Chapter 283: Gathering the Mind
The national strength of the Sun Moon Empire was bound to expand to a terrifying degree. However, given its limited soul beast resources, it could never support such a vast number of soul masters. This would give the empire yet another reason to launch a war of unification against the Douluo Continent. After all, the Great Star Dou Forest, the continent's largest soul beast habitat, was located at the borders of the three Douluo nations. Only by unifying the continent could the Sun Moon Empire fully exploit those soul beast resources.
With this realization, Jing Hongchen's gaze toward Huo Yuhao grew increasingly fervent. All these changes were brought about by him. As the head of the Mingde Hall, Jing Hongchen naturally hoped to see the Sun Moon Empire rise to unprecedented heights. If things continued at this rate, the empire would undoubtedly surpass all previous limits.
Meanwhile, the researchers present were in shock, whispering among themselves.
"He actually succeeded in turning someone with zero innate soul power into a soul practitioner. As expected of Huo Yuhao he always manages to accomplish what we cannot."
"This is incredible! Now, even the ordinary members of my family will have a chance to become soul masters."
At the same time, Xiao Hongchen was in utter disbelief. He had always known that Huo Yuhao was a peerless genius, but he believed that even geniuses had their limits there was no way he could excel in everything. Yet, to his astonishment, Huo Yuhao had truly found a way to turn ordinary people into soul practitioners in such a short time. To be honest, Xiao Hongchen was happy for him. After all, he had achieved yet another miracle, and this time, it directly benefited the Sun Moon Empire.
However… this also meant that he had lost his bet with Meng Hongchen. Did this mean he now had to give her forty thousand gold soul coins or their equivalent?
Losing the money didn't particularly bother Xiao Hongchen, but losing to Meng Hongchen filled him with an overwhelming sense of frustration.
Instinctively, he turned to look at Meng Hongchen, only to find her staring at him with a mischievous smile. Before he could say anything, she spoke first, unable to contain her excitement.
"Xiao, a bet is a bet. Pay up forty thousand gold soul coins."
Xiao Hongchen sighed, feeling a bit helpless. Why did Meng look like she was afraid he would go back on his word? He quickly pulled out a rare metal the size of a human head from his storage ring. It gleamed with a silver light as he handed it to her with a generous expression.
"This piece of Flowing Silver is worth at least forty thousand gold soul coins on the market. Take it."
Flowing Silver was a highly versatile rare metal and could be sold easily. Whether Meng Hongchen wanted to use it for crafting soul tools or simply sell it for money, it would serve her well.
"I knew it! Xiao, you really are the most trustworthy person in the Sun Moon Empire." Meng Hongchen accepted the metal with a satisfied smile.
Hearing her words of praise, Xiao Hongchen couldn't help but smile himself.
Just then, a voice filled with ecstatic laughter rang out.
"Hahaha! I've really become a soul practitioner! So this is what having soul power feels like? Our Yang family can finally change our fate!"
Xiao Hongchen turned to see Yang Feng in a frenzy of excitement, wildly swinging his spear while laughing uncontrollably, as if trying to release years of pent up frustration.
Moments later, Yang Feng stopped, panting heavily. He noticed that the cool energy in his body was recovering much more slowly now, likely due to the excessive depletion from his earlier outburst.
He walked up to Huo Yuhao, put away his Breaking Soul Spear, then dropped to his knees, pressing his forehead to the ground. Without raising his head, he declared, "Benevolent Master, you have given me a path forward. From now on, whatever you command, Yang Feng will do, even if it means my death. All I ask is the chance to serve you."
He had endured suppression for too long. The Po Clan had once been glorious, but when their people stopped being born with innate soul power, they declined. Over time, they became nothing more than the Yang family ordinary people who were sometimes bullied by soul masters.
Now, at last, he saw hope for reviving his clan. He couldn't afford to let this opportunity slip away.
Huo Yuhao looked at Yang Feng and reached out to help him up. At first, Yang Feng resisted, trying to remain kneeling for as long as possible. After all, Huo Yuhao had granted him a second life this was a debt greater than anything.
However, his struggle was futile.
He was just a soul practitioner, nowhere near Huo Yuhao's level. Naturally, he was powerless to resist.
"You can serve me," Huo Yuhao said. "Here is your first task: contact the Po Clan and the other three great clans. I want to speak with their leaders."
Among the four great clans, decisions were made by the clan leaders. If he gave them a chance to reclaim their power, they would surely pledge their loyalty to him. After all, compared to remaining powerless for generations, becoming soul masters was clearly in their best interests.
Yang Feng was momentarily stunned before nodding eagerly. "Understood! I'll do my best to persuade them."
There was no longer a "clan leader" only a "family head." And Yang Feng's own father was the current leader of the Yang family.
Of course, this was merely a difference in title. In essence, the roles were the same. Yang Feng saw no need to correct Huo Yuhao on this point.
And if all four families could produce soul practitioners again, then restoring the name of the Four Great Clans might not be impossible after all.
"You may go," Huo Yuhao said with a wave of his hand before turning to help others awaken their soul power.
Some time later, he had completed the process. Many who had once been ordinary people were now soul practitioners, their hearts filled with joy.
Afterward, Huo Yuhao passed on the method for awakening soul power to the Spirit Pagoda's personnel so they could select suitable candidates in the future. Of course, they could use medicinal aids to assist in opening the meridians of those they chose.
The Sun Moon Empire had far too many people. It wasn't feasible for him to personally help every single person awaken their soul power. Now that he had subordinates, it was time for them to step up.
"Master, we've arrived. This is the place. I'll take you inside." Yang Feng stopped in front of an old courtyard, smiling.
Huo Yuhao followed him inside.
Children's laughter echoed throughout the courtyard, accompanied by the reprimands of a middle aged man.
As the two of them walked in, they saw a muscular middle aged man standing there, watching the children run around with a look of exasperation.
"Father," Yang Feng called out as he stepped forward.
"Hm? Feng'er, why are you back so soon? Normally, you'd still be on patrol at this time," his father said, puzzled.
(End of chapter.)
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