Zhou Sichen followed Fan Yu directly to her laboratory, where the best equipment and resources in all of Shrek Academy were available. Whatever Zhou Sichen wanted to create, it could likely be provided here.
Moreover, Fan Yu was quite curious to see Zhou Sichen's actual level in soul tool crafting. After all, a Class 4 Soul Engineer at such a young age—he had never even heard of such a thing.
On the way, Fan Yu couldn't help but ask, "You want to use the carving blade to inscribe a core soul tool array—are you trying to create a life-bound soul tool?"
Zhou Sichen wasn't surprised that Fan Yu had guessed his intentions so easily. After all, this was Fan Yu—widely regarded as Shrek Academy's, and even the original Douluo Continent's, foremost Soul Engineer.
If Fan Yu could guide him during the creation of his life-bound soul tool, Zhou Sichen might end up with twice the results for half the effort.
He replied with a smile, "Yes. With the help of the List-Carving Blade, the chances of success should be much higher."
He had no intention of hiding this from Fan Yu and continued directly, "Right now, I'm already at the peak of Class 4. I'm hoping to use this opportunity to break into the fifth tier of core soul tool arrays."
Fan Yu had initially been preparing to offer some advice, but after hearing that, he was momentarily stunned.
Inscribing a Class 5 core array? A Class 5 Soul Engineer? At twelve years old?
Fan Yu suddenly realized just how little he truly knew about Zhou Sichen. This young man wasn't just shockingly handsome—his talent was outright terrifying.
After a long silence, Fan Yu finally managed to digest Zhou Sichen's words. Someone like him wouldn't make baseless claims.
Trying to remain calm, Fan Yu said, "Go ahead and do as you planned. If anything comes up, don't hesitate to ask me."
To witness the growth of such a prodigy—someone who would undoubtedly surpass him in the field of soul tool research—was a privilege in itself.
More importantly, he could leave his mark on this young genius's journey.
No matter how talented Zhou Sichen was, he couldn't progress without guidance. And Fan Yu very much wanted to be the one offering that guidance.
"Thank you, Teacher Fan Yu. There's one more favor I'd like to ask," Zhou Sichen said gratefully.
"Go ahead," Fan Yu responded without hesitation. "If it's within my ability, I'll help however I can."
Zhou Sichen said, "I've already memorized a few Class 5 core array schematics, but of course, their quality and quantity can't compare to Shrek's collection. I was wondering if you could provide me with some diagrams and guidance."
Fan Yu didn't even hesitate. Zhou Sichen's talent aside, the academy had already assigned him the highest level of cultivation resources.
To others, such schematics might be considered precious, but if Zhou Sichen needed them, Fan Yu would offer them up without a second thought.
"No problem," he said. "I'll take you to the lab to get them now."
The two chatted as they walked and soon arrived at the Soul Tool Department's interior.
The number of students in the Soul Tool Department was much smaller—about one-third the size of the Martial Soul Department.
As they passed by, several students greeted Fan Yu respectfully while curiously eyeing Zhou Sichen, the Inner Court senior walking beside him.
Every one of them was stunned by Zhou Sichen's looks. Even the boys couldn't help but sneak a second glance. How could someone be this handsome?
Eventually, they reached the lab where Fan Yu usually crafted soul tools. For Zhou Sichen, of course, Fan Yu spared no effort and brought out the best resources available.
Fan Yu's lab was quite spacious, filled with precision instruments and rare materials.
As soon as they stepped through the door, a tall, dark-skinned, and burly student approached them, holding a circular soul tool in his hands.
He noticed the handsome youth standing beside his teacher and was briefly surprised, but he quickly turned to Fan Yu and said:
"Teacher, this Class 3 defense shield is finished. Please take a look."
Fan Yu glanced at the circular shield in his hands and patted the student on the shoulder. "Caitou, let me introduce you to a senior."
Only then did He Caitou look at Zhou Sichen. "Hello, Senior. I'm He Caitou."
Zhou Sichen gave him a small smile. "Zhou Sichen."
Fan Yu added, "Sichen, Caitou is my most promising student. While he may not be as advanced as you when it comes to soul tools, he's the most innately gifted student we have in all of Shrek."
Zhou Sichen studied He Caitou. Despite looking somewhat foreign, the guy had a solid and strong build. And truthfully, he wasn't bad-looking either.
His darker complexion suggested he was likely of Sun Moon Empire origin. But since the Sun Moon Continent and the Douluo Continent had been connected for thousands of years, intermarriage had occurred. If He Caitou didn't mention it himself, no one would know his true ancestry.
In the original work, He Caitou had been one of the candidates for Shrek's "Ultimate Soldier Plan." It was only due to Huo Yuhao's rise that he ended up relegated to the role of support.
That alone was proof of He Caitou's considerable talent with soul tools.
By the end of the story, he had become a Class 9 Soul Engineer.
But what truly stood out was his martial soul.
Even in a place as talent-rich as Shrek Academy, He Caitou's Cigar Martial Soul was among the top-tier support-type spirits. And he'd been born with innate full soul power.
The only odd thing was how the Martial Soul Department had somehow overlooked his potential and let him join the Soul Tool Department instead.
Zhou Sichen was already considering recruiting He Caitou.
He knew the boy's true identity, as well as his perseverance and potential. If he could bring him in, He Caitou would definitely be a valuable ally in the future.
Fan Yu took the Class 3 defensive soul shield from He Caitou and handed it to Zhou Sichen. "Sichen, help Caitou evaluate this."
Zhou Sichen smiled and accepted the shield He Caitou had just completed, carefully inspecting it.
After a while, he nodded. "It's very good. Among Class 3 soul tools, this is definitely above average. However, the core array inscriptions could be a bit more precise."
Holding the shield, Zhou Sichen began to elaborate, clearly listing its strengths and weaknesses.
Fan Yu listened with repeated nods. With his own skill, he only needed a glance to know what was wrong.
But Zhou Sichen could accurately explain every flaw—and even suggest ways to fix them.
That alone proved that Zhou Sichen wasn't all show—he had real knowledge and skill.
He Caitou listened intently, taking in Zhou Sichen's evaluation while carefully considering his own shortcomings and areas for improvement.
He was genuinely amazed by Zhou Sichen's level of expertise in soul tools. Thankfully, he didn't know Zhou Sichen's actual age or background—otherwise, he'd be even more shocked. For now, he simply thought: No wonder he's a senior.
Zhou Sichen returned the soul shield to He Caitou, who bowed slightly and said sincerely, "Thank you for your guidance, Senior. I'll train harder and make sure not to repeat these mistakes."
Zhou Sichen smiled. "You've already done very well. Keep working hard, and I believe you'll become a powerful Soul Engineer one day."
He Caitou was filled with motivation after hearing that. He turned to both Fan Yu and Zhou Sichen and said, "Teacher, Senior, I won't disturb you any longer. I'll go make improvements now."
****
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