Xiao Gang, Is That You?

Your Highness, Ghost Douluo Gui Mei bowed his head and reported, "----The name Wen Yansheng, which we can find so far, first appeared in Nuoding City, Fasinuo Province the Heaven Dou Empire. He made contact with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect School and collaborated on publishing ' Star Dou Night Tales '. The scope of the collaboration quickly expanded to literary publishing, manufacturing of simple civilian Soul Tool, and cultivation of high-yield crops."

Besides fairy tales and novels, his works also include grand-scale works such as * the Song of Roland * and * the Legend of King Arthur *. Ning Fengzhi protects him very closely; his true identity, age, appearance, and cultivation level remain a mystery. Currently, it is judged that this person is likely not a combat-type Soul Master, but rather a scholar or hermit of exceptional wisdom, proficient in multiple fields.

Bibi Dong listened quietly, her slender fingers tracing the pages of "The Song of Roland." The story of the knight Roland fighting side by side with his unicorn companion to protect the Core Flame of civilization, and his unwavering dedication to the preservation of civilization, which transcended personal grudges, subtly touched her heart.

The depictions of equality, justice, and an ideal kingdom in the Legend of King Arthur plunged her into a long period of silence.

"Protect----Equality----Justice----" Bibi Dong repeated these words in a low voice, her eyes filled with a complex and unreadable expression.

After a long silence, she raised her eyes, her voice regaining the Pope's indifference and authority. "Continue the investigation. Focus on the source of his knowledge. To be proficient in literature, the principles of Soul Tool, and agriculture simultaneously is no ordinary feat for a hermit. Behind him, there may be a lineage or organization unknown to us. Also," she paused, "The ideas revealed in his works—are very interesting. Perhaps they will be useful in the future."

"Yes, Your His Holiness the Pope." The Gui Mei figure silently disappeared into the shadows.

"Wen Yansheng— " Bibi Dong stood alone in the hall, gazing at the vast starry sky outside, her whisper carrying a hint of inquiry and an expectation she herself was unaware of, "Xiao Gang, could this Wen Yansheng be you?"

In Bibi Dong's view, a person with such vision and wisdom could very well be the man she had never forgotten.

The influence of "Wen Yansheng" also reached major advanced Soul Master Academy.

Hu Liena closed the book "The Legend of King Arthur" in her hands, a hint of daze and longing on her beautiful face. She looked at her brother Xie Yue and the Control System Yan beside her, and asked softly, "Brother, Yan, do you think—do knights like Lancelot, so loyal and fearless, and like King Arthur, truly exist in this world?"

Xie Yue frowned; he valued the battle descriptions and power struggles in the book more. "It's just a story. Na'er, in the world of Soul Master, strength is fundamental. However—some of the tactical ideas in this book are quite interesting."

Yan scoffed, "What kind of Knight King is he? In the end, he was betrayed by everyone. He's all sentimental and won't achieve anything great! Na'er, don't think too much. Focus on your cultivation. In the future, if we join forces, we'll definitely make a name for ourselves in the Spirit Hall!" His gaze towards Hu Liena was filled with fervor.

Hu Liena ignored Yan's words, murmuring, "But—the choice of the Sword in the Stone — the Knight's Oath of the Round Table—if the Spirit Hall could also—"

She didn't continue, but a seed of doubt about the supremacy of absolute power had quietly been planted in her heart. Just what kind of person was this "Wen Yansheng"?

Blazing Fire Academy, beside the training ground.

Huo Wu in a fiery red outfit, Huo Wu excitedly handed the "The Song of Roland" to her brother, Huo Wushuang, exclaiming, "Brother! Look at this part! Roland's tenth cavalryman blew the horn to summon reinforcements before he died—it was so tragic! This spirit of fighting to the end for one's beliefs is so similar to the indomitable will of us fire-attribute Soul Master! This Wen Yansheng must also be a passionate and heroic person!"

Huo Wushuang reluctantly took the book. "Xiao Wu, your ability to make connections... But to be honest, the descriptions of battles in this book, especially the outbursts in desperate situations, are indeed helpful for cultivating our fighting spirit. I heard that Skywater Academy is also discussing this book."

"Hmph, that Shui Bing'er must like that kind of Bingbing, aloof knightly code." Huo Wu raised her head. "However, I, Huo Wu, acknowledge the author who can write such a story! It would be great to meet her and have a friendly spar!" A flame of challenge burned in her eyes.

Skywater Academy, by a tranquil lake.

Shui Bing'er, Xue Wu, Yu Hairou, and several other girls sat together. Shui Bing'er had a cool and aloof demeanor, and she was engrossed in reading a copy of "The Legend of King Arthur."

"Knights of the Round Table —respect earned through merit and virtue, regardless of rank—" Shui Bing'er murmured, a thoughtful look in her eyes, "This concept is almost unimaginable in our Soul Master World, especially within sects and families."

"Sister Bing'er, you like Wen Yansheng's books too?" The lively Yu Hairou came over.

Xue Wu nodded, "It's not just a story. I received a letter from home saying that Heaven Dou City is much brighter at night now, thanks to the promotion of something called ' Soul Guidance Lamp,' which is supposedly Wen Yansheng's idea. How does this guy have so many wonderful ideas?"

