"So this is a soul spirit."
Though Di Tian spoke these words, his tone revealed deeper familiarity with soul spirits than most.
The moment he extended his hand, Qin Lan's soul spirit—the Netherwind Wolf—immediately collapsed to the ground. Its tail stood high, wagging frantically like a fan, behaving like an obedient pet seeking favor.
"Let me see how this soul spirit grants soul rings. Only when it's truly proven will I agree to cooperate."
Di Tian's profound golden gaze made the previously eager Netherwind Wolf soul spirit tremble violently. It hurried back to Qin Lan's side, nearly retreating into its soul ring.
Hearing this, Mu En exchanged a glance with Ning Bowen.
A faint smile graced Ning Bowen's lips. "Since the Beast God wishes to see it, Qin Lan—begin communicating with your soul spirit to condense the soul ring."
"Yes."
Feeling the weight of countless powerful gazes upon him, even after months of preparation, Qin Lan couldn't suppress his nervousness.
But regardless of anxiety, the process must continue.
Qin Lan and his Netherwind Wolf soul spirit were of one mind. With a single thought, energy sealed within the soul spirit began flowing into Qin Lan's body.
Invisible patterns drifted from the soul spirit, combining with soul power and spiritual energy to form a ring-like structure beside him, gradually taking shape.
Chen Junting stood beside Ye Xuanji, eyes fixed on the scene. Beneath his calm exterior lay unspoken tension. The soul spirit matter was too significant—though seemingly settled, not a moment could be taken for granted.
Others felt even more keenly.
Under everyone's watchful eyes, the transparent ring began changing color—from white to yellow, then yellow to purple...
Even Di Tian's eyes grew intense!
But it wasn't time to celebrate yet.
At that moment, Qin Lan summoned his martial soul, instantly completing the martial soul attachment. His two yellow and one purple soul rings triggered a chain reaction. His body shuddered as he clearly felt energy surging through him—identical to the sensation of absorbing a soul ring.
Energy churned until reaching a limit...
"Pop—"
Like a wine cork popping, the Netherwind Wolf soul spirit's second soul ring resonated with Qin Lan's third soul ring. Qin Lan trembled—breaking through the level 40 bottleneck.
Without wasting a second, before he could even process the breakthrough, Qin Lan opened his eyes, relief flooding his voice.
"I've succeeded as ordered."
Seeing this, excitement flickered in Di Tian's eyes. With permission, he reached out and placed a hand on Qin Lan's shoulder. Sensing the shared origin of the two soul rings, some of the hostility in his gaze softened.
"You have created history."
Seven words—and the crowd erupted! None doubted the Beast God would lie for humans. This confirmed beyond question that soul spirits could provide multiple soul rings!
Representatives from the three great empires, Princess Xu Jiujiu and others wasted no time. "You convened this meeting to promote the soul spirit method. How can we obtain it?"
Their gazes turned to Shrek Academy and the Nine Treasures Glazed Sect—especially Ning Bowen.
"The method of contracting soul spirits can be shared. But the Spirit Contract Array required cannot be distributed yet. I doubt any of you would want Sun Moon Empire spies to steal it due to momentary carelessness."
This...
The representatives exchanged glances, momentarily speechless.
Indeed—after finally gaining a method to compete with the Sun Moon Empire's soul guides, letting enemies steal it would be utterly frustrating.
"Sect Master Ning—what's your proposal? And how does your sect prevent the Spirit Contract Array from being stolen?" At this moment, the Mystic Tortoise Sect's master—Xu Sanshi's father, Mystic Tortoise Douluo—spoke up.
"As everyone knows, our Nine Treasures Glazed Sect's Treasure Pavilions span cities across the continent. We'll establish dedicated departments in each to handle soul spirit contracts. Alternatively, specialized branches can be set up in your sects or imperial palaces under your direct supervision. As for preventing theft of the array..."
Ning Bowen's smile faded, replaced by solemnity.
"I require oaths from all present before revealing this."
"Before the Dragon God, I Di Tian swear—I will never reveal the identity of the Spirit Contract Array's creator, nor will I harm them. Should I break this vow, I shall die within three days."
