Chapter 199 - 199: [DD2]: 199

Creddits: Johan Erickson Testing Grounds Accompanied by a deafening explosion, a metallic target in the distance shattered into countless fragments, scattering debris everywhere. The air was thick with the acrid scent of gunpowder. From afar, Su Yu knelt on one knee, a massive metal cannon barrel resting on his shoulder, radiating faint heat. The barrel, dark gold in color, had a tiger-shaped motif at the rear, exuding an intimidating presence. Standing beside Su Yu, Jing Hongchen watched the aftermath of the explosion and nodded silently. "Your Tiger's Might Cannon, while lacking in range, has astonishing power." "It's on par with most Level 6 ranged soul tools in terms of destructive force." "Moreover, its penetration ability is exceptional. At close range, even an average Soul Emperor might struggle to defend against it if caught off guard." Jing Hongchen had quickly identified the cannon's strengths—immense damage and remarkable penetration. Its only shortcoming was the range, though it still met the standards of a Level 5 ranged soul tool. Su Yu lowered the cannon from his shoulder, a faint smile on his lips. "Hall Master, my goal in designing this cannon was to maximize lethality." "Additionally, I specifically tailored it to counter certain defensive-type Soul Masters." "You know how we Soul Engineers typically have an advantage over Soul Masters of the same level—except against defensive types." "Defensive-type Soul Masters with powerful martial souls can often put us at a significant disadvantage. But I'm confident that with my Tiger's Might Cannon, even a defensive Soul King's defenses would crumble if hit directly." "So that's why you added so many penetration arrays?" Jing Hongchen rolled his eyes. Even the best Level 5 armor-piercing rounds didn't use as many penetration arrays as Su Yu had crammed into this cannon. But surprisingly, he'd managed to integrate them seamlessly into the design, allowing the cannon to function smoothly. "Yep! I went all out. So, how's the result?" Su Yu grinned cheekily. "It's unconventional, but the results are impressive," Jing Hongchen admitted. "Designing soul tools isn't about playing it safe—it's about innovation. Your approach is unusual, but it's worth encouraging." Su Yu chuckled in response. "Alright, let's head back. I'll point out the shortcomings in your design," Jing Hongchen said. Su Yu nodded, and the two left the testing grounds, returning to Illustrious Virtue Hall. Back in the hall, Jing Hongchen began highlighting areas for improvement in Su Yu's design, offering his suggestions. After incorporating these adjustments, Su Yu crafted a new Tiger's Might Cannon. This version boasted a greater range and an even more devastating impact. Su Yu couldn't help but admire Jing Hongchen's expertise—truly worthy of his reputation. Realizing how far he still had to go, Su Yu adopted a more humble mindset and dedicated himself to studying soul tools with renewed focus. Thus began an intense year and a half of rigorous learning. ... ... ... Illustrious Virtue Hall - Underground Arena Xiao Hongchen and a group of others had gathered around, watching the two figures in the arena. One of them, Ji Juechen, had his long black hair tied back with a simple band. His face was pale, but his eyes gleamed with cold intensity. He held a black sword blank in his hand, his expression icy and brimming with fighting spirit. Opposite him stood a tall youth with striking snow-white hair cascading down his back. His features were sharp, exuding both elegance and strength. His icy blue eyes gleamed like blades, and the snowflake mark on his forehead added a touch of cold nobility. The white-haired youth gazed at Ji Juechen with an indifferent expression. "You shouldn't have come." "But I did," Ji Juechen replied firmly. "Then make your move." At those words, Ji Juechen's eyes suddenly blazed with determination. His gaze was sharp, unwavering, and filled with an almost obsessive focus. At this moment, the sword in his hand seemed to be the only thing in his world. Two yellow, two purple and two black soul rings rose from beneath his feet—a six-ring Soul Emperor. Through sheer tenacity, Ji Juechen had reached the Soul Emperor level. A sharp and oppressive aura erupted from him, merging seamlessly with his sword. He had achieved a state of Soul and Sword as One. The overwhelming sword intent surged forward like a tidal wave, filling the arena with an almost suffocating pressure. The sword in his hand trembled and hummed, while his