In recent days, Zhao Yuan had felt a passion and excitement in his heart that he had never known before. All because of this wave of educational reform, his once dull and uneventful life had been completely transformed. A new future now lay ahead of him—bright, clear, and full of possibility.
He was deeply grateful to the person they all referred to as the "Chief Architect" of the reform project. In fact, Zhao Yuan didn't just feel gratitude—he felt admiration and reverence.
According to some of the Soul Engineers who were part of the reform implementation team, there was a quote from the Chief Architect that had particularly moved Zhao Yuan: "The honor and position one holds in this world should not be determined by martial souls or soul power, but by ability. If an ordinary person has the ability, they can surpass even the most noble of Soul Masters and Soul Engineers."
That one sentence had struck Zhao Yuan like a lightning bolt. It turned admiration into fervent devotion. Now that he, with his newly discovered learning potential, had been selected for a chance to meet this great figure in person, how could he not be thrilled?
Gone were the plain white linen clothes of a peasant. Today, Zhao Yuan was clad in the uniform of the "New People's Learning Vanguard"—a sleek black outfit that made the once rugged and simple farmer look almost like a refined scholar. Standing before a mirror, he studied his new appearance with satisfaction and nodded to himself.
"Tomorrow, I set out for Mingdu. I'll meet the one who changed my life," he murmured. "I wonder what kind of person he is. Maybe a wise, scholarly old man?"
Smiling with anticipation, Zhao Yuan turned and began packing his belongings for the journey.
Meanwhile, in the village where Zhao Yuan had trained, several Soul Engineers from the education reform task force were gathered, watching villagers operating the farming machines they had recently learned to use.
"We're really teaching these ordinary folk—without even a trace of soul power—how to operate soul tools," one muttered, still sounding incredulous.
"I don't understand what the Hall Master is thinking," another grumbled. He was adorned with numerous soul tool rings on his fingers, clearly a man of status and wealth. His expression twisted in disdain as he watched the villagers from afar, as if their very presence offended him.
His sentiment wasn't unique. Among many upper-class Soul Engineers, there was a deep-rooted dissatisfaction with the idea of commoners being granted access to the tools and knowledge they had once held exclusive dominion over.
Others in the group nodded in quiet agreement.
But the leader of the group—an experienced Soul Engineer with a rank seven badge pinned to his chest—frowned as he turned to address the complainers.
"Watch your words, Chen," he said coldly. "This reform initiative is a matter of national importance. It was personally ordered by both the Hall Master and His Highness the Crown Prince. If you have a problem with it, you're welcome to leave. Do you think you have the right to question the foresight of the Chief Architect?"
Chen's face darkened, but when his gaze dropped to the leader's seventh-rank badge and then back to his own fourth-rank insignia, he wisely chose to keep his mouth shut. He might be from a prominent Soul Engineer family in Mingdu, but here, in this team, he was still a student—one who had to respect his superior.
Thanks to the group leader's stern rebuke, much of the discontent among the team members gradually faded. After all, this was the Crown Prince's initiative—and Mingde Hall's. Who were they to question it?
And besides, many among them greatly admired the one known as the Chief Architect—Huo Yuhao.
At only thirteen years old, Huo Yuhao was already a sixth-rank Soul Engineer. He had developed multiple breakthrough soul devices, oversaw the entire planning of Mingde Hall's restructuring, and had earned titles like "the greatest genius of the Sun Moon Empire." He was the personal disciple of Hall Master Jing Hongchen and the god-grandson of the legendary Soul Tool Master Kong Deming.
With accolades like those, how could he not be a living legend within Mingde Hall?
"Team Leader, what's our next task?" a sixth-rank Soul Engineer asked. "We've basically finished training the first group of students. There's not much point in staying here any longer, is there?"
The leader pondered for a moment before replying. "We definitely can't remain here. Leave a reliable student in charge of overseeing the village's continued training. As for us, we'll push forward with reforms in the neighboring villages and towns. The Hall Master has made it clear this project is crucial—not just for education, but for the empire's future political landscape as well."
He paused before adding, "And about that exceptionally gifted student… his surname was Zhao, right? Make sure he's well protected on the journey to Mingdu. These are turbulent times, and we can't afford accidents."
"Understood."
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Back in Mingdu, inside his Mingde Hall office, Huo Yuhao was reviewing reports as he spoke with a senior Soul Engineer in charge of the reform effort.
"So," he asked, "those outstanding students will be arriving tomorrow?"
The Soul Engineer standing before him wore an eighth-rank badge, yet he remained deferential to Huo Yuhao, who wore only a sixth-rank insignia. But rank alone didn't tell the whole story.
Age and achievements mattered too. And at thirteen years old, Huo Yuhao had already outshone far older and more experienced peers.
"Yes, Yuhao. A total of seven students have been selected as suitable candidates to study at the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy. They'll be meeting you for final evaluation."
Huo Yuhao nodded. His goals were twofold. First, he wanted to nurture these exceptional commoners into future leaders. Second, and perhaps more critically, he had a political purpose in mind.
"This matter must be widely publicized. You understand why, right?"
The eighth-rank Soul Engineer was momentarily stunned. Publicized?
But after a second of contemplation, realization dawned on him. He could almost see the strategic brilliance behind Yuhao's words. Trying not to show his awe, he responded with solemnity.
"Understood. I'll take care of it."
"Good," Huo Yuhao said, his voice calm as always. "Thank you. You're dismissed."
As the man turned to leave, Huo Yuhao leaned back in his chair, eyes glinting with satisfaction.
Because what would happen when news spread that ordinary people—people with no soul power at all—had been accepted into the empire's most prestigious Soul Engineering Academy? An institution even elite Soul Masters struggled to enter?
The answer was simple: an empire-wide storm.
(End of Chapter)
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