Chapter 49: Facing the Pope and Rewards
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Compared to the outer areas of Spirit City, where ordinary citizens lived, the Pope's Hall—the core of the Spirit Hall—was even more resplendent, golden, and sacred.
A towering six-winged angel statue stood at the entrance of the Pope's Hall. Even after a thousand years, no traces of wear had marred this holy figure. The delicate feminine form and its righteous expression remained vividly lifelike.
Under Bi Bi Dong's introduction, Ye Wen soon met the master of this city—Angel Douluo Qian Xunji, a Super Douluo with an astonishing cultivation level of 95.
After reaching Level 95, every incremental step for a Title Douluo became extraordinarily difficult. This stage was all about deepening one's comprehension of their martial soul.
Even with the vast resources of the Spirit Hall at his disposal, this Pope remained stuck at Level 95. No wonder many netizens in later times mocked Qian Xunji as a "waste," reasoning that he wouldn't have coveted Bi Bi Dong's talent or sought to father a child with her if he weren't so weak.
But then again, it was all about plot convenience—who truly knew what this background character was thinking?
At the very least, in Ye Wen's eyes, Qian Xunji did possess an attractive appearance. His gentle smile and short golden hair gave him an exceptionally approachable demeanor.
Had Ye Wen not known about the sinister acts Qian Xunji would commit in a secret chamber later on, he might have only seen him as a harmless, benevolent Pope.
"You must be Ye Wen. Just as Dong'er said, you are indeed a fine young man. It's remarkable that someone so young could devise such a theory," Qian Xunji said warmly.
Though Ye Wen disliked kneeling, the other party was, after all, the foremost Pope on the continent. A true man knows when to bend, so Ye Wen half-knelt and bowed respectfully.
"Your Holiness flatters me. The emergence of this theory owes much to luck," Ye Wen humbly replied.
Uninterested in pressuring such a modest individual, the Pope gently said,
"Hoho, rise. Luck is also a form of strength. May I take a look at the full scope of this theory?"
"Certainly."
Ye Wen then retrieved three neatly bound notebooks and handed them to Bi Bi Dong, who passed them to Qian Xunji.
Upon receiving Ye Wen's work and opening it, Qian Xunji let out a sound of surprise. The titles on the three notebooks read:
'The Path of the Soul Elder', 'Detailed Analysis of Martial Souls', and 'The Origin of Martial Souls'.
Wasn't there supposed to be only one theory about soul ring absorption? Why were there three books? Qian Xunji glanced subtly at Bi Bi Dong, who silently shook her head, indicating she too was unaware.
Judging by the thickness of these three works, they clearly contained substantial content. Thus, Qian Xunji directly asked Ye Wen,
"My friend, could you explain the contents of these three books?"
Having anticipated this question, Ye Wen responded immediately, "Your Holiness, these three books represent years of my research on martial souls. The soul ring absorption theory is merely one part, which I've included in 'The Path of the Soul Elder'. It contains my insights from cultivating up to the Soul Elder level, along with a detailed explanation of the soul ring absorption theory.
As for 'The Origin of Martial Souls' and 'Detailed Analysis of Martial Souls', these synthesize my profound understanding of martial souls themselves. They include classifications of martial soul types and tiers, as well as the unique reactions martial souls undergo after acquiring soul rings. Their purpose is to help soul masters better understand their martial souls and thereby aid their cultivation."
As Ye Wen spoke at length, Qian Xunji began flipping through the theories in his hands. The brilliance in his eyes grew stronger. Much of the content was widely known, but Ye Wen's systematic summarization resolved many previously obscure issues with ease.
"Brilliant," Qian Xunji praised. "No wonder you're a genius capable of solving the complex issue of soul ring absorption limits.
Your classification of martial souls is spot-on. Dividing martial souls solely into weapon-type and beast-type is indeed too crude. For instance, how can our Spirit Hall's angelic martial soul be compared to mere beasts? Your concept of 'ultimate divine martial souls' is absolutely ingenious.
Through your systematic categorization, not only can soul masters understand how to cultivate their martial souls, but critical problems during cultivation are also resolved.
May I ask if the Spirit Hall could collect these three works? You may make any request you wish."
After this praise, Qian Xunji revealed his true intentions. Indeed, the value of these three works far exceeded Ye Wen's expectations, especially for lower-level soul masters. Qian Xunji was already eager to use the methods within to train the Spirit Hall's grassroots members.
Ye Wen bowed slightly and said, "Your Holiness, I came to the Spirit Hall with no other desires. My sole hope is that you will disseminate these three theories across the continent, allowing commoner soul masters to cultivate more effectively and avoid tragic deaths due to ignorance."
Qian Xunji, immersed in joy, looked seriously at this commoner-born soul master before him.
"Do you realize the consequences of what you're saying?!"
