Last night's sky was overcast, but no rain fell.
The next day dawned clear, with the morning sun streaming through the window into the room.
The warm sunlight spread through the room, quickly reaching the bedside.
Kong Xuan rubbed his eyes, then, only half-opening them, knew it was the morning sun shining on his face.
He sat up, seeing himself lying on the bed, his sister still asleep on the other side.
Clenching his fist, feeling the unprecedented power filling his body, Kong Xuan could clearly sense the improvement in his physique.
He didn't know how long he had persisted last night, but it was clear that both of them had successfully completed their first "Whale Jelly Body Forging."
Even though Kong Xuan's movements to get out of bed were careful enough, he still woke up Kong Ling.
Kong Ling, also filled with power, clearly wasn't sleepy either, and so she also got up and washed.
When the two sat at the dining table, they found today's breakfast unexpectedly delicious; it didn't seem to be the nutritious breakfast prepared by Kong Deming.
Seeing their surprised gazes, Kong Deming smiled, "Cultivation requires a balance of work and rest, and eating is the same principle. Today you will only eat three meals, all normal food."
Even though they weren't very hungry, facing a table full of delicacies, the siblings couldn't help but eat a little more.
Kong Deming didn't say much, letting the two children indulge.
When the siblings finished eating, Kong Deming placed two small boxes in front of them.
Under their astonished gazes, he said, "These are gifts for you. Open them and take a look."
Kong Ling picked up the long, rectangular box in front of her, opened the lid, and inside lay a necklace.
The necklace was entirely silver, adorned with jewels that shimmered with a faint blue-silver light. The centerpiece was a crystal-clear jade, within which a nebula seemed to swirl.
The box in Kong Xuan's hand contained an identical necklace.
Kong Deming introduced, "This is a Level 9 defensive spirit tool I made, called Star Radiance Guardian."
"This necklace is crafted from mithril and stardust steel, with spirit tool gems inlaid in each section, forming a miniature defensive spirit tool array. It automatically activates upon a fatal attack, capable of withstanding a full-power strike from a Titled Douluo below Level 95."
"The pendant of the necklace is a Deep Sea Sunken Star Jade. Inputting spirit power can activate a healing shield, which can slowly restore the injuries of yourself and your teammates, and also has a purification effect, capable of dispelling symptoms such as dizziness and poisoning."
Listening to Kong Deming's introduction, Kong Xuan's eyes gleamed as he looked at this defensive spirit tool.
Wearing this triggered defensive spirit tool was equivalent to having an extra life!
Kong Ling next to him had a similar expression, her eyes full of joy.
She wasn't concerned with the function of this defensive spirit tool; she simply liked the style of the necklace.
After all, she was a girl; she always liked pretty things.
Looking at the two with shining eyes, Kong Deming stood up and said, "You two should always wear these two necklaces from now on. Today, I'm giving you both a day off. Get some good rest."
With that, Kong Deming turned and left the room; he had many things to attend to today.
A moment later, Kong Deming's figure appeared in the Hall of Worship; he was waiting for someone.
"Teacher!"
Hearing this voice, Kong Deming, who had been resting with his eyes closed, finally opened them.
Xuan Ziwen walked in quickly from outside, his silver robe now appearing somewhat disheveled, and he himself gave off a dusty, travel-worn impression.
Kong Deming asked, "Are things all handled?"
Xuan Ziwen nodded, "As per Teacher's instructions, the message has been sent out from the Hall of Worship. Within three days, all Soul Engineer academies across the Empire will receive the order."
The Hall of Worship was not the direct superior of these Soul Engineer academies; the two could be said to be in different systems.
However, the Hall of Worship held a very special position in the Sun Moon Empire; it could be said to be above many forces.
Therefore, even the Emperor of the Empire had to carefully consider orders issued from the Hall of Worship, as the title of Protector of the Nation was not for nothing.
Looking at his teacher's serious expression, Xuan Ziwen couldn't help but ask, "Teacher, are you preparing to emerge from seclusion?"
Kong Deming, as the Hall Master of the Hall of Worship, held immense power.
But he usually preferred to immerse himself in the research of spirit tools and did not "micromanage" the Empire's development.
And this time, Kong Deming, in the name of the Hall of Worship, issued an order to the entire nation, which Xuan Ziwen naturally saw as contrary to his teacher's previous style.
Kong Deming did not directly answer his disciple's question but instead asked back, "Why do you ask?"
Xuan Ziwen replied without thinking, "Teacher ordered Soul Engineer academies in various places to awaken the Spirit for free for eligible children in the surrounding areas, and to provide free enrollment opportunities for those with outstanding talent. Isn't this a reform you intend to carry out, Teacher?"
Xuan Ziwen looked at his teacher with fervent eyes, as if he had been waiting for this day for a long time.
Kong Deming's expression remained calm, but in his heart, he marveled at his disciple's rich imagination.
However, he also had to admit that Xuan Ziwen had guessed some things correctly.
Kong Deming then asked again, "Reform? What kind of reform do you think it is?"
Hearing his teacher pose such a question again, Xuan Ziwen felt even more certain that his previous guess was correct.
He took a deep breath, this time thinking for a moment before answering, "According to the specific content of Teacher's order, the geniuses being sought this time are mainly based on innate spirit power and Spirit strength. So, I think Teacher wants to promote the development of Spirit Masters within the Empire."
Kong Deming smiled upon hearing this, "Since you can see these things, then many others must also understand my meaning."
Xuan Ziwen's expression froze, feeling that his teacher's words seemed a bit "unpleasant."
This was somewhat looking down on him, making it seem like he was far inferior to others.
Xuan Ziwen was valued by Kong Deming and accepted as a disciple, becoming a Level 7 Soul Engineer at a young age, so his talent naturally far surpassed ordinary people.
Therefore, Kong Deming had no intention of underestimating his disciple's talent at all; he was talking about political sensitivity, an area where his disciple had always been slow to react.
"The Empire's spirit tool development far surpasses that of the Douluo Three Kingdoms, but why did we lose that great war back then? It was because we lacked true powerhouses!"
"Whether Spirit Masters or Soul Engineers, everything still needs to be based on spirit power, and we have become too reliant on spirit tools. This situation must change!"
After witnessing the talent of the pair of grandchildren he "picked up," he knew he couldn't teach them.
After that, he had been thinking about solutions, and finally, this nationwide reform came about!
He didn't just want to cultivate Kong Xuan and Kong Ling; he wanted to start cultivating a generation!
After all, even the growth of powerhouses requires companions.
Xuan Ziwen then said, "But Teacher, our strongest asset right now is spirit tools. In terms of Spirit Master cultivation, we have always been inferior to the Douluo Three Kingdoms. Isn't this decision of yours taking our weakness to challenge their strength?"