"Now, let's also have our returning students introduce themselves."
Following this, the older students began their introductions.
These returning students had been studying at the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy for at least a year, with some having studied for two or even three years.
Learning to craft soul tools requires talent, and not everyone possesses that talent. It's not uncommon for someone to go three years without becoming a Level 1 Soul Engineer.
The returning students introduced themselves more quickly. After all, they had been at the academy for a while and were already well accustomed to the process.
Soon, the introductions of the returning students were over.
Ling Moxue stood on the platform, a faint smile on her face.
"Everyone has introduced themselves, and I believe you now have a preliminary understanding of one another."
"In the coming days of study and life, I'm sure you'll get to know each other even better."
"Our previous class monitor has moved up to the second year, so now we need to select a new class monitor. Is anyone willing to volunteer?"
As Ling Moxue spoke, her gaze fell on Su Yu.
Su Yu was startled. Why is she looking at me?
"Su Yu, would you be interested in being the class monitor?"
Ling Moxue asked with a smile.
"Make him the class monitor?"
"How can that be?"
"He's from the Heaven Dou Empire!"
…
Several students began whispering again. Su Yu had already made a deep impression on them. With his distinct appearance, impressive rank, and background, these students couldn't forget him.
"Students, although Su Yu is from the Heaven Dou Empire, now that he's joined the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy, he's part of our academy."
"We should welcome him, not reject him. Our Sun and Moon Empire is a country that embraces diversity. Are we so narrow-minded that we can't accept this?"
Ling Moxue's words left several students in silence.
"The teacher is right. Su Yu is our classmate, and we shouldn't reject him."
"Exactly, since Su Yu has come to our academy, it means he admires our academy. We should welcome him."
"That's right. Our Sun and Moon Empire is known for its hospitality. We can't let others look down on us."
Ling Moxue's words swayed many, and after a brief silence, several students expressed their acceptance. Though some still had reservations, given the shift in atmosphere, they kept their thoughts to themselves.
"Su Yu, are you willing to be the class monitor?"
Ling Moxue asked with a gentle smile.
Su Yu narrowed his eyes. If someone higher up hadn't discussed something with Ling Moxue, he wouldn't believe it for a second.
Just as Wang Dong didn't shy away from revealing he was from the Heaven DouEmpire, Su Yu had also boldly listed his affiliation with the Ice God Hall on his application form.
The only difference was that Su Yu had caught the attention of the higher-ups, while Wang Dong had caught the attention of the ordinary students.
The higher-ups had long-term vision and far-reaching plans—something these young students couldn't yet comprehend.
As thoughts raced through his mind, Su Yu smiled slightly.
"Since you've gone this far, teacher, how could I refuse?"
"I'm willing to be the class monitor."
It was just the position of class monitor—why would he be afraid of it? Managing this bunch of kids? It wouldn't be difficult at all.
"Very well, from now on, Su Yu will be the class monitor for Class 8. Cheng Xin, you'll be the vice class monitor, assisting Su Yu."
As she spoke, Ling Moxue looked at a girl.
She was a gentle-looking girl, not someone who would stun at first glance, but very pleasant to look at.
Cheng Xin softly acknowledged the role and nodded toward Su Yu. Su Yu returned the gesture with a nod.
With the class monitor selected, Ling Moxue seemed quite pleased. "Alright, students, let's begin our first lesson."
"As you all know, we are a soul engineering academy, and we train soul engineers. So, first, we need to understand soul tools and soul engineers."
"Soul engineers are divided into ten levels, with Level 1 being the lowest and Level 10 the highest. Currently…"
Ling Moxue began explaining soul tools and soul engineers in detail.
In general, the level of a soul engineer corresponds to the level of the soul tools they can craft. However, there are exceptions. If someone's soul power isn't sufficient, even if their crafting skills reach a certain level, they can only be considered a "pseudo" soul engineer and not a true one.
This issue becomes more pronounced at higher levels. Some people have an extraordinary talent for researching soul tools, but their soul power can't keep up. There are quite a few people like this in the Sun Moon Empire.
