"Commander, have you met my father?" Xu Yuan looked at Zhang Huanyun and asked.
Zhang Huanyun was the commander of the Blood God Legion and had served in this position for no less time than Cao Dezhi—likely over sixty years.
He actually knew Xu Yuan's father, Xu Zhi?
Xu Yuan was somewhat surprised.
Before Zhang Huanyun joined the Blood God Legion, Xu Zhi hadn't even been born yet.
So, did Xu Zhi come to the Blood God Legion?
Although Xu Yuan had never explicitly asked Xu Shengqun about it, if his father had indeed visited here—or if Xu Shengqun knew about it—then when Xu Shengqun learned that Xu Yuan was coming here, he should have mentioned something.
"Of course I know him. Back then, your father studied at the Blood God Legion's Research Institute for a period and made key contributions to many of our research projects." The director of the Research Institute stepped forward to explain.
A flicker of light passed through Xu Yuan's eyes.
His father really came here?
"Unfortunately, at that time, your father didn't have much knowledge. He gained initial recognition in our Blood God Legion and left after serving the minimum required term. Later, he rose to fame in the Spirit Pagoda and gradually became the deputy director of the institute." Director Zhang Shaoyuan's tone was filled with emotion.
Xu Yuan suddenly understood.
His father didn't come to the Blood God Legion to study any special project.
In the early days, he simply lacked opportunities elsewhere, so somehow found out about the Blood God Legion, joined the Research Institute, and quickly accumulated foundational knowledge using their resources.
"Your father couldn't cultivate soul power, and his reserves weren't abundant either, but he could make the most of what he knew. He read numerous materials in the institute and provided us with many development directions. For example, the heavy ion ray technology we're currently developing was initially proposed by him." Zhang Shaoyuan marveled.
Even after more than twenty years, they still hadn't fully realized that theoretical direction, yet Xu Zhi had completed the theory from scratch and verified it within just one year.
"Heavy ion rays?" Xu Yuan looked at the director in surprise.
"This is a type of ray that penetrates defenses, posing an absolute top-tier threat to any living organism. Unfortunately, your father left early. After verifying the theory, he hurriedly departed. We continued developing along his path, but we're still missing the final step to create the actual soul-guided device for the heavy ion ray."
Xu Yuan could sense the admiration in the director's tone toward his father.
In fact, Zhang Shaoyuan becoming the director was also thanks to being Xu Zhi's assistant back then. Originally not on the research track, he was a genuine control-type battle soul master. The legion sent him to protect Xu Zhi and assist with research requiring soul power.
As they worked together, Xu Zhi discovered Zhang Shaoyuan's creativity and gradually helped him establish basic research thinking. Over many years of exposure, Zhang Shaoyuan developed outstanding research abilities.
Most importantly, he was fully involved in the initial development process of Xu Zhi's heavy ion ray theory, enabling him to seamlessly take over the project. With meritorious service, reaching the rank of Title Douluo, and earning the status of a three-word Battle Armor Master, he naturally became the new director.
"Penetrating defenses…" Xu Yuan knew about this technology—it appeared only a few times in the original story.
Whether due to flaws or other reasons, this technology seemed to have been used only once or twice.
"Theoretically, it can penetrate any defense, but there are also many theoretical flaws. Therefore, we don't plan to publicize it; we'll use it ourselves for unexpected effects. Of course, these considerations depend on completing the soul-guided weapon first." Zhang Shaoyuan didn't elaborate on the principle but invited Xu Yuan to visit the Research Institute if interested.
"Alright, Xu Yuan, explain your improved soul-guided weapon concept. Also, how do you think we can maximize its effectiveness?"
Zhang Huanyun gestured for Xu Yuan to step forward and explain.
Xu Yuan slowly approached and spoke after careful thought.
"First, the benefits of this technology are obvious: using the Abyss's power to strengthen ourselves counts as the price they pay for invading us. However, there are drawbacks. The stellar energy converted from the Abyss creatures' energy after being devoured by the soul-guided weapon cannot directly power its internal arrays."
Changing the internal array to convert Abyss energy into stellar energy reduced the space inside the soul-guided weapon.
Unless crafted at a higher level, the overall cost would rise significantly—possibly doubling or even multiplying.
Thus, to enable the soul-guided weapon to utilize that stellar energy, a new system needed to be researched: an array for utilizing stellar energy.
This was akin to when the Blood God Legion initially developed soul-guided arrays targeting Abyss energy—a completely new beginning requiring immense effort.
Even with prior experience, development might be easier, but costs would increase because stellar energy was fundamentally higher in nature, involving cosmic forces that couldn't be directly tested, making research doubly difficult.
"Alternatively, we could choose to convert only a small portion. After all, I've heard that during the use of soul-guided weapons, much energy goes to waste. If we thoroughly research the diversion conversion technique and only convert the wasted energy into stellar energy, it would be better. These tasks need to be handed over to the senior researchers in the institute for refinement."
Xu Yuan looked at Zhang Shaoyuan.
Zhang Shaoyuan had no objections.
"Don't worry. Since you've already developed this technology to such a mature state, we'll quickly handle the minor refinements."
