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Heaven Dou Empire, Spirit City, Main Hall of the Sanctuary.
Gilded pillars, carved with spiraling dragons, stretched upward to support the vast, soaring dome of the hall. Twelve soul-crystal chandeliers hung suspended in mid-air, casting a warm, amber glow that poured downward, making the deep crimson of the heavy carpets appear even richer and more somber.
The red carpet stretched all the way to the base of the throne. Ye Lan sat regally upon the seat of the Sanctuary's Hall Master, his gaze sweeping over the capable lieutenants gathered below.
At this moment, Taishan, Bai He, Yang Wudi, and Niu Gao had all arrived in haste, answering Ye Lan's summons to report on the recent progress of their respective departments.
"...My Lord, that is the general situation," Taishan said with a respectful bow.
Ye Lan nodded slowly, his fingertips tapping rhythmically against the armrest as he processed the development of the Sanctuary. It was moving at a pace that satisfied him.
The Manufacturing Department had seen a massive surge in both basic production and technical sophistication since the addition of the Blacksmith Association's core personnel and the Divine Craftsman, Lou Gao. Currently, the production of carriages, agricultural tools, and weaponry for the entire Heaven Dou Empire was being handled by the Manufacturing Department. Even so, they still possessed a significant amount of untapped potential to further increase their output.
The "Raven" members of the Dark Hall had also grown in number over the years. Now, in addition to the intelligence channels provided by Spirit Hall, the Sanctuary had established its own independent network of information.
The Medicine Hall, thanks to Ye Lan's personal development of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, was flush with spiritual herbs. Many of the pills developed from these resources were being sought after across the entire continent, generating an incredibly substantial profit for the Sanctuary.
As Ye Lan's own strength increased, the yield of spiritual herbs continued to rise. Specifically, the "Spirit Pills" developed by the Medicine Hall—capable of instantly increasing a low-to-mid-level Spirit Master's power by three ranks—had become a sensation, pursued by both Spirit Hall and the Heaven Dou Empire.
Furthermore, due to the influx of capital from Manufacturing and Medicine, the Construction Department led by Niu Gao was systematically building wide, paved roads between key major cities. These roads were designed to be level and broad enough for four carriages to pass through simultaneously.
After a moment of "Accelerated Consciousness" analysis, Ye Lan spoke: "Taishan, the Manufacturing Department can now begin surveying mineral veins throughout the Heaven Dou Empire. Extract any exposed iron ore that possesses spiritual properties. We are ready to begin preparations for the weapons that will change the very landscape of Tool Spirits in the Douluo Continent."
"Yes! My Lord!" Taishan exclaimed, his face flushing with excitement. "Ever since I received your Spirit Theories three years ago, I have been focused on cultivating skilled craftsmen. Every member of the Strength Clan with any talent for spirits has been personally taught forging techniques by me. Once a large amount of 'Spirit Iron Ore' is mined, only they will have the skill required to process such incredibly hard minerals."
Ye Lan nodded. "The training of blacksmiths is paramount. Elder Lou Gao will assist you in that regard. The future of the Manufacturing Department rests on the two of you."
"Your servant understands!" Taishan nodded heavily.
"Wudi, the Medicine Hall should begin acquiring 'Whale Glue.' You are authorized to purchase and stockpile it at any price up to ten times the market value," Ye Lan said calmly.
"Understood, My Lord," Yang Wudi replied, bowing his head.
However, a strange silence fell over the room. The men all looked at Ye Lan with peculiar expressions. In their hearts, they were wondering if they should prepare some "invigorating" tonics for their leader. After all, Ye Lan had many women; it was only natural to assume his constitution might be... overtaxed.
Seeing their odd looks, Ye Lan sighed helplessly. "What are you all thinking? Whale Glue can enhance a Spirit Master's physical constitution, which in turn allows them to absorb Soul Rings of a much higher age limit. This matter must remain a secret until our acquisition is complete."
