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Chapter 61: The Reason for Learning Soul Tools
Xuan Ziwen came from the Heaven Dou Empire.
Even the already-declining Tang Sect was something he knew a fair bit about, so naturally he was also familiar with the still-influential Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
In his impression, the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had originally risen to prominence because of their unique ability to sense precious gems. If that was the case, possessing some unusual methods for refining metals wouldn't be surprising at all.
At the same time, Bai Chen's unusually mature behavior now made sense to him.
Clearly, this child must have received elite education since childhood, which explained his composure and mentality.
After completing this internal reasoning, Xuan Ziwen shook his head at Bai Chen.
"Unfortunately, at least for now, your Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect doesn't attract me nearly as much as the Mingde Hall does."
"There, I can enjoy the best research environment available. For me, that's the most important thing. I have no reason to leave."
"I understand."
Bai Chen didn't push further.
There would be plenty of time in the future—no need to rush.
"Then let's begin the lesson."
Xuan Ziwen straightened his posture and asked:
"First, a non-technical question. What do you think a soul tool is?"
"A tool."
Bai Chen answered immediately.
"In my opinion, soul tools are not fundamentally different from any other tools created by humanity. They are simply devices humans use to overcome difficulties. The only difference is that soul tools currently require soul power to operate."
"Very good." Xuan Ziwen smiled. "I'm glad you didn't say they're weapons."
In truth, for most soul masters who first encounter soul tools, they are basically synonymous with weapons.
But Bai Chen saw them differently.
His motivation for studying soul tools was never solely about improving his combat strength.
"So then," Xuan Ziwen continued,
"why do you want to study soul tools? What is your reason?"
"To advance society."
Once again, Bai Chen answered without hesitation.
Yes.
This was the most important reason he chose to study soul tools.
The nature of soul tools as tools meant they existed in a completely different system from soul masters.
A powerful soul master might be individually strong.
But a powerful soul engineer could create technology that changed the entire world.
Take Xuan Ziwen himself.
The Sealed Milk Bottle he would develop in the future would allow ordinary people to potentially use soul tools.
Even though his personal combat power was nowhere near that of famous Title Douluo, his historical importance would surpass many Limit Douluo.
Bai Chen had always been proud of being human.
To him, the civilization created by humanity's creativity was one of the most beautiful things in the world.
Since he existed across three different eras, and possessed such overwhelming talent, then naturally he wanted to do everything in his power to make the world better.
And the simplest way to advance human development was obvious:
Bring future soul tool technology into the present.
"I see… that's a very good reason."
Xuan Ziwen's smile became gentler.
Over the years he had met many soul engineers.
Some studied soul tools for money.
Some for power.
Some because their family demanded it.
As for himself, he studied them simply out of interest.
But someone like Bai Chen—whose goal was to advance civilization itself—was rare.
There was no hierarchy among motivations, but he personally admired Bai Chen's reason.
Satisfied with the answer he had been seeking, Xuan Ziwen nodded.
"Last two questions. How old are you, and what level soul engineer are you?"
"Six years old. Level four."
—
The warm smile on Xuan Ziwen's face froze instantly.
Three seconds of silence later—
"You're only six years old?!"
Bai Chen was already relatively tall for his age, and recently his martial soul had triggered early physical development.
Most people would guess he was around ten years old just from appearance.
So previously, Xuan Ziwen had still been able to accept his maturity.
But six years old was an entirely different matter.
"And you're saying you're a fourth-level soul engineer?! Are you serious?!"
Normally, a soul engineer's level correlated closely with their soul master rank.
For most people, the soul engineer level was equal to or lower than their cultivation level.
A Soul King being a Level 4 engineer was common.
But it would be nearly impossible for that same Soul King to already be a Level 6 engineer.
Only a tiny number of geniuses could produce higher-level soul tools beyond their rank.
Xuan Ziwen had already seen Bai Chen's single ring earlier.
Even though a purple first soul ring was already outrageous—
A one-ring Level 4 soul engineer was even more shocking.
Bai Chen pushed him away helplessly.
"Teacher Xuan, you forgot something."
"I'm also a blacksmith. The metals I forge can significantly reduce the difficulty of making soul tools."
"Even so… even so…"
Xuan Ziwen was practically speechless.
Bai Chen felt slightly helpless.
He obviously couldn't say that he was a transmigrator who had several extra years of knowledge.
It took Xuan Ziwen ten full minutes to calm down.
Then he said coldly:
"If you claim to be a Level 4 soul engineer, then make me a Level 4 soul tool right now."
"Alright."
Bai Chen didn't refuse.
Now that Xuan Ziwen had become his teacher, he would eventually learn Bai Chen's real ability anyway.
Showing some of it now didn't matter.
With that thought, Bai Chen took several pieces of Thousand-Refined metal out of his storage soul tool.
At the same time—
Several streaks of dark golden light flashed through the air.
The Dark-Gold Terror Claws extended from his fingertips, releasing a sharp metallic aura.
"This is—"
Xuan Ziwen was about to ask something.
But then he saw Bai Chen begin engraving with the claws themselves, forcing him to swallow the question.
Soon, he forgot the question entirely.
He could only stare blankly as Bai Chen crafted a soul tool at an incomprehensible speed.
The Dark-Gold Terror Claws were far sharper than any carving knife.
After experimenting a few times, Bai Chen had become extremely fond of them.
The Dark-Gold Terror Claw right palm bone was practically equivalent to giving him five engraving knives at once.
Working simultaneously, Bai Chen finished crafting a Level 4 soul tool in just a few minutes.
By the time he finished—
Xuan Ziwen was completely stunned.
He swallowed hard and inspected the device carefully.
Finally, he spoke in a dry voice:
"…Yes."
"This is indeed a Level 4 soul tool."