The Theory Was Submitted, and Their Paths Crossed for the First Time

Early the next morning, Tang Shan handed his findings to Su Haichao.

Su Haichao skimmed through them and looked a little surprised.

"Shanzi, you didn't include how a Soul Master's intent affects the Soul Rings and Soul Skills they obtain."

"That's right." Tang Shan nodded. "That theory would have too great an impact on Soul Master cultivation. Our family couldn't withstand the consequences. What's here is enough to cause a stir without changing cultivation too drastically. It's just right."

In truth, Tang Shan had not told him everything. Even if people learned that a Soul Master could influence the Soul Skills they obtained, how many would think to acquire rule-based enhancement skills at low levels, let alone rule-based attack or defense skills?

He never underestimated anyone, but he would not overestimate them either. A single Mysterious Heaven Skill was enough to dominate the continent, and a hammer technique that merely turned an opponent's force against them was the secret art of the world's foremost sect. He really could not place too much faith in the creativity of Douluo Continent's Soul Masters.

Some might say anyone with half a brain should have spotted the pattern. Tang Shan could only say that it seemed obvious once you knew the answer.

Countless people had been hit by falling apples, yet only Newton discovered universal gravitation. Wasn't that proof enough? It was a blind spot: after a discovery, everyone suddenly saw how simple it was and thought they could have done the same. Beforehand, they had looked straight past it.

The theory he had withheld was far too shocking. If it got out, the best outcome would be an "invitation" to Spirit Hall to conduct research. The worst was harder to predict.

Tang Shan's main reason for publishing a theory was to make money, not a name for himself. If it happened to help Soul Masters cultivate, all the better. But he would never put himself at a disadvantage just because his theory could benefit others.

"All right. I'll send this theory to the Spirit Sacred Hall in Heaven Dou City over the next few days and see what happens."

After going over possible developments and how to respond with Tang Shan, Su Haichao hurried out toward Spirit Hall in Notting City. Only there did they have the equipment to contact the Spirit Sacred Hall in Heaven Dou City.

Watching his father leave, Tang Shan felt a tangle of emotions. Perhaps his theory would make subtle changes to the continent's future. Would it alter the course events would otherwise have taken? He was certain it would. That course had been destined to change the moment he was born on this continent. Rather than face it passively, he might as well meet it head-on.

Godhood, long life, eternity. If they can achieve those things, why can't I?

Smack!

"Little brother, what are you standing here for? Why do you look like you've lived through a hundred years?"

Su Yuntao popped out of nowhere and vigorously ruffled Tang Shan's hair. Tang Shan snapped out of his melancholy at once, but Su Yuntao had already darted away.

"Why do I still have three years to wait before my Martial Soul awakens? Big brother, just wait until I can get you back."

Tang Shan gritted his teeth and forced himself to calm down. When he saw that Su Yuntao had stopped running, a kindly smile spread across his face.

"Big brother, you've recovered nicely. Clearly, you haven't reached your body's limit, so let's add a little to today's training. Don't worry, I'm not taking revenge. I'm doing this for your own good. Just think—that's a Thousand-Year Second Ring..."

"Is there anything else I need to handle?"

After working at his desk for hours, Su Haichao rubbed his temples and looked at his assistant.

"No, Hall Master. We've finished processing every document that piled up while you were away."

"All right." Su Haichao waved a hand, and his assistant tactfully withdrew.

As the master of Spirit Hall in Nuoding City, Su Haichao naturally had official duties to attend to. He had been gone for only a week while taking Su Yuntao Soul Hunting, but a mountain of documents had accumulated. He had only just finished dealing with them.

Su Haichao leaned back in his chair for a while before he recovered.

He took a long, narrow Soul Tool from his storage bracelet, pressed its button, and infused it with Soul Power.

Before long, an imposing voice came from the other end.

"This is Salas."

At the reply, Su Haichao hurried to answer respectfully.

"Greetings, Bishop Salas. I'm Su Haichao, master of Spirit Hall in Nuoding City. A mysterious Soul Master has entrusted me with publishing his theory on Soul Masters."

"A theory on Soul Masters."

Interest entered Salas's voice.

"You can submit it through the usual channels. Researching Martial Souls is part of Spirit Hall's work, after all. If you've used a Communication Soul Tool to contact me through this special channel, there must be something unusual about it."

When Salas did not end the call at once, Su Haichao clenched his fist in private. Half the battle was won.

He answered respectfully, "You're perceptive, Bishop. This theory is rather unusual. It could have a considerable impact on lower-level Soul Masters, which is why I reported it directly."

Su Haichao paused to let Salas absorb that, then continued. "The theory suggests a way to obtain a Thousand-Year Second Ring. From what I understand of Martial Soul cultivation, it seems highly feasible and broadly applicable. I've already had my son begin testing it. How would you like me to proceed, Bishop?"

