For these forces, this gathering was quite fruitful.
Although precious materials were used, the reward was the hope of breaking the bottleneck in the growth of the family's younger generation.
However, no one would completely believe Gedo's side of the story, so their first task was to select a suitable candidate as quickly as possible to verify the true effects of the elixir.
Therefore, almost all forces made similar decisions without prior agreement.
The pills will not be used on the core direct descendants for the time being. Instead, we will first select Soul Masters with decent talent, calm temperament and who need to obtain Soul Rings from the collateral branches and family generals to try.
They need solid data and successful case studies before they will dedicate this valuable resource to the rightful heir.
For a time, undercurrents surged within the various families. Although the competition for the selection was not fierce, it still stirred the thoughts of many people.
……
Meanwhile, deep within the Crown Prince's residence, in a completely soundproof room, Qian Renxue, having shed her disguise as Xue Qinghe, had an inescapable gloom and anxiety on her exquisite face.
Her fingertips tapped the table unconsciously, her golden eyes flashing with resentment and urgency.
She is Qian Renxue, the successor of the Angel God, possessing the divine martial soul Six-Winged Angel, and innate soul power level 20!
She is a once-in-a-century genius of the Spirit Hall, destined to stand at the pinnacle of the continent.
Having come undercover in the Heavenly Dou Empire, she never thought it would hinder her cultivation.
In her original plan, with her exceptional talent, even if she needed to be distracted by managing her disguise, she only needed to set aside a fixed amount of time each day to cultivate, and her progress would be enough to crush the so-called geniuses in the world.
In fact, she did just that.
At only seventeen years old, her soul power reached level fifty-four, making her a Soul King.
This achievement is something that countless people across the entire mainland can only dream of, and she should be proud of it.
However, Lin Wan's appearance was like a sharp thorn, puncturing her proud bubble.
A thirteen-year-old Soul Master, whose fourth Soul Ring is already ten thousand years old!
Most importantly, his innate soul power was only level ten, the level of an ordinary genius that she would never have given a second glance to.
What does this mean?
This means that the other party's cultivation speed is terrifyingly fast, to an unbelievable degree.
This means that her prized talent no longer seems to have an absolute advantage in the face of the opponent's astonishingly rapid improvement.
This potential threat of being overtaken or even surpassed made Qian Renxue feel like she had a thorn in her side.
She couldn't tolerate falling behind anyone; her pride and her beliefs wouldn't allow it.
Therefore, she could only desperately squeeze out the little rest time she had left and practice almost frantically, trying to widen the gap that was quietly narrowing.
The physical fatigue was bearable, but the anxiety stemming from the erosion of her innate confidence tormented her day and night.
"Grandpa, why did you agree to my idea of having an heir with a god-level martial soul carry out a long undercover mission while cultivating to the Golden Stage?"
Qian Renxue muttered to herself, her tone carrying a hint of barely perceptible doubt.
Lin Wan was completely unaware of Qian Renxue's complex emotions.
Even if they knew, they might only respond with a faint sneer. To outsiders like him and Eva, some of the decisions made by the Spirit Hall's higher-ups were indeed incomprehensibly short-sighted.
……
After seeing all the guests off, Ge Duo remained alone in the makeshift side room.
Looking at the dazzling array of rare and precious materials before her, each radiating different energy fluctuations, her deep green eyes shone with boundless joy.
"Tsk tsk, just using some scraps and common herbs to make low-grade potions, they can get so many top-grade materials. The soul masters in this world are so innocently cute."
She stretched out her pale fingers and gently stroked a piece of ore that contained fiery energy, her tone carrying a hint of teasing and satisfaction.
Such a low-investment, high-return deal was rare even in her long witch career.
However, amidst the joy, a slight displeasure quickly surfaced.
As agreed, a portion of these harvests should be given to Eva.
After all, we borrowed her venue and her name.
Thinking of Eva, Godot pursed her lips.
Lin Wan is the summoner, the core of their connection in this world, so it is only natural for them to provide him with resources.
But what about her and Eva?
They had no connection in the fairy tale world, but now they are partners with clear interests.
According to the principles of Godot, even close brothers must keep clear accounts, and every contribution must be rewarded accordingly.
