Jing Hongchen, Xuan Ziwen

Xuan Zi was struck speechless. Deeply consumed by guilt and regret, he had no right to take issue with the female student's disrespectful words. He let out a long sigh toward the sky and said in a trembling voice.

"Children, I'm sorry. It was this old man who harmed you again."

The other students also restrained the female student, telling her not to get so worked up as they soothed her emotions.

Xuan Zi then wore an expression of utter grief and said heavily, "The blame for this grave mistake rests entirely on me. It was this old man's carelessness that indirectly led to one disciple's death and another losing an arm."

Xuan Zi's vacant, clouded eyes reddened as he silently shed tears.

"Lexuan, perhaps I should resign from the Supervisory Group and voluntarily withdraw from Sea God Pavilion."

Hearing words nearly identical to the last time, Zhang Lexuan felt a blaze rise in her chest. It took tremendous willpower not to let it erupt.

"Elder Xuan, once we return to the academy—convene a Sea God Pavilion meeting, summon all the Elders, have everyone state their opinions one by one, and then decide whether you should leave Sea God Pavilion."

Zhang Lexuan's expression was icy and her tone indifferent. "We'll go through that entire process after returning to the academy. First, let's deal with the immediate problem."

Huo Yuhao pursed his lips. Truly classic—whenever Xuan Zi sent gifted students to their deaths...

Then Sea God Pavilion would hold a meeting, putting on a grand performance over Xuan Zi's supposedly remorseful resignation.

Xuan Zi was like an old piece of gristle. After making a mistake, he would acknowledge it, admit fault, decisively offer to leave Sea God Pavilion voluntarily, and execute the entire routine with flawless smoothness.

"Lexuan, tell this old man, what exactly happened?"

Elder Xuan asked in a deep voice. His senses swept across the body of the imprisoned Three Soul Ghost Mantis, and his anger surged.

Zhang Lexuan roughly recounted their encounter with the Three Soul Ghost Mantis. Other than the suddenly appearing Buddha's Wrath Fire Lotus, she clearly explained everything: how they had used the Detection Map in their minds and the blood-red Moon Ring Imprisonment to bind the Three Soul Ghost Mantis's soul.

Elder Xuan's gaze lingered on Huo Yuhao for a moment before he said blandly, "It's a Soul Skill with fairly decent support capabilities, though it lacks any offensive power."

Clever Xuan Zi immediately saw the flaw in Mental Detection, yet failed to recognize that its support effect was practically cheating. He merely felt that Huo Yuhao had luckily been useful under these particular circumstances.

Xuan Zi took out a Mystic Water Pill, believing that such a precious medicinal pill was more than sufficient payment for Huo Yuhao.

Huo Yuhao naturally did not stand on ceremony and accepted the Mystic Water Pill. Even if he would not take it and did not think much of it, he could at least sell it for money.

Xuan Zi suddenly turned toward the Three Soul Ghost Mantis imprisoned by the moon rings, his eyes brimming with hatred.

"Beast!!"

Towering Soul Power gathered at Xuan Zi's side as his rage soared into the heavens.

He clenched the air, his Soul Power surging. The thick killing intent in the air was palpable as a massive hand rapidly grabbed toward the Three Soul Ghost Mantis.

Just as Xuan Zi's massive hand was about to touch the Three Soul Ghost Mantis—

A crisp crack rang out.

Xuan Zi's domineering hand crushed the blood-red moon rings that had been imprisoning the Three Soul Ghost Mantis's soul.

The Three Soul Ghost Mantis would not miss that fleeting chance to escape.

In an instant, it split into three wisps of soul, evaded Xuan Zi's wrathful grasp, and fled desperately in three separate directions.

Xuan Zi flew into a rage. Before encountering a certain strongest Soul King, this was practically the greatest humiliation he had ever suffered.

The female disciple from earlier saw this, and all the emotions she had been holding back instantly erupted. She was on the verge of breaking down as she roared herself hoarse.

