Countermeasures, Wang Dong's Unusual Behavior

Beside the First Soul Tool Proving Ground.

Gu Yuejin waved his hand casually, signaling Huo Yuhao to take the three of them to the side for basic synchronization training.

Watching the four figures depart, Xu Tianran withdrew his gaze. Although a gentle smile still hung on his face, his tone grew somewhat more solemn.

"Director Gu Yue, let's speak plainly."

"The All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Dueling Tournament concerns not only the face of the academy but also the glory of the Empire and the prestige of the Imperial Family."

"I have overridden all objections to support your establishment of the Martial Soul Department and allowed you to personally select the Reserve Team. This trust comes with a price."

Xu Tianran turned the jade thumb ring on his finger, his gaze deep.

"I wonder what specific tactical vision you have for this tournament, Director Gu Yue? On what grounds can we actually defeat Shrek Academy?"

This was a question not only Xu Tianran wanted to ask; Jing Hongchen and Lin Jiayi, standing to the side, also pricked up their ears.

After all, this had been a problem that had plagued the Sun Moon Empire for thousands of years.

Gu Yuejin's expression remained indifferent, as if he had long expected this question.

"Your Highness, to win, we must first understand why we have been losing."

"Where does Shrek Academy's strength lie? It lies in their possession of the continent's top-tier Martial Souls, the bizarre nature of the Tang Sect's secret arts, and, even more so, in their coordination system that has been passed down for ten thousand years."

"If we go head-to-head with them on that track, pitting individual valor against them, we are attacking their strengths with our weaknesses. We would lose without a doubt."

Gu Yuejin extended a finger and shook it gently.

"My approach is not to imitate them, but to use our own system to carry out a Dimensional Strike against theirs."

"What are our strengths? They are the systematization of Soul Tools, their reproducibility, and their capacity for beyond-visual-range destructive strikes."

He turned around, watching the students in the arena attempting to coordinate, his voice steady and powerful.

"In my vision, the Martial Soul is merely the 'spear and shield' of the Soul Master; it is the base attribute."

"The Soul Tool, however, is a customizable, infinitely stackable 'exoskeleton and armory'."

"What we must do is fuse the two perfectly."

"Take Ma Rulong, for example. His Great Head Spirit Ape Martial Soul has explosive power. If paired with a specific Instant Thrust Soul Tool, he could achieve a supersonic 'blitz' that leaves opponents unable to react."

"Or take Xiao Hongchen. With his talent for metal control, if supplemented by a Soul Power Resonance Array, he alone becomes a fully automated Soul Tool Cannon regiment—wherever he points, he strikes."

At this point, Gu Yuejin paused, a flash of brilliance crossing his eyes.

"Of course, the core of all this is Huo Yuhao."

"His Spiritual Detection Share can link the entire team into a 'Combat Network' of synchronized perception and shared thought."

"In this network, there are no blind spots, no latency, and there is not even a need for verbal communication."

"This is—Informationized Warfare."

"Using such an epoch-making system to fight a traditional seven-man squad like Shrek Academy is like using guns and cannons against broadswords and spears."

"No matter how powerful their Martial Souls are, it is a Dimensional Strike."

After hearing these words, the gleam in Jing Hongchen's eyes was practically overflowing.

As a Rank 9 Soul Engineer, he understood the true value of this theory all too well! This was the deep integration he had always wanted to achieve but never could!

"Brilliant! Simply brilliant!"

Jing Hongchen couldn't help but clap in admiration. "This is the future of Soul Engineering!"

Xu Tianran also clapped his hands and chuckled, the look of appreciation in his eyes growing even more intense.

"A fine 'Combat Network,' a fine 'Dimensional Strike.'"

"Director Gu Yuejin's insights have already transcended the scope of ordinary Soul Master combat; they possess the strategic depth of legion-level warfare."

"I am looking forward to it even more."

Just then.

Xu Tianzhen, who had been standing to the side without a word, suddenly stepped forward, her beautiful eyes fixed brightly on Gu Yuejin.

"Um... Teacher Gu Yuejin!"

She raised her hand as if a primary school student answering a question, but her tone carried the spoiled yet firm air of a royal princess.

