The shop wasn't overly large; since it was the initial stage, a massive venue wasn't necessary.
Huo Yuhao first briefly surveyed the layout of the first floor. Once he had a general plan in mind, he turned and led Ling Luochen up to the second floor.
The second floor was a simple tea room with modest decor. As they sat down, Huo Yuhao picked up right where they had left off:
"Student Ling Luochen, first let me clarify: I can provide you with a feasible reference plan. Consider this a teacher's guidance to a student.
"However, I will not give you any substantive assistance for free. After all... you should be familiar with the principle of equivalent exchange, right?"
Huo Yuhao spoke softly.
Ling Luochen nodded understandingly. There was no such thing as a free lunch in this world.
She knew that the reason Huo Yuhao helped Ma Xiaotao suppress her evil fire was also a transaction. Therefore, it was perfectly reasonable for Huo Yuhao to demand an equivalent exchange now.
Moreover, the deal concerned a plan that could evolve her martial soul. Such temptation was impossible to resist. After a moment's hesitation, Ling Luochen asked:
"If I want Teacher Skydream to help me, what price must I pay?"
"Simple. After you graduate from Shrek, come to me and serve as my subordinate."
Huo Yuhao spoke calmly.
This was something Huo Yuhao had decided long ago.
Someday, the identity of "Skydream" would face two choices. One was a "dove occupying the magpie's nest" scenario—completely reshaping Shrek until it became his own.
The other was to take a large group of talented individuals and essentially break away to start his own sect, much like the Spirit Transmission Pagoda he had founded in his previous life.
Leaning on Shrek while remaining fully independent; not restricted by Shrek, yet still enjoying Shrek's benefits.
What is yours is mine, and what is mine is still mine!
It was like shearing the wool off the Shrek sheep!
Between the two options, Huo Yuhao leaned toward the latter. After all, taking over Shrek entirely was too much trouble. Compared to that, firing a few rounds of Grade 9 Stationary Soul Tool shells to plow through Shrek might actually be easier.
Thus, establishing his own power was inevitable. But while building that power, he naturally had to recruit various talents to fill its ranks.
Ling Luochen, standing before him, was an excellent "growth stock." And she wasn't the only one; over the past few months, Huo Yuhao had already reached out to several individuals he deemed promising, providing them with help and having them sign contracts.
He had to admit, there was something very satisfying about undermining Shrek's foundations like this.
"Come to you? You're leaving Shrek?!" Ling Luochen widened her eyes, seemingly discovering something world-shaking.
"Let me correct you. My current 'joining' of Shrek is more of a cooperation and a transaction. Shrek provides me with protection, and I provide my research results. In essence, I owe Shrek nothing.
"Furthermore, establishing my own organization wouldn't involve 'leaving' in the way you mean. It's more about having an additional identity.
"Take Dai Yueheng of your Shrek Seven Monsters, for example. Do you think he'll choose to stay at Shrek after graduation rather than return to the Star Net Empire?"
Huo Yuhao slowly dispelled Ling Luochen's doubts.
Ling Luochen looked hesitant. After all, having studied at Shrek for nearly three years, she had some emotional attachment... but...
The thought of Ma Xiaotao soaring to the skies once the evil fire was no longer a restraint, while she herself was left behind bit by bit, stirred a sense of bitterness in her heart.
Falling silent for a moment, Ling Luochen spoke cautiously:
"I want to hear the plan you mentioned before making a decision. Is that okay?"
"Naturally."
Huo Yuhao nodded with a smile, knowing the fish had taken the bait. He began to explain his proposal:
"First, absorb a soul ring with the Ultimate Ice attribute that is compatible with your Ice Element martial soul. This will trigger an evolution, turning your martial soul into Ultimate Ice.
"This method is highly feasible. Historically, many owners of Ultimate martial souls gained them through post-natal changes after absorbing soul rings.
"However... since your martial soul is Ice Element, there likely aren't many compatible options.
"Second, consume a natural treasure. For example, the legendary immortal herb, the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass. If you can find and consume it, there is a high probability your martial soul will promote to Ultimate Ice.
"Third... well, let me just show you."
At this point, Huo Yuhao suddenly stood up and walked to a clearer area. His spiritual sense touched his storage ring, and he pulled out a massive, silver-gray machine about a meter tall.
"What is this?"
"The 'Prototype Energy Convergence Construction Soul Ring Device Type III'—or simply, the 'Artificial Soul Ring Device.'
"It can condense soul rings that a soul master can absorb normally. Moreover, it will condense a compatible soul skill based on the soul master's martial soul and their own intent.
"This is also the soul tool I will soon begin promoting in Shrek City.
"In my vision, besides pure, universal artificial soul rings, they should also have specific attributes—such as Ice, Fire, Life, or Spiritual soul rings.
"I can even create an Ultimate Ice soul ring. I can convert my own soul power, which carries the Ultimate Ice attribute, to construct one.
"Because it is constructed from pure energy, such a soul ring would be extremely compatible with your martial soul.
"If successful, evolving your martial soul shouldn't be too difficult."
Ling Luochen was stunned. From the moment Huo Yuhao said this massive machine could condense soul rings for people to absorb, she had frozen completely.
If what Huo Yuhao just said was true, the object before her would certainly change the entire Douluo Continent!
And the possibility of an Ultimate Ice soul ring he mentioned... it was impossible not to look forward to it.
"...So, Student Ling Luochen, will you join?"
Huo Yuhao's invitation sounded again.
Ling Luochen took a deep breath, then slowly opened her eyes to look at Huo Yuhao. She had made her choice:
"I'm in! I hope... you aren't lying to me."
"Of course not. Now, let's have you sign this contract!"
Smiling, Huo Yuhao pulled out a pre-written contract. He made a few quick adjustments to some of the fine print and handed it to Ling Luochen.
Ling Luochen took it and signed her name. At the moment she finished, she felt an indescribable connection form between her and Huo Yuhao.
Her intuition told her that if she broke this agreement, she would pay a heavy price.
This contract... is real?
Ling Luochen had a strange expression, but she wasn't overly shocked. In fact, she felt a bizarre sense of "of course it is."
After all, Huo Yuhao had already brought out something like an "Artificial Soul Ring Device" that was destined to change the Douluo Continent. Bringing out a contract with real binding power seemed... perfectly reasonable.