"Elder Xuan, aren't you a Level 98 Super Douluo? How could you let a soul beast under a hundred thousand years escape from your hands? Hurry! Go! Chase it!"

As a mantis-type soul beast, the Three Soul Ghost Mantis was far faster than an ordinary Titled Douluo. It intended to escape while Elder Xuan had not yet reacted.

"Beast! Beast!!"

Xuan Zi's rage immediately flared as he gathered all the Mental Power in his mind, sensing which wisp of soul was the Three Soul Ghost Mantis's true body.

At the very instant the Three Soul Ghost Mantis escaped Xuan Zi's grasp, the Mental Detection Map revealed its true trail.

Zhang Lexuan hurriedly shouted, "Left! The wisp of soul on the left is its true body!"

Xuan Zi's fury reached the heavens. As a Level 98 Super Douluo, he had never suffered such humiliation. A soul beast under a hundred thousand years old—something he could crush to death with one hand—had actually toyed with him!

It was no different from throwing his dignity to the ground and stomping it mercilessly.

With an earthshaking roar, Xuan Zi, whose rage had reached its limit, directly unleashed his Martial Soul Avatar.

Godly Taotie Bull!

Xuan Zi's incomparably powerful pressure spread in all directions, snapping the tall, thick trees around them and sending them crashing down from above.

Several thick trees fell precisely toward the disciple whose arm had been severed by the Three Soul Ghost Mantis and who was lying on the ground. Fortunately, the surrounding disciples sprang into action, using Soul Skills to knock the falling trees away from anywhere they could endanger people.

Zhang Lexuan could hardly believe the sight of the collapsing trees. Why was Xuan Zi still capable of creating another crisis at a time like this?

Seeing that the disciples were unharmed, Xuan Zi sighed in relief. At the same time, he fixed his gaze on the wisp of soul to the left and erupted in fury.

"Beast, this old man will skin you and pull out your tendons!"

Xuan Zi directly activated the Godly Taotie Bull Martial Soul Avatar. His aura burst forth, its formidable power terrifying as it surged like raging waves.

The muscles on his back swelled at an astonishing rate. He stomped hard on the ground, then exploded forward at the terrifying speed of a Level 98 Super Douluo.

Although the Three Soul Ghost Mantis could split into three souls, its true body could not switch freely between the three souls.

Realizing that Xuan Zi was accurately pursuing its true body, the Three Soul Ghost Mantis immediately recalled the other two soul fragments and fused them back together, allowing it to move faster.

As it fled, the Three Soul Ghost Mantis ordered the Ten-Thousand-Year Mantises under its control to attack Xuan Zi, attempting to slow his pursuit.

Xuan Zi chased wildly from behind, his entire body radiating unparalleled terror. Every tree and boulder he came into contact with was crushed into powder by his domineering Soul Power.

Xuan Zi saw the two Ten-Thousand-Year Mantises controlled by the Three Soul Ghost Mantis charging at him.

With two casual slaps, he smashed both Ten-Thousand-Year Mantises into pieces.

This near-hundred-thousand-year soul beast, whose skinning and tendon-pulling could not ease this old man's hatred, had killed a gifted disciple of my Supervisory Group and still dared dream of injuring an Elder of this Pavilion with cultivation as high as Level 98?

On the outskirts of Sunset Forest, three men dressed in robes with a white metallic sheen were discussing something.

"Ziwen, although you originally came from the Tian Hun Empire and there is nothing wrong with returning to honor your ancestors, your family moved to our Sun Moon Empire in your parents' generation."

One of them was a short, fat man with a genial smile. His belly protruded as he stood with his hands behind his back, looking quite imposing.

"Furthermore, you are Old Kong's disciple. In recent years, you have contributed greatly to the Sun Moon Empire's Soul Guidance technology research. You have long since become an outstanding citizen of our Sun Moon Empire."

