The weather was sunny.
A bright and breezy day.
At the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy.
After several days of preparation, a two-meter-high platform had been erected in the academy's plaza. The square platform spanned over ten meters on each side. Surrounding it were several large screens displaying footage from the platform and the main stage.
This platform was specially constructed for the Third Prince's assessment to become an eighth-level Soul Engineer. It was equipped with visual barriers and soundproofing, essentially functioning as an independent laboratory.
This ensured that external people and noises could not interfere with the Third Prince while he engraved the soul tool's core formation.
In fact, those outside couldn't see what was happening inside at all, but that didn't dampen the students' enthusiasm. From early morning, a large number of students had gathered around the plaza, eagerly waiting for the assessment to begin.
A public eighth-level Soul Engineer assessment!
Even within the Sun Moon Empire, this was a rare event.
Normally, there would be public demonstrations or lectures, but public assessments? Unheard of.
Such a grand occasion naturally drew a crowd.
Would they witness the birth of a 20-year-old eighth-level Soul Engineer?
Or the Third Prince's failure?
Either way, the event was worth attending—for the spectacle alone, it could fuel gossip for at least half a month.
Not only students and faculty from the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy came, but also many nobles and members of various factions pulled strings to attend. Among them were also the exchange students from Shrek Academy.
Led by Fan Yu, the exchange students and their teachers from Shrek stood together, watching the public assessment.
The academy had even reserved a prime viewing spot for them.
"I wonder if that Third Prince is truly skilled or just putting on a show," one Shrek student whispered. "A 20-something eighth-level Soul Engineer? That's impossible!"
Even seventh-level Soul Engineers in their twenties were rare at Shrek Academy!
Fan Yu frowned slightly at the comment. He turned his head and scolded softly, "Don't speak carelessly. This is the Sun Moon Empire's matter—we're here only to observe and learn."
"Yes, Director Fan Yu!" the students quickly nodded.
After Fan Yu turned his gaze back, a plain-looking female teacher beside him asked, "What do you think, Fan Yu?"
Fan Yu didn't take offense. Instead, his eyes showed a hint of instinctive respect—because the woman beside him was none other than the undercover Xian Lin'er.
Still, Fan Yu didn't show any unusual reaction. Arms crossed, he continued to watch the platform and replied quietly, "I heard that the Third Prince only passed the seventh-level assessment a few years ago, and he doesn't have any notable achievements in soul tool design."
Implying: He's not qualified.
Impossible. Absolutely impossible.
The Sun Moon Empire indeed had eighth-level Soul Engineers in their twenties, but those were well-known prodigies from a young age. The Third Prince was not.
Fan Yu hadn't gone out of his way to investigate the prince. In fact, information on him was now widespread.
Ever since the assessment was announced a week ago, all of Mingdu had been talking about the Third Prince.
Same among the students at the Sun Moon Royal Academy.
Fan Yu had heard quite a bit.
Xian Lin'er nodded slightly, sharing the same sentiment. "That's why his assessment must serve a special purpose."
"Special purpose?" Fan Yu was puzzled.
"The throne," Xian Lin'er said with just two words.
Fan Yu's eyes widened slightly. "Could it be that the emperor of the Sun Moon Empire...?"
He didn't finish. This wasn't a topic to be openly discussed. If someone with ill intent overheard, whether it was true or not, they could all be in danger.
But if there was nothing wrong with the emperor, why would the princes start maneuvering for the throne?
"Nothing's confirmed yet, but I've heard it's not looking good," Xian Lin'er said vaguely, not naming anyone specifically.
After arriving in Mingdu, she'd been secretly gathering intel—and she'd heard rumors of the emperor being gravely ill.
Not good news at all.
If a succession crisis erupted in the Sun Moon Empire, no one could say whether they might launch a war to deflect internal strife.
"But if the assessment fails, wouldn't that hurt the Third Prince even more?" Fan Yu questioned, more confused about the prince's motives.
"Which is why he has to succeed. And that leaves him with only one option."
"Cheating!" Fan Yu blurted out in shock.
"Whatever the case, we're just observers. Stay alert in the coming days," Xian Lin'er warned finally.
This matter wasn't theirs to meddle in—just sit back and watch the show.
"I understand," Fan Yu responded and then fell silent.
