Douluo Continent: The Eternal Order of the Azure Sky.

Meanwhile, a series of soft "clicking" sounds rang out as he slowly rubbed his left hand together, fine, silvery-white powder sliding from between his fingers. The rhomboid dragon scales that quietly appeared in his palm gleamed with an almost imperceptible jade-like luster as they rubbed against the metal.

Because of Kong Deming, Old Ma had already paid close attention to Kong Tianxu, and now he focused his attention even more on him. Seeing his method of production, he couldn't help but show a hint of surprise on his face.

What is this child doing? Why doesn't he take advantage of his peak energy to inscribe the most challenging core magic array first, instead of immediately making the outer shell? Is the outer shell of the soul tool he is making more important than the core magic array?

However, despite his many doubts, he clearly wouldn't interfere with Kong Tianxu's actions. Every truly outstanding Soul Master has their own unique style, especially since he's Kong Lao's only grandson; there must be a deeper meaning behind it.

Kong Tianxu moved incredibly fast. In just a few minutes, molds were being made one after another, and his soul tool making table was already filled with more than a dozen finished metal shells.

At that moment, he finally opened his tightly clenched left hand. A silver-white sphere, about the size of a peach pit, appeared on the table.

He actually managed to knead a piece of titanium into such a perfectly round sphere with just one hand!

Ma Jinlong's eyes widened, and his heart was once again filled with shock.

Just as Ma Jinlong's emotions were fluctuating with Kong Tianxu's abnormal physical strength, Cain also arrived at the Temple of Worship Research Institute through the special channel left by Kong Deming.

Facing the curious or inquisitive gazes of several elderly men, she brushed aside her sweat-dampened hair and jogged over to the smiling Kong Deming.

"What's wrong, Yin'er?"

Kong Deming quite liked this girl who had some connection with his deceased wife's family. Judging from her appearance, it didn't seem like there was anything wrong with Tianxu, so he asked her with great interest.

Cain bowed and said, "Grandpa Kong, Xiao Hongchen has approached Tianxu to exchange Soul Master skills, and Tianxu has agreed. They are currently at Mingde Hall."

The grandson of Confucius and the genius youth of the Hongchen family have met? The six white-haired elders exchanged glances, their curiosity evident in each of their eyes.

"Oh—" Kong Deming nodded, it seemed Xu'er understood his intention. He suddenly turned his head, looked at the six level-nine soul masters who were craning their necks to eavesdrop, and said:

"Since the research has just come to an end, shall we go together?"

"Let's go!"

"Old Shen, check the surveillance footage of Mingde Hall. I don't know where it is."

"Call a few more people, call a few more people. It's not easy to have such a lively atmosphere. Zheng Zhan went to class today, so hurry up and tell him. He and Xiao Jingzi are the worst at getting along. He should have brought his remote communication soul tool with him. Also, call Xiao Liao, Wang Yiheng, and your old flame Luanfeng. It just so happens that the Guardians of the Nation are in Mingdu these days."

Old Su, who seemed to thrive on chaos, chuckled and rattled off the names of renowned level-nine soul masters one by one, as if reciting a menu.

Cain looked at the scene before her thoughtfully, and was about to speak when Kong Deming voiced her thoughts:

"Go and call your teacher over too."

"Hmm!" Cain nodded excitedly. She had a vague feeling that Tianxu seemed to be about to do something big this time.

……

"The teacher just left like that?" Xu Tianzhen's rosy lips were slightly open, still unable to process the sudden turn of events.

Just now, an elderly man in a blue robe walked into the classroom, introduced himself as Zheng Zhan, and then seemed to receive some very urgent news. After announcing that the class would be turned into a self-study session, he hurriedly left, leaving Xu Tianzhen bewildered in the wind.

"Class monitor, class monitor," a girl called out to her, finally bringing her back to her senses.

"what happened?"

"Look at those people, it seems like they're heading towards our class."

"Hmm?" Xu Tianzhen looked in the direction she was pointing and saw three boys and one girl walking quickly towards the classroom of Class One. In just a few breaths, they had arrived at the classroom door.

The burly young man at the front scanned the group of first-year students, finding no soul power fluctuations as expected, and coldly spoke:

"Who is your class monitor? We need to talk to him."

"That's me. You're upperclassmen, right? What do you want?"

Xu Tianzhen stood up with a solemn expression and walked to the group, asking in the same cold tone.

