Chapter 497.
Hu Liena's observation was incredibly accurate.
The existence of Soul Hall served a critical purpose: to establish and enforce rules for soul masters. Without it, most soul masters would lack direction, wandering aimlessly like headless flies.
"Our Soul Hall holds authority over most of mainland's soul masters," Bibi Dong declared. "We must preserve that authority."
She continued, her voice firm, "To maintain authority, unity is essential. Within one year, I will establish the Spirit Alliance. Within two years, all forces across the continent must join it. Within three years, the alliance must be stabilized."
As she spoke, Bibi Dong suddenly stood up, her eyes sweeping across the hall. She said calmly, "Those who join the alliance will be under the jurisdiction of Soul Hall. Any force or soul master who refuses to join will no longer enjoy the resources, protection, or order provided by Soul Hall. They will be regarded as enemies."
After her words, silence engulfed the hall.
Wang Feng's eyes narrowed slightly; he understood immediately.
It was a brilliant move—cutting off support at its source.
Bibi Dong aimed to draw all mid- and lower-level soul masters across the continent under her command. Even the small and medium-sized forces would likely fall into line.
What did it mean to be denied the resources and recognition of Soul Hall?
It meant that without Soul Hall's acknowledgment, soul masters would lose essential sources of income, the validation of their status, and the protection they once enjoyed.
For instance, in a city, when a soul master was attacked, Soul Hall would usually intervene. Without its recognition, soul masters would lose their basic rights, plunging cities into potential chaos.
Wang Feng was well aware of the dark realities of this world—Evil Soul Masters, acts of unhinged murder, and robbery were far from rare. The existence of Soul Hall had kept much of it in check.
Moreover, Soul Hall controlled the continent's largest reserves of soul master resources and knowledge, not to mention the crucial soul beast resources. Most of the continent's hunting forests, even those within the two empires, were secretly under Soul Hall's control.
Without Soul Hall's approval, soul masters below level 40 would have no choice but to venture into extremely dangerous places like the Star Dou Great Forest for their soul rings. It was a death sentence for many.
Wang Feng recalled how both he and Tang San had obtained their first two soul rings from Soul Hunting Forests under Soul Hall's protection. Without such structures, even soul masters at rank 30 or above would face immense dangers at Star Dou Great Forest.
For the mid- and low-level soul masters, hunting forests were the primary source of early-stage soul rings.
Thus, once the alliance was established, the Soul Hall would not even need to force compliance. Soul masters would willingly join them.
If they didn't?
They would have to rely on the two empires or sect and academies. However, protecting low-level soul masters during soul ring hunts would be extremely costly, dangerous, and deadly. Mortality rates would soar, sapping the empires' and sects' strength.
Furthermore, major sects, even the most powerful ones, simply didn't have the capacity to absorb so many mid- and low-level soul masters.
Although the two great empires had strength, they lacked sufficient organization. Many of their cities already hosted Soul Halls. Without them, cities would spiral into chaos, overwhelming the empires' ability to maintain order.
Wang Feng understood: the two empires did not have enough soul masters in their ranks to control and restrain others effectively. Soul Hall's influence had already penetrated deeply into the continent.
If Bibi Dong wanted to act more ruthlessly, Wang Feng mused, she could destabilize the empires with chaos and then send Qian Daoliu and several Titled Douluo to execute a beheading strategy—wiping out top leaders and seizing control.
From what Wang Feng had observed in his travels, Soul Hall had that capability. The only reason they hadn't done so was because Bibi Dong couldn't command Qian Daoliu freely.
After all, who could stand against Qian Daoliu and the numerous Titled Douluos under Soul Hall?
Wang Feng shook his head. Bibi Dong's approach resembled boiling a frog in warm water—gradual but inevitable.
Once the Spirit Alliance was established, even if no immediate changes were visible, after six months or a year, the effects would become apparent.
Unless the two empires and the two major sects could independently reestablish order across the soul master world—a highly unlikely scenario—the Soul Hall would dominate.
Such reorganization would require them to recreate institutions like Soul Hall in every city, but they lacked the manpower. Simply put, they couldn't match the number of soul masters that Soul Hall had.
Even if they somehow managed to create new structures, without trained personnel, they would be useless.
The Soul Hall's infiltration of the mainland was already too deep.
