Ambition

"Hoo... it seems there's a gap between Soul Kings. These cannon fodder types, glossed over in a single sentence, only have the realm but lack practical combat ability. They're even weaker than that Evil Soul Master who blocked the entrance to the Novice Village."

Things went unexpectedly smoothly. After Qian Daoliu's training, I planned to practice some real combat. For safety, I even had Guimei hide in the shadows to protect me, but it seems I worried for nothing. Before summoning my Martial Soul, Miles, having been hollowed out by wine and women, was only slightly stronger than an ordinary person.

"I am the Holy Son of the Martial Soul Hall. From this moment on, I will temporarily take over all authority of this Martial Soul Branch Hall!"

With the Holy Son Token, the handover of power was even simpler than defeating Miles. After taking control of the Martial Soul Branch Hall, Feng Xinglie immediately ordered the public announcement of Miles's evil deeds throughout the city, with a public execution three days later. Authority trumps all. Facing this Holy Son from Martial Soul City, no one dared to plead for Miles. After three full days of public opinion fermentation, Feng Xinglie, accompanied by Guimei, personally escorted Miles to the execution ground.

"Citizens, I am the new Holy Son of the Martial Soul Hall. I sincerely apologize to all of you. Due to our negligence, a worm like Miles has poisoned Gengxin City for so long. Today, under the witness of the Martial Soul Hall Elder, Ghost Douluo Guimei, I will personally behead this beast to atone for my sins!"

After his speech, Feng Xinglie didn't hesitate. Amidst the shock and cheers of the crowd, he severed Miles's head with a single stroke for all to see.

"Please rest assured, this matter is not over!"

Raising the blood-stained steel knife high in his hand, Feng Xinglie roared:

"It's impossible for Miles alone to act so arrogantly. I swear in the name of the Holy Son of the Martial Soul Hall that I will root out this entire Black Industry Chain. None of Miles's accomplices will escape punishment!"

Amidst the increasingly loud cheers, the citizens of Gengxin City, who had suffered oppression for years, shed tears of excitement and shouted "Long live the Holy Son!" Guimei, who was watching Feng Xinglie win over the people from the side, thought he would seize this opportunity to invite the Blacksmith Association. To his surprise, Feng Xinglie made no further moves even as they left Gengxin City.

"Holy Son, did we travel all the way to the Star Luo Empire just to execute a worm?"

In the carriage returning to Martial Soul City, Guimei finally couldn't help but ask.

"Heh heh, how could that be? A mere Miles isn't worth Elder Gui making a personal trip. He's just a catalyst. Just wait and see, it won't be long before this continent undergoes a great change."

"The entire continent!?"

Guimei was stunned.

Although he had witnessed some of Feng Xinglie's methods, Guimei would never believe that he could influence the entire Douluo Continent. He dismissed it as the boastful words of a proud young man.

A few days later, the two successfully brought back a large sum of money, not only filling the gap in soul master subsidies but also leaving enough Gold Soul Coins to sustain Martial Soul City for some time. When they met the Pontiff to receive their rewards, a clear look of satisfaction could be seen on Bibi Dong's face.

"I never expected the Holy Son to have such capability. To bring such returns from a mere ten thousand Gold Soul Coins is truly a great achievement. Tell me, what reward do you desire?"

Upon hearing this, Feng Xinglie quickly stepped forward and bowed.

"Thank you for your favor, Pontiff. In truth, the establishment of the Martial Soul Chamber of Commerce largely relies on the prestige of the Martial Soul Hall itself. And..."

As he spoke, Feng Xinglie suddenly raised his hand and pointed at Guimei beside him:

"...and Elder Gui's strong support. Without Elder Gui holding the fort, why would those merchants pay attention to a mere child like me? Many negotiations were also thanks to Elder Gui's mediation, allowing me to borrow his authority to issue commands. I ask the Pontiff to understand, Elder Gui is the greatest contributor to this operation."

"Oh?"

Bibi Dong turned to look at Guimei, who was completely bewildered.

"I didn't expect Elder Gui to have a talent for business. Truly, you've been hiding your abilities."

At this moment, Guimei's mind was filled with questions. He had only gone along for the trip and stood by Feng Xinglie's side watching the show the entire time. How had he become the main contributor?

"Uh... Pontiff, you flatter me."

Bibi Dong knew Guimei's capabilities better than anyone, having had him by her side for many years. However, since Feng Xinglie had spoken, she naturally had to show some consideration on the surface.

"I recall Elder Gui doesn't have a complete set of Soul Bones yet, does he? In that case, you may choose any Ten Thousand Year Soul Bone from the Treasury as a reward later."

"Yes! Thank you, Pontiff!"

A Ten Thousand Year Soul Bone! Such treasures were priceless and in high demand, considered vital resources by major sects. To be so easily bestowed, and to be allowed to choose one, was like a pie falling from the sky. The sheer size of it made Guimei dizzy. Even Yue Guan, standing beside Bibi Dong, looked on with envious eyes.

But he didn't know that for Bibi Dong, while a Ten Thousand Year Soul Bone was precious, it was merely an ornament if left unused. It was better to reward her subordinates than to let others benefit from it later. It could increase combat power and loyalty. Most importantly, the Soul Bone belonged to the Martial Soul Hall, not her. Besides, the merit this time was indeed significant. Compared to Feng Xinglie, whose stance was unclear, giving greater benefits to the loyal Guimei was clearly more profitable. However, to ensure Feng Xinglie continued to work for her in the future, the appropriate rewards still had to be given.

"And what about the Holy Son? What reward do you desire?"

This time, Feng Xinglie did not refuse. He spoke directly.

"Replying to the Pontiff, I have been feeling somewhat lost in my cultivation recently and wish to utilize the Martial Soul Hall's library to enrich my theoretical knowledge."

"Theoretical..."

Hearing this word, Bibi Dong seemed to fall into a memory, repeating it softly. After snapping back to reality, her gaze towards Feng Xinglie held a different kind of meaning.

"In that case, the Library will be fully open to you. You may freely read all the books from the first to the top floor."

"Thank you, Pontiff!"

This reward, seemingly insignificant, was actually indispensable. Although Feng Xinglie was aware of the opportunities in the Douluo Continent, he couldn't exactly say he was a transmigrator, right? The Library was his crucial support for conjuring large amounts of valuable information out of thin air.

What if it wasn't in the books? He could just make it up himself, couldn't he? With so many books, who could guarantee they had read every single one?

With his objective achieved, it was time to move on to the next step.

"Pontiff, I have an important matter to report."

"What is it?"

Bibi Dong was taken aback, wondering what new trouble Feng Xinglie was about to stir up.

"On our way back to the Martial Soul Hall, I privately executed Bishop Miles of Gengxin City and promised the local residents that I would capture all of Miles's accomplices."

"I have heard of this matter. Since you have promised, you shall be fully responsible for it."

Bibi Dong was surprisingly generous about this, not even questioning why Miles was killed. Perhaps in her eyes, a mere Soul King held no value worth her attention.