This illusion didn't need to last too long; a century, or even just a few decades, would be enough.
During this time, he would find ways to promote the improved version of the "God-Bestowed Soul Ring," allowing it to completely replace the soul rings originally dropped by soul beasts.
By implementing both simultaneously, the issue of humans slaughtering soul beasts to obtain soul rings would undoubtedly be resolved.
"...I have categorized these formations according to the world's soul beast classifications into Hundred-Year, Thousand-Year, Ten-Thousand-Year, and Hundred-Thousand-Year levels. Each level has a rough, detailed sub-classification; it should be sufficient.
"So, do you want to give it a name?"
Elder Yi looked at the two people before him, his tone carrying a sense of kindliness.
Huo Yuhao instinctively turned to look at Gu Yuena beside him. After a moment's hesitation, he turned back to Elder Yi:
"Let's call it the 'Ring-Shattering Seal.'"
"Mm, a good name," Elder Yi nodded slightly in response.
Huo Yuhao let out a sigh of relief and turned back to Gu Yuena once more:
"Sister Nana, in a moment, take Elder Yi back to the Star Constellation Great Forest. Then, pass down the 'Ring-Shattering Seal.' First, comprehensively engrave it upon all soul beasts above the ten-thousand-year level.
"Afterward, quickly spread it among all soul beasts. Just follow Elder Yi's specific action plan. If any major problems arise, you can ask Elder Yi directly..."
Huo Yuhao spoke softly.
Gu Yuena just watched him—watching this youth whose face still held a hint of boyishness, yet who made her feel an inexplicable desire to rely on him. Emotions surged within her heart.
Elder Yi raised an eyebrow, sensing the shift in atmosphere. His figure instantly dissipated, returning to Huo Yuhao's Sea of Consciousness. He immediately blocked his perception of the outside world, leaving the space to Huo Yuhao and Gu Yuena.
Huo Yuhao paused mid-sentence, not understanding why Elder Yi had suddenly bolted back to his Sea of Consciousness. However, in the next instant, the figure before him suddenly drew close.
Then, Huo Yuhao felt a fleeting coldness against his cheek.
Simple, pure, gone in a heartbeat—a delicate touch and nothing more.
The Seed of Emotion gave Huo Yuhao a clear perception of feelings, allowing him to feel the girl's pure and burning affection.
The silver-haired girl's face was now tinged with a faint blush.
She looked at Huo Yuhao, staring into those deep blue eyes as various complex emotions surfaced one by one. In the end, however, all that remained was a single sentence, spoken in a voice as soft as a mosquito's hum:
"Thank you..."
As the voice faded, Gu Yuena didn't linger. She fled the scene, taking Elder Yi with her, without the slightest intention of staying a moment longer.
Emotions make people impulsive. Huo Yuhao realized this deeply once again. Looking at the now-empty room, he let out a slight sigh of relief.
Even though she usually hugs, bites, and gnaws on me, when it actually comes down to it, the gluttonous Dragon King has no resistance at all and just runs away...
Typical low attack, low defense.
Huo Yuhao sighed softly, shifting his thoughts back to the business of selling soul rings.
Currently, the complete Divine Trial was still on Tang San. Based on his calculations, if he wanted to promote soul rings via "granting Divine Trials," he would have to wait until Tang San completed at least one trial so he could reclaim a portion of the Divine Trial power.
Well... Sister Nana's side will need time to promote the "Ring-Shattering Seal," and his own plan to push the "God-Bestowed Soul Ring" needs time to build a foundation.
Perfect. He would use this period to begin putting the plan into motion!
...
Two and a half months later.
Star Net City, Blacksmith Shop.
At this moment, the blacksmiths who should have been starting work were huddled in front of the shop. Every face was grim, looking like they weren't to be trifled with.
After a moment, a thin figure ran over and immediately spoke:
"Everyone, I checked. The boss did deliver the goods yesterday—payment and goods were cleared. But no one knows what happened after that."
"Dammit! Did that bastard run off with the money?! He didn't even want his own shop?!" one blacksmith said, gritting his teeth.
"He rented this shop anyway. Maybe the lease was almost up, so he just bolted!" another blacksmith agreed.
They were all there to collect their wages.
The group had already planned how they were going to enjoy themselves once they got paid. But when they arrived at the shop this morning, not a soul was in sight.
After asking around, it seemed the boss had vanished! How could they not be furious?
They cursed the boss, but in the end, they were helpless. With no other choice, they entered the shop and took everything of value as debt repayment.
Meanwhile, at the station of a merchant group called the "Seven Star Chamber of Commerce," two youths were placing their hands on soul power crystals to test their innate soul power and martial soul.
"Martial soul... Soft Bone Rabbit. But your innate soul power is actually Level 7! Truly excellent talent!"
The elder in charge of the awakening praised.
From the clothing of these two youths, one could tell they were likely commoners. For a commoner to awaken Level 7 innate soul power made her a genius in ten thousand!
Thinking this, the elder smiled and said, "Child, would you like to join our Chamber of Commerce? We will provide you with the best training and guarantee we can raise you to become a Soul Emperor level powerhouse!"
The elder's eyes shone brightly, but Tang San stepped directly in front of Xiao Wu, saying indifferently:
"Sir, you haven't awakened mine yet."
The elder's expression stiffened. Realizing he had lost his composure, he offered a quiet apology and began the martial soul awakening for Tang San.
"Mm... Blue Silver Grass..." The manners he had accumulated over the years prevented the elder from calling it a "trash martial soul," but he certainly didn't have anything positive to say either.
The soul power crystal lit up, and the elder announced Tang San's innate soul power: "Level 2.5... not bad. At least there's hope of becoming a Soul Elder."
For the sake of the fee, the elder still offered a kind word. After speaking, he turned back to Xiao Wu: "Child, what I said just now still stands. Well? Do you want to join our Chamber of Commerce?"
"Thank you, sir, but my brother... I will take good care of him."
Tang San replied coldly, then immediately took Xiao Wu's hand and walked out. The elder wanted to say more, but looking at the two figures quickly departing, he ultimately remained silent.
On the other side, Tang San hurriedly took Xiao Wu back to their temporary lodging. Then, without stopping, he found a random excuse and went into another room.
Tang San sat cross-legged, quickly focusing his spirit on his Sea of Consciousness.
The reason he had rushed back so fast was that the moment his martial soul awakened, the previously blurred Divine Trial finally became completely clear!
His first Sea God Trial had arrived!