Creddits: Johan Erickson
Testing Grounds
Accompanied by a deafening explosion, a tallic target in the distance shattered into countless fragnts, scattering debris everywhere. The air was thick with the acrid scent of gunpowder.
From afar, Su Yu knelt on one knee, a massive tal cannon barrel resting on his shoulder, radiating faint heat.
The barrel, dark gold in color, had a tiger-shaped motif at the rear, exuding an intimidating presence.
Standing beside Su Yu, Jing Hongchen watched the aftermath of the explosion and nodded silently.
"Your Tiger's Might Cannon, while lacking in range, has astonishing power."
"It's on par with most Level 6 ranged soul tools in terms of destructive force."
"Moreover, its penetration ability is exceptional. At close range, even an average Soul Emperor might struggle to defend against it if caught off guard."
Jing Hongchen had quickly identified the cannon's strengths—imnse damage and remarkable penetration. Its only shortcoming was the range, though it still t the standards of a Level 5 ranged soul tool.
Su Yu lowered the cannon from his shoulder, a faint smile on his lips.
"Hall Master, my goal in designing this cannon was to maximize lethality."
"Additionally, I specifically tailored it to counter certain defensive-type Soul Masters."
"You know how we Soul Engineers typically have an advantage over Soul Masters of the sa level—except against defensive types."
"Defensive-type Soul Masters with powerful martial souls can often put us at a significant disadvantage. But I'm confident that with my Tiger's Might Cannon, even a defensive Soul King's defenses would crumble if hit directly."
"So that's why you added so many penetration arrays?" Jing Hongchen rolled his eyes.
Even the best Level 5 armor-piercing rounds didn't use as many penetration arrays as Su Yu had cramd into this cannon. But surprisingly, he'd managed to integrate them seamlessly into the design, allowing the cannon to function smoothly.
"Yep! I went all out. So, how's the result?" Su Yu grinned cheekily.
"It's unconventional, but the results are impressive," Jing Hongchen admitted.
"Designing soul tools isn't about playing it safe—it's about innovation. Your approach is unusual, but it's worth encouraging."
Su Yu chuckled in response.
"Alright, let's head back. I'll point out the shortcomings in your design," Jing Hongchen said.
Su Yu nodded, and the two left the testing grounds, returning to Illustrious Virtue Hall.
Back in the hall, Jing Hongchen began highlighting areas for improvent in Su Yu's design, offering his suggestions.
After incorporating these adjustnts, Su Yu crafted a new Tiger's Might Cannon. This version boasted a greater range and an even more devastating impact.
Su Yu couldn't help but admire Jing Hongchen's expertise—truly worthy of his reputation.
Realizing how far he still had to go, Su Yu adopted a more humble mindset and dedicated himself to studying soul tools with renewed focus.
Thus began an intense year and a half of rigorous learning.
...
...
...
Illustrious Virtue Hall - Underground Arena
Xiao Hongchen and a group of others had gathered around, watching the two figures in the arena.
One of them, Ji Juechen, had his long black hair tied back with a simple band. His face was pale, but his eyes glead with cold intensity. He held a black sword blank in his hand, his expression icy and brimming with fighting spirit.
Opposite him stood a tall youth with striking snow-white hair cascading down his back. His features were sharp, exuding both elegance and strength. His icy blue eyes glead like blades, and the snowflake mark on his forehead added a touch of cold nobility.
The white-haired youth gazed at Ji Juechen with an indifferent expression.
"You shouldn't have co."
"But I did," Ji Juechen replied firmly.
"Then make your move."
At those words, Ji Juechen's eyes suddenly blazed with determination. His gaze was sharp, unwavering, and filled with an almost obsessive focus.
At this mont, the sword in his hand seed to be the only thing in his world.
Two yellow, two purple and two black soul rings rose from beneath his feet—a six-ring Soul Emperor.
Through sheer tenacity, Ji Juechen had reached the Soul Emperor level.
A sharp and oppressive aura erupted from him, rging seamlessly with his sword. He had achieved a state of Soul and Sword as One.
The overwhelming sword intent surged forward like a tidal wave, filling the arena with an almost suffocating pressure.
The sword in his hand trembled and humd, while his montum climbed rapidly, heralding an imminent storm.
