In Classroom Nine that afternoon—
The words "Soul-Guided Devices" stood boldly on the blackboard.
"Therefore," Mujin said from the podium, "soul-guided devices have become an unstoppable trend. I sincerely hope you learn to integrate them into combat—rather than relying solely on your martial souls."
Most students, however, couldn't care less.
Wang Dong's disdain was the most blatant.
But beside him, Huo Yuhao offered a stark contrast—after all, he was already dual-majoring as a soul engineer.
Mujin pretended not to notice their indifference. She'd taught this way for years—it was routine.
Just then—the dismissal bell rang.
"Class is over!"
One student shot to his feet, eyes blazing with excitement.
But the moment he stood—
The entire classroom fell dead silent.
"Heh." Mujin's smile didn't reach her eyes. "So some of you truly have zero interest in soul-guided devices."
Though no one spoke, skeptical smirks covered most faces.
Sigh.
Mujin inwardly sighed. If this was their attitude, there was no point continuing her planned lecture on soul-guided tech. Better to let them train.
"Move your desks and chairs to the sides," she instructed, clearing the center of the room.
Once the space was ready—
"For the rest of the period, meditate and cultivate. Aim to raise your soul power by one level in these three months—it'll boost your chances of passing the freshman assessment."
But then—
"Teacher."
Chen Junting's voice cut through the quiet, drawing Mujin's attention.
"Yes?"
"Ordinary meditation is too inefficient. Could we set up a simulated cultivation environment here?"
The phrase "simulated cultivation environment" instantly electrified the class. Even Mujin's eyes widened—though her surprise quickly turned to concern.
"Simulated cultivation environment?" She shook her head. "I'm sorry, but Shrek's Outer Academy doesn't have facilities for that."
Realizing her misunderstanding, Chen Junting clarified, "We mean—could we set one up ourselves, right here in the classroom?"
"Yourselves?" Wang Dong leaned toward Huo Yuhao, baffled. "How? Doesn't that take massive resources?"
"Naturally, in a way you can't imagine." Huo Yuhao chuckled.
"You're grinning like a smug little weasel," Wang Dong muttered, eyeing him suspiciously. "'A way I can't imagine'? Hmph."
By now, Mujin had already granted permission—curious how the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect would pull this off.
In the next second—
Flash! Flash! Flash!
Three soul-guided devices materialized in the cleared space:
- A gemstone-adorned throne that absorbed its own radiance,
- A heat-generating disc that contained all fire internally,
- A weapon rack emitting a protective barrier, holding several sword-type close-combat soul-guided devices and spirit-steel longswords imbued with killing intent.
"Those are soul-guided devices?!"
"You're using soul-guided devices to build a simulated cultivation environment?!"
Wang Dong gaped—then turned to Huo Yuhao, who now held a pendant shaped like an eye.
It was a spirit-type soul-guided device, crafted from a hundred-year Evil Eye soul beast. It emitted spiritual waves—perfect for spirit-type martial souls like Huo Yuhao's.
"Surprised?" Huo Yuhao dangled the pendant. "Soul-guided devices are useful, Wang Dong. Your prejudice is way too strong."
"They are good… but I just can't stand them," Wang Dong mumbled—so quietly Huo Yuhao missed it. He assumed Wang Dong was reflecting on his bias.
Except for the last mutter:
"Your Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect is seriously rolling in wealth."
Mujin, meanwhile, smiled genuinely.
From Chen Junting's group, she saw a new path to dismantle her students' anti-soul-guided-device bias.
And yes—she, too, marveled at the sect's staggering riches.
The four devices took little space. Once arranged, Chen Junting's group began meditating—their cultivation speed more than double that of their peers.
Many students felt their hearts stir.
Some, toward soul-guided devices.
Most, toward the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect—especially the commoner-born freshmen.
…
As time passed, students gradually emerged from meditation.
"That's all for today," Mujin announced. "Ning Tian, have someone reset the desks, then you're dismissed."
But the moment she stepped out—
She doubled back before anyone could leave.
Under confused stares, she fixed her gaze on Dugu Xin at the back.
"Dugu Xin—you come to my office."
The simple sentence sent Dugu Xin's heart plummeting. He didn't know why—but dread coiled in his gut. After a quick nod to Chen Junting's group, he abandoned his half-set desk and followed Mujin out.
"What's going on?" Wu Feng asked Chen Junting, eyes narrowed.
"How should I know?" Chen Junting replied, frowning slightly. 'If it were about me, she'd have taken him straight away—no need to return.'
So what about Dugu Xin—beyond his poison—could draw the academy's attention?
"Brother Junting…" Ning Tian caught his eye. Her lips formed a silent word: "Immortal herbs."
Chen Junting gave a subtle shake of his head—'Don't worry'—and said aloud, "Let's head back to the dorms. I'll ask him later."
After everyone dispersed to their rooms, Chen Junting sat cross-legged on his bed, practicing the spiritual meditation technique Electrolux had taught him.
Until the door opened.
"You're back."
He opened his eyes to see Dugu Xin's bitter, hollow expression.
Chen Junting didn't ask what Mujin had said—he could tell it wasn't good news. Instead, he offered simply: "If you need help… just say it."
Dugu Xin fell silent.
A full minute passed before he whispered, "Thanks. But… I'm fine."
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