"No," Lin Xiao shook his head.
Lin Jiayi was momentarily stunned, realizing his guess was correct.
After a brief silence, he spoke again. "In that case, wait a moment. You may need to undergo some additional tests related to soul tool crafting. And be prepared—everyone's talent for soul tool crafting varies."
Lin Jiayi chose his words carefully, softening his tone. If Lin Xiao lacked talent for crafting soul tools, he could only train him as a control-type soul engineer.
"Alright, Dean Lin, shall we begin?" Lin Xiao replied, unconcerned. Regardless of his talent, he only needed soul tools to mask his identity as an evil soul master. He had no ambition to become a renowned soul engineer.
"Good," Lin Jiayi nodded. "The test for soul engineers is different from the earlier one. It assesses your precision in controlling soul power and your aptitude for spatial construction, as both are essential for inscribing core arrays. Follow me."
With that, Lin Jiayi led Lin Xiao to a nearby workstation. There were no soul tools here, only a workbench with a fixed metal block, its surface etched with intermittent patterns. A complete blueprint lay in front of it.
"This test is simple. You just need to focus your soul power into a single point and follow the blueprint to inscribe a complete array on the metal," Lin Jiayi explained briefly before looking at Lin Xiao.
It was indeed simple. Without overthinking, Lin Xiao extended his right index finger. Soul power surged within him, and a dark red light gathered at his fingertip, quickly forming a needle about ten centimeters long.
Possessing a martial soul like the Higanbana, though it didn't greatly enhance physical strength like a beast martial soul, had honed his soul power control through countless battles.
With his first soul skill, Higanbana Seeds, he could precisely control the trajectory of dozens of seeds. Condensing soul power to carve patterns was child's play by comparison.
His finger moved swiftly, and Lin Jiayi's eyes widened slightly. Not only was the speed remarkable, but the inscribed lines were uniform in thickness and depth—a skill many Level 1 and Level 2 soul engineers could only achieve after extensive practice.
Meanwhile, Lin Xiao quickly finished the pattern. Before he could catch his breath, Lin Jiayi placed several sheets of paper in front of him.
"Dean Lin, what are these?" Lin Xiao asked.
"These are some introductory test questions from the academy. Give them a try," Lin Jiayi said.
What? Exams even here? Lin Xiao inwardly sighed but relaxed when his eyes fell on the papers.
The questions involved complex graphics and spatial structures, but they shared similarities with the analytic and solid geometry he had studied in his previous life. Though he had forgotten some details, he completed all the questions swiftly.
"You really haven't studied soul tools before?" Lin Jiayi asked, looking at the completed questions and then at Lin Xiao.
"No," Lin Xiao shook his head again.
"Hm… Even though you're a special admission student, if you're completely unfamiliar with soul tools, it might raise objections from others," Lin Jiayi said, stroking his chin.
"How about this: you don't need to attend classes with the other students for now. Study the basics with me first, and once you can keep up with the others, you can join their classes. What do you think?"
Lin Xiao glanced at Lin Jiayi's face. He had already sensed that Lin Jiayi's attitude toward him was slightly different, but he hadn't expected him to make such an offer.
As the Dean of Students at the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy, Lin Jiayi would be treated as an honored guest elsewhere. Yet he was proposing to personally tutor a student with no foundation in soul tools. Could Lin Jiayi also be part of the Holy Spirit Church?
"Ahem," Lin Jiayi cleared his throat. "No need to worry. Your test is complete, and you show good talent for soul tool crafting. With me, it won't take long for you to catch up with the other students."
"Thank you, Dean Lin," Lin Xiao said, realizing the questions likely weren't simple introductory ones.
It made sense. If the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy's entry-level questions were comparable to the analytic and solid geometry from his previous life, the threshold for becoming a soul engineer would be absurdly high.
"No need to be so formal," Lin Jiayi said with a nod. "From now on, just call me Teacher."
His words drew surprised glances from the other two teachers in the room.
"Alright, Teacher," Lin Xiao replied after a moment's thought, seizing the opportunity. Since Lin Jiayi's attitude toward him was different, he was happy to secure such a backer.
His identity was sensitive, but with Lin Jiayi, the Dean of Students, vouching for him, he could avoid much scrutiny.
Moreover, with many nobles at the academy, having someone behind him would spare him unnecessary trouble.
"Go rest in your dorm for now. I'll inform you of your course schedule later," Lin Jiayi said, his smile so wide it nearly hid his eyes.
Lin Xiao spent much longer in the room than the other students. When he emerged, there were already murmurs of impatience outside. As the door opened, curious gazes fell on him.
Glancing around, Lin Xiao ignored them and walked out of the teaching building. As another name was called from the room, the others quickly forgot about him.
Instead of returning to his dorm, Lin Xiao wandered around the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy, eventually stopping near Illustrious Virtue Hall.
The area was bustling with people, both new and returning students. As soul engineers, they naturally felt drawn to this place. Just as Shrek Academy was hailed as the continent's top soul master academy, Illustrious Virtue Hall was the holy land for all soul engineers.
"How did it go?"
A translucent figure appeared beside Lin Xiao, and a familiar voice sounded in his ear.
"Teacher," Lin Xiao, already sensing his presence, slightly lowered his head. "Lin Jiayi didn't tell me the results directly, but he offered to take me as his student, so it shouldn't be too bad."
"Good. Since you have talent, see if you can find a chance to enter Illustrious Virtue Hall," Nightmare Douluo said.
"Teacher, what do you mean?" Lin Xiao asked softly, keeping his movements subtle.
"Today, I and a few other elders were invited by Jing Hongchen to visit Illustrious Virtue Hall. There are many secrets hidden inside. Since you're now a student here, take this opportunity to see if you can uncover some of Illustrious Virtue Hall's secrets."
Lin Xiao nodded silently.
(End of Chapter)