Soul Land: Xiao Yan Reincarnates as Huo Yuhao

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Sun Moon Empire, Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy, Laboratory

At a massive metal table, Xiao Yan's eyes glimmered with a faint golden hue. In his left hand, he held a hexagonal piece of blue metal, roughly the size of a walnut. His right hand gripped a slender, precise carving knife, carefully etching intricate patterns into the metal block.

Standing behind him, Xuan Ziwen crossed his arms, observing intently. His sharp gaze was fixated on the steady, deliberate movements of Xiao Yan's hand.

Despite his slow pace, Xiao Yan's hand was unwavering. Each stroke of the knife was measured and firm. As the blue metal radiated a strange aura, the complex patterns carved upon its surface gradually took on an arcane beauty.

"This kid… could it be that he's already mastered the basics of core array engraving just by watching me once?" Xuan Ziwen muttered, disbelief evident in his tone.

Finally, with the last precise stroke, Xiao Yan removed a sliver of excess metal. He paused, exhaling softly as the golden light in his eyes faded, replaced by a hint of fatigue. Holding the metal core array aloft, he channeled a gentle flow of soul power into it. Instantly, it began to glow with a vivid blue radiance.

Staring at the luminous core array, Xuan Ziwen let out a low whistle of admiration. After a moment, he exhaled deeply and turned to Xiao Yan with a smile. "Yan Xiao, I truly didn't expect your talent to be this exceptional. To succeed in engraving a first-level core array on your first attempt… Congratulations, you're officially a first-rank soul engineer."

In less than an hour, Xiao Yan had ascended from a novice to a first-rank soul engineer. While crafting a first-level core array wasn't particularly difficult, his achievement was unprecedented in the history of the Douluo Continent.

His success wasn't just due to his Spiritual Eyes martial soul; his immense spiritual strength, granting near-perfect recall and precision, played a significant role.

"It's just luck," Xiao Yan said modestly, shrugging his shoulders with a faint smile.

At that moment, a loud rumbling echoed as the laboratory doors slid open. An elderly man, dressed in a brown robe adorned with soul tool armor on his shoulders, waist, and thighs, strode in. His short white hair and beard reflected his age—this was none other than Jing Hongchen.

"Headmaster?" Xuan Ziwen quickly stepped forward, offering a slight bow. "What brings you here?"

"I came to check on this young man," Jing Hongchen replied with a smile, walking over to Xiao Yan. Placing a hand on Xiao Yan's shoulder, he turned to Xuan Ziwen and asked, "How is the student I specially assigned to you?"

"Yan Xiao shows remarkable talent in soul tools. After watching me engrave a first-level core array just once, he succeeded on his first try," Xuan Ziwen said, handing the glowing core array to Jing Hongchen.

Jing Hongchen's eyes widened in astonishment as he stared at the black-robed youth before him. "Amazing. I feel like I'm witnessing the rise of a future Rank 9 soul engineer within the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy."

"Even as your teacher, I can't help but feel impressed," Xuan Ziwen admitted, glancing at Xiao Yan with a rare smile.

"It's all thanks to my Spiritual Eyes martial soul," Xiao Yan replied with a humble laugh, still feeling slightly overwhelmed by the praise.

After a brief pause, Jing Hongchen's sharp gaze locked onto Xiao Yan. A sly smile appeared on his face as he said, "Yan Xiao, would you consider becoming my disciple? I guarantee that within ten years, you'll reach the rank of Titled Douluo and become a Rank 9 soul engineer. With your talent and your unique martial soul, your future achievements could surpass even mine."

Xuan Ziwen's eyes widened in shock. Jing Hongchen rarely took disciples, and offering to mentor Xiao Yan personally was unprecedented. He shot Xiao Yan a meaningful look, urging him to accept this golden opportunity.

For most soul masters, this would be a dream come true. Becoming Jing Hongchen's disciple guaranteed access to unparalleled resources and guidance, paving the way to greatness. But to Xiao Yan, it was a different story.

With a calm smile, Xiao Yan shook his head. "I'm sorry, sir. I already have a teacher and cannot take another."

Jing Hongchen's expression faltered. "You have a teacher? Then why have you ended up in such a situation?"

"I was apprenticed to a reclusive master at a young age. My alchemical skills were taught by him. However, my master has since passed away," Xiao Yan replied smoothly, fabricating a story to avoid suspicion.

The black ring on his hand trembled slightly, a faint white glow flickering across its surface, as if expressing its displeasure.

Xiao Yan winced internally. Teacher, I had no choice. If I didn't say you'd passed, this old man would hound me relentlessly.

