Spirit Hall's Invitation

Two days after Tang Hao left, the portly old branch master of the Nuoding City Spirit Hall Branch paid a personal visit.

He arrived with two attendants and a pile of gifts, standing before the dormitory building with a beaming smile. His attitude was more than twice as respectful as it had been three days prior.

"Master, apologies for the intrusion." The old man rubbed his hands together, his chubby face wreathed in smiles. "His Holiness the Pope has issued an order, requesting your presence at Spirit City for a discussion."

Zhu Shen was in the middle of teaching the work-study students how to circulate their basic spirit power. He paused and raised an eyebrow at the news.

"The Pope? Bibi Dong?"

"Precisely." The old man nodded repeatedly. "Her Holiness learned of your exploits here in Nuoding City and sent a formal invitation, hoping you would come to Spirit City to discuss the matter of the Evil Soul Masters."

The children nearby pricked up their ears.

The Pope? That was a figure of such immense stature they dared not even imagine meeting her.

Tang San stood behind Zhu Shen, his eyes flickering. In his past life, he was a disciple of the Tang Sect and was not yet familiar with the power distribution of this world, but he had heard of the Spirit Hall—the strongest organization on the continent, possessing the most spirit masters and holding influence across both great empires.

Zhu Shen accepted the invitation. The envelope was pure white, sealed with gold thread and stamped with the emblem of the Spirit Hall. Upon opening it, he found the handwriting elegant yet imbued with a sense of authority.

"To Master Yu: I have heard of your victory over the Evil Soul Master ritual in Nuoding City, saving forty-seven children from the fires of peril. This Seat expresses deep respect. Evil Soul Masters are rampant and plague the continent; as the holy land for spirit masters, the Spirit Hall must take up the responsibility of purging them. I hope you can come to Spirit City to discuss a grand strategy. Bibi Dong."

The signature was stamped with the Pope's exclusive seal.

Zhu Shen put the letter away and began to calculate.

Bibi Dong taking the initiative to find him was unexpected, yet logical. The incident at the Evil God Temple had caused quite a stir; with forty-seven children saved and Blood Shadow captured, it was impossible for the Spirit Hall to be unaware.

Given Bibi Dong's personality, she would certainly take such a potential threat seriously. Moreover, the strength and potential he had displayed were indeed worth recruiting.

"Teacher?" Tang San asked softly.

Zhu Shen glanced at him, then turned back to the old man. "I appreciate the Pope's kindness, but I still have several disciples to teach here. I cannot leave."

The old man grew anxious. "Master, this is a personal invitation from the Pope..."

"I am aware." Zhu Shen waved a hand. "How about this: once I have made arrangements here, I will personally visit Spirit City. As for the specific time, we shall discuss that later."

The old man wanted to persuade him further, but seeing Zhu Shen's firm attitude, he had no choice but to give up.

"Then... then I shall report this to the Pope."

"Mm, thank you for the Pope's good intentions on my behalf."

The old man left with his entourage.

The work-study students immediately crowded around.

"Teacher, are you going to Spirit City?" Wang Sheng's eyes lit up. "I heard Spirit City is huge, a hundred times bigger than Nuoding City!"

"Yeah, yeah! If you go, Teacher, could you take us along to see it?"

Zhu Shen knocked Wang Sheng on the head. "What are you thinking? Focus on your training. A place like Spirit City—if you went there now, you'd just be fodder."

"Then when can we go?"

"When you can beat Xiao San, then we'll talk."

The group of children immediately wilted.

Although Tang San only had one spirit ring, the augmentation of his four Lone Bamboo Soul Bones, combined with the secret techniques of the Tang Sect, made beating them feel like child's play.

"Alright, alright, get to training." Zhu Shen waved his hand. "Everyone runs five extra laps today. No dinner until you finish."

The children wailed, but no one dared to resist; they obediently went to run.

Tang San remained where he was, waiting until the children were far away before speaking. "Teacher, are you really going to Spirit City?"

"I have to go sooner or later." Zhu Shen stroked his chin. "But not now. Our strength isn't enough yet; if we go now, we'll just be at their mercy."

"Then Bibi Dong..."

"She is a smart woman," Zhu Shen said. "Smart people prioritize maximizing their interests. As long as I have value to her, she won't do anything to me. But the prerequisite is that I must demonstrate sufficient value."

Tang San seemed to understand, yet remained uncertain.

Zhu Shen patted his shoulder. "Enough, don't think too much. You have only one task: become stronger. When you are strong enough, neither the Spirit Hall nor the Evil God Temple will be a match for you."

Tang San nodded heavily.

Over the next few days, Zhu Shen trained the work-study students as usual. Secretly, however, he increased the intensity.

Although the talent of Wang Sheng and the others was average, they were willing to endure hardship. Ten laps a day became fifteen, then twenty. After running, they had to move stones, hold horse stances, and practice martial arts.

A week later, the children were all tanned and weathered, but their spirits and vitality had improved significantly. A few even showed faint signs of a breakthrough.

