Chapter 122: Fan Yu
Under Zhou Yi's somewhat subdued guidance, the first-year freshmen soon arrived before a building of a strikingly different style.
Unlike the structures of the Martial Soul Department—some ancient and solemn, others grand and imposing, all emphasizing aesthetics and presence—the rectangular building before them was clad entirely in a cold, austere gray.
Its construction materials clearly went beyond common brick and stone. The faint traces of metal inlays and rivets were visible across the wall surfaces, and at certain angles they even glinted with a cold, steely sheen, exuding a distinct industrial feel and an air of meticulous rigor.
Beside the entrance stood a prominent metal signboard, upon which six large characters were etched in bold, powerful strokes: "Soul Tool Experimentation Zone"—clearly marking the territory's affiliation.
There was no need for further explanation. This was the core area of Shrek Academy's Soul Tool Department.
Once inside the gray building, the shift in the environment's texture became even more pronounced. The warm touch of brick and stone vanished entirely, replaced by the omnipresence of metal: metal walls, metal floors, metal ceilings—even the air carried a faint, uniquely metallic chill and a subtle scent of machine oil.
The illumination came from soul-conduction lamps embedded in the ceiling, casting a steady and bright radiance that lit the entire interior like broad daylight, yet lacked the softness of natural light. The layout here also differed greatly from the Martial Soul Department's teaching buildings. Rather than being divided into orderly, standard classrooms, the space was partitioned by heavy metal panels into independent zones of varying sizes, each marked with a number—resembling a series of enormous metal boxes.
Zhou Yi seemed quite familiar with the place. She walked silently at the front, guiding the curious students through the somewhat empty central corridor, proceeding directly to its very end.
A heavy metal door blocked their path, clearly marked "Experimentation Zone No. 12."
With a turn of her wrist, Zhou Yi produced a hexagonal silver token. A faint fluctuation of soul power rippled across its surface. She pressed the token with precision into an inconspicuous recess on the door. A perfect, seamless fit.
A soft click sounded, and the token was ejected slightly. Immediately after, accompanied by a low, steady grinding noise, the heavy metal door slid sideways, revealing the scene within.
Only upon entering Experimentation Zone No. 12 could one truly grasp the meaning of "a world unto itself." The interior was far broader and more complex than it appeared from the outside. Thicker, sturdier alloy plates subdivided the area further into numerous small compartments, each serving different functions. The cold luster of metal reflected from every corner.
Under Zhou Yi's lead, the group passed through several short passageways and arrived at the most expansive area.
This was a vast open space spanning roughly two thousand square meters, with a ceiling height exceeding ten meters—making it feel exceptionally cavernous. At the edges of the area, several scattered figures dressed in Soul Tool Department uniforms were either tinkering with bizarrely shaped metal components in their hands, or recording data as they faced flickering soul-conduction screens before them. Faint fluctuations of soul power and the occasional clink of metal echoed intermittently, building an atmosphere of intense focus tinged with mystery.
Zhou Yi's gaze searched the area for a moment before settling on an exceptionally tall, middle-aged man. She called out loudly, "Fan Yu."
The man turned at the sound. He stood roughly one meter eighty, with broad shoulders and a thick back. He wore the simplest of coarse cloth garments, and his two muscular arms—resembling sculpted granite, corded with muscle—were bared, radiating a sense of immense power.
His features were hard and sharply defined, his eyes calm and focused. Merely standing there, he naturally exuded an aura of unshakable steadiness and reliability. This man was none other than Zhou Yi's husband, one of the core instructors currently in Shrek Academy's Soul Tool Department—Fan Yu.
"Zhou Yi?" Fan Yu looked somewhat surprised to see his wife appearing with a large group of students and strode over with wide steps. "What brings you here? And with so many students?"
His gaze quickly swept over Zhou Yi, keenly detecting the aura of dejection and defeat about her—so starkly different from her usual self. His brows furrowed almost imperceptibly.
