Seeing that Qian Renxue didn't want to talk about it, Lin Feng didn't press further.
Qian Renxue and Ling Yuan stepped up to Lin Feng and asked:
"Are you confident?"
Lin Feng nodded:
"Pretty much. When it comes to Xiaoxue, I'm the most confident. The Innate Soul Pearl has been nurturing inside her for nearly two years now.
I know every detail of the meridian paths within her body.
Although it might take some more time, the success rate is close to 98%."
Ling Yuan frowned:
"Why not the full 100%?"
Lin Feng chuckled:
"The Dao gives birth to fifty paths, yet Heaven evolves only forty-nine. That remaining one—it's beyond easy control."
Ling Yuan rolled her eyes:
"You could've just said it's 99% and left it at that. Why go off on some philosophical tangent?
But… now that I think about it, there's a certain depth to that saying. Is it from an ancient text?"
There were no ancient texts in Douluo Continent that recorded such words, and Lin Feng found it a bit awkward.
Still, adhering to the scholar's code of "if you comprehend it yourself, it's not plagiarism," Lin Feng declared boldly:
"I came up with it myself. Impressed?"
Qian Renxue giggled:
"Of course! You're the best, Xiaofeng."
Ling Yuan also nodded slightly.
"Let's go. It's time to find Grandpa."
Qian Daoliu looked at Lin Feng with admiration in his heart.
From a first-level innate soul power to developing a new theoretical system that removed the innate shackles of martial souls—
Now, having broken through to Soul Elder and formed three soul veins, he had truly become a pioneer of future advancement.
But beyond admiration, his gaze fell on Lin Feng holding hands with the two girls beside him, and a wave of discomfort arose in his heart.
Was it frustration? Jealousy? Resentment?
"Since you've completed the exploration of the third path, write it down first.
We can begin the process of publishing the theory.
For the first release, only disclose the first path."
Lin Feng nodded:
"We also need to clearly warn that soul masters should not attempt this on their own. Without the Innate Soul Pearl, recklessly charging through the meridians could result in fatal accidents."
Qian Daoliu stroked his beard, pleased:
"Quite right. However, Xiaofeng, you must remember: the birth of any new thing inevitably comes with blood and sacrifice.
Once people taste the benefits of your method, there will always be those who ignore warnings and rush forward. Deaths and injuries are unavoidable.
Don't blame yourself. It's not your fault."
Lin Feng's gaze was clear:
"Grandpa, don't underestimate my state of mind.
I don't consider myself cruel or evil, but I'm no saint either.
My theory will indeed benefit the soul master world, but if people die out of greed or selfishness—
I won't feel sorry for them. I won't pity them.
The strong remain strong not just because of a willingness to learn, but because of unwavering conviction."
Qian Renxue's eyes sparkled.
Qian Daoliu laughed heartily and tapped Lin Feng:
"You brat, are you lecturing me now?
You've taught Xiaoxue so long, now you want to teach me too?"
"Not at all, just speaking my thoughts."
"Then tell me—what kind of enhancement do your soul veins and paths provide now?"
Lin Feng paused in thought:
"The soul veins nurture my body. Each one increases my cultivation speed by 20%. Every time I forge a new one, it adds another 10%.
Also, the energy and laws embedded within the veins are subtly taking root within me.
This allows me to understand the laws more deeply. I now have infinite potential to develop soul techniques.
For ordinary people, each path only provides a 5% boost. It's not much, but still desirable.
Compared to me, they lack the nourishment of the soul vein's energy. Still, just by circulating soul power, their physical attributes will improve to some extent. That's certain."
Ling Yuan's pupils shrank:
"Then Xiaofeng, your soul veins must be terrifying! With nine veins, your cultivation speed boost will be several times over?"
Lin Feng had already considered and researched this, and he shook his head:
"Everything has a threshold. I have a feeling—
Once I complete five soul veins, the speed boost might stop increasing.
At that point, new changes may happen inside my body."
This wasn't just a baseless hunch—today, the gleam within his dantian had given him new insight.
