Chapter 98: Preparing for Combat
Furina clapped her hands lightly, drawing everyone's attention back to herself. "Alright. Let's set aside the theoretical aspects of soul rings and soul skills for today. A deeper understanding will require you to feel things out and explore on your own through future cultivation and actual combat."
She paused briefly, her gaze sweeping across the faces below—some lost in thought, some brimming with excitement. A mysterious, playful smile curved at the corner of her lips.
"Of course," she shifted tone, her voice becoming light and enticing, "if any of you are particularly interested in these 'wildly unconventional' theories, or if you run into bottlenecks in your practical attempts—feel free to come find me for a private chat anytime. As your 'temporary teacher,' perhaps... I might be able to offer some special 'extracurricular guidance.' Who knows?"
That "peculiar" smile deepened.
Guidance and help—the bargaining chips were all held firmly in her hands. For example, that "streamlined and improved" version of the Mysterious Heaven Technique inner cultivation method. Or the Purple Demon Eye technique that could temper spiritual perception. In her view, among all the Tang Sect's many secret arts, only these two could be considered core essences: one could fundamentally accelerate soul power accumulation and fortify one's physical foundation; the other could enhance spiritual power—an auxiliary ability any soul master would dream of.
As for the Ghost Shadow Perplexing Step, the Mysterious Jade Hand, and techniques of that ilk—in the Douluo Continent, a world overly reliant on martial soul instinct and woefully lacking in systematic physical skill development, they might dazzle at first glance. But placed in an environment where true martial arts flourished, they'd barely qualify as entry-level.
When it came down to it, the soul masters of this world were simply too... comfortable. Their thinking seemed completely boxed in by martial souls and soul rings. The vast majority knew only how to mechanically tread the paths their predecessors had already worn smooth. Few were ever willing to leap beyond the frame and create, to delve and research from scratch. Even the later rise of soul tool technology had advanced at a pace so painfully slow it made one want to weep, often staggering forward in increments measured by millennia. This deep-seated "inertia" led to development that was, frankly, glacial.
Furina mused inwardly: This is the perfect opportunity. Use the Mysterious Heaven Technique and the Purple Demon Eye as "door-openers" to precisely attract those young people with true ambition and true perception. Subtly, imperceptibly, guide them toward the embrace of the Church of the Water God. Two birds, one stone, isn't it?
Gathering her thoughts, she cleared her throat and brought the topic back to the lesson. "Theory is theory. Putting it into practice is what truly matters. So now—I am giving you your first assignment."
She deliberately slowed her pace, ensuring every word was clearly heard. "After you return, each of you must quiet your mind and seriously consider—and then write—a 'Soul Master Development Plan' for your own future. The content should include, but is not limited to: in which direction do you intend to deeply develop your martial soul? What is your ideal soul ring configuration sequence? Regarding soul tools—do you embrace them proactively, or do you lean more toward the traditional soul master path?... Systematically organize these thoughts."
Her gaze shifted to the back of the classroom, and she smiled warmly at Zhou Yi. "These plans will ultimately be submitted to Teacher Zhou Yi for review. After all, I'm only a 'temporary worker.' After today, I have to return such an outstanding class to Teacher Zhou."
"I am confident that with Teacher Zhou's rich teaching experience—after hearing all these 'heretical' ideas today and then reading the plans each of you has personally written—she will certainly be able to offer guidance far better tailored to your individual circumstances, helping you avoid unnecessary detours."
A flawless passing of the baton. Furina felt not the slightest burden on her heart. She truly had no interest in poring over dozens of lengthy planning documents one by one. How exhausting would that be? What was more, her knowledge of the specific traits of various martial souls and the compatibility choices with different soul beasts—that vast and tedious body of knowledge—was far from thorough.
As the Water God and Pope, her primary duties were to grasp the overall direction, to present new ideas, and to attract talent. The tedious details of execution should naturally be handled by professional subordinates.
Zhou Yi, listening from below, felt the corner of her eye twitch faintly. The complexity of this "assignment" far exceeded the scope of her usual teaching. Her consistent style was to grasp the big picture while letting go of the small—only providing basic oversight on her students' core cultivation directions and otherwise encouraging them to explore independently.
Now, reviewing and providing feedback according to such a detailed framework set by Furina would undoubtedly multiply her workload, and she'd have to ensure the professionalism of her advice to avoid damaging her authority. Yet the words reached the tip of her tongue and were swallowed back. Who could she blame? In a moment of impulse, she'd pushed Furina onto the lectern herself. It was far too late to rescind the order now.
Besides—she was genuinely curious. These little monsters, so full of pride, after being bombarded by Furina's novel theories, just what kinds of fascinating answers would they produce?
She could only adjust her expression and strive to appear composed and professional. "Mm. Teacher Furina has considered things very thoroughly. Everyone's planning reports may be submitted to me."
"Excellent!" Furina nodded with satisfaction and raised her voice. "Does everyone clearly understand the requirements?"
"Clearly!" came the unified response from below.
"Alright! You have two days to complete this assignment seriously. Remember—base it on your actual circumstances. Don't reach beyond your grasp." She clapped her hands, and her tone shifted abruptly, now brimming with eager anticipation. "The theoretical portion ends here! Next, we move to the academy's Spirit Arena district. Practical combat training—begins now!"
"Combat training? Right now?" Zhou Yi nearly thought she'd misheard. This pace was shifting far too fast! Even more swift and decisive than herself, a teacher infamous for harshness.
"That's right. Combat is the sole criterion for testing truth—and the best way to digest theory," Furina explained, her reasoning crystal clear. "We'll simulate the team battle format of the freshman assessment. You may now form your own groups—three per team. Today's combat will be divided into several phases. For the first match, you'll be allowed to form your own teams and discuss tactics. In later matches, I'll randomly shuffle the teams to test your adaptability and coordination under pressure."
A sly, cunning light flashed through her eyes. "Additionally—the academy rules forbid the use of soul tools during the freshman assessment, but they certainly haven't banned other weapons. I will provide some 'special equipment' for you to choose from—non-soul-tool items, such as... certain intricately designed hidden weapons."
At the words "hidden weapons," many students' eyes lit up. Wang Dong instantly sat bolt upright, his interest thoroughly piqued. Huo Yuhao wore a knowing smile. He could roughly guess what Furina was about to bring out—nothing more than those Tang Sect hidden weapon replicas that Sister Tang Ya had originally gifted, or similar items. This served both to increase the variables and enjoyment of the combat drills, and was likely another way for her to showcase the "Church of the Water God's" depths and quietly draw attention.
He murmured under his breath, "Sister Furina's 'recruitment' strategy truly is everywhere, isn't it."
Furina's voice rang out once more, now carrying a clear note of caution. "However, I must state this upfront—these 'little toys' I'm providing are just a bit more powerful than you might imagine. So, for everyone's safety and to ensure fairness, I will establish certain restrictive rules to ensure no serious injuries occur and that balance is maintained. Understood?"
"Understood!" The students' voices brimmed with anticipation and curiosity. The theories had set their hearts surging. Now, they could hardly wait to head to the Spirit Arena district and test their mettle.
"In that case—everyone!" Furina swept her hand forward in a crisp, decisive gesture. "Destination: the academy's Spirit Arena district. Move out!"
The classroom instantly erupted into a boil of activity. Students rose to their feet, enthusiastically discussing team compositions as they followed Furina and Zhou Yi, surging toward that place where they could pour out their sweat and put their new ideas to the test.