Fixed Soul Device

Despite the distance between them, Lin Qianyi could still clearly sense the chilling aura emitted by the weapon in He Caitou's hand. As a Spirit-attribute Soul Master, Huo Yuhao perceived it even more keenly. He slowly closed his eyes, and in an instant, an invisible wave of Spiritual Power quietly spread out, tightly linking the two of them. When that power touched He Caitou, he could not help but freeze slightly, surprise flashing through his eyes.

Lin Qianyi gave a soft call, and her martial soul answered at once. It was as though the surrounding air had been torn apart by an invisible force, releasing an ear-splitting cry. The phantom of a massive azure divine bird slowly emerged behind her. Its deep, shadowed eyes gradually opened, like dawn breaking through the morning mist.

Fan Yu stood rooted to the spot. "Azure Luan?" he blurted out in shock. Seeing his expression, Zhou Yi curled her lips into a smug smile. "Someone was questioning my judgment just now." Fan Yu shook his head lightly and laughed.

While the two of them were talking, Huo Yuhao and He Caitou had already begun working together in tacit coordination. He Caitou locked onto his target, and a sharp silver beam shot toward Lin Qianyi like lightning. Soul Power rapidly gathered in Lin Qianyi's hand, forming an azure-blue barrier before her. Upon the barrier, the mark of Azure Luan feathers flowed with mysterious, dazzling light. Although it successfully blocked the attack, the force still drove her back two steps. Huo Yuhao asked worriedly, "Qianyi, are you all right?" Lin Qianyi smiled faintly and replied casually, "I'm fine."

He Caitou muttered to himself from the side, "Even that wasn't enough?"

Zhou Yi and Fan Yu exchanged a glance, both of them full of confusion. Zhou Yi asked, "Huo Yuhao, what is the range of your Spiritual Detection?"

After thinking for a moment, Huo Yuhao answered seriously, "Thirty meters in diameter, but I can expand it further."

"This is the power of a ten-year soul ring?" Fan Yu's tone held obvious shock, and Zhou Yi was equally stunned. Fan Yu turned toward the usually quiet Lin Qianyi and slowly said, "Lin Qianyi, I have to say, your martial soul is outstanding in every aspect. You've truly astonished me. Among the freshmen of Shrek Academy—even in the entire outer court—your talent is beyond doubt." Lin Qianyi gave a slight bow and softly said, "Thank you for the praise, Teacher Fan Yu."

Zhou Yi was also deeply shocked by Lin Qianyi. She knew that Fan Yu never praised others lightly unless they were truly exceptional. Looking at the two children, Zhou Yi thought to herself, I've only just met these two children, but they really are both quite good.

Huo Yuhao turned to He Caitou and asked softly, "Big Brother He, could you explain to us what a Fixed Soul Device is?" His eyes gleamed with curiosity. Lin Qianyi merely tilted her head slightly. She did not seem particularly curious about it and simply waited quietly for He Caitou's answer.

He Caitou nodded gently, his gaze warm yet earnest. "There are many types of Soul Tools. The most common are long-range and close-combat types. The Close-Combat Soul Tools we use daily are weapons that greatly increase their power through the infusion of Soul Power. Put simply, they are special pieces of equipment powered by Soul Power."

Lin Qianyi said thoughtfully, "In other words, to operate a Fixed Soul Device, one must rely on Soul Power."

"As expected, Junior Sister is clever." He Caitou nodded approvingly. "That's right. The making of Soul Tools is closely tied to Soul Power, and there are certain risks involved in the process. It isn't easy. Soul Engineers are ranked from level one to level ten according to their technical skill. Our academy has a level-nine Soul Engineer, and he's incredibly formidable." With He Caitou's explanation, Lin Qianyi and Huo Yuhao gradually gained a basic understanding of Soul Tools. Even though Lin Qianyi was not especially interested in them, she understood that learning more would always be beneficial. At the very least, it would give her another layer of protection.

At that moment, Zhou Yi's voice came from nearby. "All right, let's head back."

He Caitou looked at the two of them encouragingly. "You should be freshmen, right? With the talent you two have, I'm sure everything will go smoothly for you at the academy."

