Hearing Xu Lin's tone, one might think he was making some great concession. In reality, he was eager for this outcome.
"Accepting a mentor is unnecessary. Yunze already has a teacher and will not acknowledge another," Gu Yuena refused on Yunze's behalf.
This teacher was entirely fictitious. Saying so publicly would save Yunze a lot of trouble.
"He has a teacher already? Who is it?" Xu Lin was momentarily stunned, disappointment flashing across his face.
"My teacher does not permit me to mention his name to others," Yunze replied, adding an air of mystery to this imaginary mentor.
"I see..." Xu Lin understood that no matter how much he asked, he wouldn't get an answer. Not wanting to embarrass himself, he dropped the subject.
However, he was extremely curious about Yunze's teacher, wondering about his strength, and even feeling a bit envious.
"Yunze, I sincerely invite you to join Sun Moon Royal Academy. If you enroll, I can guarantee that you will be nurtured into an unrivaled powerhouse."
"While our academy is best known for its soul tool instruction, in recent years, our ability to train soul masters has also improved."
"There may still be a gap between us and Shrek Academy, but it is not an insurmountable chasm—it is something that can be bridged."
"In order to fully develop your talents, we can hire a Titled Douluo as your personal mentor."
"I mean that your regular instructor will be a Titled Douluo. No one below that level will be teaching you."
"You must understand that having a Titled Douluo as a personal tutor is a privilege that even Shrek Academy students do not enjoy."
"Such educational resources are absolutely superior to those of Shrek Academy and will be far more beneficial to your growth," Xu Lin stated earnestly.
After finishing, he added, "I am not trying to deceive you. If you agree to enroll, I will personally ensure that a Titled Douluo becomes your mentor."
"I can guarantee this in the name of the Sun Moon Royal Academy's headmaster—this is no empty promise."
Xu Lin gazed intently at Yunze, waiting for his response.
For a genius child with innate rank-twenty soul power, he was determined to recruit him no matter what.
Such talent was simply unprecedented. Calling him the most gifted soul master on the continent would not be an exaggeration.
If he could cultivate Yunze properly, he would become a figure no less than Shrek Academy's Yun Ming—perhaps even surpassing him to become the strongest expert on the continent.
Having encountered such a genius soul master, there was no way he would let him go to Shrek Academy. He had to secure him for Sun Moon Royal Academy.
Despite all the enticing benefits Xu Lin offered, Yunze remained unmoved, as if having a Titled Douluo as a mentor meant nothing to him.
"I don't need anything else. The only things I want are absolute freedom and access to the academy's research materials," Yunze stated.
Xu Lin was taken aback. He hadn't expected Yunze to make such a simple request. After pondering for a moment, he said:
"I can grant you access to the academy's research materials. As long as it does not involve top-secret files, all other materials will be open to you."
"But as for this 'absolute freedom' you mentioned, I need clarification. What exactly do you mean by that?"
"Just as the words imply—absolute freedom. I want to be in control of my own time within the academy."
"I do not want to be required to attend academy courses, follow teacher-arranged training, or have others interfere in my affairs."
"I will abide by academy rules and not disrupt others. Likewise, I expect others not to disrupt me," Yunze explained.
Making him attend classes like an ordinary child was out of the question—it would be a waste of time.
Xu Lin furrowed his brows in displeasure. "With these conditions, do you even count as a student of Sun Moon Royal Academy?"
"Attending the academy without attending classes, without teachers guiding you—what's the point of enrolling? Is it just to access the academy's research materials?"
That was exactly it. Yunze's reasons for joining Sun Moon Royal Academy were twofold: one, the academy's strong ties to the federal government, and two, its wealth of research materials.
For him, once he understood the theory, he was practically proficient. Given hands-on practice, he could achieve mastery with ease.
Sun Moon Royal Academy's advanced soul tools, high-tier mecha, and battle armor production methods were all things he wished to learn.
At this moment, Gu Yuena interjected, "Headmaster, Yunze's request is actually based on his real capabilities."
"He has a photographic memory and exceptional hands-on ability. Once he understands the theory, he can immediately put it into practice."
"His self-learning ability is astounding. Take soul tools, for instance—he has completely mastered level-three soul tool arrays and their inscription methods through self-study."
"Strictly speaking, he is already a level-three Soul Engineer, a self-taught level-three Soul Engineer."
"This alone demonstrates how terrifying his self-learning ability is. If he were to be taught by others, it might actually limit his potential, which would be counterproductive."
"And that is why..."
"Wait, hold on!" Xu Lin hurriedly interrupted Gu Yuena, rubbing his ears in disbelief. Had he misheard? Or had she misspoken? He needed to confirm:
"Did I hear that correctly? Or did you say it wrong? Yunze is already a level-three Soul Engineer? A six-year-old level-three Soul Engineer?"
Xu Lin emphasized the words, his heartbeat accelerating. If this were true, his entire understanding of talent would be shattered.
Gu Yuena's lips curled slightly as she replied, "I didn't misspeak. Yunze is indeed a level-three Soul Engineer."
"If you don't believe me, Headmaster, you can provide the necessary materials and have him craft a soul tool on the spot to verify my claim."
Seeing the absolute confidence in Gu Yuena's expression, a bold idea surfaced in Xu Lin's mind. Could it be…?
His gaze fell upon Yunze. The way he looked at him now—it was no longer like looking at a monster, but as if he were beholding a deity, an unparalleled treasure.
"If you can truly create a level-three soul tool, you may treat the academy as your home and do as you please."
"No teacher will interfere with anything you do—not even me. You will have absolute freedom," Xu Lin declared, breathing heavily.
If Yunze could actually produce a level-three soul tool, never mind granting him unrestricted freedom—Xu Lin would even be willing to relinquish his position as headmaster.
However, he quickly followed up with a condition: "But if you fail to craft it, then you will have to study at the academy properly and follow the curriculum we set for you."
"Agreed," Yunze nodded and cast an approving glance at Gu Yuena.
Gu Yuena understood the meaning behind his look and smiled enchantingly. Their coordination had been flawless, and they had essentially achieved their goal.
"What materials do you need? Just name them, and I will have them prepared immediately," Xu Lin urged impatiently.
"Prepare the materials required to craft a level-three Soul Ray Gun," Yunze stated.
"Are you sure? A level-three Soul Ray Gun is no easier to make than some level-four soul tools," Xu Lin questioned.
He thought Yunze was being overconfident. Instead of choosing something simpler, he had selected one of the top three most difficult level-three soul tools to craft. Was he just making things harder for himself?
"I'm sure," Yunze nodded, his face calm and composed, exuding absolute confidence.
(End of Chapter)