"It must be fast!" Xu Yuan said seriously.
Must be fast?
Zhang Shaoyuan looked at Xu Yuan with confusion.
Many others didn't understand either, but Blood One and Zhang Huanyun seemed thoughtful.
"Based on my observations over the past month in the Abyssal passage and Jiang Wuyue's analysis of past experiences, the Abyss Tide is likely approaching soon. The exact timing is uncertain, but it should be within this month—perhaps in just half a month."
Xu Yuan explained to Zhang Shaoyuan.
"What?"
Zhang Shaoyuan was shocked.
He looked at Blood One and Zhang Huanyun, and from their expressions, he realized Xu Yuan's statement was likely accurate. His heart sank, feeling immense pressure.
"So, you hope this soul-guided weapon can be distributed before then?"
"Not distribution, but complete upgrading. Upgrade the soul-guided weapons of all soldiers with sufficient merit!"
"What? That's impossible!" Zhang Shaoyuan exclaimed.
Though merit was precious, soldiers wouldn't hesitate to spend it on weapon upgrades. Even their frugality in other areas was often to save merit specifically for weapon upgrades and repairs.
Thus, whenever soul-guided weapons had new technologies or advanced versions, soldiers with enough merit for upgrades accounted for at least half of the legion.
"How is it impossible?" Xu Yuan looked at Zhang Shaoyuan calmly. "Any issues with forging can be solved by me. What if, even without the finalized technology, we first upgrade all soldiers halfway using the current version I submitted? After the Abyss Tide, you can further refine the technology and complete the subsequent upgrades."
Zhang Shaoyuan frowned.
He understood what Xu Yuan meant by "half-step upgrades."
Let the soldiers experience the benefits of this technology first.
Especially in the face of the Abyss Tide, maximizing the use of this technology.
"Commander, what do you think?" Zhang Shaoyuan looked at Zhang Huanyun and asked.
Zhang Huanyun and Blood One exchanged a glance, nodding in tacit agreement.
"Do as Xu Yuan says. All departments in the Research Institute must thoroughly understand the array of this technology, formulate a soul-guided weapon upgrade plan, and upgrade all older versions in the camp."
"As for merit?" Zhang Huanyun paused before continuing solemnly, "This upgrade won't require merit."
"What?"
Zhang Shaoyuan didn't immediately comprehend.
No merit?
Free upgrades?
Blood One, Cao Dezhi, now spoke up, siding with Zhang Huanyun.
"This technology represents an entirely new future—a hopeful future. Since it signifies hope, its emergence must be earth-shattering. All Blood God Legion soldiers must realize that we, the Blood God Legion, are no longer just resisting the Abyss!"
Cao Dezhi's gaze swept across the other eight Blood Gods.
The eight Blood Gods saluted.
"Blood Two, ready at all times!"
"Blood Three, ready at all times!"
"…"
"Blood Nine, ready at all times!"
Cao Dezhi declared gravely, "This Abyss Tide, we're not just aiming to resist—we aim for total victory, complete annihilation of Abyss creatures!"
The nine Blood Gods simultaneously unleashed their soul power, filling the Blood God Camp with blood-chilling energy, causing even Commander Zhang Huanyun to feel a chill.
Zhang Shaoyuan, the two vice-commanders, and the two division leaders were also moved.
The two division leaders stepped forward, expressing their stance as the Blood Gods finished speaking.
"The Blood Division is ready for battle!"
"The Spirit Division is ready for battle!"
Zhang Huanyun took a deep breath, looking at the nine Blood Gods and two division leaders, and said solemnly, "Since this is the case, the Blood God Camp members will work harder to investigate the Abyss's current situation, ensuring we can make predictions before the Abyss Tide arrives. The two division leaders must also monitor the soldiers' conditions and prepare for the upcoming battle."
"…"
After a long while, Zhang Huanyun finished outlining his arrangements and looked around. "That's all for now. If anyone has different opinions, speak up, and we'll discuss them together."
No one raised their hand.
Wait, someone stood up—it was Xu Yuan.
"Xu Yuan? Do you have an opinion?"
"Not about your previous arrangements, Commander, but I have some suggestions."
"What suggestions?"
"Do you remember the principle behind the new soul-guided weapon I developed?"
"Of course. Isolating Abyss energy and using the returning Abyss energy's momentum to drive the soul-guided array, thereby absorbing stellar energy."
"To be precise, the first half. The flow of Abyss energy is the Abyss's own decision, and the consumed force originates from the Abyss itself. When they initiate the Abyss Tide, energy gushes toward Douluo Star, which is also a form of energy flow. Afterward, Abyss energy carries ambient primal energy back to the Abyss, another energy flow."
With Xu Yuan's reminder, many present began to grasp a vague idea.
"I want to set up a large-scale array covering the entire Abyssal passage, utilizing both the expulsion and return processes of Abyss energy. First, weaken the Abyss side at the initial stage of the tide, laying a good foundation for this battle. Second, maximize the opportunities brought by the Abyss Tide. Danger often represents opportunity, not just disaster."
