Xuan Ziwen adjusted his glasses and pressed the trigger.
In an instant, the acceleration formation inside the soul tool was activated. The formations lit up one by one, from point to surface, and within a blink, all the formations began operating.
"Whoosh!"
"Boom!"
A white energy sphere, the size of a basketball, shot out at high speed, heading straight for the soul tool test wall fifty meters away. The moment it made contact, it exploded violently.
A powerful soul force raged wildly, stirring up a fierce wind as flames shot into the air. The test wall bore deep scratches and was left charred black in patches.
"This is already close to the power of a level-four fixed soul-guided artillery shell."
Jiang Jue observed the scene before him, mentally calculating the damage and impact of the explosion.
"Jiang, what do you think?"
Xuan Ziwen removed the soul tool from his shoulder and turned to ask Jiang Jue.
"It's very powerful!"
Jiang Jue did not hesitate to praise him.
"And my soul tool isn't just comparable to a level-four fixed soul-guided artillery shell in power; its cost is only a quarter of that!"
"But the drawback is that a soul master must first inject soul power into its storage formation before use. Also, the stored energy can only support eight shots."
"However, I've recently made progress in my research on the Milk Bottle. If I can integrate the Milk Bottle with this type of soul tool, it will be perfect!"
Xuan Ziwen grew increasingly excited, as if he could already see the future unfolding.
"Jiang, I've never shown this to anyone else—I've been developing it on my own. Even Hall Master Hongchen doesn't know about it."
Seeing Jiang Jue deep in thought, Xuan Ziwen quickly added.
Jiang Jue shook his head. He trusted Xuan Ziwen's character, but he had already decided to send him to the Xishui Alliance as soon as possible.
A talent like this—he needed him!
No wonder, in the original storyline, Xuan Ziwen was the key figure who helped the Tang Sect rise to prominence again. His research capabilities were truly impressive.
"Professor Xuan, you should report to the Xishui Alliance today."
Jiang Jue spoke softly while taking out a bronze token from his spatial ring. The token had a single character inscribed on it—'Sacred'.
This wasn't the Holy Son Token, just an Elder Token, originally belonging to Nangong Wan. After Nangong Wan's death, Zhongli Wu had chosen not to reclaim it, instead leaving it with Jiang Jue.
Jiang Jue handed the token and a letter to Xuan Ziwen.
"Professor Xuan, when you arrive at the Xishui Alliance, present this token and letter to the alliance master."
Currently, the Xishui Alliance had a new leader—Ming Lei Douluo. He was a Rank Nine Soul Engineer who, after assisting Ye Xishui, had been assigned as the alliance master by Zhongli Wu.
The Masked Douluo had also been promoted, becoming the vice leader of the alliance to assist Ming Lei Douluo.
When this happened, the Masked Douluo had been so happy that he celebrated by eating over forty brains in a single day.
He had finally been recognized!
"Well… alright."
Xuan Ziwen hesitated briefly before accepting the token and letter, nodding in agreement.
He had long expected this day to come—he just hadn't realized it would arrive so soon.
But it didn't really matter. What he truly cared about was researching new technology. That was his lifelong pursuit.
"Jiang, I need to pack up and inform Hall Master Hongchen. After all, I'm still a senior advisor at Mingde Hall."
"Of course, that's not a problem."
Jiang Jue understood.
He wondered what Jing Hongchen's reaction would be once he realized his best researcher had been stolen. Probably delighted, no doubt.
"Oh, by the way, Jiang, Hall Master Hongchen asked me to check if you'd be interested in joining the preparatory team for the next All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament."
Jiang Jue's eyes flickered with sharp intent. This was the opportunity he had been waiting for.
"Why is Hall Master Hongchen asking me this?"
He asked with feigned curiosity.
"Because you won the last Battle Royale. The champion of the Battle Royale held in the year before the tournament automatically qualifies as a preparatory team member without needing to go through further assessments."
Xuan Ziwen explained in detail while putting away his soul tool.
"I see. In that case, I accept."
Jiang Jue pondered briefly before agreeing.
This was the opportunity he had been preparing for.
He knew that in this tournament, two Soul Douluo from the Body Sect would be participating.
Moreover, the Body Sect was currently facing an internal crisis. Poison Undying had no clear successor, and the most talented individual in the sect only had the Martial Soul of… skin—Long Aotian.
There was great potential for him to make his move.
Ever since he had recruited Old Yi, his grand plan had been set in motion.
First, he joined the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy—not only to recruit Xuan Ziwen but also to secure an identity that would allow him to travel the continent and participate in the tournament.
Since he was in the Sun Moon Empire, this academy was the best choice. A weaker academy might not even qualify for the tournament. Jiang Jue wasn't here for charity—there was no point in picking a weak school.
Then, he used Yi's help to enhance his Soul Refining Banner—or rather, its new form: The Human Emperor Banner—with Light power.
Now, his next step was to stand out in the tournament and attract the Body Sect's attention.
His Body Martial Soul would develop best under their guidance. The Body Sect's secret techniques and battle skills were something he craved.
As for why he didn't have his master Zhongli Wu lead the Holy Spirit Cult to directly seize the Body Sect—well, that was because the Body Sect wasn't weak. It also had the backing of the Tianhun Empire.
Moreover, the Holy Spirit Cult wasn't ready to fully reveal itself yet.
Besides, in Jiang Jue's plan, if executed correctly, both the Holy Spirit Cult and the Body Sect could become his allies.
The key factor was that he was too naturally gifted.
One Soul Refining Banner, one Body Martial Soul—both were enough to lure in two major factions.
This final endgame had to be played perfectly.
And in the All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament, the best way to do so was to defeat Shrek Academy and claim the championship.
Of course, there were countless details to refine in his plan.
One misstep, and he could be doomed forever.
"Ding!"
The soul-guided door opened once more, revealing Juzi and two others stepping inside.
They hadn't changed much over the break—except that Juzi had put on a little weight.
"Professor Xuan, Jiang, long time no see."
Juzi greeted them with a smile.
"Senior, senior sister, long time no see."
Jiang Jue responded in kind.
Juzi's gaze lingered on Jiang Jue with an unreadable expression.
"Alright, now that everyone is here—"
"Let's begin."
Xuan Ziwen clapped his hands, drawing their attention.
"Ahem, I might not be your teacher for much longer, but I'll ask the academy to assign you a good one."
He spoke calmly.
"Why? Professor, are you abandoning us?"
Ke Ke's eyes turned red.
Xuan Ziwen had always been good to them. They respected him deeply.
"Silly, I'm just not teaching anymore, not disappearing off the face of the earth. You can still come find me anytime."
Xuan Ziwen chuckled, trying to lighten the mood.
But no one found it funny.
"Alright, alright, don't be like this."
"This will be my last class for you all."
"Hmm… let's call it 'The Final Lesson.'"
[T/N: Where are the Honkai Fans]
"…."
Laughter soon filled the laboratory.
(End of Chapter)