Suppressing the thoughts in his heart, a flicker of doubt arose within Huo Yuhao. Looking toward Kong Deming, Huo Yuhao asked:
"So, Teacher, why are you telling me all this?"
"I possess a piece of Innate Spiritual Metal with attributes that perfectly match your Martial Soul. I will personally act on your behalf to custom-forge a complete set of Soul Tools for you using that Spiritual Metal.
"The overall design of this Soul Tool set will be similar to a suit of armor—a single-user armor-type Soul Tool that can envelop the entire body.
"Using that piece of Spiritual Metal, I will separately craft the cores for seven key components. Much like Soul Bones, these correspond to the four limbs, the torso, the skull, and an eye component specifically designed for your Martial Soul.
"You are currently at the two-ring rank. Every time you fuse a Soul Ring in the future, you must use the 'Ring-Shaping Soul Tool Method' to shape one of the components. Simultaneously, you must integrate a core piece forged from the Spiritual Metal.
"By the time you reach nine rings, you will be able to nurture Acquired Spiritual Metal yourself, gradually merging it into the Soul Rings to replace the original parts and shells shaped by the rings.
"Afterward, you will perform the 'Soul Tool Soul-Fusion Method' to thoroughly integrate this entire set of Soul Tools, along with the Soul Rings, into your Martial Soul!
"I believe at that time, even if you have only just broken through to become a Titled Douluo, you will possess power rivaling a Level 98 Super Douluo or even a Limit Douluo!"
Kong Deming's gaze carried absolute confidence. Putting aside a "cheater" like the reborn Huo Yuhao, Kong Deming was undoubtedly the most terrifying existence in the entire Douluo world regarding Soul Tool attainment!
Even under Huo Yuhao's careful deduction, he could find no flaws in this plan. It could be called a perfectly viable path to the heavens!
Huo Yuhao hesitated, but he quickly reacted.
"Then, Teacher, what is the price I must pay?"
A hint of appreciation appeared in Kong Deming's eyes as he spoke directly:
"It is very simple, Yuhao. Just protect the Sun Moon Empire for me.
"I am no longer young. I have been stuck at Level 94 for far too many years, and I do not know if I will ever have the chance to break through to the Super Douluo level.
"I do not fear death, but I care about the survival of Sun Moon.
"The late Emperor showed me great kindness; I promised him I would guard Sun Moon well after his passing. And you, my student—though we haven't spent much time together—I can still see your terrifying talent.
"After I am gone, the future of Sun Moon will surely belong to you. When that time comes, I hope you can take my place and guard the Sun Moon Empire for me."
"...I, I understand, Teacher."
Huo Yuhao nodded with utmost seriousness, his expression firm. However, in reality...
As expected, the classic 'sincere emotional display' plus 'the future belongs to you' brainwashing rhetoric.
As the controller of the Enshrinement Hall and the pillar of the Sun Moon Empire, how could Kong Deming be someone who casually pours out his heart and entrusts a heavy responsibility to someone he barely knows? It was merely a tactic to win over someone's heart.
However, compared to Shrek, who spent all day shouting about "Shrek's Glory" while feeding people empty promises, Kong Deming was much more practical.
Huo Yuhao could see that Kong Deming truly intended to nurture him according to that plan.
Although there were certain restrictions Kong Deming didn't explicitly state, if he were truly just a nine-year-old child at Level 22, practicing and following this plan step-by-step would indeed result in a combat power comparable to a Level 98 Super Douluo once the final puzzle piece was completed after becoming a Titled Douluo!
Furthermore, if Huo Yuhao's deduction was correct, reaching Level 99 through this method might allow one to directly rival some of the weaker Third-Class Gods.
This was indeed a path to godhood. And the limit of this path... seemed to go even further than that.
"So, Teacher, what is the name of this Soul Tool?"
Kong Deming's expression was calm as he softly uttered two words:
"I call it—Soul Armor!"
...
"Ah, I can't... I really can't eat anymore, Yuhao."
Meng Hongchen stroked her slightly rounded belly with a look of pure satisfaction.
It couldn't be helped; the roasted fish Huo Yuhao made was just too delicious! Unable to hold back, she had eaten five in a row and was completely stuffed.
If I eat like this every day, I'll definitely get fat, right?
"If you want to eat it, I can make it again tomorrow," Huo Yuhao was saying, but in the next moment, Meng Hongchen shifted her body and leaned gently against him.
"Hehe, Yuhao is the best. Come, let me hold you for a bit!"
Meng Hongchen hugged Huo Yuhao from behind, resting her head on his shoulder and nuzzling against him. In his disguised state, Huo Yuhao had zero resistance and was forced to become Meng Hongchen's plaything.
To the side, witnessing everything and glowing as brightly as a Soul Tool lamp, Xiao Hongchen expressionlessly picked up his knife and fork, meticulously dismembering the roasted fish on the plate before him.
Question: What should I do when my sister is busy pestering a pig?
After a moment, Meng Hongchen released the repeatedly tormented Huo Yuhao, then just held him gently, sniffing the scent on him that inexplicably fascinated her.
How should she put it?
Perhaps it was the sudden appearance of Ju Zi a few months ago that gave Meng Hongchen an unconscious sense of urgency.
Well... you could also call it "protecting her food."
In short, Meng Hongchen had clearly become bolder. From time to time, she'd give Huo Yuhao something different—hugging, holding, kissing, or nibbling—her possessiveness completely undisguised.
This caused Huo Yuhao a bit of distress.
Originally, Meng Hongchen's affection for him was like a child finding a favorite toy, but after being provoked by Ju Zi, this "like" seemed... to start changing in nature.
Sigh... yet another one.
Huo Yuhao wasn't even that worried about the threat from Tang San anymore; he was more worried about whether he'd eventually be torn apart by these girls...
He could only take it one step at a time.
"By the way, Sister Meng, do you and Brother Xiao have any plans for the holiday?"
"Plans? Hmm... normal cultivation and Soul Tool research, I guess. That 'Engraving Cultivation Method' that leaked from Shrek Academy just got into our hands; I need to spend some time learning it as soon as possible."
Meng Hongchen held Huo Yuhao's hand. As she spoke of her plans, she compared the size of their palms like a child before intertwining their fingers.
To the side, Xiao Hongchen's face remained calm, though the fork in his hand—made of a special alloy—was slightly bent by his grip. After calming down slightly, Xiao Hongchen spoke:
"Same for me. That 'Engraving Cultivation Method' suits me well. Coupled with my Martial Soul's talent, my cultivation speed is very fast. In the competition three years from now, I will definitely advance to Soul King! Even becoming a Soul Emperor isn't impossible!"
Xiao Hongchen's tone carried intense confidence. At only twelve years old, he was just at the right age to participate in two Soul Master Competitions. He would surely make everyone remember his name as the genius Xiao Hongchen!
Pausing briefly, Xiao Hongchen suddenly thought of something and looked at Huo Yuhao:
"Yuhao, are you participating? Your Spiritual Detection Sharing is just too perfect for a control-system Soul Master."
"Ah... me?"
Me going there? Wouldn't that just be bullying people?