Preparations for the Plan

The morning sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, waking Xiao Hongchen from his slumber.

He sat up and, as was his habit, peered into his Sea of Consciousness. The silver-white expanse remained calm as a mirror, and deep within, a gray sphere of light slowly pulsed like a sleeping heart.

After washing up, he donned the uniform of the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy. It was simple and neat, accentuating his tall and straight figure. Pushing open his door, Xiao Hongchen headed straight for the first-floor hall.

Steward Pin Hongchen was already waiting there. This collateral member of the Hongchen family was in his early sixties, with neat, short silver-gray hair and a crisp black butler's uniform. His demeanor was always respectful yet steady.

He was one of the few Rank 7 Soul Engineers in the family, his soul power reaching level seventy-nine. He had been somewhat famous in Ming Capital in his early years, but excessive use of medication had prevented him from breaking through to level eighty.

Seeing Xiao Hongchen descend, Pin Hongchen immediately bowed slightly, his voice deep and respectful:

"Young Master, you are awake. Breakfast is ready, and the Family Head and Miss Meng are waiting for you at the dining table."

Xiao Hongchen nodded, his gaze calm yet undeniably authoritative:

"Uncle Pin, there are two things I need you to do immediately."

Upon hearing this, Pin Hongchen bowed even lower: "Please instruct me, Young Master."

"Help me purchase a batch of rare metals. This is the list I need. Get it done as soon as possible and deliver it to my room."

As he spoke, Xiao Hongchen handed the list, which he had carefully screened and organized the previous night, detailing the types and weights of various rare metals, to the steward.

He intended to go all out in developing his Three-Legged Golden Toad martial soul. The Three-Legged Golden Toad possessed an innate strong affinity and control over metal. Now, with the addition of the Brain martial soul, his spiritual power far surpassed his previous level, allowing him to precisely control metal powder as if it were soul power.

Xiao Hongchen began to imagine controlling metal just as Gaara from Naruto controlled sand. In offense, the metal powder would sweep like a storm; in defense, it would instantly condense into a heavy metal shield, or even transform into metal spears, chains, or cages, offering both offense and defense and possessing immense deterrence.

"Yes, Young Master. I will immediately utilize the family's channels, and the first batch will be delivered by tonight at the latest."

Xiao Hongchen hummed in satisfaction and, after a moment of thought, continued:

"The second matter... go and discreetly inquire about someone's whereabouts. Her name is Ye Guyi, her martial soul is the Holy Angel, and she should currently be in the Sun Moon Empire, around my age. Her specific appearance is characterized by long golden hair. She should be a very talented young girl. Use the family's network to quietly investigate her movements. She might be a student at a high-level Soul Engineer academy, or perhaps a member of an underground organization, but absolutely do not alert her. Inform me immediately once you find her."

The decision to search for Ye Guyi was the result of Xiao Hongchen's careful consideration.

Angel martial souls naturally countered evil soul masters. The Holy Spirit Cult was deeply entrenched in the Sun Moon Empire, and recruiting her would be like planting a preemptive piece to counter the Holy Spirit Cult.

As for another reason... as a transmigrator who had read countless novels and watched so many anime in his previous life, he had a certain... no, a considerable bias towards the "golden-haired angel" archetype.

Moreover, within the Sun Moon Empire, the beautiful women with names mentioned in the original work could be counted on one's fingers.

Sister Meng Hongchen was one, but she was family, and he couldn't harbor improper thoughts.

Ju Zi? That girl's desire for revenge was too strong. Not only was she a love-struck fool, but she also played house with Huo Yuhao during a national war, and then ungratefully murdered Xu Tianran. Xiao Hongchen had always been indifferent to her.

Nana? The one with the Ghost martial soul who was persecuted by the Holy Spirit Cult. She seemed to be at the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy now, but Xiao Hongchen didn't have a deep impression of her. If he could help her rescue her parents' souls, he could completely win her over, but her talent and appearance weren't top-tier.

Jing Ziyan? This one had even less presence. Xiao Hongchen only knew that she was already firmly tied to Ji Juechen, her talent was average, and she was older. She was truly unsuitable as part of Xiao Hongchen's core group.

Besides these, it seemed only Ye Guyi was left.

Well, he would find Ye Guyi first. At the very least, he couldn't let her fall to Huo Yuhao's side. The rest would happen naturally.

Pin Hongchen frowned slightly upon hearing his words but asked no further questions, merely nodding respectfully:

"Your subordinate understands and will handle it as quickly as possible, ensuring absolute secrecy."