In his mind, Yao Lao's voice grumbled, "You little rascal. Just wait until we're alone—I'll teach you a lesson."

Sighing, Jing Hongchen relented. "Many reclusive experts have peculiar personalities. It's not surprising. Forget it, then. I won't press you further."

After a pause, Jing Hongchen's tone turned serious. "I came here for two reasons. First, I want to know—can you refine pills other than detoxification pills?"

Xiao Yan arched a brow, intrigued by the question. Before he could respond, Jing Hongchen took out a crimson pill and handed it to him. "Here. This is a soul power-enhancing pill. You may take it to aid your cultivation."

As soon as the pill touched his hand, Xiao Yan frowned. Activating his spiritual energy, he quickly scanned its contents and discovered numerous impurities and toxic substances. Consuming it would undoubtedly harm the user's foundation, hindering future growth.

With a faint smirk, Xiao Yan tossed the pill back. "Sir, this pill is too crudely made. The impurities and toxins haven't been removed, which could poison the body and affect cultivation."

"If your students need soul power-enhancing pills, I can help—but I charge for my services," Xiao Yan added with a sly smile.

"You can refine pills that enhance soul power without any side effects?" Jing Hongchen asked, narrowing his eyes.

Xiao Yan nodded. "Yes. I can craft pills that increase soul power by three levels for soul masters below Rank 40. However, they can only be taken once in a lifetime."

Jing Hongchen's eyes sparkled with barely concealed excitement. After a brief hesitation, he asked, "Can you prove it?"

Xiao Yan chuckled, summoning a black cauldron onto the table. While the cauldron appeared old and worn, Xiao Yan confidently began his process.

Maneuvering his Bone Spirit Cold Fire, Xiao Yan extracted and purified the medicinal essences with meticulous precision. Within moments, the cauldron emitted a faint green glow. After a series of complex operations, a perfectly round green pill emerged, radiating an enticing fragrance.

Handing the pill to Jing Hongchen, Xiao Yan said, "This is the Spirit Convergence Pill. It can raise a soul master's rank by three levels without any side effects. The process requires rare ingredients and precise techniques."

Jing Hongchen carefully examined the pill, his joy evident. "You truly are a treasure, Yan Xiao. As long as you remain loyal to the Sun Moon Empire, Mingde Hall will protect you, no matter what."

Smiling faintly, Xiao Yan replied, "I hope you'll keep your promise, sir."

Shrek City, Shrek Academy, Sea God Lake

A gentle breeze rippled across the surface of Sea God Lake, causing the lotus leaves to sway softly. The willow trees lining the lakeshore rustled faintly, their leaves fluttering in rhythm with the wind. Above, clouds drifted lazily across the sky, filtering sunlight into scattered beams that danced on the lake's surface, reflecting a dazzling brilliance.

Fourteen figures stood by the lakeside, their presence marked by a mixture of anticipation and solemnity. Among them were Bei Bei, He Caitou, Xu Sanshi, Jiang Nannan, and several others, as well as seven inner court disciples clad in striking red uniforms.

Standing before this group were two individuals: Yan Shaozhe, the Dean of the Martial Soul Department, and Zhou Yi, a senior instructor. Their imposing presence commanded attention, and their gazes swept across the gathered students.

Clearing his throat, Yan Shaozhe began, "Everyone is here, I see. Each inner court disciple serves as a guardian of the continent, a role that requires the completion of thirty supervisory missions before graduation. For those of you newly entering the inner court, today marks the beginning of your first mission."

He continued, his tone steady but firm, "Your mission is to travel to the Sun Moon Empire and locate the dark soul master Xiao Yan. Teacher Zhou Yi will lead this operation and handle all arrangements. Additionally, two elders from Sea God Pavilion will accompany you in secret, ensuring your safety without revealing themselves. For now, let's take a moment to introduce ourselves and get acquainted. We'll start with the reserve team."

Stepping forward first, Bei Bei announced confidently, "I'm Bei Bei, fifth-year student of the outer court, a Rank 42 assault-type Battle Soul Master."

Next, He Caitou moved up, his tone steady and pragmatic. "He Caitou, fourth-year student, Soul Engineering Department, fourth-rank soul engineer." As a soul engineering student, he emphasized his soul engineering rank rather than his cultivation level.

Xu Sanshi followed, his tone slightly boastful. "Xu Sanshi, fifth-year student of the outer court, a Rank 43 defense-type Battle Soul Master." His soul power, marginally higher than Bei Bei's, reflected his confidence.