"I want to join the Reserve Team too!"

"Hm?"

Xu Tianran was taken aback. He turned to look at his younger sister and laughed helplessly. "Tianzhen, don't be ridiculous. In the past, when I asked you to come to the academy for advanced studies, you complained about how tiring it was and refused to come no matter what. Why the sudden change of heart today?"

"Who's being ridiculous!"

Xu Tianzhen puffed out her chest, looking righteous and stern. "Can't I want to win glory for the country? I am a part of the Sun Moon Empire, and I want to fight Shrek Academy too!"

Although she spoke with such high-sounding words, the way her gaze drifted toward Gu Yuejin from time to time betrayed her true intentions.

Xu Tianran was incredibly sharp; he saw through his sister's thoughts almost instantly.

This girl... has she taken a liking to Gu Yuejin?

A flicker of movement stirred in his heart. Far from being angry, he actually felt this was a brilliant move.

A talent like Gu Yuejin, who could be swayed by neither soft nor hard tactics—if he could be bound to the Imperial family through marriage, or even just an emotional bond...

"Since Tianzhen has this intention..."

Xu Tianran did not agree directly, instead kicking the ball to Gu Yuejin. "Director Gu Yue, what do you think? Although my younger sister is a bit mischievous, her talent is quite good."

Gu Yuejin's gaze landed on Xu Tianzhen.

Sun Martial Soul.

This was the inherited Martial Soul of the Sun Moon Imperial family, as well as a top-tier Assault and Control System Martial Soul, possessing powerful area-of-effect strike capabilities and interference abilities.

If she joined the team, it would indeed compensate for the current team's lack of AOE burst damage.

And...

With a Princess on the team, wouldn't future applications for funding and rare metals be a green light all the way?

This wasn't just a Princess; this was a walking ATM.

"Fine."

Gu Yuejin pondered for a moment and nodded.

"The Sun Martial Soul is indeed a good addition."

"However..."

His tone shifted, his eyes turning serious as he looked at Xu Tianzhen:

"In my team, there are only warriors, no princesses."

"No matter whose sister you are, once you enter my team, you must follow my rules and endure my hardships."

"If you can't take it and start crying, I will kick you out without hesitation. Don't blame me for not giving His Highness face when that time comes."

"Don't worry!"

Xu Tianzhen immediately agreed, a flash of craftiness and anticipation in her eyes. "This Princess isn't afraid of hardship! As long as you can make me stronger!"

As long as I can see you every day, what does a little hardship matter?

"Good."

Seeing this, Xu Tianran smiled and finalized the matter, appearing to be in an excellent mood.

"In that case, I will trouble Director Gu Yue to provide your guidance."

"All necessary resources, whether they be Soul Tools, medicinal pills, or rare metals, will be fully supported by the Imperial Family and the Academy. There is no upper limit."

"I only care about the results."

"We look forward to this brand-new team shining with the Sun Moon's Light at the tournament and washing away a thousand years of humiliation."

After seeing Xu Tianran and his entourage off, Gu Yuejin watched Xu Tianzhen, who had darted into the team like a cheerful little bird, pulling Meng Hongchen aside to chatter away. He shook his head helplessly.

"Tsk, another troublemaker."

Still, the lineup was basically taking shape.

Ma Rulong (frontline tank/assault), Xiao Hongchen (long-range artillery), Meng Hongchen (venomous crowd control), Xu Tianzhen (solar AOE), and Huo Yuhao (all-around support/commander).

Plus the two remaining spots yet to be filled.

As long as this lineup was properly polished, it would be absolutely invincible during this period.

"The core tactics must be built around Huo Yuhao's Spiritual Network."

Gu Yuejin watched Huo Yuhao, who was earnestly guiding his teammates on their coordination, and a cold smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth.

"Next, it's time to start designing some 'special greetings' for every core member of Shrek Academy."

"Ma Xiaotao's evil fire, Dai Yueheng's White Tiger, Ling Luochen's Ice Control..."

"I will prepare a grand gift for you all."

"I hope that when the time comes, you won't cry too pathetically."