Chapter 37 – All for Safety
Kong Deming wore a mysterious expression, his demeanor resembling that of a mischievous old child, making Huo Yuhao's eyelids twitch.
"I can't guess it."
Of course, Yuhao already knew what his teacher meant by "good stuff." But to cooperate with the old man and satisfy his sense of drama, Yuhao pretended ignorance.
"Come on, take a guess. Brat, you're smart enough—you'll figure it out."
"Here's a hint. Remember the second soul skill you gained when you obtained your second soul ring?"
Alright, alright. At this point, Teacher, you've practically told me the answer outright.
Seeing his disciple's expression—I'll just sit here and watch your performance—Kong Deming clicked his tongue, then helplessly waved his hand. From a soul guidance device, he produced a brand-new book.
"Here. This is the Heart Separation Control Method I acquired from the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. With this, your second soul skill—Spiritual Puppet—will no longer face control issues."
Not only that, after skimming the manual himself, Kong Deming realized this secret technique would greatly benefit Yuhao and could also provide valuable insights for soul guidance device research.
Accepting the freshly transcribed manual, Yuhao asked curiously:
"Teacher… how did you even manage to get this?"
After all, the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had a Title Douluo overseeing it. Even though Kong Deming was a level 94 Level 10 Soul Engineer, acquiring such a core inheritance technique from a heavily guarded sect should not have been easy.
Kong Deming merely waved his hand, unwilling to elaborate.
"Don't worry about it. I didn't cheat them—I paid a price for it. Maybe not entirely aboveboard, but remember, the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and our Sun Moon Empire are enemies. They've stolen our soul guidance device research more than once. This is just returning the favor."
Then, as if remembering something important, he leaned in to caution:
"Yuhao, do not spread this Heart Separation Control method. I plan to research it further with those old fellows we met earlier. Once we've improved it, we'll disseminate it among Soul Engineers. That way, the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect won't be able to say a word."
Yuhao nodded in understanding. His teacher had another copy tucked away, so he asked no further.
"Yuhao, about that other matter… I've thought it over. For the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament in a few months, I have decided to secretly follow the Empire's participating team."
As a top figure of the Sun Moon Empire, Kong Deming understood the Empire's stance on war all too well. If not for the current old emperor still reigning, a younger one would have already launched a campaign to unify the continent.
Those selected for the tournament team were among the Empire's finest seedlings. But more importantly—his disciple would surely be among the reserve team. How could he possibly risk something happening to Yuhao?
After all, "accidents" in the arena were common. Eliminating threats to "the peace of the continent" was already Shrek Academy's specialty.
If you're not with us, you're a threat. And Shrek is always justice. Truly laughable!
Yuhao naturally understood his teacher's reasoning. It aligned perfectly with his concerns.
Who knew what might happen if he encountered the Body Sect? Would they resort to brute force? And that Chicken Leg Douluo—if that infamous "accident" were to occur and he lost his temper, bullying juniors regardless of face… that would be far too frustrating.
With his teacher secretly accompanying them, at least the Body Sect and Chicken Leg Douluo wouldn't dare overstep. His plans could then unfold smoothly.
At that time, he could shatter Shrek's so-called eternal honor in the tournament. He would personally confront Dai Hao and, for once, bring justice for his past humiliation. With his teacher guarding him, even reckless moves could be made with his safety assured.
And truthfully—isn't this the perfect chance to take revenge?
"Oh, right. The main team for the tournament has already been decided. The reserve team's selection will be held in a few days. The selection will include both individual battles and three-versus-three team battles. Take these days to adjust your condition—you'll need to perform brilliantly before everyone."
"I understand, Teacher."
Meng Hongchen had already mentioned this earlier: reserve selection required meeting the age restriction and was limited to candidates from the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy's teaching division. By all accounts, Yuhao's entry into the reserve was already a certainty.
He felt little pressure about it. His real task was clear: after the selection, he had to find a way to raise his soul power to rank 30, then head into the Evil Demon Forest for his third soul ring before the tournament began.
That way, his strength would rise another level, ensuring he could play an even greater role during the tournament.
Leaving the Worship Hall, Yuhao immediately spotted the sibling duo waiting for him outside.
Xiao Hongchen could not contain himself, rushing over in excitement.
"How was it, Yuhao? You must've passed the Level 3 Soul Engineer assessment, right? A soul guidance device made from a soul bone—tsk tsk, incredible!"
Beside him, Meng Hongchen covered her mouth, giggling mischievously.
"Oh my, big brother, your eyes are burning so brightly. You're looking at him like a man in love~"
"You—shut up, Meng! What nonsense are you spouting, idiot!"
"But it's true~ Every time you see Yuhao, you light up. The aloof, arrogant big brother I know, actually recognizing someone else like this—it's adorable."
"This is admiration, you fool. Mutual respect between geniuses. Don't spout nonsense, idiot!"
Yuhao could only rub his forehead helplessly, cutting off their bickering.
"Alright, enough. Let's head to your residence. I'll show you my latest work."
Instantly, Xiao Hongchen slung an arm around Yuhao's shoulders, patting his chest as they walked.
"Show me now, Yuhao! I can't wait anymore. A soul guidance device made from a thousand-year soul bone, and crafted by you! I'll make one in the future too."
Behind them, Meng Hongchen pouted unhappily. 'Stupid brother, even I've never been that close to Yuhao. How dare you hug him around the neck?'
'Ughhh, I want to as well!!'
"Fine." Yuhao pulled the Icejade Rhinoceros Chain from his Starlight Ring. "Here. This piece is called the Icejade Rhinoceros Chain. Just a mimicry work, nothing too innovative."
Xiao Hongchen didn't care in the slightest. Overjoyed, he took it and was about to experiment immediately.
Meng Hongchen smacked her brother on the head, shoving him aside and slipping into Yuhao's side instead. With a playful smile, she chided:
"Idiot brother, there are so many people here. Wait until we're back at our residence to test it!"
Three people together—it felt a little crowded, after all. Hehe.
Oblivious to his sister's little schemes, Xiao Hongchen just nodded and eagerly examined the soul guidance device.
With his martial soul's affinity for metals, even without probing into the core array, the structure of this level 3 soul bone soul guidance device quickly appeared in his mind. His admiration grew the more he studied it.
The complexity of the core formation had been simplified. The soul bone and the soul guidance device's array weren't fully merged.
It was as if Yuhao had deliberately preserved the soul bone's traits while allowing the soul guidance device to unleash its maximum power.
It was like wrapping the soul bone in a layer of living metal—ensuring both sides could coexist while amplifying each other's strengths.
In the distance, Jing Hongchen watched the trio walking together, his grandchildren happily surrounding Yuhao. He smiled with deep satisfaction.
"Youth truly is wonderful. Meng… does this mean you've developed feelings for Yuhao?"
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(End of Chapter)