If Bibi Dong proceeded with this –slow, steady approach, reunification was only a matter of time.
Apart from the royal families of the two empires, even the lords of numerous small kingdoms supported Soul Hall.
While the Star Luo Empire might resist slightly better, it wasn't by much.
Wang Feng could already foresee it: once the Spirit Alliance was established, Soul Hall might not even need to wage a war to dominate. The entire political landscape would shift almost overnight.
With Soul Hall's overwhelming advantage in high-level combat power, and soon in mid- and lower-tier forces as well, resistance would crumble.
There was another key point: Bibi Dong was forming an alliance, not an empire—yet.
For many powerful families, an alliance sounded far less threatening than an empire. This subtle distinction would ease their acceptance.
It was a brilliant strategy.
"Five years later... the Spirit Empire will be founded," Bibi Dong concluded.
Wang Feng nodded to himself. This was exactly what he had expected.
Bibi Dong hadn't changed her ambitions; she had simply shifted her strategy. Instead of using force, she now chose a more patient, moderate path.
Blood would still be spilled, but it would not be as extreme as before.
Inside the hall, all those present were Titled Douluo—veterans who had cultivated for decades. None of them were fools.
They understood –exactly what Bibi Dong's plan meant for the future.
"These two plans will be implemented simultaneously. If anyone has any suggestions or additions, feel free to speak."
Bibi Dong's gaze swept over everyone like a sharp blade.
Wang Feng had a faint feeling that Bibi Dong might have other hidden intentions, but he remained silent.
"The elders who agree to these two plans may now voice their support," Bibi Dong continued.
"Agree..."
"Agree..."
A series of affirmative responses quickly echoed throughout the hall.
Qian Renxue and Qian Daoliu, however, remained silent.
Both of them had to admit that Bibi Dong's two plans were extremely effective.
The first, targeting Sea God Island, was perhaps the most crucial.
At least Qian Daoliu believed so — he understood better than anyone else that the island held divine inheritance.
If the younger generation of Soul Hall could gain the approval of the gods, the Hall's position would become unshakable.
The second plan was a long-term strategic move — solidifying the Soul Hall's dominance over the continent.
As the majority of Titled Douluo expressed their agreement, Qian Daoliu stayed quiet, creating a tense silence.
After a moment, he slowly said, "I agree."
Upon hearing these words, the many Titled Douluo present knew that the Grand Worshipper had given his full support and would accordingly.
Qian Renxue snorted softly under her breath.
Bibi Dong gave a slight nod, then turned her gaze to Wang Feng.
In a low voice, she asked, "Wang Wu, what are your thoughts?"
Qian Renxue narrowed her eyes in interest.
Wang Feng responded calmly, "It's a good plan."
Bibi Dong smiled at his approval. After thinking it over, she found the phrase quite fitting.
"Very well," she said with a crisp voice. And with that, the strategic blueprint for Soul Hall was officially finalized.
Wang Feng secretly sighed.
If he stood from the perspective of Soul Hall, he would wholeheartedly support this plan too.
The meeting then moved to the next critical discussions — the distribution of roles and responsibilities for the major forces after the alliance was formed.
Since Soul Hall wanted others to submit, they also needed to introduce a comprehensive and convincing system of rules and regulations.
This wasn't something that could be decided in one meeting; it would require broader participation from the Hall's core personnel and senior soul masters.
After the meeting, many Titled Douluo felt a growing admiration for Bibi Dong.
As a leader, after suffering the setback of the Soul Hunting Operation, she had managed to pull everyone out of despair and immediately set an even bigger, clearer, and more ambitious goal.
Nothing could inspire confidence more than that.
At this moment, Wang Feng realized that Bibi Dong had developed an exceptional personal charisma.
For a villain, having overwhelming strength was necessary, but charisma was equally vital.
After the meeting concluded, only Qian Daoliu, Qian Renxue, the three members of the Golden Generation, and Wang Feng remained.
"Sea God Island is extremely important," Bibi Dong said seriously.
"For this mission, apart from White Pontiff, I will not dispatch any high-ranking soul masters to accompany you. The soul power aura of Soul Hall's higher-ups is too strong, and the sea soul masters could easily recognize it. But the White Pontiff is different. You're still young. During the Soul Hall's previous conflict with Sea God Island, you didn't even participate. They won't recognize you."
