Douluo 2: Way of Fake God With Soul Tools

Although his first soul skill was Analysis, which allowed him to obtain core formation structures, there was one issue: throughout the entire battle, he had never actively used his soul skill on Wenqu's soul-guiding device.

So, the question arose: if he hadn't activated his first soul skill, then where did the core formation come from? This was what had been on Su Luoheng's mind ever since leaving the test area, and why he had rushed back to the dormitory to carefully recall every detail of the battle.

"Could it have been triggered during the fight?"

Su Luoheng's eyes lit up as this possibility suddenly occurred to him.

Thinking it over, it made sense in theory!

However, he would need to experiment to be sure.

Immediately, he pulled out his Ice Rain Sword and an unexamined soul-tool from his bracelet, something he had picked up while shopping the previous day. After all, just browsing without buying anything would have been awkward.

*Ding—*

*Ding—Ding—*

The two soul-tools collided repeatedly, each strike producing the crisp sound of metal clashing.

Moments later, Su Luoheng paused, his eyes revealing a look of realization.

"It's exactly as I thought!"

Just as he had predicted: even if he didn't actively use his first soul skill during battle, as long as his weapon was infused with soul power and clashed with another soul-guiding device, it would automatically analyze the core structure. Since the soul power consumed in these weapon-based collisions was minimal, the analysis process took longer than normal.

In simple terms, his first soul skill had a passive ability.

Because he had never sparred against a soul master who used soul-guiding devices before, he hadn't discovered this hidden function until now.

Still, it wasn't too late to realize it.

He had the academy to thank for arranging this tournament. Without it, who knows when he might have uncovered this passive feature of his first soul skill?

"Not bad luck at all~"

A smile appeared on Su Luoheng's young face. Being able to analyze his opponent's soul-tools during combat… if used correctly, this ability could be a deadly weapon! He was more than satisfied with this unexpected bonus.

…

After submitting the assessment materials for the freshmen, the remaining tasks were no longer her concern.

After saying a few goodbyes, Ran Ruobing returned to her laboratory.

Although her rank allowed her to conduct experiments at the Illustration Virtue Hall, she still preferred working in her own lab.

As she opened the door, the sound of metal being cut echoed from within.

"Grandfather?"

Seeing Old Master Ran busy at the workbench making a soul device, Ran Ruobing quietly stepped aside without making a sound. It was a well-known taboo to interrupt a soul engineer during their work.

Old Master Ran was none other than Ran Ruobing's grandfather.

It was also the reason she had become so curious about Su Luoheng, whom her grandfather had frequently mentioned.

Half an hour later, the metal door swung open.

"Grandfather~" Ran Ruobing smiled sweetly and handed him a cup of water.

"How was today's assessment, Ruobing?" Old Master Ran took the cup with a smile and asked, "You met Su Luoheng, the boy I've been telling you about, right?"

"Yes."

Ran Ruobing nodded slightly, recalling the results of the morning's test. She said softly, "Grandfather, you weren't wrong about that kid. He's indeed extraordinary. He even managed to master the engraving of a first-tier core formation to a perfect level."

"Of course! Your grandfather has a keen eye!" Old Master Ran beamed with pride at his granddaughter's confirmation.

"Grandfather, I heard from Director Lin that you're thinking of taking him as a disciple?" Yan Ruobing asked curiously.

"I'm certainly considering it. What do you think?" Old Master Ran nodded with a smile.

"He certainly has the talent, but he's still so young. No one can guarantee how he'll turn out in the future… Grandfather, perhaps it's better to observe him for a while longer?"

Even though she had witnessed Su Luoheng's abilities firsthand, Ran Ruobing still had her concerns.

"It's not as early as you think~" Old Master Ran shook his head, responding calmly.

"Grandfather?"

"Do you know what his first soul skill is?" Elder Ran stroked his white beard, a meaningful smile spreading across his weathered face.

"What is it?" Ran Ruobing's eyes flickered with curiosity.

"Come closer."

"…"

Elder Ran gestured for her to come forward and whispered the details about Su Luoheng's soul skill.

In the next instant, Ran Ruobing's eyes lit up.

"His first soul skill is… to analyze soul-guiding devices?!"

"Exactly," Elder Ran nodded with a smile. "So, do you still think it's too early?"

A ripple of excitement flashed across Ran Ruobing's calm demeanor, and her previously composed voice gained a hint of enthusiasm. "Not early at all! Grandfather, you absolutely must take him as your disciple—or even better, let me take him!"

"Hah, not a chance," Elder Ran chuckled and gently poked her forehead.

"Oh, Grandfather, you know this aligns perfectly with my research field! It might even help me with my advancement~" Ran Ruobing playfully blinked her eyes, a stark contrast to her usual "ice-cold beauty" persona.

Elder Ran stroked his white beard again and said, "Once he's your junior, do you really think he wouldn't help you?"

"That's true~" Ran Ruobing grinned mischievously, her eyes twinkling. If she didn't have to personally train him and could simply reap the benefits of his progress, it would save her time and effort. Quite the bargain!

"Alright, Grandfather, make sure you take him as your disciple! I'll be off to my experiments now."

"Remember to get some rest, you cheeky girl!"

"Got it!"

Watching Ran Ruobing disappear into her laboratory, Elder Ran shook his head with a helpless smile. His granddaughter had many excellent qualities, but once she started experimenting, she would lose track of time. This reminder would probably go in one ear and out the other.

Oh well, she's grown now. There's no controlling her anymore. Best for him to go back and prepare his teaching materials; after all, it had been years since he last taught, and he needed to brush up on his lessons.

…

Two days flew by.

Soon, it was time to reveal the results of the freshman upgrade assessment. Su Luoheng, along with the other freshmen who had participated, gathered in front of the bulletin board, all hoping they had met the assessment standards.

Today marked the official start of the new academic year. All the students wore the academy's uniform, adorned with the emblem of the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy.

Su Luoheng, too, was dressed in the academy's uniform.

The Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy's uniform was simple yet elegant, with all students, from first years to sixth years, wearing moon-white robes. The embroidery on the robes grew more intricate as students advanced in grade.

The fabric of the academy uniform was high quality, and Su Luoheng's attire made him appear both dignified and composed.

As he made his way towards the teaching area, a tentative voice called from behind.

"Luoheng, is that you?"

"Hmm?"

Hearing someone call his name, Su Luoheng paused and turned around, spotting Zhen, the senior he had met during his admission.

"Senior Zhen?"

"It really is you, Luoheng!" Zhen quickly stepped forward.

"Senior Zhen, what a coincidence to run into you here…"

Both of them exchanged surprised looks. Neither had expected to meet again so soon, especially considering the vast size of the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy.