Emo Brother Xiao, Kong Deming Assesses His Progress, and Starry Sky Douluo Makes His Move (4K)

"Xiao Hongchen, you idiot! The Hongchen Class starts tomorrow. How are you supposed to study when you've given up like this?"

Kicking the bedroom door open with a flying kick, the white-haired girl with twin ponytails spotted the bulging lump beneath the blankets and stamped her foot in fury. Her beautiful ice-blue eyes filled with the frustration of someone who wished iron would turn to steel.

"Leave me alone. Let me stay by myself for a couple of days."

A muffled answer came from the bed. Brother Xiao curled up like a shrimp, hugging himself tightly.

After his crushing defeat at the Azure Heavenly Emperor's hands in the final match of the Hongchen Class selection tournament, Xiao Hongchen had been stripped of his golden title of invincibility among his peers. Brother Xiao's prestige had shattered overnight, leaving him a complete laughingstock.

After waking up, he had been unable to accept an ending in which his life lay utterly defeated. He had promptly crawled into bed, pulled the blankets over his head, and sealed himself away. This was already his second day.

One failure was nothing to fear. What was frightening was that Xiao Hongchen could see no hope whatsoever of turning the tide.

Only after actually fighting Lin Qing had he understood what an ultimate martial soul meant. The Three-Legged Golden Toad's metal-attribute divine beast bloodline, the very foundation of its fame, could only delay defeat by a few minutes.

The Three-Legged Golden Toad was hailed as an all-round warrior, its innate talent for Metal Control making its wielder a born soul engineer. Yet the Machine Element surpassed the limits of that six-axis chart, surrounding the Three-Legged Golden Toad on every front.

Xiao Hongchen knew perfectly well that Lin Qing had held more than one thing back. He had used neither his innate domain nor his third soul skill, sparing the Three-Legged Golden Toad's proud but fragile self-esteem.

At that thought, his already depressed state of mind exploded. Xiao Hongchen's pride as a genius began to crumble.

Meng Hongchen clicked her tongue. She had foreseen her brother's tragedy today, which was why she had openly advertised her poisoning scheme before the match, creating an excuse to cushion his defeat. Unfortunately, her brother had not appreciated it.

Tilting her little head, Meng Hongchen condensed ice into a rod and lifted the soft blanket sealing her brother away. After checking out of the corner of her eye that he was not playing any strange little boys' games, she looked straight at him again and declared without room for argument, "I'm meeting Lin Qing and Guyi at the library to study this morning. You're coming with me. Get outside, soak up some sunshine, and wash away that gloom while you're at it."

When she had delivered the nine netherworld soul-nourishing grass to their door yesterday, Miss Meng had learned that Qing and Guyi planned to meet at the library. She had immediately volunteered, determined to make it an outing for three.

As the only heir of the Hongchen Family's current generation whose intelligence exceeded a passing grade, Little Meng had a duty to look after her useless brother and pull him out of the mire into which he kept sinking.

"No." Xiao Hongchen refused flatly.

"You can't stay at home forever, can you?"

"I'm doing fine. Don't worry about me. Just go."

Xiao Hongchen waved his hand, shooing his sister away as though swatting a fly.

Seeing that this stone in the latrine was both foul and hard, Little Meng puffed her fair cheeks into a pufferfish and snapped viciously, "Fine! Don't come, then. Tell Grandpa I'm not coming home tonight!"

"You're staying overnight in the academy dorms?" Xiao Hongchen abruptly became alert.

"Of course not." Meng Hongchen sneered. "Lin Qing and Guyi pooled their money to buy a courtyard residence outside the academy. I'll stay there for a night and bring two bottles of Grandpa's treasured Imperial Palace Wine. Tonight, the three of us-"

"Let's go."

Xiao Hongchen flashed to the doorway!

His adamant determination never to let his sister give herself away defeated his dejection!

"Hmph!"

Having effortlessly brought her brother to heel, Little Meng held up her slender thumb and forefinger. The gap between them seemed to contain an entire universe.

At the main entrance of the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy, Qing, Guyi, Xiao, and Meng assembled. Xiao Hongchen held his chest out and his head high, striding like a dragon or tiger as he forced himself to maintain his usual proud bearing, lest passing students discover that his imposing exterior concealed an empty shell.

After exchanging greetings, the four headed straight for the academy library. A light breeze swept up a few fallen leaves. Along the way, Meng Hongchen became a chirping songbird, flitting around Lin Qing and raising all sorts of fresh topics. Ye Guyi occasionally joined in, and the three chatted with lively enthusiasm.

Outside Mingde Hall, the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy's strongest quartet strolling together instantly caused a stir. Many students took the initiative to greet Lin Qing, enthusiastically calling him Brother Qing.

After receiving a smile and a nod from Lin Qing, they leaped high into the air with wild howls like Wind Baboons, looking every bit like fans who had successfully met their idol.

Watching the changing world with a cold eye, Xiao Hongchen maintained an air of breezy indifference while secretly mourning spring and grieving autumn, lamenting how the new generation replaced the old.