Xiao Lian showed the most progress. Her Dandelion Martial Soul was originally very weak, but under Zhu Shen's guidance, she had developed several new ways to use it. For instance, injecting spirit power into the dandelion seeds to make them fly further and more steadily, or adding a simple hallucinogenic effect to the seeds—though the power was low, it was effective for surprise attacks.

"Teacher, I was using my dandelion for reconnaissance yesterday and saw Teacher Wang sneaking out of the academy," Xiao Lian reported in a low voice.

Zhu Shen narrowed his eyes.

Teacher Wang was the young instructor who had initially made things difficult for him. Ever since Zhu Shen had taught him a lesson, the guy had kept his tail between his legs, but it seemed he was still up to no good.

"When? Where did he go?"

"Last night at eleven, toward the south of the city."

The south of the city again.

Zhu Shen recalled the abandoned warehouse where Su Nuo and Lord Blood Shadow had met. Although Tang Hao had dealt with Su Nuo, the Evil God Temple likely had more than one stronghold in Nuoding City.

"I understand." Zhu Shen patted Xiao Lian's head. "You did very well. But remember, don't act alone next time; it's too dangerous."

"Mm." Xiao Lian nodded vigorously.

That evening, Zhu Shen called Tang San into his room.

"I'm going to the south side of the city tonight. You stay at the academy and keep a close eye on Teacher Wang and his group."

Tang San frowned. "Teacher, it's too dangerous for you to go alone."

"What's dangerous about it?" Zhu Shen laughed. "Your teacher can fly and fight now; if I can't win, can't I run? Besides, the Evil God Temple just suffered a major loss and is currently on edge. I doubt there are many of them left."

"Then please be careful."

"Don't worry."

As night fell, Zhu Shen changed into night-traveling clothes, spread his dragon wings, and flew silently toward the south of the city.

The slums in the south remained dilapidated, but the atmosphere was even more oppressive than the last time he had visited. There wasn't a soul on the streets; every house had its doors and windows tightly shut, and not even the barking of a dog could be heard.

Zhu Shen landed on the roof of the abandoned warehouse and peered through a hole.

The warehouse was empty. The tables, chairs, oil lamps, and black boxes from before were all gone, leaving only dust and cobwebs covering the floor.

It seemed the people from the Evil God Temple had already withdrawn.

However, Zhu Shen didn't rush to leave. Instead, he expanded his senses to search for any nearby signs of life.

Soon, he discovered something unusual in a small alley behind the warehouse. There were two people there, their presence faint, but they carried a lingering trace of evil energy.

Zhu Shen landed soundlessly, pressed himself against the wall, and leaned out to look.

Two people stood in the alley, both dressed in dark red robes with black cloth covering their faces. One of them held a small box and was pouring something onto the ground.

It was ashes.

Zhu Shen narrowed his eyes.

These two were likely remnants of the Evil God Temple, having returned to collect the remains of their comrade.

"Hurry up, let's go once we're done," a hoarse voice said. "We can't stay in Nuoding City anymore; the people from Spirit Hall have already set their sights on this place."

"I know." The other person finished pouring the ashes and tucked the box away. "Is there any word on Lord Blood Shadow?"

"I heard he was escorted to Spirit City. The Pope issued a personal order to interrogate him about the Evil God Temple."

"Then what about us..."

"Withdraw for now and wait for orders from above."

The two finished speaking and turned to leave.

Zhu Shen stepped out from the shadows, blocking the alley entrance.

"Two gentlemen, in such a hurry to leave?"

Their expressions changed drastically, and they immediately summoned their Martial Souls. One had a Black Cat Martial Soul, and the other a Poisonous Snake; both were two-ringed Great Spirit Masters.

"Who are you?" the Black Cat Spirit Master asked vigilantly.

"Aren't you looking for me?" Zhu Shen smiled. "Yu Xiaogang, ever heard of him?"

Their pupils constricted.

"You're that Yu Xiaogang who ruined the ritual?" the Poisonous Snake Spirit Master's voice trembled. "What... what do you want?"

"I have a few questions for you." Zhu Shen took a step forward. "How many people does the Evil God Temple have left in Nuoding City? Where are the strongholds? Who is the leader?"

"We don't know!" the Black Cat Spirit Master gritted his teeth. "Even if we did, we wouldn't tell you!"

"Is that so?" Zhu Shen released his Dragon God Martial Soul.

A phantom of a golden dragon emerged behind him, and the dragon's might pressed down like a physical weight. The two Evil Soul Masters felt their bodies sink; their Martial Souls let out whimpers, and even circulating their spirit power became difficult.

"How about now?" Zhu Shen asked calmly.

Their faces turned deathly pale, and beads of sweat rolled down their foreheads.

