It was precisely because of this that the soul-guided technology department had long been suppressed. Despite its aspirations for growth, it remained stuck in a limbo of stagnation.
This situation was particularly frustrating for Xian Lin'er, the dean of the soul-guided technology department.
What made matters worse was that, as the birthplace of advanced soul-guided devices, the Sun Moon Empire had never once managed to seize the championship of the Soul Master Tournament from Shrek Academy. This failure only gave the stubborn traditionalists more ammunition to criticize the soul-guided program.
However, although Shrek had lost this time, it provided Xian Lin'er with an opportunity to prove herself and the value of soul-guided technology.
Let those old-fashioned traditionalists see—this was the future! Clinging to outdated methods would only lead to obsolescence.
Though she felt vindicated, Xian Lin'er now regretted speaking too hastily earlier. Had her words displeased her teacher? After all, Mu En represented the pinnacle of the old era.
At this moment, Mu En's voice softly rang out: "Everyone, what are your thoughts?"
Xian Lin'er's expression brightened. As Mu En's disciple, she naturally knew that his inclinations were now leaning toward her side.
Inwardly, she rejoiced, calling herself foolish for doubting earlier. After all, it was Mu En himself who had initially pushed for the establishment of the soul-guided department—a clear indication of his recognition of its importance.
The other elder masters exchanged glances but remained silent. They were traditional soul masters, after all.
But the primary reason for their silence was the sheer shock they felt at the power displayed by soul-guided devices.
Ten thousand years ago, it took a soul master at least 20 years to reach the rank of Soul Sage. Even now, with advancements, it still required over a decade to break through to that level.
But times had changed.
A soul master who had only trained for a few years to reach the rank of Soul Honored could now wield the strength of a Soul Sage through those bizarre armor-type soul-guided devices. How could any soul master not be stunned by this?
Moreover, detailed information about these soul-guided armors hadn't yet circulated widely on the continent. If there was an even lower cultivation threshold, it would be even more outrageous.
"Ah..." Mu En let out a sigh, causing everyone's hearts to tighten. What would this great figure say next?
"Since none of you are speaking, allow me to share my thoughts."
Mu En, who had appeared benevolent with half-closed eyes, slowly opened his pair of golden, piercing eyes. His gaze seemed capable of seeing straight into the depths of one's soul.
"Weakness and ignorance have never been obstacles to survival—arrogance is.
Long ago, I foresaw that the future of soul masters lies in soul-guided devices, just as our ancestors once relied on wooden spears and bows to hunt beasts.
If soul masters wish to grow stronger, they must embrace the power of soul-guided technology.
It has been 4,000 years since the collision of the Sun Moon Continent and the Douluo Continent. Though our strength far surpasses that of the Sun Moon Continent, do you know why we never directly seized their soul-guided technology?"
The crowd exchanged puzzled glances. This was something they had never considered. With Mu En's unrivaled power, he could have easily taken the Sun Moon Empire's soul-guided technology by force. Why had he instead chosen to painstakingly research it on his own?
A bitter smile appeared on Mu En's lips. "You see...
This secret was originally meant to be taken to my grave and passed down only to the next Sea God Pavilion master.
But now, I feel as though this era is on the verge of spiraling out of control. Perhaps this secret no longer needs to be preserved."
Everyone became captivated by the mystery Mu En hinted at. What kind of secret could make Mu En choose to remain dormant within Shrek Academy rather than directly confronting the Sun Moon Empire?
"You must remember this," Mu En continued. "Aside from their Level 9 soul engineers, the Sun Moon Empire also defines a Level 10 soul engineer rank. A soul master wielding a Level 10 soul-guided device can rival even a transcendent Douluo like myself.
To prevent mutual destruction and leave ourselves vulnerable to hidden malevolent soul masters, I dared not engage in a life-or-death confrontation with the Sun Moon Empire.
Therefore, when you face the Sun Moon Empire in the future, always beware of their Level 10 soul engineers."
Though simple, this revelation shocked everyone present. The fact that Level 9 soul engineers could already challenge Super Douluos with their Level 9 soul-guided devices was troubling enough. To learn that the Sun Moon Empire had concealed such a trump card was even more startling.
As the authority on soul-guided technology at Shrek Academy, Xian Lin'er couldn't help but ask:
"Teacher, if a transcendent Douluo wields a Level 10 soul-guided device, could they rival the gods of legend?"
This question touched upon a blind spot in Mu En's knowledge. After all, he was only a demi-god, still some distance away from the next stage—the quasi-divine realm.
After pondering Kong Deming's combat strength, Mu En slowly shook his head.
"A transcendent Douluo isn't simply defined by reaching Level 99. There are three stages. The first is the initial breakthrough to Level 99. Above that is someone like me—a demi-god transcendent Douluo. But beyond that lies the quasi-divine transcendent Douluo, who stands just one step away from godhood.
From what I know, the power of a Level 10 soul-guided device can, at most, brush against the edge of a quasi-divine transcendent Douluo's capabilities. Challenging a true god remains unrealistic.
Furthermore, the Sun Moon Empire's Level 10 soul-guided devices differ from ordinary Level 9 ones. These are special devices tied to the life force of the soul engineer. Only the Level 10 soul engineer themselves can utilize them. Unfortunately, the Sun Moon Empire's reliance on drug-enhanced cultivation means Kong Deming will never reach that threshold. So, you need not worry."
Satisfied with the answer, Xian Lin'er thanked Mu En and sat back down.
Mu En scanned the room once more before speaking again.
"Shaozhe."
Instantly, Yan Shaozhe stood up. Like Xian Lin'er, he was also a Super Douluo. His martial soul was the Bright Phoenix, and his title was "Bright Phoenix." He was Mu En's eldest disciple and the dean of Shrek Academy's highly regarded martial soul department.
He was also the descendant of Mu En's close friends, Long Xiaoyao and Ye Xishui.
Mu En looked at Yan Shaozhe with a complex expression and said solemnly:
"Shaozhe, soul-guided technology is the future of soul masters. We cannot continue to let Shrek lag behind in this field.
From now on, you will assist Lin'er in selecting students from the martial soul department who show talent in soul-guided technology and prepare accordingly."
"But, Teacher," Yan Shaozhe hesitated, glancing awkwardly at Xian Lin'er beside him.
His implication was clear: Our academy has, at most, only one Level 8 soul engineer. How could we possibly compete with the Sun Moon Empire or Tianxing Academy?
This glance immediately set Xian Lin'er off. If Mu En hadn't been present, she would have undoubtedly pummeled Yan Shaozhe.
Without changing his expression, Mu En stated, "I know. But who said these students would be learning solely within our academy?"
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