Ye Guyi and Ma Xiaotao exchanged a knowing smile — one filled with both mystery and understanding. Naturally, they knew that Zhou Sicheng's true strength was far from what the outside world imagined.
To them, Zhou Sicheng was like a man shrouded in mystery, a treasure trove of hidden wonders — every time they learned more about him, he would surprise them again.
Of course, the rumors about Zhou Sicheng's power spreading through the outside world weren't entirely baseless.
After all, most of the powerful and sophisticated soul tools they wore in battle were crafted by Zhou Sicheng himself.
Those devices, whether in raw destructive output or intricate design, perfectly demonstrated his deep mastery over the art of Soul Tools. It was no wonder others speculated endlessly about the true extent of his abilities.
Faced with Jiang Peng's curious, half-testing expression, Zhou Sicheng neither hid the truth nor boasted. He simply nodded calmly, his tone even yet confident.
"Since you've already guessed, there's no need to hide it. Yes — I have done some research into soul tools."
Upon hearing that, Jiang Peng's face immediately lit up, a broad smile breaking out as hearty laughter filled the room.
"I knew it! Brother Zhou isn't someone ordinary! If Ma Rulong can manipulate two Rank 7 Soul Tools with only six spirit rings, then with your strength at the fifth ring... you must at least be a Rank 6 Soul Engineer, right?"
Jiang Peng's eyes sparkled with excitement as he awaited confirmation.
Zhou Sicheng nodded modestly, speaking in a calm and humble tone.
"That's right. So if you're here to discuss Soul Tools, I can probably give you a few pointers."
Though his words sounded light, they gave Jiang Peng a ray of hope.
The excitement on Jiang Peng's face grew stronger by the second, his voice brimming with relief.
"That's perfect! I've been racking my brains over how to deal with Ma Rulong. If we were just fighting with martial souls, without soul tools involved, I'm confident I could crush him easily!"
As he spoke, Jiang Peng's expression darkened, frustration tightening his brow.
"But when I think about how he can control two Rank 7 Soul Tools at once... those things hit hard enough to shatter my confidence. I can't deny it — I'm not sure I can handle that."
Zhou Sicheng fully understood his predicament. That helpless feeling when facing an opponent bolstered by superior external equipment — he'd been there himself.
Ye Guyi and Ma Xiaotao exchanged glances, both showing sympathy for Jiang Peng's frustration.
Ma Xiaotao, ever the straightforward one, spoke up.
"So if what you're saying is true, that Ma Rulong guy basically has power on par with a seven-ring Soul Sage? That means your academy is at an even bigger disadvantage in the individual rounds."
Jiang Peng gave a bitter smile, nodding helplessly.
"Exactly. That's why I came today — I want to either borrow or buy some Soul Tools from Brother Zhou."
His eyes glinted with determination. He wasn't about to let the Sun and Moon Imperial Soul Engineer Academy walk all over them.
"Also, I was hoping Brother Zhou could give me some advice. Even if we end up losing to them, I want to make sure they have to work for it."
He took a deep breath before continuing.
"Think about it — if we exhaust their strength first, it'll make things easier for Shrek Academy in the finals. That's good for everyone."
His words carried an earnest conviction that made Zhou Sicheng and the two women silently nod. Jiang Peng had a point.
From a broader perspective, his idea benefited not only his own academy but Shrek as well.
However, Zhou Sicheng wasn't thinking merely in terms of tactical alliances or immediate advantage. In his mind, even if Ma Rulong was formidable, he could never surpass the current generation of Shrek's Seven Monsters.
What Zhou Sicheng truly wanted... was friendship.
A six-ring Soul Emperor under twenty — a genius like that was one in a million. Someone who could very well become a future Titled Douluo.
To Zhou Sicheng, forming bonds with such talents was always worthwhile.
Moreover, Jiang Peng's noble status within the Dou Ling Empire made him a valuable ally. Having such a friend could prove useful one day — in resources, politics, or other unseen challenges in the future.
So, Zhou Sicheng didn't refuse. A warm smile spread across his face.
"You've already said so much, Brother Jiang. I can't really turn you down, can I?"
As he spoke, Zhou Sicheng furrowed his brows slightly, already thinking of how best to help in such limited time.
"But tomorrow's the individual competition. Wanting new Soul Tools now... is cutting it close."
Jiang Peng nodded seriously, clearly aware of that fact.
"That's why I'm hoping you can match us with some simpler tools, tailored to our fighting styles. They don't have to be advanced — just something that'll help us handle Sun and Moon's firepower better."
His gaze was full of trust and confidence in Zhou Sicheng.
Zhou nodded, understanding perfectly. He began analyzing the members of Di Ao Academy in his mind — their martial souls, their strengths, and combat patterns — to determine the best options.
"That can be arranged," Zhou said after a moment. "I can outfit you with basic Invincible Barriers and reflex-type emergency Soul Tools. But be aware, they're all single-use and costly. Even if I sell them to you at cost, equipping seven people will run you over two million gold soul coins."
He spoke plainly, not wanting any misunderstandings.
The number didn't faze Jiang Peng. While he wasn't experienced in using soul tools, he knew their market value. If it meant strengthening his team, the cost was worth it.
"Don't worry about that," Jiang Peng replied confidently. "As long as it doesn't interfere with your own team's setup, we can handle the expense. The Dou Ling Imperial Academy isn't short on money."