Lin Qianyi gave a slight bow. "Thank you, Big Brother He."

Huo Yuhao quickly added, "I'll gladly accept your good wishes!" With that, the three of them left together.

Zhou Yi led Lin Qianyi and Huo Yuhao back to the front of the teaching building, her steps light yet steady. She turned around, her gaze sweeping gently over their faces before she slowly asked, "Did you gain any insights from what Teacher Fan Yu said just now?"

Huo Yuhao raised his head slightly, a trace of shock in his eyes. "Teacher Zhou, I only feel that the power contained in those words was too great. It's hard to put that feeling into words."

Zhou Yi turned her gaze to Lin Qianyi, her tone carrying a hint of inquiry. "Qianyi, what do you think?"

Lin Qianyi remained calm and serious as she answered, "This was my first time coming into contact with Soul Tools. Before this, I truly knew very little about such things. However, when I was testing with Big Brother just now, and that attack came at me, although I blocked it, I personally felt how formidable it was. Its power can actually stand alongside that of a Soul Master."

Zhou Yi nodded slightly. "To gain such an understanding in such a short time, you're not exactly dull."

After pondering for a moment, Zhou Yi spoke in a gentle yet solemn tone. "Teacher Fan Yu is an extremely rare powerhouse among Soul Engineers. In the field of Soul Tool research, aside from the dean and vice-dean, no one can surpass him. If you wish to study Soul Tools in depth in the future, he will be the best guide you could find." With that, she lightly waved her hand. "Go eat."

Lin Qianyi and Huo Yuhao nodded slightly, thoughtful glimmers flashing through their eyes before they left.

The cafeteria was bustling with noise. Lin Qianyi had just finished eating and was preparing to leave when she caught sight of a familiar figure amid the crowd. It was Tang Ya! She walked over of her own accord and called softly, "Teacher Xiaoya, why are you here too?"

Tang Ya turned at the sound of her voice. The moment she saw Lin Qianyi, a gentle smile appeared on her lips. "Little Qianyi, what a coincidence." She lowered her voice mysteriously. "Later, I'm planning to take you and Little Yuhao somewhere interesting."

Lin Qianyi froze slightly, confusion flashing through her eyes. "Go... go where?"

Tang Ya gently shook her head, looking playful and mysterious. "I'm not telling you yet. You'll know when we get there."

After a while, Huo Yuhao walked out of the cafeteria. Tang Ya hurriedly called out to him. "Teacher Xiaoya," Huo Yuhao greeted softly.

Tang Ya patted Huo Yuhao on the shoulder, her gentle tone carrying a hint of mystery. "Little Yuhao, do you want to earn some tuition money on your own? I have a pretty good idea. How about this—come find me with Little Qianyi on Saturday!"

Huo Yuhao was full of confusion. "What idea?"

Tang Ya only smiled without answering. "You'll know when the time comes."

Huo Yuhao turned to Lin Qianyi as though hoping to find an answer from her, but she helplessly spread her hands. "Don't ask me. I don't know either."

Dormitory Building

Lin Qianyi pushed open the dormitory door and saw Xiao Xiao lazily reclining on her bed. When she saw Lin Qianyi enter, a gentle smile appeared on Xiao Xiao's face. "Why did Teacher Zhou call you away alone?" Lin Qianyi answered softly, "It was nothing."

Xiao Xiao drew out her words. "Oh! I thought something had happened to you. After all, Teacher Zhou is famous for being strict."

"You thought I'd been criticized and punished, didn't you?" Lin Qianyi asked.

Xiao Xiao said with a grin, "I was a little worried about you!"

The corners of Lin Qianyi's lips rose slightly as she said in a mildly reproachful yet gentle tone, "Can't you hope for something better for me?" Her words were filled with the subtle bond between them, carrying a trace of complaint but more of a lighthearted tease over the occasional misunderstandings in their friendship.

The next morning, the sun shone brightly. Lin Qianyi and Xiao Xiao left the dormitory together and rode their bicycles toward the teaching building. The morning light fell softly over them, not dazzling in the least, but instead adding a touch of harmony to the scene. A gentle breeze stirred Lin Qianyi's azure hair, making it seem like lively little spirits dancing in the air.