Chapter 49: Facing the Pope and Receiving Rewards
Unlike the residential districts of Spirit City, the Papal Palace, the core of Spirit Hall, stood resplendent and solemn. Before the palace doors loomed a towering statue of a six winged angel. Despite the passage of millennia, the statue bore no sign of weathering; the angel's noble form and just expression remained as lifelike as ever.
With Bibi Dong's introduction, Ye Wen soon found himself face to face with the ruler of Spirit City the current Angel Douluo, Super Douluo Qian Xunji, at an impressive Rank 95. For titled Douluos, each level past Rank 95 posed immense difficulty, depending on one's insight into their martial soul. Even with the abundant resources of Spirit Hall, Qian Xunji had been stuck at Rank 95. This stagnation later earned him disdain from some, who saw him as weak, desperate enough to covet Bibi Dong's talent, hoping she might give him an heir.
But regardless of later rumors, in the present, Qian Xunji appeared every bit the part of a benevolent pope. His soft smile and short golden hair gave him an aura of kindness. If Ye Wen didn't know what Qian Xunji would do later, he might have thought him harmless.
"You must be Ye Wen," Qian Xunji said warmly. "Just as Dong'er described, a talented young man. It's rare for someone so young to develop such groundbreaking theories."
Ye Wen knelt respectfully, knowing this wasn't the moment to act overly proud. "Thank you, Your Holiness, for your kind words. Luck played a large part in my discoveries," he replied humbly.
Seeing Ye Wen's modesty, the Pope gave a gentle nod. "Please, rise. Luck is indeed a kind of strength. May I read through your theories in their entirety?"
"Of course, Your Holiness."
Ye Wen handed over three bound volumes he had prepared, which Bibi Dong respectfully presented to Qian Xunji. Noting the titles of the three books, Qian Xunji raised an eyebrow in surprise: The Path to Soul Mastery, The Fundamentals of Martial Souls, and The Origins of Martial Souls. Wasn't he only bringing a soul ring absorption theory? Qian Xunji shot Bibi Dong a questioning look, to which she responded with a slight shake of her head, indicating she also hadn't expected this.
The books were thick, each containing ample content, so the Pope asked Ye Wen for a summary. Calmly, Ye Wen explained, "Your Holiness, these three books contain my life's work on martial soul research. The soul ring absorption theory is part of The Path to Soul Mastery, where I detail my journey to becoming a Soul Elder, along with in depth explanations of the absorption theory. The Fundamentals of Martial Souls and The Origins of Martial Souls represent deeper analyses of martial souls, including types, levels, and reactions during ring absorption each point aimed at helping soul masters better understand their own martial souls and improve their training."
Qian Xunji listened as he opened the first book, his interest increasing with each page. Even well known topics were approached systematically, clarifying many previously vague concepts.
"Insightful!" Qian Xunji praised, unable to hide his admiration. "A theory addressing the difficulties of soul ring absorption is brilliant in itself, but your system of classifying martial souls is a masterstroke. I agree, the simple division into tool and beast martial souls has long felt inadequate. How could we compare a sacred Angel Soul to mere animals? Your concept of 'extreme god level martial souls' is most fitting."
Growing increasingly eager, he added, "Not only will these books help soul masters develop their martial souls more effectively, but they'll provide essential guidance for their most critical stages of training. Would you be willing to allow Spirit Hall to preserve these texts? In exchange, you may name any reward you desire."
After the Pope's enthusiastic praise, his real intent was clear. The value of these three works, especially for training lower level soul masters, had already ignited his ambition to use the books to elevate Spirit Hall's ranks.
"Your Holiness, I came to Spirit Hall with just this hope that you would spread these works across the continent. I wish that common soul masters can train more effectively and not fall victim to the dangers of ignorance," Ye Wen said, bowing slightly.
Taken aback by Ye Wen's words, Qian Xunji looked at him intently. "Are you aware of the consequences of your request?"
"Yes, Your Holiness," Ye Wen replied, meeting the Pope's gaze unwaveringly. "I am fully aware, and I do not regret it. I come from humble origins and understand the hardships that common soul masters face. When I awakened my martial soul, I had only innate Rank Four soul power. If not for luck, I could never have reached my current level of cultivation. I know many others in the world are more talented than I am. Yet, to find and train them personally would be impossible. That's why I want these books to pave the way for their success."
"I believe that Spirit Hall, which has always championed the rights of common soul masters, will support this endeavor," he concluded, his voice resolute.
"If you entrusted this research solely to Spirit Hall, I could assure you would reach the Rank of Soul Saint with our treasures and resources. Wouldn't you desire that?"
"Of course, I do," Ye Wen said, nodding sincerely. "But I desire more. I wish to leave an immortal legacy, to make a name that endures. Reaching Soul Saint and then vanishing after a century would leave nothing lasting. However, if these three books survive, my name will remain in soul master history forever. I seek not one lifetime of fame, but eternal renown!"
Qian Xunji gazed at Ye Wen, impressed and intrigued. He understood the difficulty of ascending to godhood, an aspiration that only a select few could entertain. Yet here was this mere Soul Elder aiming for a different kind of immortality, one that bypassed godhood altogether.
