As Qian Daoliu and Lin Feng had predicted, the publication of Lin Feng's theory sent shockwaves through the soul master world, like a bomb exploding.
A technique that could increase cultivation speed and enhance physical fitness made everyone eager to get their hands on it.
People eagerly awaited Spirit Hall's release of the subsequent pathways.
Although this move caused dissatisfaction among some nobles and sects, who believed Spirit Hall was trying to win over hearts, no one dared to openly oppose it due to Spirit Hall's power and the public nature of the theory.
Lin Feng's name spread far and wide.
Starting with innate soul power of level one, he had found a unique path to rise above his limitations and succeeded.
He had even shared his research with the world.
According to Spirit Hall's vague statements, Scholar Lin Feng was no older than 16, having awakened his Martial Soul just a few years ago.
A 16-year-old Soul Elder was already exceptional among ordinary soul masters.
And this person had only level one innate soul power.
Thus, in the eyes of most soul masters, Lin Feng became a genius young soul master and a brilliant theoretical master.
Some even proposed giving him the title of "Teacher of All Soul Masters."
The reason it was "most" was that there were always detractors, but they were in the minority.
A few incidents of people attempting to explore the pathways on their own also occurred, but under Lin Feng's guidance, Spirit Hall displayed the "sudden deaths" of these individuals on public notice boards for three days.
Seeing the bloody consequences and the humiliation of being publicly shamed even in death, the trend of reckless exploration quickly died down.
---
In Spirit City, the Hall of Worship.
Qian Daoliu smiled as he listened to his subordinate's report, then waved his hand to dismiss them.
"Lin Feng, the outside world is full of praise for you. How do you feel about it?"
Lin Feng smiled.
"It's just luck. I don't deserve the title of 'Teacher of All Soul Masters.'"
Qian Daoliu stroked his beard and glanced at Qian Renxue, who was staring dreamily at Lin Feng. He sighed.
"Xue'er's first soul vein can be started soon. Once it's formed, you can set out.
As for the remaining immortal herbs…"
Qian Daoliu paused.
"You can keep them. Ju Douluo will accompany you on this journey."
At this, Qian Daoliu gave Lin Feng and Qian Renxue a meaningful look, adding with a hint of frustration:
"Of course, once Ling Yuan breaks through to Title Douluo, you can send Ju Douluo back."
Qian Renxue's eyes lit up, and her previously annoyed expression turned into a smile.
"Thank you, Grandpa. You're the best."
Qian Daoliu shook his head and sighed.
"Alright, that's all for today. I'll handle the follow-up matters for the theory. You two focus on forming the soul vein."
"Got it. Goodbye, Grandpa."
Lin Feng nodded and led Qian Renxue back to their cabin.
---
In the Pope's Hall, a figure in purple sat on the throne, listening to a report with an unreadable expression.
After dismissing her subordinates, Bibi Dong turned to Hu Liena beside her.
"Nana, how do you feel about the three pathways? Do they help you?"
Despite her conflicts with Qian Daoliu and Lin Feng, as the Pope, Bibi Dong had access to the three pathways in advance.
Hu Liena's cute face turned serious.
"Teacher, I think Scholar Lin Feng's technique is very beneficial. My cultivation speed has increased significantly.
And every time my soul power flows through those three areas, it feels warm and comfortable."
Bibi Dong nodded slightly.
"That's good."
Hu Liena tilted her head.
"Teacher, why haven't I met Scholar Lin Feng? Where is he now?"
Bibi Dong's eyes narrowed, and she teased:
"Oh? Do you really want to see him?"
Hu Liena's face turned red.
"I do. Everyone at the academy says Scholar Lin Feng is not only handsome but also approachable and a great cook."
"Tsk."
Bibi Dong raised an eyebrow, recalling her first meeting with Lin Feng in the Scripture Hall.
The young man's appearance was flawless, a perfect match for Qian Renxue's beauty. They were like a golden couple.
But what Bibi Dong cared about most wasn't his looks or his theoretical genius.
What she remembered most was the determination in Lin Feng's eyes under her pressure, the way he shielded Qian Renxue without a trace of fear or hesitation.
It reminded her of her own past, when she had been drawn to someone's intellect, only to be betrayed.
Compared to Lin Feng, even the idealized version of Yu Xiaogang in her memories paled in comparison.
Now, Yu Xiaogang was nothing more than a fraud in her eyes.
A counterfeit, a scoundrel who had abandoned her and immediately fallen in love with her cousin.
The more she thought about it, the stronger her jealousy and resentment grew.
"Such a person… shouldn't belong to her…"
A hint of madness flashed in Bibi Dong's eyes. She smiled and asked Hu Liena:
"He can cook too? Who told you that?"
"Some seniors from the orphanage mentioned it. Even the dean praised Scholar Lin Feng's cooking."
"Is that so…"
Bibi Dong stood up and took Hu Liena's hand.
"Let's go, Nana. We'll go find Scholar Lin Feng."
Bibi Dong had always been curious about how Lin Feng had gained over ten levels in just a few months, how Ling Yuan had advanced three levels, and how Ju Douluo had broken through.
She was also intrigued by the changes in Qian Renxue after her return, as if she had been reborn.
She was very interested in the secrets of their journey to Heaven Dou. As for Qian Renxue giving up her mission and returning to Spirit Hall, Bibi Dong didn't care much.
Qian Daoliu wouldn't let Qian Renxue stay by her side. They would probably leave soon.
The three of them…
Bibi Dong paused mid-step, a smile forming on her lips.
"Hmph, this Lin Feng isn't a saint. He even took in Ling Yuan, who's much older than him. He's not as perfect as he seems."
Bibi Dong seemed to have found something interesting, and her mood lightened.
It was as if discovering flaws in Lin Feng was a good thing for her.
"Flaws mean opportunities. Opportunities to lead him astray. This feeling… is simply delightful…"
Hu Liena shivered, looking around in confusion, unsure where the strange feeling came from.
With Hu Liena in tow, Bibi Dong finally arrived at the forest cabin.
She walked into the courtyard as if she owned the place.
"Pope."
Ling Yuan appeared in front of Bibi Dong and Hu Liena, bowing slightly. However, her brows were furrowed, and there was no respect in her expression.
The day Lin Feng had been pressured by Bibi Dong in the Scripture Hall, Bibi Dong had tricked Ling Yuan into leaving.
Ling Yuan had no goodwill toward her.
Bibi Dong ignored Ling Yuan's displeasure and nodded slightly, her voice cold.
"I'm here to see Lin Feng. Bring him to me."