Xian Lin'er: Pavilion Master, How Can I Repay You

The light from the three crystals continued to climb, growing ever brighter until the entire office was bathed in a silvery glow.

"Spirit power intensity, at least at the high stage of the Spirit Connection Realm!" Fan Yu blurted out, his voice filled with disbelief.

For a newly enrolled student to possess spirit power at the high stage of the Spirit Connection Realm was something rarely seen in the history of the Soul Guidance Department.

What shocked him even more was yet to come; Huo Yutong did not stop.

Her soul power split into three strands, injecting into the crystals along three distinct paths simultaneously.

Between the three crystals, three circuits lit up at once, intertwining without interference, sketching a precise and elegant three-dimensional light diagram above the base.

Immediately after, Huo Yutong's fingers flickered slightly, and the three circuits instantly dismantled and reorganized into a completely different topological structure, flowing without a hitch as if she had practiced it a thousand times.

"Constructing three circuits simultaneously, and then reorganizing them in an instant?"

Fan Yu gripped the edge of the table, his voice trembling, "This is a technique that only a Level 4 Soul Tool master should possess!"

Xian Lin'er was also struck speechless by the scene, yet the test was not over.

Huo Yutong stared at the base for a moment, then suddenly extended her index finger. A thread of soul power, so fine it was nearly invisible to the naked eye, condensed at her fingertip.

She slowly probed this thread into the core of the base, precisely touching a micro-component hidden within a metal layer beneath the core crystal.

The soul power thread moved flexibly around the component, as if caressing an exquisite piece of art with her fingertip.

Fan Yu's expression changed completely. "Soul Power Micro-carving!"

This required a near-pathological level of control over soul power; the slightest deviation would result in total failure. Yet, this child before him, who had not attended a single soul guidance class, had mastered it without a teacher.

"This child's perception and manipulation of soul power have reached an unfathomable level," Fan Yu muttered.

"Her spirit power seems born specifically for soul tools..."

Before he could finish, Huo Yutong looked up and pointed to the core of the base, her voice soft but clear: "Teacher, there is a broken component under this crystal; there is a crack on it."

Fan Yu froze for a moment before snatching the base and prying open the casing.

When he saw the metal piece with the hairline crack beneath the core crystal, he stood frozen in place. It was a flaw he had left behind when crafting this tester—a position so hidden that no student had ever discovered it in all these years.

Fan Yu set down his screwdriver, turned to Xian Lin'er, and took a deep breath before speaking solemnly.

His voice trembled with excitement: "Dean, this student must be my disciple!"

"I dare assert that she will surely become a Level 9 Soul Tool master, and perhaps even have the potential to challenge the legendary God-level Soul Tool master! She is quite literally the future of our Soul Guidance Department!"

Xian Lin'er's heart shook violently. A Level 9 Soul Tool master was already the pinnacle of the continent, and a God-level Soul Tool master existed only in legends.

She subconsciously looked toward Tang An, her eyes filled with shock and gratitude.

Fan Yu noticed Xian Lin'er's gaze shifting toward Tang An, and the reverence in her eyes made him realize the truth. This young man in white was the one truly in charge; even Xian Lin'er had to defer to him.

He immediately turned to Tang An and said urgently: "Young Master, please, you must let Huo Yuhao join my tutelage! I, Fan Yu, am willing to teach her everything I know; I will never let her talent go to waste!"

Tang An leaned back in his chair without answering immediately. Fan Yu broke into a cold sweat, not daring to rush him, and could only watch with bated breath.

A moment later, Tang An finally spoke: "Very well, but she must complete the freshman assessment first. She will officially enter the Soul Guidance Department after the assessment. During this time, she can learn the basics from you in her spare time."

Fan Yu was overjoyed and nodded repeatedly: "No problem! The freshman assessment is important, and building a foundation is also important—neither will be neglected!"

Tang An changed the subject, a smirk playing on his lips: "Also, since this is an apprenticeship, the two of you should show some sincerity, shouldn't you? A future Level 9 Soul Tool master shouldn't have a shabby initiation gift."

