The First Public Lecture

The Martial Soul Hall Holy Fire Primary Academy in Notting City was built very quickly.

The place was not particularly large.

It consisted of one main hall, two side rooms, and a small courtyard.

A newly crafted wooden sign hung at the entrance, inscribed with the words:

Martial Soul Hall Holy Fire Primary Academy.

The Branch Hall Master had originally intended to write only "Martial Soul Hall Primary Academy."

However, the official documents sent from above specifically included the two characters for "Holy Fire."

He did not know why.

But since the Pope's Palace had approved it, he would hang it as instructed.

Su Yuntao stood at the entrance, looking at the wooden sign, feeling a bit uneasy.

"Holy Fire..."

He couldn't help but feel that these two words were related to that legendary Holy Cat.

However, he didn't dare to dwell on it.

Today was the academy's first public lecture.

It was not only open to formal students; work-study students from Notting Academy were also welcome to attend.

Tang San and Xiao Wu had naturally come as well.

Wang Sheng followed behind with a few work-study students from Dorm Seven, the group of children looking at the new academy with curiosity in their eyes.

"Is this the new academy opened by the Martial Soul Hall?"

Wang Sheng scratched his head.

"It looks much cleaner than our Dorm Seven."

Xiao Wu giggled and said, "Are you comparing a dormitory to an academy?"

Wang Sheng felt a bit awkward.

Tang San did not speak.

He looked at the wooden sign at the entrance, his eyes filled with contemplation.

Ever since the Martial Soul Hall had sent over those textbooks, he had been reading them almost every day.

Much of the content was very fundamental.

Yet, the more basic it was, the more one could see the expertise of the person who wrote it.

Those things were not empty talk.

Instead, they addressed many of the problems that Low-Rank Soul Masters truly encountered.

For example, the chaotic surging of soul power during cultivation.

For example, choosing the wrong First Soul Ring.

For example, when encountering a soul beast, one should neither run blindly nor act beyond one's capabilities.

In great clans, these things might be common knowledge.

But for work-study students, these were things that could save them years of wasted effort.

Tang San even felt that this set of textbooks from the Martial Soul Hall explained things more clearly than some of the courses at Notting Academy.

Of course.

There were also capable people in the academy.

For instance, Grandmaster.

It was just that Tang San had not yet taken him as his master.

Grandmaster had not urged him further.

But the two of them would occasionally discuss martial souls and soul rings.

Grandmaster's theories indeed had their unique merits.

Yet, Tang San had gradually discovered that Grandmaster sometimes stated his judgments too absolutely.

This made him even more cautious.

He did not reject listening to Grandmaster.

But he would not listen to everything.

At this moment, Su Yuntao's voice drifted from inside the academy.

"Today's public lecture will cover three things."

"First, what is a martial soul."

"Second, what is soul power?"

"Third, how should Soul Masters and soul beasts coexist?"

The children sat down one after another.

Upon hearing the third question, Xiao Wu's movements paused slightly.

She sat beside Tang San, appearing casual on the surface, but her ears were quietly pricked up.

Su Yuntao stood at the front, holding a piece of white chalk in his hand.

This chalk had also been sent from Martial Soul City.

The Branch Hall Master had specifically instructed him.

Use it for the public lecture.

Do not lose it.

Do not lend it out.

At first, Su Yuntao did not understand what was so special about a piece of chalk.

But when he truly held the chalk, he realized something was wrong.

The lecture notes in his mind, which had been somewhat chaotic, suddenly became much clearer.

It was as if someone had straightened out his words for him in advance.

Su Yuntao was startled.

This thing was not simple.

But he dared not show it, so he could only begin lecturing according to the textbook.

He wrote four characters on the wooden board.

Martial Soul Origin.

As the chalk touched the board, those four characters actually carried a faint shimmer.

As the children looked over, the meaning, which had been somewhat difficult to grasp, suddenly became much easier to understand.

"A Martial Soul is not just a name."

Su Yuntao said.

"Two things might both be called a hoe; one might just be an ordinary farming tool Martial Soul, while another might possess an affinity for the earth element."

"Two things might both be called Blue Silver Grass; one might indeed be ordinary Blue Silver Grass, while another might walk a different path due to bloodline, mutation, or the nature of its soul power."

Tang San's eyes flickered slightly.

Xiao Wu also looked at him.

The several work-study students in Dorm Seven all looked over in unison.

Tang San's expression was calm.

But his heart was not.

