Chapter 49: Theory Publication, Bibi Dong’s Shock

Chapter 49: Chapter 49: Theory Publication, Bibi Dong’s Shock Seeing that Qian Renxue didn’t want to elaborate, Lin Feng didn’t press further. Qian Renxue and Ling Yuan approached Lin Feng and asked: "Are you confident?" Lin Feng nodded. "Pretty much. For Xue’er, I’m the most confident. The *Innate Treasure Pearl* has been nurturing her body for nearly two years. I know the pathways of her meridians like the back of my hand. It might take some time, but the success rate is close to 98%." Ling Yuan frowned. "Why is it still 2% short?" Lin Feng chuckled. "The Dao is fifty, but the heavens derive only forty-nine. That remaining one is not something easily controlled." Ling Yuan rolled her eyes. "Just say it’s a sure thing. Why bring up such profound philosophy? But when you think about it, there’s a certain charm to it. Is it from some ancient text?" The Douluo Continent had no ancient texts that recorded such a saying. Lin Feng felt a bit strange. Adhering to the principle that borrowing from scholars isn’t plagiarism, Lin Feng declared firmly: "I came up with it myself. Impressed?" Qian Renxue giggled. "Of course, Lin Feng is the best." Ling Yuan also nodded slightly. "Let’s go. We should find Grandpa now." --- Qian Daoliu looked at Lin Feng with admiration. From having innate soul power of level one to developing a new theoretical system that breaks the innate limitations of Martial Souls. Now, as a Soul Elder with three soul veins formed, Lin Feng had become a pioneer for future explorers. While admiring him, Qian Daoliu’s gaze fell on the hands Lin Feng was holding on either side, and his heart ached. Was it frustration, jealousy, or anger? "Since you’ve completed the exploration of the third path, write it down first. The publication of the theory can be scheduled. For the initial release, only the first path needs to be disclosed." Lin Feng nodded. "We also need to emphasize that soul masters should not attempt to explore it on their own. Without the *Innate Treasure Pearl*, recklessly impacting their meridians could lead to fatalities." Qian Daoliu stroked his beard, pleased. "That’s a valid point. However, Lin Feng, remember that the birth of something new inevitably requires bloodshed and sacrifice. Once people taste the benefits of your technique, some will inevitably ignore the warnings and rush in, leading to casualties. Don’t feel guilty about it. It’s not your fault." Lin Feng’s gaze was clear. "Grandpa, don’t underestimate my resolve. I don’t consider myself a saint, nor am I a heartless villain. While my theory benefits the soul master world, if people lose their lives due to greed and selfishness, I won’t feel sympathy or pity. The strong stay strong not just because they have the heart of a learner, but also because they have unwavering conviction." Qian Renxue’s eyes sparkled. Qian Daoliu laughed and pointed at Lin Feng. "You’re lecturing me now? Have you been teaching Xue’er for so long that you think you can teach me too?" "Not at all. I’m just sharing my thoughts." "Tell me, what kind of boost do the soul veins and paths provide now?" Lin Feng pondered for a moment. "The soul veins nourish the body. Each soul vein gives me a 20% increase in cultivation speed, with an additional 10% boost each time a new one is formed. At the same time, the energy and laws within the soul veins take root in my body, deepening my understanding of the laws. Now, the potential for developing soul skills is limitless. For ordinary people, each path only provides a 5% boost. While it seems small, it will still be highly sought after. Compared to me, they lack the nourishment of soul vein energy, but the circulation of soul power will naturally enhance their physical condition." Ling Yuan’s pupils contracted. "So your soul veins are incredibly powerful. Once you have all nine, your cultivation speed will be several times faster?" Lin Feng had already considered this and shook his head. "Everything has a threshold. I have a feeling that once I form five soul veins, the increase in cultivation speed might stop growing. By then, something new might happen within my body." This feeling wasn’t baseless. The faint light in his