"Your Holiness, Yu Cheng believed that some details still needed refinement. He had voluntarily requested to remain at Fasnuo Main Hall and continue his in-depth research."
Kori hurriedly replied.
"Oh?"
Bibi Dong raised an eyebrow slightly, the appreciation in her eyes growing stronger.
Neither arrogant nor impetuous, devoted to practical work.
With such temperament, he was destined for greatness given time.
"Very well. Let him focus on his research for now. We can discuss his reward later."
Bibi Dong nodded.
Then, her expression became incomparably solemn.
She slowly rose from her throne. Her purple Pope's robe stirred without wind, and the scepter in her hand lightly struck the ground.
"Thud!"
The soft sound seemed to strike directly against everyone's hearts.
"Archbishop Kori, you have rendered an unparalleled service!"
Bibi Dong's clear voice echoed through the hall.
Whale Rubber's assistance greatly enhanced a Soul Master's growth potential!
Its value was beyond measure!
Bibi Dong's gaze burned brightly.
For Spirit Hall, this theory alone was enough to elevate Spirit Hall's prestige to another level!
And for herself...
A complicated glint flashed deep within Bibi Dong's eyes.
There had been many Popes throughout history whose accomplishments were outstanding.
The first Angel God had founded Spirit Hall.
The sixth Pope had set things right and had also been the first female Pope.
And she, Bibi Dong...
Behind her back, many people claimed that she had gained her position improperly and lacked ability.
Yet the Whale Rubber Theory was enough to be recorded in history!
She would naturally become a milestone Pope who had advanced the progress of Soul Masters!
This might also be the most dazzling political achievement of her reign!
It would be enough to place her on equal footing with, or even surpass, the great figures of previous generations!
No one would ever again be able to question her authority!
With that thought, Bibi Dong had already made her decision.
"Pass down my order!"
Her voice suddenly rose, filled with unquestionable majesty.
"Remove the confidential experimental data, then print and publish it. Within three days, I want this announcement spread throughout Heaven Dou and Star Luo!"
"This theory shall be named 'Master Yu Cheng's Ten Great Theories' to commemorate his contribution!"
"Yes!" The attendants and Archbishop Kori answered solemnly at the same time.
They knew that a storm sweeping across the entire Soul Master world was about to rise!
Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, conference hall.
Ning Fengzhi sat in the seat of honor, with Chen Xin and Gu Rong seated on either side.
A document lay before each of them—the Whale Rubber Theory released by Spirit Hall.
"Uncle Chen, Uncle Gu. Once Spirit Hall's announcement is released, another bloody storm will sweep across the continent."
Ning Fengzhi spoke slowly.
This Sect Master, normally refined and gentle, had a sharp glint in his eyes.
Spirit Hall's theory had increased the value of Whale Rubber by thousands, even tens of thousands of times.
Who knew how many people would lose their families and lives over a single piece of Whale Rubber.
Chen Xin nodded. "With the Clear Sky Sect sealing itself away, the seven great sects exist in name only. Many people from the four lower sects have already begun making contact with Spirit Hall."
He sighed. "Troubled times indeed!"
"Hmph!"
Gu Rong snorted coldly, a trace of chill on his face.
"Spirit Hall's move is clearly an attempt to win people over."
He pointed at the opening paragraphs of the document and mocked, "That nonsense about the 'Angel God's blessing' again. I could recite that spiel by heart."
Gu Rong changed the subject. "But for us, this opportunity must be seized. I heard that the old dragon from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect has already brought people to Vast Sea City."
Ning Fengzhi nodded, his gaze turning sharp.
"Uncle Gu, I'll leave this matter to you. At any cost, acquire high-quality Whale Rubber with all your strength, especially thousand-year and ten-thousand-year ones!"
"Yes!" Gu Rong answered in a deep voice.
As a Title Douluo, he understood better than anyone that every Soul Ring absorption was a transformation for a Soul Master.
Even increasing a Soul Ring's age by just ten years would bring immeasurable improvements in Soul Skill power and physical condition.
Small accumulations could accomplish great things; dripping water could wear through stone!
Not to mention that, according to the data released by Spirit Hall, the First Soul Ring could be increased by nearly two hundred years.
The second ring might even have a chance to absorb a thousand-year Soul Ring!
For young Soul Masters, this was simply a heaven-defying chance to change their fate!
