She walked to Xuan Ming's side and, together with him, gazed in the direction where Qian Daoliu had disappeared, remaining silent for a moment.
"He told you everything?" Bibi Dong's voice broke the silence.
Xuan Ming did not answer, which was taken as tacit agreement.
Bibi Dong sighed softly, her eyes somewhat unfocused. "I know I have no right to ask anything of you in this matter. That old bastard Qian Daoliu... he has even less right."
She paused, her voice carrying a complex emotion, a mixture of pain and a rare, maternal tenderness. "But... Xuan Ming, Qian Renxue... she was truly innocent in this whole affair. Her birth was not her wish, her father's death, her mother's... hatred—these heavy grievances shouldn't have become the shackles that crushed her."
She raised her head to look at Xuan Ming's cold, hard profile, her tone almost pleading. " Qian Daoliu doesn't dare tell her the truth, and I... can't bring myself to say it either. Perhaps only you can, at the right time, in your own way, help her accept it, help her... move on."
"Consider it..." Bibi Dong's voice lowered, trembling almost imperceptibly, "Consider it a small... insignificant compensation from this unfit mother of mine. I hope you can help her get through this difficult time."
She knew her request was selfish. The relationship between Xuan Ming and Qian Renxue was already complicated and entangled, and Xuan Ming had just pushed them to the brink of separation. Now, she wanted him to heal the wounds in Qian Renxue's heart. How difficult and ironic that was.
But she really couldn't think of a better way. Watching Qian Renxue teeter on the edge of hatred and truth, she couldn't remain completely indifferent.
Xuan Ming remained silent, his icy blue eyes gazing at the darkness outside the window, unfathomable in their depths. The moonlight bathed him in a soft glow, yet it could not dispel the innate loneliness emanating from him.
After a long while, just as Bibi Dong thought he wouldn't respond and her heart sank, Xuan Ming sighed softly.
"I see."
There were no promises, no guarantees, but for Bibi Dong, that was enough.
She knew that since Xuan Ming had said "I understand," it meant he would take this matter to heart.
As for what he will ultimately do and when he will do it, that is his business.
She breathed a sigh of relief and whispered, "Thank you."
Then, she stopped disturbing him, quietly turned and left the hall, returning the silence to Xuan Ming.
Inside the hall, Xuan Ming slowly closed his eyes. The image of Qian Renxue's golden eyes, burning with rage and despair, flashed through his mind, along with her final roar—"Is killing me the only way you two can finally be reunited as a family!"
He exhaled softly, his breath condensing into white mist in the cool air before slowly dissipating.
trouble.
Chapter 417 A Dilemma
Time flies, and a year has passed in the blink of an eye.
With the dedicated assistance of tens of thousands of technical talents from the Sun Moon Continent and the full support of Bibi Dong at all costs, the Spirit Hall Empire has built the initial framework of the Spirit Guidance Industry at an astonishing speed.
Brand-new Soul Tool workshops sprang up across the empire, and assembly lines began producing various civilian Soul Tool —from soul tool plows and soul tool irrigation devices that greatly improved farming efficiency, to soul tool freight cars that improved transportation, and soul tool lighting and soul tool heating devices that began to enter some households...
The changes are visible to the naked eye.
What excited the people at the bottom of the empire even more was that the empire launched a large-scale "work-study" policy.
Regardless of background, as long as you pass the basic assessment, you can enter the newly established " Soul Tool Technology Academy " to learn the technology first, and the cost can be repaid in installments after you graduate and find employment.
This opened a door to a brand new future for countless ordinary people without the talent of Soul Master.
The idea that knowledge changes destiny and technology creates value began to quietly spread throughout the Spirit Hall Empire.
The common people, who were originally terrified of the empire due to its harsh laws and oppressive rule, gradually changed their attitudes after truly enjoying the convenience brought by Soul Tool and seeing the hope that they could also gain respect and wealth through hard work and learning technology.
While it's far from being embraced, at least the fear and resistance that permeated the air have noticeably diminished.
The Spirit Hall Empire seems to be on a path unlike any other empire in the past, exhibiting a peculiar vitality focused on internal development and construction.
However, the Spirit Hall Empire's "inward" development was nothing short of a silent torment for the Heaven Dou and Star Luo Empire Empires, who were watching from the sidelines.
They were on high alert, ready to face the Thunderclap attack from the Spirit Hall Empire's Soul Master Legion, and were even prepared for the loss of their homeland and a bloody battle.
But who could have imagined that after initially consolidating its border forces, the Spirit Hall Empire would completely cease its activities and instead turn its attention to so-called "Soul Guidance Internal Affairs" and "Improvement of People's Livelihoods"?
This left the two emperors and their court officials, who had been preparing for war with all their might, feeling as if their long-awaited punch had landed on empty air, leaving them extremely embarrassed and frustrated.
