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Su Yu's concept of the virtual soul core technology for advanced battle armor is groundbreaking not just because it lowers the difficulty of condensing a second soul core but also because it significantly reduces the associated risks.
Even when the soul core is integrated into the battle armor, the construction of the virtual second soul core requires the soul master to continuously adjust the core formation array, often consuming immense effort. While the overall difficulty of the process isn't drastically reduced, what truly decreases is the risk involved.
By lowering the risk, the technology positively influences the soul master's mindset, which in turn increases the likelihood of success. A soul master's mindset plays a crucial role in achieving breakthroughs. With reduced risks, the number of attempts can also increase. If one attempt fails, a second or third can follow. Though the spiritual nature of the spirit alloy may suffer permanent loss from failures, it can always be nurtured over time and restored for another attempt.
If the virtual soul core technology is incorporated into battle armor, the greatest benefits will be the reduced risk and the enhanced amplification effect of the armor.
After explaining the cultivation method for the three soul cores to Huo Yuhao once again, Su Yu revisited this issue with renewed focus. He had always been curious about how three soul cores could achieve yin-yang complementarity.
From the condensation of the second soul core onward, there are two distinct approaches. One method is to fully align with the first soul core's existing direction, condensing the second soul core through same-phase resonance. This approach minimizes interference from the first soul core, reduces risk, and allows for continuous adjustment over time until the optimal moment is achieved. The other method involves fully enduring the influence of the first soul core and condensing the second soul core in an entirely opposite direction. This not only makes the condensation process far more difficult but also leads to a chaotic state when the two soul cores inevitably clash at the moment of success.
Using a spinning disc as an analogy, same-phase resonance is like two discs spinning in the exact same direction, perfectly synchronized, while yin-yang complementarity resembles two discs spinning in completely opposite directions.
Su Yu's confusion wasn't about the operational mechanism between two soul cores but about how three soul cores could achieve yin-yang complementarity. The most reasonable explanation he could think of was that the first and second soul cores complemented each other, the second and third soul cores also complemented each other, while the first and third soul cores achieved same-phase resonance, thus maintaining balance among all three.
However, this approach disrupts the uniformity of the relationship between the three soul cores. This presents an obstacle to Su Yu's idea of using the three soul cores as a foundation to integrate the seventh, eighth, and ninth soul rings, each from different dimensional perspectives.
"Perhaps, through spatial distortion, it might be possible to achieve a non-three-dimensional rotational relationship between the soul cores?"
Su Yu began to explore the possibility of using spatial distortion to alter the spatial relationships between the soul cores, thereby allowing the third soul core to form a complementary relationship with the first.
However, the requirements for spatial manipulation are excessively high, and the concept itself is so abstract that even Su Yu couldn't determine whether it could actually be realized.
This was an unprovable hypothesis, completely different from Su Yu's virtual soul core technology, which was grounded in practicality. Ultimately, Su Yu dismissed the idea.
If nothing else worked, he could simply adopt the same-phase resonance method. Condensing all three soul cores using same-phase resonance might not be inferior to the structure of two pairs of complementary cores and one pair of resonating cores.
After all, resonance is a terrifying phenomenon. The more objects that resonate, the greater the power and intensity they produce.
The concept of the three soul cores aligns perfectly with the principle of the three talents, forming a triangular structure that is inherently stable.
Having accomplished their purpose in seeking out Su Yu, Huo Yuhao and Jing Hongchen bid their farewells and departed from the back mountain.
As they left, they encountered Xu Tianran, who had been waiting for them.
Su Yu, noticing the commotion, came to observe the scene alongside Kong Deming, curious to see what was happening.
Standing behind Xu Tianran was none other than Ju Zi. Dressed in an opulent, embroidered robe and exuding an air of elegance, she wore the phoenix crown, a headdress reserved for the empress. Her regal appearance left no doubt about her elevated status—Ju Zi had become the empress.
Huo Yuhao's pupils contracted sharply, his breathing quickened, and his eyes gleamed faintly red. Within his spiritual sea, it was as though massive waves were crashing violently.
"Yuhao, calm down."
"Stay calm, Yuhao!"
The voices of Skydream Iceworm and Ice Emperor echoed in his mind, reminding Huo Yuhao to keep his composure and preventing him from losing control.
Octagonal Mantis, unfamiliar with the situation, stood nearby with Xiaobai, both appearing confused and wide-eyed, unsure of what was transpiring.
Ju Zi, standing behind Xu Tianran, avoided Huo Yuhao's gaze, her expression betraying a mix of guilt and unease.
Meanwhile, Su Yu watched the scene unfold with evident amusement, as though all he needed was a handful of sunflower seeds to complete the spectacle.
