Showing up at Shrek a few times a week was enough; there was no need to be too concerned. With Elder Mu's personal guarantee, even if he never set foot in Shrek, no one would dare say a word.
Stepping out of the teleportation gate, Huo Yuhao appeared in a deserted corner of the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Tool Academy library. He then carried several books to the first floor to complete the borrowing procedures.
Just as he finished, Huo Yuhao turned to see a white-haired figure rushing into the library. Upon spotting him holding the books, her icy blue eyes immediately lit up.
"Quick! Yuhao! Sister is going to take you to see something 'good'!"
"...Huh?"
Huo Yuhao slowly processed a mental question mark.
A moment later, inside a large laboratory in the Illustrious Virtue Hall, several figures were gathered in a circle, their gazes fixed on a silver-white cube before them.
Many were eager to try something, but looking at that silver-white cube, they seemed at a loss as to where to begin, appearing somewhat helpless.
"Can this thing really not be dismantled by force?"
Lin Hai frowned as he spoke directly.
"Most likely not. Teacher tried, but even with the soul power control of a Titled Douluo, the moment it touches the core, the countermeasure inside will immediately incinerate all the soul tool arrays. The entire soul tool will be instantly destroyed, turning into scrap metal."
Chu Ningping shook his head, then looked at the woman beside him: "Sister, do you have a way?"
Chu Ningjing shook her head and remained silent, her eyes meticulously identifying the soul tool arrays on the silver-white cube.
All three of them were Level 8 soul tool engineers and were among Jing Hongchen's most valued students. In other words, they were trusted inner-circle members.
Yesterday, a Level 6 soul tool called the 「Soul Power Storage Core」 appeared on the Radiant City market. Its function was to store soul power and make it usable by anyone—including ordinary people!
This represented a revolution! It meant that ordinary people, and low-level Soul Masters whose technical progress was hindered by their lack of soul power, would now have the possibility of becoming high-level soul tool engineers!
This was a transformation! Likewise, it was a heaven-sent opportunity for the Sun Moon Empire!
After High Priest Kong Deming personally researched it and confirmed the effects of the soul power storage core, the Sun Moon Empire royalty acted without any hesitation, directly recalling all 「Soul Power Storage Cores」 currently for sale on the market.
Subsequently, two hundred samples were given to the Enshrinement Hall and the Illustrious Virtue Hall respectively, with orders to research them as quickly as possible to find a method for replication, alongside promises of various rewards.
It was clear that the Sun Moon Empire's determination was immense. The Sun Moon Empire wanted to progress so badly...
"By the way, Xiao, don't you have metal control? How about it, is it useful?" Lin Hai suddenly looked at Xiao Hongchen, who was also nearby researching a soul power storage device.
"Useless. Although my metal control is an innate talent of my martial soul, it is still ultimately a variation of soul power."
Xiao Hongchen shook his head. Though his rank wasn't high, the metal control ability inherent to his martial soul was unique.
But unique or not, it was still just a function of soul power. The moment soul power touched the interior of this soul power storage core, the defense mechanism would be triggered, leading to a failure in cracking it.
Because of this, he had already broken two.
One must realize there were only 200 samples in total; for him to cripple two in one go was already considered a waste.
"Brother! I brought Yuhao!"
The girl's energetic voice rang out, and the previously somber atmosphere of the lab instantly brightened.
The three Level 8 soul tool engineers glanced at one another and, as if by prior agreement, stopped what they were doing and sat down to rest.
Calling it "rest" was more like organizing their thoughts. After researching for a day and a night, they more or less had some ideas in their heads. This rest was for sorting out those thoughts.
"Brother Lin, Brother Chu, and Sister Ningjing, long time no see~"
"Long time no see, Meng." Lin Hai and Chu Ningping smiled and nodded in response.
These two grandchildren of their master, Jing Hongchen, were people they had watched grow up; they were practically like their own younger siblings.
Especially regarding Meng Hongchen, the three of them were very indulgent.
But who is this kid?!
Their gazes all landed simultaneously on Huo Yuhao, their eyes filled with scrutiny and becoming gradually dangerous.
A brat trying to steal our family's cabbage!
The three reached a silent consensus.
Meng Hongchen, holding Huo Yuhao's hand, walked over to Xiao Hongchen in a few steps and asked softly:
"How is it, Brother? Any progress?"
"No..."
Xiao Hongchen shook his head, then suddenly thought of something. Gripping the soul power storage core in his hand, he looked hesitantly at Huo Yuhao.
"Yuhao, you know the effect of this thing, right?" Xiao Hongchen's tone shifted slightly.
"I know, Sister Meng told me about it on the way here."
"Then why don't you use this thing to try making a Level 4 soul tool?" Xiao Hongchen said seriously.
Xiao Hongchen didn't have many friends before because he was too arrogant, believing no one was worthy of being his friend. However, now, after being crushed by Huo Yuhao's talent and receiving Jing Hongchen's guidance, Xiao Hongchen had reached a realization.
At the same time, he viewed Huo Yuhao as a friend plus a rival.
Mhm... male friendship is just that simple.
In short, Xiao Hongchen no longer rejected Huo Yuhao like he had before.
And now, Xiao Hongchen wanted to see Huo Yuhao's limit.
Grandfather had said that what currently restricted Huo Yuhao was his soul power. If soul power was no longer a restriction, just how far could Huo Yuhao go?
Xiao Hongchen was extremely curious. He wanted to know how far his "rival" had traveled; he wanted to know just how high this mountain standing before him actually was.
"I suppose I could give it a try."
Huo Yuhao replied softly. At the same time, an imperceptible smile played at the corners of his mouth.
This could be considered the payoff of a planted seed.
By borrowing the identity of "Master Skydream," he was providing Huo Yuhao himself with a logical "cheat."
The existence of the soul power storage core meant he could finally reveal his "talent" appropriately. He could then appear before the high-ranking officials of the Sun Moon Empire as an image that was clean-backgrounded, easy to manipulate yet backed by a patron, and possessed of terrifying value.
While the tallest tree in the forest is the first to be buffeted by the wind, there is another good saying.
The bigger the waves, the more expensive the fish!
To drive everything that came next, increasing his influence was a necessity. Simultaneously, he could attempt to gather the faith of the Sun Moon Empire.
He had to make early plans for the path to godhood.
Mhm... when I have time, I should also visit Jialing Pass to see that place where gods fell...
Countless thoughts flashed through his mind—an auxiliary effect of his gradually strengthening spirit. it made his mind agile, but it also led to wandering thoughts.
Steadying his mind, Huo Yuhao arrived before the workbench in an instant, a carving knife in one hand and metal in the other.
Surrounding him were Xiao Hongchen, Meng Hongchen, and those three inquisitive Level 8 soul tool engineers.
They had heard some news from their teacher, Jing Hongchen, about this "Junior Brother," hearing that his talent in the way of soul tools was exceptionally terrifying.
And now, with the person himself performing, they couldn't resist gathering around to watch.