Douluo Dalu 2: You are an Evil Soul Master, but also a good person ?

"Regarding the defeat, I believe it was due to a combination of factors. First, while the potential of soul tools is immense, four thousand years ago, our technology was still extremely limited. We had not yet developed soul tools capable of rivaling the power of a Limit Douluo. Even for those above the Title Douluo level, soul tools were at a clear disadvantage."

Xu Cheng spoke calmly.

"The reason we were able to prevail in the war against the three nations was simply because our low-level soul tools far surpassed the so-called Tang Sect hidden weapons in terms of ease of use, range, and power. The latter were not only inferior but also prohibitively expensive... This is why we continuously won in large-scale military engagements."

"At that time, the combined number of Title Douluo from the three nations was only around twenty."

"But when Shrek Academy gathered sixty Title Douluo powerhouses, we were utterly defeated. Therefore, I believe that high-end combat power will always be a decisive factor in tipping the scales of war."

"Of course, in my opinion, this weakness has now been addressed. After four thousand years of development, we have created Level 10 soul tools capable of rivaling Limit Douluo. Top-tier powerhouses, Level 9 soul engineers, have also been emerging like bamboo shoots after rain..."

"Second, the lack of competition. Four thousand years ago, the Sun Moon Continent was complacent. Most soul tool research was driven by personal interest and the desire to improve individual strength, so the development of soul tools was slow."

"However, after four thousand years of military competition, the Sun Moon Empire felt significant pressure, leading to an explosive advancement in soul tool technology. From close combat to long-range attacks, and even Level 9 fixed soul cannons, progress has been rapid..."

"Let me interrupt for a moment."

The old man clasped his hands behind his back, looking at Xu Cheng with interest.

"Cheng, I support and agree with your points, but these arguments have already been raised by scholars and have been thoroughly researched."

"I'd like to hear something different. Can you do that?"

"..."

"Of course." Xu Cheng wasn't flustered by the interruption.

He understood that this was the real test.

Unlike the textbook recitations, true experts had their own insights...

"I believe that the current direction of the Sun Moon Empire's development should lean toward exoskeleton attachments or humanoid mechs. This should at least be a main focus for a certain stage. Lowering the operational costs would allow low-level soul masters to pilot high-level mechs, even though there are still issues with physical endurance and soul power propulsion..."

"..."

As soon as he finished speaking.

The old man's eyes flashed with surprise.

No wonder.

Humanoid mech technology was currently a key research project at the Mingde Hall and a central theme of future plans. What was the Sun Moon Empire's weakness?

Manpower, talent.

To put it bluntly, without soul tools, the Sun Moon Empire's strength would likely fall short of even the weakest of the three nations, the Dou Ling Empire.

But technology changes everything.

Since there's a lack of talent, why not reduce the cost of using soul tools?

For example, if a Level 3 soul engineer could use a Level 5 soul tool, wouldn't that make them comparable to a Level 5 soul master?

This would greatly alleviate the talent shortage.

Moreover, if this concept were realized, using milk bottles to pre-charge energy, similar to steam engines, it would be like on Earth, where ordinary people could pilot mechs and explore the universe.

And all the components could be industrially produced...

But what puzzled the old man was that this project was known to only a handful of people—the head of the Mingde Hall, Elder Kong, himself, and the Emperor of the Sun Moon Empire... no more than ten individuals in total.

It was one of the Sun Moon Empire's most closely guarded secrets.

How did this child know about it?

Could it be... his own idea?

As the old man pondered, Xu Cheng continued.

"Second, we should focus on long-range transportation and information."

"Long-range transportation refers to how to transport soul tools over great distances... For example, Shrek Academy is approximately fifty thousand kilometers away. Factoring in weather, wind, and other conditions, as well as the interception by Shrek Academy's powerhouses, imagine if, just if."

Xu Cheng spoke eloquently.

Completely unaware that Xiao Hongchen was staring at him in stunned silence.

"If we pressed a button now, a missile loaded with dozens of Level 9 fixed soul cannons would launch, passing through the territories of the Star Luo Empire and the Tianhun Empire, then, holding our breath, bypass all of Shrek Academy's detection systems, and explode over Shrek City. What a spectacle that would be."

"We've been too obsessed with researching the power of soul tools. Now, the power is definitely sufficient, but we lack guidance..."

"Second, information."

"To put it simply, it's about the unmanned reconnaissance drones produced by the Mingde Hall. What is warfare about? Information! Any tactic is based on first gathering information about the enemy and then formulating a corresponding plan. But when the enemy's every move is exposed to us, do their tactics still hold any meaning?"

This point was exemplified by Ju Zi during the war with the Star Luo Empire.

If not for Huo Chai's intervention, hundreds of thousands of troops would still be firmly held in check...

"Moreover, information can be used for guidance. How can missiles strike accurately without information? This involves satellites, radar..."

"Ding!!!"

When the bell rang.

Xu Cheng finally stopped, still brimming with enthusiasm.

By now, the entire Class 1 was dead silent.

These theories were not only mind-blowing for a group of eleven-year-olds who had just started learning about soul tools, but even for a seasoned Mingde Hall teacher, they would be staggering.

In fact, that was exactly the case.

The Level 9 soul engineer standing on the podium let out a long breath.

He looked at Xu Cheng.

Now, he was certain.

The earlier discussion about mechs was definitely this kid's own insight!

As for the other theories, they were undoubtedly at the forefront of soul tool research!

Although some of the ideas sounded a bit naive to a veteran soul engineer like him, they were still worthy of being standalone research topics...

Is this really a prince?

Cheng Baiqing became deeply interested in him.

"Class dismissed."

The old man picked up his book, glanced at Xu Cheng, and left leisurely.

Meanwhile, the students of Class 1.

Seemed to be too shocked by these new theories to speak.

Their gazes toward Xu Cheng also carried a hint of admiration.

Not because of his royal status, but genuine... admiration.

Xu Cheng also smiled and nodded.

Among them, many might become his future allies.

Class 1 gathered the most talented individuals of the same age from across the Sun Moon Empire in a single year.

As they left the classroom.

"Xu Cheng, if you dare say one more time that this is your first contact with soul tools, I swear I'll cut ties with you!" Xiao Hongchen glared at him, baring his teeth.

"Really..."

"Cut ties!!!"

Xu Cheng shrugged like a bear.

But this first encounter had certainly left a deep impression on the big shots.

Future interactions wouldn't seem too abrupt...

(End of Chapter)