As expected by Qian Daoliu and Lin Feng, the moment Lin Feng's theory was published, it was like a bomb dropped on the Soul Master world—an earth-shaking thunderclap.
This cultivation method, which could speed up training and slightly enhance the body, made everyone flock to it eagerly.
All awaited the Martial Soul Hall to release follow-up techniques.
Though some nobles and sects were displeased, suspecting the Martial Soul Hall of trying to win public favor...
Due to the Hall's open sharing of the theory and its own overwhelming power, none dared make moves against it openly.
Thus, the name "Lin Feng" resounded across the entire Soul Master world.
Starting with an innate soul power of just level 1, he carved a new path, exploring within his body for a way to rise—and astonishingly, succeeded.
Even more impressively, he published his research for all to see.
And according to the Martial Soul Hall's vague hints, this scholar Lin Feng had awakened his martial soul only a few years ago and was no older than sixteen.
A 16-year-old Soul Elder (Soul Respect) was already a rare genius among soul masters.
Let alone one who started with only level 1 innate soul power.
So in the eyes of most soul masters, Lin Feng became a symbol of a young genius, as well as an exceptionally young theoretical master.
Some even proposed he be named "Teacher of All Soul Masters."
Of course, "most" because there are always haters—but they were a minority.
A few so-called "bloody incidents" occurred too, but under Lin Feng's advice...
The Martial Soul Hall displayed the details of these "sudden deaths" in public bulletin boards across major cities for three days, serving as a grim warning.
The shame of being metaphorically flogged after death quickly deterred others from reckless self-experimentation.
Martial Soul City – Douluo Hall
Qian Daoliu listened to a subordinate's report with a smile, then waved him away.
"Xiao Feng, the world holds you in such high esteem—how do you feel about that?"
Lin Feng smiled."I was merely lucky. I can't possibly live up to the title Teacher of All Soul Masters."
Qian Daoliu stroked his beard and glanced at the lovestruck Qian Renxue beside him, helplessly shaking his head."Xue'er's first soul vein enhancement can now be scheduled. Once it's complete, you two can leave."
"As for the remaining immortal herbs..."
He pondered for a moment."You two will keep them. Yueguan will accompany you on this trip."
Then, with a deep sigh, he added:
"Of course, once Lingyuan breaks through to Title Douluo, you can have Yueguan return."
Qian Renxue's eyes lit up, her earlier annoyance forgotten."Thank you, Grandpa! You're the best!"
Qian Daoliu shook his head with a sigh."All right, let's stop here for today. I'll handle the follow-up theory publication. You just focus on forging your soul veins."
"Okay! Goodbye, Grandpa."
Lin Feng nodded, taking Qian Renxue by the hand as they walked back to their cottage.
Pope's Hall
A beautiful figure in purple sat high on the Pope's throne. Listening to her subordinates report, her expression remained unreadable.
Once she dismissed the attendants, Bibi Dong looked at Hu Liena beside her.
"Nana, how do you feel those three cultivation paths are benefiting you?"
Even though Bibi Dong, Qian Daoliu, and Lin Feng had past tensions, she was still the Pope—privy to those three techniques ahead of others.
Hu Liena's soft, round face turned serious."Teacher, I think Scholar Lin Feng's method is indeed very beneficial. My cultivation speed has increased noticeably."
"And every time my soul power flows through those three spots, it feels warm and comfortable."
Bibi Dong nodded slightly."That's good."
Hu Liena tilted her head curiously."Teacher, why haven't I ever seen Scholar Lin Feng? Where is he now?"
Bibi Dong's eyes narrowed slightly, teasing:"What? You really want to meet him?"
Hu Liena blushed."Of course! Everyone at the academy says Scholar Lin Feng isn't just talented and handsome—he's kind, humble, and a great cook!"
"Pfft."
Bibi Dong raised an eyebrow, recalling their first meeting in the scripture pavilion.
The boy's looks were flawless. Alongside Qian Renxue's stunning beauty, they truly looked like a golden couple.
Yet, what Bibi Dong cared about most wasn't his genius in soul theory...
What lingered in her memory was his determined gaze, unfazed by her oppressive aura, and how he protected Qian Renxue behind him.
She too had once been attracted to someone's brilliance—but was ultimately blind.
Lin Feng, in contrast, outshone Yu Xiaogang in talent, heart, appearance, and potential.
Compared to Lin Feng, even the Yu Xiaogang from her fondest memories was no match.
Let alone the man he'd become in her mind now—a fraud.
A counterfeit who, after abandoning her, quickly fell in love with her cousin and tried to marry her.
The more she thought about it, the stronger her jealousy and resentment became.
"A man like that... shouldn't belong to her…"
A trace of madness flickered in Bibi Dong's eyes. She smiled and asked:
"He can cook, you say? Who told you that?"
"It was the older kids from the orphanage. Even the dean praised Scholar Lin Feng's cooking skills."
"Is that so…"
Bibi Dong stood up and took Hu Liena's hand."Let's go, Nana. We're going to find that Scholar Lin Feng."
She had long been intrigued by Lin Feng's rapid progress—his soul power jumping over ten levels in just a few months, Lingyuan rising by three, and Chrysanthemum Douluo's breakthrough.
Not to mention, when Qian Renxue returned, she seemed transformed—as if reborn.
She was very curious about what happened during their trip to Heaven Dou.
Qian Renxue giving up her direct mission and returning to the Martial Soul Hall didn't concern her much.
Qian Daoliu would never allow her to stay anyway—they'd be leaving soon.
The three of them…
Bibi Dong paused mid-step, a faint smile tugging at her lips.
"Heh… this Lin Feng isn't some saint. He even took in that much older Lingyuan… He's far from perfect."
It was as if discovering this flaw in Lin Feng made her day.
"If there's a flaw... there's an opportunity. If he can fall... I can lead him there. This feeling… it's delicious."
Hu Liena shivered slightly, glancing around in confusion. She couldn't tell where this sudden strange chill came from.
Bibi Dong brought Hu Liena to a small cottage in the forest.
Without hesitation or ceremony, as if she owned the place, she stepped into the courtyard.
"Your Holiness."
A figure flashed—Lingyuan appeared before them, bowing, though her brows furrowed and her tone lacked true respect.
That day in the scripture pavilion, Bibi Dong had tricked her into leaving so she could pressure Lin Feng.
So Lingyuan didn't have a good impression of her.
Bibi Dong didn't mind Lingyuan's displeasure. She nodded lightly, her voice cold and commanding:
"I'm here to see Lin Feng. Tell him to come out."
T/N: For up to twelve chapters ahead on this fic and twenty on my other, become a P@tron at [email protected]/LordHipposApostle