Soul Land: Xiao Yan Reincarnates as Huo Yuhao

Sun Moon Empire, Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy, Underground Conference Room.

The room was sealed tightly, with a steel-reinforced ceiling and walls adorned with various tools and equipment. The cement floor was cold and unyielding, and in the center stood a round table strewn with documents and blueprints.

Under the dim yellow light, Jing Hongchen and an elderly man sat across from each other, their conversation seemingly of great importance.

"Hmph, if he truly is a spy sent by the Three Douluo Nations or Shrek Academy, I couldn't be happier," Jing Hongchen said with a cold snort, a sinister smile creeping onto his face.

The elderly man frowned slightly, murmuring, "Are you suggesting a counter-espionage strategy?"

Jing Hongchen's smile widened as he nodded. "Exactly. If this Yan Xiao is indeed an enemy spy, we can turn him against his handlers and use him to strike at our adversaries."

The elder smiled, impressed by Jing Hongchen's cunning, but his tone shifted as he continued. "But Hongchen Hall Master, don't forget that his martial soul is the Spirit Eyes. The Body Sect holds the secret to awakening a second evolution for such martial souls. If they discover Yan Xiao's existence…"

"Let them try," Jing Hongchen interrupted dismissively, his expression unyielding. "The Body Sect remains hidden from the world and rarely ventures into the Sun Moon Empire. Even if they do, they'd need Yan Xiao's consent to take him away. Besides, my granddaughter seems quite fond of the boy. If their relationship develops, I could bind Yan Xiao to Mingde Hall for good."

"As for the second awakening of his martial soul," Jing Hongchen continued, "there are alternative methods beyond the Body Sect's secret techniques. Certain rare treasures can induce such an awakening. Mingde Hall's vault contains several herbs targeted at the brain that could serve this purpose."

The elder nodded thoughtfully. "It seems you're truly invested in nurturing Yan Xiao. Using those resources for him could very well elevate his spiritual power and even pave the way for him to become a ninth-tier Soul Engineer someday."

"Speaking of resources…" Jing Hongchen's eyes glimmered with intrigue. I wonder if this boy's alchemy skills extend beyond detoxifying pills?

---

Meanwhile, at the Mingde Hall Soul Engineering Laboratory

For the first time, Xiao Yan shadowed Xuan Ziwen, experiencing the man's obsessive passion for soul engineering firsthand.

Xuan Ziwen was a stark contrast in demeanor when discussing soul engineering. Typically terse and unsociable, he transformed into an animated and eloquent orator when the topic arose, his mind brimming with knowledge and ideas.

Understanding that Xiao Yan was a novice, Xuan Ziwen began with fundamental concepts, weaving in his unique insights. He also demonstrated basic Soul Engineer skills, like forging, and showed Xiao Yan how to refine raw iron into purified steel, reducing its size to a tenth of its original volume.

To better observe Xuan Ziwen's techniques, Xiao Yan utilized his Spiritual Detection Sharing, surprising the professor with its precision.

"Impressive. I didn't expect your spiritual detection to sustain for such a long duration," Xuan Ziwen remarked, clearly intrigued. "This will greatly aid your training. For now, I'll allow you to observe non-confidential projects as often as you like."

Xiao Yan nodded. After some time, he voiced his curiosity. "Teacher Xuan, how do soul tools work? How do they convert soul power into energy?"

Xuan Ziwen chuckled. "The principle is simple. Soul tools compress and transform soul power into destructive energy. The key lies in the core inscription arrays." He picked up a standard soul tool and dismantled it.

"Every soul tool consists of three parts: the outer shell, inner shell, and the core.

1. Outer Shell: It must be crafted from the sturdiest, most heat-resistant metals to withstand prolonged use.

2. Inner Shell: Designed to amplify and conduct soul power, it's made of rare conductive metals like crystalline silver. This minimizes soul power consumption during combat, giving Soul Engineers an edge over Soul Masters below the seventh rank.

3. Core Array: The heart of the soul tool, determining its function, power, and form. Inscribing these arrays requires the finest metals and gemstones. The complexity of the array defines the Soul Engineer's tier."

He handed Xiao Yan the dismantled core array, a thumb-sized object etched with intricate patterns.

"This looks like a… chip," Xiao Yan muttered, recalling technology from his past life.

"Chip?" Xuan Ziwen tilted his head in confusion.

Xiao Yan scratched his nose awkwardly. "Never mind. Just a random thought."

Xuan Ziwen shrugged and continued, "Core inscription requires memorizing existing arrays and practicing repeatedly. However, innovation is the hallmark of a true Soul Engineer. Replicating predecessors' work leads to stagnation. You must integrate your ideas into the arrays to create new tools.

"Of course, failure is inevitable. Let's start inscribing core arrays later. Remember to infuse your thoughts into the process. Understood?"

Xiao Yan rubbed his chin, his mind racing. If these arrays determine a soul tool's functionality and form, could I recreate airplanes, tanks, cannons, or even missiles?

---

Meanwhile, in Shrek City

At Shrek Academy's gates, seven students emerged, their attire varied—some in plain clothes, others in fine garments. Among them were familiar faces: Wang Dong, Bei Bei, Xu Sanshi, Jiang Nannan, and others, fresh from the Academy's Grand Melee.

"Go away!" Jiang Nannan snapped, glaring at Xu Sanshi, who trailed her persistently.

"Nannan, I'm serious about you!" Xu Sanshi pleaded, his face the picture of misery.

Jiang Nannan's expression darkened. "Stop following me. I'll never be with someone like you. And call me Jiang Nannan properly!" She quickened her pace, putting distance between them.

"Nannan, wait!" Xu Sanshi hurried after her.

Ahead, Wang Dong yawned, turning to Bei Bei. "Why did Dean Yan summon us so early?"

Before Bei Bei could respond, a beam of white light descended from the sky. It was Yan Shaozhe, the Martial Soul Department's dean.

"Good morning, everyone," Yan Shaozhe greeted warmly.

"Dean Yan," the group chorused, bowing respectfully.

Yan Shaozhe's expression turned serious. "Now that you've advanced as reserve inner court disciples, your responsibilities increase. Shrek's inner court students are the continent's overseers, upholding justice among Soul Masters. The missions you'll face will be perilous, often life-threatening. Are you prepared to take on this mantle?"

The seven exchanged glances before responding in unison: "We are."

"Good," Yan Shaozhe continued. "As inner court disciples, your duty is to sacrifice for the Academy and the continent. In return, you'll earn glory. Now, I need your answer: will you join or withdraw?"

"Join!" they replied fervently, their youthful enthusiasm unshaken.

Yan Shaozhe smiled, satisfied. "I knew Shrek Academy produces no cowards. Your first mission will be to travel to the Sun Moon Empire and locate someone named Yan Xiao."

"What?!" the group exclaimed in shock.

Yan Shaozhe's face darkened. "Evidence suggests Yan Xiao is connected to Dai Huabin's death and has allied with Evil Soul Masters. You'll accompany two Titled Douluo to investigate. Remember, if you find him, do not act rashly. Report back immediately."

The students nodded, though disbelief lingered in their hearts. Could Yan Xiao truly be an Evil Soul Master?

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