Soul Master? Su Muzhe's thick, short eyebrows involuntarily rose as he turned to Xu Yunhuang and asked:

"What's going on? Is it her?"

"Where is that silver-haired guy from your class? I've already inquired, he's your class monitor, tell me now!" Xu Yunhuang shouted sternly.

“He went out on business. I’m the class monitor now. Who are you people and what do you want?” Xu Tianzhen refused to back down.

“Vice squad leader, this matter started because of me, so let me handle it.” Ye Nongfeng stood up, his face pale, but his tone was firm.

"Didn't he say that Mingdetang would come to the first grade to conduct the assessment?" Xu Yunhuang asked in a cold tone.

Xu Tianzhen noticed the bandages on his face and immediately guessed what was going on. She quickly gestured to Ye Nongfeng, but he ignored her and said:

"What, is there a problem? You, a student of Mingde Hall, have been beaten to a pulp by the class monitor, and you still have the nerve to come back?"

"Oh no!" Xu Tianzhen thought to herself, realizing something was wrong. She knew Ye Nongfeng wanted to take the blame upon herself, but Kong Tianxu had clearly entrusted the class to her when he left, and she absolutely could not back down now.

"Kid, I'd like to see how you test me?"

Su Muzhe's face was ashen as he suppressed his soul power to the level of a Great Soul Master and struck out with a palm.

Ji Juechen and Jing Ziyan both frowned, but ultimately did not stop it.

Xu Yunhuang looked smug. If the silver-haired kid didn't show up soon, wouldn't he be able to easily crush the rest of the group of first-year students? However, no one could see his expression.

"Your opponent is me!" Xu Tianzhen shouted, and the orange sun in her hand suddenly lit up.

On the rooftop of the distant teaching building, the figure of an old woman moved slightly.

Chapter 52 List of Thirteen Golden Scales and Sacred Sigh

The Imperial Palace.

The morning sun shone brightly in the study, where Emperor Xu Guoyi was reviewing memorials, with Xu Tianran accompanying him.

"Tianran, have you heard about the Heavenly Narrative Soul Ring? You're also a Soul Master, what do you think?" Xu Guoyi seemed to have lost interest in the mountain of memorials in front of him and suddenly looked up to ask.

Xu Tianran was stunned for a moment and said, "Father, this... surpassing the optimal ratio of spirit rings is indeed unprecedented in the Empire. I have heard that Elder Ye has a similar secret technique, but I'm afraid it is impossible for the first spirit ring to reach the thousand-year level. The Silver Dragon Martial Soul is indeed beyond imagination."

"Yes, that's exactly the case. We need to win people's hearts as soon as possible. Let's go and invite them to the banquet ourselves."

"Father, this..." Xu Tianran was about to dissuade him when hurried footsteps interrupted him.

Xue Chen, who was always silent, rushed over and said hurriedly:

"Your Majesty, Elder Kong, along with all the honorees of the Hall of Worship, as well as the leaders and deputy leaders of the major Guardian Soul Master Corps, have all gone to the Hall of Bright Virtue."

"What!" Xu Tianran was shocked.

"What is it?" Xu Guoyi asked in a calm tone, even with a hint of curiosity.

"It seems that... Xiao Hongchen and Kong Tianxu are exchanging Soul Master techniques."

"Hahaha," Xu Guoyi laughed loudly, "Good, what a battle of two heroes! Tianran, these memorials are yours now. Come on, I'll go join in the fun."

"Guards, prepare the carriage for Mingde Hall!"

……

"Thump, thump, thump..." Noisy footsteps could be heard, and shadowy figures moved behind a dark wall.

"Grandpa's here?" Kong Tianxu thought to himself, multitasking as he carved the core magic array in his hands. His carving speed wasn't very fast, but it was steady; the golden carving knife in his hand almost flowed across the titanium surface.

At this moment, what he was inscribing was merely a level four core magic array, which he could have completed with his eyes closed.

But this time he wasn't going to hold back; he wanted to take this opportunity to present his idea to the public.

Grandpa also wanted him to make a name for himself in front of all the ninth-level soul masters, in preparation for taking over some of the power of the Moonflower Palace, so he arranged it all at once.

This is the Unbreakable Douluo, that's the Starry Sky Douluo, Mad Bull, Demon Blade... Hey, even Fire Phoenix Douluo and Luan Feng have arrived?

