Douluo Continent: I am a biologist, and I have awakened a weapon spirit?

"That's right, but its essence should still be the reaction between energies. The soul-guiding material only plays a guiding role in this process, transforming the primordial energy of heaven and earth or soul power into a certain specific elemental energy," Chen Feng nodded and said.

Tang San recalled the initial explosion and nodded in agreement. "We have a basic understanding of the characteristics of elemental runes. Next, we need to figure out the other elemental runes."

"That will require your attention. By the way, do you have any ideas on the application of these fire element runes?" Chen Feng asked.

"Application?" Tang San thought for a moment, "I feel it can be used in metal forging. If we can find a way to use fire element runes to stabilize the temperature, then the role of charcoal can be replaced. The Soul Guidance System requires a lot of metal, and traditional hand forging certainly cannot meet such needs. We must find a more advanced forging method. What was that word again? Oh right, industrialization."

Having known Chen Feng for so long, he understood some of the concepts his friend had raised and was gradually able to keep up.

“Hmm, that’s a good idea. I also have an idea. The explosion just now seems worth exploring further. If we can use some kind of device to separate the fire element runes and the soul guide material powder, and then make them come into contact with each other by pressing a button or pulling a pin when needed, then that would be a pretty good weapon,” Chen Feng said, gesturing.

This was the thought that came to him when he saw the explosion. As we all know, explosions are art, and his previous life had already provided many answers on how to make art shine even brighter.

Gunpowder weapons may have limitations here because fossil fuels such as oil are not yet available, which will greatly affect the development of the chemical industry.

Therefore, we still need to develop a soul-guided weapon system with Douluo characteristics.

However, through this fire element rune, Tang San, the master of hidden weapons, saw the development of forging and production, while Chen Feng, the scholar, immediately thought of applying it to weapons. This can only be described as a reversal of the natural order.

“This idea is excellent.” Tang San agreed with Chen Feng’s idea. “However, elemental runes need to be inscribed. How to stably fill the runes with soul guide material powder is a problem that needs to be figured out.”

Chen Feng pondered for a moment and asked:

"How about squeezing it with a spring or something?"

"A spring..." Tang San began to conceive a plan based on this idea, and gradually some ideas came to him. "You mean, like a hidden arrow, to shoot soul-guiding material powder into the rune groove?"

"That's somewhat true."

"It seems feasible. I'll try it later."

"Then you'd better be careful not to blow yourself up," Chen Feng warned.

"Don't worry, I'll be careful. Besides, I won't die, I'll just get a little hurt at most," Tang San said confidently.

Chen Feng: ......

Am I guiding you onto the path of life so that you can play like this?

However, upon further reflection, he realized that Tang San and weapons manufacturing seemed to be inexplicably compatible, at least he wouldn't be easily killed by an explosion.

Just like Deadpool, when he didn't have the ability to heal, he could cut bullets with ease, but after gaining the ability to heal or even become immortal, cutting bullets became a mere formality.

Chen Feng felt that Tang San was showing some of these traits now. As long as he didn't die from his actions, he would do as much as he wanted, emphasizing doing whatever he pleased.

However, there's no need to interfere, because it's human nature. If Chen Feng had that kind of powerful self-healing ability, he would probably act recklessly too.

After discussing the rune issue with Tang San, Chen Feng prepared to find a place to practice his swordsmanship for a while, but at that moment, Ning Rongrong came looking for him from outside.

"Xiao Feng, Xiao San, you're here too." Ning Rongrong waved to the two of them.

"Rongrong, what brings you here?" Chen Feng asked.

"It's all because of the Crown Prince. He's come looking for you again. Ever since you talked to him at that banquet, he's been coming to see you every now and then. If you ask me, you might as well just live in the Heavenly Dou Imperial Palace," Ning Rongrong said, pouting.

"That won't do. It's not comfortable living in the palace," Chen Feng said with a smile.