"Brother Xiao's here too. Shouldn't we spread the love-"

"Buddy, he was knocked unconscious by a single kick in the finals. Brother Xiao isn't the Brother Xiao who ruled Sun Moon anymore. We might as well put all our support behind Brother Qing. That's just how fickle and realistic we are!"

"True. Brother Qing toyed with Brother Xiao like it was nothing. The Three-Legged Golden Toad can't hold a candle to the Machine Element."

The whispers of two passing students, who thought they were speaking quietly, reached their ears. Lin Qing, Ye Guyi, and Meng Hongchen all turned toward Xiao Hongchen at the center of the storm. Brother Xiao had practically faded into a grayscale picture!

"Can a narrow, one-move defeat after a thoroughly exhilarating battle really be called getting toyed with? That clearly doesn't count-"

Xiao Hongchen muttered words that no one could make sense of.

"Please, help my idiot brother get back on his feet."

A cool, ticklish sensation suddenly brushed the back of his hand. Little Meng had stealthily extended a fingertip and was tracing words on Lin Qing's skin.

Her pearly teeth lightly bit her full red lip as those ice-blue eyes gazed at Lin Qing with deep hope. A clear spring seemed to ripple in their depths. If the boy standing so close said no, that spring would spill over its banks and soak his shoes.

"I'll think about it."

Faced with Little Meng's wholehearted pleading, Lin Qing mouthed his answer. Whoever tied the bell had to untie it. He really was the most suitable mental health counselor for baby Xiao Hongchen.

Entering the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy's library, the four reserved a large table with a piece of metal, then split up to borrow books. Even the emo Xiao Hongchen had his fundamental student instincts activated.

Since he was already at the library, not stuffing a little knowledge into his brain would leave him itching all over.

Lin Qing had a clear goal, choosing works by Silver Moon Douluo Kong Deming to savor. It was like an author writing an unparalleled masterpiece found only in heaven, leaving readers hungry for more and sending them digging through his earlier works.

In his previous life, Little Qing had loved certain big-name authors on Qidian. Clicking their profile pictures let him read all their novels. The Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy still needed to improve in that regard, making students walk to the shelves and search with their own hands.

"General Principles of Advanced Soul Guidance Theory, Conjectures on the Life-Soul Fusion of Martial Souls and Soul Tools, The Possibility of Soul Tools Surpassing Level 11-"

As he carefully selected Kong Deming's works, a figure silently appeared behind Lin Qing and watched him with a warm gaze. Fate is ordained by heaven. Truly worthy of being the personal disciple this old man picked with his discerning eye. This boy can indeed be taught.

Pulling out five works by Silver Moon Douluo, Lin Qing turned and nearly collided with the old man who had been observing him for some time. He hurriedly stepped back twice and asked with amusement, "Old sir, is it your turn on duty again today?"

"That fellow went drinking with hostesses alongside Lin Jiayi and begged me to cover for him," Kong Deming said without changing his expression.

Understanding appeared on Lin Qing's face. Over his three months of study here, whenever he came to the library to study, there was a ninety percent chance of finding the old man on duty.

An invisible, wondrous bond seemed to connect them. Their thinking and their understanding of soul guidance both aligned. The old man generously shared little insights into soul guidance with him, repeatedly parting the clouds to reveal the sun and clearing away the doubts that troubled Lin Qing.

The old man's level as a soul engineer was clearly a realm beyond Lin Qing's reach. He had once tried probing indirectly, but the man merely smiled without answering. Lin Qing had then taken a different route and asked Meng Hongchen.

Little Meng said the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy hid crouching tigers and concealed dragons. Many veterans whose uniforms were covered in medals had joined the academy. The woman supervising the girls' dormitory had been a female officer of the Fire Phoenix Soul Engineer Legion in her youth, yielding to no man. The librarian was probably much the same.

The explanation sounded logical, so Lin Qing simply stopped dwelling on it. In any case, the old man possessed genuine expertise and was willing to guide his juniors for free. Naturally, Lin Qing had to "freeload" to the fullest and learn from his senior's precious experience.

"The last time you came to the library, I tested you with a question." Kong Deming released soul power to form a soundproof barrier, preventing their conversation from leaking out. "Suppose Mingde Hall plans to research a Humanoid Soul Tool, with two possible directions.

"The first is to manufacture a colossal soul tool, piling up precious metal materials in exchange for tremendous power.

"The second is to maintain an ordinary human form and attempt to combine the Humanoid Soul Tool with the soul master's own martial soul. What are your thoughts? Do you have an answer today?"

Kong Deming's teaching style leaned toward listening and guidance. He liked students to reach their own understanding first. Right or wrong, it was an exercise in brainstorming. He would then correct their mistakes, leaving a lasting impression.

And this question was not hypothetical. Mingde Hall was already conducting in-depth research into the Humanoid Soul Tool, with Kong Deming himself leading the core effort. However, he was still considering which direction was superior and wanted to hear the next generation's soul guidance genius weigh in.

"I think the divergence in research can be summed up in two phrases: seeking outward and exploring inward."

