"The assessment format certainly can't be as complex and rigorous as that of Sea God Island," Xuan Ming added. "It needs to be simplified, and ideally integrated into the new rule system being promoted by the Spirit Hall Empire, so that it can be easily implemented on a large scale."
After a brief exchange, Xuan Ming made a request. "This matter is of great importance. I would like to ask you to come with me to the Spirit Hall Empire to discuss the specific implementation plan with Bibi Dong and Gu Yuena."
Bo Saixi nodded almost without hesitation, "Okay."
Her powerful divine sense had already detected the distant fluctuations of Divine Power belonging to the Angel God, a fluctuation tinged with restlessness and instability.
Qian Renxue has become a god.
If that scheming young girl might pose a threat to Xuan Ming in the future, then the presence of the more powerful Sea God would undoubtedly provide an effective check and balance.
Spirit City, Pope's Palace.
Xuan Ming led Bo Saixi into the hall. Before the spatial fluctuations had subsided, a heated argument reached their ears.
" Bibi Dong! What right do you have to stop me! I need to see Xuan Ming!"
"Hmph! This is the Pope's Palace, not your Angel Secret Realm! He needs to rest now; it's none of your business to disturb him!"
He's mine! What right do you have to monopolize him?!
"Yours? What a joke! When did he become yours? Don't forget who pushed him to the opposite side in the first place! Now that he's weak, you want to force him? Qian Renxue, you're still so childish and ridiculous!"
"..."
Clearly, Qian Renxue came down from the Angel Secret Realm wanting to find Xuan Ming, but was stopped by Bibi Dong Pope's Palace. The two started arguing, and the argument revolved around Xuan Ming's "ownership".
Xuan Ming frowned slightly as he listened to the pointless argument. Bo Saixi stood beside him, her ethereal eyes sweeping over the two facing off, her expression calm and undisturbed.
Their appearance immediately attracted everyone's attention.
When Qian Renxue saw Xuan Ming, her eyes lit up with joy at first, but when she saw Bo Saixi beside him, whose aura was ethereal and holy and whose body radiated a vast Divine Power no less than her own, her joy was instantly replaced by greater anger and grievance!
Sea God? And his Godhead seems so stable!
How come there's another woman by Xuan Ming's side?!
Bibi Dong secretly breathed a sigh of relief when she saw Bo Saixi.
Although her strength has increased dramatically, she has not yet fully become a god. If they were to actually fight, she would inevitably suffer a loss against Qian Renxue, who has already become a god and is emotionally unstable.
With Bo Saixi, a Sea God with profound knowledge and experience, Xuan Ming's safety is undoubtedly more guaranteed, and it can also effectively deter Qian Renxue.
Xuan Ming ignored Qian Renxue's almost fiery glare and walked directly to the center of the hall, interrupting the pointless argument.
"Shut up, all of you."
He glanced at the three of them and cut straight to the point, clearly and concisely explaining his ideas on Soul Ring storage, recycling, stripping and bestowing, as well as the current bottlenecks.
The key point is that Soul Tool can only be stored temporarily, and long-term stable storage depends on Divine Power or the Power of Faith.
He didn't look at Qian Renxue, nor did he show any intention of "asking for help." Instead, he calmly asked in a businesslike tone, "Forging a divine artifact that can store and imbue with Soul Ring for a long time requires stable Divine Power and a subtle mastery of the rules. Who is interested in taking on this task?"
He knew Qian Renxue too well. If he showed that he needed something from her, this girl would definitely take advantage of him and make all sorts of unreasonable demands.
But if it's presented as a "competition" or "opportunity," igniting her competitive spirit, she'll go all out to prove herself.
Just as expected!
As soon as Xuan Ming finished speaking, Qian Renxue stepped forward and grabbed Xuan Ming arm tightly, her tone unwavering and authoritative. "This matter must be left to me! Who else is qualified to use Angel Divine Power to do this? Bibi Dong's Asura Divine Power is full of killing intent, and the Sea God God's power has nothing to do with the continent—neither is suitable! Only my divine power is the most suitable for stabilizing and bestowing Soul Ring!"
She stared into Xuan Ming's eyes, a hint of threat in her voice. "If you don't hand it over to me, I'll make sure you never have a moment's peace! I'll also take back ownership of the Spirit Hall Empire!"
Xuan Ming was speechless at her "I'll cause trouble if you don't give it to me" attitude, but remained calm on the surface.
He didn't agree immediately, but instead asked calmly, "Give it to you? On what grounds? The current Spirit Hall Empire owes its Soul Tool technology to me, and the implementation of the new policies and daily management are all handled by Bibi Dong. And you? Qian Renxue, what have you done all these years? Besides going into seclusion to receive the inheritance, what contributions have you made to this empire? What makes you worthy of the empire's support?"