Opposite him, Su Yu closed his eyes briefly, exuding a domineering presence.
It was a force, an unstoppable montum that swept away all before it.
Chilling energy exploded from him as Su Yu raised his fist.
The essence of wind, frost, and ice seed to converge into his punch, elevating his montum at an astonishing pace.
Two powerful auras clashed violently, grinding against each other in a battle of will and intent.
This was no longer just a contest of soul power—it was a confrontation of sheer force and spirit.
"Who do you think will win?"
Mi Jia scratched his chin as he asked.
Xiao Xiafeng pondered for a mont and replied, "If it's purely about strength, Ji Juechen would be outmatched in less than ten moves. But if it's about montum, I can't say for sure. I don't understand this stuff."
"Exactly! We're pure Soul Engineers. What do we know about this kind of thing?" Lin Xi spread his hands.
These two guys in the arena? They're complete anomalies.
"This ti, I'm betting on Ji Juechen," Ma Rulong said. "It seems like Su Yu has hit a bottleneck and hasn't been able to break through. On the other hand, Ji Juechen has made noticeable progress."
"Ji Juechen's low rank naturally ans faster progress. Su Yu's just stuck at his limit, but the mont he breaks through, it'll be a transformation," Xiao Hongchen argued.
"Old Ji has improved quickly, but he's never won," Jing Ziyan chid in.
Ji Juechen had challenged Su Yu at least dozens of tis by now and hadn't won a single match. The record spoke for itself.
"Winning or losing doesn't matter. Both will gain sothing regardless," ng Hongchen murmured, her beautiful eyes fixed intently on the two in the arena.
She knew that Su Yu had been stuck at this bottleneck for over a year. If today's match with Ji Juechen could push him through, it would be perfect.
While the audience below whispered amongst themselves, the two combatants in the arena finally moved.
Ji Juechen slowly drew his sword, gripping it with both hands before slashing downward in a straight, unyielding motion. The razor-sharp intent emanating from him burst forth completely at that mont.
Su Yu stepped forward with his left foot, clenched his fist, and punched out.
The intangible force of his fist carried the essence of wind and frost. In an instant, Su Yu's entire shoulder turned a swirling mix of green and white hues.
The sword intent and the fist's force clashed violently, engaging in an invisible yet fierce battle.
The ground within dozens of ters in front of them fractured and collapsed inch by inch, and even the air seed to thicken.
In the next mont, their combined auras surged wildly. Su Yu's eyes narrowed, his montum shifted, and he forcefully suppressed the sharp sword intent.
Ji Juechen was flung back over ten ters, blood spurting from his mouth.
Su Yu also staggered several steps back before regaining his balance.
"Haha! See? I told you, there's no way Su Yu would lose," Xiao Hongchen laughed triumphantly, looking smug.
"But Su Yu also got pushed back. Didn't you see that?" Lin Xi said coolly. "Can you push Su Yu back like that?"
Xiao Hongchen's laughter abruptly stopped.
Could he? Well… no.
Damn it. The clown… is ?
Xiao Hongchen's face imdiately fell.
Cough!
Ji Juechen coughed up more blood but retained a brilliant glint in his eyes. "You win."
He didn't mind losing.
From the mont he started challenging Su Yu, he'd been losing. Losing didn't matter—as long as he kept improving.
And this ti, he'd learned a lot.
"You've improved quickly," Su Yu said. Though he had won, he didn't seem particularly pleased.
These days, he'd made significant progress in his grasp of intent, yet he still couldn't break through that threshold.
What was he missing?
Su Yu couldn't figure it out.
"It looks like you're stuck on sothing," Ji Juechen comnted.
Su Yu nodded. "I have a feeling, but I just can't grasp it. It's been over a year without any progress."
"Don't rush it. Maybe one day you'll just suddenly figure it out," Ji Juechen said comfortingly.
After fighting so many matches with Su Yu, their relationship had beco quite amicable.
"Maybe you're right. Perhaps I've been too obsessed and can't calm my mind," Su Yu said thoughtfully. Could it be that letting things happen naturally would work better?
"Our paths are different. I can't offer much advice. I've achieved what I have through sheer persistence, but that might not suit you."
