Qin Xiao noticed a sign on the door: Third Laboratory.
The elderly man surnamed Wang first nodded slightly to Qin Xiao, signaling for him to wait there for a moment, and then he walked to the laboratory's door and gently patted it with his palm.
Knock, knock, knock.
Following a series of knocking sounds, there was quickly a response from inside the laboratory.
"Who is it?"
"Teacher Xuan, it's me. From the teaching department, I've come to see you about something."
The man surnamed Wang quickly replied.
His attitude was unexpectedly good, very humble.
It couldn't be helped.
Such was the world of Soul Masters, where strength was revered.
He had toiled for most of his life and was only a Sixth-Level Soul Guidance Master.
But the person inside the room was an Eighth-level Soul Master who, despite his young age, was far above him in status and strength.
So, it was no shame for him to act somewhat humbly.
To worship the strong was not disgraceful.
"Creak..."
With a somewhat grating sound of the door opening, a young man walked out of the laboratory.
After recognizing the elder's identity, he nodded and said indifferently, "You, and you, come in."
Having said that, he led the way into the laboratory.
Without needing anyone's reminder, Qin Xiao followed the man surnamed Wang into the laboratory.
The laboratory was quite spacious and was filled with various soul tools and some metal materials. The huge experimental table alone spanned over thirty square meters, and its matte silver-white metal surface was cluttered with a variety of materials and blueprints.
"This place is normally cleaned by Ju Zi and Ke Ke, but they are currently attending classes, learning the theoretical knowledge of Soul Masters, and haven't come over yet."
It was apparent that Xuan Ziwen was a face-saving person; noticing Qin Xiao and the man surnamed Wang's gazes, he subconsciously gave an explanation.
"We're researchers, I get it, I understand," the man surnamed Wang laughed, easing the awkwardness between them.
It wasn't hard to see that he was adept in social niceties.
Qin Xiao, however, was slightly startled.
Ju Zi?
According to his understanding, Ju Zi's status within the Unparalleled Tang Sect was almost comparable to that of Bi Bidong during her time at the Martial Soul Hall, a formidable figure in her own right.
Bi Bidong was the Pope of Martial Soul Hall, she established the Martial Soul Empire, whereas Ju Zi was the War God Empress, expanding the territory for the Sun-Moon Empire.
As for whether Ju Zi harbored such great ambitions from the very beginning?
Qin Xiao thought not.
It was just fate playing tricks on people.
Everything under the turning wheel of destiny left no choice but to move forward.
The saying "circumstances create heroes" seemed apt.
"Now, tell me the purpose of your visit," Xuan Ziwen asked again. As he spoke, his gaze never left Qin Xiao.
Intuition told him that the sudden visit of the man surnamed Wang must be related to this teenager who appeared to be in his teens.
"Teacher Xuan, this is a letter from the Dean for you. Have a look yourself, and everything will become clear," he said.
"Oh?"
A usually impassive face, Xuan Ziwen now showed a trace of an unusual expression.
What was Jing Hongchen up to?
Being in the same academy, why couldn't he just speak directly? Why the secrecy?
With doubts in mind, he still opened the letter and read it. His expression gradually turned to one of astonishment—obviously, his heart was anything but calm.
This youngster has a Spiritual Martial Soul; it is very likely related to the eyes and brain!
This youngster also has an extraordinary talent with soul tools, designing an exceptional soul tool with only a few simple arrays?
This youngster, whom Jing Hongchen wanted to take as a personal disciple after becoming a Fifth Grade Soul Master?
Hiss...
Was he serious?
In just a few hundred words, Xuan Ziwen read and reread the letter, feeling overwhelmed by the magnitude of information.
It took him a long while to fully digest the content of the letter.
"It would be fine for him to learn from me..."
"But he has to answer a question of mine first..."
Xuan Ziwen looked deeply at Qin Xiao and said,
Regarding this,
Qin Xiao did not refuse, "You may ask."
According to the original story, it was very likely that he would ask that question with a unique perspective... What is a soul tool...
Xuan Ziwen did not hesitate, "What, is a soul tool?"
What is a soul tool?
The Wang-surnamed elder was taken aback upon hearing this.
Just this?
He had just been worried that Xuan Ziwen would ask some very profound knowledge about Soul Masters, considering that Qin Xiao's knowledge was limited to introductory books and had nothing to do with advanced concepts.
But the question from Xuan Ziwen made him think it was probably the simplest question one could ask.
So simple it could hardly count as an introductory question.
In his mind, the answer emerged: it was a device that was guided by the Soul Power of a Soul Master, which could be a weapon or other tools that assisted people in life and work, simply called a soul tool.