In order to prepare for the anticipated war of annihilation, the two empires have almost exhausted their national strength to the limit in the past few years.
They forcibly conscripted a massive number of laborers and spent huge sums of money to build a series of military fortresses along the border.
They maintain a standing army of over a million, and the daily consumption of food and military pay is astronomical.
All these heavy burdens have ultimately been shifted onto the shoulders of the lower classes, already causing public resentment to boil over and undercurrents to surge.
But now, the enemy isn't coming?
They couldn't possibly disband their army; what if the Martial Spirit Hall Empire was feigning expansion while actually waiting for an opportunity to strike?
But if this continues, the enormous military expenditures will be like a wound that keeps bleeding from the two empires, and sooner or later they will be worn down and killed!
What terrified them even more was that various "rumors" from the Spirit Hall Empire began to quietly spread among the people.
The reports described how the Spirit Hall Empire restricted the privileges of nobles and Soul Master, how it vigorously supported commoners, and how it used new technologies to enable ordinary people to live a good life...
Although the credibility of these propaganda reports is low because the Spirit Hall Empire initiated the war in previous years, the sheer number of people talking about them is undeniable, and the scenes they depict precisely strike at the deepest desires of the lower classes who are struggling under heavy taxes and corvée labor.
If this continues, will the morale of the people in both empires waver? Will the oppressed commoners transform their discontent with the current state of affairs into a yearning for the "new world" across the river?
If it really comes to that, with morale low and public support turning against them, they might even collapse without a fight!
To launch a preemptive attack on the Spirit Hall Empire, which boasts two unparalleled powerhouses, Xuan Ming and Bibi Dong? What's the difference between that and suicide?
If they don't fight, the enormous military expenditures will be like a bottomless pit. If this continues, even without the Spirit Hall Empire taking action, the two great empires will be dragged down on their own! The internal conflicts will inevitably erupt sooner or later!
Caught between a rock and a hard place!
Inside the Heaven Dou Imperial Palace and the Star Luo Imperial Palace, the emperors and high-ranking officials of both countries were currently caught in an unprecedented predicament and anxiety. They felt as if they were being roasted over a fire, watching helplessly as their national strength was constantly depleted and the hearts of their people gradually eroded, yet they could not find any way to break the deadlock.
The Spirit Hall Empire's strategy of "subduing the enemy without fighting," employing the subtle tactics of development and public opinion, is far more difficult to counter than a direct military attack.
Deep within the imperial palace of the Heaven Dou Empire.
The palace was filled with the strong smell of medicine. The once spirited Xue Ye now had a sallow complexion and was leaning weakly against the dragon bed, his cloudy eyes filled with anxiety and resentment.
Below, led by the Clear Sky Sect, Tang Xiao, the sect master of the Clear Xue Beng Sect, Tang San, the King Blue Clear Sky, Yu Xiaogang, the national teacher, and a group of important officials and representatives of Soul Master families stood solemnly, the atmosphere heavy.
"Cough cough..." Xue Ye coughed a few times with difficulty, his voice hoarse, "My esteemed ministers... the Spirit Hall Empire is currently... holding back its troops and focusing solely on internal affairs, its intentions are despicable! If this continues, my Heaven Dou Empire... may collapse without a fight! Grand Preceptor... do you have any good strategies?"
All eyes were on Yu Xiaogang.
Yu Xiaogang's expression was solemn. He stepped forward and said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, in my humble opinion, the actions of the Spirit Hall Empire are most likely a ruse to deceive others!"
His tone was resolute, carrying a confidence based on past experience. "When I was young, I spent nearly ten years in Spirit City and Spirit Hall! I know them too well! The Spirit Hall's foundation is built on the privileges of Soul Master and the plunder of resources! The Spirit Hall Empire, now built on the Spirit Hall, can never rid itself of this deep-rooted flaw!"
" Bibi Dong's so-called 'hunting the world' two years ago, using bloody methods to purge her internally, seemed Thunderous Might and decisive, but it was nothing more than a show for outsiders! If she were to use such cruel methods to thoroughly cleanse herself and shake the foundations of her rule, it would be tantamount to digging her own grave! Based on my understanding of Bibi Dong, she may seem crazy, but she is actually meticulous and would never do such a foolish thing!"
He paused, then continued his analysis, "As for their vigorous development of Soul Tool technology, it has indeed put enormous pressure on us, and it's also a treacherous scheme by them to win over the hearts and minds of the people! According to reports from our spies, this technology originates from an overseas force called the ' Sun Moon Empire '! The Spirit Hall Empire has formed some kind of alliance with the Sun Moon Empire!"
"The Sun Moon Empire?" Xue Ye and his ministers all looked puzzled.