After Xu Yuan finished, Zhang Huanyun immediately asked, "There's a significant difference between soul-guided large arrays and the arrays used in crafting soul-guided devices. Have you developed the corresponding soul-guided large array?"
"No, which is why I'm proposing this suggestion here. I hope the Research Institute can expand the soul-guided array into a large-scale array as much as possible before then."
Zhang Shaoyuan's scalp tingled.
Developing a large-scale soul-guided array wasn't simple.
The workload…
Immeasurable.
Within just half a month, considering the time needed to deploy the array, this was practically an impossible task.
"Director, can it be done? I can handle the array deployment—just leave me one day." Xu Yuan looked at Zhang Shaoyuan, offering some leeway.
Zhang Shaoyuan's gaze shifted.
Xu Yuan handling it?
One day?
"Are you sure you understand the workload of deploying a large-scale array?"
"I'm quite clear on that." Xu Yuan smiled, retrieving his mech and showing it to everyone, activating the internal array. "Although the array in this mech is still a soul-guided array, its complexity shouldn't be inferior to a large-scale soul-guided array, right?"
Xu Yuan displayed the mech's internals briefly before retracting it back into his body.
Everyone present was a top expert—they understood exactly what Xu Yuan had just shown.
The shock wasn't that the mech was fully forged with spirit materials but that the core arrays inside were all capable of crafting Battle Armor!
The amplification effect of this mech was unimaginable.
Absolutely stronger than two-word Battle Armor.
The meeting continued, and after discussing specific task assignments, Xu Yuan finally left the Blood God Camp.
Not long after leaving, Xu Yuan was caught up to on the road by Cao Dezhi.
"General Blood One." Xu Yuan saluted.
"No need to be so formal. I was once your teacher's captain; we don't need to be so distant."
Cao Dezhi was a genius of Yun Ming's era and a member of the original Shrek Seven Monsters, as well as their leader. Although Yun Ming was more outstanding and the soul of that generation's Shrek Seven Monsters, Cao Dezhi's talent was evident.
Being the leader, Cao Dezhi's leadership and comprehensive abilities definitely surpassed Yun Ming's.
In a world where strength was paramount, surpassing in comprehensive ability meant little difference in true power.
"Senior." Xu Yuan thought for a moment and tried calling him.
Cao Dezhi revealed a satisfied smile.
Unlike typical Tang Sect high-ups, he didn't bring up the Tang Sect or lament that Xu Yuan hadn't joined.
"Right, you wanted to say something to me, correct?" Cao Dezhi asked.
"I need Senior's help with something." Xu Yuan didn't hide it; this was why he called Cao Dezhi out.
"Help? First, I can't leave the Blood God Legion. Outside matters are hard for me to guarantee."
"Not outside matters—it's about the Abyss." Xu Yuan clarified.
"About the Abyss?" Cao Dezhi relaxed.
As long as it's about fighting the Abyss, I can lend a hand.
"Tell me, what is it?"
"Senior, didn't you also practice the Seven Forbidden Techniques taught by my teacher?" Xu Yuan asked.
Cao Dezhi's gaze sharpened.
He looked at Xu Yuan and said gravely, "Correct."
Xu Yuan inwardly confirmed his guess.
Cao Dezhi had entered the Abyss multiple times without being discovered. Combined with the fact that he was Yun Ming's former captain, Xu Yuan had made this assumption.
Now, with confirmation, he continued.
"What I need Senior's help with is related to the new soul-guided weapon I developed."
Cao Dezhi was confused.
"What direct relation does your soul-guided weapon have with my mastery of the Seven Forbidden Techniques?"
"There is a connection!" Xu Yuan replied. "The key to the new soul-guided weapon working lies in one of my soul skills, but this skill requires someone to maintain it. Senior, with your mastery of the Seven Forbidden Techniques and your formidable strength, you're the best candidate."
"Maintain your soul skill?"
"I created an illusionary space, nearly perfected to the level of a real space but still an illusory one. It's through this that many energy conversion steps in the new soul-guided weapon are achieved."
Xu Yuan looked at Cao Dezhi and revealed the key to his new soul-guided weapon.
While the core array in the soul-guided weapon was important, the true key to the energy conversion was the dream space.
"So, if your soul skill collapses, the new soul-guided weapon will become useless?" Cao Dezhi's gaze sharpened as he looked at Xu Yuan and asked gravely.
Xu Yuan nodded.
"Yes, so maintaining this illusionary space is best handled by Senior."
Cao Dezhi's expression changed.
He considered whether modifications to the measures passed in the meeting were necessary.
Ultimately, he decided against reconvening the meeting immediately.
"Take me to see this illusionary space of yours first."
With that, he grabbed Xu Yuan and swiftly headed toward the Abyssal passage.
Xu Yuan released his blood essence, forming a protective barrier around himself to shield against strong air currents.
This newly constructed dream space wasn't directly connected to Xu Yuan, so handing it over to Cao Dezhi wouldn't affect him.
Most importantly, Xu Yuan couldn't outright tell Cao Dezhi he intended to sway him.
He could only give him an opportunity.
An opportunity to discover the truth for himself.
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