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"Meeting someone is incredibly difficult."
After leaving the Spirit branch hall, Tang Luoya frowned, "With my talent, reaching the Soul Ancestor at seventeen, I still have to wait seven days. This is insulting."
"Your talent can't compare to Tang San. He became a Soul King at fourteen and might already be a Soul Emperor now," Hawk rolled his eyes. "Besides, considering you're from the Haotian Sect, the fact they didn't kick you out immediately is already a huge favor."
"I just think they don't respect the Haotian Sect," Tang Luoya snorted. "Moreover, when it comes to talent, I'm not inferior to Tang San. I've never even taken any immortal herbs."
"Tang San's strength isn't just because of immortal herbs," Hawk shook his head, thinking Tang Luoya had spent too long in the Haotian Sect, making him a bit naive. He then said, "Let's go back to the inn and wait for news. By the way, do you have enough money? The cost of living here is similar to Tiandou City. I'm nearly broke, and your Haotian Sect isn't exactly wealthy these days. Thank goodness for Feng Ming's support."
Even a hero can be stumped by a lack of money!
Tang Luoya's face darkened as he thought of a terrible idea, "How about robbing some rich merchants? Steal from the rich and give to the poor."
"That sounds reasonable, but this is Spirit City. Didn't you see the holograms? Our every move might be recorded. With big data, they could track us down easily," Hawk did not want to resort to such measures. In Spirit City, it was best to follow the rules.
In the blink of an eye, seven days passed quietly.
The two received a notification to attend the examination. Following the map provided in the letter, they found a building similar to the Battle Soul Arena. There, they met others who also wished to see Tang San. Led by two staff members, they arrived at an examination room. After finding their assigned seats, the proctors distributed the test papers.
Most people who wanted to meet Tang San hoped to discuss Spirit theory with him. Currently, Tang San only accepted those who had genuine theoretical knowledge.
As for combat strength...
Tang San didn't consider it.
After all, the Spirit Hall had plenty of Soul Saints and Soul Douluos with far more experience than ordinary soul masters. Interacting with them was much more beneficial.
Of course, if one wanted to meet Tang San through sheer strength, that was also possible. They had to duel with a Soul Saint-level examiner and earn their approval to gain entry. Otherwise, focusing on theoretical studies was easier.
After the exam, Hawk was completely baffled. "Why weren't there any fill-in-the-blank or multiple-choice questions? It was all essay questions!"
How was he supposed to handle that?
Furthermore, the first question asked: "Whale glue can enhance physical fitness and increase the years a soul master can absorb a soul ring. For a soul master with a beast spirit like a tiger, leopard, or lion (non-detached type), how many years can 100 grams of thousand-year whale glue and ten-thousand-year whale glue respectively add when absorbing the second soul ring? Please provide two ranges."
How was he supposed to know?
He only remembered that thousand-year whale glue could improve a soul master's capacity to absorb soul rings by a few hundred years and that ten-thousand-year whale glue was even better. How could he precisely quantify it to the gram?
Not to mention, providing two specific ranges isn't just difficult—it's practically impossible! Yet, seeing how the others were writing so effortlessly, Hawk felt like he was back in high school exams, feeling just as lost.
Tang Luoya wasn't much better off. After seventeen years of training in the Haotian Sect, he was no longer in tune with modern knowledge. His mind was mostly preoccupied with swinging hammers rather than focusing on such topics. He couldn't help but scratch his head in frustration...
After the exam, they exchanged glances, both feeling they had surely failed. They approached the examiner to ask for alternative ways to meet Tang San, and the examiner kindly suggested another route: challenge a Soul Saint and earn their approval.
"Should we try the challenge?" Hawk asked for Tang Luoya's opinion. "I might be okay, but you're from the Haotian Sect. What if the Soul Saint has a grudge and goes all out on you?"
Tang Luoya shot a disdainful glance at Hawk but didn't respond. His stance was clear: he wouldn't engage in a futile battle. This wasn't courage; it was suicide. He didn't expect members of a rival faction to empathize with him, and he wasn't about to join the Wuhun Hall. At least the Haotian Sect's Tang Chen had returned and might inherit the position of Shura God, capable of defeating the likes of angels and Rakshasas.
"So, we'll return empty-handed without even seeing Tang San," Hawk said with a hint of relief, glad they wouldn't have a direct confrontation with Tang San. "We can treat this as a business trip and bring back some local specialties. I'm sure Brother Feng Ming will understand."
Tang Luoya: "..." He seriously doubted the sanity of the leader of the Transmigration Alliance and wondered if joining it was a mistake.
However, they indeed had no other way into the inner city. Perhaps they should consider bringing back some souvenirs, especially since he hadn't yet repaid Feng Ming for the millennium fire ganoderma. Coming all this way to Spirit City and not meeting Tang San was a bit frustrating.
"Hey, you two looking for a job?"
Just as they were pondering other ways to enter the inner city or leave, a man in white approached them and asked, "The Soul Guide Tech City is currently recruiting a large number of technicians. Want to give it a try?"
Technicians?
Hawk and Tang Luoya exchanged a look, understanding each other's thoughts: they shouldn't waste this trip. Visiting the Soul Guide Tech City might yield some valuable findings.
"Is it profitable?" Hawk asked, rubbing his hands with curiosity. "We just arrived and wanted to visit the inner city, but we failed the assessment."
"Happens all the time," the man said, seemingly used to it. "The inner city is mostly for soul masters or those who have always lived there. To live there, your soul power must at least reach the Soul Elder level, and this requirement might increase in the future... But the outer city is still developing and expanding. As long as you work hard, you can afford a house and get married."
The man was persuasive, almost convincing them. Finally, Hawk interrupted, "Can you take us to see the workplace?"
"No problem." The man led them to a soul guide steam-powered car, opened the door, and invited them in.
Over half an hour later, the buildings outside grew taller and more metallic, with occasional steam vents.
This was the hallmark of Soul Guide Tech City, also known locally as the City of Steam.
Eventually, the soul guide car stopped in front of a huge metal fortress with steam billowing from its roof. Even without entering, Hawk and Tang Luoya could feel the heat emanating from it.
"Here we are," the driver said, introducing the place. "Soul Guide Tech Factory, a manufacturing plant for soul guide devices. The monthly salary is one thousand silver soul coins, eight-hour workdays, single day off, with meals and accommodation provided. If you fall ill or have other issues, you can take leave."
Hawk: "..." Why did this sound so familiar?
Tang Luoya: "..." In my past life, I worked and slept, and then I was reincarnated. Did I die of overwork?
(End of Chapter)