At that moment, someone approached them—it was Lin Jiayi, the Director of Education at the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy and an eighth-level Soul Engineer himself.
"Friends from Shrek Academy, may I join you to watch the assessment?" Lin Jiayi asked with a smile, stepping up beside Fan Yu.
"You're too polite, Director Lin. This is your academy, of course you may," Fan Yu replied calmly, lowering his arms.
"Excellent," Lin Jiayi smiled and took a place beside him.
Xian Lin'er quietly stepped back two paces to give the two some space.
Lin Jiayi paid her no mind.
He was aware of the teacher who often left the academy—clearly not an ordinary person. But Lin Jiayi didn't care. Just a Soul Douluo. She couldn't stir up much trouble in Mingdu.
He was even more concerned about whether she might one day never come back.
Indeed, Xian Lin'er was disguised as an eight-ringed Soul Douluo.
Luckily, new teachers weren't required to undergo medical exams upon joining.
"Has Professor Fan Yu been settling in well at the academy?" Lin Jiayi continued.
"Quite well," Fan Yu replied evenly.
"I see. What are your thoughts on our Sun Moon Empire's soul engineering technology?"
"It's formidable. I've learned a great deal."
"Haha, I hope our exchange students to Shrek Academy will feel the same."
"Shrek never withholds knowledge."
The two conversed like casual acquaintances, but there was subtle probing in their words.
Elsewhere in the plaza, other spectators were chatting quietly.
Although many spoke in hushed tones, the sheer number of voices created a constant buzz, like a swarm of bees.
That buzzing was abruptly silenced by the arrival of Xu Tiannan and Jing Hongchen.
Two high-profile figures entered, and the crowd fell silent.
Fan Yu looked at the wheelchair-bound Xu Tiannan thoughtfully.
The crown prince is disabled?
With a sick emperor and a disabled heir, it was no surprise that the other princes had ambitions.
If the Sun Moon Empire fell into internal chaos over the throne, it would benefit Shrek Academy and the original Three Kingdoms of the Douluo Continent.
Jing Hongchen and Xu Tiannan took seats at the podium—the only area with seating and shade. Everyone else had to stand around the plaza due to the crowd density.
Two Soul Engineers sat with them, each bearing the badge of an eighth-level Soul Engineer.
Lin Jiayi explained to Fan Yu, "The Third Prince's eighth-level assessment will be judged by Dean Hongchen and these two senior Soul Engineers."
"I see," Fan Yu nodded mildly.
But Xian Lin'er, eavesdropping in the back, fell deep into thought.
Time passed slowly.
As the scheduled start time approached, the Third Prince had yet to appear. Xu Tiannan apologized to Jing Hongchen beside him, "Sorry, my third brother is running late and keeping you waiting."
"Not at all. It's an honor to serve as a judge for the Third Prince's assessment," Jing Hongchen replied with a cheerful smile, as if he didn't mind.
The two senior Soul Engineers said nothing either.
In reality, Jing Hongchen was fuming inside.
An eighth-level assessment required only three eighth-level engineers as judges—why did he have to be here?
But the crown prince had asked, and he couldn't say no, so he came.
He had no interest in the royal struggle, but the crown prince kept forcing him to take sides. The other princes, while less blatant, never stopped trying to win him over either.
After all, Jing Hongchen's status in the Sun Moon Empire was too influential.
Whoever earned his support had a significant chance of seizing the throne.
Because compared to the royal family, nobility, and regional powers, it was Mingde Hall and its Soul Engineers who were the true backbone of the Sun Moon Empire.
Just then, the Third Prince finally arrived!
The crowd parted, opening a path.
Then a long red carpet was rolled out.
Huo Yuhao, accompanied by two Title Douluo, walked forward slowly, a warm smile on his face—like a celebrity stepping up to accept an award.
The young man had short black hair, handsome features, wore a red robe with a white jade belt, and exuded an air of luxury. The only flaw—his skin was a little dark.
Still, he could be called a dashing, dark-skinned noble!
He drew cheers from quite a few young girls.
Of course, there were only so many superficial fangirls. Most people were more taken by his identity as the Third Prince, eager to cheer for him—and even more eager to "bear his children."
On the platform, Xu Tiannan and Jing Hongchen were both a little speechless.
