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After Bibi Dong finished explaining the intricate theories, only Xue Qinghe was able to grasp some of it. Dai Lego and Xue Beng, however, had mentally checked out long ago.
Even so, they understood the basics: the Spirit Hall team members had spirit ring configurations of either three purples and one black or two blacks, thanks to Tang San planting his martial spirit—the Blue Silver Emperor—throughout Spirit City. He had established a network that included a virtual space containing a spirit beast realm, where killing spirit beasts allowed for the absorption of their energy to extend spirit ring years.
"This method... it's beyond what us mortals could ever imagine," the Emperor of Xingluo marveled in awe before asking, "Might we, too, be able to access this spirit beast illusionary realm?"
"Of course," Bibi Dong replied, stating the condition, "as long as Tang San's martial spirit can be planted within Xingluo Empire's borders."
*The Blue Silver Emperor.*
Dai Lego had seen this plant often in Spirit City. Compared to wild flora, it resembled a rare treasure—seemingly crafted by nature's finest hand.
If this truly was a natural plant, and Spirit Hall merely discovered its properties first, the Xingluo Empire might consider planting it within their borders for research.
But this wasn't some ordinary plant; it was Tang San's martial spirit.
Planting someone's martial spirit within the Empire? Dai Lego wasn't that trusting. Who knew what Tang San might accomplish through the Blue Silver Emperor? For all he knew, Spirit Hall's ultimate goal could be to use the Blue Silver Emperor to dominate the entire continent.
Xue Beng shared this wariness, asking, "Isn't there a risk in planting the Blue Silver Emperor everywhere? Could it pose a hidden threat in the future, given its extensive presence within and around Spirit City?"
Seeing through this weak attempt at stirring discord, Bibi Dong replied coolly, "The Federation Head worries too much. Tang San is the Holy Son of Spirit Hall. Why would he act against his own?"
"I understand that the New Tian Dou Federation is newly independent and lacking in resources. If you'd like, I can discuss with Tang San a possible reduction in the cost for your Federation in the future."
"What does the Federation Head think?"
Xue Beng's face twitched with irritation. Can't seem to let go of calling me 'Federation Head,' can you? And for the record, the New Tian Dou Federation isn't poor. Once we fully consolidate our power...
"And you're asking for money?" Xue Beng asked, tone low.
"Naturally. Spirit Hall is in a period of rapid growth. Despite the splendor of our six outer cities, the daily costs of maintaining them are substantial—'a fortune each day' as the saying goes! And Tang San's research expenses are no small amount," Bibi Dong sighed, "I have to worry about this constantly."
However, no one present was naive. Even Xue Beng, who had feigned innocence for so long, knew that a city's prosperity inevitably brought significant revenue to its ruler.
Let alone Spirit City's six outer cities—any one of them, placed elsewhere on the continent, could match or even surpass the former capitals of the two great empires: Tian Dou City and Xingluo City.
No matter how extensive Tang San's research was, there was no way he could drain the resources of an entire city.
Not to mention, their eyes weren't deceived: they saw Spirit City expanding monthly, growing year by year… Did this look like a city in financial trouble?
After a moment's thought, Xue Qinghe spoke up, "Tang San may be Spirit Hall's Holy Son, but he is also a Blue Silver Earl of my Tian Dou Empire. So it stands to reason that we, in Tian Dou City, could also plant the Blue Silver Emperor, establish a Blue Silver Network, and enjoy the benefits of this spirit beast illusionary realm. Correct?"
Bibi Dong gave Xue Qinghe a long, appraising look before nodding. "Indeed, Your Majesty Qinghe is quite open-minded."
The implied rebuke of others was clear without needing to be spelled out.
Dai Lego wondered: "Was Xue Qinghe truly unbothered by the possibility that Spirit Hall might use Tang San's martial spirit to control all intelligence within Tian Dou City? Although Tang San technically was a subject of the Tian Dou Empire, he spent the majority of his time in Spirit City and was undoubtedly more loyal to Spirit Hall."
As a monarch, no matter how much he might favor Tang San, Xue Qinghe couldn't afford to gamble with the security of his own empire!
'Xue Qinghe is still too young!'
Meanwhile, Xue Beng's expression was grim. Though he despised Xue Qinghe, he hated even more the idea of the Tian Dou Empire growing too close to Spirit Hall. This empire was his ancestors' legacy—how could it be treated so carelessly?
He recalled that Xue Qinghe was rumored to have a close relationship with Ling Yuan, the head of the Tian Dou City Spirit Hall branch. Perhaps he was under her influence… No, it was worse than that—Xue Qinghe had been colluding with Spirit Hall all along! The deaths of his other brothers and kin had to be connected to him. Maybe he even relied on Spirit Hall's soul masters to carry out his schemes. And their father… Xue Beng was convinced that Xue Qinghe poisoned him. Although the poison was colorless and tasteless—leaving even the Poison Douluo with only faint traces to detect—there was no solid proof.
'Xue Qinghe is prepared to hand over our ancestors' legacy to Spirit Hall! He must be insane!'
'Father, if your spirit lingers, you must regret choosing Xue Qinghe as emperor. At least, as your unworthy son, I will preserve part of this empire's land. I won't let Spirit Hall infiltrate the New Tian Dou Federation!'
Xue Beng made a decision: after the Continental Elite Tournament concluded, he would convene a meeting with the kings of the various kingdoms and duchies to discuss removing Spirit Hall branches from their territories. Future spirit awakenings for citizens could be handled by the empire's own people, as a way to win public favor.
Spirit Hall had "overstepped" its boundaries long enough—it was time for this power to be returned to the empire!
Meanwhile, Xue Qinghe began considering how to engage in a serious conversation with Tang San after the tournament, to invite him to stay in Tian Dou City for a while. After all, Tang San was officially recognized as the Blue Silver Earl of Tian Dou. How could he remain in Spirit City indefinitely?
That wasn't right.
Moreover, Tang San had fought against the Sun-Moon Empire and reclaimed Xiaohai City for the empire. He had yet to be formally rewarded for his achievements—primarily because he returned to Spirit City immediately after the war.
With this in mind, Xue Qinghe decided to use the opportunity to elevate Tang San's noble title. Perhaps he could even ask Tang San for advice on the empire's future development and discuss the specifics of reclaiming territories for the New Tian Dou Federation…
---
In the blink of an eye, the preliminary round was over. The island that had withstood the trampling of over six hundred teams was now "scarred and battered," which was exactly what Spirit Hall, Tian Dou, and Xingluo hoped to see. This process had effectively cleared out much of the island's undergrowth and venomous creatures, shortening the time needed to build coastal defenses and establish towns in the future.
After the preliminary round came the knockout and advancement rounds. The rules were much the same as in the previous Soul Fight Competition, although loopholes in some of the regulations had been patched.
However, humans have always been adept at finding ways to exploit the limits of any system. There were always those who managed to find "loopholes" within the rules, giving their teams a distinct "advantage"...
(End of Chapter)