"You're right."
The two continued talking as they stepped off the stage.
ng Hongchen ran over excitedly. "Yu, how did it go?"
"Still no breakthrough. Maybe I need to take so ti to relax," Su Yu said, taking her hand.
"Yu, what do you an?" ng Hongchen asked curiously.
Su Yu smiled faintly. "I've been stuck at Level 50 for over a year now and haven't obtained my fifth soul ring yet. I'm planning to get it soon."
"And since this academic year is nearly over, I want to request a long leave from the academy, travel around, and broaden my horizons. Maybe what I lack is that kind of inspiration."
This was Su Yu's third year at Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy, and there was only a month left before the sester ended.
At the start of the fourth academic year, Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy was set to begin an exchange program with Shrek Academy.
Su Yu had little interest in the exchange program and didn't want to waste his ti unnecessarily. Stay at Shrek Academy for two and a half years? That was out of the question. Visiting for a short while might be more acceptable.
As for soul tools, he had already learned plenty.
Now fourteen years old, Su Yu had beco a Level 6 Soul Engineer nearly a year ago. The Level 6 Soul Engineer badge he wore was solid proof of his achievent.
Although he hadn't yet undergone the Level 7 Soul Engineer assessnt, in so respects, he could already be considered at that level. After all, he could create Level 7 soul tools tailored specifically for his use, leveraging the power of his Ultimate Ice attribute.
The strict standards of the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy—and Su Yu's high expectations—were the only reasons he hadn't officially advanced.
His soul power was still a bit lacking, which was a weakness. However, once he added another soul ring and his true rank erged, that gap should close. With so focused refinent, achieving Level 7 would naturally follow.
Thus, taking a leave of absence at this ti wasn't an issue for him.
"You want to take a leave of absence?"
"Does that an we'll be apart?"
ng Hongchen looked a little downcast. If Su Yu took leave, she might not see him for a long ti.
"Don't worry. I'll visit you at Shrek Academy," Su Yu said, gently stroking her cheek to comfort her.
But ng Hongchen still lowered her head, unable to cheer up.
Su Yu had no choice but to gently embrace her waist and soothe her.
"Ahem, watch the public display! Stop showing off your relationship all the ti," Mi Jia coughed, interrupting.
"If it bothers you so much, why not get a girlfriend yourself? Or don't tell … you guys can't even get one? No way, right?"
Su Yu's tone was dripping with mockery.
"Hey! Does this brat dare to mock us? Let's get him!"
A group of single dogs lunged at Su Yu, who quickly picked up ng Hongchen and fled, laughing as the group chased after him in a playful scuffle.
...
"You want to take a leave of absence?"
Jing Hongchen, seated on the main throne, looked at Su Yu. He wasn't particularly surprised; after all, Su Yu had ntioned this plan before.
"Yes, I'd like to get my fifth soul ring and take the opportunity to travel, broaden my horizons, and gain new insights," Su Yu explained.
"Fine. Your current level in soul tool crafting is decent enough. I'll grant you leave. How long do you plan to be away?"
"It's hard to say—maybe two or three years, or one or two years. But it won't be a short ti."
"You've got so nerve, asking for such a long leave. What if I refuse to approve it?" Jing Hongchen teased.
Su Yu raised an eyebrow. "Hallmaster, do you think I'd just obediently stay at the academy if you didn't approve?"
Jing Hongchen: "..."
His fists clenched. This brat was getting bold—too bold.
Anyone else saying this to him would have been skinned alive. But this kid? He had no leverage over him.
Other than being sowhat unruly, Su Yu was practically perfect. His talent as both a soul master and a soul engineer was unparalleled.
At fourteen, he was already brushing against the threshold of Level 7 Soul Engineer—a prodigy far beyond even Jing Hongchen's grandson.
And most importantly, ng Hongchen had already set her sights on Su Yu long ago.
She'd even let it slip once that they had shared a bed before. That revelation alone shocked Jing Hongchen to his core.
At the ti, he wanted to grab a blade and cut Su Yu in half. That beast!
Thankfully, Su Yu understood their youth and hadn't crossed any lines. If he had, there would have been hell to pay.
Reviews
All reviews (0)