Chapter 325: Establishing the Soul Tool Academy
Yang Wudi looked puzzled upon hearing this. "Potian, why are you planning to build two separate campuses? Is there another purpose for this, and why the need for secrecy?"
Yang Potian paused, looking at everyone around him before speaking. "I already have the necessary materials for soul tool studies, even instructors. What we lack are our own soul engineers. This is a serious undertaking; soul tools are incredibly powerful and dangerous, which is why it must remain hidden until our strength is sufficient to reveal it to the world."
"I plan to establish a Soul Tool Academy focused on research, manufacturing, and instruction. We'll recruit people who are interested in developing soul tools, particularly those skilled in forging. These individuals will begin learning about soul tools from scratch with the goal of training them as soul engineers."
Yang Wudi hesitated. "But if we train our talented students as soul engineers, won't that weaken our soul masters? After all, a soul master's energy and focus are limited. If they become absorbed in soul tool research, it could compromise the academy's strength."
Yang Potian nodded. "There may be some impact at first, but it's necessary. Imagine if one of our students, a mere Soul King, could wield a Level 7 soul tool with the power of a Soul Sage. What kind of strength would that give them?"
Everyone was stunned by the implications. If what Yang Potian said were true, wouldn't a Soul King then be capable of fighting at the level of a Soul Sage?
Poison Douluo suddenly spoke up. "Little monster, while this would indeed enhance Tianxing Academy's combat ability, haven't we always stayed out of soul master conflicts? Is this direction really necessary?"
Yang Potian shook his head slightly. "It's not that simple. Aside from offensive and defensive soul tools, we can also produce storage tools to sell across Douluo Continent, along with other practical tools. This will help the academy become self-sustaining and improve our finances."
"Also, while we can consider offensive and defensive soul tools later, we can't avoid producing them. Right now, my presence may deter other powers, but if I'm no longer here, these soul tools will serve as one of our last defenses."
"There's a big difference between having power but not using it and simply not having it. Without strength, we'll inevitably become easy targets."
A thoughtful silence settled over the room. Every great power faced cycles of rise and fall. They all recalled how the Clear Sky Clan had been driven into hiding when they lost Tang Chen, their pillar of support. In the end, the world of soul masters still revolved around strength.
Before anyone could respond, Yang Potian casually took out a collection of soul tools and, with a flick of his hand, filled the room with dozens of them. These were various items he had acquired from the Sun-Moon Continent, each unique in its own function and design.
The group's expressions shifted as they examined the assortment of soul tools. Fascinated, they each picked one up to study, amazed by the advanced craftsmanship.
Yang Wudi held an intricately designed soul tool, examining it intently before addressing the group. "Old Rhino, Old Poison, and fellow deans, what are your thoughts?"
Niu Gao studied the soul tools for a while, then spoke up. "Old Goat, if we could produce these soul tools ourselves, Tianxing Academy could amass wealth quickly, which would also increase our strength. I support establishing a Soul Tool Academy."
The others, seeing the potential, voiced their agreement as well.
Yang Wudi turned to Yang Potian. "Potian, what exactly is your plan?"
Yang Potian looked around before continuing, "I will establish the Soul Tool Academy for research and production, with or without your support. If necessary, my clan will take this on alone. But since you all agree, let's go over the key points."
"First, soul tool research and production must be kept absolutely confidential. That's why I want the academy hidden in the northern part of the Almo Mountains. Only reliable individuals can join the Soul Tool Academy, and any breach of this secrecy will not be tolerated."
As he spoke, the room's temperature seemed to drop, filling with an ominous, suffocating presence, even though Yang Potian hadn't released any spirit energy. Everyone felt as if they'd been plunged into an icy abyss.
Yang Potian continued, "I'll also establish strict rules for the Soul Tool Academy. Anyone caught leaking information will be executed. For any breach, I will enforce severe punishment—at best, soul power removal, at worst, death."
The group swallowed hard. Though Yang Potian was typically approachable, he was clearly ruthless when it came to matters of principle. They understood the level of importance he placed on the Soul Tool Academy and knew he would not hesitate to act against anyone who jeopardized it.
This warning was especially directed at Shui Qingrou, Huo Lie, and Feng Xuan, the newer members.
Then, Yang Potian recalled something and tossed a soul tool to his grandfather, Yang Wudi. "Grandfather, inside this tool are ten soul engineers I brought from the Sun-Moon Continent. They're unconscious for now, but they'll make excellent instructors for the Soul Tool Academy. Work with them to develop a curriculum."
The others couldn't help but stare. Yang Potian had not only prepared thoroughly, but he'd also captured qualified instructors, storing them within a soul tool.
Yang Potian continued, "Second, when the Soul Tool Academy begins production, we will only sell storage and practical tools on the market. For now, we must avoid selling combat tools. I don't want to risk sparking conflict over this."
He was well aware of the dangers of revealing powerful weapons; just possessing them could make them targets of envy or aggression.
Yang Wudi had another question. "Potian, making soul tools requires skilled blacksmiths. Where will we find blacksmiths with high-level skills?"
Yang Potian understood the intent behind the question and his expression grew serious. "Grandfather, recruiting for the Soul Tool Academy must be handled with utmost caution. I'll work on finding trustworthy blacksmiths. If someone isn't reliable, no matter how skilled they are, they'll become a liability and could lead to our downfall."
Yang Wudi remained silent, fully aware that his grandson's loyalty lay with family and that introducing clans like the Titans or the Power Clan could bring internal risk.
Yang Potian turned to Dugu Bo. "Grandfather Dugu, have the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan members been behaving themselves in the academy? Have there been any incidents, or signs of them seeking revenge against the Wuhun Empire?"
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