Xuan Ziwen and Jiang Hai were both Level 8 Soul Engineers. Although they were still far from Level 9, they could recognize a Level 9 soul tool array.
The arrays in the courtyard's final ten steps already showed signs of imminent transformation compared to those before them. One step further lay the realm of a Level 9 Soul Engineer.
Before any Level 10 Soul Engineer appeared, Level 9 Soul Engineers represented the pinnacle of soul tools. There were no more than ten Level 9 Soul Engineers on the entire Douluo Continent.
Yet this step was immensely difficult. It could hold a soul engineer back for an entire lifetime.
Xuan Ziwen looked at Jiang Hai, his expression solemn, a trace of anticipation and pleading in his eyes.
A wisp of fire rose from Jiang Hai's body.
At first, it was a blazing red, then gradually turned transparent, almost fading into nothingness. As the flames became transparent, their intense heat rapidly subsided, changing from a scorching blaze that could burn the heavens into a gentle, warm radiance that instinctively drew people closer.
Standing beside Jiang Hai, Xuan Ziwen felt this even more clearly. When the fierce flames first ignited, the waves of scorching air rushing into his face truly made him feel as though he stood in a sea of fire, as if even the soul power within him would catch alight.
But after the flames turned ethereal, a familiar, powerful sensation welled up in his heart. It was an indescribable state, with countless flashes of inspiration emerging, as though every doubt would vanish beneath the firelight.
The moment the firelight appeared, all the arrays in the courtyard seemed to freeze for an instant.
Crack!
The Azure Silver Dragon Carving Knife descended. The array dimmed, and Jiang Hai stepped forward.
The sound