On the tenth day after the Pope Token was issued, news of Spirit Hall's public apology to the Blacksmith Association in Gengxin City had fallen like a massive boulder into a lake, sending ripples through the continent's various powers.
In the imperial study of the Heaven Dou Empire's palace, sandalwood incense curled through the air, its hazy fragrance tinged with solemnity.
Xue Ye set a copy of the Pope Token on his desk and turned his penetrating gaze toward Prince Xue Xing beside him:
"Seventh Brother, what do you make of Spirit Hall's move? Making such a grand fuss over a bunch of blacksmiths is hardly their style."
Prince Xue Xing stroked his beard, a shrewd gleam flashing through his eyes:
"Imperial Brother, in my humble opinion, there must be a greater scheme behind this. For the Blacksmith Association in Gengxin City to make Spirit Hall bow its head, it must be anything but ordinary. Perhaps... it has something to do with the soul tools they are rumored to be researching?"
Xue Ye nodded:
"That is possible. Send down my decree: have our spies infiltrate Gengxin City and uncover the true dealings between Spirit Hall and the Blacksmith Association."
The atmosphere in the Star Luo Empire's court was solemn.
The Star Luo Emperor slammed a copy of the Pope Token onto his imperial desk and said gravely:
"Spirit Hall is like the drunken old man whose heart is not in his wine! This so-called apology is merely a pretext for winning over the Blacksmith Association! That association possesses surviving soul tool forging techniques. If Spirit Hall truly gains control of them, our empire's southwestern border will be in peril!"
An elderly minister with white hair and beard stepped forward:
"Your Majesty, I believe we should send an envoy bearing