This lecture from Martial Soul Hall clearly did not define Blue Silver Grass as a trash Martial Soul.

This was different from many others.

Su Yuntao continued:

"Therefore, you cannot judge a Martial Soul solely by its name."

"You must look at the soul power reaction, the characteristics of the Martial Soul, and what kind of soul ring it is suited for."

"The sooner you recognize the essence of your Martial Soul, the fewer detours you will take."

At the back of the classroom.

Grandmaster stood there, his brows slightly furrowed.

He had originally only wanted to see what Martial Soul Hall's so-called primary school was actually teaching.

But hearing this, he could no longer treat this class as a simple introductory lesson.

These words were not profound.

But they were accurate.

They were especially suitable for Soul Masters just starting out.

Grandmaster felt somewhat uncomfortable.

Because some of these words were things he should have told Tang San himself.

But now, Martial Soul Hall had said them first.

And they had said them in front of all the commoner Soul Masters.

Su Yuntao quickly moved on to soul power.

"Soul power is not a case of the faster it rushes, the better."

"For low-rank Soul Masters, cultivation must be steady."

"Your bodies are still young and your meridians are fragile; forcing your soul power to circulate will only harm yourselves."

Wang Sheng lowered his head.

Several other work-study students lowered their heads as well.

Tang San could not help but glance at them.

It seemed these words were quite useful for many in Dorm Seven.

Su Yuntao wrote the second line of text.

Soul power is like water, and the Martial Soul is the canal.

"If the canal is blocked, the faster the water flows, the quicker it breaks."

"Therefore, when cultivating, you must first follow the nature of your Martial Soul."

"Beast Martial Souls are different from Tool Martial Souls, and Plant Martial Souls are different from Body Martial Souls."

"You cannot take someone else's cultivation method and force it upon yourself."

Xiao Wu rested her chin in her hand; she appeared not to be listening, but her eyes were much quieter than usual.

She suddenly realized that these principles were also applicable to Soul Beasts.

Soul Beast cultivation actually faced similar issues.

The Soft Bone Rabbit clan relied on agility and speed; they could not possibly cultivate like a Vajra Bear.

If they tried to force it, they would only ruin themselves.

Human cultivation isn't entirely reckless after all.

Xiao Wu muttered to herself.

Then, Su Yuntao began to speak about Soul Beasts.

He wrote the third line of text.

Soul Beasts are not mere materials.

As soon as these words were spoken, the entire classroom fell silent.

Grandmaster also looked up slightly.

Xiao Wu's eyes widened a fraction.

Su Yuntao held the chalk, his voice not loud, yet perfectly clear.

"Soul Masters require Soul Rings to break through."

"This is the rule of the Douluo Continent."

"But needing Soul Rings does not mean one can slaughter Soul Beasts indiscriminately."

"Before hunting for a soul, you must confirm if the target is appropriate."

"Unless necessary, do not hunt juvenile Soul Beasts."

"Unless for self-defense, do not kill unrelated Soul Beasts."

"If a Soul Beast attacks a human, a Soul Master may strike back."

"But if you kill at will just to show off, for amusement, or to see a different color of Soul Ring, that is not the glory of a Soul Master."

"That is the shame of a Soul Master."

The children listened, somewhat dazed.

Previously, they only knew that Soul Masters were powerful.

Powerful Soul Masters could hunt Soul Beasts to obtain Soul Rings.

Yet, rarely had anyone told them this.

Soul Masters should not kill indiscriminately.

Wang Sheng whispered, "Doesn't that mean we have to consider a lot of things when hunting for souls in the future?"

Su Yuntao nodded.

"Of course you must consider them."

"Your Soul Ring will be with you for your entire life."

"If you kill a Soul Beast at random and absorb a Soul Ring that doesn't suit you, it is not just the Soul Beast that suffers, but you yourself."

Tang San listened very intently.

He did not resent this perspective.

On the contrary, he felt it made sense.

The Tang Sect also emphasized knowing when to take and when to give.

Hidden weapons could kill, but one did not kill everyone they encountered.

Soul beasts are the same.

Xiao Wu lowered her head, her fingers gently pinching the corner of her clothes.

She did not know why, but she suddenly felt that the tightness in her chest had eased.

Martial Soul Hall was still dangerous.

But this class was not hateful.

At least, the person who wrote these words was not hateful.

Su Yuntao continued his lecture:

"In the future, Martial Soul Hall will attempt a new direction for cultivation."

"The Soul Pact."