When Jiang Nannan stepped forward, her soft yet resolute voice drew the attention of the male inner court students. "I'm Jiang Nannan, fifth-year student of the outer court, a Rank 41 agility-type Battle Soul Master."

Her beauty stood out among the gathered women, easily making her the most attractive by appearance alone. Even the fiery Ma Xiaotao and the youthful charm of Xiao Xiao couldn't outshine her elegance. Xu Sanshi, noticing the glances of admiration directed at Jiang Nannan, grew visibly tense, his eyes burning with protective intensity.

Next came Xiao Xiao, her voice polite and respectful. "I'm Xiao Xiao, second-year student of the outer court, a Rank 29 control-type Battle Soul Grandmaster."

After Xiao Xiao, Zhu Lu stepped forward gracefully. "Greetings, senior brothers and sisters. I am Zhu Lu, second-year student of the outer court, a Rank 26 agility-type Soul Grandmaster." Her strikingly curvaceous figure drew immediate attention, eliciting curious and appreciative glances from the male disciples.

Finally, Wang Dong stepped forward with a proud posture, speaking with a youthful air of confidence. "I'm Wang Dong, second-year student of the outer court, a Rank 31 assault-type Battle Soul Elder."

Yan Shaozhe nodded approvingly and turned to the inner court students. "Your turn."

The first to step forward was Ma Xiaotao. Despite her reputation for fiery passion, she appeared unusually composed. "Ma Xiaotao, inner court, Rank 67 assault-type Battle Soul Emperor."

Next came a tall, imposing male student whose steady gaze radiated authority. Standing beside Ma Xiaotao, his stature and presence made them appear perfectly matched. "Dai Yueheng, inner court, Rank 64 assault-type Battle Soul Emperor."

Following him was another male disciple, less physically imposing but exuding a warm charisma. "Chen Zifeng, inner court, Rank 57 assault-type Battle Soul King."

The fourth disciple was a woman whose ordinary appearance and demeanor made her almost forgettable. With her short hair and unremarkable voice, she introduced herself without fanfare. "Xi Xi, inner court, Rank 56 agility-type Battle Soul King." Her presence seemed to fade into the background, overshadowed by her companions.

The fifth disciple, however, stood out with her cold elegance. Unlike Ma Xiaotao's fiery aura or Jiang Nannan's gentle grace, her beauty was like a solitary plum blossom in winter—distant yet unforgettable. "Ling Luochen, inner court, Rank 55 control-type Battle Soul King."

The sixth student, a diminutive young man, stood no taller than 1.6 meters. Despite his small stature, his piercing gaze revealed a sharp intellect. "Yao Haoxuan, inner court, Rank 55 control and auxiliary-type Battle Soul King."

Finally, the seventh inner court disciple stepped forward—a slender, androgynous figure with delicate features that seemed almost too perfect for a man. His soft voice carried a gentle tone as he spoke. "Gongyang Mo, inner court, Rank 59 auxiliary-type Battle Soul King."

Yan Shaozhe nodded once more, satisfied. "Now that everyone has introduced themselves, it's time to depart for the Sun Moon Empire. One more thing—Elder Xuan has volunteered to follow you once he has recovered from his injuries. With him, the Sea God Pavilion will have dispatched three Titled Douluo of Rank 95 or above to ensure your safety. You have nothing to fear."

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Shrek Academy, Girls' Dormitory

In a quiet corner of the dormitory, Tang Ya sat alone, gazing out the window with a distant expression. Her delicate face looked slightly pale, and her usually lively demeanor was nowhere to be seen. She murmured softly to herself, her tone tinged with bitterness.

"Why can't I be an inner court disciple? I heard Bei Bei and the others are going on a mission as inner court students and will even participate in the Soul Master Tournament when they return."

"But why… why am I not among them?"

Her voice faltered as sorrow overcame her. "I'm already a fifth-year student, but my soul power is only at Rank 33. I'm even weaker than that deceased Dai Huabin. Four rings feel so far away…"

Tears welled up as Tang Ya recalled the hardships of her life. "Mom, Dad… you died so tragically. And no one truly helps us. The ties from ten thousand years ago have long faded. Shrek Academy at least gave me a place to stay, but what about the Clear Sky Clan? They turned their backs, saying they couldn't waste resources on a lost cause."

"I don't believe it! I refuse to let the Tang Sect fade into obscurity! I'll rebuild it, no matter the cost."

Wiping her tears away, Tang

Ya clenched her small fists tightly, her determination burning. "I will make the Tang Sect rise again, even if it means sacrificing everything."

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