Compensation Nearing Arrival (Seeking Recommendations)

The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's preemptive action set an example for other factions.

This undoubtedly confirmed that Qian Yufeng was indeed still alive, and that the Clear Sky Sect had not been fear-mongering.

Emperor Xue Ye had not previously known that his grand-aunt had issued an assassination order against Qian Yufeng, but after careful investigation by his secret guards, traces of a struggle were discovered at the entrance of the Sunset Forest.

The secret guards were particularly familiar with the traces left by the Heavenly Dipper Formation.

Upon seeing the tombstone left behind by Qian Yufeng, they understood that a squad of secret guards had already fallen at his hands.

When Emperor Xue Ye learned of this news, he was instantly drenched in a cold sweat.

His first thought was that this had been the final mission order issued by his grand-aunt before she stepped down.

This guy must be nearly 200 years old, yet he still possesses such strength. Spirit Hall might be coming to settle accounts with us soon. Emperor Xue Ye felt a deep sense of foreboding.

Before he could dwell on his concerns for long, those ministers all reported sick during the next day's morning court session.

In the Imperial Study, he summoned the Prime Minister and three veteran generals who guarded the nation; only after some inquiry did he understand Qian Yufeng's style of conduct.

For anyone who acted in an unfriendly manner toward Spirit Hall and failed to take initiative in admitting their faults upon investigation, the consequences were dire.

The light penalty was paying compensation, while the heavy penalty was being wiped out on the spot.

One had to remember that not long ago, they had united several major factions to cause Spirit Hall the loss of three thousand soul master deacons.

This was a major blow to Spirit Hall, but unfortunately, that joy did not last long; now, the retribution had arrived.

Those ministers who reported sick were all rushing to arrange for compensation to be transported to Spirit Hall, terrified of being targeted by Qian Yufeng.

Such a thing had happened before, when 80% of the noble houses in Heaven Dou City had been ransacked.

The nobles were truly terrified, because Qian Yufeng's methods could be described as having no rhyme or reason, yet they were specifically aimed at them.

Today, the Heaven Dou Empire lacked the support of a Title Douluo, which undoubtedly resulted in a massive weakening of their strength.

Even with multiple Soul Douluos, they could not match the deterrent power brought by a single Title Douluo.

The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family might support them, but when it came to their own interests, they would not necessarily extend a helping hand in time.

Moreover, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was the first to show an attitude of admitting fault to Spirit Hall, which forced them to reveal their own stance.

The existence of Qian Yufeng was a sharp sword hanging over the heads of all factions.

As long as he existed for one day, other soul master factions would not dare to act rashly.

After realizing the severity of the situation, Emperor Xue Ye immediately sent men to the Royal Treasury to select a batch of treasures, along with two billion Gold Soul Coins, and dispatched the Prime Minister as an envoy to Spirit Hall to offer an apology.

In Spirit City, within the Pope Palace.

Qian Xunji watched as one-third of his grand-uncle's hair turned black, and he stood up from his seat in sheer shock.

"Grand-uncle, what is going on with you? How are you growing younger as you age?" he asked in disbelief.

"You brat, you just can't stand to see me doing well, can you?" Qian Yufeng rolled his eyes at him and said, "My soul power is now at level 93, yet you are still at level 92. Even if the Pope is busy with a thousand tasks, it is impossible that you don't have a moment to cultivate."

"Only after ascending to the position of Pope did I realize that cultivation is a luxury. In these past few months, I have only had seven days of free time to cultivate in peace."

"How did Father and Grandfather manage it back then? I am truly curious."

A bitter smile appeared on the corner of Qian Xunji's mouth; he also wanted to improve his strength, but he truly could not find the time.

"I have already resolved the biggest financial dilemma for you. A large sum of compensation is on its way. Once the money problem is solved, the other issues you face will no longer be problems." Qian Yufeng smiled slightly; this was indeed good news for Qian Xunji.

The secret agents under his command had already gathered the latest intelligence: the envoy teams from various soul master factions and the Heaven Dou Empire were already on their way.

He certainly had to tell his eldest grandson this good news immediately.

"What?!" Qian Xunji was somewhat surprised; he had not expected these factions to act so quickly.

The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had been the first to set an example, but the speed of the other factions still exceeded his expectations.

With sufficient financial resources, he could proceed with the recruitment of deacons and expand the selection pool to include civilian soul masters.

"Sometimes you have to leave things to the people below you; the Pope only needs to hold the final decision-making power."

"Your grandfather and your father understood this principle well, which is why they did not feel as much pressure as you do in managing Spirit Hall."

Qian Yufeng knew that Qian Xunji handled many things personally, but over-concentrating power in his own hands would only bring a heavy burden upon himself.

He had used his own strength to suppress the soul master families of Spirit Hall and had supported factions of his own choosing to balance them, but over time, this would only excessively ignite conflicts between them.

Whether in the past or the present, the contributions of these families to Spirit Hall were worthy of recognition, and it was a normal phenomenon for them to have some selfish motives.

Many families had even sacrificed some of their own disciples; Qian Yufeng was well aware of this.

"Grand-uncle, it is not that I don't understand this principle, but there are some things I truly cannot turn a blind eye to."

"Compared to the first few years after I ascended to the throne, I have already delegated many things, otherwise I wouldn't have the leisure to chat with you here."

Qian Xunji also knew that his management had some problems, and he was working hard to correct them.

However, his personality made it difficult for him to let certain things go.

For instance, some families used their connections to seek improper benefits for their own kin.

He could not tolerate behavior that was too destructive to the rules.

"Handle it however you see fit. I'm already at this age, yet I still have to clean up your messes—truly disappointing!"

Seeing Qian Xunji speak in such a manner, Qian Yufeng said no more, merely offering a feigned, irritated rebuke.

A trace of embarrassment crossed Qian Xunji's face; he truly owed a debt of gratitude to his Second Granduncle for his help this time.

Qian Yufeng had made a preliminary estimate that the compensation from the various major factions and nobles would total five billion Gold Soul Coins.

Qian Xunji would manage these funds centrally, ensuring that those spirit master families would have no opportunity to exploit the situation.

This meant he would need to put a great deal of effort into the recruitment process.

Qian Yufeng spoke again, "Enough. Your most important task right now is to formulate a recruitment plan for the new deacons."

"The base of civilian spirit masters is vast, and many among them have potential; it is simply that no one guides them, leading their talents to wither away."

"Furthermore, you can gather information about gifted children through them and add these youngsters to the Spirit Hall's preliminary reserve list."

There were many civilian spirit masters on the continent with excellent cultivation talent; a large base did not mean a lack of genius, only a lack of opportunity.

Qian Yufeng was quite confident that many civilian spirit masters would eagerly sign up to participate.

Having finished saying these final words, he intended to leave the Pope Palace and head to the Consecrated Hall once more.

He pulled a jade bottle from his storage ring and handed it to Qian Xunji.

"This pill played a significant role in my breakthrough in spirit power. I'm giving you one as well; as the Pope, you cannot let your own strength fall too far behind."

Qian Yufeng turned and left the Pope Palace without waiting for Qian Xunji's thanks.

Qian Xunji felt deeply moved; his Second Granduncle truly cared for him.

"I will become a Pope who surpasses both my father and grandfather. Just watch, Second Granduncle!"