Chapter 18: Becoming Kong Deming's Disciple, Hongchen's Blessing
Jing Hongchen shot Xuan Ziwen a fierce glare. The latter, however, pretended not to notice, whistling softly while staring at the ground as if it were the most fascinating thing in the world.
Kong Deming had no interest in wasting time on Jing Hongchen's antics. He first glanced at the soul guidance device crafted by Huo Yuhao, nodded in satisfaction, and then turned his gaze toward Yuhao.
"Child, I hear you possess twin martial souls. Your primary cultivation focuses on your spiritual-type body martial soul, the Spirit Eye, correct?"
Huo Yuhao's heart surged like a stormy sea. What in the world was happening?
He had only intended to showcase his talent to attract the attention of influential figures like Jing Hongchen. He never imagined he would draw the interest of someone like Kong Deming—a true giant in the field.
It was akin to taking Shrek Academy's second-year promotion assessment and suddenly alarming Elder Mu himself.
Still, Yuhao calmed his pounding heart and replied steadily,
"Senior, if you don't mind me addressing you as Elder Kong, you are correct. I am indeed a twin martial soul possessor. One is my spiritual-type body martial soul, the Spirit Eye; the other is a weapon-type martial soul called the End-Time Bell."
Kong Deming already knew all this. If he wanted a student's records, it wasn't something Jing Hongchen could conceal by simply trying to hide it.
The only reason he mentioned it now was to find common ground. Compared to Jing Hongchen's long-term investment in this boy, his sudden appearance put him at a disadvantage, so he could only approach from another angle.
After all, he too was a twin martial soul holder, and in that path, he had gone far beyond someone like Jing Hongchen.
"Very good, very good. Child, may I see your martial soul?"
Kong Deming had no doubts about Yuhao's talent and creativity in soul guidance device research. What he wanted to see now was Yuhao's second martial soul, the one beyond the Spirit Eye. As for Yuhao's background, he neither knew nor cared—after all, who would send a prodigy of this caliber into enemy territory?
His disciple, Xuan Ziwen, hadn't even been a native of the Sun Moon Empire to begin with. Petty nationalism was far too narrow-minded.
Yuhao glanced at Jing Hongchen, and upon receiving the latter's nod, he released his second martial soul.
In that instant, everyone in the experimental area felt a profound loneliness and an overwhelming sense of destiny—a suffocating despair as though everything in existence was marching toward its inevitable end.
"My second martial soul is called the End-Time Bell. It's a weapon-type martial soul that has yet to fully awaken. As for its abilities… I haven't completely figured them out yet."
This was the truth. The End-Time Bell still had echoes and traits yet to be inscribed. By leaving room in his explanation, Yuhao could later justify any future developments.
But Kong Deming's eyes were no longer merely bright—they burned with fervor.
"The End-Time Bell… what an unprecedented weapon-type martial soul! Even I can't fully grasp its potential."
Not fully awakened?
That was hardly a problem.
Even innate martial souls could undergo secondary awakenings, so for a second martial soul to be incomplete was only natural.
"Child, allow me to introduce myself. I am Kong Deming, Hall Master of the Sun Moon Empire's Worship Hall, and like you, a twin martial soul holder. My title is Silver Moon."
His tone was slightly excited, even faintly nervous.
"Throughout my life, I've guided countless soul engineers. Yet at present, I have only one disciple—Xuan Ziwen. If you are willing, would you become my final disciple?
Whether it is the cultivation of twin martial souls or the research of soul guidance devices, I will teach you everything I know."
Even Jing Hongchen, who had been prepared to fight tooth and nail for Yuhao, fell silent.
Though it was a pity, he knew deep down that Kong Deming was indeed the most suitable teacher for Yuhao. Whether in soul guidance devices, soul master cultivation, or twin martial souls, this old man was unmatched.
Jing Hongchen could instruct Yuhao in soul guidance device research, but on the path of the soul master, he could not give him the very best.
This wasn't about losing—this was about giving the boy a better future. That was the responsibility of a senior toward the younger generation.
Huo Yuhao, however, did not immediately bow in acceptance. He was not an ungrateful person. He still remembered all the help and investment Jing Hongchen had given him. Rushing into a decision was one thing; letting the matter unfold naturally was another.
Seeing this, Kong Deming nodded with satisfaction. The boy's temperament suited him well.
Jing Hongchen let out a sigh and finally spoke.
"Yuhao, Elder Kong speaks the truth. He is the best choice to be your teacher. What are you still waiting for? Pay your respects."
Upon hearing this, Yuhao no longer hesitated. He bowed deeply to Kong Deming, formally sealing the master-disciple bond.
"Greetings, Teacher!"
"Good, good, good! What a fine child, truly fine."
Kong Deming was overjoyed. At his age, he had never expected to take in such a prodigy—both in talent and character—as his final disciple. It was truly a life without regrets.
"Yuhao, call your senior brother for me."
Xuan Ziwen was equally delighted. With such a genius as his junior, he would no longer walk his path alone.
"Senior Brother Xuan."
This scene left Lin Jiayi and Shi Xuan utterly stunned.
The events of the day had been nothing short of earth-shattering—first the dean and Xuan Ziwen, an Level 8 soul engineer, arrived in person; then Yuhao produced another groundbreaking 'model' soul guidance device; then came the tug-of-war between the dean and Xuan Ziwen; and before they could even process it all, Elder Kong Deming himself appeared—his goal also to take Yuhao as a disciple.
Their entire lives had never been as exciting as this single day.
At this moment, Kong Deming took out a Level 9 defensive soul guidance device. His voice was warm and good-natured.
"Hall Master Hongchen, don't say I'm stealing your disciple. Here, take this Level 9 soul guidance device as my compensation."
Tch. Jing Hongchen scoffed inwardly. A Level 9 defensive soul guidance device? As if he didn't already have plenty. 'Even if you gave me three, they wouldn't be worth a single hair of Yuhao's.' Still, he accepted it.
They both knew this was just a gesture. To outsiders, such a soul guidance device was priceless—but to them, it was little more than a token.
After some thought, Jing Hongchen took out another Level 9 defensive soul guidance device—this one a trigger-type—and personally handed it to Yuhao.
"This is the Hongchen's Blessing, a Level 9 trigger-type defensive soul guidance device. It's controlled by mental commands, adapts perfectly to the user, and can be activated instantly. There's no cultivation requirement. Consider it your reward for breaking the record today."
The words made it sound like a prize, but everyone present knew this was an investment. Who in their right mind would give a Level 9 soul guidance device as a mere reward?
"Thank you, Dean."
Though he regretted not becoming Yuhao's teacher, Jing Hongchen's disappointment faded when he thought of Kong Deming's guidance. In soul master cultivation, the old man had walked far further than himself.
Besides, even with Yuhao becoming a disciple, he would still study in the teaching department until he reached the Level 5 soul engineer level. There was nothing to feel too down about.
End of Chapter