"Hmph, that woman got off easy," Ge Duo muttered somewhat reluctantly.
But rules are rules, and she wouldn't break the unspoken understanding for something like this.
She got to work, quickly sorting the materials and calculating the rent she needed to pay Eva.
As she sorted through the choices, her thoughts drifted away.
She remembered Rapunzel, the blonde girl she had imprisoned in the tower for over a decade.
"I wonder where that child has fallen to now."
A complex emotion, which even she herself was unaware of, flashed in Ge Duo's eyes.
"Her hair is the best potion catalyst."
……
In the following days, undercurrents were stirring within Tiandou City.
All the major powers, each possessing the elixirs they had acquired, began a flurry of intensive trials.
Given the unknown effects and potential risks of the elixir, all forces unanimously adopted the most cautious strategy.
The candidates they selected for drug trials were all middle-aged or elderly soul masters whose cultivation had been stuck at a bottleneck for many years, who now needed to obtain a soul ring, whose potential was almost exhausted, and who would hardly make any further progress without a miracle.
These people often serve their families for many years, with unwavering loyalty and a strong desire to fulfill their obligations, and are willing to take risks for it.
Their success or failure will directly determine the future application value of these elixirs among the core members of the family.
Chapter 97 Star Luo Envoy
Within a few days, the Soul Masters who obtained Ge Duo's pills were successively tested, and the results circulated within the various families.
The results are obvious: some have achieved breakthroughs and their strength has greatly increased.
Some succeed by a great effort, but are left with hidden wounds, and their future is cut off.
Some failed completely, their cultivation regressed, or they were even seriously injured and on the verge of death.
Successful cases have proven that Godot's elixir truly possesses unconventional power, and this is by no means an exaggeration.
The failed cases, on the other hand, served as a bucket of cold water, waking up those who were blinded by their fervor. Absorbing a soul ring beyond one's level was already going against the heavens, and even with the help of elixirs, it was by no means without risk.
The effects of elixirs are closely related to the Soul Master's physical qualities, mental strength, Martial Soul characteristics, as well as the compatibility and age difference of the chosen Soul Rings.
Suddenly, the name of the potion-making witch Gordow became even more complicated in upper-class circles.
She is no longer simply a symbol of hope, but more like a dangerous being who wields immense power yet is neither entirely good nor evil.
Her elixir was both an opportunity and a gamble.
Those forces with successful track records began frantically gathering listings in preparation for their next deal.
Those who encounter failures become more cautious, beginning to delve into the reasons for the failures and attempting to find the boundaries of safe use.
……
Eva's Mansion, the underground secret room.
Eva lazily played with the dividends that Godot had given her: several pieces of high-quality Soul Crystal and a small box of dried Ephemeral Flower that exuded a cool fragrance.
"It seems your pills are remarkably effective, but they've also attracted a lot of controversy, Ms. Godot," Eva said with amusement.
Godot, expressionless, mixed a new vial of medicine and coldly replied, "It's just a transaction. I provide the key, and they choose which door to open and what risks to take. What does it have to do with me? Do you expect me to guarantee that every idiot will succeed?"
Eva chuckled softly and didn't argue.
After all, their lives and deaths were none of their concern.
……
The undercurrents within Tiandou City caused by the Geduo Pill had not yet subsided, but this whirlwind had already swept across mountains and rivers at an astonishing speed, reaching the imperial city of the Star Luo Empire, renowned for its iron-fisted ruthlessness, killing, and powerful military.
The Star Luo Empire is a country with an extravagant and artistic style that is completely opposite to that of the heavens.
This place reveres absolute force and believes in the law of the jungle, where the strong prey on the weak. Especially within the royal family, a cruel succession system, almost like that of raising necromancy, is practiced.
From the day the princes awaken their martial spirits, they are placed in an invisible arena, where they compete, suppress, and even fight to the death to determine the final victor.
The loser loses not only the throne, but often also his life and the complete annihilation of the forces supporting him.
In such an extreme environment, any means that can improve strength or increase the odds of winning will trigger the most primal and frenzied pursuit.
Absorbing a soul ring of a higher level! What does this mean?
This means that in battles of the same level, they will have an overwhelming advantage in soul skills.
