Though curious about what Meng Hongchen was planning, Xu Tianxi still obediently activated his Mirror Image Illusion spirit ability, concealing her presence from anyone nearby.
After all, when engaging in secretive scheming, it was better to be cautious. If one of those nosy campus gossips happened to catch wind of this and start spreading rumors, there was a real chance that goofball Xiao Hongchen might come pick a fight.
Even the plump and easygoing Dean Jing Hongchen might become wary of this "suspiciously bright transfer student."
"Ehehe~ Xiao's been plotting lately," Meng whispered gleefully. "He's determined to hit you, his poor little junior, with a heavy psychological blow. But I just can't bear to watch, so I thought I'd come help you out."
Now sure no one could see her, Meng Hongchen casually took out several notebooks, spreading them out on Xu Tianxi's desk. She flipped them open to reveal her elegant handwriting and explained:
"These are my personal notes from when I prepared for the Level 1 Soul Engineer certification. I've marked down key theories, thinking strategies, and past exam questions. The Academy's exams haven't changed much over the years.
If you can fully digest these, you'll ace the written test, no question. Xiao may have better raw talent for operating soul tools, but he's never beaten me in theory."
Xu Tianxi skimmed through her notes, nodding along with growing interest. After a while, he couldn't help but ask:
"Senior Meng, are you sure you're helping me just out of kindness? If you want something, you can say it—I may be a refugee, but I'm not exactly broke."
Meng Hongchen considered this for a moment, then smiled charmingly and said in a coaxing tone:
"Junior Xu, I don't think you understand just how wealthy the Hongchen family is. Talking about money is so tacky. I don't choose my friends based on how rich they are."
Xu Tianxi twitched slightly. "Well… how about I make you a few fixed-mounted soul cannon shells? I'm confident I can manage Level 3 quality. Not much, but it's at least a token of gratitude."
Meng laced her fingers together and leaned on the desk, her bright eyes glinting mischievously.
"I'm helping you because you're cute… and because you had such presence when debating Director Lin in class. You spoke with conviction and intelligence.
How about this—when your skills improve, you can share your theories and research with me. Let's call this an early investment on my part. Sound fair?"
Xu Tianxi's pupils shrank. Oh no! I've caught the attention of an academic fox spirit!
Wait—scratch that. Fox spirits are useless in research. Meng Hongchen was nearly as gifted as her brother, and destined to become both a Titled Douluo and a Level 9 Soul Engineer someday. She was no leech.
Not to mention, her grandfather's soul tool mastery was on a completely different level. Even Xiao Hongchen, as foolish as he acted, was no slouch in his field. They didn't need to sponge off his ideas.
In fact, forming a good relationship with Meng might help him secure support for his future projects...
"So?" Meng teased. "Thought it through? I'm on great terms with the Dean. If your concepts are viable, I can help you get official funding."
Seeing how guarded Xu still seemed, Meng decided to play the wealthy heiress card to crush his resistance. The granddaughter of the Dean lacking funds? Impossible.
Xu Tianxi thought for a couple of seconds, then gave a firm nod and a grateful thumbs-up.
"Senior, you're generous. I won't argue anymore. If I ever get results, I'll definitely credit you."
He still had to eat under her grandfather's roof. Listing her as co-author on a future paper wasn't out of the question.
Besides, he knew how valuable his ideas were. The direction was sound, but getting real results would take time. Still—very promising.
This was the turbulent Soul Land II era, after all. Dean Jing had led research into the original Prototype Mecha, only to have Huo Yuhao steal it during a chaotic ambush on Mingde Hall.
Even Xuan Ziwen, creator of the first-generation Battle Armor, was poached by Huo Yuhao and dragged off to do grunt work at Tang Sect for years.
The Mingde Hall's years of research had all ended up as wedding dresses for Shrek Academy and Tang Sect.
Now that he, Xu Tianxi, was here—those legacies would not slip through his fingers again.
For now, he knew his replication ability was exceptional. But innovation? That remained to be tested.
"Mhm~ Junior Xu really is likable," Meng Hongchen said with a smile, her eyes shining with expectation.
"I hope you'll become a Level 9 Soul Engineer before Xiao does."
With Xu agreeing so readily, Meng beamed. This was perfect.
Xiao always complained that being unbeatable at the Academy was so lonely. Now she was helping raise his future rival—he should thank her for it!
