Martial Soul Hall Reform (Part 5): A Poem Recited, A Reputation Shaken

With the reform of the spirit master subsidies passed, Qian Renyu continued speaking:

"Furthermore, there are some within Martial Soul Hall who rely on our influence to act recklessly, bullying the good and severely damaging the image of Martial Soul Hall."

"They reap the benefits, but the common people do not care who these individuals are; they only hold Martial Soul Hall accountable for their actions."

"Take Miles, the bishop of the Gengxin City Martial Soul Hall, for example. He routinely uses his position to run rampant and exploit the locals, even charging civilians for spirit awakening ceremonies. The local people are already lamenting our presence; one rotten apple truly spoils the whole barrel."

"However, such black sheep are far from being the only ones."

As he spoke, Qian Renyu produced the investigation results from Qian Daoliu and distributed them to the elders present.

The elders were stunned as they looked through the documents. Many of the names listed were their own protégés, friends, or family members—some they were aware of, but many they were not.

"Such black sheep must be purged from Martial Soul Hall."

"Therefore, I intend to establish an Inspectorate Hall within Martial Soul Hall, reporting directly to Her Majesty the Pope and the Grand Elder."

"The Fourth Elder, Mighty Lion Douluo, shall serve as the Chief Inspector of the Inspectorate Hall, with four Inspectors appointed beneath him: Chrysanthemum Douluo, Ghost Douluo, Demon Bear Douluo, and Ghost Leopard Douluo."

Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo were from the Pope Palace, while Demon Bear Douluo and Ghost Leopard Douluo were from the Worship Hall; this arrangement was surely something Bibi Dong could accept.

"We will then form twenty inspection teams, led by twenty Cardinals, to audit every Martial Soul Hall branch across the continent."

"Once the Inspectorate Hall discovers any lawbreakers, regardless of who they are, they are to be apprehended immediately. If they resist, they are to be executed on the spot."

Of course, Qian Renyu understood the principle that water too clear has no fish and people too critical have no followers, so as long as no fundamental principles were violated, they could still turn a blind eye where appropriate.

There was no way around it; this had been the case since ancient times.

"Once this meeting concludes, we shall begin with the individuals on this list," Qian Renyu said slowly.

"Young Master, if we do that, the number of people involved will be far too great."

"Indeed, Young Master. Heaven is merciful; I hope you might give them another chance to turn over a new leaf."

"Yes, Young Master. Many of these are families who have served Martial Soul Hall for generations. I ask that you show mercy in light of their past contributions."

"Indeed, Young Master. Many of them are the backbone of Martial Soul Hall. If they are all punished, the loss to our organization would be too great."

"Yes, Young Master..."

"Yes, Young Master..."

Listening to their pleas, Qian Renyu remained expressionless, as this was entirely expected.

The world is not just about fighting and killing; it is about human relationships and social connections. Who doesn't have relatives or friends?

Qian Daoliu had long possessed that list, but why hadn't he acted? It was precisely because too many people were involved.

The elders pleading before him were the best proof of that.

But if Martial Soul Hall wanted to develop in the long term, this cut had to be made.

Better a short pain than a long one; let him, Qian Renyu, be the villain.

Qian Renyu had anticipated this situation. He remained expressionless, picked up his teacup, took a sip, set it back down, and slowly spoke three sentences:

"The omens of heaven are not to be feared,"

"The words of men are not to be worried over,"

"The ways of ancestors are not to be followed blindly."

"Good, good, very good! Well said!"

Upon hearing these three sentences, Bibi Dong could not help but praise him repeatedly.

The elders, having heard these words, said nothing more.

If the Grand Elder showed no opposition, that silence itself was an attitude.

Moreover, they were grandfather and grandson; surely the Young Master had consulted the Grand Elder before proposing this.

Even Her Majesty the Pope had praised it; what use would it be for them to object?

Qian Daoliu was also deeply shaken by these three sentences from Qian Renyu. My grandson has such great ambition.

The waves of the Yangtze River drive the waves ahead; each wave is stronger than the last. It seems I am truly getting old.

And so, the matter was passed.

"Additionally, I intend to establish the Spirit Hall Daily."

"It will be primarily responsible for promoting the positive image of Martial Soul Hall."

"At the same time, it will publish current events, share knowledge on spirit theory, and feature anecdotes about famous figures."

"We also welcome submissions from people across the continent; as long as they pass review, they may be published in the Spirit Hall Daily."

"We must firmly grasp the direction of public opinion to prevent the people of the continent from being deceived by the two great empires and the Upper Three Sects."

"The Third Elder, Qing Luan Douluo, shall serve as the editor-in-chief of the Spirit Hall Daily, with Chrysanthemum Douluo as the deputy editor-in-chief."

"Regarding this matter,"

"Who is in favor?"

"Who objects?"

Qian Renyu's tone suddenly became beyond reproach.

There was no other way; public opinion had to be held firmly in the hands of Martial Soul Hall. On this point, there was no room for negotiation.

Since he had put it that way, naturally, no one else had any objections.

Gengxin City Martial Soul Hall

"Bishop, I've heard that the higher-ups are investigating very strictly right now. Should we be worried?"

A deacon dressed in a Martial Soul Hall uniform asked Miles, the bishop sitting above him, with an anxious expression.

"Look at how flustered you are; what kind of appearance is that? How many times have I told you: stay calm when facing trouble, stay calm."

"Don't worry. I've been in Martial Soul Hall for so many years, spent so much money, and fattened up so many people—what could possibly happen?" Miles said dismissively.

"But, Bishop, is it really okay?" the deacon asked, still uneasy.

"Put your heart at ease. As long as I am here, this fire will never burn you."

Just then, the main door was suddenly kicked open.

"How bold! Who dares to act so insolently in front of Martial Soul Hall?" Miles shouted loudly, releasing his seven soul rings: two yellow, two purple, and three black.

The intruder simply released his own eight soul rings—two yellow, two purple, and four black—without a hint of panic, then said, "Miles, your affairs can no longer be hidden. Come with us."

During the internal purge of Martial Soul Hall, one Soul Douluo, four Soul Saints, twenty-eight Soul Emperors, and nearly a thousand soul masters were executed.

Wherever the Martial Soul Hall inspection team went, the people welcomed them. Although the strength of Martial Soul Hall had suffered a loss, it gained a massive amount of public support.

Qian Daoliu looked at this scene of Martial Soul Hall, full of vitality and flourishing, and felt particularly gratified.

At the same time, the first issue of Spirit Hall Daily began publication. The first thing printed was a poem submitted by Qian Renyu:

A thousand miles of rivers and mountains are easily unified, How can we allow the North and South to be divided by borders?

Lead an army of one hundred thousand to Heaven Dou, Gallop our horses to the highest peak of Star Luo.