"Hall Master."
Lin Xiao turned around and saw a somewhat familiar figure. That short, stout silhouette was recognizable even from a distance.
"Hmm." Jing Hongchen nodded, and a girl of about ten years old suddenly darted out from his side, her wide eyes curiously sizing up Lin Xiao.
Jing Hongchen gave a helpless smile, pulling the girl back to his side before looking at Lin Xiao with a complex expression. "You… are you alright?"
"I'm fine. Thank you for your concern, Hall Master."
"Good to know." Jing Hongchen took a couple of steps forward. "Are you heading back to the academy? Let's walk together."
"Yes, Hall Master."
"No need to be so formal. The academy is a place for you to learn how to make and use soul tools. I'm no different from the other teachers."
Perhaps because he was facing a student from his academy, Jing Hongchen's tone was much gentler than Lin Xiao had expected.
"I heard about you from Lin Jiayi. What do you think soul tools will be like in the future?"
"Me?" Lin Xiao hadn't expected Jing Hongchen to discuss soul tools with him. After a moment's thought, he decided to be honest. "My own view is that soul tools can only reach their full potential with soul masters."
"I know the academy has always focused on researching how to make soul tools accessible to commoners. That's certainly beneficial for the entire Douluo Continent. But in terms of combat, soul masters are the ones who can maximize a soul tool's potential."
"Whether it's battlefield awareness or control over power, soul masters far surpass ordinary people, especially when it comes to operating soul tools."
Jing Hongchen smiled at this. "The academy has a tradition of looking down on soul masters. Even many close-combat soul engineers believe they don't truly qualify as soul engineers. You're bold to bring up soul masters in front of me."
Lin Xiao didn't respond. He knew the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Academy shared the same flaw as Shrek Academy, just with soul masters and soul engineers reversed.
However, Jing Hongchen didn't seem to disdain soul masters. In fact, he believed powerful soul tools should be paired with powerful soul masters. This was evident in his grandchildren.
Xiao Hongchen, at the very least, used a soul master's power to drive soul tools, while Meng Hongchen's soul tools were entirely designed to complement her martial soul.
"You're not wrong. I've thought about many directions for soul tool development myself," Jing Hongchen said with a sigh. "In my view, the ultimate form of soul tools lies in their integration with soul masters."
"Not like close-combat soul engineers, who merely select soul tools suited to their martial souls. In my vision, soul tools should perfectly merge with a soul master's abilities."
At this, Jing Hongchen's expression grew more complex. "Lin Jiayi said you have good talent. I didn't expect you to have such insights as well. Keep working hard. Perhaps one day you'll have the chance to study at the Illustrious Virtue Hall."
"Also…" Jing Hongchen hesitated. "The Sun Moon Empire and the Illustrious Virtue Hall can absolutely ensure the safety of every disciple. Think it over carefully."
"Yes, thank you, Hall Master," Lin Xiao replied, though he didn't give a definitive answer.
He understood Jing Hongchen's implication and knew his words were sincere. The Sun Moon Empire indeed had its own strengths. But now wasn't the time to dwell on that.
Having undergone the Spirit Ascension Ceremony, if Lin Xiao showed any signs of disloyalty, the Holy Ghost Church would surely dig into the secret of why he wasn't affected by their brainwashing. Relying on others' protection was, in the end, not a long-term solution.
Jing Hongchen didn't press further, though there was a trace of regret in his eyes.
To him, Lin Xiao was an ideal candidate to test his ideas. Not only was he a soul master, but he also had remarkable talent in soul tools.
Even rarer, according to Lin Jiayi, Lin Xiao's mental strength was exceptional, meaning he could control more precise, complex, or larger soul tools compared to others.
The only flaw was that he came from the Holy Ghost Church, making it impossible to fully trust him with the Illustrious Virtue Hall's secrets.
"Grandpa." A soft voice snapped Jing Hongchen out of his thoughts.
"What's wrong?" Jing Hongchen's tone was filled with affection, his voice softening.
"I'm a bit tired."
"You must have used too much soul power detoxifying earlier. Go back and rest, and you'll be fine."
Jing Hongchen comforted the little girl beside him, then noticed Lin Xiao's gaze and coughed lightly. "Ahem, I haven't introduced her. This is my granddaughter, Meng Hongchen."
Lin Xiao smiled and nodded at Meng Hongchen.
But Meng Hongchen blinked twice and suddenly hid behind Jing Hongchen.
"Haha!" Jing Hongchen burst out laughing. "You were staring at him earlier, and now you're shy?"
The Sun Moon Imperial Soul Academy was already in sight, and Lin Xiao stopped. "Hall Master, I'll head back now."
"Go on, rest well."
As Lin Xiao's figure grew distant, Meng Hongchen peeked out from behind Jing Hongchen.
"Meng, stay away from him in the future."
"Why?" Meng Hongchen looked up at Jing Hongchen, her eyes full of confusion.
"It's for your own good."
"I understand."
Lin Xiao didn't know what happened after he left. His attention was more focused on the other students around him.
The New Year had just passed, and the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Academy's holiday was nearing its end. Some students had already returned early. Lin Xiao didn't know his exact birthday, but as another year passed in this world, he figured he was a year older.
Instead of heading straight to the dormitory, Lin Xiao soon knocked on the door of Lin Jiayi's soul tool research lab.
"Hm? Lin Xiao?" Lin Jiayi looked at the person outside, surprise in his eyes. "You've finished your business?"
"Sorry to worry you, Teacher."
"I wasn't too worried," Lin Jiayi said, opening the door to let Lin Xiao in. "But last semester, you didn't even complete half the coursework I assigned. If this continues, your talent will go to waste."
"Oh, one more thing." Lin Jiayi's expression suddenly turned sour.
"What is it, Teacher?"
"The Douluo Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Dueling Tournament, held every five years. Ji Juechen, whom you defeated last time, was specially recruited into the Illustrious Virtue Hall by the Hall Master. Since you beat him, I submitted your name to see if you could participate in this tournament."
Lin Xiao frowned slightly at this. For most soul masters, participating in the tournament was a good opportunity. But perhaps because he grew up in the Holy Ghost Church, he wasn't keen on displaying his abilities in public.
"But the Hall Master rejected my proposal," Lin Jiayi's voice rang out again.