Jing Hongchen muttered to himself,
"When did this Third Prince get so flashy? Worse than Xiao."
Xu Tiannan squinted, scrutinizing the prince, wondering what he was planning.
Qingci Douluo and Moying Douluo quietly followed behind, also thankful the Third Prince had darker skin—otherwise, after seven days of hard effort, he'd surely be pale as paper, clearly overworked.
Only the two of them, being close enough, could sense that the prince was a bit drained.
After all, this Third Prince's body wasn't the same as Huo Yuhao's main one. A week of "activity," even with dual cultivation techniques, had left him slightly depleted.
But the results were excellent.
The Third Prince had broken through to Level 86, and his innate soul power had risen by one level—to level 8. In simple terms: his strength increased, his potential improved… though he was now a little kidney-deficient.
Nothing too serious.
Huo Yuhao didn't rush into the assessment. Instead, he strolled around the arena, waving to the audience and responding to their cheers.
It was a bit… much.
Fan Yu looked at Lin Jiayi, saying:
"Your country's Third Prince… quite the character."
"Uh… maybe he's just excited. He's not usually like this," Lin Jiayi replied awkwardly.
But in truth, Huo Yuhao was secretly using Qi-Gazing to quickly scan people's fates—looking for suitable "prey."
And sure enough, the audience was filled with individuals of significant fortune. Some had particularly powerful destinies, with special martial soul projections. He even spotted a few royal family members carrying dragon qi.
When his eyes passed over the Shrek Academy delegation, Huo Yuhao paused for a moment before casually shifting his gaze.
Finally, he arrived before the main platform.
Among everyone present, the two with the strongest fate were on the stage:
Crown Prince Xu Tiannan and Bright Pavilion Master Jing Hongchen!
Xu Tiannan was surrounded by thick qi luck, dragon energy swirling around him, already showing signs of forming into a flood dragon. Within his aura, a massive sun projection hid a fierce dragon, glaring at the Third Prince with killing intent and hostility.
Jing Hongchen's fate was even denser. He was infused with kirin qi, already manifested into a real golden Qilin, treading on auspicious clouds and radiating majesty. Within his destiny projection was a fat golden toad—symbolizing wealth and prosperity.
Unfortunately, since this was a clone, the Qi-Gazing technique wasn't strong enough to see through their life fate (命格).
Compared to these two, the other two Level 8 Soul Engineers were like fireflies next to the moon.
Standing below the stage, Huo Yuhao offered a casual bow.
"Greetings to Your Highness, the Crown Prince, and to Master Hongchen."
Xu Tiannan smiled and said,
"Third Brother, you and I are brothers. You may call me elder brother."
"I wouldn't dare," Huo Yuhao replied bluntly.
Xu Tiannan's expression darkened slightly, though he maintained his smile.
"I speak from the heart."
To be fair, Xu Tiannan's disguise was excellent. Who could tell that this polite crown prince treated those around him as mere tools, devoid of emotion?
Well, not completely. He later developed a twisted love for Juzi—even sent her to borrow seed from another royal family member. When Juzi killed the man instead, Xu Tiannan said,
"If you don't leave me, I'll never abandon you."
Even Huo Yuhao thought he was a pervert.
"Your Highness the Third Prince, shall we begin the assessment?" Jing Hongchen interjected, cutting off the verbal sparring.
Huo Yuhao thought he could spend the whole day bickering with Xu Tiannan—quite fun. But since Jing Hongchen had spoken, he dropped it.
"I await Master Hongchen's instructions," Huo Yuhao replied casually.
"Very well, let us begin," said Jing Hongchen.
Unlike the Crown Prince, he didn't need to show deference to a prince. His status was nearly equal to the heir's.
Led by staff, Huo Yuhao approached the platform but stopped at the edge.
"Your Highness, is there a problem?" one staff member asked.
"Remove the cover."
"Huh?"
Huo Yuhao turned to Xu Tiannan and Jing Hongchen, saying:
"Since this is a public assessment, why the secrecy? Let's remove the cover and let everyone watch. Wouldn't that be better?"
Everyone was stunned.
Xu Tiannan quickly criticized him:
"Don't be reckless. Don't you know that soul engineers must avoid distractions when carving core formations? Especially high-level ones—any mistake could lead to failure."