"This Hall Master suggests that while pursuing scientific research, you should find a woman you like and establish a family and career in Mingdu as soon as possible."

This short, fat man was none other than the Hall Master of Mingde Hall, Jing Hongchen.

At this moment, Jing Hongchen was mapping out a bright future for a certain research talent, hoping to instill a deep-rooted sense of belonging and identification with the empire.

Xuan Ziwen adjusted his glasses and smiled. "Hall Master, you worry too much. It has been many years since I last returned to the Tian Hun Empire to honor my ancestors."

"Besides, the Sun Moon Empire's Soul Guidance technology has indeed allowed me to fully utilize my talents. I dearly hope to achieve even more advanced research results and push the development of Soul Guidance technology another step forward."

"Surely you aren't afraid I'll run away, Hall Master?"

Xuan Ziwen felt that his family's decision to move to the Sun Moon Empire had been entirely correct. The Sun Moon Empire possessed Soul Guidance technology far ahead of everyone else's, giving even Soul Masters with poor aptitude another path for advancement.

In the Sun Moon Empire, as long as one possessed Innate Soul Power, even if one's Martial Soul was of terrible quality, one could still develop in the direction of a Soul Engineer.

Jing Hongchen said solemnly, "Ziwen, this old man is not afraid that you will run away. I am merely thinking about your future happiness."

"After all, you are a disciple valued by Old Kong and have already achieved considerable success in Soul Tool research. Since you have met a benefactor and established your career, you should seek a good partner and start a family."

Jing Hongchen continued trying to persuade Xuan Ziwen.

If a research talent like this ever entertained thoughts of returning to the Tian Hun Empire to serve his homeland, both he and Old Kong would be deeply pained.

The Sun Moon Empire's advanced Soul Guidance technology had indeed attracted a group of top talents from the original Douluo Three Kingdoms.

Yet Xuan Ziwen was undoubtedly the most successful among them, and the only one whose outstanding research accomplishments had caught Old Kong's attention and led him to accept him as a disciple.

Aside from his exceptional talent, this was also due to Xuan Ziwen's personality. Whenever he conducted research, he often entered a state of complete absorption, meticulous in every detail. His passion for Soul Tool research could even be described as fanaticism.

Listening to Jing Hongchen's endless chatter, Xuan Ziwen's head began to ache. How could finding a woman he liked possibly be more enjoyable than researching Soul Tools?

Growing impatient, Xuan Ziwen struck up a conversation with the tall, lean man on Jing Hongchen's other side, whose resolute face nevertheless carried a calm, imposing air.

"Well, well, well, Xu Sheng. Not bad. After just a few months apart, you've really perked up."

Xuan Ziwen walked around behind Jing Hongchen, draped an arm over Xu Sheng's shoulder, and wore a mischievous grin.

"I heard from the Hall Master that a few days ago, you successfully created a Level 8 Melee Soul Tool whose quality far surpasses that of the Level 8 Overlord Tiger Soul Refining Blade?"

Although Xu Sheng truly did not want to speak with this guy, his success really could not have happened without Xuan Ziwen's all-night assistance.

Many flaws in his Soul Guidance research had only been discovered and corrected by Xuan Ziwen, allowing him to complete them.

Xu Sheng considered himself a genius in the study of blade-type melee Soul Tools. His understanding within that field was top-notch, yet he still greatly admired Xuan Ziwen.

The other man practically had no weaknesses in the field of Soul Guidance. Fixed-installation, energy gathering, linkage, composite formations—he could handle every type with ease.

Xu Sheng had also heard that Xuan Ziwen was researching a new kind of Soul Tool, one of the ultimate goals of Soul Guidance technology: Soul Tools that ordinary people could use.

To thank Xuan Ziwen for his previous help, Xu Sheng decided to exchange a few words with him.

"The melee Soul Tool I created can link with my Martial Soul, multiplying my combat power."