momentum climbed rapidly, heralding an imminent storm. Opposite him, Su Yu closed his eyes briefly, exuding a domineering presence. It was a force, an unstoppable momentum that swept away all before it. Chilling energy exploded from him as Su Yu raised his fist. The essence of wind, frost, and ice seemed to converge into his punch, elevating his momentum at an astonishing pace. Two powerful auras clashed violently, grinding against each other in a battle of will and intent. This was no longer just a contest of soul power—it was a confrontation of sheer force and spirit. "Who do you think will win?" Mi Jia scratched his chin as he asked. Xiao Xiafeng pondered for a moment and replied, "If it's purely about strength, Ji Juechen would be outmatched in less than ten moves. But if it's about momentum, I can't say for sure. I don't understand this stuff." Sёarch* The Nôvel(F)ire.nёt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Exactly! We're pure Soul Engineers. What do we know about this kind of thing?" Lin Xi spread his hands. These two guys in the arena? They're complete anomalies. "This time, I'm betting on Ji Juechen," Ma Rulong said. "It seems like Su Yu has hit a bottleneck and hasn't been able to break through. On the other hand, Ji Juechen has made noticeable progress." "Ji Juechen's low rank naturally means faster progress. Su Yu's just stuck at his limit, but the moment he breaks through, it'll be a transformation," Xiao Hongchen argued. "Old Ji has improved quickly, but he's never won," Jing Ziyan chimed in. Ji Juechen had challenged Su Yu at least dozens of times by now and hadn't won a single match. The record spoke for itself. "Winning or losing doesn't matter. Both will gain something regardless," Meng Hongchen murmured, her beautiful eyes fixed intently on the two in the arena. She knew that Su Yu had been stuck at this bottleneck for over a year. If today's match with Ji Juechen could push him through, it would be perfect. While the audience below whispered amongst themselves, the two combatants in the arena finally moved. Ji Juechen slowly drew his sword, gripping it with both hands before slashing downward in a straight, unyielding motion. The razor-sharp intent emanating from him burst forth completely at that moment. Su Yu stepped forward with his left foot, clenched his fist, and punched out. The intangible force of his fist carried the essence of wind and frost. In an instant, Su Yu's entire shoulder turned a swirling mix of green and white hues. The sword intent and the fist's force clashed violently, engaging in an invisible yet fierce battle. The ground within dozens of meters in front of them fractured and collapsed inch by inch, and even the air seemed to thicken. In the next moment, their combined auras surged wildly. Su Yu's eyes narrowed, his momentum shifted, and he forcefully suppressed the sharp sword intent. Ji Juechen was flung back over ten meters, blood spurting from his mouth. Su Yu also staggered several steps back before regaining his balance. "Haha! See? I told you, there's no way Su Yu would lose," Xiao Hongchen laughed triumphantly, looking smug. "But Su Yu also got pushed back. Didn't you see that?" Lin Xi said coolly. "Can you push Su Yu back like that?" Xiao Hongchen's laughter abruptly stopped. Could he? Well… no. Damn it. The clown… is me? Xiao Hongchen's face immediately fell. Cough! Ji Juechen coughed up more blood but retained a brilliant glint in his eyes. "You win." He didn't mind losing. From the moment he started challenging Su Yu, he'd been losing. Losing didn't matter—as long as he kept improving. And this time, he'd learned a lot. "You've improved quickly," Su Yu said. Though he had won, he didn't seem particularly pleased. These days, he'd made significant progress in his grasp of intent, yet he still couldn't break through that threshold. What was he missing? Su Yu couldn't figure it out. "It looks like you're stuck on something," Ji Juechen commented. Su Yu nodded. "I have a feeling, but I just can't grasp it. It's been over a year without any progress." "Don't rush it. Maybe one day you'll just suddenly figure it out," Ji Juechen said comfortingly. After fighting so many matches with Su Yu, their relationship had become quite amicable. "Maybe you're right. Perhaps I've been too obsessed and can't calm my mind," Su Yu said thoughtfully. Could it be that letting things happen naturally would work better? "Our paths are different. I can't offer much advice. I've achieved what I have through sheer persistence, but that might not suit