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*****
Hu Liena couldn't understand why, but ever since her teacher sparred with Tang San in the Hall of the Pope, something had changed. Her mood had become much brighter, no longer giving off a gloomy impression. Whenever Tang San was mentioned, a faint smile would appear on her teacher's lips.
For a moment, Hu Liena felt a pang of jealousy.
But she knew that thanks to Tang San's suggestions, not only had the Spirit Hall grown stronger, but the foundation of their nation was also gradually solidifying. Additionally, they had crafted a throne of wisdom and spirit for the Spirit Hall.
"Teacher, the identities of the three people Tang San brought back have been clarified. Two women and one man, all with body spirits, from the Silver Blue Manor near Tian Dou City. Their spirits are the heart, skin, and bones," Hu Liena reported on Shen Hou, You Ji, and Hai Zhu. "I don't know what use they have."
"Body spirits, huh?"
Bibi Dong knew that Tang San was close to reaching the Spirit Saint level and understood his intention to merge the essence, energy, and spirit cores. By seeking out body spirits, he was likely aiming to study the corresponding parts of the human spirit to refine his own physical training method, thereby addressing any weaknesses in his body.
This could also aid in her future cultivation of the golden elixir of vitality and blood.
"Send out a decree for the major sub-halls to start collecting body spirit possessors from across the continent. Regardless of their innate soul power, as long as they have awakened a body spirit, the sub-halls should, within the rules, bring these people to Spirit City."
Hu Liena was taken aback. "This might cause unrest, and other sects will surely imitate us."
She couldn't understand why her teacher suddenly wanted to do this. Was it to gather materials for Tang San's research on body spirits?
"No matter, we won't force them," Bibi Dong said indifferently. "We'll offer excellent living conditions and soul coin compensation to those who volunteer as test subjects. I'm sure many will willingly come to us."
Bibi Dong was becoming increasingly skilled at using video propaganda.
Hu Liena had no further objections. She planned to discuss this with Tang San later, as he would undoubtedly be involved in the body spirit research and play a leading role. They couldn't leave all the public tasks to others; Tang San, as the Holy Son, also needed to contribute.
"What's the situation with the Star Luo Empire lately?"
Compared to the Tian Dou Empire, which was already in their grasp, Bibi Dong was more concerned about Star Luo.
Upon hearing the question, Hu Liena immediately took out the latest intelligence from the Star Luo City's Spirit Hall sub-hall. "Emperor Dai Lego of Star Luo has started to learn from Emperor Xue Ye of Tian Dou, allowing Dai Weisi to handle state affairs. As soon as Dai Weisi gained some power, he began to heavily invest in the development of soul tools for weaponry."
"Soul bombs, soul crossbows, and the like."
"However, most soul master families within the empire oppose this, severely hindering the construction of the soul tool research academy."
Bibi Dong chuckled without comment.
Hu Liena understood that the Star Luo Empire had made a misstep from the beginning. The power of weaponized soul tools, although significant, would render the hard-earned strength of powerful soul masters obsolete. Who could accept that after training for decades to become a Spirit Grandmaster or Spirit Elder, a soul bomb could nullify their efforts?
While auxiliary soul masters and ordinary people might welcome the powerful attack capabilities of soul tools, soul masters like Bibi Dong and Hu Liena didn't care much about the attack power of soul tools. As strong individuals, they never blamed the environment.
However, the majority of soul masters would not allow offensive soul tools to replace their status. Therefore, even though the Spirit Hall was secretly researching offensive soul tools, they kept it hidden to prevent any backlash from soul masters across the continent.
Despite Bibi Dong's belief that she could suppress the entire continent's strong individuals, she knew that governing was far more challenging than conquering. She couldn't let the current situation she had worked hard to create fall apart.
At least for now, she enjoyed watching the Spirit Hall become the revered, ever-growing institution she had dreamed of as a child.
The sense of accomplishment was far greater than before!
Of course, for Bibi Dong, there was one more thing that could bring her satisfaction—conquering Tang San!
"The Star Luo Empire made a blunder," Bibi Dong finally commented, though it was unclear if she referred to their arrogance or Dai Weisi taking over the project.
"Perhaps they want to swiftly consolidate all power within the Dai and Zhu families," Hu Liena speculated.
After all, the Star Luo Empire was founded by various families and sects. When the Haotian Sect supporting the empire retreated and the Dai family firmly secured the throne, they naturally wanted to ensure the crown remained theirs, leaving no chance for other families.
In Hu Liena's position, she would also try to ensure the throne stayed within her family.
Smack!
Hu Liena immediately slapped her own head, scolding herself. "I can't think like this. My teacher forsook blood ties to take me as a disciple and plans to pass her position to me. I must broaden my mindset and not be limited by blood."