This was the standard answer, something he knew from the beginning of learning how to make soul tools.
However,
Qin Xiao's reply caught the Wang-surnamed elder off guard, "I believe that soul tools are unrelated to Soul Masters! The existence and advancement of soul tools are meant to foster the evolution of human society."
"That is to say, the study of soul tools is to better promote the evolution of human society, making humans a much stronger existence. I have always believed that one day, in the near future, humans will be able to conquer any race with soul tools, even worlds beyond our own.
Our current vision is too limited, but as soul tools continue to evolve, so will humans. Believe it or not, one day, even a human without a trace of Soul Power will be able to hunt down a hundred-thousand-year soul beast with a soul tool.
Even, destroying a soul beast of several hundred thousand years will not be difficult!"
What? The Wang-surnamed elder opened his mouth wide. What was this boy prattling on about?
He gave Qin Xiao several meaningful looks, as if to say: Think about your answer again, is it correct?
However, Qin Xiao wasn't looking at him, instead his gaze was firmly fixed on Xuan Ziwen, fearlessly meeting his eyes.
Then he noticed something different in Xuan Ziwen's expression,
It changed from scrutiny to confusion, and now, it seemed like he found someone who shared his convictions!
Every high-grade Soul Master is extremely obsessive, or one could say they all have their own firm beliefs and pursuits.
And they are also lonely.
However, what Qin Xiao had just said made him feel not so lonely anymore...
Simply put, their thoughts were in tune.
Looking at Qin Xiao, he felt as if he was seeing an old friend of many years, his mood growing increasingly excited.
"Teacher Xuan, what do you think?" the Wang-surnamed elder asked tentatively.
"You return, and let him stay," was the response.
Xuan Ziwen added, "Go back and tell the Dean to rest assured, I will definitely devote myself to instructing Brother Qin..."
"Alright."
The Wang-surnamed elder subconsciously replied, but after pondering the words, he realized something was amiss. "Teacher Xuan, did you say Brother Qin?"
Not just him, even Qin Xiao, one of the involved parties, was taken aback.
He had only wanted to curry favor with Xuan Ziwen, never expecting... that Xuan Ziwen would consider them sworn brothers?
"Indeed, Brother Qin... hm," Xuan Ziwen replied, stroking his chin thoughtfully before adding, "He is young, so calling him Little Brother Qin is also appropriate."
"Teacher Xuan, you're really not joking?"
"Of course, I am not joking..." Xuan Ziwen said with a serious face, "You must know, the knowledge of a Soul Guidance Master can be cultivated little by little, and the rank of a Soul Guidance Master can also increase bit by bit.
However, the philosophy of a Soul Guidance Master is a matter of personal insight, something that can't be cultivated. Although Brother Qin is currently an insignificant Soul Guidance Master, his ideological enlightenment has already reached the same level as me. His future achievements are boundless. I am only a few years older than him, so calling him a younger brother is entirely appropriate..."
"Don't feel disdainful; this realm is something you might never understand in your lifetime. Now, go on back. I have to teach Brother Qin some beginner Soul Master knowledge..."
This works too? The Wang-surnamed elder couldn't help smacking his lips and left reluctantly.
But then again, on second thought, isn't this a good thing?
After the Wang-surnamed elder left, Qin Xiao said, "Teacher Xuan..."
"What is it?"
Xuan Ziwen immediately put on a stern face, "Call me Big Brother Xuan, or just Big Brother."
His attitude made it clear: he was serious, no joke.
Uh... Qin Xiao was stunned.
In his mind, he couldn't help but envision a scene from an anime.
It was like in Jujutsu Kaisen, when Megumi met Itadori and asked him a question, and they became friends for life.
How similar was this scene?
So this is the kind of person you are, Xuan Ziwen?
Qin Xiao had his doubts.
He had thought Xuan Ziwen was an extremely serious old scholar, but after meeting him, Xuan's behavior had taken him by surprise.
"Come, Brother Qin, let me show you around and get you familiar with the environment."
Just then, Xuan Ziwen eagerly grabbed Qin Xiao's hand and started to introduce him to the various items in the laboratory.
Precise machinery, precious metals, exquisite formations, and so on...
Without a doubt, as an Eighth-level Soul Master and disciple of the former Hall Master of Mingde Hall, everything Xuan Ziwen owned was top-notch.
Qin Xiao now somewhat understood why Jing Hongchen insisted that he learn from Xuan Ziwen.
It wasn't just about knowledge; the resources were different too.
As time passed by bit by bit, Qin Xiao also gradually became familiar with Xuan Ziwen.
And, through Xuan Ziwen's introductions, he learned a lot.
