Xue Qinghe Understood Everything

If Qian Renxue had asked about his Martial Soul in her true appearance, then even if he did not reveal everything, he would at least have told her roughly what he was capable of.

But Qian Renxue was asking him now in the identity of Xue Qinghe, so Wu Ling had originally planned to fob him off with something vague.

Although Qian Renxue's true Soul Power Level could not possibly be this low, Wu Ling guessed that Qian Renxue, who had possessed Innate Soul Power at level twenty, had to be at least level forty by now.

But the level thirty-one he had mentioned earlier did indeed count as "revealing his hand" to her current identity. Thus, neither sentiment nor reason allowed him to fob her off so casually.

"Since Brother Xue has gone this far, it would be embarrassing for me to refuse.

Then let's start with my Soul Power. My Soul Power is still somewhat behind Brother Xue's—your actual Soul Power Level.

It may take another two or three years before I can break through to Brother Xue's current level—your true level."

Yet Wu Ling's ambiguous words were summed up in Xue Qinghe's mind like this: "He still needs two or three years to break through to level thirty."

"To keep up his cultivation while possessing such extensive theoretical knowledge—Brother Wu Ling, your talent is truly impressive."

Wu Ling put on an embarrassed smile before beginning to talk about his Martial Soul.

"As for my Martial Soul, it is a type of Martial Soul mutated from a plate, and it is considered an auxiliary-type Martial Soul.

Just as people can be filled with strength after eating food served on a plate, my Martial Soul's ability is also to enhance a person's physical qualities—Heroic Spirit Possession. Nothing too remarkable.

However, my Martial Soul has one special trait. Since it mutated from a plate, it can establish a certain connection with food-type Martial Souls.

Of course, it is not the kind of connection involved in a Martial Soul Fusion Skill, merely ordinary cooperation. Generally speaking, food-type Martial Souls are also auxiliary Martial Souls, so when the two are together, my support ability can achieve more than one plus one equals two."

Upon hearing Wu Ling's explanation, Xue Qinghe's mind boomed—he understood. He understood everything!

"So that's how it is. Everything fits. Since his Martial Soul is an auxiliary type, I can understand why Bibi Dong made him study theoretical knowledge.

And the reason no information on him could be found over the past few years was because he had an auxiliary-type Martial Soul. He did not need to go out to fight or train at all; he merely needed to cultivate and study quietly!"

As for the search for food-type Martial Souls, although Spirit Hall had not made a grand announcement, the order had been sent to every Martial Soul Branch Hall throughout the Heaven Dou Empire. As Heaven Dou Empire royalty, they naturally had ways of obtaining such intelligence.

When he had first received this intelligence, he had still been guessing at Bibi Dong's intentions. But Wu Ling's explanation had now dispelled his doubts. Spirit Hall had been searching for food-type Martial Soul masters all for his sake!

As for whether Wu Ling might be lying, Xue Qinghe was naturally not worried. Even as an auxiliary-type Martial Soul master, Wu Ling could not possibly refrain from acting for his entire life. When that time came, his Martial Soul would inevitably be revealed. If he were lying, those lies would expose themselves. Generally speaking, no one would lie about their own Martial Soul.

Yet in his excitement, Xue Qinghe failed to notice that because of the rule that "auxiliary-type Soul Masters cannot support themselves," Wu Ling had said "enhance a person's physical qualities," not "enhance other people's physical qualities."

Nor could he have imagined that the reason Wu Ling never left home was that he had a Title Douluo-level person serving as his sparring partner, leaving him with no need to go out and fight.

Believing that he had understood everything, Xue Qinghe was overjoyed. For the rest of their time together, he became even more enthusiastic as he pulled Wu Ling into conversation about all manner of things.

When the tea and refreshments were changed for the fifth time, the lead maid did not leave this time. Instead, she stood beside Xue Qinghe.

Seeing this, Xue Qinghe understood that their reserved time was up.

"Brother Wu Ling, it seems this meeting can only end here."

"No matter. Brother Xue handles countless affairs every day and will surely become the Crown Prince in the future. It is only natural for you to be busy."

"Haha, good! I'll gladly accept Brother Wu Ling's auspicious words. Let us continue another day."

That night, while Xue Qinghe was dining with Xue Ye and several of his brothers, Xue Ye suddenly called out, "Qinghe, I heard that this afternoon, you privately met with the disciple of Spirit Hall's Pope."

At once, everyone at the table paused with their chopsticks in hand, but Xue Qinghe, the person involved, remained perfectly composed.

He set down his chopsticks and replied to Xue Ye, "Yes, Father. Your son did indeed meet Wu Ling this afternoon."

"Oh, his name is Wu Ling? It seems you obtained some useful information, Qinghe. Is there anything else?"

Xue Qinghe then recounted the events of his meeting with Wu Ling that afternoon, neither adding nor omitting anything.

Among them, Xue Qinghe especially emphasized Wu Ling's vast knowledge, outstanding cultivation talent, Innate Soul Power that might have been above level eight, and his mutated auxiliary-type plate Martial Soul.

"Not bad. Quite detailed. Then Qinghe, how great do you think his threat is?"

"Reporting to Father, in your son's view, for Spirit Hall's Pope to take him as a disciple, his Martial Soul's support ability is likely no weaker than the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda. If, as he said, it can be improved further with the aid of food-type Martial Souls, then his support ability may be even stronger than the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda.

However, as an auxiliary-type Soul Master, no matter how talented he is, his cultivation speed will be somewhat slower, and he cannot possibly become the Pope.

Therefore, overall, his growth period is slow, and his future influence will not be too great. No matter how strong his support ability is, he is only one person, whereas our Heaven Dou has the entire Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. So while he cannot be said to be entirely beneath concern, he can at least be said not to affect the larger situation."

Upon hearing Xue Qinghe's analysis, Xue Ye nodded in satisfaction.

"Good, good, good. To analyze matters to this extent, you truly are my proudest son. Then tell me, how should we treat him from now on?"

Xue Qinghe pretended to ponder before saying, "...Approach him as a friend, then continue extracting intelligence from him."

"Mm, that is only partly right. Gathering intelligence is correct, but what matters is what intelligence you gather.

Spirit Hall has many high-level Soul Masters. They must possess their own internal documents and records. Since that Wu Ling is the Pope's disciple and so knowledgeable, he must have had access to those materials.

Therefore, Qinghe, your target should be the records and secrets concerning high-level Soul Masters."

Xue Qinghe cupped his hands toward Xue Ye. "Yes, Father. Your son understands."

"Mm. We have talked for so long that the dishes have gone somewhat cold. Have the cooks prepare another table, but do not eat too much. There is still an evening gathering to attend later."