"What's wrong?" Bibi Dong asked, noticing Hu Liena's sudden action.
"Nothing, just…" Hu Liena explained her thoughts, which amused Bibi Dong greatly.
Honestly, Bibi Dong had never considered it this way. If Qian Renxue were not that man's daughter, Hu Liena might not have had the opportunity she has now. In a sense, Hu Liena was a substitute for her daughter. However, Bibi Dong was certain that she treated Hu Liena as if she were her own daughter.
As for her biological daughter, upon reflection, Bibi Dong only felt guilt. She realized that a newborn child was innocent and knew nothing. However, she and Qian Renxue never had any mother-daughter interaction.
Blood is thicker than water, but time lost cannot be regained. The lack of deep emotional connection between her and Qian Renxue was undeniable.
Moreover, the future of the Spirit Hall would never be returned to the Angel lineage. There was one reason for this—
It was what the Qian family owed her!
Of course, such an absurd reason could not be used publicly. A reason that would be convincing to the world was needed. For instance: Since the Angel God is compassionate, empathetic, and loves the people with sincere emotions, then anyone with the talent can become the Pope!
Surely, the Angel's benevolence and kindness would endorse this idea, right? At least, the Qian family, who claim to be descendants of the Angel God, couldn't refute it!
"Exactly, you should think this way. The Spirit Hall belongs to everyone, not to a single person or family. It cannot be tied by bloodlines," Bibi Dong said, nodding slightly as she withdrew her thoughts. "This is our Spirit Hall's principle. Of course, it's not perfect yet and needs time to be refined."
Hu Liena nodded, noticing Bibi Dong's natural demeanor, and hesitated to speak.
"Ask whatever you want to ask. There's no need to hide anything between us," Bibi Dong said with a smile.
"Teacher, you don't seem to be in a hurry anymore?" Hu Liena finally voiced her confusion. "Since the last spar with Tang San, you seem more relaxed in handling affairs and less eager to cultivate. Is the divine inheritance no longer important?"
How could it not be important?
For Bibi Dong, possessing both the Rakshasa and Death God positions, with the former Rakshasa God's consciousness completely vanished, becoming a god now only required accumulating energy, making it less urgent.
She had already begun practicing Tang San's cultivation theory: condensing the cores of the three dantians, forming a cycle, and creating a human microcosm that communicates with the macrocosm, achieving the ability to manipulate the forces of heaven and earth.
Although it didn't feel like controlling the divine laws, the profound understanding surpassed mere godhood.
Immersing in this might even allow her to surpass the ancient and the present!
Even if she failed, at worst, she would still be the Rakshasa God or the God of Death.
Moreover, understanding the situation of the Divine Realm, Bibi Dong even considered delaying her ascension. Becoming a god would limit her interference in mortal affairs, as crossing that line might attract the intervention of gods from the Divine Realm.
However, there was an unstable factor on the Douluo Continent:
Tang Chen.
Before Tang San revealed this, Bibi Dong had no idea that the King of Slaughter in the Slaughter City was Tang Chen and that he had acquired the Asura inheritance.
As the Asura God was the enforcer of the Divine Realm, he should know and uphold the laws. If he indulged in wanton slaughter after becoming a god, would the Divine Realm impose divine punishment?
Probably not.
Enforcers, unless overseen by a stronger authority, have a high chance of breaking the law themselves, as even the King of Gods has emotions and desires.
"Of course, the divine inheritance is important. I just think we can take it slower, completing the foundation for the Spirit Hall's nation first," Bibi Dong pondered for a moment before speaking.
"Teacher, your righteousness is commendable!" Hu Liena flattered.
Bibi Dong remained indifferent and asked, "Lately, it seems the disciples of the Haotian Sect have been quite active, even scouting around Spirit City."
"Should we capture them all?" Hu Liena suggested coldly.
"No need, we lack sufficient reason, and sealing the mountain doesn't trap them all inside, it just prevents large-scale activities outside," Bibi Dong shook her head. "For now, it's not urgent. Our cards are clear to the Haotian Sect—me, Qian Daoliu, and Tang San. Just one peerless-level Tang Chen, if not a god, is not qualified to challenge the Spirit Hall."
With the difficulty of the Asura inheritance, Tang Chen's success wouldn't be immediate.
If Tang Chen did succeed—
So be it.
She would fight!
After forming the energy cycle of the three dantians, Bibi Dong felt that even without becoming a god, she could unleash god-level attacks. If needed, she could use the martial soul fusion technique with Tang San.
By then, Tang San would likely reach the Titled Douluo level, possibly even the peerless level.
The fusion skill would certainly be more powerful!
A newly ascended Asura God Tang Chen wouldn't possess the full power of a Divine Realm King. She and Tang San, teaming up, had a good chance of defeating him.
(End of Chapter)