"Even if several assault-type Soul Douluos attacked me at the same time, I would surely defeat them all."

Jing Hongchen knew that Xu Sheng's melee combat ability was very strong. More importantly, he was a genius unearthed by Mingde Hall and raised from childhood. Thinking of this, Jing Hongchen could not help but smile happily.

"Xu Sheng, you have already successfully created a Level 8 Soul Tool. Once we obtain your eighth Soul Ring during this trip and you break through to Soul Douluo, you will become a true Level 8 Soul Engineer."

Xuan Ziwen gave Xu Sheng a few light punches to the chest, briefly feeling out his physical strength.

"Tsk, tsk, Xu Sheng, you never take medicinal pills. That really makes you stand out from Sun Moon's Soul Masters. Some of Mingde Hall's high-quality pills have very minor side effects. Taking a few would not make much difference."

Xu Sheng shook his head. "It just doesn't sit well with me."

"If there were pills with absolutely no side effects that could also increase cultivation, I don't think anyone would refuse them."

As the group walked and chatted, they suddenly heard a piercing rush of wind accompanied by trees crashing to the ground.

"What a huge mantis."

Jing Hongchen saw the Three Soul Ghost Mantis dart rapidly out of the dense forest. Seeming to think of something, delight appeared on his face.

"Xu Sheng, your Martial Soul is the Ancient Ingot Blade. This mantis is extremely compatible with your Martial Soul."

Xuan Ziwen frowned slightly as he examined the Three Soul Ghost Mantis's size.

"However, its age is high as well. Still, your cultivation was built steadily through real training, and your physical strength must be quite solid. Want to give it a try?"

A sharp gleam flashed in Xu Sheng's eyes. He had already been deeply drawn to the Three Soul Ghost Mantis's Soul Ring. "What is there to discuss?"

"Xuan Ziwen, where the hell is your Eighth-Grade Energy Gathering Soul Guidance Cannon? Bring it out and blast it."

Xu Sheng was excited. The Three Soul Ghost Mantis appeared to be wounded, and he had no idea which kind-hearted person had delivered such a high-quality Soul Ring right to his doorstep.

Jing Hongchen carried a Soul Tool that concealed his aura, so the Three Soul Ghost Mantis could not sense his cultivation.

However, it could sense that Xuan Ziwen was a Soul Douluo and Xu Sheng was a quasi-Soul Douluo. Lucky for them, it had no time to deal with them now.

Without any hesitation, Xuan Ziwen took out a massive metal tube and poured a small amount of Soul Power into it. Several streams of silver-white light gathered at the muzzle of the metal barrel with a sizzling sound.

The Three Soul Ghost Mantis did not know what it was, but it could sense the threat. Still, Xuan Zi's aura behind it was clearly even more terrifying.

The Eighth-Grade Energy Gathering Soul Guidance Cannon fired a Soul Guidance shell.

After a thunderous boom, the Three Soul Ghost Mantis's several slender pairs of legs beneath its abdomen were blasted completely away. Strange fluid burst from its body, leaving it in a miserable state.

"Someone's coming."

"This person is formidable."

Jing Hongchen suddenly became wary and looked toward the earthen-yellow streak of light rushing over from the distance.

An old man with vicious eyes and a savage expression charged toward them in a towering rage. His messy hair flew wildly, making him seem like a crazed demon reborn.

When Xuan Zi rushed over—

He saw Jing Hongchen carrying a massive metal cannon barrel on his shoulder. Strange rainbow light flickered across it as energy continuously gathered at the muzzle with a sizzling sound.

The enormous metal muzzle was aimed directly at him.

Facing the Ninth-Grade Energy Gathering Soul Guidance Cannon, Xuan Zi froze and gradually calmed down, no longer quite so furious.

Xuan Zi narrowed his eyes at the man for several seconds before recognizing him. "You are... the Hall Master of Mingde Hall, Jing Hongchen?"