This means that one can break through the constraints of their own potential and reach a higher level.
This means that at every critical juncture in the competition, there will be an extra trump card that can turn the tide.
This urgent report, sent back by a spy planted in Tiandou City, was immediately presented to Emperor Dai Tianfeng of the Star Luo Dynasty.
Inside the empty and cold hall, Dai Tianfeng sat upright on the throne.
He carefully read every word of the secret report. When he saw words such as "significantly increases the success rate of absorption" and "possibly surpasses the theoretical limit of absorbing soul rings," his fingers tapping on the armrest suddenly stopped, and a burning light shone in his deep eyes.
"Is the message confirmed?" His voice was deep and hoarse, yet carried an undeniable authority and a sense of oppression, echoing in the hall, causing the kneeling leader of the secret agents below to bury his head even lower.
"Reporting to Your Majesty!" The head of the secret service's voice trembled slightly.
"After verification by spies planted within the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, the Blue Lightning Tyrant School, and several noble clans of the Heaven Dou Empire, the information is confirmed to be accurate. There have been several successful cases where those who took the pill successfully absorbed soul rings that exceeded their original limits, greatly increasing their strength. The pill originated from a mysterious female Title Douluo who suddenly appeared and calls herself Ge Duo, and currently has a close relationship with Queen Eva of the Heaven Dou Empire."
“Eva, the Heavenly Dou Royal Family…” Dai Tianfeng slowly repeated these names, his eyes flashing with cold light, his fingertips unconsciously tracing heavily across the parts of the report that were closely related to the Heavenly Dou Royal Family.
The strengthening of the Tiandou Empire's royal family is something the Xingluo Empire would never welcome.
The Star Luo Empire was powerful, and its military strength far surpassed that of the Heavenly Dou Empire. Every emperor in history harbored the ambition to unify the continent.
If it weren't for the colossal Spirit Hall straddling the two nations, maintaining a delicate balance with its overwhelming strength, and even subtly restraining the expansion of Star Luo, Star Luo's iron cavalry would probably have already breached the barriers of Heaven Dou.
Now, it seems that the Heavenly Dou royal family has made contact with a Title Douluo who can refine such heaven-defying pills?
If they were to equip the Heaven Dou Soul Master Corps on a large scale, or cultivate a group of elites with Soul Rings of higher levels, in the long run, it would have an immeasurable impact on the balance of power between the two countries.
With this ebb and flow, Xingluo's advantage will be gradually eroded, which Dai Tianfeng absolutely cannot tolerate.
We must obtain it! Both the elixir itself and the person who refined it!
Robbery? Theft? These thoughts flashed through Dai Tianfeng's mind for a moment, but he quickly suppressed them.
The other party is a Title Douluo, located in the core of the Heaven Dou Imperial City, and has an extremely close relationship with the Heaven Dou Royal Family. It is easy to cause diplomatic disputes or even direct conflict. Under the current circumstances where the Spirit Hall is eyeing the city covetously, this is by no means a wise move.
So, there's only one option left.
A glint flashed in Dai Tianfeng's eyes, and he had already made up his mind.
He raised his head, his gaze sharp as he looked down at a high-ranking official standing below him: "Issue an order to form a delegation to Tiandou City immediately, under the pretext of congratulating Crown Prince Xue Qinghe of Tiandou on his progress in cultivation and promoting exchanges between the soul masters of the two countries."
……
The news that the Star Luo Empire had sent an envoy to exchange ideas struck Emperor Xueye like a boulder.
Inside the imperial study, Emperor Xueye, who had just heard the report, was so angry that he almost smashed the glass cup in his hand on the ground.
His face was ashen, his chest heaving violently. His body, already weakened by age and the effects of the hidden toxins, trembled slightly.
"Damn it! That old scoundrel Dai Tianfeng! His nose is sharper than a dog's!" Emperor Xueye's voice was hoarse with anger.
"The news about the elixir has only been out for a few days, and their Star Luo delegation has already set off! Is this an exchange? This is blatant spying and robbery! Do they really think we in Tiandou are without anyone to rely on?"
Chapter 98 Infiltrating the Mission
The high-ranking officials standing below the emperor on this snowy night remained silent, none daring to offend the emperor at this time.
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