Chapter 26: The Manufacturing Feasibility of the "Baby Bottle"

After the "apprenticeship" ceremony concluded, the atmosphere between everyone had clearly grown much closer. Seizing the opportunity, Tai Nuo hurried to steer the conversation back on track.

"Master Beibei, your theory seems sound. If I were to provide some storage soul guidance devices for you to study, would you allow members of our clan to watch and learn alongside you?"

His tone was so deferential that a stranger might have mistaken Jiang Beibei for the elder of the two.

"Uncle Tai Nuo, what are you saying? Beibei just feels it's a terrible waste to let soul power go unused. I’m not even sure if I can unravel the secrets of soul guidance devices, and you talking like this makes Beibei feel so nervous~"

Jiang Beibei wasn't merely haggling this time. Although she knew of and had seen the genius soul tool masters of ten thousand years later crafting these items, her knowledge remained purely theoretical. Whether it was engraving soul arrays or the most fundamental task of dismantling a device, these were not things one could master in a short time. Otherwise, the millenniums of research and heritage held by the Sun-Moon Empire would be nothing but a joke.

"Wait a moment..." Just as she finished declining Tai Nuo’s generous offer, a flash of inspiration crossed her mind. "If soul guidance devices already exist in the Douluo Continent during this era, it means that somewhere on this continent, there must be people capable of crafting them."

"Hmm, thinking about it, there are two possibilities. Either someone on this continent figured out the crafting methods long ago, but the knowledge was lost for some reason, leaving only a few surviving storage devices. Or, perhaps the Sun-Moon Empire, given their highly developed maritime industry, landed on the Douluo Continent during this period or even earlier, and these devices are simply captured spoils of war."

Lost in thought, Jiang Beibei crouched down, her brow furrowed as she analyzed which scenario was closer to the truth. Seeing her deep in contemplation, the other three dared not disturb her. The Douluo Continent was not short of cultivation geniuses, but theoretical geniuses were an extremely rare breed. Why else would a certain "master" who proposed the Ten Core Theories be revered by so many powerful soul masters?

"Tai Nuo, you should head back for now. Remember, keep today's events buried in your hearts!"

The three of them had been "watching" for a full hour, and their legs had grown somewhat numb. Liu Erlong suggested that Tai Nuo and his son depart, promising that she would take good care of everything regarding Beibei.

"Dean Liu, please rest assured. Master Beibei is so talented—we would treat her like a treasure, so how could we ever speak of this? And as for the soul guidance devices I promised, I will have them delivered within the next two days. As for the rest, I leave it to you!"

Tai Nuo’s attitude now was a complete reversal from when he had first arrived; to put it bluntly, he was acting like a total sycophant. It was because Beibei’s two theories were so shocking, and as a high-level blacksmith, he understood the profound implications. It could be said that if this research succeeded, the status of blacksmiths would rise significantly, and his Strength Clan could use this opportunity to take a massive leap forward, perhaps even becoming a super sect.

Was it not because of their unique martial souls that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect attracted the loyalty and protection of countless powerful soul masters, becoming one of the Upper Three Sects? Once the auxiliary soul guidance devices Beibei mentioned were created, they could completely replace some of the sect's functions. At that point, would they still need to worry about attracting powerful soul masters to join them?

After a brief exchange, Tai Nuo eagerly dragged Tai Long away; he had to share this wonderful news with his father, Tai Tan.

Liu Erlong cast a faint glance at their retreating figures before turning her full attention back to her daughter. "What kind of little monster have I picked up? Innate full soul power at level 20, genius-level theoretical insights, and the courage to face danger head-on..."

She murmured to herself, her resolve to nurture and care for Jiang Beibei growing firmer. Only a genius who lives to grow up can become a true powerhouse.

At this moment, Beibei, immersed in her thoughts, was completely unaware of and unconcerned by her surroundings; she trusted that Mother Erlong could protect her. In the current Heaven Dou Imperial City, aside from those living in reclusive seclusion, there were only a few who could pose a threat to her safety, such as the "Old Poison" Dugu Bo. But why would such a master ever take notice of a six-year-old girl like her? Furthermore, since there was no grudge between them, the possibility of danger was negligible.

"If my memory serves me correctly, it is highly likely that the crafting methods for soul guidance devices have been lost. The soul masters here are so narrow-minded, focused only on fighting and more fighting; otherwise, the status of blacksmiths wouldn't be so low."

It was absurd to think about it—Tang San, a man who traveled from a martial arts world, could dominate the continent just by creating a few hidden weapons. This proved that the tech tree of the Douluo Continent wasn't just slightly off; it hadn't even been planted yet!

"Mommy... Beibei needs your help, pretty please? I’m begging you~ please, please~"

Once Jiang Beibei had cleared her thoughts, she rubbed her legs, which had gone numb from crouching, and realized that Tai Nuo and his son had already left. She batted her large eyes and acted coquettishly toward Mother Erlong. As expected, Liu Erlong, whose maternal instincts had been fully awakened, was completely susceptible to this.

The tenderness in her eyes was enough to melt the permafrost of the North. "What does my Beibei want? As long as Mommy can do it, I will definitely fulfill it for you!"

Maternal love is the greatest force in the world. Although Liu Erlong only said she would do her best, in her heart, she was determined to make it happen.

"Thank you, Mommy! Beibei hopes that Mommy can help me inquire if there is anyone on the continent who can craft storage soul guidance devices. This is very important to Beibei!"

"Someone who can craft soul guidance devices?" This request from Jiang Beibei left the previously confident Liu Erlong stunned for a moment. As a member of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, she knew far more than other soul masters, yet she had never heard of anyone capable of crafting such devices. If she had, she wouldn't have had that reaction when she first heard Beibei’s wager.

Simply put, the existing soul guidance devices on the Douluo Continent were items of which there were fewer with each passing day; they only appeared on the market when a previous owner died or met with an accident.

"Alright, leave this to Mommy!" Seeing her daughter’s pitiful, wide eyes, Liu Erlong’s heart softened. She gritted her teeth and decided that even if she had to ask the clan for help, she would fulfill this wish for Beibei. Of course, finding such a craftsman would also benefit the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, so she believed they would not refuse.

"Thank you, Mommy! Beibei loves you so much!"

Having succeeded in her "scheme," Jiang Beibei jumped up, kissed her mother on the forehead, and burrowed into her arms with a giggle, rubbing her little head against her.

"Silly girl."

Liu Erlong laughed and hugged her tight, already beginning to calculate how to persuade the clan to grant her the authority to mobilize their intelligence networks.