Chapter 36 – First Sequence Cultivation, the Beginning of the Sun Moon Empire's Grand Layout
"Hu~"
Within the exclusive soul guidance device workshop of the Worship Hall.
Under the watchful gaze of several Level 9 Soul Engineer grandmasters, Huo Yuhao completed his Level 3 soul guidance device without incident.
As for the theoretical knowledge examination? Please. There was no need to bother with such things. After all, with Kong Deming personally verifying Yuhao's mastery of theory, who would dare question the judgment of a Level 10 Soul Engineer?
"Yuhao, what do you call this soul guidance device?"
Faced with the approving gazes of the assembled grandmasters, Yuhao paused for a moment, then named it on the spot.
"Teacher, since this was crafted using the headbone of the Icejade Rhinoceros, how about calling it the Icejade Rhino Chain?"
Kong Deming nodded with satisfaction. "With the skull of the Icejade Rhinoceros from the Extreme North as its core, the chain freezes the flow of soul power and restricts movement. Releasing it through spiritual power—very good. A fine Level 3 soul guidance device."
Blue Silver Entanglement? No, this was not the same at all!
The other Level 9 Soul Engineers also looked at Yuhao with genuine admiration. Compared to his previous two works, this soul guidance device wasn't exactly groundbreaking. After all, the research on fusing soul bones with soul guidance devices already had a foundation. Yuhao was simply building further upon it.
But none of them demanded more than that. After all, this child was not yet twelve, already a Soul Elder, and now a Level 3 Soul Engineer—breaking the Sun Moon Empire's fastest record once again. What more could one ask for?
To put it simply, with Yuhao frequently visiting the Worship Hall these days, coupled with his astounding talent, he was now regarded as a priceless treasure by these top experts of the Sun Moon Empire—the kind one would rather enshrine and protect at all costs.
Not to mention, he was Kong Deming's personal, final disciple.
Even Jing Hongchen was present today. Since missing the chance to take Yuhao as his disciple during the Level 2 Soul Engineer assessment, he had resolved that no matter how busy he was, he would personally attend Yuhao's future assessments.
What's more, Yuhao had gotten along well with his grandchildren, Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen. If Yuhao grew to become a Level 10 Soul Engineer in the future, then with that relationship alone, the Jing Clan would be able to stand firm on the continent for centuries to come.
Yes—Jing Hongchen now firmly believed Yuhao possessed the potential to one day reach the realm of a Level 10 Soul Engineer.
"Yuhao, this fusion of soul bones and soul guidance devices is excellent, but the technique is too demanding—both in terms of operation and soul bone resources. Do you have any more universal methods to recommend?"
Yuhao immediately answered, "Yes, yes, Dean. There are indeed many other, less demanding methods. I already have a general idea in mind, but with my current cultivation, I cannot implement them just yet."
Jing Hongchen's eyes lit up with excitement.
"That doesn't matter, Yuhao! Just tell me your thoughts. Illustrious Virtue Hall will take care of the verification later."
Just as Yuhao was about to share his ideas—Soul Bone Spirit Inlay, Soul Bone-soul guidance device colonization, and Soul Bone Source Engraving and Fusion—Kong Deming interrupted at the perfect moment.
"Enough. Yuhao has just completed a Level 3 soul guidance device. He hasn't even had time to rest. We can discuss this later."
Jing Hongchen wore the expression of a wronged wife. Old man, what are you so smug about? Look at your wrinkled face grinning like it could pinch a fly to death.
Still, to show his sincerity, he ignored Kong Deming's smugness and handed Yuhao ten million gold soul coins as a reward.
Whether it was for the soul guidance device he just created or simply an investment for Yuhao's future—no one present objected.
"Very well. Yuhao, after you've rested a few days, let's continue this discussion. You must come to Illustrious Virtue Hall to see me."
"Of course, Dean. After the qualifiers for the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament, I'll come find you."
There was no reason to refuse. With his teacher's subtle nod of approval, Yuhao accepted the generous gift.
His private treasury had just been recharged—his net worth skyrocketing once more!
Still, his soul power was far too low. Even if his cultivation and soul guidance device knowledge were sufficient, the seamless integration of soul bones with soul guidance device sets would require countless verifications.
But if he shared his ideas now, combining his thoughts with the wisdom of Illustrious Virtue Hall's researchers, he could save an immense amount of time.
At this moment, a white-haired elder, another Level 9 Soul Engineer of the Worship Hall, stood up. After a glance at Kong Deming—who gave a faint nod—he spoke slowly.
"Yuhao, you have already displayed extraordinary talent in soul guidance device research. After discussion among us elders of the Worship Hall, together with Hall Master Hongchen, we have decided to bring you into the Empire's First Sequence cultivation plan."
"From now on, whether it is cultivation resources for your soul master path or the vast knowledge and rare metals you need for soul guidance device research, everything will be tilted in your favor to the greatest extent possible. What do you think?"
What did he think?
Hesitation for even a second would be an insult to such a promise.
"I will fully cooperate with the elders' arrangements."
Compared to Shrek, it was only now in the Sun Moon Empire that Yuhao truly understood the meaning of wealth and extravagance. The way they nurtured geniuses—they would smother you in gold soul coins and drown you in resources if they could!
As for the so-called shortcomings of soul master development? That was debatable. They had simulated environments, cultivation resources, soul bones—perhaps fewer, but still present—gold soul coins in abundance, and unmatched soul guidance device advancements. With all this, how could their soul master development still fall behind?
Lack of soul beasts? Please. With the Evil Demon Forest, Jingyang Mountains, the northern Ice Sea, and the Extreme North… stop joking.
To say the Sun Moon Empire fell short of Shrek in nurturing soul masters was misleading—the Empire simply lacked true prodigies.
Everyone knew: most soul masters grew stronger naturally with their soul power cultivation. Given equal talent, their battles relied mainly on soul skills, attributes, and strength. Everything else was secondary.
Thus, with Shrek absorbing the finest geniuses across the continent, their soul master development far outstripped that of the Sun Moon Empire. As for self-created skills? Even at Shrek, how many could truly achieve them?
As for the Three Absolute Skills of Huo Dong… cough, better not mention that.
"Teacher, may I ask how many others currently hold First Sequence cultivation status?"
Kong Deming and the other elders exchanged smiles.
"For now, only you. The Jing Clan's two juniors are still under consideration. The final results will come soon. Regardless, this matter will remain within the Worship Hall, Illustrious Virtue Hall, and a few high-ranking officials. Naturally, His Majesty is also aware."
"The number will not be large. Referring to Shrek's model, there will never be more than seven. It may be fewer, to ensure absolute resource concentration."
Yuhao nodded in understanding. He now clearly saw what his teacher and these top elders were planning.
Half an hour later, Jing Hongchen and the other Level 9 Soul Engineers reluctantly departed, leaving only Kong Deming and Yuhao in the hall.
"Teacher, you first."
Kong Deming chuckled mysteriously, activating a soul guidance device to isolate their conversation.
"Brat, guess what treasure I've acquired for you this time?"
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(End of Chapter)