Xiaogang could finally declare with proud, tearful eyes:
I did not bring shame to my clan.
I raised a Title Douluo.
Even though Yu Xiaogang was only a 29th-level Grandmaster, his standards for a future disciple were sky-high: innate soul power had to be above level 9, and the martial spirit couldn't be too weak.
But on the continent of Douluo, almost everyone with the potential to become a Title Douluo came from noble or powerful lineages. Who in their right mind would take Yu Xiaogang—a 29th-level has-been—as their teacher?
What's more, his so-called "core soul theory" had long since been proven to be plagiarized by the Spirit Hall. His title of "Master" had already been stripped—he just didn't know it yet.
So Yu Xiaogang was now stuck.
His only hope was that someone from the somewhere could produce a genius who would bring him fame and fortune.
In a foggy haze, Lin Chen woke up.
"Am I dead...?"
A magnetic voice echoed in his ears:
"You're not dead. I saved you."
Lin Chen turned his head and saw a mysterious, devilish man sitting beside him.
"You saved me? Who are you...?"
"I am Xie Jun," the man introduced himself.
"Thank you for saving me," Lin Chen sat up, but as he recalled the scene earlier—how Yu Xiaogang threw him to the serpent to save himself—his eyes filled with hatred.
He wanted revenge. He would kill Yu Xiaogang.
"You want revenge?" Xie Jun asked.
"Yu Xiaogang treated me like that. I wish I could kill him with my own hands to vent my rage!" Lin Chen growled.
"I'm afraid you can't do it on your own," Xie Jun replied calmly.
"A gentleman's revenge may wait ten years. My innate soul power is level 6—if I train hard, I can at least become a Soul King or Soul Emperor. I can do it!" Lin Chen declared.
"You still think your potential is level 6?" Xie Jun tossed over a soul tool crystal.
"This is a crystal used to measure innate potential. Test it for yourself."
Lin Chen placed his hand on the crystal, which only emitted a faint glow.
"Innate soul power: Level 2. At best, you might become a Grandmaster in the future. You could maybe fight Yu Xiaogang for 300 rounds then—but who wins? Hard to say," Xie Jun said mockingly.
"How... how could this be...?" Lin Chen was stunned.
Back when he awakened his martial spirit in the village, he had the brightest glow. The official said he had innate level 6!
"Your martial spirit is Spiritrest Grass, a life-type martial spirit. Soul rings with life attributes would strengthen it. Even if the soul ring's attribute didn't match perfectly, it wouldn't matter too much.
But you—you added a venom-type 10-year soul ring. The attribute conflict drastically weakened your potential," Xie Jun explained.
"You mean... the soul ring Yu Xiaogang got for me actually lowered my potential even further?" Lin Chen was in disbelief.
"Wasn't he supposed to be a master?"
"Master?" Xie Jun sneered.
"His theory was proven plagiarized by the Spirit Hall long ago. Maybe... he sabotaged you on purpose, guessing you'd come for revenge one day—so he crippled you in advance."