"Speaking of Ye Xiaosheng, since we're going to the Soul Guidance System anyway, why don't we go see him?"
"Whatever you decide."
"Then let's go."
The two walked and chatted, occasionally encountering one or two Inner Courtyard Disciples who paused to look at them for a moment. Gongyang Mo had long grown accustomed to such looks, merely returning a smile.
Not long after, the two found Ye Xiaosheng, clad in spirit tool equipment, in the spirit tool testing ground.
Not everyone possesses abilities like spiritual detection to constantly monitor the state of the metal in their hands; ordinary Soul Masters rely on other spirit tool devices to craft spirit tools.
"Why do you two have time to come here?" Ye Xiaosheng's tightly furrowed brows relaxed instantly upon seeing them.
He took off his spirit tool equipment and set it aside.
"I've been wanting to learn about spirit tools recently, and since I was passing by, I thought I'd come see you."
"You want to learn how to make spirit tools?" Ye Xiaosheng glanced at Gongyang Mo. "Then don't bother looking for other teachers; I'll teach you directly."
"Thank you, but there's no need. I'm just starting and need to learn the basics. If I get the chance later, I'll trouble you."
"You're right. For the basics, the academy's teachers are more skilled. But if you encounter any difficulties later, you can always come to me."
"Oh, right. Since you're here, I'll take you to the Soul Guidance System's cafeteria for a meal. You probably don't come here often, do you?"
"Let's go, let's go." Without waiting for Wang Nan to speak, Ye Xiaosheng pulled the two along.
"You seemed troubled just now?" The cafeteria was sparsely populated in the afternoon, feeling somewhat empty. The three found a corner to sit down.
"Sigh, it's about spirit tools," Ye Xiaosheng sighed upon hearing Wang Nan's words. "You should still remember that spirit tool we saw during the Soul Duel Tournament that could concentrate the power of other Spirit Masters onto one person, right?"
"That spirit tool required the person receiving the spirit power to have extremely strong physical qualities. After that, I kept wondering if I could create a similar spirit tool, but one that uses the spirit tool itself to bear the power of other Spirit Masters."
"It's just that I've tried many materials, but none can withstand power beyond a Spirit Saint. I don't know if my idea was wrong from the start, or if this type of spirit tool has reached its limit."
Wang Nan's movements paused. He knew his own limitations; his ideas were just common things from another world, and he didn't understand spirit tools very deeply.
But the kind Ye Xiaosheng described, he actually knew about it. In fact, it already existed in the Sun Moon Empire. It was a spirit tool rated as Rank 10, and with it, a Soul Master could unleash power surpassing a Limit Douluo.
"I think I've heard of this kind of spirit tool."
"Where?" Ye Xiaosheng suddenly sat upright.
"It seems to be in the Sun Moon Empire. The rank of this spirit tool is quite high."
At the mention of the Sun Moon Empire, Ye Xiaosheng became dejected again. "Although the academy has greatly increased its efforts to develop the Soul Guidance System in recent years, apart from Teacher Fan Yu and the teachers and students researching fixed-mount spirit tools, other aspects are still far behind the Sun Moon Empire."
"Forget it, forget it, let's not talk about these things. Let's eat, let's eat."
Although it was just simple cafeteria food, the three of them ate for an entire afternoon. After their conversation, it was already evening. Gongyang Mo stayed to learn how to make spirit tools, while Wang Nan left the Soul Guidance System alone.
Walking slowly along the path, he soon arrived in front of the Sea God Pavilion. The sun was about to disappear, and the afterglow falling on the Golden Ancient Tree made it appear golden. During his time in the Inner Courtyard, Wang Nan spent most of his time here.
Footsteps came from behind him. Wang Nan turned his head and saw Ma Xiaotao standing there.
"Are you leaving the academy again?"
"How do you know?"
"There aren't many things in the academy that can make you stop, and only this place can keep you thinking about it."
"Yes," Wang Nan smiled, watching the golden hue of the sunset on the Golden Tree gradually fade, and the silver-white moonlight dye the branches. "This time, I might be leaving for a while longer."
"I'm sorry."
"Why are you suddenly saying that?"
"You know about the war started by the Sun Moon Empire. The academy will definitely stand up at this time, and I still need to stay here; I can't leave with you."
Wang Nan smiled, took two steps closer to Ma Xiaotao, and said, "What's there to apologize for? The academy is where you grew up, and there's nothing wrong with staying here. Love isn't everything. To be honest, I don't want to see you give up your own things for me."
"You're always like this." Ma Xiaotao suddenly moved closer, her golden-red hair brushing against Wang Nan's chest. "Walk with me."
"Okay."
The Sea God Lake under the moonlight was exceptionally calm, with only an occasional gentle breeze shattering the moon reflected in the lake. By the Sea God Lake, the moonlight stretched the silhouettes of Wang Nan and Ma Xiaotao long. Not far away, plants seemed to be stretching their ears, eavesdropping on their whispers.
"Come with me."
Looking at the clear Sea God Lake, Ma Xiaotao suddenly took Wang Nan's hand, lightly tapped her foot, and was already above the lake's surface.
With their cultivation, standing in mid-air was not difficult. Their feet were still some distance from the lake's surface, and only the slight breeze stirred by their movement caused the lake to ripple gently.
In just a few steps, the two had already reached the center of Sea God Lake. Through the thin mist that perpetually hung over the lake, they could see both the Outer Courtyard and Inner Courtyard scenes simultaneously.
Both the Inner and Outer Courtyards were brightly lit, but it was still early evening, and the Outer Courtyard occasionally buzzed with noisy sounds.
"This is where the Sea God's Fate event is held. When I was little, I would stand on the Inner Courtyard's mountain top and watch the lights here occasionally flicker." Ma Xiaotao looked in the direction of Sea God Island, and by the moonlight, she could vaguely see some small hills on the island.
"Sea God's Fate, huh?" Wang Nan also looked around at the surrounding lake when suddenly a soft, warm body embraced him.
The bright moon remained silent, merely pulling a nearby cloud to hide behind, unwilling to disturb the two embracing there. As night turned to dawn, Wang Nan got out of bed, uncharacteristically not meditating, having enjoyed a good night's sleep.
He glanced at the room, packed up all his belongings, and then walked out.
Teacher's office area. Wang Nan quietly passed the door of an office. It was already bright, but the lights were still on inside. Wang Yan was hunched over his desk, poring over an ancient book, appearing to have been up all night again.
Wang Nan looked in from the doorway twice, then withdrew his gaze, not disturbing him further as he continued on his way.
Wang Yan inside didn't notice Wang Nan passing by.