He was all but calling the Third Prince an ignorant fraud trying to bluff his way out of a failed assessment.
"It's fine. I'll take full responsibility if I fail. And whether I pass or not is for Master Hongchen and the others to judge. Isn't that why you invited him here?" Huo Yuhao retorted, clearly determined.
Jing Hongchen blinked, then smiled.
"This young man… interesting. When did the Third Prince become so bold?"
"Since the Third Prince insists, let's do as he says."
He was curious—was the Third Prince truly capable, or just putting on a show?
Xu Tiannan's gaze flickered. This was not going according to plan.
Soon, the concealment barriers were removed. Huo Yuhao stepped onto the platform and began engraving the soul tool's core formation.
The atmosphere became even more intense.
Watching a live performance like this was far more exciting than simply waiting for a result. At Huo Yuhao's request, the projection screens began to broadcast his every move.
Standing at the workstation, Huo Yuhao calmed himself and adjusted his state.
This "public assessment" had its difficulty lowered.
The soul tool components were already pre-manufactured. The core embryo was also prepared. All he had to do was successfully engrave the formation, assemble the soul tool, and demonstrate its Level 8 power.
Even though it would still leave room to question his qualifications, succeeding in front of a live audience would still strongly prove his skill.
Even most Level 9 Soul Engineers couldn't guarantee success engraving a Level 8 core under full public scrutiny.
Let's begin!
Huo Yuhao took out a core embryo from the soul tool.
It was already processed—only the size of a fist, shaped like a regular hexagon.
Then he pulled out his engraving knife and began the work.
The more advanced the formation, the more complex it was. It demanded high skill—and even special tools.
The Third Prince's engraving knife was no ordinary blade. It was a Ranked Blade, more than capable of handling the task.
Time ticked by, second by second.
The audience watched the Third Prince's engraving process in utter seriousness.
Everyone had intentionally lowered their voices; no one dared to speak out or interrupt—doing so would risk offending the Third Prince, and by extension, Xu Tiannan and Jing Hongchen. Even people merely associated with the offender might be implicated.
Even though Xu Tiannan hoped for the Third Prince to fail the test, he would absolutely not allow anyone to interrupt—it would be a blatant challenge to his authority, especially with him sitting prominently on the central podium.
On the screen, the Third Prince engraved the core formation swiftly. His hands remained steady, exuding an air of practiced ease. Not a single mistake—an intricate core formation was gradually taking shape.
As time passed, many soul engineers present—particularly the senior ones—began to look more serious. Their expressions grew focused as they paid closer attention to the formation the Third Prince was carving.
Though the full formation wasn't visible on the screen, the complex lines and structures they could see clearly indicated this was no ordinary core formation—it was undoubtedly something advanced and rare.
"I've never seen this core formation before!" thought Fan Yu, staring intently at the screen, trying to commit the formation to memory.
Among the three allied kingdoms of the original Douluo Continent—including Shrek Academy—the number of known level-eight core formations was quite limited. Even fewer were innovative. Even those shared by the Sun-Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy weren't particularly valuable.
Now, with a rare and possibly new core formation appearing before them, there was no way Fan Yu would let this chance pass by—he had to memorize it.
But at that moment, Lin Jiayi beside him suddenly spoke up:
"Teacher Fan Yu, are you comfortable with the accommodations, food, and supplies here at the Sun-Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy?"
"…." Fan Yu didn't want to respond.
Yet Lin Jiayi kept chatting aimlessly, deliberately disturbing Fan Yu, making it hard for him to concentrate and memorize the formation. Fan Yu looked visibly helpless and even slightly frustrated.
Lin Jiayi smirked smugly.
Yes, he was doing it on purpose.
He, too, had realized that the Third Prince was engraving a completely unfamiliar core formation.
As the Dean of Instruction at the Sun-Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy—and an experienced level-eight soul engineer—Lin Jiayi wouldn't claim to know every level-eight formation, but he was familiar with most mainstream types.
So if even he had never seen this core formation, it had to be either newly developed or highly classified.
Either way, it absolutely could not be allowed to fall into Shrek Academy's hands.
After all, most high-level soul tool formations—especially from level seven and up—were state secrets of the Sun-Moon Empire. The higher the level, the greater the secrecy.
Upon realizing the formation might be new, Lin Jiayi grew alarmed and immediately began interfering with Fan Yu's observation.
