"The system enhanced the power of Soul Tools, giving the Soul Tools the host manufactures greater destructive power and durability than ordinary Soul Tools," the system explained.
After hearing the system's words, Jun Yi was still a little curious. "Why do that?"
"Because the world of Douluo I is still somewhat different from Douluo II. The specific reasons are rather complicated. In the world of Douluo I, because the two continents have not yet collided, many rare metals and even precious ores are still being mined. The world of Douluo II is different. Because its technology is far more advanced than Douluo I's, at most, only rank-eight Soul Tools can be manufactured in this world."
"To give the host a better experience, the system enhanced the power of Soul Tools," the system explained.
"Good grief, you really thought of everything, system. I'm honestly impressed," Jun Yi marveled.
"It is what the system should do."
"Hey, system, why not go a little further and just give me Soul Tools? Going back and forth and failing so many times myself takes a lot of time." Jun Yi began bargaining.
"If the host truly wishes, the system can do so. But does the host really want to become a useless good-for-nothing once separated from the system? In other words, does the host wish to become the system's puppet?"
The system's tone was icy.
Jun Yi fell silent for a moment, then said with a bitter smile, "I was only joking. You don't have to take it seriously, system."
Jun Yi was still grateful to the system. Aside from the cursed blade Kikoku in its starter gift pack, the system had never given him any ready-made cheats.
For example, with Soul Tools, the system had only given him blueprints and forging methods. Jun Yi had completed every step himself, from engraving the formations to assembly. The system occasionally offered guidance, and only through this had Jun Yi become a genuine Soul Engineer.
"System, I understand all the painstaking thought you've put into this. I'll put all my efforts into practice and fill this world, and even this galaxy, with unknown possibilities, rather than confining myself to this tiny Douluo Continent."
"The system is very pleased that the host has reached such an understanding."
The system's reply pleased Jun Yi considerably. He smiled freely and was just about to put his things away and go eat.
Just then, a voice came from outside the door. "Little Yizi, are you in there? It's mealtime. Where are you?"
The forging room door opened, and Ning Rongrong walked in. Seeing Jun Yi standing there, looking radiant, she froze briefly before saying, "Dad really does know you best. You really are here."
"Come on, let's eat. The food's getting cold. Can't you forge anytime?"
Ning Rongrong took Jun Yi's arm with practiced familiarity, and the two left the forging room and went to the dining room.
Jun Yi greeted the three as usual, then took his seat.
Ning Rongrong sat beside Ning Fengzhi and wheedled, "Dad, how do you know Jun Yi so well? You even knew he was in the forging room. Are you playing favorites?"
"Of course not. Xiao Yi's life is just three points connected by a line. He only goes back and forth between those few places each day. He's nothing like you, running all over the place whenever you have a moment to spare," Ning Fengzhi said, patting Ning Rongrong's head.
Then Ning Fengzhi turned and asked Jun Yi gently, "Xiao Yi, why did you suddenly go to the forging room today, without even leaving time to eat? Could it be that you've made another breakthrough in your forging skills?"
Seeing that Ning Fengzhi had already guessed his reason for going to the forging room, Jun Yi did not conceal anything. He took out the rank-two Soul Tool he had just manufactured, a purple medal the size of a palm.
"This is the rank-two defensive Soul Tool I made. It's used much like the previous rank-one defensive Soul Tool, but it offers stronger defense."
With that, Jun Yi poured Soul Power into it. Purple armor gradually began to take shape, and then specks of light shone across its surface.
Moreover, after Jun Yi poured in enough Soul Power, the armor shone a dazzling purple. He seemed to be bathed in purple divine light, looking valiant and dashing.
"Wow, it's so pretty." Ning Rongrong gazed at Jun Yi in his purple armor, her eyes full of little stars. She cupped her cheeks in both hands, looking utterly lovestruck. It was unclear whether she was praising the armor or Jun Yi.
"Armor actually condensed from Soul Power. This Soul Tool really is remarkable." Ning Fengzhi also watched the scene in surprise.
"This armor's defense is quite good, too. It can completely negate attacks below the Soul Ancestor level. Even a Soul King wouldn't be able to pierce it with a single blow," Jun Yi continued explaining.
"Boy Jun, you always manage to come up with something different," Bone Douluo said with a smile.
"Let's eat first. The food is getting cold. We still have to take Rongrong to obtain a Soul Ring this afternoon," Sword Douluo said.
Hearing the words "Soul Ring," Jun Yi suddenly remembered that the system seemed to have a reward to give him, so he entered his inner world to ask about it.
The system replied, "The moment the host successfully manufactured a rank-two Soul Tool, the Soul Ring was delivered to the system space. The host may choose to absorb it at any time."
"One point requires attention. Although the age of the Soul Ring issued by the system can increase as the host grows stronger, its essence is still a mass of energy. It will not grant the host a Soul Skill."
Jun Yi was unconcerned by the system's reminder. "That doesn't matter. I can develop Soul Skills myself. Besides, I know how Luo used the Op-Op Fruit. With the cart ahead showing the way, won't this cart behind it be able to race along?"
"Then it is up to the host's choice." After saying this, the system switched to silent mode.
Returning to the real world, Jun Yi withdrew his Soul Power, and the Soul Tool Armor dissipated. He casually tossed the Soul Tool to Ning Rongrong. "Here, it's yours. Make sure you protect it, so it can protect you properly."
Ning Rongrong looked overwhelmed by the unexpected favor. Staring at the purple Soul Tool in disbelief, she exclaimed, "Are you sure you're giving it to me?"
Ning Rongrong could not help examining the Soul Tool closely. It looked crystal clear, deep purple throughout, like an amethyst. A faint purple sheen flowed over its surface, making it hard to put down.
"Of course. You're an Auxiliary System Soul Master. Keeping yourself safe is what matters," Jun Yi said casually.
"Then this young lady will reluctantly accept it." With that, Ning Rongrong put it into her ring. Though she tried her hardest to restrain herself, she could not hide her delight at all.
Watching Ning Rongrong and Jun Yi's interaction, Ning Fengzhi and Bone Douluo both wore fatherly smiles. Only Sword Douluo looked a little jealous.
(End of chapter)