Shu Yan instinctively shielded Xu Jiujiu, stepping back slightly. A twitch appeared at the corner of his mouth as he gained a clearer understanding of what the so-called "madness" of the top Soul Master of Xingluo really meant.
The soul-guided cannons surrounding Han Lin were at least level seven. Although these cannons weren't as powerful as the standard issue soul-guided cannon shells of the same level, their strength was still enough to easily kill a Dou Di (Soul Emperor) level powerhouse. Among those dozens of barrels, there were even more terrifying level eight soul-guided cannons…
If Old Han were to truly strike now, the area within several miles around would inevitably be affected. The consequences would be far from trivial.
Beneath Xingyun Douluo's feet, nine soul rings rose up, dazzling starlight bursting around her. Furious soul energy churned violently — it was clear that Xingyun Douluo was genuinely enraged.
Years ago, when Xingyun Douluo was still at the Douluo (Soul Master) rank, she had some dealings with Han Lin. There was considerable conflict between them. Although those quarrels were no longer major issues after all this time, Xingyun Douluo still held some resentment.
Women's grudges can be terrifying — anyone who's experienced it knows this well...
Coming back to his senses, Han Lin hastily retracted his martial soul and the numerous soul-guided cannon barrels. Bowing slightly, he quickly said,
"Your Highness, this is a misunderstanding. I was merely momentarily confused in my mind and have no rebellious intentions whatsoever!"
Xu Jiujiu sighed helplessly and then said,
"Alright, Grandma Manyi, you know Han Lao's personality and way of doing things. This is just a misunderstanding — let's not mention it again."
Taking Xu Jiujiu's cue, Xingyun Douluo snorted coldly, then gradually withdrew her imposing aura, returning to her familiar composure.
Han Lin swallowed nervously, pushing back his messy hair behind his ears to reveal a slightly shadowed, aged face. Then he bowed again and said,
"I don't know what business Your Highness has in visiting, but I admit I've been overindulgent in researching soul-guided devices lately, coupled with excessive medication intake, which led to my loss of control. I humbly ask for Your Highness's forgiveness…"
Xu Jiujiu's mouth twitched slightly in a barely noticeable way. She knew well that this so-called top Soul Master of Xingluo's obsession with soul-guided devices had almost solidified into a physical form. Sometimes he even stimulated his mind with drugs to keep himself clear-headed. His mental instability was inextricably linked to his drug use.
"No harm done. But I must still remind Han Lao: you're a leading figure among the empire's Soul Masters. If this continues… well, I won't say more, but you understand."
Han Lin fell silent for a moment before slowly nodding.
Why was he called a "sane madman"?
Because despite occasional bouts of madness and delirium, Han Lin was actually very intelligent. He had a very comprehensive and accurate understanding of the situation and of his own condition. As for his body and mind… well, better left unsaid.
At that thought, Han Lin showed a dry smile and said softly,
"Your Highness's visit to this old servant must be related to soul-guided devices. Otherwise, I can't imagine why I'd still be in your thoughts…"
Xu Jiujiu nodded and waved to summon a trembling maid to bring over a wooden table and several chairs. The four of them sat down, and Han Lin's gaze finally settled on Shu Yan, who had remained silent until now.
"This young man seems unfamiliar… but his aura is somewhat… unusual?"
Han Lin stared at Shu Yan, as if intrigued by something, a strange light flickering in his eyes.
"Ahem!"
Xu Jiujiu coughed just in time, interrupting Han Lin's further scrutiny. She spoke,
"This is my lover, named Shu Yan. Han Lao, don't ask any more — it won't do you any good…"
Han Lin decisively withdrew his spiritual energy and said,
"Your Highness, please rest assured. I understand…"
Xu Jiuujiu: hesitates.jpg
Though unsure exactly what Han Lin understood, she nodded lightly, then looked at Shu Yan and spoke warmly,
"A Yan, you can fully explain your request to Han Lao. He's one of us now — someone you can truly trust."
Shu Yan nodded gently, then fixed his gaze on Han Lin and spoke in a low, serious tone:
"Senior Han, I've come this time to ask you to make a soul-guided device for me. The specific grade required is level eight."
Han Lin's expression gradually grew serious. To him, soul-guided devices carried an unspeakable sacred solemnity. Even though crafting a level seven or eight soul-guided device was not particularly difficult for him.
The blue ring on Shu Yan's hand emitted a faint glow. In the next moment, a skull radiating an icy blue aura appeared, and the surrounding temperature dropped slightly. This was the skull of the millennia-old Titan Snow Demon mentioned earlier.
"Please take a look, Senior. This is a skull from a millennia-old Titan Snow Demon. Its quality and completeness are nearly perfect. What I need you to do is craft it into a high-grade soul-guided device. But I have two additional requirements."
Han Lin's eyes lit up immediately upon seeing the soul bone, and his expression became excited.
He was currently researching a project involving the "fusion of soul bones and soul-guided devices." He'd been struggling to find suitable materials. So Shu Yan bringing this to him personally naturally thrilled him.
A skull from a millennia-grade rare soul beast — even the centuries-old Shrek Academy would treasure such a precious raw material. Such rare resources instantly ignited Han Lin's passion for research.
"No problem!"
"Don't mention two requirements — even if it's ten or a hundred, I can absolutely fulfill them. I swear on all my honor and my love for soul-guided devices, I will not disappoint you."
Han Lin rose from his seat, slapping the table without hesitation. Bloodshot veins appeared in his eyes from his intense emotions. His entire aura shifted dramatically, and the next moment he reached out directly toward the soul bone in Shu Yan's hand.
Shu Yan smiled and shook his head. Then the glow around his hand flickered, and the Titan Snow Demon skull instantly vanished.
"Han Lao, don't rush. My requirements are quite special. Though rare, they shouldn't be too difficult for you. Please listen before you decide."
Han Lin rubbed his hands but forced himself to calm down, patiently waiting for Shu Yan's explanation.
Clearing his throat, Shu Yan said:
"First, I need you to combine this soul bone with the soul-guided device. Remember, the final product must be a support-type soul-guided device, focusing on control or binding functions."
"Second, the product after fusion doesn't need to be particularly refined, but it must be extremely sturdy — literally tough. If possible, the metal and various components used should be top-tier. Of course, if you lack any raw materials, you can notify me and Jiujiu at any time. We'll take care of it."
"Third, I need you to preserve the lingering resentment within this Titan Snow Demon skull and fuse it with the finished soul-guided device, making it similar to an artifact spirit. You don't need to ask why, but I can assure you the purpose isn't to do anything immoral or wicked. That alone should be enough to convince you."
Han Lin was momentarily lost in thought by Shu Yan's requests. Especially the last one — for some reason, his heart skipped a beat, as if something long buried deep within was stirred. After a long pause, he said:
"Little friend Shu, your last request is not difficult. It's just that, old servant finds it a bit troublesome…"