"What brings the Bright Emperor to my territory?" Kong Deming asked coldly, his tone laced with disdain.
Kong Deming rarely treated Xu Tianran with any warmth, harboring significant resentment toward him for "inviting the wolf into the house." His tone alone revealed his discontent.
Xu Tianran, however, seemed unfazed. With a smile, he replied, "I heard that the Hall Master of the Red Dust visited the royal palace, and I was curious about what brought him here. After learning that the Hall Master's beloved disciple returned to Sun-Moon, followed by the Hall Master heading to the back mountain, I thought perhaps he required assistance."
His respect for Kong Deming was evident. Were it not inappropriate for an emperor to bow too deeply, Xu Tianran might have done so out of deference.
During the standoff between Kong Deming and the Evil Emperor in the Evil Demon Forest, there were no direct eyewitnesses apart from Xuan Ziwen. However, the aura that permeated the forest left no doubt about the terrifying presence of Kong Deming.
Given that the headquarters of the Holy Spirit Cult was located in the Evil Demon Forest, Xu Tianran naturally received word of the event. Such a powerful ancestor was not someone he could afford to offend.
"This matter need not trouble Your Majesty," Jing Hongchen replied calmly. "It was merely a question regarding martial soul cultivation, and it has already been resolved."
"Oh?" Xu Tianran, seated in his wheelchair, exuded an aura of authority. After a year on the throne, his imperial presence had fully matured.
Yet, none of those present were in the least affected by his demeanor.
With their spiritual powers nearly tangible, Xu Tianran's imposing aura had no effect whatsoever. Moreover, the four individuals showed no reverence for him as an emperor.
"In that case, congratulations to the Hall Master's disciple for advancing further," Xu Tianran said, his gaze lingering on Huo Yuhao for a long moment as he sensed the immense fluctuations of soul power emanating from him.
"Our Sun Moon Empire is fortunate to have someone of your caliber."
"Your name is Huo Yuhao, correct?"
"Yes!" Huo Yuhao responded, suppressing the rage boiling within him.
Seeing his restrained demeanor, Ju Zi felt even more guilty.
Yet, for the sake of vengeance, she had no choice but to continue down this path.
"I'm sorry, Yuhao."
Although Huo Yuhao had calmed down, he vaguely realized the underlying issue. He felt that Ju Zi must have her reasons for acting this way. And among those reasons, the greatest one, he knew all too well.
Hatred!
"Well done. Truly worthy of being the Hall Master's prized disciple."
Xu Tianran praised Huo Yuhao generously, his sharp gaze lingering on him.
"By the way, Yuhao, your strength has already reached a level sufficient for graduation from the academy, hasn't it? You should participate in the upcoming Soul Dueling Tournament. Once the tournament concludes, I will personally approve your early graduation. With your talent and strength, I'd like you to take command of the Royal Soul Engineer Legion. What do you think?"
At the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy, soul engineers served as the reserve forces for the empire's Soul Engineer Legion.
When summoned by the emperor, they were expected to join the front lines of battle. More commonly, they received orders to stay behind and mass-produce soul tools.
However, because Huo Yuhao's combat prowess was exceptional, Xu Tianran intended to send him directly to the front lines.
Of course, the position offered was a tempting one: the head of an entire division of the Royal Soul Engineer Legion.
While it was unlikely he'd be promoted directly to such a position, this promise served as a tantalizing carrot on a stick.
Even so, Huo Yuhao had no choice but to nod along for now and appear cooperative with Xu Tianran's plans.
Jing Hongchen, who was observing from the side, tried to interject and assist Huo Yuhao, but Xu Tianran gave him no opportunity to speak.
Meanwhile, from Su Yu's perspective, unnoticed by Xu Tianran, he gestured to both Jing Hongchen and Huo Yuhao, signaling them to accept the offer.
After all, Ju Zi would eventually need to wield control over the military. Allowing Yuhao to gain experience in that environment might not be such a bad idea.
Su Yu, however, felt a tinge of dissatisfaction. He thought the drama of the day wasn't as intense as he'd hoped and regretfully returned to the back mountain to continue his studies.
"You were really engrossed in that, weren't you?" Kong Deming teased with a laugh.
Given his powerful spiritual domain, there was no way he hadn't noticed the tension in the air during the exchange. The only one oblivious to the atmosphere had been Xu Tianran, whose sole focus was on recruiting Huo Yuhao into the military and using the opportunity to suppress Jing Hongchen.
Outside the palace, Huo Yuhao reflected on everything that had just transpired.
Su Yu's subtle signals. Ju Zi's evident guilt.
"What does Brother Yu mean? Does he really want me to join the military?"