Zhou chuckled, genuinely impressed by his boldness.
"In that case," he said, "after today, gather your teammates and meet me at the Great Arena of Souls. Rent a training field — I'll train you personally for half a day. How does that sound?"
Jiang Peng's eyes widened in disbelief. Then, in one fluid motion, he shot up from his seat like a spring.
"Seriously? That's amazing! As long as it doesn't cut into your rest, I'd be honored to get your guidance!"
His voice overflowed with gratitude and excitement.
Zhou Sicheng smiled warmly.
"We're all young elites from the Three Great Empires. Helping each other is only natural."
Still, he added with pragmatic honesty,
"Time's short. How much you can actually learn depends on your own talent and adaptability."
Jiang Peng scratched his head and laughed.
"Fair enough. I don't expect miracles — just some improvement would already be great. As long as we make life harder for Sun and Moon, I'll call it a success."
Zhou didn't waste another second. He knew every moment counted.
"Then let's not delay. Go gather your team. We'll head straight to the Arena."
His tone carried unmistakable energy — a sense of purpose that made it clear he was eager to begin.
Ye Guyi and Ma Xiaotao shared a glance, silently understanding each other.
Ma Xiaotao smiled faintly.
"Then we'll go back to cultivate. We can't really help with soul tools anyway."
There was a hint of regret in her tone — she wanted to help, but this wasn't her area of expertise.
Zhou Sicheng nodded gently.
"Brother Jiang came to me for help today — I'll settle his problem first. After that, I'll spend time with you both."
There was a flicker of apology in his eyes as he looked at them.
Ye Guyi chuckled softly, her smile blooming like a spring flower.
"Go on then. We'll be fine."
Zhou smiled back and turned to Jiang Peng.
"Let's go, Brother Jiang."
His tone was brimming with enthusiasm, as though he could already see Jiang Peng's team fighting brilliantly in the next match.
As they left the room, Jiang Peng — though rough around the edges and clueless about romance — wasn't blind.
He'd seen clearly that Zhou Sicheng and those two stunning girls weren't just discussing tactics earlier. They were building something deeper.
Feeling a bit sheepish for interrupting, he rubbed the back of his neck.
"Sorry for dropping in like this, Brother Zhou. But you've been so generous... I won't forget this. From now on, if you ever need my help, just say the word — I won't hesitate!"
His sincerity was unmistakable. Despite the short encounter, he already saw Zhou Sicheng as a true friend.
Zhou smiled, genuinely pleased.
"That's all I need to hear. I knew I didn't misjudge you."
Jiang Peng laughed heartily.
"I might not talk much, but I can tell who's worth befriending — and who's filth."
His tone was both self-deprecating and proud, brimming with rough honesty.
The two chatted as they walked downstairs. Once Jiang Peng gathered his teammates, they rented a private training hall at the Great Arena of Souls.
Inside, Zhou Sicheng customized each of their soul tools according to their martial souls and combat styles.
He taught them patiently — from basic activation methods to practical combat usage. Every word carried clarity and precision.
Half a day wasn't enough to master anything advanced, of course. But it was enough to give them confidence — enough to ensure that when facing the Sun and Moon Imperial Soul Engineer Academy, they wouldn't be helpless under a barrage of firepower.
Meanwhile, at the Sun and Moon team's hotel, their atmosphere was tense and focused. The entire team sat around a conference table, strategizing for the coming rounds.
To them, Di Ao Academy was little more than a warm-up.
Though they respected Jiang Peng's individual strength, Ma Rulong was more than enough to deal with him. Their real target — the one they were preparing for — was Shrek Academy.
After Ma Rulong's detailed tactical breakdown, Xiao Hongchen spoke leisurely, his tone carrying its usual arrogance.
"With Meng's help, our Martial Soul Fusion Technique can easily handle a six-ring Soul Emperor — maybe even restrain two at once from Shrek."
He paused, eyes narrowing slightly.
"But Shrek hasn't gone all out yet. In that match against Star Luo, Zhou Sicheng definitely held back. His teammates all used soul tools — are we supposed to believe their captain doesn't have any?"
Ma Rulong nodded thoughtfully.
"So what do you suggest?"
Their eyes met — both sharp, both confident.
Shrek's match against Star Luo had been like an intricate chess game, every move hiding countless layers of strategy. They had both seen it clearly.
While the Sun and Moon team had their own hidden trump cards, the looming battle against Shrek — a team boasting three Soul Emperors — weighed heavily on them.
Before the tournament began, Elder Ma had sworn victory with great pride. But now, the reality was proving far more difficult than expected.
Xiao Hongchen slowly rose from his seat, brows furrowed in thought.
After a long silence, he finally said, calm but resolute,
"Instead of getting lost in endless tactical speculation, we should focus inward. Cultivate. Strengthen ourselves."
"When our power is overwhelming enough, no strategy can stand against it. Whatever cards Shrek may be hiding — whatever tricks they might pull — we'll meet them head-on."
As his words fell, the arrogance in his demeanor faded, replaced by a blazing determination in his eyes.
He clenched his fists.
We're all geniuses here, he thought. On this stage, there's no need to hold back. Let's see who truly stands above all others.
The war had only just begun.
****
If you want to support me or read advanced chapters (21+), consider checking out my pat.
patr*on.com/Salsita2k