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Whether soul tools provided a significant boost to other Spirit Masters or different sects was unclear, but for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, the improvement was absolutely transformative. It would be a qualitative leap in their functional power.
Because of this, Su Wen suspected that someone was deliberately controlling the outflow of soul tools. One had to admit that Su Wen's train of thought leaned toward a conspiracy theory. However, the fundamental reason he proposed such a conjecture was that he simply knew more than the average person on this continent.
The soul tool technology on the Douluo Continent might have been lost to time, but on the Sun Moon Continent, that legacy had never been broken. Did the Spirit Hall truly know nothing about the existence of the Sun Moon Continent?
Su Wen, in his heart of hearts, did not believe that for a second. If the Spirit Hall had the capability to launch a massive invasion against Sea God Island, they certainly possessed the strength to cross the vast oceans and reach the Sun Moon Continent.
"Bishop, I am well aware that soul tool technology is considered lost on our continent. However, I believe the Spirit Hall must still possess corresponding research materials. I hope to receive support in this field, and I trust the Bishop will report my request to Her Holiness the Pope," Su Wen stated.
Salas gave a reluctant nod in response. Since he had to report anyway, Su Wen's request could be considered somewhat reasonable.
"My purpose in seeking the Bishop today does not need to be hidden or tucked away. Therefore, my identity will not be subjected to suspicion. You can rest easy on that front, Bishop."
With those words, Su Wen departed from Salas's residence.
Not long after, the Crown Prince happened to "coincidentally" pay him a visit.
"Little Wen, where did you go? I've been waiting here for quite some time," 'Xue Qinghe' asked with a look of feigned confusion.
Su Wen replied, "Regarding the matter of the Academy, I went to have a discussion with Bishop Salas. I've already secured his preliminary recognition. I believe that once we reach Spirit City for the grand finals and my final trump card is revealed, securing support from the Spirit Hall will no longer be a difficult problem."
The expression on 'Xue Qinghe's' face wasn't particularly excited or joyful; instead, he offered a somewhat strained smile. In his public persona as the Crown Prince, he shouldn't be happy about Su Wen's Academy getting close to the Spirit Hall.
"Little Wen, Big Brother Xue represents himself in congratulating your Academy. It is bound to become famous throughout the world," he said, cupping his fists and bowing slightly toward Su Wen.
Following that, he adopted a curious demeanor. "By the way, Little Wen, what exactly is this 'final trump card' you speak of?"
Su Wen's true soul power rank was only known to those who had accompanied him to obtain spirit rings. Aside from Ning Fengzhi and the Sword Douluo, no other outsiders were privy to that information. Naturally, that included 'Xue Qinghe'. Although Ning Fengzhi was his teacher, he wouldn't tell him everything.
"Big Brother Xue will find out when the time comes," Su Wen replied cryptically, talking in circles.
"Very well. I look forward to seeing this supposed trump card of yours."
They didn't chat for long. After completing his "task," Xue Qinghe left Su Wen's tent and returned to the main tent of Emperor Xue Ye.
"Imperial Father, Little Wen's actions today were for the sake of his Academy." 'Xue Qinghe' gave a brief description of Su Wen's plans for establishing the institution.
A sharp glint flickered in Emperor Xue Ye's eyes. While he admired Su Wen's ambition, he was also calculating the pros and cons of Su Wen's actions for the Imperial Family.
"Imperial Father, as the first batch of supporters and as a party that adapts to these changes, Su Wen's Academy—if successful—will break the barriers of knowledge and change the continent's landscape. However, as long as we align with this change and grasp the key points of the transition immediately, the Imperial Family's position will remain unshakable. In fact, it might become even more secure."
Listening to 'Xue Qinghe's' analysis, Emperor Xue Ye slowly nodded in agreement. No matter how the landscape of the continent changed, there would always be beneficiaries. Those who were the first to adapt to the trends were often the biggest winners.
After sending off the Crown Prince and helping him complete Emperor Xue Ye's assignment, Su Wen sat alone, mentally rehearsing the preparatory work for the Academy over and over.
"Securing the support of the Spirit Hall is a necessity. With their assistance, the construction of the Academy across the continent will be much smoother," Su Wen mused, weighing his value to the Spirit Hall.
First was the assistance from Qian Renxue; she was his greatest source of confidence in gaining Spirit Hall's backing. However, while she was an asset, she could also be an obstacle. Bibi Dong was already half-mad; there was no telling if she would obstruct him precisely because of Qian Renxue. One should never try to predict the decisions of an unstable mind.
Aside from the Qian Renxue factor, the strongest foundation for Su Wen to gain support was his own talent.
"A sixteen-year-old Soul King. That alone is enough to prove my talent. I don't need to fully expose my Level 59 rank, but the configuration of rings—Yellow, Purple, Purple, Black, Black—must be shown."
"As for the Spirit Hall, it's best not to just wait passively for their decision."
As Su Wen was lost in thought, a person he hadn't expected arrived outside his tent.
"Su Wen, may I come in?" A deep, middle-aged male voice sounded from outside.
It was Grandmaster.
Su Wen was surprised that the man would come to speak with him. Even back in Soto City, after the match between the Shrek Team and the Royal Team, when Qin Ming hosted a banquet for both teams and their teachers, Grandmaster and Su Wen had never exchanged a single word.
"Enter."
Grandmaster stepped into the tent. Seeing Su Wen sitting cross-legged, he surmised that the boy had been cultivating.
"I wonder what brings the Grandmaster here today?" Su Wen asked indifferently. He didn't even bother to stand up.
Grandmaster's expression didn't change. He had come to ask for a favor, so he didn't take offense at Su Wen's attitude. Years ago, he had rejected a child who looked up to scholars in much the same way.
"Su Wen, to be honest, I never expected you to achieve what you have today," he sighed. "Now, I must admit that I misjudged you back then."
"If the Grandmaster is only here to say these things, you may leave. I still need to cultivate."
Grandmaster showed not even a hint of embarrassment as he continued, "I would like to consult you regarding your insights into soul power cultivation. I know this may be presumptuous, but as a scholar, I am utterly perplexed by your situation, so I have come to ask."
Su Wen wore a strange expression, looking at Grandmaster as if he were looking at a rare animal. His skin was truly thick.
"Does the Grandmaster not remember that just over a year ago, outside Soto City, we were at each other's throats in a life-or-death situation?"
Grandmaster kept his right hand behind his back and spoke candidly, "At that time, I didn't believe that you or Dugu Bo had done anything wrong. As you said, it is only right for Spirit Masters to hunt spirit beasts. It was only because Xiao Wu was our student and a companion to Little San and the others that we stood on opposite sides. But in the end, did Xiao Wu not come out unharmed?"
Su Wen once again marveled at Grandmaster's "magnanimity."
"Yu Xiaogang, you might have misunderstood the situation. The conflict between us isn't about your initial rejection of me, nor does it lie in the clash outside Soto City."
"Oh? Then why is that?"
Su Wen looked at Grandmaster's stiff face and said slowly, "The fundamental conflict between us... is Tang San."
(End of Chapter)