"All of you are the backbone of our Holy Spirit Cult. I hope that nothing unexpected happens at the upcoming Holy Son Ceremony."
"This time, I will also invite the Supreme Cult Master and the Chief Consecrator to attend."
Zhongli Wu addressed the elders. However, his tone was noticeably more relaxed than before, no longer as severe.
These people were all core members of the Holy Spirit Cult—his true subordinates who followed his orders without question. There was no need for him to put on airs in front of them.
"You can rest assured, Cult Master, I will handle everything properly."
A fierce-looking elder pounded his chest and promised confidently.
"Mm. Second Elder, I trust in your abilities."
Zhongli Wu glanced at him and nodded in satisfaction.
This Second Elder was none other than Heavenly Centipede Douluo, Nangong Wan. Not only was he an elder of the Holy Spirit Cult, but he was also the leader of one of the three major underground forces in Mingdu—the Twilight Water Alliance.
As one of the Holy Spirit Cult's external sources of income, the Twilight Water Alliance was managed efficiently under Nangong Wan's leadership, proving that he was indeed capable.
Jiang Jue looked at Nangong Wan, recalling what he knew about the man.
Nangong Wan was a "talent" who had been deceived twice by Huo Yuhao in the later stages of the story. Moreover, he was the only spineless coward among the elders.
After being captured by Huo Yuhao, he immediately betrayed the Holy Spirit Cult, spilling all its secrets—whether he was supposed to or not—and even willingly became a spy. He was truly a despicable person.
Noticing Jiang Jue's gaze, Nangong Wan forced a smile at him.
Jiang Jue nodded slightly in return. No matter what, for now, Nangong Wan was beneficial to the Holy Spirit Cult.
If he ever took over the Holy Spirit Cult in the future, he would definitely plant several additional soul restraints in Nangong Wan's mind to prevent him from leaking secrets and betraying them again.
"All right, everyone, go and make the necessary preparations."
With a wave of his hand, Zhongli Wu dismissed the group.
Masked Douluo placed a hand on the shoulder of the Fourth Elder, Nether Douluo, about to leave when Zhongli Wu's voice suddenly rang out.
"Masked, stay behind."
Masked Douluo's expression stiffened, and his footsteps halted as he slowly turned around.
Beside him, Nether Douluo quickly removed Masked Douluo's hand from his shoulder and shot him a look that said, Good luck, you're on your own. Then, he strode out without hesitation.
In an instant, the vast hall was left with only the three of them.
"Cult Master, I know I was wrong."
As soon as Masked Douluo stood there, he immediately adopted a stance of admitting his mistakes—acknowledging fault and preparing to take responsibility.
Why does it seem like Masked has gotten smarter? Zhongli Wu mused. Could it be that eating brains really improves intelligence?
Masked Douluo's attitude made it difficult for Zhongli Wu to reprimand him further. Besides, with his newly accepted disciple present, he decided to wave his hand and say,
"I'm not talking about that. Tell me about everything that happened on your journey."
Realizing he wasn't about to be scolded, Masked Douluo quickly recounted his experiences along the way.
Upon Zhongli Wu's further questioning, he also revealed Jiang Jue's first soul skill.
After listening, Zhongli Wu looked at Jiang Jue with some surprise and delight.
"It seems that you not only have extraordinary talent but also great fortune."
"Very well. Masked, you may leave."
Masked Douluo dashed out like a streak of lightning.
"Xiao Jiang, may I call you that?"
"As you wish, Master."
"Good."
Seeing Jiang Jue's respectful attitude, Zhongli Wu's smile deepened.
Although he was not a good person, he didn't want his disciple to be an ungrateful ingrate either.
"Tell me, when you use the Soul Refining Banner, do you experience any discomfort in your body?"
After some thought, Zhongli Wu asked.
"When I use the Soul Refining Banner, I feel a slight stabbing pain in my mind."
Jiang Jue answered truthfully.
"Come, release the Soul Refining Banner so I can examine it."
Hearing this, Zhongli Wu furrowed his brows slightly and spoke in a soft voice.
Following his instruction, Jiang Jue summoned the purple-black Soul Refining Banner.
Zhongli Wu placed a hand on Jiang Jue's shoulder and closed his eyes slightly.
Jiang Jue felt a gentle soul power spreading from his shoulder throughout his body, carefully examining his condition.
After Jiang Jue activated the Soul Refining Banner, all the soul power in his body turned into an ashen gray. However, it remained extremely stable, showing no signs of losing control.
"I see what's happening. There's no need to worry."
Zhongli Wu smiled faintly.
Jiang Jue had been waiting for him to elaborate, but Zhongli Wu simply smiled at him without saying anything further.
Jiang Jue instantly understood—his master wanted him to ask for an explanation himself.
"Master, what's the reason for this?"
Hearing Jiang Jue's question, Zhongli Wu seemed satisfied, as if something in his heart had been fulfilled. He cleared his throat.
This damn prideful attitude.
"Evil martial souls generally fall into two categories: controllable and uncontrollable."
Jiang Jue perked up his ears and listened carefully—this was his first deep understanding of evil martial souls.
"A controllable evil martial soul means that the soul master is not overly influenced by it and can maintain independent consciousness. Generally, such soul masters can go much further in their cultivation."
"An uncontrollable evil martial soul means that the soul master becomes a slave to their martial soul, consumed by its desires. These soul masters usually advance rapidly in the early stages but are doomed to a short-lived path, ultimately leading to their own destruction."
When speaking of the second type, Zhongli Wu's tone carried disdain and helplessness.
For good reason—ever since he awakened his Death God Puppet martial soul, he was destined to stand at the pinnacle of the continent. How could he respect those who were controlled by their own martial souls?
Unfortunately, nearly half of the evil soul masters within the Holy Spirit Cult belonged to the second category.
Zhongli Wu's explanation was simple and clear, helping Jiang Jue understand the similarities between Ma Xiaotao and Tang Ya in the original story.
Ma Xiaotao's Evil Fire Phoenix was initially a controllable type, but since she had suppressed her evil fire for so long, the moment the Judgment Sword provoked it, she lost control completely.
Tang Ya, on the other hand, had actively used the devouring attribute of her Blue Silver Grass to seek revenge, causing a martial soul mutation that turned it into Dark Blue Silver Grass. Under the overwhelming desire for vengeance, she overused its devouring ability and lost herself.
Both of them had transitioned from controllable to uncontrollable.
"Clearly, your martial soul, Xiao Jiang, is of the controllable type. The stabbing pain in your mind is due to your currently weak spiritual power."
"Once your spiritual power improves, this issue will disappear. Later, I'll select some spiritual enhancement treasures for you from the cult's treasury."
"Thank you, Master."
Jiang Jue sincerely expressed his gratitude.
"Kehehe… Haha! It's a small matter. For now, let me arrange accommodations for you."
Soon, Zhongli Wu summoned two cultists to escort Jiang Jue to his pre-arranged residence.
Jiang Jue's room was quite spacious, decorated with extravagant luxury.
Lying on the plush, soft bed, he could practically smell the scent of wealth.
(End of Chapter)