As the number of soul veins grew, his body began a qualitative transformation.If there were truly no limits, that would be the real cause for concern.
"Very well—I'll personally oversee the theory's publication.
As for condensing Xiaoxue's first soul vein, wait until these affairs are settled.
Xiaofeng, you must be in peak condition. Her safety must not be compromised."
Lin Feng was slightly stunned—this was the first time in a long while that Qian Daoliu had called him "Xiaofeng" again.
"Of course."
He nodded deeply.
"What did you just say?"
Bibi Dong's face was filled with shock. Her grip on the Pope's scepter tightened.
"Xiaofeng broke through to Soul Elder. His theory will be published in a few days. I need to recall my people."
Qian Daoliu's expression was calm as a still lake, his voice composed.
Bibi Dong's face twisted:
"Level 30… he really reached it…"
She looked at Qian Daoliu, coldly:
"The Hall of the Pope and the Hall of Douluo are separate powers. You're overstepping by issuing commands directly."
Qian Daoliu snorted:
"I'm not asking for your permission. I'm informing you.
This concerns the entire soul master world. Cooperation is not optional. The lower levels are already in motion."
Bibi Dong clenched her jaw, her face contorted:
"Outrageous! I'm the Pope!
You issued orders without my approval—you don't even acknowledge my authority!"
Qian Daoliu sighed:
"Bibi Dong, when it comes to Xiaoxue and Lin Feng, I won't let you interfere.
As for the rest of the affairs in Spirit Hall, you can handle them however you like."
Bibi Dong sneered:
"So in the end, you just don't trust me."
Qian Daoliu remained silent.
Bibi Dong laughed coldly:
"Do you really think I'm foolish enough to sabotage Lin Feng's theory?
How ridiculous. I'd be thrilled if it could elevate Spirit Hall's reputation again."
She lowered her gaze, a fleeting shadow flashing in her eyes:
"I'll let you do as you please this time. But I won't tolerate this again.
Spirit Hall's authority and policies must be under my control."
"As you wish."
Qian Daoliu nodded and left.
He had always acknowledged Bibi Dong's governance.
As the youngest Pope, she had ushered Spirit Hall into its most prosperous era—her cunning and ability to manage a vast power like Spirit Hall were indisputable.
Bibi Dong narrowed her eyes as she watched Qian Daoliu depart from the Pope's Hall.
She slammed her scepter onto the granite floor, cracking a massive crater.
"Just four years… just four years, and he's advanced over ten levels—where did that power come from?
Soul veins… could they really be that miraculous, breaking even innate limitations?"
Bibi Dong collapsed onto the Pope's throne, her body weak.
After meeting Lin Feng for the first time, she had also visited the scripture library.
In her youth, for some reason, she had never truly studied. When she finally opened those ancient texts, she came to a realization.
Yu Xiaogang—he had merely compiled the work of predecessors.
Think about it: he stayed in the same place for years. How could he precisely determine the first soul ring's upper limit to be 423 years?
That kind of exact number could only have come from recorded texts.
"He's… a thief. And… a liar…"
Tears welled in Bibi Dong's eyes. The grief in her heart made it hard to breathe.
For a moment, that sorrow turned into fury, engulfing her.
"Death… they all deserve death!
Qian Xunji… Yu Xiaogang… both of you!"
Her eyes glowed with rage. A blast of soul power shattered the desk in front of her.
"And that dear little sister—why does she get someone like Lin Feng?
I won't allow it. Never…"
Bibi Dong closed her eyes, tilted her head back to steady herself, then opened them again—now with a touch of clarity.
But her bloodshot eyes still betrayed her extreme emotions.
"There will be a way. Just like Qian Xunji, that despicable man—there are always ways to tear people apart."
She sneered at herself:
"Thank you so much, my dear teacher. You've given me so many methods to use."
Her gaze glinted, and Bibi Dong walked deeper into the Pope's Hall—toward a hidden chamber.
T/N: For up to twelve chapters ahead on this fic and twenty on my other, become a P@tron at [email protected]/LordHipposApostle