Despite all the praise Lin Jiayi had given him, Lin Xiao soon discovered that the true difference between soul engineers and Spirit Masters wasn't merely in combat power—but in how much more a soul engineer had to learn.
Before he could even begin constructing soul-tools, Lin Jiayi handed him two thick tomes. The first cataloged every known mineral and metal—their properties, classifications, distinguishing features, and the soul beasts most often found near them.
The second contained an array of basic inscription diagrams for soul formations—each line's function, how symbols combined to produce different effects, and how particular metals interacted with various arrays.
As Lin Xiao flipped through them, he felt as though he had returned to his student days in another world. Fortunately, his cultivation and strong spiritual power allowed him to memorize the material quickly. Without that, these two books alone could have taken him months to digest.
"Good. Very good—sharp as ever."
Lin Jiayi's approving voice came from within the research lab, his eyes gleaming as he watched Lin Xiao finish engraving a core formation on a slab of alloy.
"I knew it," the man said, nodding with satisfaction. "With your aptitude, these basic arrays are child's play. You've already mastered them in just half a month. But remember, constructing a soul-tool isn't just about arrays—you'll also need to learn how to forge the components. We'll start that next lesson."
Lin Xiao paused, lowering his hand. The array he had inscribed pulsed faintly with crystalline light. For a moment, he felt an unfamiliar sense of fulfillment—something pure, untouched by the shadows of the Holy Spirit Church.
"Take this one back and study it carefully," Lin Jiayi continued. "Component crafting is easier than array inscription, so I'll also start teaching you combat application. You're a Spirit King already—it's time you learned how a soul engineer fights."
He reached into his storage device and placed several items on the table. "These are for you. You can't make rank-five tools yet, so these Academy prototypes will do. This is a defensive shield generator. This one is a propulsion unit for mobility."
He gestured to the remaining pair. "These two are single-user soul cannons—one focused on lethal output, the other on paralysis and control. Try them when you can. With your spiritual power, I'm sure you'll handle them quickly."
Lin Xiao gazed at the array of tools, silently marveling. With devices like these, even a support-type Spirit Master above rank fifty could stand against an assault-type Spirit King.
That kind of balance shift might seem minor between individuals—but scaled to the level of nations, it was immense.
This, he realized, was how the Sun and Moon Empire had gained such an overwhelming advantage. Not only in war—soul-tools enhanced daily life, commerce, and logistics. And soon, linked soul-tools would emerge, amplifying their potential even further.
"Thank you, Teacher," Lin Xiao said, collecting his thoughts.
"Ha, think nothing of it." Lin Jiayi waved him off, then took out a final item—a golden disk inscribed with shimmering runes. "This is a rank-five Invincible Shield. With your cultivation, it can withstand a full strike from a Spirit Saint. Keep it close—it may one day save your life."
"Take it. It's valuable on the market, but easy enough for me to craft."
"Understood." Lin Xiao accepted it gratefully and soon left the lab, returning toward his dormitory.
As he reached his door, his expression shifted slightly—his eyes catching a faint mark etched near the corner of the wall. Without hesitation, he glanced casually around and entered as usual.
Moments later, a shadow slipped quietly out of the Academy's gates.
Just as the Nightmare Douluo had said, no one stopped him. The guards merely nodded politely as he passed.
"This way."
The old, chilling voice echoed suddenly in Lin Xiao's ear.
Following the whispered directions, he turned corner after corner through the dark streets of Radiant City. After half an hour, he arrived at an unremarkable courtyard. There, cloaked in black, stood the Nightmare Douluo himself.
"Come in."
Beyond the gate lay a concealed space. A canopy of vines shielded the area from prying eyes above. Following a narrow path, they reached a small domed building whose open doors revealed several waiting figures.
"Greetings, Eighth Elder. Greetings, Holy Envoy."
"This," the Nightmare Douluo explained with a faint nod, "is the Holy Spirit Church's branch hall in Radiant City. The others are out on assignment—these two Holy Spirits oversee things here."
He gestured toward the group. "Remember these six Holy Servants—if something urgent arises, I'll have one of them contact you directly."
Lin Xiao's gaze swept across the room. When it fell on the sixth Holy Servant, his pupils contracted.
The two Holy Spirits' souls were fragmented, as expected—but the sixth Servant's essence was nearly half gone. Her face was expressionless, doll-like, stripped of all emotion.
"Enough. You may all go."
The others bowed and stepped back toward a table. With a faint hum, the surface sank into the floor, revealing a narrow passageway large enough for a single person to pass through.
"I called you here not just to acquaint you with this place," said the Nightmare Douluo, his voice lowering, "but to give you an assignment."
Lin Xiao inclined his head.
"This morning, Xu Jing received word from the border. Someone matching Xu He's description was seen crossing into the Heavenly Soul Empire. He has already dispatched pursuers—and he's asked our Church to assist."
Though the report said "matching description," both master and disciple knew it had to be Xu He himself.
"You've spent considerable time near that border," the Nightmare Douluo continued. "You know the terrain. I'm sending you to infiltrate Heavenly Soul territory."
Then, lowering his voice even further, he added, "And once you find Xu He… remember what I told you before."
Lin Xiao understood immediately.
If the Holy Spirit Church truly intended to help Xu Jing, the pursuit would be led by Titled Douluo—far beyond his level. The fact that this mission fell to him could only mean one thing: the Nightmare Douluo didn't want Xu He dead.
The boy was still useful—an exiled prince whose existence could haunt Xu Jing and Xu Tianran for years to come.
"I understand, Teacher."
"Good. Leave tonight. I'll inform the Academy that you're taking a temporary leave."
(End of Chapter)