"I'll talk, I'll talk!" The Poisonous Snake Spirit Master couldn't hold on any longer. "There are five people left in Nuoding City. There are three strongholds: the abandoned warehouse in the south, the blacksmith shop in the west, and the coffin shop in the north. The leader... the leader is Lord Blood Shadow, but since he was captured, 'Black Bat' has taken temporary command."

"Black Bat?" Zhu Shen raised an eyebrow. "What is his cultivation?"

"A four-ringed Spirit Sect. His Martial Soul is the Dark Night Bat, and he specializes in stealth and assassination."

Zhu Shen nodded. A four-ringed Spirit Sect was still within his range of handling.

"One last question." He looked at the two. "What is your purpose in collecting children? Besides the rituals, what else are they used for?"

The two exchanged glances and fell silent.

Zhu Shen's gaze turned cold, and he intensified the dragon's might.

"I'll talk, I'll talk!" the Black Cat Spirit Master shrieked. "Those children... those children are used to cultivate 'Holy Sons'."

"Holy Sons?"

"Yes." The Poisonous Snake Spirit Master continued, "The Temple needs children with good talent to raise from a young age and indoctrinate with our teachings. When they grow up, they become the Temple's most loyal warriors. Those with poor talent... are used for the rituals."

Zhu Shen's heart sank.

These lunatics didn't just kill; they brainwashed.

"How many children have you captured?"

"I don't know... I really don't know!" the Black Cat spirit master wailed. "Only the higher-ups know about that kind of thing. We're just small fries, responsible for running errands..."

Zhu Shen looked at them and remained silent for a moment.

"Fine, you can go."

The two were stunned, unable to believe it.

"Re... really?"

"Really." Zhu Shen retracted his martial soul. "Go back and tell that Black Bat that Nuoding City is not a place he should be staying. Within three days, take your people and get out of Nuoding City. Otherwise, I will go find him myself."

The two acted as if they had been granted amnesty, scrambling away as they scrambled to their feet.

Zhu Shen watched their retreating figures and sighed.

He was no saint, but he didn't want to kill indiscriminately either. These two were weak and didn't know much; killing them would be useless. Letting them go back to deliver a message might just lure out a bigger fish.

However, the fact that the Evil God Temple was cultivating "Holy Sons" weighed heavily on his mind.

If this organization truly had a systematic training program, then their threat was greater than he had imagined. After all, a group of lunatics wasn't scary; a group of organized, legacy-holding lunatics was.

He had to go to Spirit City as soon as possible to tell Bibi Dong about this intelligence.

When he returned to the academy, the sky was almost bright.

Tang San was still waiting in the room, and he breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Zhu Shen return.

"Teacher, how did it go?"

"I gained some insight." Zhu Shen recounted the events of the night. "The Evil God Temple still has remnants in Nuoding City, but it's not a major issue. The key is that 'Holy Son' project; it worries me a bit."

Tang San's expression turned grave. "They want to cultivate the next generation?"

"Yes." Zhu Shen nodded. "And judging by their methods, they are likely scouring various places for talented children to brainwash and train en masse. This kind of tactic is far more terrifying than simple slaughter."

"Then we..."

"We have to speed up our progress." Zhu Shen patted his shoulder. "Starting tomorrow, I'm increasing your training. Within a month, you must break through to level twenty."

Tang San's eyes lit up. "Yes!"

"Alright, go get some sleep. We still have training when the sun comes up."

"Get some rest too, Teacher."

After Tang San left, Zhu Shen sat in his chair and opened the system panel.

He had been saving up evolution points for the past few days, and he was now at 80/100. A few more times of "tricking" Tang San, and he would be able to increase his bloodline purity.

But there were more urgent matters now.

He looked at the lottery wheel.

He had drawn Bibi Dong's Love Letter last time but hadn't used it yet. It might come in handy during this trip to Spirit City.

"System, draw."

[Starting lottery]

[Lottery wheel activated]

[Drawing]

[Congratulations on drawing a special reward: Pope's Trust]

[The holder of this item gains a 20% trust bonus when conversing with Bibi Dong]

Zhu Shen's eyes brightened.

Good stuff!

With this, the safety of his trip to Spirit City would be much higher.

He put away the reward, lay down on the bed, and began to calculate his next plan.

First, go to Spirit City to tell Bibi Dong about the Evil God Temple's intelligence, and while he was at it, see if he could secure some investment. Bibi Dong was the Pope; she surely had plenty of good things in her hands. Even a little bit leaking through her fingers would be enough for him to use.

Once he returned from Spirit City, he would take Tang San to hunt for his second spirit ring. This time, he had to find a spirit beast over a hundred years old; it would be best if he could run into a thousand-year one.

As for the work-study students, they needed to be arranged as well. Although Wang Sheng and the others had average talent, if trained properly, they could become assets in the future.

Thinking and thinking, the sky turned bright.

Zhu Shen climbed out of bed, pushed open the window, and looked at the sky that was gradually brightening outside.

A new day, a new beginning.

He took a deep breath, the corners of his mouth curling up.

"Evil God Temple, just you wait. I'm coming."