"What!"

In a magnificent, cavernous hall, a huge Angel Mural covered the wall, radiating a sacred, hazy aura that seemed beyond anyone's reach.

Salas, the red-robed bishop and master of Heaven Dou's Spirit Sacred Hall, stood in the empty hall facing the enormous mural.

At the words "Thousand-Year Second Ring," a terrifying aura erupted from him. Its crushing pressure made the air seem thick. Anyone whose cultivation was too weak might have been crushed the moment they stepped into the hall.

Su Haichao was not surprised by the sudden silence. He knew how stunned he himself had been when he first heard Tang Shan's wild idea.

The more one knew, the more one understood what to fear. As a Platinum Bishop, Salas knew far more secrets than Su Haichao. He knew a Soul Ring could be changed after it was acquired, but that involved a God Trial. As things stood, only a God Trial or Twin Martial Souls could likely produce a Thousand-Year Second Ring.

And now he was being told that a theory might make it possible to produce them in large numbers. How could he not be shocked?

At length, Salas spoke in a low voice.

"I'll send someone to Notting City at once to collect that Soul Master's theory. Does he have any other requests?"

Su Haichao remained respectful. "He said his payment should be given to me, and I'll pass it on to him."

"Very well." Salas thought nothing of it. Scholars who studied Martial Soul Theory often had their quirks. He had met plenty in Spirit City; one more made no difference.

"Three Theories of Martial Souls! Now that is something!"

Several days later, Salas could not hide his admiration as he read the theory before him.

"So that's why. The upper limit for absorbing a Soul Ring's age is so closely tied to physical fitness. And this advice for Soul Masters with poor talent—it's a godsend for those at the bottom."

He stroked his chin. Then, as if something had suddenly occurred to him, he shot to his feet, fervor blazing in his eyes.

Without hesitation, he took out a Communication Soul Tool that Spirit Hall had replicated with great difficulty and activated it with his Soul Power.

Time ticked by. However long it took, Salas showed no impatience. He waited respectfully.

At last, the Soul Tool connected, and an elderly voice came through.

"This is Qian Jun at the Worship Hall. Salas, I believe I told you that you were not to contact the Worship Hall directly by Communication Soul Tool unless it was a genuine emergency."

Salas felt neither irritation nor resentment at the rebuke. The man on the other end was not only a figure of immense standing in Spirit Hall, but also a Super Douluo whose Soul Power had reached at least level ninety-five.

Thinking of the surveillance of the First Prince's residence over the past few years, and of that young lady's age, Salas went straight to the point.

"Worshipper Qian Jun, I've received an unusual Martial Soul Theory. Following its method may make a Thousand-Year Second Ring possible."

"Hmm?"

Qian Jun Douluo sounded surprised.

"Where are you now?"

Salas answered without hesitation. "I'm at the Spirit Sacred Hall in Heaven Dou City."

"Stay in the main hall," Qian Jun Douluo instructed, then abruptly ended the call.

"Big brother, wait."

After ending the call, Qian Jun Douluo hurriedly called out to a middle-aged man who was about to leave.

A sweet little blonde girl of about six beside the man turned around and asked in a clear voice, "Grandpa Qian Jun, is something wrong?"

At the sight of her blinking eyes, Qian Jun felt his heart melt.

"Don't rush, Xiao Xue. This concerns you too."

With that, Qian Jun Douluo looked at the middle-aged man. He was none other than Qian Daoliu, the Great Enshrined of the Worship Hall, master of Douluo Hall, high priest of the Angel God, and one of the mere three Limit Douluo currently on Douluo Continent. In this era, Limit Douluo were also known as Peerless Douluo.

The little girl beside him was, of course, Qian Renxue—the Angel God, future Heaven Dou Crown Prince, and daughter of the Pope.

"What is it? I'm about to take Xiao Xue to hunt Soul Beasts. As her grandfather, I'll obtain her first and second Soul Rings for her myself."

Qian Daoliu stopped, puzzled as to why Qian Jun Douluo had called him back and said it concerned his granddaughter.

"Big brother, the bishop of Heaven Dou City's Spirit Sacred Hall sent word that there may be a way to obtain a Thousand-Year Second Ring. I know Xiao Xue has a God Trial, but I thought older Soul Rings might still benefit her."

At Qian Jun Douluo's explanation, Qian Daoliu's eyebrows twitched almost imperceptibly. His interest was piqued.

"Where is Salas now?"

"I've already told him to wait in the Sacred Hall's main hall, big brother," Qian Jun Douluo replied at once, having prepared for the question.

"Very well. It's on our way, so let's take a look."

As Qian Daoliu spoke, a soft, gentle light began to shine from his body...