Though Lin Jiayi had spoken of the advantages soul engineers held over soul masters, as days passed and Lin Xiao delved into the world of soul tools, he realized that what he first learned wasn't about those advantages but rather the vast amount of knowledge soul engineers had to master compared to soul masters.
Before formally studying soul tools, Lin Jiayi handed him two thick books. One detailed various known ores and metals—their types, properties, identification methods, and the common soul beasts associated with them. The other covered basic soul tool array inscriptions, explaining the functions of different lines, the effects of combining various inscriptions, and the fascinating reactions between arrays and different metals.
These materials transported Lin Xiao back to his school days in his previous life. Fortunately, his cultivation and exceptional spiritual power allowed him to memorize the contents quickly. In his past life, just these two books would have taken him ages to get through.
"Well done, you catch on quickly," Lin Jiayi's voice echoed in a soul tool research lab as he nodded approvingly at the core array taking shape under Lin Xiao's hands.
"As expected, with your talent, mastering these simple arrays isn't difficult. In just half a month, you can already complete them independently. But crafting a soul tool involves more than just arrays—you'll need to learn about parts as well. Starting next lesson, you'll begin studying how to make components."
Lin Xiao paused his work, nodding lightly, his gaze lingering on the table. Seeing the array he had personally inscribed glow with a crystalline light filled him with a strange sense of satisfaction.
"Alright, take this array back and study it slowly. Crafting components is much easier than inscribing arrays, so you should also start learning the combat methods of soul engineers," Lin Jiayi said, pulling several soul tools from his storage soul tool. "You can't craft Level 5 soul tools yet, so try these from the academy. This is a defensive soul shield, and this is a mobility-enhancing soul thruster."
"And these are two single-person soul cannons—one designed for lethal strikes, the other for paralyzing and controlling opponents. Take them back and try them out. With your spiritual power, you should master them quickly."
Lin Xiao looked at the soul tools before him, a sigh rising in his heart. With these, even an auxiliary-type martial soul, as long as its soul power exceeded Level 50, could instantly contend with a power-attack-type Soul King.
The difference might not be stark between one or two soul masters, but scaled to an empire, the Sun Moon Empire would gain a significant boost in combat strength compared to the other three great empires. And soul tools weren't limited to combat—combined with the soon-to-emerge linked soul tools, it was no wonder the Sun Moon Empire would later hold an advantage against all three empires.
"Thank you, Teacher," Lin Xiao said, pulling back his thoughts.
"You've called me Teacher; how could I be stingy?" Lin Jiayi waved his hand, then pulled out a golden object. "And this is a Level 5 Invincible Shield. With your cultivation, activating it can withstand a full-strength blow from a Soul Saint. It could save your life in a critical moment."
"Take it. It's valuable on the market, but I made it myself, so it didn't take much effort."
"Alright," Lin Xiao nodded, accepting it before heading back to his dormitory without lingering.
Just as he was about to enter, his eyes paused briefly, catching sight of a discreet mark nearby. Glancing around casually, he entered his room as usual.
Not long after, Lin Xiao's figure appeared at the entrance of the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy.
As Nightmare Douluo had said, the guards at the gate didn't stop him; instead, they nodded politely.
"This way."
No sooner had he stepped out of the academy than Nightmare Douluo's voice, unheard for some time, sounded in his ear again.
Following the directions, Lin Xiao weaved through several street corners for about half an hour until an unremarkable courtyard came into view. At the entrance stood Nightmare Douluo, clad in his black cloak.
"Come in."
The courtyard was a hidden gem. Tall trellises covered with various plants blocked the view from nearby high-rise buildings. Following a small path, they soon reached a black-domed building.
The door was open, and several figures were already waiting inside.
"Greetings, Eighth Elder. Greetings, Holy Envoy."
"This is the church's branch altar in Mingdu," Nightmare Douluo said with a slight nod, turning to Lin Xiao. "The others have been assigned tasks. This place is usually managed by these two Holy Spirits."
"And remember Holy Servants One through Six. If there's urgent news, I'll have them contact you directly."
Lin Xiao's gaze swept over the group, but when it landed on Holy Servant Six, his heart stirred slightly.
The incomplete souls of the two Holy Spirits didn't surprise him much. But he hadn't expected Holy Servant Six's soul to be similarly fragmented, nearly half gone, leaving her face expressionless, like a puppet.
"Alright, you may leave," Nightmare Douluo said.
The others bowed slightly, then moved to a table. With a gentle push, the table sank into the floor, revealing a narrow passage just wide enough for one person.
"I called you here for more than just the branch altar. There's another task for you," Nightmare Douluo continued.
Lin Xiao quickly averted his gaze, lowering his head slightly.
"This morning, Xu Jing received word from the border that someone resembling Xu He was seen crossing into the Heavenly Soul Empire. He's sent people to pursue him and has asked our church to assist."
Though described as "resembling" Xu He, both Nightmare Douluo and Lin Xiao knew it was likely Xu He himself.
"You've spent considerable time at the Heavenly Soul border, so you're familiar with the area. I want you to infiltrate the Heavenly Soul Empire."
Pausing, Nightmare Douluo lowered his voice slightly. "If you find Xu He… remember what I told you before."
Even without the reminder, Lin Xiao understood. If the Holy Spirit Church were truly committed to helping Xu Jing, with so many Titled Douluo, why would they send him to "pursue" Xu He? Whether for scouting or fighting, a Titled Douluo would far surpass him. And with Nightmare Douluo referencing their earlier conversation, it was clear he wasn't meant to actually kill Xu He—perhaps even to aid him. After all, the church needed a prince like Xu He to keep Xu Jing and his son on edge.
"I understand, Teacher," Lin Xiao said.
"Good. Depart tonight. I'll inform the Sun Moon Imperial Academy," Nightmare Douluo replied.