Call it petty if you want—if they'd known earlier that the Third Prince would engrave a new core formation, no one would have allowed him to broadcast it live—not even Jing Hongchen.
Everyone had assumed the Third Prince would choose a low-difficulty level-eight formation—one that was already public or not sensitive.
Who knew the Third Prince would break all expectations?
Doesn't he have any sense of secrecy?
Or… was there something wrong with this formation?
Regardless, Lin Jiayi believed firmly: this new core formation must not be leaked.
Fan Yu, annoyed by Lin Jiayi's constant interference, could only put on a helpless expression and endure.
But inside, he was secretly mocking Lin Jiayi:
"Trying these underhanded tactics during a public broadcast? Pathetic. The Sun-Moon Empire truly has no class."
Little did the Sun-Moon people know—Fan Yu was merely creating a diversion!
It looked like he was memorizing the formation, but the real observer was Xian Lin'er, seated behind him.
Xian Lin'er was no fodder—she was a Titled Douluo, with strong mental power and excellent memory, ideal for studying the formation.
And Lin Jiayi wasn't paying her any attention, focusing solely on Fan Yu. That allowed Xian Lin'er to memorize the core formation in peace.
However, Xian Lin'er began to frown.
She discovered that, whether by design or coincidence, the screen never showed the entire formation at once. Every version shown was missing a piece, making it impossible to fully reconstruct the core array.
It wasn't just them—many senior soul engineers on-site noticed the unusual nature of the formation. Even Jing Hongchen, seated on the podium, had grown visibly serious.
Xu Tiannan noticed the shift in Jing Hongchen's demeanor and asked with curiosity,
"Hall Master Hongchen, is there something wrong with the core formation my third brother is engraving?"
Jing Hongchen, still focused on the screen, did not hide the truth.
"If I'm not mistaken, His Highness the Third Prince is engraving a new type of level-eight core formation."
"A new type of level-eight core formation?!" Xu Tiannan repeated, his expression shifting as he pressed further, "Are you certain?"
"I wouldn't say so if I wasn't." Jing Hongchen responded seriously, slightly irritated by the doubt.
"My apologies, Hall Master—I was simply shocked," Xu Tiannan quickly clarified.
Jing Hongchen didn't dwell on it. He continued solemnly,
"I don't claim to have seen every level-eight formation, but I know most of them. The Third Prince's array is unlike anything I've seen. But I can confirm—it is definitely a level-eight core formation. The question now is whether he can successfully engrave it to completion."
Successfully engraving a core formation wasn't just about knowledge—it required tremendous ability. The longer it took, the greater the drain on spiritual and soul power. Any mistake at the end would invalidate all previous effort.
At this moment, Jing Hongchen was both eager and curious to see if the Third Prince could finish—and to learn what this mysterious formation could actually do.
A new level-eight core formation wasn't just important—it was revolutionary.
Such a formation could give rise to an entirely new series of soul tools—or even an entirely new school of engineering. And if it could be upgraded to level nine… it might become the cornerstone of national power.
In the Mingde Hall, the most treasured resources were never just advanced soul tools or soul engineers—but the vast troves of core formations accumulated over generations.
Jing Hongchen couldn't even remember the last time a new level-nine core formation had emerged—it had to be more than a decade. Even new level-eight formations were exceedingly rare.
After receiving confirmation from Jing Hongchen, Xu Tiannan's gaze darkened. His hand, gripping his wheelchair's metal armrest, unconsciously squeezed—warping the iron grip with sheer force.
"My dear Third Brother… so this is your trump card, huh? Heh… I can only hope this really is your own creation." Xu Tiannan's heart surged with emotion, sensing a growing threat from the Third Prince.
This brother… must not be allowed to live!
Xu Tiannan: "Such a terrifying brother… he absolutely must not be allowed to remain!"
"Guards, cut the footage of the Third Prince inscribing the core array!" Jing Hongchen suddenly ordered.
Xu Tianran's lips moved slightly but said nothing. He couldn't let personal feelings undermine the empire's interests—it would damage his image. Instead, he even had to thank Jing Hongchen on behalf of the Third Prince.
"Thank you, Hall Master Hongchen, for your consideration toward my third brother."
"Mm." Jing Hongchen simply nodded calmly.
