Douluo Continent: The Book of Witness and Peerless Tang Sect

Chapter 39 Confirms the Special Recruitment of Soul Guidance Department Students

It obviously doesn't take an eighth-level Soul Master too long to evaluate a third-level Soul Tool.

The forging room was quiet for only a minute or two before Fan Yu finished disassembling and assembling the gravity soul tool and gently put down the level-three gravity soul tool in his hand.

"A truly remarkable piece of work. I must admit, at first, I didn't quite believe you when you said you were a Level 3 Soul Master. But you proved me right, that I had underestimated you."

This gravity soul tool is very well made. I can see some designs on it that are different from those commonly found on the market. This must be your own modification.

Although I haven't specifically tested the effects of this gravity-based soul tool, my experience tells me that its effectiveness has at least doubled. This is something an ordinary level-three soul tool master couldn't achieve. Just from this one soul tool creation, I can tell you have exceptional talent in the field of soul tools.

Cai Tou told me that you wanted to study at the Soul Guidance Branch. I was very happy about that, as the Soul Guidance Branch welcomes all students interested in soul tools. For talented students, the Soul Guidance Branch is especially generous with special admission slots.

But I still want to know why. You're a freshman, your age can't be more than thirteen, yet you're already a Soul Master. Clearly, your talent as a Soul Master is exceptionally strong. I believe that after the freshman assessment, the Martial Soul Department will be willing to offer you a core disciple spot.

So, why? Everyone knows that Shrek Academy's strongest element is its Martial Soul system.

"The reasons are quite complex."

"I'd like to hear it."

“Okay, Professor Fanyu. I will explain this issue from the perspective of the development of soul tools, as well as from my personal perspective.”

First, let's look at the development of soul tools. During the collision and fusion of continents, the Sun Moon Empire already demonstrated the terrifying combat power of soul tools. Furthermore, the continuous appearance of soul tools in our lives over the following millennia proves their convenience.

It's fair to say that soul tools, with their convenience, versatility, and practical combat effectiveness, are unlikely to be eliminated by the times. Driven by the tides of history, the development of soul tools will only become stronger.

The reason why there are still voices claiming that high-level Soul Masters can't defeat high-level Soul Masters is simply because Soul Tools still need further development. Furthermore, we can't actually be certain whether high-level Soul Masters have an advantage when facing high-level Soul Masters.

After all, the most advanced soul tool technology is in the Sun Moon Empire.

Putting everything else aside, let's talk about flying soul tools. The Sun Moon Empire already has flying soul tools that even a one-ring Soul Master can use independently, but what about us? Only Soul Masters can use flying soul tools independently, right?

Such a difference even for a support-type soul tool. I find it hard to believe that the Sun Moon Empire hasn't made breakthroughs in high-level soul tool technology.

I believe the future prospects for high-level Soul Masters are no longer what people envisioned a thousand years ago. In the absence of significant weaknesses in combat ability, I prefer a Soul Master with diverse skills, capable of effectively handling various situations, to one with limited abilities.

"I must say, this is a rather refreshing argument for me. You've offered a conjecture about the future prospects of soul tools and provided indirect evidence. As a soul tool master, I'm glad that someone would think this way."

Based on just this one reason you gave, I'm willing to have the academy make an exception and admit you to the Soul Guidance Department. However, I still want to hear your other reasons; you know, some ideas are deeply ingrained and difficult to change.

The Martial Soul Department has always maintained that Soul Tools are external objects, and using them will hinder the development of one's Martial Soul. What are your thoughts on this view?

"To be honest, I don't quite understand why people would think that way. If learning how to make soul tools would interfere with the cultivation of martial souls, then I agree."

After all, a person's energy is indeed limited. If one is not truly talented in making soul tools, then in order to improve one's soul master level, one may unknowingly delay the cultivation of martial soul.

But how could using a soul tool hinder the development of one's martial soul? Learning to use a soul tool is essentially the same as practicing soul skills; it doesn't waste time at all. As for the idea that using a soul tool could lead to dependence and thus neglect martial soul cultivation, that's utter nonsense.

The use of soul tools is based on soul power. To use higher-level soul tools, one needs more powerful soul power. How could a soul master who aspires to use more powerful soul tools possibly relax his cultivation in martial soul and soul power?

In my view, the cultivation of soul power and the use of soul tools by soul masters are clearly complementary.

"I hope everyone can realize this. I can see your talent, so when you come to the Soul Guidance Department to study, I will supervise your progress in Soul Master training."

Go on, tell me from your personal perspective why you chose to become a Soul Master.

"Actually, after I've shared my personal views on the future development of soul tools, there's no need to go into detail about this issue."

I am optimistic about the future of Soul Masters and believe I can become a powerful one. Moreover, as long as I have the talent, I think the Soul Guidance Department will be generous with the training programs available to them.

"One last question: Would you be willing to be my disciple?"

Fan Yu's question was somewhat abrupt. Long You admitted that he was actually quite pleasantly surprised when he confirmed he hadn't misheard the question. From the moment Fan Yu appeared, Long You realized that his entry into the Soul Guidance Department was a sure thing.

At that time, Long You thought that he might become a core disciple of the Soul Guidance Department and might be accepted as a disciple by Fan Yu, but Long You did not expect it to happen so quickly.

"Greetings, teacher. Your disciple greets you."

Surprised as he was, he couldn't let go of the powerful figure he needed to rely on (for Long You, who was only a Soul Master, Fan Yu, an eighth-level Soul Master of the Soul Douluo level, was a powerful figure). After a brief pause, Long You didn't have time to think about why, and immediately knelt down to formally establish their master-disciple relationship.

"Very good, get up. Xiao You, from now on you'll call me teacher, just like Cai Tou."

From now on, Xiao You, you are a specially recruited student of the Soul Guidance Department. In a little while, Cai Tou will take you to process your student status in the Soul Guidance Department and the identity token for entering and exiting this Experimental Zone No. 12.

You still need to participate in the freshman assessment for the Spirit Arts Department. Not only you, but Cai Tou also needs to participate. That's the entrance assessment, designed to test whether a person truly has the ability to stay at Shrek Academy.

If you pass the freshman assessment, you will gain the status of a core disciple in the Soul Guidance Department. If you fail, you won't be expelled directly; you can still study in the Soul Guidance Department, but you can forget about becoming a core disciple.

"Yes, please don't worry, teacher."