Soul Guidance Combat Class

"It's not that simple."

Jing Hongchen chuckled.

"If it only took six instructors to turn someone with zero foundation into a Level 2 Soul Engineer in fifteen days, Mingde Hall would have far more students than this."

"Alright, at this hour, it's just about time for class."

"I recall that today is the academy's monthly Soul Guidance Combat Class. It's the perfect opportunity to test the results of your studies during this period."

Soul Guidance Combat Class?

Ye Luochen's eyes flickered.

For the past few days, he had spent most of his time studying soul guidance theory and fabrication knowledge.

As for actual combat application, he had indeed had little exposure.

After bowing in salute, Ye Luochen left Mingde Hall.

Not long after he left, Elder Ma's voice echoed in the hall:

"How is it, Hall Master? Is Ye Luochen's background authentic?"

"Mm."

Jing Hongchen nodded.

"I sent people to investigate thoroughly. Ye Luochen's childhood experiences, his schooling, and his time at Shrek all check out."

"There shouldn't be any issues with this kid. We can gradually increase his clearance level later and start teaching him the real stuff."

If anyone from the other three Douluo kingdoms were here to hear this, they would surely call Jing Hongchen an old fox.

Someone traveled thousands of miles to defect to you, and you actually went to investigate their background, refusing to teach them anything real until you were certain.

But upon closer reflection, one could understand Jing Hongchen's actions.

Although the Sun Moon Empire and the original three Douluo kingdoms were currently at peace, the high-level officials of every nation knew full well that this peace was merely a facade.

The secret struggle between the two sides had never truly ceased, with all manner of tactics emerging one after another.

The most classic of these was the use of spies.

Because during the great war, the original three kingdoms had suffered heavy losses due to soul guidance devices.

And if they relied on their own domestic development, they would likely never catch up to the Sun Moon Empire.

Consequently, the three kingdoms began to harbor ulterior motives, dispatching a large number of spies into the Sun Moon Empire to infiltrate various soul engineer academies and steal soul guidance technology.

In earlier years, the Sun Moon Empire had leaked a vast amount of precious data because of this.

Therefore, when someone like Ye Luochen—hailing from the Star Luo Empire and Shrek—appeared at the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineer Academy and displayed such high talent in soul guidance devices, Jing Hongchen immediately took action.

He stabilized Ye Luochen on one hand while launching a thorough investigation into his background on the other.

Fortunately, the results did not disappoint Jing Hongchen.

"I truly never expected that such a genius would actually be marginalized by Shrek, only to be picked up by us in Sun Moon."

"It seems heaven intends for our Sun Moon to rise."

Meanwhile.

At the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineer Academy, in the Soul Guidance Combat Zone.

A large number of students had already gathered on the spacious training grounds.

Compared to theory classes, combat classes were clearly more popular among the students.

Many wore expressions of excitement.

"Is it free-for-all sparring again today?"

"I don't know, let's see what the teacher arranges."

"Heh, I lost to you last time, but it won't be the same today! I'll make you taste the power of the new Soul Guidance Cannon I crafted!"

The crowd buzzed with discussion.

Just then, the teacher stepped onto the high platform.

"Quiet."

As the voice rang out, the field quickly fell silent.

The teacher scanned the crowd and then spoke:

"Today's lesson content is very simple."

"Combat."

"A soul engineer isn't just someone who sits at a workbench carving core arrays; most soul guidance devices must ultimately serve in battle."

"Therefore, combat ability is equally important."

"Now, let us begin the drawing. Students who draw the same number will be opponents for this Soul Guidance Combat Class."

"Number one, Ye Luochen; number one, Yang Ming."

The first pair was announced, and upon hearing the result, many students were stunned.

"Ye Luochen? Is the new student actually participating in this Soul Guidance Combat Class too?"

"Good grief, he really stepped onto the stage. Everyone here is a Level 4 Soul Master, and he's just a beginner..."

"Wait, no, brothers, what is that thing Ye Luochen is wearing on his chest?"

"If I'm not mistaken, that should be a... Level 2 Soul Guidance badge?"

"Hiss~"

For a moment, the sound of people gasping in shock rose one after another.

"How long has it been? He's already become a Level 2 Soul Master?"

"I don't believe it. It's fake, it must be fake. Wuwuwu, I want to verify the badge!"

"The badge is fine. Who would dare use a fake badge in the academy?"

"Is this what a genius is? I'm so jealous."

Unlike the crowd, which had fallen into chaos because of the badge on Ye Luochen's chest, Xiao Hongchen simply crossed his arms and watched the arena with interest.

Meng Hongchen stood beside him and asked curiously, "Who do you think will win?"

Xiao Hongchen spoke indifferently, "His speed of progress is indeed terrifying, but when it comes to soul guidance combat, I don't think his chances of winning are high."

Meng Hongchen nodded.

She agreed with that point.

Becoming a Level 2 Soul Master in half a month was indeed exaggerated.

It was so exaggerated that even the usually arrogant Xiao Hongchen gave him an evaluation of "indeed terrifying."

However, being able to make a soul guidance device and being able to use one in combat were two completely different things.

Practical application and carving soul guidance devices at a desk were worlds apart.

No matter how much of a genius he was, it was unlikely he could catch up to a Level 4 Soul Master in terms of practical application in such a short time.

Meanwhile, in the arena, after Ye Luochen and Yang Ming stepped onto the stage and signaled that they were ready, the teacher waved his hand and said, "Begin!"

As the words fell, the Level 4 Soul Master opposite him moved instantly.

Several soul guidance devices lit up simultaneously.

A soul guidance shield deployed.

Soul guidance rays erupted.

While wrapping himself in defenses, dozens of red beams instantly enveloped Ye Luochen.

Facing such swift and dense attacks, Ye Luochen's expression changed slightly.

He moved his feet and dodged.

Boom!

Boom!

Boom!

Explosions rang out continuously in the arena.

When the dust settled, the situation on the field became clear once again.

Although this round of attacks did not hit Ye Luochen, everyone on the field could see that Ye Luochen had already fallen into a disadvantage.

Because based on the performance just now, it was not hard to see that Yang Ming was a very typical turret-style soul master.

In this situation, if one failed to seize the initiative, and Yang Ming was given more time, he could arm himself from head to toe.

He would transform into an impregnable fortress of artillery.

At that point, unless one's strength far exceeded his, it would be impossible to defeat him.

"It's going to be difficult. It seems the new student lacks practical combat experience."

"Yeah, once Yang Ming transforms into a heavy artillery fortress, with the new student's soul power level being similar but his soul master level being two tiers lower, he'll be left with nothing but a beating."

"As expected, no matter how much of a genius, there are still shortcomings."

On the sidelines, the discussions of the onlookers rose one after another, and generally, they did not hold high hopes for Ye Luochen.