The main problem is that it's not safe.

"What are you two doing here?" Ning Rongrong asked curiously, noticing the mess around them.

"Is this a friendly sparring match?"

"No..." Chen Feng briefly explained Tang San's achievements, but Ning Rongrong only half understood what he said.

Seeing this, Chen Feng said:

"Shall I go see the Crown Prince? Is he still in the reception room?"

"Okay, I'll go with you."

The two arrived at the school's reception room, where an elderly man was already standing at the door.

Chen Feng was not surprised and greeted him:

"Old Qin, we meet again."

He knew that this person was likely one of the two, Ci Xue She Long, in disguise, but he didn't know which one it was.

"Old Qin" nodded slightly to Chen Feng, "His Highness is waiting inside. Mr. Chen, you may go in as usual."

After saying that, "Old Qin" stepped aside.

Chen Feng pushed open the door and walked in, and saw Qian Renxue, dressed as Xue Qinghe, standing by the window with her hands behind her back, looking outside.

"You've arrived," Qian Renxue said without turning her head.

“Yes, I’m here.” Chen Feng picked up on the joke instinctively.

But Qian Renxue clearly didn't know the reference and didn't play along. Instead, she said:

"Xiao Feng, I have a question."

"I am willing to answer Brother Xue's questions." Chen Feng found a seat and sat down.

Since that banquet, this has happened several times. Each time Qian Renxue comes over, she asks some questions, some about the situation on the mainland, some about the national policies of the Tiandou Empire, and some about the court officials. In short, the topics are very diverse.

Clearly, Qian Renxue had already regarded Chen Feng as an advisor or guest.

Chen Feng was happy to help Qian Renxue resolve her doubts, because in doing so, he could also share his own perspectives and influence her.

However, the question Qian Renxue brought today seems to be more than just a question. After several previous political inquiries, she has finally asked a very crucial question this time.

She took out a pot of tea and two cups, poured a cup for Chen Feng and herself, and said:

“Xiao Feng, we’ve talked about the various problems facing the Heavenly Dou Empire. Solving them won’t be a matter of a day or two, but we can’t let them drag on. However, Father has always been inclined to maintain stability, and I disagree with him on this matter. I’ve tried to persuade him many times, but to no avail. Do you have any advice on this?”

Chen Feng picked up the teacup and gently sniffed the aroma of the tea. His gaze deepened. He knew that the previous conversations had been superficial, and today's game was the real show.

On the surface, Qian Renxue seemed to be asking him for advice, but in reality, she was mostly testing him to see whose side he preferred between Qian Renxue and Xueye.

Chen Feng did not directly comment on this, but instead said:

"His Majesty is advanced in years and has some health issues, so it is normal for him to act conservatively and cautiously. Brother Xue, there is no need to worry about this."

Qian Renxue frowned, not entirely satisfied with the bland, predictable answer, and said:

"How can we not be worried? You said before that the current situation on the mainland is that the strong will become strong and the weak will perish. If we do nothing, the Heavenly Dou Empire will definitely lose the initiative in the upcoming conflicts."

She had only recently been ignited with ambition and had already begun to win over Chen Feng, a talented individual. She was in the prime of her life, otherwise she wouldn't have visited repeatedly and discussed such sensitive topics.

Therefore, she must get a satisfactory answer from Chen Feng today to confirm that this person can be used by her.

Otherwise, Qian Renxue didn't know if she would do something rash; she seemed unable to accept that Chen Feng was no longer hers.

Chen Feng smiled, seemingly oblivious to Qian Renxue's urgency, and asked in return:

"Brother Xue, do you intend to seize power and take over?"

Qian Renxue's expression changed slightly. She stared at Chen Feng's handsome face and said after a few seconds of silence:

"So what if it is? Just as you said, Father is old and conservative in his actions. The Heavenly Dou Empire cannot continue like this."

