Reactions from All Sides

"Your Imperial Majesty, Yu Cheng believes some details still require refinement. He has voluntarily requested to remain at the Fasnuo Main Hall to continue in-depth research."

Kori quickly replied.

"Oh?"

Bibi Dong raised an eyebrow slightly, the appreciation in her eyes deepening.

Neither arrogant nor impatient, focused on practical matters.

With such a temperament, given time, he would surely achieve great things.

"Very well, let him focus on his research for now. We will discuss rewards another day."

Bibi Dong nodded.

Then, her expression turned extremely solemn.

She slowly rose from her throne, her purple papal robe billowing without wind, and the scepter in her hand lightly tapped the ground.

"Dong!"

A soft sound, as if striking the hearts of all present.

"Cardinal Kori, you have rendered unparalleled service!"

Bibi Dong's voice rang clear, echoing through the hall.

The assistance of Whale Rubber had greatly enhanced the growth potential of Soul Masters!

Its value was immeasurable!

Bibi Dong's gaze burned brightly.

For Martial Soul Hall, this theory alone was enough to elevate its prestige to another level!

And for her personally...

A flicker of complex light passed through the depths of Bibi Dong's eyes.

Among the past Popes, many had achieved great feats.

The first-generation Angel God founded Martial Soul Hall.

The sixth-generation Pope corrected past errors and was the first female Pope.

And she, Bibi Dong...

In private, many whispered that her ascension was illegitimate and her abilities insufficient.

Yet, the Whale Rubber Theory was enough to be recorded in history!

She would naturally become the milestone Pope who advanced the progress of Soul Masters!

This might well be the most dazzling political achievement of her reign!

Enough to let her stand shoulder to shoulder with—or even surpass—the sages of the past!

Her authority would never again be questioned by anyone!

With this thought, Bibi Dong had already made her decision.

"Pass the order!"

Her voice suddenly rose, filled with an unquestionable authority.

"Remove the confidential experimental data, then publish it openly. Within three days, I want this announcement spread across Heaven Dou and Star Luo!"

"This theory shall be named 'Master Yu Cheng's Ten Great Theories' to honor his contribution!"

"Yes!" The attendants and Cardinal Kori responded in unison with solemn reverence.

They knew that a storm sweeping through the entire world of Soul Masters was about to break.

Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, Meeting Hall.

Ning Fengzhi sat in the main seat, flanked by Chen Xin and Gu Rong.

Before each of them lay a document—the Whale Rubber Theory released by Martial Soul Hall.

"Uncle Chen, Uncle Gu. Now that Martial Soul Hall's announcement is out, a bloody storm is about to sweep across the continent once more."

Ning Fengzhi spoke slowly.

This usually refined and gentle Sect Master now had a sharp gleam flickering in his eyes.

Martial Soul Hall's theory had multiplied the value of Whale Rubber a thousandfold, ten thousandfold.

No one knew how many families would be ruined over a single piece of Whale Rubber.

Chen Xin nodded: "The Clear Sky Sect has sealed its mountain gates, and the Seven Great Sects exist in name only. Many from the Lower Four Sects have already begun contacting Martial Soul Hall."

He sighed, "Troubled times indeed!"

"Hmph!"

Gu Rong snorted coldly, a trace of chill on his face.

"The Martial Soul Hall's move is clearly just buying people's loyalty."

He pointed at the opening lines of the document and said mockingly, "Another so-called 'Angel God's blessing'—I can recite that spiel by heart."

Gu Rong's tone shifted. "But for us, we have to seize this opportunity. I've heard that old dragon from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect has already taken his people to Vast Sea City."

Ning Fengzhi nodded, his gaze sharpening.

"Uncle Gu, I'm leaving this to you. Spare no expense to secure high-quality whale rubber, especially thousand-year and ten-thousand-year grades!"

"Yes!" Gu Rong replied in a deep voice.

As a Title Douluo, he knew better than anyone that every soul ring absorption was a transformation for a Soul Master.

Even if it only raised the soul ring age by ten years, the boost to soul skill power and physical attributes was immeasurable.

Small gains add up; dripping water wears through stone!

What's more, according to the data released by the Martial Soul Hall, the increase for the First Soul Ring was close to two hundred years.

For the second ring, there was even a chance to absorb a thousand-year one!