"Yu Cheng..."
Gu Rong murmured the name, curiosity appearing on his face. "This theory was named after him, yet 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 is at odds with Spirit Hall. Yu Yuanzhen is arrogant and stubbornly conservative. If he had obtained these theories, he would only hide them within the sect. He would never make them public."
"In my opinion, Yu Cheng is most likely a commoner Soul Master."
Ning Fengzhi tapped his fingers against the table as a plan gradually took shape in his heart.
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda was known as the number one auxiliary Martial Soul in the world.
However, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda could not break through level eighty. That was a fatal flaw.
If direct disciples with exceptional talent used Whale Rubber to assist in absorbing Soul Rings...
A six-hundred-year First Soul Ring.
A thousand-year second ring.
A third ring of at least two thousand years...
Perhaps they might have a chance to evolve their Martial Souls into Eight Treasure Glazed Tile Pagodas!
Ning Fengzhi's Soul Power was level seventy-nine. He had no hope of breaking through in this lifetime.
His several sons possessed merely above-average talent as well.
"The sect's future hope may only rest on Ning Rongrong."
Ning Fengzhi sighed somewhat unwillingly.
"Unfortunately, Rongrong's First Soul Ring is only a little over three hundred years old. If only Yu Cheng's theory had been released earlier."
The next moment, his thoughts raced.
"If we could recruit Yu Cheng into the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect..."
The thought grew wildly in his heart like weeds.
According to the announcement, Yu Cheng was a youth.
At such a young age, he already possessed such talent. Given time, he would surely soar into the skies.
"We must find a way to make contact with him."
Ning Fengzhi secretly made up his mind.
He wanted to improve too badly!
Night.
Crown Prince's Mansion.
Xue Qinghe sat behind her desk, quietly listening to the report.
"Your Highness, after Spirit Hall released the 'Whale Rubber Theory,' all the major sects have begun taking action. Should we also send people to gather Whale Rubber?"
She Long spoke in a deep voice.
Xue Qinghe did not answer.
Her fingers lightly tapped against the mahogany desk, once after another.
After a moment, she shook her head slightly.
"Our primary mission in infiltrating Heaven Dou is to seize control of the empire's power. Do not lose sight of the greater goal over minor gains and delay important matters."
"Yes, this subordinate understands."
She Long answered respectfully and stepped back.
Xue Qinghe's true identity was Qian Renxue, Spirit Hall's Holy Maiden. Her grandfather, Spirit Hall's Great Enshrined Qian Daoliu, had possessed a ten-thousand-year First Soul Ring.
Soul Ring Age Increase?
It did not hold much appeal for her.
What truly interested Qian Renxue was Yu Cheng himself.
Her gaze fell upon the introduction of Yu Cheng.
Over the years, she had moved among all the major powers and deeply understood the importance of talent.
To control a vast empire, strength alone was not enough. Capable people were also needed to handle governmental affairs, devise strategies, and carry out secret orders.
She had some Soul Masters secretly dispatched by Spirit Hall under her command, but truly top-tier talent was still scarce.
Yu Cheng had discovered the secret of Whale Rubber and pushed Spirit Hall to complete the research. His vision, wisdom, and execution were all top-notch.
Xue Qinghe set down the report and leaned back slightly into the soft chair.
After a moment, she stood.
"She Long, accompany me to the palace."
She Long was slightly stunned. "At this late hour..."
A sharp glint flashed through Xue Qinghe's eyes. "The sooner this is handled, the better. I'm going to secure a noble title for Yu Cheng and take the opportunity to recruit him into the Crown Prince's Mansion."
"Grant him a title? Your Highness, Yu Cheng belongs to Spirit Hall. After rendering such great service, Spirit Hall will surely value him even more. How can we recruit him? Why would he accept?"
She Long asked doubtfully.
The smile on Xue Qinghe's face deepened.
"Does Spirit Hall have a position called 'Master'? From beginning to end, this announcement never mentioned Spirit Hall rewarding Yu Cheng."
"If I don't hurry, it'll be too late once that old woman realizes it."
At those words, the corner of She Long's mouth twitched.
Old woman...
In all the world, perhaps only the young mistress dared to address His Holiness the Pope that way.
"Yes, I'll make preparations at once."
She Long respectfully bowed.
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