The Soul Engineer Legion was directly under the emperor's control. Once Huo Yuhao was part of it, Xu Tianran could openly subject him to both coercion and pressure. At the same time, Jing Hongchen would lose the ability to intervene under the guise of Sun-Moon Hall's neutrality.
"Sigh. My original plan was to wait a few years and let you stay at Sun-Moon Hall as a researcher. But I was just a step too late," Jing Hongchen lamented.
Huo Yuhao's two-year absence had left Jing Hongchen unprepared for Xu Tianran's sudden move.
"Still, if that Su Yu kid is encouraging you to join the military, then he must see some advantage in it. When you return to Sun-Moon Hall, make sure to talk to him and find out exactly what he's planning."
"Yes."
Su Yu didn't stay long at the royal palace's back mountain. He sought guidance from his teacher on the theory behind the level 9 soul tools, and the process was significantly shortened during his conversation with Jing Hongchen and Kong Deming.
Two days later, he returned to Sun-Moon Hall.
As soon as Su Yu returned, Huo Yuhao eagerly sought him out.
"Brother Yu, what did you mean by all that back there?"
Unable to hold back his question, Huo Yuhao asked.
"Yuhao, you have to understand that Xu Tianran is crippled. His ambitions are enormous—he wants to swallow the three Douluo kingdoms, and his desire to control the military is not small. Who do you think is most suitable to replace him in commanding the army?" Su Yu replied, countering with a question.
Huo Yuhao froze for a moment, then his eyes widened in realization.
"You mean... Ju Zi will eventually take command of the military?"
Huo Yuhao knew full well Ju Zi's military capabilities; she would definitely be up for the task. But could a queen truly lead soldiers into battle? Was that really feasible?
"Yuhao, this is not something to doubt. With Xu Tianran's personality, he's fully capable of pulling this off. I can tell you and Ju Zi share a special bond. Perhaps her rise to the throne has its own reasons, and I think you two should talk about it. The military might make it easier for you to meet with her."
After Su Yu briefly explained things to Huo Yuhao, the young man's internal conflict seemed to ease a little.
"Alright, go back and work on your soul tools. Try to make the intermediate battle armor using spirit gold. Start nurturing it early so it can be upgraded later."
Su Yu waved him off, turning to begin his own work on creating soul tools.
Time to challenge for level 9 Soul Engineer!
There were still some rare metals left, though it might not be enough for a full challenge to level 9, it would suffice for some trial runs.
If it wasn't enough, he could always ask Kong Deming and Jing Hongchen for help. They would definitely have ways around it.
Mainly, he didn't want to spend his own money buying rare metals.
Working?
No chance.
Just as he prepared to push for level 9 Soul Engineer, Su Yu ran into the Xiao brothers within Sun-Moon Hall.
Xiao Ping and Xiao Fan—what an interesting pair of brothers.
One was a Soul Engineer specializing in close combat, passionate about soul tool armor, and perfectly aligned with the battle armor system.
The other was essentially a Soul Master disguised as a Soul Engineer, more interested in the cultivation of soul masters. His soul engineer skills were developed alongside his Soul Master training, creating tools to help his own cultivation.
"Senior Su Yu," the Xiao brothers greeted.
Su Yu asked what had brought them here.
"Senior, the Hall Master wants to see you."
"Oh?"
"The teams for the upcoming Soul Dueling Tournament have been selected, and we're entering the final training phase. You're part of the team."
In Jing Hongchen's office, Su Yu, Huo Yuhao, Jing Hongchen, Meng Hongchen, the Xiao brothers, and eight other Soul Engineers were gathered.
A total of fourteen people—seven for the main team and seven for the reserve team.
"Little Yu, you're here. Let's introduce ourselves since you're the team leader for the upcoming tournament," Jing Hongchen said.
"Xiao Ping, level 5 Soul Engineer, specializes in close combat, and his basic battle armor is almost complete. Shi Xing, level 5 Soul Engineer, excels in high-explosive soul tools and has started working on his battle armor. Zhou Xinghao, level 5 Soul Engineer, specializes in heavy artillery, and his battle armor is under construction."
Since Su Yu already knew Huo Yuhao, Meng Hongchen, and Jing Hongchen, there was no need for introductions. Jing Hongchen introduced the other three main team members.
Su Yu had already met Xiao Ping by chance, but the other two—Shi Xing had soul power at least at the high-level Soul King rank, tall, thin, and handsome. Zhou Xinghao was short and stocky, but from Su Yu's perception, his strength seemed considerable.
Jing Hongchen briefly introduced the seven members of the reserve team before speaking again.
"Today is just for introductions. After this, we'll begin the training."
Training?
Su Yu was slightly confused.
Three Soul Sages, one Soul Emperor, and three Soul Kings, all in battle armor.
With this kind of setup, what training could they possibly need?
(End of Chapter)