dantian today had given him new insights. The increase in the number of soul veins was triggering a qualitative change in his body. Unrestricted growth would be something to worry about. "Hmm—I’ll handle the publication of the theory personally. As for Xue’er’s first soul vein, we’ll form it after these matters are settled. Lin Feng, you must ensure that your energy and spirit are at their peak. Xue’er’s safety cannot be compromised." Lin Feng was taken aback. This was the first time in days that Qian Daoliu had called him "Lin Feng" again. "Of course." Lin Feng nodded deeply. --- "What did you say?" Bibi Dong’s face was filled with shock, her grip on the Pope’s scepter tightening. "Lin Feng has broken through to Soul Elder. His theory will be published in a couple of days. I need to recall our personnel." Qian Daoliu’s expression was calm as he spoke. Bibi Dong’s expression shifted rapidly. "Level 30... Level 30... He actually..." She looked at Qian Daoliu coldly. "The Pope’s Hall and the Hall of Worship have separate responsibilities. Are you overstepping by directly demanding authority from me?" Qian Daoliu snorted. "I’m not asking for your opinion. I’m informing you. This matter concerns the entire soul master world. You have no choice but to cooperate. That’s all I have to say. The outer branches have already begun mobilizing." Bibi Dong gritted her teeth, her face twisting with anger. "How dare you! I am the Pope! You issue orders without my approval, completely disregarding me!" Qian Daoliu sighed. "Bibi Dong, regarding Xue’er and Lin Feng, I cannot let you interfere. For other matters in Spirit Hall, you have free rein." Bibi Dong sneered. "In the end, you still don’t trust me." Qian Daoliu remained silent. Bibi Dong laughed coldly. "Do you really think I’d be foolish enough to hinder the publication of Lin Feng’s theory? How ridiculous. I’m more than happy to see Spirit Hall’s prestige rise." Bibi Dong lowered her gaze, a hint of gloom flashing in her eyes. "I’ll let this slide once, but I won’t tolerate it happening again! The authority and policies of Spirit Hall must remain in my hands!" "As you wish." Qian Daoliu nodded and left. He had always recognized Bibi Dong’s capabilities in managing Spirit Hall. According to the original story, Bibi Dong, as the youngest Pope, led Spirit Hall to its most prosperous era. Her cunning and methods in governing such a large organization were indeed impeccable. Bibi Dong narrowed her eyes, watching Qian Daoliu leave the Pope’s Hall. Her scepter slammed into the ground, creating a large crater in the granite floor. "Just four years... Just four years... How did he suddenly gain over ten levels of soul power? Are soul veins really that miraculous, capable of breaking innate limitations?" Bibi Dong slumped into the Pope’s throne, feeling powerless. After her first encounter with Lin Feng, she had also visited the Scripture Hall. In her youth, she had never bothered to study the ancient texts. But when she opened those dusty tomes, she finally understood. Yu Xiaogang had merely been summarizing前人经验 (predecessors’ experiences). It was obvious. He had spent over a decade there. How could he accurately determine that the first soul ring’s limit was 423 years? Such precise data could only come from ancient records. "He... is a thief, and a... liar..." Tears welled up in Bibi Dong’s eyes, her heart aching so much she could barely breathe. In that moment, her sorrow turned to rage, consuming her. "Death... They all deserve to die! Qian Xunji, Yu Xiaogang... Both of you deserve to die!" Bibi Dong’s eyes burned with fury. A burst of soul power shattered the table in front of her. "And that dear sister of mine... Why does she get someone like Lin Feng? I won’t allow it... Never..." Bibi Dong closed her eyes, tilting her head back to calm herself. When she opened them again, a hint of clarity had returned. But her bloodshot eyes still revealed her extreme emotions. "There’s a way... Just like that despicable Qian Xunji, there’s always a way to tear them apart." Bibi Dong laughed self-mockingly. "Thank you, my dear teacher. There are so many methods to use." Her eyes gleamed as she walked deeper into the Pope’s Hall, toward a secret chamber.