Establishing authority, setting sights

Du Busi chuckled and leaned back in his chair with a carefree attitude. He was extremely fond of his young sect leader. Both his personality and his eccentricities were just like his own, just like the Body Sect for generations.

Therefore, even if Lu Cheng were to cause a huge uproar, he would still join the group without hesitation.

Forget about merely imitating the Spirit Hall; whatever he says goes!

Although he didn't say anything, his actions and expressions made his stance clear: he unconditionally supported Lu Cheng.

Although the elders were shocked, they still respected Lu Cheng. In recent days, Lu Cheng had led the Body Sect to a period of great wealth, demonstrating his strong leadership ability and establishing enough prestige within the Body Sect.

It also provided ample benefits to everyone.

"..."

The atmosphere was silent.

Lu Cheng crossed his arms and placed them on the table, turning to look at Emperor Heavenly Soul with a smile, "So, Your Majesty, you're unwilling?"

"Willing? How could I not be willing..." Emperor Heavenly Soul said with a forced smile, his face slightly stiff.

Although the Heavenly Soul Empire and the Body Sect have been allied for a long time, in the end, might makes right. The Heavenly Soul Empire's most powerful retainer is only level Level 97, and the total number of Titled Douluo powerhouses can be counted on two hands.

Compared to the Body Sect, it is naturally far inferior.

Therefore, the Heavenly Soul Empire is actually in a relationship of dependence on the Body Sect.

Although the Heavenly Soul Emperor felt somewhat stifled, he wasn't particularly displeased and obediently sat back down, no longer interfering with Lu Cheng.

Seeing that the latter was so sensible, Lu Cheng smiled.

"In that case, from this day forward, Elder Jing will be the head of the Soul Tool Department of the Body Sect, and all matters concerning the Soul Tool Department will be handled by him."

"..." Jing Hongchen crossed her arms and remained expressionless.

He wasn't particularly interested in the pie-in-the-sky promise Lu Cheng was making to him.

In a barren land for Soul Tool, how could he possibly develop a Soul Tool Department all by himself? Those soul tool laboratories and equipment were built with real money. If he really wanted to create a decent Soul Tool Department, he would be burning through cash.

No power could afford it, not even Shrek Academy.

"Here, this is all the soul- Soul Tool Soul Tool and supplies we obtained from the Illustrious Virtue Hall, including rare metals, some of which are minerals mined from the Far North. Please take a look..."

Lu Cheng chuckled and pushed several soul-guided diamond rings onto Jing Hongchen's table.

"..."

Jing Hongchen's pupils suddenly contracted.

She glanced at Lu Cheng in surprise, hesitated, then picked up the rings, feeling the amount of metal inside. Her eyes gradually went blank, and she stared at Lu Cheng with a look of astonishment.

"I'll take full responsibility?"

"Aren't you afraid I'll run away?!"

This kid's audacity even made him a little nervous. After all, he was a newcomer to the fold, and was even framed by Lu Cheng to end up like this. It was impossible for him not to have any complaints about Lu Cheng.

But even under these circumstances, Lu Cheng still dared to entrust his entire fortune to him.

It's really...

"A Meng and I are lovers, and A Xiao and I are best friends. If you were to betray me, someone would surely try to persuade you to leave," Lu Cheng said with a smile.

"..."

Jing Hongchen played with the diamond ring in his hand with a complicated expression. After a long while, he let out a soft hum and put it on his finger. "Alright, I agree. Don't worry, it will take at least six months to two or three years. I will build you a laboratory that is no weaker than Illustrious Virtue Hall. But people in the Soul Tool Department are very scarce. Do you have any ideas?"

"I have already established a Soul Tool Department base within the Body Sect, and am currently cultivating Soul Tool Department talents. If you would be willing to serve as the principal, that would be even better," Lu Cheng said with a smile.

Jing Hongchen's lips twitched, and she glared at Lu Cheng with annoyance.

This is treating him like a donkey.

However, I didn't feel any aversion to it.

After all, with his cultivation level, he's still in his prime. What would he do after retirement? Take care of his great-grandchildren?

He certainly couldn't stay idle; he planned to make a big splash here.

