Chapter 113: Who Is Slandering Our Holy Spirit Cult?
To Xu Tianran , a single noble's grievances meant nothing after all, he was the Crown Prince.
But what the Holy Spirit Cult had done clearly affected a vast number of nobles.
For the sake of maintaining order, he had to seek justice for them.
"It's absolutely true!"
Kong Deming stared at Xu Tianran , his expression firm.
The reason he hadn't reported this directly to the current Sun Moon Emperor was simple
The emperor's health was already in a terrible state.
If he were to hear about something this infuriating, he might die from the shock.
Though Kong Deming didn't particularly respect the emperor, he still didn't want to accelerate his demise.
Xu Tianran took a deep breath and spoke.
"Kong Lao, rest assured I will handle this matter personally.
However, I urge you not to spread word of this yet.
If the nobles react emotionally and seek revenge against the Holy Spirit Cult, it would trigger a violent retaliation from the cult.
You're well aware of how ruthless these evil soul masters can be."
Kong Deming nodded.
"Fine. But I expect real action from you, not just empty promises."
Xu Tianran gave a firm nod, then turned toward a shadowy figure in the palace.
"Summon Master Zhongli Wu."
"Yes, Your Highness."
A voice echoed in response.
A short while later
Zhongli Wu arrived at the imperial palace.
Upon entering, he noticed Kong Deming and was momentarily surprised.
"Kong Deming? What brings you here?"
Zhongli Wu was well aware of the legendary status of this foremost soul engineer.
Technically, his mother, Ye Xishui, was known as the strongest soul engineer in the Sun Moon Empire.
Most people believed that the Grand Worshipper was the pinnacle of soul engineering.
But in reality
Kong Deming was truly the number one soul engineer.
His talent was unparalleled.
His own mother had once remarked
If Kong Deming had focused on becoming a soul master instead of devoting himself to soul tools, he would likely have already reached the rank of Ultimate Douluo.
And Ultimate Douluo were the pinnacle of mortal power.
Even Zhongli Wu himself was only a Rank 98 Super Douluo.
At this stage in his life, he knew he would never reach Rank 99.
Furthermore
Ye Xishui was already quite old.
Once she passed away, the Holy Spirit Cult's strength would plummet.
As for Long Xiaoyao?
He was only loyal to Ye Xishui.
Once she was gone, no one in the cult would be able to command him.
That was why Zhongli Wu was so desperate to find a Holy Son and Holy Daughter
He needed to cultivate new powerhouses for the cult.
At that moment, Xu Tianran spoke coldly.
"Master Zhongli, your subordinates have committed unforgivable acts within our empire.
Tell me
Does our agreement still stand?"
Zhongli Wu's heart sank.
He quickly responded.
"Of course, Your Highness!
Our agreement remains unchanged.
But… what is this about my subordinates doing something unforgivable?
That's impossible!"
"Who dares to slander the Holy Spirit Cult?"
Xu Tianran 's expression darkened.
"Slander?
The evidence is clear.
Your cult has infiltrated noble tombs and even the imperial mausoleum
Stealing corpses to refine corpse slaves.
Master Zhongli, I expect a reasonable explanation for this!"
Xu Tianran was furious.
Though he and Zhongli Wu were cooperating, he was not someone to be disrespected.
Zhongli Wu's guilt became apparent.
"I… Perhaps some rogue evil soul masters have acted without orders.
Once I return, I will conduct a thorough investigation within the Holy Spirit Cult.
If I find those responsible, I will execute them immediately and deliver their corpses as compensation."
He was looking for scapegoats.
In truth
If not for his desire to become the empire's Grand Priest and establish the cult as the national religion, he wouldn't even be pretending to compromise.
Xu Tianran 's anger cooled slightly.
"Then, we shall do as you say.
Master Kong, do you find this solution acceptable?"
He turned to Kong Deming.
Though Xu Tianran was a pragmatist who prioritized power, he still needed to keep Kong Deming satisfied.
However, Kong Deming shook his head.
"Your Highness, this punishment is far too light.
The Holy Spirit Cult has insulted the ancestors of countless nobles
And they receive only minor punishment?
This is unacceptable."
Xu Tianran 's heart skipped a beat.
"Master Kong, what do you suggest?"
"Zhongli Wu is the leader of the Holy Spirit Cult.
He should take full responsibility for his cult's actions.
Thus
He should be disqualified from becoming the empire's Grand Priest.
And
The matter of making the Holy Spirit Cult the official national religion must be re evaluated by the Worship Hall."
Zhongli Wu's face twisted in shock.
"Kong Deming, what is the meaning of this?!"
Kong Deming remained unfazed.
"When mistakes are made, consequences must follow.
Otherwise
People will never learn which lines should not be crossed."
As a member of the imperial bloodline, Kong Deming saw the cult's grave robbing as a direct insult to his ancestors.
If not for the need to maintain stability, he would have personally taken action.
After speaking, Kong Deming turned and left.
His final words lingered in the air
"Your Highness, I suggest you carefully consider my words."
Meanwhile, at Mingde Hall
Xuan Ziwen studied the newly developed Sealed Milk Bottle, a brilliant smile forming on his face.
"Huo Yuhao, it's a success!
The Sealed Milk Bottle is fully functional.
You truly are a genius.
With your help, my research progressed at an incredible pace.
Now that I've perfected it, I'm going to submit your name alongside mine
We will share the glory."
To Xuan Ziwen, this invention was career defining.
The Sealed Milk Bottle had immense strategic value.
Its introduction would reshape the battlefield.
Unlike ordinary milk bottles, the Sealed Milk Bottle prevented soul power from dissipating
A game changer for warfare.
Huo Yuhao, however, was indifferent to the recognition.
He let out a breath and asked,
"Professor Xuan, do we have any new soul tools to develop next?"
Xuan Ziwen paused, thinking for a moment.
"Actually… yes.
I've been considering a soul tool capable of storing soul rings."
"Normally, when a soul master kills a soul beast, its soul ring appears for only a brief time before disappearing.
But if we could store the soul ring with a special device, we could solve this problem."
Huo Yuhao's eyes lit up.
"Professor Xuan, that's a fascinating idea."
He immediately thought of Soul Spirit Orbs from Soul Land 3.
After all
Tang San's son, Tang Wulin, received his first soul spirit through a Soul Spirit Orb created by the Spirit Pagoda.
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 20 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Albino1