Ehehe~ This junior was just too fun to tease. Especially those sparkling eyes and the faintly glowing mark on his brow—his body martial soul must be something special…
Xu Tianxi noticed the gleam in her eye. She clearly enjoyed stirring up drama for her brother's sake. Still, their exchange had been mutually beneficial, so he relaxed a little.
With his photographic memory and years of hands-on experience, passing the Level 1 certification would be a breeze.
There were less than three months left in the term. His personal goal?
Pass the certification, surpass Xiao Hongchen's records, and give Senior Meng a show she'd never forget.
Once the novelty wore off, she'd probably lose interest in teasing him and turn her attention back to keeping Xiao in line. Maybe even use him as leverage to push her brother to work harder.
Success wasn't in question—at least not for Xu.
If the Douluo Continent's Three Nations only required engraving the appropriate-grade core formation to advance soul engineer ranks, he was already at Level 5—and might even challenge Level 6.
Here in the Sun Moon Empire, only theory was holding him back. A month of grinding in the library, and even Levels 4 and 6 would be within reach.
Under Meng's guidance, Xu studied diligently—often asking questions that were… unconventional.
"Senior Meng, do we have to process rare metals using blacksmithing techniques? What about other methods—like harnessing hydraulic or wind power?"
"…Huh???"
Meng blinked in confusion. What was this junior talking about?
"I mean, soul engineers are supposed to be creative, right? Back at the Xuanming Sect, I saw water wheels used to drive large machinery. What if that kind of hydraulic power could also cut rare metals?"
"And soul power—it's nearly a universal energy source. If we could store and regulate it to power automated soul tool machinery, wouldn't that boost productivity massively?
It could be ideal for large-scale production…"
As he spoke, Xu Tianxi sketched on scrap paper, drawing designs from his past life and mapping out a new technological tree.
The hammer-and-anvil traditions of the Tang Family Continent had barely changed in ten thousand years. Even the Sun Moon Empire's advanced alloy tables felt crude and inefficient.
What they needed was standardization. Mass production.
If he wanted to flatten the Three Nations with overwhelming industry, he'd need to introduce the concept of assembly lines.
Meng Hongchen stared at the crude sketches. She tried to imagine what Xu was describing—she could almost grasp it, but it still felt like something beyond her understanding.
"You… hold on a second. I'm calling an expert."
Unable to follow the logic, Meng made the executive decision to call for backup. She dialed a soul communicator and spoke respectfully:
"Hello? Master Xuan Ziwen? It's Xiao Meng.
I have a very creative junior here who's been discussing some really interesting ideas.
I think they might even help with your sealed baby bottle project...
Yes, I'm in the library. His name is Xu Tianxi—oh, you already know about him?
You've heard of him already?"
After hanging up, she turned to Xu Tianxi with a bright grin and a peace-sign gesture.
"All done! How's that, Junior Xu? Impressive, right?
Let me tell you—Master Xuan Ziwen is the Chief Researcher of Mingde Hall, and one of the most prestigious Level 8 Soul Engineers in the entire Sun Moon Empire!"
Xu Tianxi nodded earnestly. He had to admit—Meng's connections were amazing.
She really was the Dean's granddaughter. She could call someone like Xuan Ziwen on a whim.
But wait… Meng said even Xuan Ziwen had already heard of him?
All I did was make Director Lin faint… Is my reputation spreading that fast?
Just then, a gust of wind howled through the library.
A man in his early thirties burst in at full speed and flew toward them. As soon as he saw the illusion dispel, he made a beeline for them.
Meng quickly stood up and offered her seat.
"Master Xuan, there's no need to rush. We still haven't finished organizing everything—"
"Hahaha, how could I not rush, Xiao Meng? You're the Dean's precious granddaughter, and you're introducing such a brilliant student? I can't waste this opportunity!"
Xuan Ziwen beamed and turned to the person standing beside Meng.
"So you're Xu Tianxi—the one who made Lin Jiayi faint with a few words?
Just as I thought—a rare soul tool prodigy.
Meng said you had all kinds of creative ideas. This is excellent!
Come with me to my lab—we'll dive deep into the wonderful world of soul tools. There's so much to explore!"
Before Xu or Meng could react, Xuan Ziwen had placed a firm hand on Xu's shoulder. His aura as a Soul Douluo flared subtly, and he looked ready to drag the poor boy off with unstoppable enthusiasm.
Meng Hongchen suddenly panicked.
Oh no. I shouldn't have brought him here!
She called out instinctively to stop him.
"Master Xuan—Tianxi is my person now! Isn't it a bit much to just snatch him like this?!"