Martial Soul Chamber of Commerce

On the Douluo Continent, soul masters are the noblest profession, and Martial Soul City is the holy land in the hearts of all soul masters. The Pope who rules Martial Soul Hall is someone even the emperors of the two great empires must bow to. In the eyes of those merchants, let alone building a relationship with the Pope, even meeting him once is extremely difficult. But now, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity lies before them: the Holy Son.

In the eyes of ordinary people, the current Pope, Bibi Dong, ascended to her position as a Saintess. Since there is a precedent, is it not possible for the current Holy Son before them to become the next Pope?

Those merchants are not foolish; on the contrary, they are very shrewd. In their opinion, this is not a partnership to do business, but an investment in the next Pope. If he were just an unfavored Holy Son, how could the renowned Ghost Douluo follow him to protect him? Not to mention that this money isn't being thrown away. As long as it's a business, with their vast scale, they will make a profit no matter what. It can be said to be a sure win. Therefore, within a few days, countless large merchant associations practically wore down the threshold, continuously raising prices to buy shares. Some were even so wealthy that they wanted to buy all the shares at once, but Feng Xinglie politely declined, citing fair competition.

"The abacus beads of these people are practically bouncing onto my face. Investing in the next Pope? Me? What a joke. It's uncertain whether Martial Soul Hall can even survive until the next successor takes the throne."

Seeing through the merchants' little schemes, Feng Xinglie couldn't help but laugh and cry. But it was perfect. Since they had this idea, he would take the opportunity to raise the price. After all, one is willing to strike, and the other is willing to be struck. Later, even after carefully selecting the joining merchant associations based on scale, business scope, and reputation, he sold shares at the sky-high price of seven hundred million Gold Soul Coins for every one percent. Of course, there were also those who had their smaller affiliated merchant associations buy shares and then transfer them to themselves, seeking greater influence. But upon learning that Martial Soul Hall held fifty-one percent of the shares, they were all filled with regret. Glancing at Guimei standing beside him, they could only hang their heads in dejection and accept their bad luck.

"Holy Son, you truly have remarkable methods. With only ten thousand Gold Soul Coins as capital, you've leveraged hundreds of billions of Gold Soul Coins."

Commercial trade on the Douluo Continent is still very primitive. By chance, Feng Xinglie's method, if not unprecedented, is certainly unique. After witnessing the mountains of Gold Soul Coins, Guimei's address to Feng Xinglie subconsciously became more respectful, adding "Sir."

"This is all thanks to Elder Ghost's formidable presence. Without your backing, how could I, a mere child, be a match for those old foxes?"

A timely flattery made Guimei overjoyed. The Martial Soul Chamber of Commerce's business scope now encompassed almost all industries, and the merchant associations that invested were all elites at the top of the pyramid. After clarifying their relationships and arranging their respective responsibilities, allowing the previously hostile merchant associations to check and balance each other, Feng Xinglie and Guimei returned to Martial Soul Hall to report.

However...

"Holy Son, aren't we supposed to return to Martial Soul City to report? Where are we going?"

Seeing the road becoming more and more remote, Guimei asked doubtfully.

"Don't rush, Elder Ghost. We're going to Gengxin City on the way. Perhaps we can even pull in some support."

"Steel Capital? Holy Son, you intend to bring that place into your grasp as well?"

Guimei was slightly surprised. In his impression, the most valuable thing in that city was the Blacksmith Association, but it was a spontaneously formed neutral organization, basically impossible to absorb. But thinking of how Feng Xinglie managed to raise such terrifying funds in such a short time, he felt relieved. Perhaps there might be some unexpected gains.

The Blacksmith Association? That can be put aside for now. The chips in hand are not enough to subdue it. This time, the target is merely a minor character in the late stages of the plot, specifically designed to be a stepping stone for the protagonist and to highlight Tang Buddha's noble qualities. However, this minor character can serve as a catalyst and is crucial for Feng Xinglie's subsequent arrangements.

Gengxin City, Martial Soul Branch Hall.

Despite being only a Soul King at this time, the extravagant and debauched Miles had already ascended to the position of Bishop early on. As a stereotypical villain, he even had no combat contribution in the original plot, purely serving as a bad guy to contrast the protagonist's nobility. He was even instantly killed by Tang San's Eight Spider Lances without even using a soul skill. Currently, he was leaning back in the main seat, admiring the scantily clad beauties dancing nearby.

"Hahaha, continue the music, continue the dance!"

Throwing a piece of fatty meat into his mouth, Miles lewdly stood up, intending to get closer to the hot-bodied dancers.

"Heh heh, Bishop Miles, you're in quite a good mood."

"Who!?"

The sudden voice startled Miles. He turned his head but only saw a child at the doorway greeting him.

"You little brat, how did you get in here!?"

Although just a cannon fodder, his years as a Bishop had given Miles a certain level of vigilance. He had long strictly forbidden anyone from disturbing his pleasure. How did this brat sneak past the guards and get here?

However, despite his caution, his Soul King strength did not make him feel fear. Just as he was looking down at Feng Xinglie, he suddenly rubbed his eyes, thinking he had seen wrong. Did he just see... the little brat in front of him melt?

This matter is also recorded in Baki.

Just like when absorbing the first soul ring, this is a technique that releases the body's limits to unleash astonishing power. The developer, after witnessing the corpse of a cockroach, was surprised to find that there were no strong muscles or bones in the insect's body, only liquid. From this, they comprehended a move that "dissolves" the body. This move breaks the physical rule that requires gradual acceleration when running, allowing the user to reach their maximum speed from the initial movement. Because it imitates cockroaches, it is also jokingly called:

Cockroach Sprint

Miles only saw a blur. The boy who had been melting moments ago had instantly appeared before him. His body, accustomed to years of indulgence, made Miles unable to react even though he saw a fist approaching him. It wasn't until the sharp pain in his nose that he stumbled back a few steps from the force.

"But... cough cough..."

Just as he was about to speak, Feng Xinglie struck Miles's throat upwards with the heel of his hand. The dry retching mixed with the pain made him swallow the curse he was about to utter. He raised his hand to summon his martial soul, but his leg was struck again. After falling to the ground, he saw that both his knees had been kicked and broken. Facing Miles, who was now about his height, Feng Xinglie grabbed his hair and pulled him into his embrace, simultaneously delivering a knee strike to his face. In a flash, Bishop Miles was easily knocked down by Feng Xinglie.