However, in the original Three Nations of the Douluo Continent, the situation was reversed. In the original continent, while Title Douluo weren't everywhere, they weren't uncommon either. But as for Level 9 Soul Engineers? Not a single one existed.
Currently, all known Level 9 Soul Engineers come from the Sun Moon Empire.
Compared to ordinary Title Douluo, Level 9 Soul Engineers were far more destructive. For example, a single Level 9 soul cannonball had the destructive power of an extreme attack, capable of immense devastation.
In one-on-one combat, soul engineers held the advantage until reaching the Soul Sage level, but beyond that, soul masters regained the upper hand.
Ye Xishui was an exception. Not only was she a Level 10 Soul Engineer, but she was also an Ultimate Douluo. Her strength lay in combining both soul tools and soul master abilities.
In summary, a powerful soul master paired with powerful soul tools was truly formidable. Combining the strengths of both soul engineers and soul masters might be the future direction of development on the continent.
This was exactly why Su Yu wanted to study soul tools now. If he didn't learn about them now, would he wait until he became stronger to understand them? That would be a joke. By then, he probably wouldn't have the time or patience to study.
Right now, with a certain god-king still in the planning phase, Su Yu could find some free time.
Thinking of that certain god-king, Su Yu couldn't help but glance at Wang Dong beside him. Having a father like that, Wang Dong was pretty pitiful. Splitting you into two halves—this is your father's deep love for you. Perhaps this was love in reverse.
Su Yu chuckled softly and glanced at Wang Dong's face. At this moment, Wang Dong's eyes were unfocused, and his eyelids were drooping. While everyone else was listening intently, this guy was dozing off.
Su Yu wasn't surprised. After all, that certain god-king had cast a spell on him, and now Wang Dong had a strong aversion to soul tools.
But coming to the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy while still resisting soul tools? That certain god-king was something. To outmaneuver Su Yu, he didn't even care about his own child's future.
Don't ask why. If you do, the answer is a father's deep love for his child. This kind of love might just suffocate Wang Dong with gratitude.
Scoffing inwardly at the god-king's antics, Su Yu cleared his thoughts and resumed paying attention to the lesson.
As the bell rang, signaling the end of class, the morning's lessons came to a close.
Since it was the first day of school, there were no classes scheduled for the afternoon. After the morning classes, students were free to do as they pleased.
Su Yu nudged Wang Dong, who was still groggy and a bit dazed.
"Is it morning already?"
"Class is over. Did you sleep well?"
Su Yu released a bit of cold air, causing Wang Dong to shiver and wake up immediately.
"Brrr, so cold."
Wang Dong took a sharp breath, his sleepiness vanishing instantly. He gave Su Yu a resentful look—there were many ways to wake someone up, so why did Su Yu have to freeze him?
It was a bone-chilling cold.
What kind of martial soul does Su Yu have to be so cold? Wang Dong wondered.
Ignoring Wang Dong's resentful gaze, Su Yu stood up.
"Let's go. Time to eat. The morning classes are over."
Thinking about how he had slept through the entire morning, Wang Dong felt a bit embarrassed. This was his first day of class, after all. He could already imagine the bewildered looks from the people around him, wondering where this "slacker" had come from.
With these thoughts swirling in his mind, Wang Dong didn't dare lift his head and simply followed behind Su Yu.
It wasn't until they left the teaching building that Wang Dong finally raised his head, patted his chest, and let out a sigh of relief.
"Well, at least you feel embarrassed," Su Yu teased.
Wang Dong's face flushed red as he glared at Su Yu. This guy knew how to hit where it hurt.
"I didn't mean to, but it was just so boring. I fell asleep while listening," Wang Dong muttered defensively.
"Theory can be boring, yes, but if you want to learn advanced soul tools, you have to endure it," Su Yu replied seriously.
"Those who can't endure boredom will never succeed."
"Maybe, but I don't like soul tools," Wang Dong admitted, his voice softening.
"Many soul masters don't like soul tools. They think relying solely on themselves and their martial soul is the right path," Su Yu said.
"But I think they're being too stubborn, unable to let go of their so-called pride as soul masters. Soul tools are just weapons in the end, and their development is an inevitable part of progress."