"With your strength as the Angel God? Are you planning to forcibly seize the fruits of everyone's labor? That's truly... impressive."
Qian Renxue was speechless, her face turning pale and then flushed.
She has indeed been almost completely isolated from the world for years, knowing nothing about the current state of the Spirit Hall Empire, let alone making any contributions.
Bibi Dong also spoke up coldly at the opportune moment, "That's right. Most of the Power of Faith today is concentrated on me, who is driving change, and Xuan Ming, who provides military support. And you? Qian Renxue, who still remembers you, this old-fashioned Angel God? The Angel God is already bound to the old, domineering Spirit Hall, and the new image of the Spirit Hall Empire was established by us! You want to reap the rewards? Dream on!"
Although Bo Saixi didn't speak, her calm and profound gaze exerted immense pressure on Qian Renxue.
Qian Renxue was both angry and anxious, but she couldn't refute it. She found herself to be an outsider in the face of this brand-new empire.
Chapter 443 The Cycle of Soul Ring
After much debate, Xuan Ming looked at Qian Renxue's unwilling and aggrieved expression, weighed his options, and finally made his decision.
"Very well." He sighed, his tone softening somewhat. "The future development of the Spirit Hall Empire does indeed require a relatively peaceful spiritual symbol capable of uniting people's hearts. Bibi Dong represents change and an iron fist, while I represent absolute military protection—both lean towards rigidity. A more moderate image is needed to balance this."
His gaze fell on Qian Renxue: " The Angel God, in both appearance and Divine Power power, symbolizes light, order, and hope, making her undoubtedly the most suitable choice. I entrust this task to you. I hope you can achieve results and truly live up to the title of Angel God."
Upon hearing this, Qian Renxue was first stunned, and then a strange sense of humiliation welled up in her heart.
Xuan Ming's words sounded like he was entrusting her with an important task, but the subtext was clearly that she was currently useless and just a "pretty face" who needed to rely on her appearance to make a living?!
"You!" Qian Renxue's chest heaved with anger.
Bibi Dong added without hesitation, "Hmph, the empire is now running smoothly, and there's no need for you to interfere in any aspects. As for future wars, Xuan Ming and I have our own plans, and we don't need you, as a symbol of peace, to get involved. You just need to maintain appearances and not cause trouble."
"Of course, if you insist on stirring up trouble, causing the situation to spiral out of control, or even leading to war, then do whatever makes you happy."
"But in that case, you shouldn't be called the Angel God, you should be called... the God of War, right?"
Qian Renxue was so angry at the two of them that she almost exploded, but looking at Xuan Ming's unquestionable gaze, and at Bibi Dong, Bo Saixi, and Gu Yuena who were eyeing her menacingly, she finally managed to swallow her anger.
At least, she's secured a ticket to participate in the core affairs of the empire. Although her starting point might seem like that of a pretty face, she will definitely prove that she, Qian Renxue, is far from just a decoration!
Star Dou Great Forest, the core area of Lake of Life.
Gu Yuena stood by the lake, her long, silver-purple hair swaying gently in the wind, her exquisite face bearing a hint of solemnity. A faint dragon's might emanated from her, blending with the boundless Life force of the Lake of Life, yet also carrying an aura of majesty that transcended all things.
Before her stood several figures, each with a different form but exuding a powerful aura, some prostrate and others standing solemnly.
They are the overlords of the major Soul Beast gathering areas on the Douluo Continent today. Led by Di Tian, there are Xiong Jun, Myriad Demon King, Scarlet King, Zi JI, Bi Ji, and others in the Star Dou Great Forest. There are also several Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast from the Far North, led by Snow Empress, and several 100,000-year Sea Soul Beast from the ocean, led by Demon Empress.
During this period, under the personal mobilization of Gu Yuena, the ruler of all Soul Beast, and through the connections of these overlord-level Soul Beast, the initial concept of "recycling Soul Ring " has been transmitted to the high-level members of Soul Beast clans throughout the continent with extremely high efficiency.
However, the feedback Bu Le.
"My lord! Our people are outraged upon hearing this! Humans have slaughtered our kind for tens of thousands of years, taking their Soul Ring and Soul Bone —this is a blood feud! And now, they expect us to willingly offer our Soul Ring to them as we approach the end of our lives? Absolutely not!"
"My lord, humanity is insatiably greedy, always pushing its luck. If we yield a step today and offer our Soul Ring, they will demand even more in the future! They might even use this as an excuse to force our young and strong kin to Sacrifice themselves prematurely! Once this precedent is set, the consequences will be endless!"
The other Soul Beast Overlords echoed their sentiments, expressing strong opposition and incomprehension. The hatred between them and humans was deeply rooted and could not be resolved overnight. To allow them to help their enemies become stronger, even after death, was emotionally unacceptable.