As soon as these words were spoken, Grandmaster's eyes suddenly narrowed.

Tang San also looked up.

"What is a Soul Pact?" a child asked.

Su Yuntao did not go into too much detail.

This concept was still in the internal testing phase within Martial Soul Hall; it was impossible to disclose it completely to the public.

But in an open lecture, it was already possible to let the children know the general idea.

"A Soul Pact is a way for a Soul Master and a soul beast to voluntarily establish a connection."

"If it matures in the future, Soul Masters might not need to hunt soul beasts every time they break through."

"Soul beasts can also receive Feedback from the Soul Master's cultivation through the Soul Pact."

"Of course, this path is still very difficult right now."

"Not all soul beasts are suitable."

"And it does not mean that Soul Masters will never need to hunt souls again."

"But Martial Soul Hall hopes that in the future, there will be more than just slaughter between Soul Masters and soul beasts."

As the last sentence fell, the classroom was very quiet.

Xiao Wu was completely stunned.

Between Soul Masters and soul beasts, there is more than just slaughter?

To her, this sentence carried more weight than all the theories that came before it.

Tang San glanced at Xiao Wu.

He noticed that Xiao Wu's expression was somewhat strange.

It was not the curiosity of an ordinary child hearing novel knowledge.

It was more like she had been touched by something.

Grandmaster stood at the back, his expression also becoming extremely complex.

Soul Pact.

Martial Soul Hall had actually already begun researching such a thing?

If this path could truly be traversed, the existing cultivation system of the Douluo Continent would be shaken to its core.

And the person who proposed this path was definitely not Su Yuntao.

Nor was it the Notting City Branch Hall Master.

A rumor suddenly came to Grandmaster's mind.

In Martial Soul City, there was a Holy Cat.

Over these years, many of the changes in Martial Soul Hall were related to it.

Could it be that the Soul Pact was also created by that cat?

Grandmaster fell silent.

He had once studied the relationship between soul beasts and spirit rings.

But he had never thought of allowing Soul Masters and soul beasts to establish a spirit ring connection without death.

This path was too bold.

And too difficult.

But if it could truly be achieved, it would be a monumental event capable of rewriting the world of Soul Masters.

When the open lecture ended, the children had not yet fully recovered their senses.

Su Yuntao put down the chalk, feeling a sense of relief in his heart.

This class had gone more smoothly than he had imagined.

There were even a few times when the words he spoke were clearer than what he had originally intended to say.

He lowered his head to glance at the chalk.

Things from Lord Holy Cat were truly extraordinary.

After the children dispersed, Xiao Wu did not leave immediately.

She stood at the entrance of the schoolhouse, looking at the wooden board inscribed with "Soul Beasts are not materials."

Tang San walked to her side.

"You care a lot about this sentence?"

Xiao Wu's body stiffened slightly.

"I just think... it's quite strange."

"What's strange about it?"

"Don't all Soul Masters have to kill Soul Beasts?"

Tang San looked at the wooden board.

"That is how it is now."

"But perhaps it won't necessarily be that way in the future."

Xiao Wu turned her head to look at him.

"Do you believe in that Soul Pact?"

Tang San thought for a moment.

"I don't know yet."

"But if it is truly feasible, I think it would be very good."

Xiao Wu blinked.

"Why?"

"Because that way, many fewer Soul Beasts would have to die."

Tang San answered very naturally.

"It would also give Soul Masters another path."

Xiao Wu did not speak again.

She suddenly felt that this person, Tang San, seemed quite decent.

Although he was sometimes too quiet and too cautious.

But when he said those words, he did not seem to be lying to her.

Grandmaster watched the two from a distance.

He had heard their conversation.

However, his brows furrowed tighter and tighter.

This lesson from Martial Soul Hall had already left a mark on Tang San's heart.

It had even left a mark on Xiao Wu's heart.

This was more troublesome than he had imagined.

Because this was not forced indoctrination.

It was presenting a path that seemed gentler and broader before the children.

Letting them see for themselves, think for themselves.

This kind of influence was deeper than any command.

Grandmaster looked down at his own hands.

He suddenly felt that if he continued to teach Tang San only with those old theories, it might not be enough.

Martial Soul City.

Meow Meow lay on the table in the Pope's Palace, his tail swaying happily.

"Not bad, not bad."

"Su Yuntao spoke better than This Meow imagined."

Bibi Dong was reviewing the feedback records sent from the schoolhouse.

"The chalk's effect is significant."

"That goes without saying."

