Experiments can never be entirely smooth sailing; Huo Yuhao knew this well.
Even though individuals at the level of Huo Yuhao and Electrolux researching these subjects was akin to viewing the world from a commanding height—making things considerably easier—everything must still follow the "fundamental laws" of reality.
The vast majority of research achievements take shape bit by bit under the nourishment of time, while a sudden flash of inspiration can merely accelerate the process.
Currently, the projects Huo Yuhao was most concerned with were "Artificial Soul Bones," the "Blue Silver Soul Engine," "Soul Tool Power Armor," "Battle Armor," and "Acquired Spiritual Metal."
Among these, Elder Yi had just recently used the Life Gold to reshape his body and was currently in the midst of rapidly regaining his cultivation while simultaneously researching "Artificial Soul Bones."
The "Blue Silver Soul Engine" was currently stuck at the cultivation of the Blue Silver King. However, with the existence of Tang Ya, it would likely be much simpler; plus, since he had already handed the specific matters of this research to the Blue Silver Emperor, he didn't need to worry too much.
"Soul Tool Power Armor" and "Battle Armor" were different branches of the same research, while the study of "Acquired Spiritual Metal" corresponded to Kong Deming's "Soul Armor."
Needless to say, the former two were plans that Huo Yuhao still kept on paper—though he cared about them, they didn't require immediate attention. The latter, however, corresponded to the currently frantically smithing Tang San.
To allow soul tools to develop rapidly, aside from the various imaginative researches of soul tool engineers themselves, there was also the innovation of materials.
"Acquired Spiritual Metal" clearly satisfied this requirement.
"It's a pity the only blacksmith I can catch right now is Tang San, otherwise setting up control experiments would improve efficiency..."
Speaking of which, should he find an opportunity to visit the Clear Sky Sect and pack up everyone there to come and forge iron for him?
It would also be a good time to check on Dong'er. Currently, the Sea God Divine Position was in his hands, and the seal existing in Dong'er's mind was something that fellow Tang San had shaped with Sea God divine power; breaking it wouldn't be difficult...
Hiss, he was a bit tempted.
However, after a brief moment of temptation, Huo Yuhao suppressed the thought.
First, Da Ming and Er Ming were uncertain factors. Huo Yuhao didn't have a deep impression of these two; in his previous life, he had only met them a few times and couldn't be certain of their true attitudes.
Secondly, Da Ming possessed God-level strength. Although his power was sealed due to the rules of the world, he was still at the level of Rank 99 and had the Divine Consciousness given by Tang San within his body, which was very troublesome.
One must realize that although the Sea God Trident had currently taken on Huo Yuhao's "shape," Tang San's Sea God trials had only reached the second trial, and Huo Yuhao did not have full authority over the Sea God Divine Position.
The Divine Consciousness from Tang San within Da Ming's body might be able to usurp the authority of the Divine Position.
Huo Yuhao would avoid such possible risks as much as possible. At least until Tang San completed the fourth Sea God trial, Huo Yuhao would not go to see Da Ming.
As for Er Ming, he could be toyed with easily; ignore him.
Besides that, the Divine Consciousness from Tang San on Dong'er was likewise a threat...
Finally, and most importantly, Huo Yuhao was in no hurry.
The research priority of "Acquired Spiritual Metal" was lower than that of "Artificial Soul Bones" and the "Blue Silver Soul Engine"; the benefits brought by the latter two were far higher than the former.
Furthermore, there was a production method for "Acquired Spiritual Metal." Huo Yuhao could completely use soul power to nurture it bit by bit.
After all, each of his six external pseudo-dantians carried a Soul Core. The speed of his soul power recovery had reached an extremely terrifying stage; diverting a portion to nurture metal would have no impact on him.
At the very least, the metal nurtured would definitely be enough for his own use.
"Mhm... let it be so. Let our Lord God King forge iron for another three months to collect enough data."
Huo Yuhao happily made his decision.
...
Meanwhile, in a certain city.
Boundless moonlight transformed into crescent moon slashes, easily tearing through the defenses built of countless living corpses in front of her, revealing the figure of the panicked Evil Soul Master within.
The Evil Soul Master's expression was terrified. Having accidentally awakened his Martial Soul and discovered that he could rapidly increase his soul power simply by devouring souls, he had naturally become an Evil Soul Master.
In just five years, he had leaped from a commoner who was nothing to a powerhouse of the Soul King level, secretly controlling the lord of this small city and becoming the local tyrant!
However, today, everything was shattered.
He looked with utter horror at the figure in the sky with a wheel of moonlight behind her—especially the terrifying configuration of two yellow, two purple, three black, and one red soul rings beneath her feet, which caused him to feel an involuntary sense of despair.
Countless wronged souls were summoned by him. They didn't attack but instead wrapped around his body, attempting to increase his defense in this manner to escape.
However, in the next moment, the figure in the sky condensed the moonlight into a sword and struck out fiercely!
A crescent moon fell, the defense constructed of souls was torn apart, and a head fell with a face still holding traces of terror and despair.
"The last one..."
A voice like a low murmur came from mid-air as Zhang Lexuan's figure slowly descended, subsequently placing the head into a storage soul tool.
This was her last mission.
A few days later. Inside Shrek Inner Court, the Mission Office.
"Lexuan, are you sure you want to submit this mission?"
Elder Song, who was temporarily acting as the Vice Commander of the Shrek Guardians, looked at Zhang Lexuan in front of her and spoke with some reluctance.
"I am sure."
Zhang Lexuan nodded calmly.
Since that incident happened, Elder Mu had given her two choices: one was to stay at Shrek, and the other was to go to the Spirit Transmission Pagoda.
Perhaps the punishment for Elder Xuan was truly too farcical, making her lose hope in Shrek involuntarily; or perhaps it was an involuntary curiosity toward the Spirit Transmission Pagoda. Regardless, she chose the latter.
She had signed that contract but didn't immediately report to the Spirit Transmission Pagoda. Instead, she chose to follow the normal process, completing her guardian missions before choosing to graduate.
Elder Song let out a soft sigh and didn't say much more. After all, regarding the incident a few months ago, Elder Xuan was indeed in the wrong; by extension, it was Shrek's problem. She had no grounds to argue.
Shaking her head, she brought Zhang Lexuan to her office and subsequently signed her graduation certificate.
Hesitating, Elder Song placed the graduation certificate into Zhang Lexuan's hands.
"Lexuan, although you have graduated, the Academy will always be your firmest support. If you have any needs, just tell this old woman."
"Thank you, Elder Song..."
Zhang Lexuan bowed slightly, her expression complex.
As a child adopted by Elder Mu, she had lived on the Sea God Island since she was young. In a sense, she was raised by the elders of the Sea God Pavilion.
Whether it was Elder Xuan or Elder Song, they were all her elders.
And now, she was leaving this place...
Zhang Lexuan slightly composed her emotions, and after a final farewell, she turned and walked away.