Gu Yuena listened quietly, having anticipated these vehement objections. How could racial hatred, especially a blood feud spanning tens of thousands of years, be so easily extinguished?
She raised her hand, signaling the Soul Beast to be quiet.
"I understand your anger." Gu Yuena's voice was clear and calm, yet carried a soothing power. "I know better than any of you the sins humanity has committed against Soul Beast."
Her gaze swept over the group of Soul Beast: "But have you considered what the future of the Soul Beast Clan will be if the status quo continues?"
She pointed out of the forest. "Human progress is far beyond our imagination. Thousands of years ago, there were only tens of thousands of Soul Master on the continent. Now, there are over a hundred thousand. What about a thousand or ten thousand years from now? When the number of human Soul Master reaches millions, tens of millions, or even hundreds of millions, can we withstand them with our ever-decreasing numbers and territory?"
The Soul Beast fell silent. Although they hated humans, they were not stupid. Humans' terrifying ability to reproduce and learn was far beyond what Soul Beast could match.
In the long run, the living space of Soul Beast will only be continuously compressed, eventually leading to their extinction, which is not an exaggeration.
"The direction Xuan Ming proposed is not about us submitting to humanity," Gu Yuena continued. "It's more like... a self-preservation strategy when the overall situation cannot be changed, a contingency plan to preserve the Core Flame of Soul Beast."
"If a system for the circulation of Soul Ring can be established, at the very least, the fate of countless young Soul Beast being hunted down can be avoided. The way Soul Master acquire Soul Ring will change from hunting to a transaction or contract. We can contribute the Soul Ring of our kind whose lifespans are nearing their end in exchange for human respect for Soul Beast territories, restraint on indiscriminate killing, and perhaps even gain more resources and rights for survival."
Gu Yuena offered an even more enticing idea. "Moreover, Xuan Ming has a far more profound vision—he's exploring a possibility: if the Soul Ring formed after Soul Beast dies can establish a deeper symbiotic or contractual relationship with a specific human Soul Master, perhaps... the original consciousness of the Soul Beast within the Soul Ring can be nourished through the Soul Master's cultivation and growth, and even in the future, there's hope for it to re-form or even be resurrected!"
These words immediately caused an uproar among the Soul Beast Overlords!
resurrection?!
This was undoubtedly earth-shattering news for Soul Beast, whose lifespans were long but whose end was death!
"My lord, is this truly the case?!"
"It's still just a concept, in the initial exploratory stage," Gu Yuena truthfully stated. "But Xuan Ming's understanding of the soul and the rules of Life far surpasses that of ordinary people. He believes it's not entirely impossible. If it can truly be realized, then the relationship between Soul Beast and humans will undergo a fundamental transformation. Soul Ring will no longer be spoils of war, but could become a bond of symbiosis and mutual prosperity. Soul Master need Soul Ring to become stronger, while Soul Beast can gain hope for rebirth through Soul Master."
Looking at the contemplative Soul Beast, she concluded, "Instead of heading towards mutual Destruction through hatred, why not try a path that might bring new life and hope? Although this path is full of unknowns and difficulties, at least it points to a future, not despair."
Gu Yuena's words stirred up ripples in the hearts of all the Soul Beast.
Pure hatred and anger begin to seem somewhat pale and powerless in the face of the heavy yet alluring words "survival of the race" and "hope of resurrection".
Although the vast majority of Soul Beast still harbor doubts and their strong opposition is difficult to quell immediately, at least a seed has been planted. They need time to digest this and weigh the pros and cons.
Gu Yuena knew that this matter couldn't be rushed. Changing a mindset that had persisted for tens of thousands of years required patience and a catalyst. As for Xuan Ming, whether he could truly turn his ideas into reality would be the key to persuading these Soul Beast overlords.
Chapter 444 Gaining, Losing
Spirit City, Core Research Institute.
A strange stone pillar with an ancient shape and a soft white-gold glow stands quietly in the experimental field at the very center of the research institute.
The surface of the stone pillar is engraved with complex and mysterious patterns, including ocean ripples from the Sea God Trident, sacred curves from Angel wings, and intricate structures from the energy circuits of many Soul Tool.
This is the first prototype of the " Divine Pillar " created by Qian Renxue and Bo Saixi through their joint efforts, using the Sacred Pillar of Sea God Island as a blueprint, combining the Angel Divine Power and the Sea God's Power, and incorporating the latest Soul Tool Technology of the Spirit Hall Empire.
Xuan Ming stood before the Divine Pillar, extending a finger to gently touch its surface. A warm yet vast aura flowed from his fingertip, containing a powerful ability to absorb, stabilize, and store Soul Ring.
"Success." Xuan Ming nodded. "The basic storage function is very stable. As long as the supply of Power of Faith continues, theoretically, the Soul Ring can be stored indefinitely."