Xian Lin'er and Fan Yu exchanged a glance, immediately understanding that the Vice Pavilion Master was asking for a welcoming gift on behalf of Huo Yutong.

Without hesitation, Fan Yu reached into his robes and produced a silver badge. It was octagonal, engraved with layers of defensive circuits, and emitted a faint, gentle luster.

"This is an 8th-level defensive soul tool I crafted myself—the Silver Glow Shield. Once triggered, it forms an 8th-level defensive barrier capable of blocking three full-strength attacks from anyone below the Title Douluo level."

"If you inject all your soul power in a moment of crisis, it can unleash a single absolute defense approaching the 9th level. This is my most prized possession, and I give it to Yuhao today as an initiation gift!"

Xian Lin'er also regained her composure and took a thumb-sized bead from her storage soul tool. It was crystal clear, with what looked like silver mist swirling inside, emitting a fluctuation that calmed the mind.

"This 'Spirit Condensing Bead' is a spiritual treasure I obtained by chance while training in the Far North. Wearing it while cultivating accelerates the condensation of spirit power and is of great benefit to spirit-type soul masters when condensing a Soul Core."

"Since Yuhao has a spirit-attribute martial soul, this gift is perfect for her. Vice Pavilion Master, is this humble gift satisfactory?"

Tang An took the two items, knowing immediately upon touch that they were genuine. Satisfied, he gave a faint nod and handed them to Huo Yutong: "Keep them safe, and hurry up and thank your two teachers."

Huo Yutong accepted the two treasures, overwhelmed by the favor, her small face filled with gratitude as she bowed properly to both of them.

Having spent this time with Tang An, her horizons had broadened, and she knew exactly how heavy these two items were.

Tang An said to Fan Yu: "Teacher Fan, take Yutong to the Soul Guidance Department to familiarize her with the environment and show her the way. Let her start learning the basics with you tonight."

Fan Yu, eager to start teaching his disciple, agreed immediately. Huo Yutong looked at Tang An, who nodded at her, and she followed Fan Yu out of the office.

The door closed, leaving only the two of them in the office.

Xian Lin'er stood where she was, watching the closed door before looking back at Tang An, complex emotions swirling in her sapphire eyes.

After a moment of silence, she spoke softly: "Vice Pavilion Master, I haven't been able to help you with anything, yet you have bestowed such a grand gift upon the Soul Guidance Department."

"A seedling with the potential to reach the God-level is a treasure that any sect would guard with their lives, yet you have given her to our Soul Guidance Department just like that."

"I truly don't know how to thank you."

Xian Lin'er spoke with genuine sincerity. She had rushed over today hoping to demonstrate her value and earn some favor in the eyes of the Vice Pavilion Master, so that Cai Mei'er wouldn't take all the benefits for herself.

In the end, she hadn't done anything from start to finish; instead, the Vice Pavilion Master had taken the initiative to recommend Huo Yutong to her. This favor was too heavy—so heavy that she felt mere words of thanks were far from enough.

Tang An leaned back against his chair, his gaze sweeping over Xian Lin'er.

Xian Lin'er wore a dark cyan slim-fit trouser suit, which made her figure appear all the more alluring.

That exquisite face possessed both the dashing spirit of a Martial Combat Department Dean and the charm of a mature woman.

At this moment, she was biting her lip slightly, her sapphire-like eyes fixed on him, no longer as crisp and decisive as they usually were.

Though both had come to his doorstep, Cai Mei'er was actively raising the stakes, while Xian Lin'er felt she owed a favor; their mindsets were completely different.

However, the direction was the same: both wanted to use sincerity to bind him, the Vice Pavilion Master, to their side.

Since it had been delivered right to his mouth, he might as well help her repay this favor.

Tang An stood up and walked over to Xian Lin'er, speaking unhurriedly: "Since Secretary Xian feels so bad about it, why not show your gratitude with some actual action?"