To be honest, he suspected that the Third Prince had done it on purpose, since the removal of the concealment was his own request.
But Jing Hongchen couldn't just stand by and let the prince do as he pleased.
The staff rushed to act. Although the situation on the platform remained visible, the live broadcast no longer showed the Third Prince inscribing the core array.
Many soul engineers were disappointed, but didn't pry further—it would've been impolite.
Only people like Fan Yu and Xian Lin'er seemed truly displeased.
Unfortunately for them, their opinions held no weight against Jing Hongchen's authority.
Now, only the Third Prince's face remained on the screen.
The Sun Moon Imperial Family had good genes—the royal members were generally attractive. In the Sun Moon Empire, dark skin was also seen as noble, perhaps due to the influence of the Solar Martial Soul. With the Third Prince quiet and focused, he looked gentle and composed. His serious expression even gave him a warm aura.
Some girls watching nearly had weak knees.
If the Third Prince really passed this test, he would surely gain a massive following at the Royal Soul Engineering Academy—mostly female fans.
An hour passed.
Huo Yuhao finally stopped inscribing the core array.
Buzz—
The soul power fluctuations radiated from the soul tool core, emitting a faint golden glow—this signified a successful inscription!
The soul tool core was now complete!
Many hadn't even realized it.
Until Huo Yuhao stood up, wiped imaginary sweat from his brow, and let out a sigh.
"It's done. That was exhausting."
The body he was using had gone seven days without rest—just working for an hour already made him feel tired.
But instead of an eruption of cheers, the crowd was full of confusion.
"Wait, it's… done?"
"That fast?"
"Did His Highness the Third Prince really inscribe an eighth-level core array just now?"
What kind of serious eighth-level soul tool core array gets inscribed that quickly?!
If it were that fast, eighth-level soul tools would've been mass-produced long ago!
It was Qingci Douluo and Moye Douluo who first responded. As loyal subordinates, they immediately rushed to the platform, offering Huo Yuhao a seat, serving tea, and fanning him.
Titled Douluos serving tea—that was a first for Huo Yuhao.
He gladly accepted the pampering and put away his engraving knife.
Many in the audience couldn't help but twitch at the sight.
They secretly marveled at how well the Third Prince managed his people—he could even make Titled Douluos act this way.
Jing Hongchen, shocked by the speed of the engraving, immediately flashed onto the platform and stood beside Huo Yuhao, asking seriously:
"Your Highness, are you sure you've finished?"
"Yeah, done." Huo Yuhao casually replied, picking up the newly processed core.
"How'd you finish so quickly?" Jing Hongchen blurted out.
"Who are you calling fast?" Huo Yuhao rolled his eyes.
Jing Hongchen felt like his face had just been run over by a tire. He wanted to slap Huo Yuhao. With a glare, he snatched the soul tool core from Huo Yuhao and began to inspect it.
"Then let this old man take a look at your inscription!"
Huo Yuhao rubbed his aching hand and muttered, "Did you really have to grab it that hard?"
But Jing Hongchen ignored the complaint, engrossed in examining the core array.
During this time, the other two eighth-level soul engineer judges and Xu Tianran approached the platform. The crowd was also abuzz with chatter.
The two engineers were essentially just there for show. Whether Huo Yuhao passed depended entirely on Jing Hongchen. Still, they were curious to see what the core array could do.
Xu Tianran, meanwhile, smiled warmly at Huo Yuhao.
"Third Brother, I never knew you were so gifted in soul tools. You really kept this hidden well from your big brother."
"Didn't Your Highness also keep many things hidden?"
"Haha, you jest. Let me offer you my early congratulations on passing the test."
"Thanks. I plan to throw a party back at the residence—dancers, concubines, some fun. Will you join us, Crown Prince?"
"Your Highness is a prince. You should really be mindful of your image. Improper behavior could displease our royal father."
"It's not like I'm marrying a crown princess. After working so hard for years, why not enjoy myself a little? Besides, didn't you know? Inspiration often strikes in moments of pleasure."
"…"
Xu Tianran's eyes narrowed coldly, a glint of menace flickering within.
So, he's going after that weakness, huh?
Does he know something?
"The Third Prince should really watch his behavior," Xu Tianran said coldly, no longer calling him "brother." He then turned his gaze to Jing Hongchen.
