The Two Converse.

"Ah, me?" Qian Xunji pointed at himself.

Seeing this, Murong Huai also felt that Qian Xunji was indeed a suitable candidate. Since Qian Xunji was about to succeed as Pope, entering the grassroots level for real-time inspection and gaining personal experience would be a valuable trial.

Qian Daoliu nodded and said:

"Correct, Xunji. Huai'er's words are quite sound. I had intended to send a few trusted aides to investigate, but upon reflection, I realized that hearsay is unreliable; seeing is believing.

You are twenty-eight this year, aren't you? I originally intended for you to undergo some tempering, and this is the perfect opportunity. Go and gain experience for two years. I will use these two years to implement new policies and pave the way for you. When you return, you will be exactly thirty, ready to succeed as Pope."

Upon hearing Qian Daoliu's words, Qian Xunji pondered for a moment before nodding.

"Very well, Father. I shall go and see the true face of the continent's grassroots civilians with my own eyes."

Qian Daoliu nodded in satisfaction and then added:

"By the way, wait a while before you go. In half a month, the Old Sect Master Ning of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect will celebrate his seventieth birthday and has sent an invitation. I am busy with official duties and need to enter seclusion soon, so you take Huai'er and the others to attend the banquet. Old Sect Master Ning and I share some history; prepare generous gifts, and do not neglect the proper etiquette."

"Yes, Father."

In the afternoon, Murong Huai and Qian Xunji were walking along the road. Qian Xunji spoke as they walked:

"Little Huai, is the life of commoners really that different from ours?"

Hearing this, Murong Huai nodded. "Indeed. In the eyes of ordinary civilians, the appearance of someone with even innate level one soul power in their village is the village's only hope; they believe that person can become a Spirit Master and rise to prominence.

But in reality, those with innate soul power below level three are essentially invisible. The Spirit Masters they exhaust the village's resources to support might be treated as cannon fodder and lose their lives in a single beast tide, or be casually extinguished like ants by a passing powerhouse."

Hearing Murong Huai's words, Qian Xunji fell silent. It was true. He had assumed that becoming a Spirit Master meant stepping onto a new level, but he had not realized that the world of Spirit Masters was even more dangerous—a true law of the jungle where one could perish in an instant if not careful.

"Then... what kind of policies can be enacted to change this situation?"

Qian Xunji looked at Murong Huai, but the latter shook his head.

"It is impossible. With the current strength of the Martial Soul Hall, no matter how many new policies are enacted, it is merely drinking poison to quench thirst."

"Why? The policies you proposed earlier, like replacing relief with work... they are so good. How much room for development would there be after implementation?" Qian Xunji did not understand this point and raised a rebuttal.

"Sigh, what we just discussed assumes a normal progression... If things continued normally, the people of the continent would indeed revere the Martial Soul Hall more, and the continent would be more prosperous. But do you think the two great empires would allow such a situation to arise?"

Hearing this, Qian Xunji was stunned. He truly hadn't considered this point. How could the Heaven Dou Empire and Star Luo Empire allow the Martial Soul Hall to become the sole dominant power?

"The policies are not the problem, but Brother, how do you think the two great empires will react once the Martial Soul Hall releases these new policies?" Murong Huai posed another question.

Qian Xunji pondered for a moment and then said:

"Hmm... based on my understanding of the two great empires, the Star Luo Empire is powerful and has many truly talented individuals who would quickly discover the benefits of these policies. However, they would lose face by copying the Martial Soul Hall, so they might make slight modifications before releasing them.

But the Heaven Dou Empire has a rigid aristocratic hierarchy filled with noble clans. Those in high positions lack ambition, while those with talent have no path to serve the country. They wouldn't see the benefits for the Heaven Dou Empire; they would only feel that if it benefits the Martial Soul Hall, it must be stopped. If we really try to implement it, it will be difficult..."

Hearing this, Murong Huai nodded and continued:

"Correct. The Teacher must have realized this just now. Actually, there is one way to solve all of this, but I don't know if you, Brother, have the ambition, or if you dare to do it?"

"Oh? What way?"

Qian Xunji was suddenly curious. "Oh? What way?"

Murong Huai beckoned for Qian Xunji to lower his head. Seeing this, the latter leaned in, and Murong Huai whispered something into his ear.

Upon hearing the content, Qian Xunji's pupils constricted, his eyes filled with shock. His heartbeat accelerated, and he remained dazed for a long time.

Seeing this, Murong Huai said with disdain: "Don't tell me, Brother, look how scared you are!"

Hearing this, Qian Xunji snapped back to reality and retorted indignantly: "What do you mean 'scared'? Do you have any idea how shocking what you just said is?!"

"Tch, it's just... wooo..." Murong Huai was about to retort, but was immediately silenced by Qian Xunji covering his mouth.

"My little ancestor, stop talking!"

"Ptooey, ptooey, ptooey... too salty!" Murong Huai shoved Qian Xunji's hand away. This guy definitely hadn't washed his hands!

"Forget it, I'm just asking if you have the ambition. If you do, I, your junior brother, will lend you a hand. If you don't dare, we can just leave it to the next generation!" Murong Huai waved his hand.

Qian Xunji did not speak, just walked quietly. Murong Huai did not urge him, letting this sunny, cheerful big boy adapt to the idea.

The two walked silently along the street as the sunset was gradually blocked by clouds.

After a long while, Qian Xunji seemed to have made a decision and spoke:

"How should we proceed?"

Hearing this, a smile appeared on the corner of Murong Huai's mouth as he said:

"It seems you've thought it through, Brother. However, this matter cannot be rushed; one wrong step could lead to total ruin. To complete this feat, we must have sufficient power to support us. We must start from there, using the Seven Great Sects as the foundation to gather all the sects under heaven for our own use.

Furthermore, we must disintegrate the rule of the two great empires from within. Each of the two empires has four affiliated kingdoms. The imperial level is too difficult, so we start with the kingdoms. Once the policies are implemented and show initial results, that will be the best time.

For now, we start with the major sects. The Seven Great Sects are led by the Upper Three Sects. As long as we take them down, the others will be easier to handle."

"The Upper Three Sects... but the masters of these three sects are not ordinary people. They won't easily join other factions. The Martial Soul Hall must have conditions that can move them." Qian Xunji shook his head; subduing the major sects was not that simple.

Hearing this, Murong Huai smiled. "It is indeed quite difficult, but as long as there is an entry point, there is a chance. It just so happens that the Old Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect is having his birthday; we shall use this opportunity to win over the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect."

"Oh? How do we win them over?" Qian Xunji looked at Murong Huai and asked curiously.

"Heh, this one has his own clever plan." Murong Huai did not answer directly, instead shaking his head with the air of an enlightened master.

"Ouch... what was that for!"

Murong Huai suddenly winced, clutching his head. Qian Xunji looked at him and gave his noggin a sharp rap, looking thoroughly annoyed.

"You brat, stop acting all profound in front of your senior brother!"

"Just leave it be, and wait and see!" Murong Huai tossed his head and said.

"Fine, fine, fine. Then this senior brother will wait for your good news."

Qian Xunji chuckled, then looked up and continued walking forward. However, something different flickered in his eyes—the seeds of ambition had begun to sprout.

The setting sun was not the decline of a single light, but the reflection of another dawn rising.