Chapter 99: Appearance of the Evil Soul Masters
Lin Beiya wasn't at all surprised by Shi Nuo's explosive increase in soul power.
In the original story, Dai Mubai jumped to Rank 44 immediately after absorbing the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum and gaining his fourth soul ring.
Shi Nuo had reached Rank 32 a few months earlier after absorbing a 4,000-year third soul ring. Reaching Rank 38 after consuming an immortal herb was perfectly normal.
"Mm. The medicinal effects haven't finished integrating yet. In the coming days, the herb will continue subtly improving your physique. Your potential is now on par with a soul master born with full innate soul power."
"That's amazing, Beiya! Then I'll definitely break through to the Soul Ancestor realm before the tournament!"
"Good. When the time comes, the two of us will shine together on the battlefield."
After his excitement settled, Shi Nuo looked at Lin Beiya curiously.
"Beiya, you've taken immortal herbs, too. Did your soul power increase as well?"
"No. The herbs I took do not enhance soul power directly. Since I absorbed a 13,000-year Giant Pincer Overlord Crab soul ring, I'm still at Rank 42."
"Huh? Then why didn't you keep this immortal herb for yourself?"
In Shi Nuo's eyes, the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum was practically perfect—enhancing soul power, improving potential, and forging an indestructible vajra body. His good brother clearly must have saved the better herbs for him.
But in truth, Lin Beiya was nowhere near that noble. If he could eat all of the herbs, he absolutely would. Unfortunately, a human body simply couldn't withstand that many conflicting medicinal properties at once.
With an amused shake of his head, Lin Beiya explained:
"Don't worry. The immortal herbs I consumed may not boost soul power directly, but they strengthened my body to a terrifying degree, and I gained resistance to both water and fire."
"I estimate that I may even attempt a soul ring over 30,000 years for my fifth soul ring."
"Really? That's incredible!"
Hearing that Lin Beiya had also gained tremendous benefits, Shi Nuo finally relaxed. In his heart, his good brother was the most talented genius of all—he couldn't let his own progress drag the other down.
Shi Nuo was always thinking for him, and that warmth touched Lin Beiya deeply. In his previous life, he had been an orphan. He refused to live lonely again in this life.
In a world where strength reigns supreme and every soul master climbs desperately toward the peak, this pure, unreserved friendship felt especially precious.
With the matter of the fourth soul ring and the immortal herb settled, Lin Beiya returned to his disciplined daily routine.
Strengthening his physique, refining his telekinesis control, meditating at night to cultivate soul power and expand his Cosmo.
With the aid of the Gold Cloth, his cultivation remained astonishingly fast. After absorbing his fourth soul ring, he was already near the threshold of Rank 43. It wouldn't take long to break through. Reaching the Soul King realm before the tournament might be difficult, but becoming a high-level Soul Ancestor was practically guaranteed.
Life continued like this for a month. Lin Beiya initially thought these fulfilling days would last until the start of the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament.
But that day, he received a summons from Bibi Dong, calling him to the Pope's Palace for an important task.
Although puzzled, Lin Beiya did not hesitate and followed the messenger maid to the palace.
In three years, Bibi Dong's aura as a ruler had grown even more overwhelming. A single glance from her could make subordinates tremble.
The soul master subsidy system she implemented had also spread successfully across the continent. Among low-level soul masters, her reputation soared—they adored her for easing their burdens.
At the same time, this heightened the unease of the Star Luo and Heaven Dou Empires.
Bibi Dong's goal was obvious: draw the vast population of mid- and low-level soul masters toward the Spirit Hall's camp. It was practically digging away the foundations of the empire's soul master armies.
After all, most soul masters were not like Tang San—taking subsidies while shouting that the Spirit Hall was their mortal enemy.
Even if they never fully joined Spirit Hall, goodwill would remain. They would not oppose such a monumental force lightly.
"Teacher, you called for me?"
"Mm. Recently, evil soul masters have been appearing in several regions. I no longer have many reliable people available."
"Take a team and head toward the Tianshuang Principality to track down any evil soul masters."
Bibi Dong issued the command directly, which didn't surprise Lin Beiya at all.
He had gone to look for Chrysanthemum Douluo multiple times for tea, only to find him absent. Now he understood—evil soul masters were stirring trouble again.
Since its founding, Spirit Hall has operated under the banner of eliminating evil and protecting the continent. Eradicating evil soul masters was a mission passed down through every Pope. Naturally, Bibi Dong was no exception.
"Will I be departing alone?"
"Evil soul masters in Tianshuang will not be strong. If you feel someone has talent, you may take them to temper themselves."
"Understood."
After bowing, Lin Beiya walked out of the Pope's Palace.
He originally planned to head straight to Tianshuang to deal with the evil soul masters and return quickly to resume cultivation.
But Bibi Dong's reminder sparked another idea—his Spirit Hall battle team just happened to need real combat experience. Why not use this mission as practical training?
With that thought, Lin Beiya immediately headed toward the academy.
Shi Nuo, Yu Quan, and the others were still cultivating under Ye Lüsu. Under his tireless guidance, everyone's combat experience had improved noticeably.
Lin Beiya's arrival instantly drew their attention. He rarely visited unless something important was happening.
"Captain? Do you need something?"
"A group of evil soul masters has appeared within the Tianshuang Principality. Their strength is unknown, but they definitely won't exceed the Soul King level."
"If you're interested, you may come with me. Treat it as actual combat training. Of course, participation is voluntary and won't affect your qualifications for the tournament."
Upon hearing this, the weakest—Yu Quan and Si Min—immediately tensed up. Ye Lüsu began evaluating the danger of such a mission.
Only Shi Nuo—recently strengthened—and the battle-hungry Wei Xu showed excitement.
"What are we waiting for? Of course I'm going!"
"Same here, Beiya. I'm going too."
With the two of them stepping forward instantly, the others could no longer refuse. If they didn't go, how would they maintain their standing within the team?
Seeing no objections, Lin Beiya nodded.
"Good. Prepare yourselves. We depart tomorrow."
"Yes, Captain!"
Counting himself, the team would be nine people in total. Considering that Yue Guan and Gui Mei were currently on missions in the eastern regions handling the major evil soul master hubs, and that Ming Xin was likely training alone at home, Lin Beiya decided to take him along as well.
His faction couldn't consist only of kind-hearted people—he needed to see how Ming Xin behaved in the face of real danger.
Or rather, whether Ming Xin possessed the courage required to face danger—an essential trait for any soul master who aspires to become truly powerful.
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End of Chapter