"Your Highness, please be quiet now. Don't interfere with Hall Master Hongchen's evaluation—you wouldn't want to fail your assessment, would you?"
Huo Yuhao said nothing further to Xu Tianran. Instead, he leaned back, looked over at Qingci and Moye Douluo, and pointed at Xu Tianran.
"He's mad."
Qingci Douluo and Moye Douluo almost burst out laughing—but they didn't dare.
Veins bulged on Xu Tianran's forehead, but he restrained himself.
Still, Huo Yuhao was now firmly on his hit list.
Correction: The Third Prince was on that list.
If it weren't for the scandal surrounding the Second Prince's mysterious death, the Third Prince wouldn't survive the night.
Finally, Jing Hongchen spoke:
"This… is indeed a genuine eighth-level soul tool core!"
The crowd erupted.
"The Third Prince actually did it!"
"Ahhh! He's my idol now!"
"Wait—just making the core isn't enough. He still needs to fully assemble the eighth-level soul tool to pass."
Exactly. The next step was to assemble a complete eighth-level soul tool.
Jing Hongchen didn't say more. He simply returned the core to Huo Yuhao and stepped back, waiting for the assembly.
The two other judges looked longingly at the core, frustrated. Their dean hadn't even let them take a look!
From Jing Hongchen's experience, he could tell this new eighth-level soul core featured a unique dual-function array that could both disperse and condense soul power. Though it looked complex, it wasn't an overly difficult array. What made it special was how it combined both effects without conflict.
To inscribe something like this in just an hour—this Third Prince's skill was no joke. In fact, in terms of hands-on ability, he was already comparable to a ninth-level soul engineer. Some ninth-level engineers didn't even have hands this steady.
The array was innovative. The question now was—how would it be used?
What kind of soul tool needed both dispersal and condensation of soul power?
Had the Third Prince developed a completely new kind of soul tool?
Huo Yuhao, having reclaimed the core, immediately pulled out components from his storage tool and began assembly.
Jing Hongchen noticed Huo Yuhao was using some special techniques during the process.
Before long, a crossbow-shaped soul tool, about the length of an arm, appeared on the workbench, visible to all.
"Your Highness, is that… a crossbow?" Jing Hongchen asked curiously.
"That's right!" Huo Yuhao grinned brightly as he held it up.
"I call it—the Zhuge Divine Crossbow Cannon!"
Eighth-Level Soul Tool — Zhuge Divine Crossbow Cannon!
Big Sister Xiao Ya, Brother Beibei, do you like this surprise?
When a soul tool born from Tang Sect's hidden weapons appears on the battlefield against the original Douluo Three Nations, how will they and Shrek Academy feel?
"Can you demonstrate the power of the soul tool?"
Jing Hongchen asked from the side, eyes glittering. Clearly, he was very interested in the Zhuge Divine Crossbow Cannon.
"Of course," Huo Yuhao replied with a faint smile.
For the Level 8 Soul Engineer Exam, the soul tool's destructive power must be evaluated. Only if it meets the standard can one be officially certified.
Xu Tianran watched silently, saying nothing.
Prepared staff immediately brought out a special 3-meter-high and 3-meter-wide metal plate, securing it onto a frame. This plate could withstand a full-force blow from a Soul Douluo. While it wouldn't be completely destroyed, it would show marks that allowed testers to judge the attack's power.
It was perfect for testing a Level 8 soul tool.
Jing Hongchen's eyes fixed on the Zhuge Divine Crossbow Cannon in Huo Yuhao's hands.
With his trained eyes, he could tell this soul tool was far simpler to manufacture than most Level 8 soul tools—and the materials used weren't particularly rare either.
If its power proved sufficient, and a lower-grade version could be developed, it had real potential as military equipment—saving enormous costs.
Just as low-level soul tools can be upgraded into higher-level ones, the reverse is also possible, depending on the core level and material quality.
Even if it couldn't be downgraded, making similar same-level models for elite troops would still be worthwhile.
After examining the soul core, Jing Hongchen was sure—this cannon could be downgraded for mass production.
Now it came down to the cannon's actual power.
If it wasn't powerful enough, it had no value.
As the creator, Huo Yuhao would naturally demonstrate the weapon himself.