you." "You're right." The two continued talking as they stepped off the stage. Meng Hongchen ran over excitedly. "Yu, how did it go?" "Still no breakthrough. Maybe I need to take some time to relax," Su Yu said, taking her hand. "Yu, what do you mean?" Meng Hongchen asked curiously. Su Yu smiled faintly. "I've been stuck at Level 50 for over a year now and haven't obtained my fifth soul ring yet. I'm planning to get it soon." "And since this academic year is nearly over, I want to request a long leave from the academy, travel around, and broaden my horizons. Maybe what I lack is that kind of inspiration." This was Su Yu's third year at Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy, and there was only a month left before the semester ended. At the start of the fourth academic year, Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy was set to begin an exchange program with Shrek Academy. Su Yu had little interest in the exchange program and didn't want to waste his time unnecessarily. Stay at Shrek Academy for two and a half years? That was out of the question. Visiting for a short while might be more acceptable. As for soul tools, he had already learned plenty. Now fourteen years old, Su Yu had become a Level 6 Soul Engineer nearly a year ago. The Level 6 Soul Engineer badge he wore was solid proof of his achievement. Although he hadn't yet undergone the Level 7 Soul Engineer assessment, in some respects, he could already be considered at that level. After all, he could create Level 7 soul tools tailored specifically for his use, leveraging the power of his Ultimate Ice attribute. The strict standards of the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy—and Su Yu's high expectations—were the only reasons he hadn't officially advanced. His soul power was still a bit lacking, which was a weakness. However, once he added another soul ring and his true rank emerged, that gap should close. With some focused refinement, achieving Level 7 would naturally follow. Thus, taking a leave of absence at this time wasn't an issue for him. "You want to take a leave of absence?" "Does that mean we'll be apart?" Meng Hongchen looked a little downcast. If Su Yu took leave, she might not see him for a long time. "Don't worry. I'll visit you at Shrek Academy," Su Yu said, gently stroking her cheek to comfort her. But Meng Hongchen still lowered her head, unable to cheer up. Su Yu had no choice but to gently embrace her waist and soothe her. "Ahem, watch the public display! Stop showing off your relationship all the time," Mi Jia coughed, interrupting. "If it bothers you so much, why not get a girlfriend yourself? Or don't tell me… you guys can't even get one? No way, right?" Su Yu's tone was dripping with mockery. "Hey! Does this brat dare to mock us? Let's get him!" A group of single dogs lunged at Su Yu, who quickly picked up Meng Hongchen and fled, laughing as the group chased after him in a playful scuffle. ... "You want to take a leave of absence?" Jing Hongchen, seated on the main throne, looked at Su Yu. He wasn't particularly surprised; after all, Su Yu had mentioned this plan before. "Yes, I'd like to get my fifth soul ring and take the opportunity to travel, broaden my horizons, and gain new insights," Su Yu explained. "Fine. Your current level in soul tool crafting is decent enough. I'll grant you leave. How long do you plan to be away?" "It's hard to say—maybe two or three years, or one or two years. But it won't be a short time." "You've got some nerve, asking for such a long leave. What if I refuse to approve it?" Jing Hongchen teased. Su Yu raised an eyebrow. "Hallmaster, do you think I'd just obediently stay at the academy if you didn't approve?" Jing Hongchen: "..." His fists clenched. This brat was getting bold—too bold. Anyone else saying this to him would have been skinned alive. But this kid? He had no leverage over him. Other than being somewhat unruly, Su Yu was practically perfect. His talent as both a soul master and a soul engineer was unparalleled. At fourteen, he was already brushing against the threshold of Level 7 Soul Engineer—a prodigy far beyond even Jing Hongchen's grandson. And most importantly, Meng Hongchen had already set her sights on Su Yu long ago. She'd even let it slip once that they had shared a bed before. That revelation alone shocked Jing Hongchen to his core. At the time, he wanted to grab a blade and cut Su Yu in half. That beast! Thankfully, Su Yu understood their youth and hadn't crossed any lines. If he had, there would have been hell to pay.