The Soul Tool Association stood in the central district of the city, right beside the tournament square. It was the most authoritative soul tool institution in all of Cloud Sea City, overseeing Soul Engineer rank assessments, identity certifications, and skill evaluations throughout the city. Its status was exceptional, and its foundation profound.
Upon entering the association's main hall, Qian Xunzong found it spacious and brightly lit, filled with all kinds of soul tool forging equipment, material samples, and assessment apparatuses. Quite a few young apprentices and Low-Grade Soul Engineers waited there for their assessments, lending the place a solemn and rigorous atmosphere.
The staff inside the hall performed their respective duties, and everything was orderly. Qian Xunzong stepped forward to ask about the assessment process. The answer he received was simple and direct, yet left him somewhat helpless.
"Young master, sorry for the trouble, but our association's assessment rules are strict. Soul Engineer ranks must begin from Level One, with assessments and promotions proceeding one level at a time. Cross-rank certification is not permitted. This is an ironclad rule throughout the Bright Moon Empire, and no one may make an exception."
One level at a time?
Qian Xunzong did not know whether to laugh or cry.
He was already a fully accomplished Peak Level-Six Soul Engineer, possessing the finest Level-Six soul tool techniques on the entire continent. Yet now, he had to start from scratch and obtain the most basic Level-One qualification. It was truly a waste of his talents and far too troublesome.
But rules were rules. Since he had just arrived, there was no need to stir up unnecessary trouble. He could only nod patiently.
"Fine. Then I'll start with Level One."
Just as the staff member was preparing to register him for the Level-One assessment, an arrogant