Equipment upgrade?
The team members' eyes lit up one by one.
Having all their assets and equipment blown up was certainly painful, but it had also broken their shackles.
Spirit Engineers grew step by step; the Spirit Tools they carried were upgraded incrementally, and their combat styles were inherited incrementally in the same manner.
Just moments ago, each of them had dozens of cannon barrels on their bodies. Upgrading them all would be a massive undertaking, but not upgrading meant being somewhat trapped by that existing system.
In short, removing all their Spirit Tools and re-equipping a set perfectly suited to their current level would involve costs substantial enough to make even these geniuses hesitate.
Even working for a year, frantically producing Spirit Tools, would probably hardly cover the deficit, not to mention it would delay their normal cultivation and studies.
To be honest, aside from the Soul Dueling Tournament a year later, the quality of the Spirit Tools they carried usually didn't matter too much.
They were all talents destined to join Mingde Hall, where they would continue their advanced studies. It wouldn't be too late to custom-make the most suitable Spirit Tools for themselves only after reaching their limit in Spirit Engineer rank.
For now, they could make do.
Moreover, according to past standards, they would enter a collective preparation period half a year before the tournament, during which the academy would reimburse their consumed rare metals.
But that was half a year away.
If they upgraded now, wouldn't that mean they could reduce the effort required for upgrades half a year later, and instead use the academy's rare metal reimbursement opportunity to aim for higher grades?
Director Gao, of course, had considered everything the students could think of.
His suggestion for the students to upgrade their equipment was also a way to secure benefits for them.
After Su Ming's 'accident', they couldn't just let these team members lose all their Spirit Tools, could they?
After all, they were supposed to participate in the Soul Dueling Tournament in just a year.
Precisely because of this, Director Gao was at least seventy percent confident he could get them full reimbursement approved.
The members, who had just looked heartbroken, now beamed, looking at Su Ming quite amiably.
"Junior, great job blowing them up!"
Su Ming fell silent.
Wait, I just wanted to show off a bit.
Although the Domain of Chaos countered Spirit Engineers reliant on Spirit Cannons a bit too hard, and exposing it didn't do him much good, still—
He couldn't really hide this Spirit Skill anyway.
Moreover, it wasn't that Su Ming's Spirit Skill specifically countered Spirit Engineers who used Spirit Cannons; he was targeting all Spirit Engineers.
The Domain of Chaos had a very broad range of counters. All elemental-type Spirit Masters and Spirit Engineers would be countered by him. Anything related to elements would malfunction due to the sudden chaos.
So, he wasn't targeting the Spirit Engineer community specifically, but rather everyone...
As for showing off and destroying the seniors' assets, potentially earning him dislike, Su Ming had already considered it, knowing the academy would definitely reimburse them.
Why was that?
Su Ming hadn't expected the reason to arrive so quickly.
While the Sun Moon Imperial Team members were pleasantly surprised and chatting with Su Ming, a loud sound erupted in the sky.
Colorful fireworks scattered in the mid-air, outlining patterns of various shapes.
"Has someone broken through to become a Class 9 Spirit Engineer?"
Director Gao exclaimed, staring at the brilliant fireworks in the sky, his eyes flashing with envy.
Which senior was so fortunate to achieve the highest accomplishment in the field of Spirit Engineering?
Su Ming looked up at the sky, surprised.
"Grandfather? So fast?"
This breakthrough speed was truly fierce.
Then, he became thoughtful.
"It seems a significant portion of the Level 8 Spirit Engineers who cannot break through to Level 9 have reached the required level of understanding, but are hindered by their low Spirit Power level."
Xuan Ziwen was one.
Su Can was another.
Perhaps there were other Level 8 Spirit Engineers in the same situation.
Because the Spirit Tools had been collectively destroyed, Director Gao announced the group training would be postponed for another three months, giving everyone three months to repair their own Spirit Tools.
Xiao Hongchen was delighted; this meant he could continue his research for the next three months.
Only during long holidays could he devote all his energy to a single research project. He had thought his next research period would have to wait until after the Soul Dueling Tournament, but now it had been extended.
As for Spirit Cannons?
Xiao Hongchen stated he could create his own.
His Martial Soul, the Three-Legged Golden Toad, had maxed affinity with metals. His third Spirit Skill, 'Metal Manifestation', allowed him to directly handcraft Spirit Cannons using metal elements.
That's right—instantly condensing metal on the spot, then using spiritual power to inscribe the core formation right there, turning it into a Spirit Cannon for combat.
Other Spirit Engineers consumed their past accumulations; except for laser-type Spirit Cannons, the projectiles fired by Spirit Cannons were bought with Gold Spirit Coins. But Xiao Hongchen could convert Spirit Power directly.
Leaving the training ground, Su Ming contacted Su Can.
"It really was Grandfather who broke through."
Su Ming immediately headed for the location Su Can specified to meet him.
Shrek Academy.
Sea God Pavilion.
"Teacher, your body..."
Yan Shaozhe looked at Mu En, who was now emanating a faint aura of death, his words tinged with sadness.
Before, he had always tried to persuade his teacher not to run around recklessly, especially going to loiter under the freshman dormitories. But now, he wished his teacher could continue lying there.
"Shaozhe, I was already nearing my end. This death, instead, serves a purpose—it can be considered protecting the academy." Mu En's tone was very calm.
He had long envisioned this, knowing this scene was fated in his life.
If it hadn't happened, that would have been his regret.
"I can still hold on for a few more months. Don't worry."
"Even if I depart now, the academy won't be in danger. Du Busi wouldn't dare come to the academy again. Although the Golden Ancient Tree's trump card was exposed, it also bought you all a breathing space. Within the academy grounds, everything is safe."
"Furthermore, Xuan Zi reached Level 98 long ago. His talent still has room for development. If he focuses wholeheartedly on cultivation, the possibility of breaking through to Level 99 is still quite significant."
"After I'm gone, perhaps feeling the pressure will allow him to break through..."
Mu En spoke these words as if delivering his last wishes.
Even though he said he could hold on for a few more months, Yan Shaozhe couldn't help but repeatedly and carefully sense his teacher's life aura.
Mu En closed his eyes, beginning to rest and conserve his energy.
Just as Yan Shaozhe was about to withdraw, a Spirit Power fluctuation caught their attention.
Supported by Yan Shaozhe, Mu En walked out of the Sea God Pavilion and looked towards the glowing dot flying in from the distance.
"Xuan Zi has finally returned."
Mu En breathed a sigh of relief, his tone much lighter.
Yan Shaozhe also nodded.
In these years of Mu En's decline, Xuan Zi had been the academy's greatest pillar of support.
Three months ago, Mu En's fierce battle had severely worsened his injuries, making it seem he couldn't hold on much longer. All the Pavilion Elders of the Sea God Pavilion had been hoping for Xuan Zi's swift return to steady morale.
No sooner had Mu En sighed in relief than he realized something was wrong.
Why was Xuan Zi alone?
Mu En's heart sank, a nameless panic stirring within him.
(Chapter End)