"Secondly, we will set up Awakening Centers in various places, starting with the entire Heavenly Soul Empire. If any local nobles disobey or cause trouble in secret... they will be killed." Lu Cheng said slowly, but the killing intent in his tone could not be stopped, which made Princess Vina shrink back.

This is... getting serious.

The entire Heavenly Soul Empire is a complex web of intertwined powers, with countless noble factions rooted there. They use the concept of "awakening" to hold the common people by the throat, forcing them to submit to them.

But what Lu Cheng is about to do has definitely threatened the interests of all the nobles.

But in the end, it all boils down to one sentence.

Might makes right.

With the current power of the Body Sect, it is more than capable of crushing all those who struggle.

"Lang Ya will be in charge of this matter, is that alright?"

"I will obey the young sect leader's command!" Lang Ya exceptionally spirited. With his burden of the Soul Tool Department lifted, he could finally take a breather. As the head of the third-generation disciples, he was indeed qualified to accept this appointment.

A hint of ruthlessness appeared in his eyes.

He had been holding back his anger for a long time, but finally he could vent it.

"Alright, meeting adjourned."

Lu Cheng clapped his hands and said with a warm smile.

He and Ma Xiaotao hadn't seen each other for a long time; it was time to rekindle their old flame.

As for the Hongchen family, let them enjoy their peaceful time together.

As soon as he left the palace, guards in golden armor stood outside the gate. Upon seeing Lu Cheng, they immediately saluted him with great respect.

The powerful figures of the Body Sect...

Lu Cheng waved his hand and walked straight outside.

"Xiao Cheng ~"

But then a seductive voice rang out from behind, a mixture of joy and complaint. Lu Cheng paused, his body stiffening slightly. The next instant, a tall figure embraced him from behind, and a fragrant breeze followed.

"Senior sister..."

Lu Cheng was somewhat helpless.

"You've been gone for a year and a half. Do you know how I've been doing all this time?" Wei Ling'er said resentfully, her large headlights slamming against the back of Lu Cheng's head.

A young girl and a young woman—a difference of just one word, yet worlds apart.

A woman in her thirties, once she's tasted the sweetness of love, becomes incredibly attached to her, far more so than a young girl in her twenties.

"If you're unwilling, then I won't bother you any longer..." Wei Ling'er said with a disappointed tone.

"No, it's all the same." Lu Cheng wrapped his arm around the beauty's soft waist. Although it might seem like he was driving a big car, well... a big car is indeed much more comfortable than a small car.

It was like being churned and raged in soft waves.

The feeling of being surrounded from all sides...

Since that's the case, let's start with Wei Ling'er tonight.

"Hmm... Senior sister really likes you..." Wei Ling'er's pretty face flushed red. Seeing that no one was around, she lightly touched the ground with her long legs and led Lu Cheng straight towards Heaven Dou City.

"Na'er, you mean...?"

Inside the palace.

The Heavenly Soul Emperor said with a sullen expression.

"Father, do you mean you want to break ties with the Body Sect?" Vina saw through it all, idly fiddling with the ring on her hand, the token of her love with Long Aotian, as she spoke.

"How could this be!" Emperor Heavenly Soul exclaimed hastily.

He knew all too well how dependent the Heavenly Soul Empire was on the Body Sect.

Not to mention that the Body Sect is now stronger than ever before; would he want to provoke those lunatics?

"Then you'll obediently be your puppet emperor." Vina smiled. "Although 'puppet' isn't a pleasant name, it's at least better than 'ruler of a fallen kingdom,' isn't it?"

"What do you mean?" Emperor Heavenly Soul's pupils contracted.

"Do you think that with his talent, when he truly matures, coupled with the current Body Sect, any force on this continent can withstand him?" Vina asked Youyou.

"..."

The Heavenly Soul Emperor swallowed hard, understanding his daughter's meaning.

That kid has big ambitions; he wants the entire Douluo Continent.

The other forces will be wiped out in the overwhelming tide, while only the Heavenly Soul Empire, which cooperates with the Body Sect, will survive even if it ends up as a puppet. It may even take the opportunity to annex other forces and gain unprecedented territory.

"In that case, Father understands."

Emperor Heavenly Soul sighed softly. He was not a person who liked to compete. He had a very low profile on the continent and was far less prone to causing trouble than Xu Jiawei. He was quite content with a simple and peaceful life.