Out of the corner of his eye, he could clearly see a dozen or so figures talking on the wall. Led by Kong Deming, the group sat down in a circle, creating a lively atmosphere.

Kong Tianxu checked the time; it was about time to officially begin.

With this thought in mind, the tip of the knife moved even faster on the silver-white metal ball, cutting without stopping, the "rustling" sound of the knife contacting the metal continuous.

With a flick of the wrist, the blade of the carving knife vibrated three times in succession, and the intricate and complex core magic array patterns grew out of the metal surface as if naturally formed.

"One slash, three tremors?" Mad Bull Douluo Wang Yiheng's eyes lit up. With his knowledge as the leader of the Evil Monarch Soul Master Corps, he naturally recognized Kong Tianxu's slashing technique at a glance.

This kind of trembling carving technique is not something you can see just anywhere. It requires years of hard work to learn and demands a high level of precision and control over the force of the carving. Usually, only some older, high-level Soul Masters can master it. I didn't expect this kid to know it too.

"Since you can even make a 'one strike, three tremors' technique, why use iron essence to make so many soul tool outer shells and conductive inner shells, and even inscribe a level four core magic array? Xiao Hongchen has already started making a second level five core magic array. This is quite a difference."

An elderly, white-haired, level-nine Soul Master spoke up. He didn't intend to elevate Xiao Hongchen; as one of Kong Deming's staunch supporters, he was more concerned about Kong Tianxu's production.

Indeed, looking around, Kong Tianxu's wide workbench was piled with all sorts of exquisite parts, some large and some small. Most of them were made of the most common iron, with only the occasional rare metal like spring copper.

Although the purpose of those oddly shaped metal parts is unclear, it doesn't change the fact that they are made of ordinary materials!

On the other hand, Xiao Hongchen's dark gold carving knife, while not moving as seamlessly as Kong Tianxu's, even pausing after each stroke as if needing time to think and judge, reveals upon closer observation that each pause is exactly the same, and only for a fleeting moment.

Each cut was precisely connected to the previous one, and with a highly rhythmic pace, his carving speed was not much slower than Kong Tianxu's smooth and flowing movements.

This is an inscription rhythm that only high-level Soul Masters can master. Every high-level Soul Master has their own rhythm when creating Soul Tools. Never underestimate that momentary pause. Xiao Hongchen doesn't have Kong Tianxu's uniquely gifted Martial Soul to make the most accurate analysis and judgment.

When he was making soul tools, all his judgments relied on his experience, his perception of metal, and his overall control. That momentary pause was actually his time to think, and once he entered his own rhythm, his mental power, soul power, and attention would all move with the rhythm.

"Old Master Kong, is there something wrong with the carving knife in your grandson's hand? Something just doesn't feel right."

Just as several level-nine soul masters nodded slightly in approval of Xiao Hongchen's performance, a seventy-year-old woman dressed in crimson armor suddenly spoke up.

She is Luanfeng, the leader of the Fire Phoenix Soul Master Corps, level 94, one of the oldest level 9 Soul Masters in the Sun Moon Empire, and a contemporary of Kong Deming.

As she spoke, she seemed to suddenly remember something and exclaimed in surprise:

Which one did you give him?

Kong Deming nodded slightly, smiling without saying a word. Most of the dozen or so level nine soul masters looked puzzled, while only the oldest ones suddenly realized, their eyes filled with the same disbelief as Luan Feng's.

Despite the soundproof shield and walls, the conversation of these strategic-level imperial beings was still clearly audible. Kong Tianxu chuckled inwardly, but the trajectory of his carving knife remained smooth and steady without any fluctuation.

It was as if he wasn't sculpting a piece of metal, but rather painting a picture.

Old Ma was still unaware of the presence of the group of level-nine soul masters, as he had focused more of his attention on Kong Tianxu. He had long since noticed the unusual nature of the carving knife in Kong Tianxu's hand—

The blade of this golden carving knife is not sharp; in fact, it could be described as quite dull.

But this golden carving knife, which appeared to be unsharpened and for which Kong Tianxu had not imbued it with soul power, advanced effortlessly on the extremely hard titanium. Even more strangely, after carving for so long, not a single fragment fell from the titanium.

Which engraving knife should this be used for listing the list? Old Ma searched his memory carefully.

"Ranked thirteenth, Jin Lin Sheng Tan."

Luanfeng sighed, her voice tinged with regret.