Chapter 18: Nobody Understands Farming Favorability Better Than Me-2

Chapter 18: Nobody Understands Farming Favorability Better Than Me-2

Finishing this trip to dismantle the Shrek Seven Devils, Xia Tianling returned to the Pope's Palace with his two newly acquired companions to report. On the way, Ma Hongjun and Oscar became excited upon hearing they were going to meet the Pope – uh, perhaps their excitement was also due to the spirit rings they were about to obtain.

Back at the Pope's Palace, the two companions waited outside.

Bibi Dong, having understood the course of events, didn't say a word and directly slapped the [vice-]branch master into a pile of flesh and blood. This made Xia Tianling, witnessing a real killing for the first time, feel his stomach churn uncontrollably, his face turning pale.

Bibi Dong smoothed out her wrinkled sleeve and said slowly, "Tianling, you handled this matter very well. Not only did you bring back two geniuses for my Spirit Hall, but you also proclaimed a reputation for justice. It's just that your methods are too soft."

"Those who wish to achieve great things must act decisively and ruthlessly."

"Yes, Teacher. Disciple knows his mistake and will definitely correct it in the future," Xia Tianling replied somewhat forcedly, suppressing the urge to vomit. As someone who had lived in modern society for twenty years, resorting to killing at the drop of a hat severely challenged his moral bottom line.

Bibi Dong didn't say anything further, merely assuming he was still too young and it was normal for him not to accept this style of action immediately.

"So, regarding this matter, do you have anything else to add?"

"Disciple believes we need to establish an organization directly under you. This organization will be used for daily monitoring of whether the various branch halls are fulfilling their duties and whether there are instances of slacking off."

Xia Tianling had considered these words on the way back. An inspection organization – just copy the Jinyiwei [Ming Dynasty secret police] or inspectors, no need to think too hard. Thinking carefully, how could a massive organization like the Spirit Hall lack an inspection agency? It's practically challenging the moral bottom line of human nature, truly somewhat unscientific. Uh, or un-Xuanhuan.

"That you could think of this level is very good. What you mentioned, I have already begun preparations for. The Spirit Judgment Hall has already been secretly established."

"Teacher is naturally thorough in her considerations," Xia Tianling offered timely flattery. Who doesn't like hearing nice words?

"At the same time, Disciple believes we should increase efforts to discover talent among commoners. During my trip to Soto City, I found many appropriately aged children who had awakened spirits but couldn't afford academy tuition. We can allocate more funds, provide more work-study slots, and directly inform them that their opportunity to attend school is provided by our Spirit Hall."

"This way, we can better discover talent, and at the same time, ensure that Spirit Masters who benefit from our grace are more inclined towards our Spirit Hall after achieving success. Not only the students who get to attend school because of us, but their families, even their neighbors, will be grateful to us. Without our funding, it's truly too difficult for commoner Spirit Masters to cultivate."

These words weren't just for the Spirit Hall to harvest talent; Xia Tianling also wanted to use the Spirit Hall's resources to provide more commoners with a chance to rise. What's that saying? With great power comes great responsibility.

As for providing more funds, that wasn't an issue at all. The Spirit Hall's wealth was immense, almost uncountable. Even distributing tens of thousands more slots annually wouldn't be a problem, especially since not that many children become Spirit Masters each year. Basically, this was a completely win-win option. The Spirit Hall gained talent and prestige, while commoner Spirit Masters gained opportunities for advancement.

Bibi Dong paused slightly. Accustomed to her high position, she had never considered the circumstances of low-level Spirit Masters and naturally wouldn't have thought of providing more slots for them. Being able to seize the Pope's position under Qian Daoliu after backstabbing Qian Xunji, Bibi Dong was naturally not stupid and possessed great strategic vision. She instantly saw the benefits of this move for the Spirit Hall's future development, immediately praised Xia Tianling greatly, and instructed Chrysanthemum Douluo to implement the matter.

At the same time, the last trace of guard she held against this disciple of hers also dissipated. He only arrived three months ago, brought back an unprecedented innate full spirit power food-type Spirit Master, and proposed a suggestion that could benefit the Spirit Hall for countless years. You call such a person a mole? Then please give us more moles like this.

"Anything else to add?" Bibi Dong was in an excellent mood now, her usual stern and imposing aura gone as she spoke.

Xia Tianling smiled embarrassedly. "Teacher, how about letting Uncle Su Yuntao become the Hall Master in Soto City? He should have already broken through level 30. With both the Soto City master and vice-master removed, they need a reliable and hardworking person in charge to rectify the atmosphere."

"Su Yuntao? The deacon from Nuoding City who awakened you?" Bibi Dong paused for a moment. She had thought the boy wanted some reward for himself, but unexpectedly, he showed such gratitude even towards the guide who merely awakened him. Having such a disciple made her immensely satisfied.

"Precisely."

"Approved."

"Thank you, Teacher."

She agreed directly. She had reviewed this awakener's file when Xia Tianling first arrived and knew about Su Yuntao's diligent work awakening children in several remote villages over the years. This person was down-to-earth and serious about his work. Now a Spirit Ancestor, although his cultivation was a bit low for a branch hall master, it wasn't a major issue.

"Is there nothing you want for yourself?"

"Sharing Teacher's burdens is Disciple's responsibility, Disciple's duty. How could there be anything to ask for?" Xia Tianling delivered this line beautifully, inwardly blooming with laughter. This is like getting a pillow when you're sleepy. After saying this, Bibi Dong's guard against me should have lowered quite a bit more, right?

"Good! Excellent!" Bibi Dong grew increasingly satisfied with Xia Tianling; these words spoke directly to her heart.

After praising him some more, Bibi Dong signaled her attendants, allowing Oscar and Ma Hongjun to enter, while also summoning an old man.

This old man, though plain in appearance, was a high-level Food-type Soul Douluo at level 82, and currently the only Food-type Soul Douluo in the Spirit Master world. His spirit was an apple-like fruit.

This is probably one of the four Food-type Spirit Masters ranked above Spirit Saint Sweet Bean Shao Xin who weren't mentioned in the original work, Xia Tianling thought silently, watching Oscar become this old man's disciple. The original work said Shrek's Teacher Shao Xin was among the top five Food-type Spirit Masters on the continent, but the other four never showed up by the end.

Seeing his companion who came with him gain a Soul Douluo as a teacher, Fatty standing aside radiated intense envy.

"From now on, you two will cultivate alongside Xia Tianling. Oscar, stay behind. Elder Chrysanthemum, take Oscar to obtain his first spirit ring. Elder Liu, you accompany them. The required spirit ring must be meticulously selected." The Elder Liu Bibi Dong mentioned was the Food-type Soul Douluo.

"You may withdraw."

"Yes." Everyone replied in unison.

(End of Chapter)