The Crafting of Combat Puppets

Kong Bo did not get angry at Yang Qing's insults; instead, he tilted his head. "Oh my, being called a devil and a madman by you Evil Soul Masters—shouldn't I feel happy? This is a validation of my research results."

"Validation? You devil!" Yang Qing shouted. "Zandik, kill me! Hurry up and kill me!"

"Oh, my." Kong Bo shook his head. "On the contrary, if the test subject dies too early, my expectations will only fall through, and the knowledge I seek will remain out of reach. That would be truly frustrating."

Kong Bo continued, "Now, where were we? Oh, right, the good news is over. Let me tell you about the cost of human modification—or rather, what I want from you. Since you now possess greater strength, I naturally need to collect some compensation."

Kong Bo pointed to a device resembling a spire. At its base, cables connected to two massive canisters. "Look, that is the Spirit Condenser, a Soul Guidance Device that provides computing power. The method is simple: it simulates a human brain. But a machine always needs fuel to run. I don't want much, just your computing power. Besides, for a Soul Master as obsessed with fighting as you, your brain is useless anyway."

"You can't do this..." Before Yang Qing could finish, Kong Bo pressed a button. Yang Qing felt as if his brain were being torn apart; he was like a lone boat caught in a whirlpool. Soon, Yang Qing's screams ceased, and he fell unconscious.

Kong Bo shook his head. "Sigh, why did I get so little computing power? It seems I should use culture fluid for long-term storage to ensure a steady supply of power."

"You brat, take it one step at a time," Electrolux said. "But I'll give credit where it's due: you're a ruthless one. Tsk, tsk, to think you'd actually stitch humans and soul beasts together. This was your own idea, wasn't it?"

Kong Bo nodded. "Yes, Elder Electrolux. Dottore's research insights and results were based on another world. Different worlds have different laws, so I naturally cannot copy them blindly."

"Hmm, you are a true scholar," Electrolux praised. "Now, let's move on to what I'm teaching you. Start working on the control core and the self-destruct mechanism."

This control core was the result of Electrolux's research. Since arriving in this world, not only did Kong Bo have to learn, but Electrolux did as well. For instance, this control core was a product of Electrolux combining his experience as a Necromancer in creating undead servants with the Soul Guidance technology of the Douluo world. However, this was a very primitive version, capable only of controlling the subject to instinctively throw punches in combat.

In Kong Bo's words, "This is enough. We can take it to the underground soul fighting arena for testing. Elder, please continue your research on the control core. As for me, I need to study drugs for physical enhancement. I'm not very good at such mystical things; I prefer researching more tangible existences."

When the Evil Emperor returned, Kong Bo asked, "How did it go? Was that Soul Master named Skaven controlled?"

The Evil Emperor nodded. "Controlled. I created a Seed of Mind and implanted it in his mind. From now on, he will report to his superiors, and after a while, he will request personnel to maintain order at the underground arena or act as contestants." The Evil Emperor was a powerful soul beast with a spirit attribute, possessing strength equal to a Limit Douluo; controlling a Soul Saint was naturally easy for her.

"Is there anything else you need me to do?" the Evil Emperor asked.

"Yes," Kong Bo said. "Sister Evil Emperor, could you help me visit Xu Tianyuan? Tell him you want to enter some contestants into the underground arena and would like entry passes from the Aodu Chamber of Commerce—a few Soul Elders and Soul Ancestors."

"Very well, I understand."

When a powerhouse like the Evil Emperor sought out Xu Tianyuan, he naturally received her personally, fawning over her with every word, "I didn't know Your Excellency Evil Emperor was coming. What brings you here?" The Evil Emperor stated her purpose: she wanted a few entry certifications for the underground arena for Soul Elders and Soul Ancestors.

"Of course, I will arrange it for Your Excellency immediately. In the future, for such trivial matters, you can just have someone find An Litong," Xu Tianyuan said. He then pulled several Soul Guidance cards from his desk and handed them to the Evil Emperor.

The next afternoon, Kong Bo and the Evil Emperor returned to the underground arena, though not to compete, but to test their experimental results. Ye Guyi had a match that day, and from her private box, she saw Kong Bo sitting in the stands.

Ye Guyi let out a sigh of relief. "It seems Kong Bo is indeed alive. Senior, I... I am not concerned about him. He survived the clutches of the Evil Soul Masters; isn't it a good thing for the Evil Soul Masters to have one more enemy? Fine, Senior, I understand."

The host announced the start of the match, and two Soul Masters appeared in the arena. It was a battle between level 41-45 Soul Ancestors. One was a level 42 Soul Master with a Skeleton Warrior martial soul, while the other was a level 42 Bloodthirsty Mad Bear Soul Master. However, the latter wore a mask, and what the audience found even stranger was that even without his martial soul manifested, his hands were sharp bear claws, and beneath his clothes, he still had furry bear paws.

At this moment, Ye Guyi seemed to hear something, and her expression changed. "Senior, what... what did you say? This isn't a human? Nor a soul beast? You sense the aura of both? You mean... someone stitched a Soul Master and a soul beast together? How could anyone have such methods? How did he think of this? You mean Kong Bo and his group made this? The same ones who were being hunted by those Evil Soul Masters? How could such a thing exist? He... he isn't even an Evil Soul Master."

The audience was merely curious, but members of the Xishui Alliance were confused and reported it to Skaven, who had already been implanted with a Seed of Mind by the Evil Emperor and was under her control. "You lot are overthinking it. How could it be a member of our Xishui Alliance? You're thinking too much, way too much!"

The match began. The Skeleton Warrior Soul Master buffed himself and began to watch his opponent, the Bloodthirsty Mad Bear, with caution.

The opposing Soul Master let out a roar, his soul power burning instinctively, and he charged toward the Skeleton Warrior with his bear claws raised. The Skeleton Soul Master hurriedly swung his dual swords to block the attack.