After assigning the two tasks, Xiao Hongchen finally headed towards the dining room.

Breakfast was already laid out, and Meng Hongchen and Jing Hongchen were already seated at the table. As soon as Meng Hongchen saw her brother, her eyes lit up, her long hair swaying gently: "Brother, good morning!"

"Your body has just recovered, don't rush to the academy. If you need anything, just have Pin Hongchen handle it," Jing Hongchen said calmly.

Xiao Hongchen smiled at his sister and sat down in his seat, his tone gentle yet firm:

"Grandfather, I am fine now. I plan to enter Mingde Hall early to study under Xuan Ziwen. As for the academy, I will only attend lectures. With the Brain martial soul now, I can understand basic knowledge with just a glance, so there's no need to waste unnecessary time, but I will not miss any assessments."

Jing Hongchen's eyes narrowed slightly upon hearing this. After a moment of thought, he nodded gently:

"Go ahead. I will smooth things over with the academy for you. It's time for you to enter Mingde Hall. Generally, only Soul Engineers above Rank 5 can enter after an assessment, but you have already completed the Rank 4 Milk Bottle, far exceeding ordinary Rank 5 Soul Engineers. I will directly grant you special admission. Xuan Ziwen, though eccentric, is indeed the chief researcher at Mingde Hall. If you can receive his guidance, it will be of great help to you in the future."

"Understood, Grandfather," Xiao Hongchen said, taking a sip of milk with a slight smile.

"Also, Grandfather, there's something else I'd like your help with. I plan to build a gym in the empty room in the family's backyard, equipped with gravity devices, metal weight training equipment, and so on. Could you please arrange for the procurement of the necessary items?"

Meng Hongchen blinked her azure eyes from the side, curiously interjecting:

"Xiao, you're going to train your physique? Didn't you hate sweating the most before? Why the sudden change of heart?"

Xiao Hongchen ruffled his sister's hair, smiling as he explained:

"The past is the past, and the present is the present. Soul Engineers ultimately have to clash head-on with Soul Masters, and physical fitness is crucial. If it's not up to par, it won't do."

"Oh? You're even focusing on physical fitness after waking up? Not bad, you have ambition."

Jing Hongchen put down his teacup, speaking unhurriedly, yet with the steadiness and guidance of an elder:

"Xiao is absolutely right. Many Soul Engineers only focus on researching Soul Tools and disdain physical strength, unaware that the higher the level, the greater the role of physical strength. At my level, soul power is no longer the sole determinant of victory. A strong physique allows you to maintain clarity during prolonged, high-intensity Soul Tool output, prevents you from being instantly overwhelmed by Soul Masters of the same level when they get close, and can even help you better withstand backlash and mental strain when condensing your soul core."

Jing Hongchen paused, a slight smile forming on his lips:

"Since you have this resolve, Grandfather will naturally give you full support. I will have Pin Hongchen start preparing today, and it will be completed within a week at the latest. Tell him whatever Soul Tool equipment you need."

Xiao Hongchen nodded earnestly: "Thank you, Grandfather. I will prepare a list of specific requirements for Uncle Pin."

Breakfast concluded quickly in a relaxed atmosphere.

Jing Hongchen wiped his mouth and stood up, saying: "I still have some matters to attend to. This is your proof of entry into Mingde Hall. Be careful on your way, you two." He then tossed a metal token inlaid with the word "Hongchen" to Xiao Hongchen.

"Goodbye, Grandfather." Meng Hongchen bowed obediently, then tugged on Xiao Hongchen's sleeve as she headed toward the exit. "Brother, let's go to the academy together!"

Xiao Hongchen put away his token, and the two walked side by side out of the Hongchen family estate.

The family's exclusive soul car was already waiting at the entrance. It was a luxurious vehicle with a silver-gray finish and sharp, rigid lines. The Hongchen family crest was engraved on the body, and the interior was spacious, offering a ride that was almost entirely free of bumps.

The siblings climbed into the cabin. Meng Hongchen leaned back against the soft seat and smiled, saying, "The family's soul car is still the most comfortable; it's much steadier than the public ones on the street."

Xiao Hongchen nodded slightly, his gaze drifting toward the receding streetscape of Ming Capital outside the window as he replied distractedly, "That goes without saying."

The soul cars currently on the market were, at the end of the day, nothing more than carriages fitted with soul core drives; their designs remained outdated and lacked any real innovation.

Deep down, Xiao Hongchen made up his mind that in the future, he would definitely build a soul sports car that was stylish enough to turn heads, or perhaps a cool soul motorcycle.