Fan Yu had always been confident in his talent.
Yet, the Sun Moon Empire's strict lockdown on advanced soul engineering knowledge made it nearly impossible for outsiders to access high-level information. Without access to such sacred knowledge, even the most gifted engineer would be groping in the dark, uncertain if they could ever produce a legitimate Rank 9 soul tool in their lifetime.
But if Fan Yu could gain access to that sacred knowledge, he believed he wouldn't be inferior to any Rank 9 soul engineer.
His current position at Shrek Academy wasn't particularly high. Even if he were to become the vice dean of the Soul Tool Department one day, how would that compare to being a genuine Rank 9 soul engineer?
When Fan Yu learned that Qian Ran's sect, the Spirit Hall, possessed a legacy of Rank 9 soul engineers, his heart wavered. If he joined the Spirit Hall, he might have the chance to access higher-level soul engineering knowledge.
"Congratulations, Qian Ran. You've earned the Rank 7 Soul Engineer badge," Xian Lin'er said, her beautiful eyes brimming with admiration. "You're now the youngest Rank 7 soul engineer in the history of Shrek Academy and possibly the entire continent. I hope you'll continue to create miracles."
Seeing Qian Ran grow stronger by the day filled Xian Lin'er with a unique sense of pride, like watching a seed she had nurtured bloom into something extraordinary.
As Qian Ran's abilities grew, even she—a powerful Super Douluo—found herself naturally wanting to act like a gentle, supportive woman in front of him.
"So, how is my teacher going to reward me?" Qian Ran asked with a cheeky grin.
"You becoming a Rank 7 soul engineer already makes me very proud. Later, come to my room, and I'll give you a personal reward. On top of that, I'll apply for a generous reward from the academy for you," Xian Lin'er said with a subtle smile.
After receiving his Rank 7 badge, Qian Ran wasted no time heading to Xian Lin'er's room to claim his reward.
"Lin'er, turn around and look at the portrait hanging above the bed—the one of the couple on their wedding day," Qian Ran said, patting Xian Lin'er on the hip with a mischievous smile.
Qian Duoduo really knew how to pick a bed. It was a large, sturdy piece meant for his wedding with Xian Lin'er, but it had gone unused for years, waiting for a consummation that never came.
"You're so bad, Qian Ran," Xian Lin'er said, obediently turning around and kneeling on the bed, her chin slightly lifted as she stared at the painting.
The room was festive yet empty, with its vibrant red décor.
The portrait above the bed depicted a couple that looked perfect together, radiating happiness and warmth.
Everything seemed idyllic, except for one small detail: the young man now occupying this room looked nothing like the groom in the portrait.
After claiming his reward, Qian Ran pulled out an entire collection of knowledge on Rank 8 and Rank 9 soul engineering from his spatial ring. These books had been part of the system's earlier reward, along with the knowledge imprinted in his mind.
The collection was exhaustive, with well-organized physical manuals covering every aspect of advanced soul engineering.
"Where did you get these? Mingde Hall?" Xian Lin'er asked in astonishment as she flipped through the neatly categorized books, her fatigue forgotten.
The more she read, the more shocked she became.
Even Mingde Hall didn't have such comprehensive textbooks.
Soul engineers above Rank 8 typically relied on master-apprentice transmission to learn, a system designed to prevent the dissemination of high-level knowledge.
"It's a secret. Let's just say I have my ways," Qian Ran said with a sly grin.
"You're amazing, Qian Ran. I love you to death!" Xian Lin'er exclaimed, planting a kiss on his cheek. This was a surprise beyond anything she had imagined.
"But let's be clear—only you can study these, okay? Later, make a few copies for me to share with others." Qian Ran playfully pinched her cheek, his affection evident.
Who else should spoil his beloved teacher if not him?
"Do you think I'm that stupid? These are full sets of soul engineering knowledge. If I master them, becoming a Rank 9 soul engineer won't be a problem," Xian Lin'er replied with a seductive glance.
Given her already formidable cultivation and strong comprehension abilities, mastering these materials would undoubtedly elevate her to the next level.
Xian Lin'er had no intention of handing this knowledge over to the academy. She wasn't that selfless. Instead, she wanted to funnel all of the academy's resources into Qian Ran's hands.
"You can go now. I need to start studying," Xian Lin'er said eagerly. With the most advanced knowledge of soul engineering now in her possession, how could she not dive in immediately?
"Alright, alright. But remember to replace that portrait with one of us later. And change the locks on this room—it's ours now," Qian Ran said before leaving.
This room, originally meant to be the marital chamber for Xian Lin'er and Qian Duoduo, had become Qian Ran's domain.
Since Qian Duoduo rarely used the room, changing the locks and finding a plausible excuse to placate him would be simple enough for Xian Lin'er.
"Fine, fine. Whatever you say," Xian Lin'er agreed, feeling a bit guilty. After all, Qian Duoduo had always treated her well, yet she had repeatedly hurt him.
But what could she do? She was deeply in love with Qian Ran, who brought her unparalleled joy.
As long as Qian Ran was happy, she would do anything for him.
Fan Yu returned home, his mind in turmoil.
Zhou Yi looked at him, puzzled.
"Honey, what's going on? You look troubled," Zhou Yi asked.
"I need to talk to you about something," Fan Yu said, eager to share his thoughts.
"What is it?"
"I'm thinking about leaving Shrek Academy. I want to join the Spirit Hall," Fan Yu said through gritted teeth. Shrek Academy might be the sacred ground in the eyes of many, but to Fan Yu, the Spirit Hall now represented the true sanctuary.
As a soul engineer, most of his peers dreamed of studying in the Sun Moon Empire. But Mingde Hall's high-level soul engineers only accepted students with impeccable backgrounds. Someone like Fan Yu, who had been part of Shrek Academy, would never be trusted with their secrets. Even if he defected to the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy, he would never gain access to their best resources.
Qian Ran's arrival had given Fan Yu hope—hope of becoming a Rank 9 soul engineer.
"What?" Zhou Yi was stunned.
Fan Yu quickly explained his reasoning.
Joining the Spirit Hall to study their advanced soul engineering theories was his best chance at realizing his dream.
"So that's it. Qian Ran is already a Rank 7 soul engineer? I must reward him properly," Zhou Yi said, a smile spreading across her face. She was thrilled to hear about Qian Ran's progress, even more so than if it were her own.
As for Fan Yu's decision, Zhou Yi understood completely. Fan Yu's obsession with soul engineering bordered on madness, and becoming a Rank 9 soul engineer was his ultimate goal. His desire to pursue this path was entirely reasonable.
(End of Chapter)