Hu Liena nodded in understanding.
"Also," Bibi Dong added, "you must not refer to him as Lord Pontiff during your journey. The three of you will have to pose as having different identities."
She paused before continuing, "There's another reason... I suspect that the Seven Shrek Monsters, led by Tang San, might also head to Sea God Island."
Wang Feng's eyes narrowed slightly. He was impressed. Bibi Dong's foresight extended even this far?
"They know about Sea God Island too?" Hu Liena asked, puzzled.
"They don't," Bibi Dong said calmly. "But someone else does."
Her voice was cold and steady. "All seven of them are the disciples of a certain someone — he would naturally guide them. He may not fully understand what Sea God Island represents, but he surely knows it's a land of great opportunity."
In his heart, Wang Feng silently agreed. The "certain someone" was none other than the Grandmaster. It was likely that during their younger days, both the Grandmaster and Bibi Dong had some history connected to Sea God Island.
Bibi Dong could naturally predict that the Grandmaster might reveal the existence of Sea God Island to the Seven Shrek Monsters.
"If you encounter them on the island..." Bibi Dong's gaze sharpened like a blade. "You must destroy their trials with a single strike! I will leave this task to the Pontiff. As for the three of you, your priority is to carefully investigate Sea God Island."
Wang Feng sighed inwardly. 'Why is it always me?' he thought, feeling helpless.
The –troublesome part was that Wang Feng knew — once he left the mainland and headed to Sea God Island, Bibi Dong's grand strategic plan would proceed without obstacles. However, if he chose not to go, Bibi Dong would definitely send other Titled Douluo along with the three members of the Golden Generation and several young soul masters to cause trouble on Sea God Island.
In that case, Wang Feng feared that Tang San and the others might be doomed.
"Understood!" Hu Liena answered enthusiastically, sneaking a glance at Wang Feng as she spoke.
She was clearly excited — finally, she could travel together with Wang Wu again.
Bibi Dong, of course, noticed Hu Liena's expression. Her cold brows furrowed slightly but smoothed out a moment later, as if nothing had happened.
"Alright," Bibi Dong said, waving her hand, "the three of you may leave now. I have something to discuss privately with the Grand Worship."
Hu Liena, Yan, and Xie Yue quickly exited the hall.
After they left, Bibi Dong turned to Qian Daoliu and asked calmly, "Grand Worship, how does your current strength compare to hers?"
Qian Daoliu's expression darkened slightly, and a complicated light flickered in his eyes. It was the first time Qian Renxue had ever seen her grandfather reveal such a look.
After a long silence, Qian Daoliu finally spoke: "In the ocean, I am no match for her."
Upon hearing this, Qian Renxue was visibly shocked.
"Grandfather, is this because of Sea God Island?" she asked in disbelief.
According to the Lord Pontiff's earlier words, the Seven Shrek Monsters — and possibly Wang Feng — would be heading to Sea God Island.
Now, with her grandfather saying something like this, Qian Renxue's curiosity about Sea God Island grew even stronger. Was it possible that there were soul masters there who could rival even her grandfather and someone even stronger?
"Her name is Bo Saixi," Qian Daoliu said, his tone carrying a rare hint of emotion. It was as if he were recalling something from long ago.
"She is the most powerful Titled Douluo of Sea God Island — a peerless existence, like me, at Rank 99. She bears the title of the Sea God Douluo. In fact, she likely reached that level before even I did. All of this happened long ago.
Since you have already set plans in motion, it's appropriate to share this information now."
Qian Daoliu paused before continuing, his voice tinged with a mixture of admiration and helplessness.
"Back when I was younger, I once traveled to Sea God Island. At that time, I had a companion with me — another top soul master of the continent.
Even so, together, we were no match for her."
"On Sea God Island," Qian Daoliu concluded, "Bo Saixi is invincible."
'In his heart, Wang Feng silently added four more words: 'relatively speaking, invincible.''
Qian Daoliu only gave a brief explanation, choosing not to delve into the deeper details.
But even that was enough.
Wang Feng understood —
Bo Saixi must have completed the Seven Trials of the Sea God, although not the true divine inheritance, but rather the semi-divine trials, similar to what some beings in the Wraith Tribe experienced.
She had not ascended to become a true god, but her strength had long surpassed the average Rank 99 Titled Douluo.
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