Shui Bing'er closed the book and gazed at the calm lake. "He might be more than just a storyteller. His stories contain ingenious ideas about Soul Tool, alternative interpretations of Martial Soul cultivation, and reflections on social systems—he's like someone standing at a very high and distant place, observing and trying to depict another possibility for the world. I really want to know, what kind of person is he?"

Even Zhu Zhuyun, far away in the Star Luo Empire, felt a strange tremor and bewilderment when she accidentally read a fragment of the Legend of King Arthur. The chivalrous spirit and ideals of the kingdom depicted in the story made her feel a strange tremor and bewilderment amidst the cruel struggle for inheritance in her family.

Of course, she quickly suppressed this flutter in her heart and transformed it into a deeper plan.

The name "Wen Yansheng" is like a pebble thrown into the deep lake of the Soul Master World, its ripples spreading ever wider. Curiosity, inquiry...

Admiration, covetousness—all eyes began to focus. However, the focus of these gazes was temporarily concealed by the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, remaining shrouded in mist.

Blue Tyrant Academy, Secluded Bamboo Pavilion.

Yan Zu was not entirely oblivious to the undercurrents brewing beneath the surface. Ning Fengzhi had sent him a warning through various channels, and Yan Zu himself could sense the increasing attention being paid to Wen Yansheng's works from the growing discussions surrounding them.

"The tree may wish to be still, but the wind will not cease." Yan Zu stood in the courtyard, gazing at the starry sky. The sachet in his arms emitted gentle, caring thoughts from Ah Yin.

"A-Zu, is something wrong?"

"Not yet, Aunt Ah Yin," Yan Zu responded telepathically. "It's just that the commotion we've caused has started to attract the attention of important figures. However, the Wen Yansheng they're currently watching is just a phantom. As long as we don't expose ourselves, there shouldn't be any major problems."

"Be careful," Ah Yin cautioned. "Human hearts are complex, and self-interest drives people. Many of the things you're doing now may involve more than just self-interest."

"I understand." Yan Zu nodded. He knew that the promotion of high-yield crops touched the foundation of agriculture, civilian Soul Tool opened up new industrial possibilities, and those works containing ideas were subtly influencing people's concepts. All of these combined were enough to tempt any far-sighted force, and even generate the idea of control or destruction.

"It seems I need to speed things up," Yan Zu thought to himself. "The competition is a stage, but the storms before and after the competition will likely be significant."

Strength is the fundamental way to deal with everything.

He turned and went back to his study, spread out the papers, but instead of continuing to write "Battle Through the Heavens," he began to organize another document—"Basic Soul Tool Principles and Common Civilian Soul Tool Manufacturing Guide." This was a compilation of the most basic, least directly applicable to combat, but most effective parts of the Soul Tool knowledge he had received as a system reward, which he had extracted from the system's rewards.

He planned to find a suitable opportunity to spread it more systematically and to a limited extent through Ning Fengzhi, under the name "Wen Yansheng".

Now that attention has been drawn, instead of passively hiding, it would be better to proactively release some things that are not core but beneficial to the public. This would not only solidify the image of "Wen Yansheng" as a reclusive master but also further promote some changes.

At the same time, he also needs to prepare more trump cards for his partners.

During the competition, one must not reveal Soul Spirit or advanced cultivation techniques, but one can openly use practical combat skills and tactical combinations derived from the principles of cultivation techniques.

"Rongrong's Ten Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda support ability needs further development and combination tactics; Zhu Zhuqing's speed and attack require more unpredictable changes of direction and burst techniques; Xiao Wu's soft skills combined with Little Jade's abilities may bring new variations; how can Lingling's healing barrier be coordinated with teammates' positioning to achieve maximum effect; Oscar's Sausage have creative applications in battle; Sister Yanyan's poison control----"

Yan Zu's pen moved swiftly across the paper, sketching out ideas and tactical prototypes. Outside the window, the moonlight, like water, quietly enveloped the tranquil courtyard.

The sounds of Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong laughing and joking drifted from downstairs, mixed with Oscar's shouts of "New flavor Sausage prototype is ready!" Zhu Zhuqing seemed to say something, her voice cool but carrying a faint smile. Ye Lingling's soft reply could be faintly heard.

Yan Zu put down his pen, listened to these familiar voices, and a slight smile appeared on his lips.

The outside world is turbulent and full of hidden currents. But here, in this small courtyard, is the warmth and peace he wants to protect. He put away his organized tactical notes and spread out the manuscript of "Battle Through the Heavens" again.

Let the turmoil of the real world rage outside the courtyard walls for now.

He believed that when he and his companions truly stepped out of the academy walls and onto the stage of the "Continental Elite Tournament of Advanced Soul Master Academy"...

On stage, they will possess enough strength and wisdom to face all challenges and shine with their own brilliance.

Time flies, and half a month passed in the blink of an eye, thanks to the daily dedication to cultivation at the Secluded Bamboo Pavilion and the nourishment from the carefully prepared medicinal meals by Yan Zu.

Inside the quiet room, Yan Zu sat cross-legged, his mind sinking into his sea of consciousness. Above his dantian, the phantom of the Xuanyuan Sword floated silently, its aura growing ever more profound and majestic.

Compared to six months ago, the dark gold patterns on the sword are no longer confined to the hilt, but rather resemble flowing golden magma, meandering and spreading, covering almost one-fifth of the entire blade. Within its ancient and desolate aura, a hint of sharpness, as if it wanted to pierce the heavens and earth, is faintly revealed. A clear thought feedback arrives – Unsealing progress: 18%.