"Yes!" A glint of light flashed in Yu Xiaogang's eyes. "Your Majesty, I have recently perused numerous ancient texts and finally found a few words in a fragmentary scroll from tens of thousands of years ago! The record states that there is indeed another continent beyond the Douluo Continent! The two continents had contact in ancient times, but for some unknown reason, they were completely severed!"
"Although the details are lost to history, this confirms the existence of an overseas continent!" Yu Xiaogang's tone became impassioned. "If the Spirit Hall Empire can cooperate with the Sun Moon Empire, why can't our Heaven Dou Empire?! So-called alliances are nothing more than exchanges of interests! The Spirit Hall Empire must have offered the Sun Moon Empire enormous benefits in exchange for technical support!"
"As long as our Heaven Dou Empire can offer a sufficient price, we can also obtain Soul Tool Technology from the Sun Moon Empire! If the Spirit Hall Empire wants to wage a protracted war and a war of public opinion, then we will fight to the bitter end! Both empires have profound foundations and vast territories. As long as we can obtain equivalent technology and stabilize our internal affairs, given time, we will certainly not fear the Spirit Hall Empire!"
Xue Ye listened to Yu Xiaogang's analysis, a glimmer of hope rekindled in his cloudy eyes. He nodded slightly. "The Grand Preceptor's words are reasonable... But how can we contact the Sun Moon Empire? And how can we establish cooperation?"
Chapter 418 Soul Ring Storage
Yu Xiaogang, already prepared, bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I have a plan. We can send a delegation to the Spirit Hall Empire under the guise of 'peace talks'! On the surface, it will be to discuss peaceful coexistence, but secretly, we can take the opportunity to contact the Sun Moon Empire's personnel in Spirit City and try to establish contact!"
"Peace talks? Sending a mission?" Xue Ye frowned. This was tantamount to negotiating with a tiger, extremely risky.
"Yes, Your Majesty. This is currently the only possible way to break the deadlock," Yu Xiaogang affirmed. "The delegation members must be absolutely reliable, and also exceptionally intelligent and adaptable."
Xue Ye's gaze swept down. Crown Prince Xue Beng was the sole heir and could not be allowed to take any risks. The imperial family members... he didn't trust them, fearing that someone might use this opportunity to collude with the Spirit Hall Empire or even usurp power.
His gaze finally settled on Yu Xiaogang: "Grand Preceptor... this matter concerns the survival of the empire, and only a person of great talent can handle it. I decree that you personally serve as the chief envoy, representing the Heaven Dou Empire to the Spirit Hall Empire!"
"No!" Before Yu Xiaogang could answer, Tang San immediately stepped forward, his tone urgent, "Your Majesty! My teacher is advanced in years. The Spirit Hall Empire is a den of dragons and tigers, fraught with danger. How can we allow him to put himself in such peril? I am willing to go in his place!"
Xue Ye looked at Tang San. This young King Blue Clear Sky was exceptionally talented and powerful, indeed an excellent candidate, but after all, he was a member of the Clear Sky Sect, not a direct descendant of the royal family...
Tang San noticed Xue Ye's hesitation and immediately added, "Your Majesty, I am not only proficient in combat, but also skilled in Hidden Weapon and mechanisms! I am confident that I can quickly grasp the principles of such novel things as Soul Tool! Even if I cannot obtain them openly, I... have ways to 'borrow' some of their technology and will surely bring the key technologies back to the Empire to help our Heaven Dou Fighting Army contend with Martial Soul!"
Upon hearing the word "borrowing," Xue Ye, as an emperor, instinctively frowned, feeling that this method was beneath the dignity of the empire and unfit for high society.
At this moment, Yu Xiaogang spoke up, "Your Majesty! Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures! The empire is now at a critical juncture of life and death. If we are bound by trivial matters, we may miss a golden opportunity! Tang San's methods may be extraordinary, but his purpose is pure—to ensure the survival of the empire! This old minister believes that this method is feasible!"
He looked at Tang San, his eyes filled with trust and determination. " Xiao San, you are meticulous and strong enough; you are indeed the most suitable candidate. This journey is extremely dangerous, so please be careful!"
Tang San clasped his hands in a deep fist salute. "Rest assured, Master! For the Empire, for the Sect, Tang San deaths!"
Looking at the master and disciple before Xue Ye, and then at Tang Xiao, the silent but resolute Clear Sky Sect below, Tang Xiao finally took a deep breath and made his decision. "Alright! Since that's the case... King Blue Clear Sky, Tang San, heed my command!"
"Your subject is here!"
"I hereby appoint you as the special envoy of the Heaven Dou Empire, fully responsible for peace negotiations with the Spirit Hall Empire! And... act according to circumstances, and do everything possible to make contact with the Sun Moon Empire, to secure a glimmer of hope for the Heaven Dou!"