"Not only should we not reject them, but we should also embrace them. I believe that the combination of soul tools and soul masters will unlock even greater power."
Su Yu looked at Wang Dong, speaking sincerely. He had seen clearly from history what happened when people were complacent and arrogant. Only by adapting to the times and leading change could one stay at the top. The power of soul tools could no longer be ignored.
At this point, still clinging to the pride of being a soul master was foolish. Using a soul tool didn't mean one was no longer a soul master. After all, a soul tool was just a weapon.
You can kill someone with a sword, so why not a soul tool? There's no fundamental conflict between soul masters and soul tools. A martial arts master can't use a gun? Times have changed, my friend. How can you be a legendary master without using a gun? *Dog-head meme.
"Maybe you're right, but I just can't get past it in my heart," Wang Dong said, forcing a smile, then changed the subject.
"By the way, let's not talk about that anymore. Thanks for what you did earlier."
"It was nothing. We're roommates, after all," Su Yu replied, waving it off as if it was no big deal.
"But you should adjust your attitude. This is the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy, not one of the academies from the Three Nations of the original continent."
"We're from another country, so it's best not to be too flashy here," Su Yu advised.
"Aren't you being pretty flashy yourself?"
Wang Dong retorted, glancing at Su Yu.
"Wasn't that just to help you out?"
Su Yu rolled his eyes.
Wang Dong chuckled, feeling a little embarrassed.
"By the way, you're already at Level 37? That's impressive."
"Of course. Who do you think I am?"
Su Yu said with a smirk.
"Ugh, so narcissistic. You're not humble at all."
"I can't help it. My strength won't allow it."
…
The two chatted as they walked back to the dormitory. They stopped by the cafeteria first and had a hearty meal—courtesy of Wang Dong, of course. Perhaps feeling grateful to Su Yu, Wang Dong ordered a ton of good food, and the two of them ate until they were stuffed.
Back in the dormitory, Su Yu started reading a book. Naturally, it was about the basics of soul tools. He focused mainly on the core formation arrays; compared to that, the outer and inner shells of soul tools weren't too difficult. The core formation array was the most crucial part of a soul tool.
Seeing Su Yu immersed in his book, Wang Dong felt bored and unsure of what to do. He fiddled with his fingers, picking at them as if they were some sort of treasure. Meanwhile, Su Yu mentally traced the core formation arrays from the book, his right hand occasionally moving as if he were carving something out of thin air.
Time passed slowly, and it was already past 2 PM. Su Yu was still reading. Perhaps influenced by him, Wang Dong also picked up a book—something like an encyclopedia of soul beasts.
The dormitory was quiet.
Suddenly, the dormitory's loudspeaker blared, startling both of them.
"Attention, students. At 3 PM today, two duels will be held at the Second Testing Ground. Those interested are welcome to come and watch."
The broadcast was loud and clear, and both of them heard it perfectly.
"There's a competition? At the Second Testing Ground? Are you going?" Wang Dong, feeling bored, was excited to hear about a competition.
"Let's go. It's a good chance to see what the soul engineers here are capable of," Su Yu replied, closing his book and putting it away.
"Let's hurry then. If we're late, we might not get good seats," Wang Dong urged.
"When it comes to things like this, you're more enthusiastic than anyone else."
Su Yu laughed and shook his head but didn't object.
The two left the dormitory, locking the door behind them. At that moment, many other students were also streaming out of their rooms. It seemed plenty of people were interested in watching the competition.
Having already explored the campus, Su Yu knew where the Second Testing Ground was. The two of them walked quickly toward the location.
The Second Testing Ground was the second-largest testing ground at the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy. It was used for various activities, including duels, soul tool experiments, and student assessments.
The Second Testing Ground was a massive structure, resembling an arena. Inside was a large open area, surrounded by rows of seating that extended upwards.
Su Yu and Wang Dong moved quickly, and when they arrived, there weren't many people inside yet. Naturally, the front rows offered the best view, so Su Yu led Wang Dong straight there.
As soon as they entered, Su Yu spotted some familiar faces. In the front row sat a group of people who looked like leaders—probably the academy's teachers.