It was precisely because of this that everyone was forced to acknowledge that while cultivation efficiency had increased, the cultivation method itself had also become far more complicated and dangerous. It was fundamentally different from the meditation methods they remembered.
If one only cultivated normally, there would be no problem. But if they wanted further modifications and evolution, then for them, it was something that would require an extremely long period of research before it might even become possible.
At this stage, whoever managed to take the lead first would gain an advantage that could last for decades, or even centuries.
Right now, only Chen Ming, the original creator, possessed the ability to truly push the Spirit Master world into a completely new era.
However, after Chen Ming's coronation, he disappeared for four days. None of the major factions could get in contact with him, and all of them became so anxious they were practically jumping in frustration. Many even suspected that some force had secretly taken him away for private negotiations, forcing Qian Daoliu to explain that Chen Ming had gone to obtain a Spirit Ring.
And the moment Chen Ming returned to Spirit City after acquiring his Spirit Ring, the various factions that had long lost their patience immediately swarmed over like sharks smelling blood, each carrying carefully prepared gifts in hopes of meeting him.
Yet the first to arrive was not another faction, but the Pope of Spirit Hall, Bibi Dong.
Using her status as the Pope of Spirit Hall, Bibi Dong contacted Qian Daoliu in almost no time and expressed her wish to meet Chen Ming personally.
Qian Daoliu did not trust Bibi Dong, but after she repeatedly guaranteed her intentions, he still relayed the request to Chen Ming out of consideration for her identity and position.
Only after receiving Chen Ming's approval did the meeting finally take place in one of the side halls, under the dual protection of Qian Daoliu and Golden Crocodile Douluo.
Bibi Dong wore the luxurious robes of the Pope and held a scepter in her hand. The extravagant decorations adorning her body almost made her look like a gigantic walking gemstone Christmas tree.
By the standards of the Douluo world, this represented luxury and authority. But in Chen Ming's eyes… it lacked any real sense of beauty and instead felt overly excessive.
Inside the side hall, only four people were present: Chen Ming, Bibi Dong, Qian Daoliu, and Golden Crocodile Douluo.
Bibi Dong looked at Chen Ming, glanced at the rejuvenated Golden Crocodile Douluo, then looked toward the calm-faced Qian Daoliu. A formal smile hung on her face.
"Elder Chen, this is our first private meeting. Truly, heroes emerge from the young. To achieve such accomplishments at your age is genuinely astonishing," Bibi Dong said warmly, though her voice carried a firm authority perfectly befitting her status.
At least on the surface, no one could deny that Bibi Dong was worthy of the position of Pope.
"Your Holiness flatters me. I merely think a little more than others, and I've also received help from many benefactors," Chen Ming replied modestly.
"Heh…"
Chen Ming was merely being polite, but Bibi Dong actually took it seriously. Not only did she fail to continue the courtesy, she simply gave a soft chuckle as if accepting the praise outright.
Forget Chen Ming and the hot-tempered Golden Crocodile Douluo—even Qian Daoliu, who had been resting with his eyes closed while pretending to be a statue, opened his eyes and glanced at Bibi Dong.
If not for the awkwardness of his position, he would have wanted to ask her exactly what she was trying to do.
"Elder Chen, I believe that as the creator of the Douluo Heart Method, you must be the person who understands it most thoroughly. So I would like to ask whether you possess a version with even higher cultivation efficiency."
Bibi Dong's eyes gleamed as she finally revealed her purpose.
"That's correct. Your Holiness's guess is accurate. However, it is not that I deliberately hid versions with higher cultivation efficiency. Rather, once cultivation methods centered around the dantian and meridians seek further increases in speed, they must undergo specialized modifications according to the type and quality of one's Martial Soul in order to achieve a more suitable compatibility."
"Just like Spirit Rings, an excellent Spirit Ring suited for a fire-attributed Spirit Master may not necessarily suit Spirit Masters of other attributes. For Spirit Masters with opposing attributes like water, such a Spirit Ring could even do more harm than good."
"For beast-type Martial Soul Spirit Masters, combat methods suited for tool-type Martial Souls are likewise unsuitable for them. Even among dragon-type Martial Souls, there are enormous differences between each one. In fact, even the same Martial Soul can develop different tendencies and fighting styles depending on its wielder."
"Trying to use a single formula to apply to every Martial Soul is extremely difficult. The best way to achieve higher cultivation efficiency is through adaptive modifications and specialized customization. My cultivation method only suits me. If someone else were to use it, I can't guarantee what might happen."
Hearing Chen Ming's words, Bibi Dong nodded. Not only did she show no suspicion, she instead revealed an expression as if this was only natural and exactly how things should be.
For people of the Douluo world, the mere fact that this new cultivation system could completely surpass meditation methods was already shocking enough.
And when faced with something like this, veteran Spirit Masters would naturally search for some flaw that seemed reasonable to them.
For example, if something had extremely high versatility, then its cultivation efficiency surely could not be that high. And if its cultivation efficiency was extremely high, then its versatility must be lacking, or perhaps it could only be cultivated by specially suited individuals.
If there were truly no drawbacks or considerations at all—if it were both highly efficient and universally applicable—then that would be the truly abnormal thing.
Although, in reality, creating something both powerful and universal was not impossible for Chen Ming. It was simply troublesome. But Chen Ming had no intention of telling the full truth to someone as untrustworthy as Bibi Dong, so he only revealed half of it—as long as it sounded reasonable, that was enough.
"Elder Chen, I would like to commission you to create exclusive cultivation methods tailored for certain people and Spirit Masters within Spirit Hall. What do you think?"
"I can't say for certain. I need to see the individuals and conduct direct research before I can do that. I can only guarantee that their cultivation efficiency will definitely surpass normal standards, but as for how high it can reach, I'm not sure either."
"In that case, I'll have to trouble Elder Chen," Bibi Dong nodded, clearly satisfied with how tactful Chen Ming was being.
"Very well. As an honorary elder of Spirit Hall, doing some work is no great trouble. However, Your Holiness, how do you intend to pay?"
"Pay…?" Bibi Dong's expression twitched instantly, and cracks finally appeared in the flawless Pope persona she had been maintaining.
How many years had it been? Ever since becoming Pope, how many years had passed since anyone dared negotiate terms with her?
"What does Elder Chen mean by that?"
"I'm spending my own time and energy specifically designing things for particular individuals. Naturally, there should be compensation for that. It's like paying when you eat at a restaurant, or paying a doctor for treatment. That's simply how things should work."
"After all, I also have my own matters to attend to and my own cultivation to pursue. I released the Douluo Heart Method because I wanted to. The emotional satisfaction alone was enough for me. But researching for others is a commission. One matter is separate from the other."
"…" Bibi Dong fell silent for a moment before calmly nodding. "Very well. I will naturally provide payment in Gold Soul Coins."
"I mainly prefer payment in the form of medicinal herbs and precious materials. After all, I also need resources for cultivation myself. Gold Soul Coins can just be added as a small extra."
"Bring the people over first. After I examine them, I'll make a price list."
...
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