Zhou Yi avoided his eyes and explained in a somewhat flat tone, "I brought the students for a visit, to give them a direct look at soul tools... This is the course content arranged for today. Perhaps... Some among them with an interest in soul tools, and good talent for it, could consider directly joining your Soul Tool Department. It might also... slightly alleviate your current shortage of manpower."
She paused, then added, "Provided, of course, that they are willing themselves. There will be no coercion."
Fan Yu nodded in understanding. As her husband, he understood Zhou Yi's current state far better than any bystander.
He had already heard the full details of yesterday's upheaval in the classroom. In all fairness, the root of the matter did indeed lie in Zhou Yi's overly extreme teaching methods and her failure to stand on proper educational footing. Watching his wife now—so utterly dispirited, as if stripped of all her sharp edges—Fan Yu sighed inwardly, a mixture of heartache and a certain helplessness stirring in his chest.
He knew this was not the time to discuss the matter. He set aside his complicated feelings for now.
Turning his attention to the group of young students brimming with curiosity and inquisitive gazes, he spoke in a grave tone that carried the admonishment of one who had walked the path before them: "Among you, who intends to pursue soul tools as a secondary discipline? I must warn you—martial soul cultivation and soul tool research are two entirely different paths. In some respects, they even compete for the same energy and focus."
"In the entire history of Shrek Academy, no one has ever managed to reach the pinnacle in both simultaneously. Biting off more than you can chew—if you wish to achieve anything in the future, it is best to pick a single direction early and dedicate yourself fully. Attempting to have both often means you will reach the highest realm in neither."
His words were, given the current state of Shrek Academy's Soul Tool Department, quite pragmatic.
At this stage, the Soul Tool Department was still in a phase of exploration and early development. Its system was far from complete. Unlike the soul engineering academies of the Sun Moon Empire, which had already subdivided into directions such as research, manufacturing, and combat application, entering Shrek's Soul Tool Department essentially meant starting from scratch—learning the principles and craftsmanship of soul tool creation from the ground up. The demands on one's energy and time were extraordinarily high.
"Teacher Fan Yu, we appreciate your concern. We shall deliberate carefully on how to choose our paths."
Furina's clear voice rang out. She took half a step forward and responded with composure. "The primary purpose of our visit today is to broaden our horizons and deepen our understanding. Learning how to use soul tools is, in itself, a practical skill."
"In the future, whether venturing into dangerous territories to hunt soul beasts, participating in intense soul master tournaments, dealing with evil soul masters, or shouldering the duty of defending our homeland—proficiency in the use of soul tools will always be of tremendous benefit. A little more understanding now means a little more choice in the future."
Furina's words were lucid and well-reasoned, highlighting the importance of soul tools as tools, without necessarily implying a deep dive into their manufacture. Fan Yu listened and nodded slightly in acknowledgment.
The role of soul tools as an effective supplement and extension of a soul master's combat strength was beyond dispute. Furina's point was indeed valid.
Having given the necessary warning, Fan Yu said no more on the matter.
He turned toward the area he had just emerged from, raised his voice, and called out: "Caitou! He Caitou!"
"Coming, Teacher!" A booming voice answered. Immediately, a youth came running over with rapid strides, weaving through the crowd. He was extraordinarily tall, standing over two meters by sight, with dark, gleaming skin and a shiny bald head. He looked honest, steady, and sturdy. He came to a halt before Fan Yu and bowed respectfully. "Teacher, you called for me."
"Mm." Fan Yu gestured toward Furina and the other students. "These are first-year freshmen from the Martial Soul Department, here to tour and learn about the Soul Tool Department. Take them around, explain the basics."
"Yes, Teacher!" The bald youth quickly nodded, then turned to Furina and the others, offering an honest smile as he introduced himself: "Hello, everyone. My name is He Caitou. I am a student of Teacher Fan Yu."