Meow Meow proudly lifted his chin.

"That is This Meow's chalk."

Bibi Dong glanced at him.

"You are only responsible for sleeping."

Meow Meow's expression stiffened.

"This Meow is responsible for providing mental support."

Bibi Dong did not expose him.

After finishing the records, she set the files down.

"The step taken in Notting City has been quite effective."

"It can be gradually promoted to other cities."

Meow Meow nodded.

"But don't be too hasty."

"First, cultivate the teachers."

"Giving a lecture is not just reading from a script."

"If the teachers themselves don't understand and only know how to recite, then it is useless for the children to listen."

Bibi Dong said, "I will have the Martial Soul Hall Academy select a group of young soul masters to undergo training."

Meow Meow thought for a moment.

"Hu Liena and the others could also go and give a few lectures."

Bibi Dong raised an eyebrow.

"Them?"

"Mm."

Meow Meow said earnestly, "The Golden Generation cannot only know how to cultivate."

"In the future, they will represent Martial Soul Hall, so they must know what ordinary soul masters are like."

"Letting them go to teach commoner children can also temper their character."

Bibi Dong pondered for a moment.

"That is acceptable."

Meow Meow added one more thing.

"Especially Yan."

"Have him teach Soul Master Ethics and Martial Soul Hall Statutes."

Bibi Dong looked at Meow Meow.

"Are you sure you aren't intentionally tormenting him?"

Meow Meow blinked.

"How could that be?"

Of course, he was doing it on purpose.

That guy Yan had a hot temper; he was the most suitable candidate to learn the statutes first.

It would also let him know that Martial Soul Hall was not supported by the strong alone.

Bibi Dong did not object.

The matter was settled.

Just then, a system notification rang out.

[Ding, the Notting City public lecture has been successfully completed.]

[Ding, Tang San's understanding of the Martial Soul Hall foundational system has improved.]

[Ding, Xiao Wu's hostility toward Martial Soul Hall has slightly decreased.]

[Ding, Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang's state of mind has fluctuated.]

[Reward: Soul Pact research progress +5%, Meow Wish Value +150.]

Seeing the last line, Meow Meow's eyes lit up.

Yu Xiaogang's state of mind fluctuating also gives a reward?

This system really understands.

"What is it?"

Bibi Dong asked.

"Nothing."

Meow Meow tucked his tail down.

"I just think Notting City should be quite lively in the future."

Bibi Dong looked at him, guessing in her heart that he had likely gained some benefit again.

However, she did not ask again.

Meow Meow suddenly remembered something and said, "Right, keep only recording Xiao Wu's movements, do not capture her."

Bibi Dong glanced at him.

"You have already said that many times."

"Important things must be repeated."

Meow Meow was very serious.

Bibi Dong watched him quietly for a moment.

"I know."

Only then was Meow Meow relieved.

What he feared most was that one day Bibi Dong would suddenly be influenced by the Rakshasa Aura again and send people directly to Notting City to catch the rabbit.

If that happened, not only would Xiao Wu be finished, but Tang Hao would also explode.

Tang San, needless to say, would be even worse.

The plot would shift directly from school life to the Clear Sky Douluo battling Martial Soul Hall.

It was not yet time for that.

"Take it slow."

Meow Meow sprawled back onto the prayer mat.

"Let them go to school first."

"This Meow is going to sleep first."

Bibi Dong said, "Aren't you supposed to be organizing the Soul Pact regulations?"

Meow Meow closed his eyes and played dead.

Bibi Dong added, "And the lesson plans for the Holy Fire Academy."

Meow Meow's tail did not move.

"The Advanced Class arrangements for Hu Liena and the others."

Meow Meow rolled over and covered his ears with his paws.

Watching him act like this, Bibi Dong could not help but smile.

"Lazy cat."

Meow Meow muttered in a low voice.

"This Meow is in a state of strategic hibernation."

Despite saying that, he fell asleep for real not long after.

The Soul-Calming Bell chimed softly.

Inside the Pope's Palace, everything was quiet.

Meanwhile, in the distant Notting City, the writing on that wooden board in the classroom had not yet been wiped away.

The sentence remained written there.

Soul beasts are not materials.

The next day, Xiao Wu secretly came to take another look.

She stood in the empty classroom for a long time.

Finally, she let out a soft huff.

"I'll observe for a while longer."

After saying this, she turned and ran back to Notting Academy.

The wind blew in from the window.

The chalk writing flickered slightly.

It was as if a cat had blinked from far away.