The old men's faces turned bright red as they realized the strategic significance. This didn't just mean physical health; it meant raising the ceiling of power in the era of "Man-made Soul Rings." Currently, unless someone was born with innate divine strength, the age limit for Soul Rings didn't vary much between individuals. If Whale Glue could boost the body's limits, it meant that in the future, he who held the Whale Glue held the world.
"My Lord is wise! We were narrow-minded!" the group shouted enthusiastically.
Ye Lan waved them off and continued, "As for the Construction Department, you may begin recruiting 'commoners' to assist in road building. Regarding the funding, I will discuss it with my teacher."
Niu Gao muttered, "My Lord, can those commoners really help? Wouldn't it be easier just to recruit more Spirit Masters?"
"In the future, a war between the Heaven Dou and Star Luo Empires is inevitable. Those Spirit Masters are better suited for the military reserves. Furthermore, for the development of the empire, the commoners must live well. Otherwise, how can we ensure that more of them awaken their spirits in the future?" Ye Lan explained.
"My Lord is wise!" Niu Gao said honestly.
Bai He chuckled. "Old Niu, stop worrying your head about My Lord's plans. He has his reasons."
"Hmph! I just want the Sanctuary to be better!" Niu Gao huffed.
"Alright. Bai He, the Dark Hall is in your hands," Ye Lan said.
"Rest assured, My Lord!" Bai He replied instantly.
"Dismissed. I am going to find my teacher," Ye Lan concluded.
The sun set in the west, and a full moon rose into the sky.
When Ye Lan arrived at the main hall of the Pope's Palace, he saw the light flickering through the windows and felt a pang of sympathy. Due to the death of Emperor Xue Ye, the regions controlled by Heaven Dou and Spirit Hall were merging at a rapid pace. The first phase of the road construction plan was focused precisely on these border areas.
As the influence of Spirit Hall integrated with Heaven Dou, its power grew even further. Bibi Dong, as the Pope of the national religion, was now the de facto shadow ruler of the empire. Consequently, almost every aspect of the empire's governance passed through her hands.
Ye Lan steadied his heart and pushed the door open. Inside, he saw Bibi Dong frowning slightly, meticulously reviewing stack after stack of paperwork. Suddenly, she felt the tension in her stiff shoulders being eased by a pair of hands. The slight pain from the pressure was a sensation she found herself craving.
"Lan'er? Is there something you need?" Bibi Dong asked, a smile blooming on her face.
"Nothing in particular. Can I not just come to see you?" Ye Lan laughed.
"Of course you can!" Bibi Dong replied, her heart filled with joy. She closed her eyes, savoring this rare moment of warmth and intimacy.
After a long while, Ye Lan asked softly, "I saw you frowning just now. What is weighing on your mind?"
Bibi Dong sighed. "Spirit Hall has too much money. I honestly don't know what to do with it all."
"Oh?" Ye Lan looked puzzled.
"Because of the Man-made Soul Rings, the financial pressure on Spirit Hall has been greatly reduced. We even have a massive surplus. Even after accounting for personnel costs and Spirit Master stipends, the coffers are overflowing. Meanwhile, because of those same Soul Rings, the nobles of Heaven Dou refuse to give up their lavish lifestyles but still want the best rings. They have begun to squeeze the commoners even harder to fund their purchases. If it weren't for the 'Cathedrals' you established to provide food to the faithful, the commoners would be in a dire state," Bibi Dong explained with a sigh.
Ye Lan smiled. "Teacher, that is exactly why I came to see you."
"You have a solution?" Bibi Dong's worried expression vanished, replaced by surprise.
"Indeed. I've decided to let the Construction Department expand the road-building projects across the entire empire. Most importantly, we will recruit a vast number of commoners and provide them with a reliable wage," Ye Lan said.
"Will that work?" Bibi Dong asked.