Ye Wen met Qian Xunji's gaze squarely. "Of course. But I do not regret it. I come from humble origins and understand the struggles of lower-level soul masters.
Moreover, my talent is limited. When I awakened my martial soul, my innate soul power was only Level 4. My current achievements are entirely due to fortunate circumstances.
But I know there are countless commoners with greater talent than me. However, finding and nurturing them with my own strength is akin to chasing a mirage. Thus, I hope these books will help pave their path to becoming strong.
And I believe the Spirit Hall, which has always championed the cause of commoner soul masters, will support my approach."
"If you were to contribute these theories solely to the Spirit Hall, under our nurturing with rare treasures, you could even reach the Soul Sage level. Do you not desire that?"
"I do," Ye Wen said solemnly, nodding. Then he continued, "But I want more. I seek eternal fame and immortality.
Even if I become a Soul Sage, after a hundred years, I'll still be nothing but a handful of dust. But if these three theories endure, my name will forever be etched in the history of soul masters—a different kind of immortality. I don't seek fleeting fame; I seek fame for ten—thousand—generations!"
Qian Xunji stared intently at Ye Wen, his heart filled with admiration.
As a family that had once produced gods, he understood the difficulty of ascending to godhood. Yet this mere four-ring soul master sought immortality through this method—an accidental yet brilliant stroke of genius. His intellect left Qian Xunji awestruck.
Unfortunately, this youth would never reach the Title Douluo level, let alone ascend to godhood—that was a realm reserved for Limit Douluo.
For a moment, Qian Xunji even considered claiming authorship of these three works. But then he dismissed the thought. As a descendant of gods, he possessed the pride befitting his lineage.
Meanwhile, Ye Wen was also watching Qian Xunji closely. If Qian Xunji harbored any ill intentions, Ye Wen wouldn't hesitate to unleash a spatial shockwave and take him hostage.
The reason Ye Wen exposed this ambition was to establish a persona—a proud, scholarly persona. Only under such a guise would his upcoming requests seem reasonable.
"Hoho," Qian Xunji said, a gentle smile playing on his lips.
"Well said—eschewing fleeting fame for eternal renown. It's been a long time since I've encountered a young man like you.
Helping disseminate these three theories across the continent is no problem. But for your contributions to the commoners, failing to reward you would go against the principles of the Spirit Hall.
Speak, young man. I will grant you a wish within my power."
"It's done," Ye Wen thought with relief.
Seeking the Spirit Hall's assistance to elevate his status was a risky move, but it was also the fastest way to achieve results. After all, the Spirit Hall's influence on the continent was unparalleled.
His earlier high-profile proclamation of his theories in the tavern was also premeditated.
Only through public exposure could he prevent the Spirit Hall from monopolizing his hard-earned work.
If his theories were unjustly appropriated, the two empires wouldn't hesitate to smear the Spirit Hall. Accusations of stealing theories from commoner soul masters would rain down like a typhoon—especially after the Spirit Hall's recent scandal involving human trafficking.
However, Ye Wen maintained a calm exterior, feigning deep contemplation.
Beside him, Bi Bi Dong's gaze toward Ye Wen had grown unabashed. Springtime stirred in the young girl's heart. As a top-tier prodigy, she had no peers to rival her. But now, faced with Ye Wen—a genius of the highest order—her icy purity began to thaw, and she felt a flutter in her heart.
After a while, Ye Wen seemed to have made up his mind. He then spoke gravely,
"Would Your Holiness consider negotiating with the two empires to grant me a plot of land near the sea at the border between the two nations? I wish to establish a neutral advanced soul master academy and ensure that neither empire wages war within the academy's vicinity.
I intend to continue my research on martial souls there.
However, I understand that securing territory from the two empires won't be easy. Therefore, I offer this: any future refined theories I develop will be openly shared with all factions on the continent without reservation."
Hearing this request, Qian Xunji raised an eyebrow. He had expected Ye Wen to ask for rare treasures to enhance his talent or for vast wealth. Never had he imagined Ye Wen would seek to establish a neutral advanced soul master academy.
But recalling Ye Wen's earlier declaration of seeking eternal renown rather than fleeting fame, Qian Xunji understood. At his young age, Ye Wen was driven by ambition, striving to research theories that would immortalize his name among soul masters.
Still, Ye Wen's added condition struck Qian Xunji as somewhat dismissive of the Pope's authority. Was a small plot of land at the border of the two empires really beyond his grasp?!
To demonstrate his authority as Pope, Qian Xunji straightened himself and declared solemnly,
"A mere plot of land is within my power to secure. Are there any specific requirements for the location?"
"Preferably near the western ocean."
It would be convenient for escape if anything went wrong. After all, the Sea God Island lay in the southwestern seas of the Douluo Continent.
"Very well. Return and await my message. Once I've negotiated with the two empires, I'll inform you. In the meantime, remain in Spirit City. You may leave now. Dong'er, see him out."
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