Most of the time, it was Qin Xiao who asked the questions, and Xuan Ziwen who patiently explained.
"Brother Xuan, thank you so much."
"Hahaha, we hit it off right from the start, why don't we just become sworn brothers here and now?"
"Ah, this..."
A look of astonishment appeared on Qin Xiao's face. Wasn't becoming sworn brothers so suddenly a bit too rash?
"Ahahaha..."
In Qin Xiao's Spirit Space, the Skydream Ice Silkworm was already laughing so hard it was rolling back and forth.
It hadn't expected to meet another fun person.
A mere human Soul Master, do you know who you're standing in front of?
This is a top God Rank powerhouse detached from the Soul Land, capable of shattering stars with a single punch, and you actually want to become brothers with him?
It really wanted to suggest to Xuan Ziwen to ask the locksmiths of Ming City if he, Xuan Ziwen, was worthy?
Worthy of what?
This is ignorance of the highest order.
"Ding ding ding."
Just then, the laboratory's door was knocked on again.
"Who is it?"
Xuan Ziwen's expression changed, his face becoming cold.
"Teacher, it's me!"
"Ju Zi."
"I've finished class."
Outside the room came a sweet voice.
"Has it been that long already?" Xuan Ziwen was startled and then said, "Come in, the laboratory door isn't locked."
As his words fell, there was another cringe-inducing sound of the door opening.
Curious, Qin Xiao looked over and saw a girl wearing the uniform of the Imperial Sun Moon Soul Academy walk in.
The girl had long black hair and looked to be about seventeen or eighteen years old, her bright eyes slightly bleary.
The same uniform, worn on her, perfectly accentuated her beautiful figure. Her tender skin seemed like it could be pinched out water, and that lazy, naturally dazed temperament was also very eye-catching.
"Teacher."
Upon entering the room, the girl immediately bowed respectfully to Xuan Ziwen.
Xuan Ziwen nodded slightly.
"Teacher, have you recruited a new assistant?"
Ju Zi curiously sized up Qin Xiao standing next to Xuan Ziwen.
Knowing that Qin Xiao wasn't even wearing the uniform of the Imperial Sun Moon Soul Academy, her first reaction was that this young man definitely wasn't from the academy.
As for assistants...
They come in different levels.
The impression Qin Xiao gave her was that of someone who could only do the grunt work...
However.
After hearing Ju Zi's words, Xuan Ziwen's face immediately darkened, "What kind of way is that to speak?"
"When have you ever seen me look for an assistant?"
"Yes, you never have, indeed. All the dirty and tiring tasks you make us handle, you certainly need an assistant."
Ju Zi's response immediately breached Xuan Ziwen's defenses.
This girl, what blunt truths she speaks.
Especially in front of my dear friend, isn't that revealing all my secrets?
"Ahem."
He coughed lightly into his hand and said, "Ju Zi, come here, I'll introduce you. This, you should call Uncle-Master, is the teacher's good friend..."
As he spoke, Xuan Ziwen emphasized the words 'good friend,' as if afraid Ju Zi might not understand the importance of Qin Xiao.
"What?"
Upon hearing Xuan Ziwen's words, Ju Zi was stunned.
She more or less understood about Xuan Ziwen's family situation.
"Teacher, I don't recall your parents having other children for you…"
Xuan Ziwen: "..."
What kind of talk was that?
"Who told you that brothers have to be blood-related to count?"
Xuan Ziwen, with a stern face, pointed at Qin Xiao and said, "This person is a good friend that the teacher met on the road to the Supreme Hall of Soul Masters, and he's also the only person whose ambitions align with mine."
"I see..." Ju Zi was first taken aback, then somewhat numbly turned her gaze to Qin Xiao.
Surprise was evident in her eyes.
What kind of unique person could be on the same wavelength as Xuan Ziwen's brainwaves?
Qin Xiao couldn't stand the intense scrutiny anymore, and subconsciously touched his nose with his right hand.
"Why are you still standing there?"
"Aren't you going to call him Uncle-Master?"
After a pause, Xuan Ziwen spoke up to break the awkward atmosphere in the room.
"What?" Ju Zi was stunned again.
"Teacher, you're saying, let me call him Uncle-Master?"
"Is there a problem?"
"It looks like he's even younger than me..."
"But that has nothing to do with you calling him Uncle-Master. After all, his seniority is higher than yours."
One argued based on age, the other on seniority.
Ultimately, it was Ju Zi who admitted defeat.
Reluctantly, she called Qin Xiao "Uncle-Master."
Uh, I've actually become the Uncle-Master of the Sun-Moon Goddess of War?
In his mind, Qin Xiao couldn't help but comment that the turn of events was indeed magical.
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