"Certainly! Because of the Soul Rings and the Medicine Hall, we have effectively drained the wealth of the Spirit Masters. That's why the nobles are squeezing the commoners. By hiring the commoners for public works—a policy of 'labor for relief'—we give them decent jobs. This wealth will then circulate into the local economies, making everyone more prosperous. Meanwhile, Spirit Hall completes the roads faster, strengthening our control over the continent. Wide roads don't just foster trade; they enhance military mobility. The border with Star Luo is too large to defend with Spirit Masters alone."
Hearing his explanation, an excited Bibi Dong threw her arms around Ye Lan's neck and kissed him fiercely on the cheek.
"Lan'er, you are incredible! In front of you, I feel like an ignorant little girl rather than a Pope."
Ye Lan pulled her close by the waist, staring into her violet eyes. "Dong'er, you are my girl, after all."
Bibi Dong's face flushed instantly, like that of a shy maiden.
Ye Lan then produced a thick stack of papers. "The commoners of the empire must become wealthy. Only then will the strength of Spirit Hall truly grow, and the Douluo Continent can move toward a future where everyone is a Spirit Master."
"Everyone a Spirit Master?" Bibi Dong asked in disbelief. She took the documents and began to read. Soon, her violet eyes widened in shock. "Lan'er... is this true? By creating 'Spirit-infused Tools,' we can cause commoners to gradually awaken powerful Tool Spirits?"
Ye Lan explained slowly, "Yes. This comes from my reflections on the origins of spirits. Spirits are divided into Beast and Tool types. Beast Spirits are easy to understand—they mostly stem from ancient Soul Beasts. Their origin is either hereditary or influenced by 'Soul Ring Bloodline Factors.' I haven't publicized that theory because it might lead to the mass slaughter of Soul Beasts. But with Man-made Soul Rings, future generations will naturally develop stronger Beast Spirits."
Bibi Dong listened like a diligent student, her eyes sparkling. "And the origin of Tool Spirits?"
"I thought about 'trash spirits' like hoes, sickles, and shovels, or food spirits like sausages. In ancient times, before civilization, these things didn't exist. Therefore, Tool Spirits must be linked to human daily life. I believe there are 'factors' in the natural world that influence spirit awakening. These factors are everywhere. Perhaps a hoe becomes imbued with these factors, and after generations of use, the family awakens a Hoe Spirit. If we manufacture weapons and tools concentrated with these factors and sell them to commoners, the next generations will awaken powerful Tool Spirits."
"Lan'er! You are a genius!" Bibi Dong cried out in excitement. "But what are these factors? Is it just iron ore with soul power?"
Ye Lan knew the truth—that these "factors" were traces of the Dragon God's blood shed ages ago—but he couldn't reveal his past-life knowledge. "Not all soul-infused iron has them, but ore with factors will always have soul power. I have observed them with my Golden Dragon Pupils. They manifest as tiny clusters of soul power containing nine attributes: Water, Fire, Earth, Wind, Light, Darkness, Space, Time, and Stability. They are hard to see, but Spirit Hall has many experts sensitive to soul power now. We just need to sort the ore."
Bibi Dong was ecstatic. "If we have enough of these veins, the entire continent really could become Spirit Masters! Lan'er, you are a miracle worker!"
"Teacher, that is a project for many years to come. Improving the physical fitness of the entire populace is a massive undertaking."
"No matter what, you will be the greatest figure in the history of the Douluo Continent!" Bibi Dong's adoration for him reached its peak. Looking at her star-filled eyes, Ye Lan's heart swelled with affection. He pulled her into a deep kiss.
"Mmm..." Bibi Dong's gaze turned hazy.
After a long moment, sensing her body growing soft in his arms, Ye Lan teased, "Teacher, you said not during the day... but it's night now. Is it alright?"
Bibi Dong's ears burned. She had missed him terribly during these busy days, but she knew his situation was complicated with so many girls around him. Now, caught in the heat of the moment, she bit him lightly on the neck. "Why ask what you already know? Carry me to the back hall!"