Lin Qing said slowly, "A colossal Humanoid Soul Tool focuses on developing metals' potential, helping soul engineers with somewhat inferior martial souls break through their limitations and gain the combat strength of advanced martial souls.

"For exceptionally gifted soul masters, piloting a colossal soul tool would amount to cutting off one of their own arms. A Humanoid Soul Tool shouldn't conceal a martial soul's brilliance. The second option suits them better.

"If I were the decision-maker, judging by the Sun Moon Empire's circumstances, I would prioritize developing the first kind of Humanoid Soul Tool.

"After all, the Sun Moon Empire's martial souls fall far short of those in the Douluo Three Kingdoms. Combining colossal Humanoid Soul Tools with a linked system has boundless prospects. Once the dust has settled, we can shift our focus to researching compatibility between Humanoid Soul Tools and martial souls."

"That's a good answer, but you still overestimate the Sun Moon Empire's martial soul talent."

Kong Deming casually insulted his own country as he explained, "Controlling a colossal soul tool is no easy task. It requires someone strong in the mental attribute, or-a gold-element soul master like you, who can naturally communicate with metal spirits.

"Therefore, whichever kind of Humanoid Soul Tool we choose, the Sun Moon Empire will face the same awkward predicament: suitable pilots are hard to find. Ultimately, both paths lead to the same destination. We must find a compromise so that operating a Humanoid Soul Tool is not quite so demanding."

"Thank you for the lesson, senior."

The Humanoid Soul Tool was soul guidance technology ahead of its time. Lin Qing likewise had a keen interest in it, and no shortage of ambition to break through its technological barriers. The old man's guidance struck right at his heart.

"Come, what has been puzzling you lately? I'll help you work through it."

Kong Deming began today's private tutoring session. With the soul-power soundproof barrier in place, the old man and the youth freely raised their voices in an intense, unending exchange.

Meanwhile, the Hongchen siblings spotted a familiar figure, nearly as wide around the waist as he was tall, dressed in the luxurious robes of the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy's dean. Their eyes widened involuntarily as they exclaimed in unison, "Grandpa?!"

"Shh!"

The hall master gestured for silence and pointed ahead with a short, chubby finger. Following his direction, the Hongchen siblings both leaned backward in surprise. A holy, flawless blonde girl was chatting happily with a balding old man. They were none other than Ye Guyi and Starry Sky Douluo Ye Yulin!

"That damned bald donkey moves fast!" Jing Hongchen rubbed his layered-pastry chin. "One after another, they're finding disciples to pass their teachings on to. Yet I, the master of Mingde Hall, have never taken a personal disciple. How sad, how lamentable-"

"Grandpa, then what am I?"

Xiao Hongchen gazed sorrowfully up at the ceiling. The whole world seemed to be targeting him.

"Xiao, you're my grandson. That's different from a disciple-"

After a while, having answered all of Lin Qing's questions one by one, Kong Deming dispelled the soundproof barrier and posed his customary question. "Today's question has nothing to do with knowledge. I want you to search your heart. To you, what is a soul tool?"

He did not ask this only of Lin Qing, the personal disciple he valued so highly. Kong Deming posed this question to every soul engineer he had guided.

Lin Qing froze briefly, then his gaze turned firm and sharp. "I think-there's no need to wait until our next meeting to answer.

"A soul tool is a friend that changes humanity's fate and makes people's lives better."

"Good. I understand."

Kong Deming offered no judgment of right or wrong. He merely turned and left with his hands behind his back, meeting the two Level 9 Soul Engineers waiting for their teacher around the corner.

By now, Jing Hongchen had finished comforting the Hongchen siblings, while Ye Yulin had successfully kindled a lively conversation with Ye Guyi. He had just repeatedly praised the aerial combat techniques she had displayed during the Hongchen Class selection tournament, establishing an initial favorable impression.

Miss Angel was delighted. She had never expected one of the Sun Moon Empire's top three Level 9 Soul Engineers to praise her so highly. Ye Yulin had accomplished today's goal. When it came to recruiting disciples, he had secretly learned another trick from Master Kong!

"Master Kong, are you satisfied with Lin Qing's answer?" Jing Hongchen asked, his curiosity piqued.

"Little Jing, do you remember what you said back then?"

Hearing Kong Deming's question, Jing Hongchen recalled, "A soul tool is a tool that changes humanity's fate and makes people stronger."

"Clearly, the old toad was wrong, and Lin Qing was entirely right." Ye Yulin tactfully tailored his words to his audience, mercilessly disparaging his old friend while elevating Lin Qing.

"Right or wrong? What right or wrong is there?" Kong Deming laughed despite himself. "Little Jing's answer reflects the empire's common values. Without question, pursuing strength is the nature of soul masters and soul engineers, and the greatest driving force behind our in-depth research into soul tools.

"As for Lin Qing-there's a little flame in his eyes. I saw myself when I first encountered soul tools. Ultimate metal will let him touch things we have yearned for but could never obtain. And that child truly does love soul tools.

"You're both right. Neither is wrong. But words are the emptiest things, and footsteps the most substantial. Walk farther down the road, and we shall see."