For young Soul Masters, this was practically defying fate!

"Yu Cheng..."

Gu Rong muttered the name, a hint of curiosity on his face. "This theory is named after him, but I've never heard of this person before."

Chen Xin said gravely, "His surname is Yu. Could he be from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect?"

"Impossible."

Ning Fengzhi shook his head.

"The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect and the Martial Soul Hall are at odds. Yu Yuanzhen has his head in the clouds and is stubbornly conservative. If he had obtained these theories, he would have hoarded them within the sect, never making them public."

"In my view, Yu Cheng is most likely a civilian Soul Master."

Ning Fengzhi tapped his fingers on the table, a plan slowly brewing in his mind.

The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda was hailed as the number one auxiliary martial soul in the world.

Yet its inability to break through level eighty was a fatal flaw.

If a talented direct disciple used whale rubber to assist in absorbing soul rings—

First ring at six hundred years.

Second ring at a thousand years.

Third ring at least two thousand years...

Then perhaps there was hope of evolving the martial soul into an Eight Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda!

Ning Fengzhi's Soul Power was at level seventy-nine, with no hope of breaking through in this lifetime.

His sons were only average in talent.

"The future of the sect might have to rest on Ning Rongrong."

Ning Fengzhi sighed reluctantly.

"Pity, Rongrong's First Soul Ring is only a little over three hundred years. If only Yu Cheng's theory had been released earlier."

The next moment, his thoughts raced.

"If I could recruit Yu Cheng to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect..."

This notion grew like weeds in his heart.

According to the announcement, Yu Cheng was a youth.

Young as he was, with such talent, given time, he would soar to the heavens.

"I must find a way to contact this person."

Ning Fengzhi silently resolved.

He was too eager to advance!

Night.

Crown Prince's Mansion.

Xue Qinghe sat behind the desk, quietly listening to the report.

"Your Highness, after the Martial Soul Hall released the 'Whale Rubber Theory,' all the major sects have made moves. Should we also send people to collect whale rubber?" She Long said in a deep voice.

Xue Qinghe did not answer.

Her fingers tapped lightly on the rosewood desk, now and then.

After a moment, she gave a slight shake of her head.

"Our mission in hiding within Heaven Dou is to seize control of the empire's authority. Don't lose sight of the big picture for small gains and mess up the real task."

"Yes, I understand."

She Long replied respectfully, stepping back.

Xue Qinghe's true identity was Qian Renxue, the Saintess of Martial Soul Hall. Her grandfather, the Great Supplicant Qian Daoliu, had a ten-thousand-year First Soul Ring.

Soul Ring Age Increase?

To her, the appeal was minimal.

What truly interested Qian Renxue was Yu Cheng himself.

Her gaze shifted to the introduction about Yu Cheng.

Over the years, navigating between various factions, she had deeply grasped the importance of talent.

To control a vast empire, martial strength alone was insufficient. What was needed were capable people to handle governance, devise strategies, and execute covert orders.

She had some Soul Masters secretly dispatched by Martial Soul Hall under her command, but true top-tier talent remained scarce.

Yu Cheng had discovered the secret of Whale Rubber and driven Martial Soul Hall to complete the research—his insight, intelligence, and execution were all top-notch.

Xue Qinghe set down the briefing, leaning back slightly into the soft chairback.

After a moment, she stood up.

"She Long, accompany me to the palace."

She Long was momentarily taken aback: "So late..."

A glint flashed in Xue Qinghe's eyes. "This matter cannot wait. I'll go secure a noble title for Yu Cheng and seize the chance to recruit him into the Crown Prince's Mansion."

"A noble title? Your Highness, Yu Cheng is a man of Martial Soul Hall. Having rendered such a great service, he will surely be valued even more by them. How can we recruit him? And would he even accept?"

She Long asked, puzzled.

The smile on Xue Qinghe's face deepened.

"Does Martial Soul Hall have a position like 'Master'? This announcement never once mentioned any reward from Martial Soul Hall for Yu Cheng."

"If I don't act quickly, by the time that old woman reacts, it'll be too late."

Hearing this, the corner of She Long's mouth twitched.

Old woman...

Under heaven, only the Young Miss would dare address the Pope that way.

"Yes, I'll prepare at once."

She Long bowed respectfully.