Bo Saixi stood to the side, a hint of relief in her ethereal eyes. "Combining the characteristics of the two Divine Power does indeed have a complementary effect. The Angel Divine Power provides order and stability, while the Sea God's Power bestows inclusiveness and nourishment, allowing the Soul Ring to not only maintain its form during storage, but also to receive a slight nurturing of its original energy."
Although Qian Renxue's face still showed some reluctance, a sense of accomplishment couldn't help but flash in her eyes as she looked at the Divine Pillar she had helped create. However, she still said, "Storage alone is not enough. For humans to accept this method, it must be convenient enough and attractive enough."
Xuan Ming glanced at her and said calmly, "Then make it more convenient and more attractive."
He walked to the Divine Pillar, placed his palm on its core, and poured white Divine Power of Faith into it.
"Since it requires the Power of Faith to drive it, then let the Power of Faith be the key." Xuan Ming's voice was calm, yet carried an undeniable force of rule. "From this day forward, communicating with the Divine Pillar, awakening Martial Soul through it, and acquiring Soul Ring will all be done through faith."
As he spoke and infused his Divine Power, subtle changes occurred within the Divine Pillar's internal structure. An invisible rule was imprinted upon it: only those who held a deep respect for and belief in the Spirit Hall Empire's system could activate the Divine Pillar's power to Martial Soul Awakening and bestow Soul Ring.
"In this way, our thoughts are unified." Xuan Ming withdrew his hand. "Only those who accept the new order can enjoy the benefits it brings. Opponents will naturally be excluded."
He continued, "Next, we need to set the final, and most important, rules."
"The act of forcibly hunting Soul Beast to obtain Soul Ring is defined as heresy, a betrayal and disruption of the new order. Anyone discovered to have engaged in such behavior will have their Soul Ring forcibly stripped and reclaimed by the power of the Divine Pillar!"
"As long as a sufficient number of Divine Pillar are placed at key nodes throughout the Douluo Continent, forming a network," Xuan Ming surveyed the crowd, "Then the entire system of Martial Soul Awakening, Soul Ring Granting, Soul Ring Removal and Recycling can cover the entire continent, forming a self-circulating, self-regulating new order."
The grand blueprint has been drawn up, and the basic framework has been built.
However, Xuan Ming changed the subject. "However, how to implement it specifically and how to formulate the details are not my concern."
He looked at Bibi Dong and Gu Yuena, finally fixing his gaze on Qian Renxue: "What conditions are required for bestowing Soul Ring? What contributions or assessments correspond to different qualities of Soul Ring? How can fairness be ensured and the abuse of power prevented? How should the trial procedure for stripping Soul Ring be established? The formulation and enforcement of these specific yet crucial rules..."
"That's something you should be thinking about."
Upon hearing Bibi Dong's purple-gold eyes flashed with understanding and seriousness.
She understood that Xuan Ming had set the stage, but how to ensure that this grand drama of " Order Reshaping " would be performed smoothly, well, and for a long time required her, as the empress, to formulate a detailed script and rules.
This involves a vast amount of interest distribution, checks and balances of power, and social management; it is an extremely complex and meticulous task.
Gu Yuena nodded slightly. She needed to consider things from the perspective of the Soul Beast, ensuring that the terms of the agreement were fulfilled, monitoring the behavior of human Soul Master, and at the same time, appeasing and guiding the Soul Beast race to cooperate with the new system.
Qian Renxue was stunned for a moment, then glared at Xuan Ming with some annoyance.
We agreed that this matter would be left to her, so how come it's now a matter for everyone to discuss?
But seeing Xuan Ming walk straight out, and Bibi Dong and Gu Yuena already deep in thought, Qian Renxue could only suppress her dissatisfaction and begin to think seriously.
After all, this Divine Pillar system will be promoted under the name of " Angel God " in the future, and she doesn't want the "face" job she worked so hard to get to end up becoming a farce or causing even greater chaos due to poor rules.
The former site of the Seven Treasure Pavilion in Heaven Dou City has now been renamed "Liaison Office of the Spirit Hall Empire in Heaven Dou City ".
Ning Rongrong sat by the window, looking at the bustling crowd outside, her delicate eyebrows slightly furrowed, her face showing a hint of unresolved confusion.
For nearly a year, she, along with Shui Bing'er, Huo Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, and others, relied on their own strength and past identities to travel throughout the Heaven Dou Empire, sparing no effort to promote the new policies of the Spirit Hall Empire.
They demonstrated the convenience brought by Soul Tool, depicted a beautiful blueprint of equality and equal opportunities for all, emphasized the Spirit Hall Empire's support policies for commoner Soul Master, and the future prospect of safely obtaining Soul Ring through " Divine Pillar ".
However, the results were completely contrary to expectations.