The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's swift action set an example for the other factions.
This undoubtedly confirmed that Qian Yufeng was indeed still alive, and that the Clear Sky Sect had not been spreading alarmist rumors.
Xue Ye had not previously known that his Imperial Grand Aunt had issued an assassination order against Qian Yufeng, but after the Shadow Guards conducted a careful investigation, they still discovered traces of battle at the entrance to Sunset Forest.
Especially the Heavenly Dipper Formation—Shadow Guards were extremely familiar with the traces left behind by such an array.
Upon seeing the gravestone Qian Yufeng had left behind, they understood that a Shadow Guard squad had already perished at his hands.
When Xue Ye received this information, he immediately broke out in a cold sweat.
His first thought was that this had been the final mission order issued by his Imperial Grand Aunt before she stepped down.
That old man must be nearly two hundred years old. How could he still possess such strength? Spirit Hall may be coming to settle accounts with us very soon. Xue Ye felt that things were far from good.
Before he had much time to dwell on it, those ministers all reported sick at court the next day.
In the Imperial Study, he summoned the prime minister and three veteran generals who protected the state. Only after some discussion did he understand Qian Yufeng's way of doing things.
Anyone who had acted unfriendly toward Spirit Hall and was investigated, yet failed to take the initiative to accept responsibility, would face extremely severe consequences.
At best, they would pay compensation. At worst, they would be erased on the spot.
Not long ago, they had joined forces with several major factions and caused Spirit Hall to lose a total of three thousand Soul Master Deacons.
This had been a major blow to Spirit Hall, but unfortunately, that joy had not lasted long. Retribution had now come.
Those ministers who had reported sick were all rushing to arrange for compensation to be delivered to Spirit Hall, afraid that Qian Yufeng might set his sights on them.
Something like this had happened before. Eighty percent of the noble households in Heaven Dou City had been stripped clean.
The nobles were truly frightened, because Qian Yufeng's methods could be said to follow no rules at all, yet they always targeted them precisely.
Now, the Heaven Dou Empire had no Title Douluo to support it, which undoubtedly dealt a tremendous blow to its strength.
Even if it had several Soul Douluo, they could not compare to the deterrence brought by a single Title Douluo.
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan supported them, but when their own interests were involved, they might not necessarily lend a helping hand in time.
What was more, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had been the first to show an apologetic attitude toward Spirit Hall, forcing them to make their own stance clear.
Qian Yufeng's existence was a sword hanging over the heads of all factions.
As long as he remained alive, the other Soul Master factions would not dare act recklessly.
After understanding the severity of the matter, Xue Ye immediately sent people to select a batch of treasures from the Royal Treasury, along with two billion Gold Soul Coins. He had the prime minister serve as an envoy to Spirit Hall to apologize.
Spirit City, within the Pope Palace.
When Qian Xunji saw that one-third of his second granduncle's hair had turned black, he rose from his seat in shock.
"Second Granduncle, what is going on with you? How are you getting younger as you age?" he asked in disbelief.
"You brat, can't you stand seeing me do well?" Qian Yufeng rolled his eyes at him. "This old man's Soul Power is already at rank 93. You're still at rank 92. Even if the Pope is occupied with countless affairs every day, surely you can't lack even a little time to cultivate?"
"Only after ascending to the position of Pope did I realize that cultivation was such a luxury. Over the past few months, I've only had seven days of free time to cultivate in peace."
"How did Father and Grandfather manage it back then? I'm truly curious."
A bitter smile appeared at the corner of Qian Xunji's lips. He also wanted to improve his strength, but he truly could not spare the time.
"I've already resolved your greatest financial predicament. A large sum of compensation is on its way. Once the money problem is settled, the other issues you face won't amount to much." A faint smile appeared on Qian Yufeng's lips. This was excellent news for Qian Xunji.
The spies under his command had already obtained the latest information. The delegations sent by the various Soul Master factions and the Heaven Dou Empire were already on the road.
Naturally, he had to tell his great grandson this good news at once.
"What?!" Qian Xunji was somewhat surprised. He had not expected those factions to move so quickly.
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had taken the lead, but the speed of the other factions still exceeded his expectations.
With sufficient funds, he could begin recruiting Deacons and expand the selection pool to include commoner Soul Masters.
"Sometimes, you need to leave matters to those below you. As Pope, you only need to hold the final decision-making authority."
"Your grandfather and father both understood this principle well. That is why they did not feel as much pressure as you when managing Spirit Hall."
Qian Yufeng knew that Qian Xunji personally handled many matters, but concentrating too much power in his own hands would place a heavy burden on himself.
By himself, he had suppressed Spirit Hall's Soul Master families and supported factions loyal to him to balance them. But over time, this would only excessively intensify the conflicts between them.
Whether in the past or now, these families' contributions to Spirit Hall deserved recognition. It was normal for them to have some selfish motives.
Quite a few families had even sacrificed some of their descendants. Qian Yufeng was well aware of all this.
"Second Granduncle, it's not that I don't understand the principle, but there are some things I truly cannot overlook."
"Compared with the first few years after I took office, I've already delegated many matters. Otherwise, I wouldn't have the leisure to sit here chatting with you."
Qian Xunji also knew that there were some problems with his management and had been working to correct them.
However, his personality made it difficult for him to let go of certain matters.
For example, some families used their connections to secure improper benefits for their clansmen.
He could not tolerate conduct that damaged the rules too severely.
"Handle it as you see fit. At my age, I still have to clean up after you. How disappointing!"
Since Qian Xunji had said as much, Qian Yufeng did not continue lecturing him. He merely pretended to be angry as he reprimanded him.
A trace of embarrassment appeared on Qian Xunji's face. This time, he truly had his second granduncle to thank for the help.
Qian Yufeng initially estimated that the compensation from the major factions and those nobles would amount to five billion Gold Soul Coins.
All this money would be managed solely by Qian Xunji, leaving no opportunity for those Soul Master families to exploit it.
Then he would need to put considerable effort into the recruitment matter.
Qian Yufeng spoke again, "Enough. Your most important task now is to formulate a recruitment plan for the new Deacons."
"There is a large population of commoner Soul Masters, and many of them have great potential. They simply lack someone to guide them, causing their talents to go to waste."
"You can also gather information from them about gifted children and add those children to Spirit Hall's preliminary reserve list."
There were many commoner Soul Masters on the continent with excellent cultivation talent. A large population did not mean there were no Soul Master geniuses; they merely lacked an opportunity.
Qian Yufeng was confident that quite a few commoner Soul Masters would eagerly sign up.
After saying all this, he planned to leave the Pope Palace and make another trip to the Worship Hall.
He took a jade bottle from his storage soul tool and handed it to Qian Xunji.
"This pill played a major role in my Soul Power breakthrough. I'll give you one as well. As the Pope, your own strength cannot fall too far behind."
Without waiting to hear Qian Xunji's thanks, Qian Yufeng turned and left the Pope Palace.
Qian Xunji was deeply moved. His second granduncle still cared for him greatly.
"I will become a Pope who surpasses both Father and Grandfather. Second Granduncle, just watch!"
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