"Your subject obeys! I will certainly not fail in my mission!"
Spirit City, the core area of Soul Tool Research Institute.
After a year of tireless, round-the-clock research, guided by Xuan Ming's key insights into the structure and stability of Soul Ring energy, the top Soul Engineer from the Sun Moon Empire finally achieved a breakthrough.
A Soul Tool device, about half the height of a person, stood quietly in the center of the laboratory. It was made entirely of rare metals, with extremely complex energy circuits engraved on its surface, emitting a gentle and stable Soul Power fluctuation.
As a researcher guided a white Soul Ring, freshly detached from a ten-year-old Wind Baboon and still not yet dissipated, to the top of the device, the core crystal at the top of the device glowed faintly, generating a gentle suction that slowly drew the white Soul Ring into it.
Inside the crystal, a faint white light steadily illuminates, indicating successful storage.
"Success! The Ten-Year Soul Ring storage is stable!"
" The Hundred-Year Soul Ring test has begun... Energy fluctuations are within a controllable range, storage successful!"
A suppressed cheer erupted in the laboratory.
Although the current " Soul Ring Storage Device " can only stably store ten-year and Hundred-Year Soul Ring, and has a success rate of less than 30% for Thousand-Year Soul Ring with more violent energy, and cannot hold ten -Ten Thousand Year Soul Ring at all, it is undoubtedly a huge leap from zero to one!
This proves the feasibility of storing Soul Ring!
The next step is to continuously optimize materials, improve circuitry, and increase storage capacity and stability.
Meanwhile, deep within the Pope's Palace, Xuan Ming was immersed in another research project.
A faint, luminous energy stream, invisible to the naked eye but perceptible only to the Divine Consciousness, floated before him.
This is precisely the Power of Faith that arose in the hearts of some beneficiaries and people who yearned for peace over the past period of time, due to the Soul Tool he brought improving some aspects of people's lives, and his absolute violence intimidating the two great empires and objectively preventing the spread of large-scale war.
Guided by Poseidon, he learned that the Power of Faith is a very special spiritual energy that originates from the beliefs of all beings.
In the mortal realm, it has countless uses: it can help top experts break through the limit of Level 99, it can relieve some of the pressure when undergoing the Godhood Tribulation, and it can even, like Poseidon, accumulate a massive amount and condense a corresponding Godhood!
Poseidon achieved the status of Sea God and ascended to the Divine Realm by virtue of the ocean worship accumulated over thousands of years.
However, the Power of Faith has a much smaller effect on beings who have already become gods. Ascension beyond the God Level depends more on the understanding and control of one's own laws.
Poseidon admitted that when he ascended, he had just entered the threshold of First-Level God. After countless years of hard work, he reached the peak of First-Level God, but he was still unable to step into the realm of God King.
In the early stages, Godhood are a powerful aid, but once deities embark on their own paths, they can become a limitation.
Moreover, in order to maintain its stability and combat power, the Principal God Divine Realm will, unless they cause a major conflict like the Angel God and the Rakshasa God in the past, which affects the peace of the Divine Realm, in which case they are allowed to descend to the mortal realm.
The nature of Power of Faith is also diverse. There are positive beliefs that pray for peace and redemption, such as Sea God and Angel God, as well as negative beliefs that worship evil thoughts and killing, such as Rakshasa God.
Ultimately, it is a versatile spiritual energy that can be guided and utilized to enhance cultivation, solidify Godhood, extend lifespan, and even... solidify Soul Ring!
Combined with the breakthrough in the Soul Ring Storage Device, a grander and more radical idea gradually became clear and took shape in Xuan Ming's mind.
Soul Ring should not be consumables.
Since mortal-made Soul Tool cannot perfectly store high-level Soul Ring, why not utilize the Power of Faith, a higher-level energy, to construct a system?
He could try to create a special "container" with pure Power of Faith at its core, or directly construct an invisible " Soul Ring Repository " based on a faith network.
When Soul Master needs Soul Ring, they can remotely bestow it upon the Soul Master through a ritual or prayer, by divine will retrieving a suitable, stored Soul Ring from the " Soul Ring Repository " based on the prayer's actual situation.
When a Soul Master's Life comes to an end, or when they voluntarily give up, the Soul Ring they were given will not dissipate. Instead, they can be recycled by this belief system and put back into the " Soul Ring Repository," waiting to be needed again.
In this way, Soul Ring will no longer be one-time consumables that can only be obtained by hunting Soul Beast, but will become a "public resource" that can be recycled!
Soul Beast will no longer be hunted because of their Soul Ring; they can coexist with humans, and perhaps even establish new cooperative relationships in the future, such as voluntarily contributing their Soul Ring at the end of their lives?