Following Di Tian's oath, other powers quickly followed suit.
One by one, dire oaths were sworn—granting Chen Junting numerous "immunity talismans." After all, on Douluo Continent, oaths held weight. Beyond belief, it was the martial souls who enforced consequences for broken vows.
"Sect Master Ning—can you speak now?"
"Of course."
Ning Bowen chuckled lightly.
"The Spirit Contract Array can only be set up by its creator. And through soul guide devices, once deployed, the array will self-destruct if touched by unauthorized personnel."
Only the creator…
"Then who is this creator?"
Curiosity filled every gaze.
Only Du Busi snorted. "Who else? Look at that smug grin on Ye's old face—you can already guess."
All eyes instantly focused on Chen Junting. He was the creator of the soul spirit method?
So young?
For a moment, everyone froze.
Only Di Tian—calm and composed—stepped forward and patted Chen Junting's shoulder. "The soul spirit method you created has earned our friendship. Within the bounds of my principles, I will fulfill three requests for you free of charge—each completed to your satisfaction."
This declaration shocked everyone anew!
Three requests from the continent's strongest powerhouse—each guaranteed to succeed.
What immense value!
Even Mu En hadn't expected such a profound promise. In their view, Di Tian's mere willingness to cooperate was already fortunate.
As they reeled from shock, an imperceptible ripple emanated from Chen Junting, enveloping the area.
This was Electrolux's doing.
The ripple blocked all external perception—whether divine or human.
Even Di Tian failed to notice Chen Junting's (Electrolux's) subtle action.
Chen Junting turned to Mu En. "Now, we can discuss cooperation terms."
Mu En smiled faintly but remained silent, instead looking toward the Nine Treasures Glazed Sect.
Ning Bowen understood immediately, presenting prepared terms. "Since we're here—let's begin with soul masters. First, deployment of Spirit Contract Arrays and locations: installations within our Treasure Pavilions will be free, but require subsidies from the three empires. Installations within your sects will be your responsibility..."
The listed conditions made representatives frown. By the time Ning Bowen finished, objections arose.
Though the Nine Treasures Glazed Sect appeared to take the loss, its influence over low-level soul masters would vastly increase—reminiscent of the Spirit Hall ten thousand years ago. This had to be prevented.
Ning Bowen offered no resistance.
Negotiations always involved sky-high demands and grounded compromises.
After extensive discussions, all parties reached an agreement.
Regardless, anyone contracting a soul spirit must express gratitude to its creator. Aside from Di Tian's meaningful gaze, others readily agreed—even swearing oaths.
Either way, Chen Junting's goal was achieved.
He had subtly altered the Spirit Contract Array. More precisely, he'd learned from Electrolux how to collect faith energy, embedding this method into the array. Thus, whenever someone expressed gratitude during soul spirit contracts, he would receive continuous streams of faith energy.
"Since the soul master matters are settled, let's discuss our cooperation." Di Tian's voice cut through the discussion. His gaze swept over everyone—a clear reminder.
"Though I agree to cooperate and provide elderly or dying soul beasts, I've lived hundreds of thousands of years. I know humanity's greedy nature. Without limits, soul spirits could still become our soul beasts' extinction."
"So how do you propose to solve this?"
Though Di Tian's words were blunt—and laced with disdain for human soul masters—everyone had to admit his reasoning was sound.
"What does the Beast God propose?" The elder behind Xu Jiujiu inquired.
"I don't trust you."
Simple words—yet they silenced everyone.
If you don't trust us—how can we negotiate?
Chen Junting stepped forward, clasping his hands respectfully.
"Then does the Beast God trust me?"
"Your words hold weight."
"In that case—I have a proposal..."
Chen Junting then presented the concept of the Spirit Pagoda from the original story—though ten thousand years later it had failed, its initial purpose was noble.
Moreover, Chen Junting knew this was merely a transitional phase for collecting faith energy. If his self-created soul ring concept succeeded, the Spirit Pagoda's role would diminish significantly.
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