For a fleeting moment, Qian Xunji considered claiming the books' authorship for Spirit Hall alone. But his pride as a descendant of divine lineage quickly dismissed the idea.
Straightening, he said with admiration, "Your ambitions are noble, Ye Wen. As Pope of Spirit Hall, I pledge that these works will be carefully preserved, and your name will be attached to them forever."
Turning to Bibi Dong, he commanded, "Have our scholars reproduce these books in quantity. We will distribute them across Spirit Hall academies."
"Understood, Your Holiness," Bibi Dong responded with a respectful nod.
Qian Xunji then addressed Ye Wen, "Your contributions to soul master knowledge are invaluable. Ask freely what reward do you desire?"
"In addition to making these works available to all, I have only one request," Ye Wen said after a brief pause. "I wish to establish an independent advanced academy, one that nurtures promising soul masters regardless of their origin. For this, I seek Spirit Hall's protection and authorization."
Qian Xunji considered this carefully. Supporting such an academy would bring prestige to Spirit Hall and solidify its reputation as a guardian of the people.
"So be it!" he declared. "Spirit Hall will formally recognize your academy, supporting and protecting its operations. With my endorsement, no faction would dare interfere."
Ye Wen knelt in thanks, feeling the satisfaction of securing a foothold for his aspirations.
"Ye Wen, I will see that you receive resources sufficient for the academy's growth. Continue this dedication to the future of soul masters, and Spirit Hall will stand by you," Qian Xunji said, granting him a meaningful look before dismissing him.
Leaving the Papal Palace, Ye Wen couldn't help a sense of exhilaration. His ambitions were now supported by Spirit Hall itself, giving him the foundation to pursue his ideals.
Ye Wen kept his eyes trained on Qian Xunji. If the Pope showed any trace of ill intent, Ye Wen wouldn't hesitate to strike with Spatial Tremor and take him hostage. This daring exposure of his theories was all part of Ye Wen's plan to create a reputation as an audacious intellectual. Such a persona would make it easier for him to negotiate his terms.
"Interesting." Qian Xunji smiled mildly. "You'd rather aim for eternal fame than one lifetime of recognition. It's been a long time since I've met someone like you. Spreading these theories across the continent to aid commoners is commendable, but Spirit Hall must reward such contributions. So, tell me what is it that you wish?"
"Perfect." Ye Wen felt his heart ease.
This whole endeavor seeking Spirit Hall's support to raise his status was undoubtedly a risky move. But it was also the fastest way to achieve his goals, given Spirit Hall's influence. Making such a grand statement about his theories in the hotel had been carefully calculated. Publicly revealing his work ensured it couldn't simply be appropriated by Spirit Hall without causing a scandal. The two empires, always wary of Spirit Hall, would relish any opportunity to discredit it with rumors of hoarding knowledge meant for commoners. After all, the empires themselves were still seething from recent human trafficking scandals that had painted Spirit Hall in a poor light.
Yet Ye Wen's expression remained neutral, giving the appearance of deep contemplation. Beside him, Bibi Dong's gaze had grown more direct. She, the prodigy saintess who had never found a peer among her generation, found herself drawn to Ye Wen, this singularly talented young man who had sparked a newfound sense of admiration in her.
After a moment, Ye Wen looked as though he had reached a decision. With a respectful bow, he said, "If it pleases Your Holiness, I would ask that you speak with the two empires on my behalf. My wish is for a plot of land by the coast, on the border of both empires, where I might build a neutral, independent advanced academy for soul masters, and for assurance that neither empire would bring war within my academy's borders. I'd like to continue my research on martial souls there. Naturally, I know this land may not be easily conceded by the empires, so in exchange, I am willing to make any future discoveries freely available to all factions across the continent."
Qian Xunji's brow lifted in surprise. He had anticipated Ye Wen might ask for rare treasures to enhance his talents or perhaps great wealth. He hadn't expected Ye Wen to request a neutral advanced academy. Still, reflecting on Ye Wen's desire for everlasting fame, Qian Xunji began to understand. At his age, ambition ran high. Founding a neutral academy would allow him to conduct research and potentially change the lives of countless soul masters indeed a path to immortality in spirit.
However, the conditions Ye Wen added suggested that he doubted the Pope's authority. Did he think Qian Xunji incapable of securing a mere coastal plot on the empire's borders? As the Pope, Qian Xunji felt a surge of pride.
With renewed authority, Qian Xunji straightened, his tone firm. "A simple parcel of land is no challenge for me. But tell me, are there any specific requirements for your chosen site?"
"Preferably near the western coast."
Ye Wen wanted a safe escape route. If anything went wrong, he'd have a clearer path to Seagod Island, nestled in the southwestern sea of the Douluo Continent.
"Very well," Qian Xunji replied. "Return to your academy and await word. Once I have finalized arrangements with the empires, you'll receive official notice. In the meantime, stay here in Spirit City and enjoy your time. Now, you may go. Dong'er, show our guest out."
(Chapter end)
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