He held the Zhuge Divine Crossbow Cannon in the square and began infusing it with soul power.
While doing so, he explained:
"The Zhuge Divine Crossbow Cannon is a long-range soul tool. It can be pre-charged, then fired later. It has two modes: clustered attack mode and scatter burst mode."
Jing Hongchen's eyes lit up, and he instantly appeared next to Huo Yuhao:
"This soul tool can be pre-charged?"
"Yes," Huo Yuhao confirmed again.
As everyone knew, powerful soul tools usually required charging before use. Being able to charge in advance was a huge advantage in battle, offering the upper hand.
Huo Yuhao demonstrated the pre-charging function.
After draining most of the Third Prince's soul power, the cannon was fully charged.
It could store so much soul power for two reasons:
This custom version of the cannon was high-quality, capable of absorbing large amounts at once.
The Third Prince's cultivation, although improved, was still average Soul Douluo level—his internal soul power wasn't deep.
Compared to Huo Yuhao's main body, it was far inferior.
Fortunately, Huo Yuhao had enhanced his physique and increased his soul power recovery speed, especially under the sun visualization technique, which accelerated regeneration even more.
After charging, Huo Yuhao didn't fire immediately. Instead, he let the others inspect it.
Jing Hongchen took the cannon and examined it.
He found that it did indeed contain a large amount of soul power, which was not leaking out, but well-contained and stable.
"There's no formation in the core. Is the containment effect coming from the casing?"
"This, this, this…"
Jing Hongchen shuddered twice, not because he was done (a euphemism), but because he was overcome with excitement and had to force himself not to blurt out questions—they were surrounded by onlookers.
He restrained himself with effort.
The reason for his excitement was clear:
This pre-charging technology was clearly a form of soul power storage tech—a technological breakthrough that could reshape the entire soul tool system!
Soul power storage wasn't new—the milk bottle was a classic example—but milk bottles only stored soul power temporarily, and the energy leaked over time.
What Huo Yuhao showed now was a far superior storage technique, usable on offensive soul tools!
Such a technique was a state secret. The fewer people who knew, the better.
Jing Hongchen looked at the Third Prince with eyes practically burning:
"Kid, if you had this tech, you should've just handed it over! No need for an exam—I'd have granted you Level 8 Soul Engineer status on the spot!"
If it could achieve sealed soul power storage, then applying for Honorary Level 9 Soul Engineer wouldn't be out of the question.
Honorary Level 9s weren't necessarily at that level of skill—they were awarded for major contributions and granted access to Level 9 resources in Mingde Hall. They were even rarer than actual Level 9 Engineers.
And most honorary 9s eventually became true Level 9s—because with that kind of support, how could they not?
Huo Yuhao had expected Jing Hongchen's reaction—
"He's fallen in love with my cannon," he thought wryly.
"Hall Master Hongchen, may I fire now?" Huo Yuhao asked calmly, seeing how enamored the man was with the cannon.
Jing Hongchen snapped out of it, handed the cannon back with a sheepish grin:
"Of course, of course—hurry up, let me see its power!"
And as he handed it back, he carefully wiped the cannon down—clearly cherishing it.
"Here I go," Huo Yuhao said, aiming the Zhuge Divine Crossbow Cannon.
"Shoot! I can't wait!" Jing Hongchen laughed.
"First is scatter burst mode. Each trigger pull fires once. Each shot unleashes twelve soul power missiles, each with the force of a six-ring Soul Emperor's full attack. Effective range: 50 meters."
With that, he began firing.
Puff-puff-puff!
A stream of soul power missiles shot out.
Each trigger pull launched a cluster of twelve missiles toward the metal plate.
After just three shots—less than two seconds—there were 36 impact marks on the plate, which swayed from the force. The plate was no lightweight either—it was a hand-span thick.
Though the missiles were small, each one packed the power of a Soul Emperor strike.
"If this type of soul tool could be mass-produced, even if downgraded to Level 5, it would still be a devastating battlefield weapon!" Jing Hongchen thought, inwardly alarmed.
The rate of fire and kill potential were beyond ordinary tools.
While most present simply marveled at the cannon's power—powerful enough to threaten seven-ring Soul Sages, assuming accuracy—not many considered the implications of mass production or downgraded versions.
That was because most high-level soul tools were built with rare materials and were hard to replicate.