Ye Lan felt a surge of heat. He scooped her up, and Bibi Dong clung to his neck, her face buried in his chest with an expression of pure happiness. He laid her on the large bed and pounced like a hungry tiger. Bibi Dong let out a playful cry of feigned fear, only further fueling Ye Lan's desire.
"Ye Lan? Teacher??" A blonde girl stood in the empty main hall, looking around in confusion. "Chen Xiang said Ye Lan came to see Teacher. Where is he?"
Qian Renxue didn't think much of it and walked toward the back hall. Soon, she heard a faint sound. As she got closer, the sounds—soft moans and heavy breathing—became clearer.
She had never heard such sounds before. Her heart raced, and her body felt a strange reaction. "Is Ye Lan using that much strength for a massage?" she whispered to herself.
Without hesitation, she pushed the bedroom door open. In that instant, she saw a scene she would never forget for the rest of her life.
Teacher? Ye Lan?
The sight of her teacher's pale, soft skin interlaced with Ye Lan's muscular, marble-like physique was a visual shock that felt like a physical blow.
"Who?!" Ye Lan snapped out of his daze, turning his head.
There stood the blonde girl. Her golden eyes were wide with shock, looking as though they were physically shattering. Her lips were pressed tightly together, her shoulders trembling violently. Without warning, tears began to fall—golden droplets that hit the floor with a soft, echoing thud.
"Xiao Xue!" Ye Lan's face turned deathly pale. He couldn't begin to imagine the impact this had on her.
The blonde figure didn't stay. She turned and fled from the hall at top speed, leaving only the sound of faint, heart-wrenching sobs behind.
Ye Lan was torn. He looked back at Bibi Dong, who was covered in a cold sweat.
"Lan'er, go! Go after her! Don't worry about me!" Bibi Dong urged him, her voice filled with panic. She didn't know how to face her daughter either.
Ye Lan grit his teeth. "Teacher, I'll be back!" Using his "Ancient Beast Touch" to manifest clothes onto his body instantly, he exploded with soul power and gave chase.
In a blink, he caught her hand. "Xiao Xue!"
Qian Renxue was jerked to a halt. Her chest heaved, reflecting her internal turmoil. Ye Lan looked at her, speechless. He was the one who had done wrong; he was the one who had betrayed her. He knew what she wanted to hear—that he would choose her and leave the teacher.
But he couldn't do it. He couldn't give up either of them.
The silence stretched on, and Xiao Xue could feel the complexity of his emotions. Suddenly, she broke the silence, pulling her hand away. She looked him in the eye, her voice cold and steady.
"We are over. I'll see you at the Knight Finals tomorrow."
Ye Lan stood frozen. He saw the depth of her pain—her eyes were red and swollen, and four tear tracks stained her cheeks. Her golden eyes held a mixture of anger, longing, and heartbreak. It was an expression he would remember for the rest of his life.
There was nothing he could say. Any words would just be salt in her broken heart. He watched as her figure disappeared into the distance.
Later, Bibi Dong found the dejected Ye Lan and hugged him tightly. "Lan'er, I know your pain. If you can't choose, I will step back for her sake. Our secret relationship ends here."
Ye Lan held her even tighter, his voice firm. "No, Teacher! I refuse! I won't give up on either of you. I will win her back!"
Elsewhere, in a dark corner, the blonde girl sat huddled, clutching a ragged doll. Her shoulders shook as she wept uncontrollably. Both Ye Lan and Bibi Dong were the most important people in her life. Ye Lan had helped her find herself and helped her reconcile with her mother. She had begun to think her mother cared for her, forgetting the coldness of her childhood.
But today, she realized that Bibi Dong had taken a part of Ye Lan—and she had done it first. The realization turned her love for Bibi Dong back into a sea of resentment.
"It was supposed to be me..." Xiao Xue sobbed. "I was first..."
(End of Chapter)