Chapter 26: A Visit to the Soul Guidance Department
In the cafeteria, the clatter of chopsticks echoed as Wu Feng impatiently tapped hers against the plate, her brows furrowed. The usually lively dining hall felt eerily empty without the familiar setup of tables and chairs. Her displeasure was evident.
"I really don't know what the academy is thinking."
She muttered under her breath, her voice laced with frustration. Just as she was about to continue, her gaze flickered toward Ning Tian, who stood beside Chen Junting. As if suddenly realizing something, she hastily stuffed a mouthful of food into her mouth, mumbling incomprehensibly. The words she tried to suppress seemed to resemble something like "so picky."
Ning Tian, maintaining her composed demeanor, pretended not to notice. With a small appetite, she elegantly finished the last piece of century-old braised earthworm tendon before turning to Chen Junting.
"Brother Junting, let's go to the Soul Guidance Department next."
Chen Junting nodded, wiping his mouth with a napkin. "That's right. Let's take Yuhao to explore it properly. He should get formal exposure to the Soul Guidance Department, and if possible, we should find a teacher or senior to guide him. If we can help him achieve the rank of a first-level soul guide within this school year, that would be ideal."
His gaze shifted to Huo Yuhao. "What do you think? Do you have confidence?"
Huo Yuhao carefully picked up the last grain of dragon tooth rice, his movements deliberate. As he swallowed, his eyes gleamed with determination.
"I do."
Chen Junting smiled, pleased with his resolve. He gestured toward Wu Feng, who had just finished her meal, signaling her to follow. The group then set off toward the Soul Guidance Department.
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After walking for about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, they arrived at a colossal gray rectangular building. Its sheer size dwarfed the teaching halls of the Martial Soul Department. The structure's robust design was reinforced with both bricks and metal plating, giving it an imposing presence.
"This is the Soul Guidance Department's teaching facility?" Wu Feng murmured, stepping forward curiously. Running a hand along the cool surface, she tapped it lightly. The thick walls absorbed the sound, emitting only a dull thud. As she pressed her palm against the building, a faint tremor vibrated through her bones—an unmistakable sign of the machinery within.
Her lips curled slightly. "This is completely different from the Soul Guidance Research Institute of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect."
Compared to the refined elegance of her sect's research center, this place felt industrial, even crude. She clicked her tongue. "Ning Tian, I think Yuhao would benefit more if he studied in the sect instead."
Ning Tian's expression remained unreadable. "Sister Feng, one cannot judge a book by its cover. The sect's researchers focus on development and manufacturing, leaving little time for basic instruction. In contrast, Shrek Academy has the most advanced soul guidance curriculum among the former three Douluo empires."
She gestured toward their surroundings. "And right now, the most pressing concern is how we get in."
At that moment, Huo Yuhao, who had been observing quietly, pointed toward an inconspicuous sign a short distance away. "Sister Xiaotian, did we take the wrong path?"
The sign read clearly: Soul Guidance Device Testing Area – Restricted Access
Chen Junting frowned slightly before shifting his gaze to a nearby pathway. "We should take that route. It should lead us to the teaching area."
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As they followed the winding path, a vast open courtyard came into view. Several classrooms lined the perimeter, and above them, three large characters were etched into the wall: Teaching Area.
"We should find a senior to ask for directions."
As luck would have it, a student from the Soul Guidance Department walked toward them. He was tall, nearly two meters, with broad shoulders and dark skin. Though bald, his honest expression made him appear approachable.
Ning Tian stepped forward. "Senior, may we have a moment?"
The man paused, momentarily surprised. His eyes flicked over their white uniforms. "You're freshmen from the Martial Soul Department?"
"Yes, Senior," Ning Tian answered politely. Chen Junting pulled Huo Yuhao forward and added, "We're here to explore the Soul Guidance Department. Our companion wishes to pursue concurrent studies in soul guidance."
Understanding dawned on the senior's face. "Ah, I see. Come with me. I'll take you to my teacher. He'll know what to do."
The four followed him into the building. Moments later, they arrived outside an office door. The senior knocked lightly before stepping inside.
"Teacher, I'm back."
Inside, a middle-aged man sat hunched over a desk covered in schematics and diagrams. With broad shoulders and an air of authority, he was engrossed in his work, sketching something on paper. Without looking up, he responded, "Caitou, since you're back, prepare yourself. We'll be conducting a new round of tests in the lab later."
The bald student, He Caitou, scratched his head sheepishly. He turned back to the group and motioned them forward. "Teacher, I brought some visitors."
Only then did the man glance up. His sharp eyes took in the sight of the white-uniformed students. He furrowed his brows slightly. "Freshmen from the Martial Soul Department? What brings you to the Soul Guidance Department?"
Though his tone wasn't harsh, there was a hint of curiosity. The two departments had always been at odds, and it was rare for outer courtyard students from the Martial Soul Department to take an interest in soul guidance.
Chen Junting stepped forward and repeated their request.
Fan Yu, the Dean of the Soul Guidance Department, listened in silence. Then, he studied Huo Yuhao with an unreadable expression.
"So, you're interested in concurrent studies."
Unlike He Caitou, Fan Yu immediately grasped their intent. He neither dismissed them nor agreed outright. Instead, his sharp eyes scrutinized Huo Yuhao, as if weighing his potential.
Students from powerful factions rarely made impulsive decisions. If they were this determined, there had to be a reason. While he could advise against it, he chose not to. After all, if a Martial Soul Department student successfully pursued soul guidance, it might even inspire others.
A small ripple in the status quo, but one worth considering.
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(End of Chapter)
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