The Soul Master subsidy reform passed just like that, and Qian Renyu continued:
"There are also people within Spirit Hall who abuse its power, acting like tyrants and oppressing the innocent, seriously damaging Spirit Hall's reputation."
"They reap the benefits, but the common people don't care who these people are. They'll only blame Spirit Hall for everything."
"Take Miles, the bishop of Spirit Hall in Gengxin City. He throws his weight around, oppresses the locals, and even charges commoners to awaken their Martial Souls. The people there have already been lamenting Spirit Hall's cruelty. One bad apple spoils the whole barrel."
"Yet Miles is far from the only rotten apple."
As he spoke, Qian Renyu took out Qian Daoliu's investigation results and handed them around to the elders present.
When the elders looked through them, they were stunned. Quite a few of the names belonged to their own former students, associates, relatives, and friends. Some were people they knew about, while many others came as a surprise.
"These rotten apples must be removed from Spirit Hall."
"So, I intend to establish an Inspectorate Hall within Spirit Hall, reporting directly to His Holiness the Pope and the Great Enshrined."
"Fourth Offering Mighty Lion Douluo will serve as Inspectorate Hall's chief inspector. Four inspectors will be appointed under him: Chrysanthemum Douluo, Ghost Douluo, Demon Bear Douluo, and Ghost Leopard Douluo."
Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo belonged to Pope Palace, while Demon Bear Douluo and Ghost Leopard Douluo belonged to Worship Hall. Bibi Dong would likely be able to accept this arrangement.
"Then we'll form twenty inspection teams, each led by one of twenty cardinals, to investigate every Spirit Hall on the continent."
"Once the Inspectorate Hall discovers anyone breaking the law, they'll be arrested immediately, whoever they may be. If they resist, they'll be executed on the spot."
Of course, Qian Renyu understood the old saying: if the water was too clear, there would be no fish; if people were too strict, they would have no followers. So as long as no one committed a serious violation, they could still turn a blind eye when appropriate.
There was no way around it. It had always been this way, throughout history.
"After this meeting, we'll start with the people on this list," Qian Renyu said slowly.
"Young Master, if we do that, far too many people will be implicated."
"That's right, Young Master. Heaven values life. We hope you'll give them another chance to turn over a new leaf."
"That's right, Young Master. Quite a few of them come from Spirit Hall families whose ancestors have served Spirit Hall for generations. Please consider their past contributions and show them some mercy."
"That's right, Young Master. Many of them are also pillars of Spirit Hall. If they're all punished, the damage to Spirit Hall will be far too great."
"That's right, Young Master..."
"That's right, Young Master..."
Listening to them, Qian Renyu showed no reaction. He had expected this.
The world wasn't all fighting and killing; it ran on human relationships. Who didn't have relatives and friends?
Qian Daoliu had known about that list for a long time, so why hadn't he taken action? Because too many people were involved.
The elders pleading before him were the clearest proof.
But if Spirit Hall wanted to keep developing in the long term, this cut had to be made.
Better a short pain than a lingering one. Qian Renyu would be the villain.
Qian Renyu had anticipated this situation. His expressionless face gave nothing away as he picked up the teacup before him, took a sip, set it down, and slowly recited three lines:
Heaven's words need not be feared,
People's words need not be heeded,
The ways of the ancestors need not be followed.
"Excellent! Excellent! Well said!"
After hearing Qian Renyu's three lines, Bibi Dong couldn't help praising them repeatedly.
The elders heard his words too, but none of them said anything more.
Hadn't the Great Enshrined made his position clear? His silence was a position in itself.
Besides, they were father and son. Did they really think the Young Master would have brought this up without discussing it with the Great Enshrined first?
Even His Holiness the Pope had praised him. What good would it do for them to object?
Qian Daoliu was deeply moved by Qian Renyu's three lines. His grandson had such grand vision.
The waves of the Yangtze River pushed the waves ahead; each new wave was stronger than the last. It seemed he really was old.
And so the matter passed.
"Also, I plan to establish the Spirit Hall Daily."
"Its main purpose will be to promote Spirit Hall's positive image."
"It will also publish current affairs, share knowledge about Martial Soul Theory, and write about famous figures and their stories."
"We also welcome people from across the continent to submit articles to the Spirit Hall Daily. Any piece that passes review can be published."
"We must firmly control the direction of public opinion and keep people across the continent from being misled by the two great empires and the Upper Three Sects."
"Third Offering Azure Luan Douluo will serve as editor-in-chief of the Spirit Hall Daily, with Chrysanthemum Douluo as deputy editor."
"As for this matter..."
"Who's in favor?"
"Who's opposed?"
Qian Renyu's tone suddenly became unquestionable.
There was no helping it. Public opinion had to remain in Spirit Hall's hands. There was no room for negotiation.
Since he'd put it that way, naturally, nobody else had any objections.
Spirit Hall in Gengxin City
"Bishop, I heard they're cracking down hard up there now. Are we going to be all right?"
A deacon in Spirit Hall uniform anxiously asked the bishop, Miles, who sat above him.
"Look at you, panicking like that. How many times have I told you? Stay calm when something happens. Stay calm."
"Don't worry. I've been in Spirit Hall for so many years, and I've spent so much money lining the pockets of so many people. What could possibly happen?" Miles said carelessly.
"But, Bishop, are you sure we'll be all right?" the deacon asked, still uneasy.
"Put your mind at ease. As long as I'm here, the fire won't reach you."
Just then, the door was suddenly kicked open.
"How dare you cause trouble in Spirit Hall?" Miles roared, releasing his Soul Rings: two yellow, two purple, and three black.
The intruder calmly released his own Soul Rings—two yellow, two purple, and four black—then said, "Miles, you can't hide what you've done any longer. Come with us."
During Spirit Hall's internal purge, one Soul Douluo, four Soul Saints, twenty-eight Soul Emperors, and nearly a thousand Soul Masters were executed.
Wherever Spirit Hall's inspection teams went, the people welcomed them. Though Spirit Hall's strength had taken a hit, it had gained the people's support in return.
Seeing Spirit Hall brim with life and vitality, Qian Daoliu was especially pleased.
At the same time, the first issue of the Spirit Hall Daily was published. Its lead article was a poem submitted by Qian Renyu:
A thousand miles of rivers and mountains, united as one,
North and south—no borders shall divide the land.
Leading a hundred thousand troops, I ascend Heaven Dou,
Riding forth across Star Luo, I reach the highest peak.
Before you continue