Chen Feng toyed with the teacup in his hand and said:

“Brother Xue, it’s good that you have such ambition, but the question is, do you really think that a palace coup can solve everything?”

Qian Renxue frowned slightly. To be honest, that was exactly what she thought. As long as the old emperor died, wouldn't it be natural for her, the crown prince, to ascend the throne?

Although she looked down on poisoning techniques, she had to admit that it was indeed effective; three princes of the Tiandou royal family, including Xue Qinghe, had died this way.

But now it seems that doing so is not quite appropriate?

"I'd like to hear the details," Qian Renxue said, wanting to hear what different perspectives Chen Feng might have.

"Brother Xue, where do you think the Heavenly Dou royal family's power comes from?"

Qian Renxue thought for a moment, "Passed down from generation to generation?"

"Then where did the initial power come from?"

"this......"

Chen Feng gave the answer directly: "The founding emperor of Tiandou brought peace to this land and the hearts of the people. It was with the support of the people that the Tiandou Empire came into being."

Qian Renxue suddenly realized something.

"Therefore, imperial power originates from the hearts of the people. If the hearts of the people are not with you, even if you sit on the throne, you will not be able to hold it firmly," Chen Feng said in a deep voice.

Qian Renxue's substitution of one person for another is essentially a coup d'état by force. However, this approach usually leads to a problem: political instability, or what is commonly referred to as an illegitimate acquisition of power.

A regime that gains power illegitimately is unlikely to have a healthy and successful succession. Most of them perish after only a few generations. After all, if you can usurp power, others can too, and the internal forces are difficult to stabilize from the very beginning.

Internal instability can also affect external conquests, so even if a country can last for several generations, it will still appear poor and weak, as seen in the Jin and Song dynasties.

Some might mention Li Shimin, but while he appears to have usurped the throne, he actually conquered most of the country. One could even say that without Li Shimin, there would be no Tang Dynasty.

Therefore, he could seize power through a single palace coup, and suffer only minor losses with no future troubles, something others could not learn.

If Qian Renxue were truly a member of the Xue family, the consequences of her usurpation would be somewhat less severe, but she is not.

She wasn't even a minister of the Heavenly Dou Empire. Even ministers who usurped the throne faced significant consequences, let alone someone like her who was a complete outsider.

If even the slightest information leaks out, or even if it's just a rumor, the Heavenly Dou Empire will be in turmoil.

Chen Feng could come up with countless reasons to rebel at a moment's notice, such as "the crown prince is not a son of the Xue family," "to favor the Xue family," and "to purge the court of corrupt officials." Since he was going to cooperate with Qian Renxue, he couldn't let her take a path full of troubles.

Otherwise, he might as well switch to Xingluo, where at least the succession to the throne wouldn't be a problem.

Therefore, Qian Renxue's test today was also Chen Feng's test of her.

If Qian Renxue really insists on using her terrible plan, then Chen Feng should seriously consider running away.

Fortunately, Qian Renxue's respect for talent was genuine; she would listen to the opinions of those she respected. She asked:

"So, Xiao Feng, what's your plan?"

"Let His Majesty personally hand the throne to you," Chen Feng said without hesitation.

Qian Renxue frowned, feeling somewhat disappointed. This strategy wasn't entirely ineffective, but it was clearly unsuitable for her because of her problematic identity.

If Xueye were to personally hand over the throne, the situation would become much more unpredictable.

“I’m afraid that won’t work.” Qian Renxue slowly shook her head.

"What are your concerns, Brother Xue?" Chen Feng asked with a smile.

Qian Renxue opened her mouth, unsure how to explain, so she could only mumble:

“I am worried that my father is attached to that position and will become wary of me.”

Chen Feng chuckled and said:

"Brother Xue, have you forgotten what I just said?"

"Hmm?" Qian Renxue looked puzzled.

"Imperial power originates from the hearts of the people. If one day you can win the hearts of the people of the empire, then that position will be yours even if it is not yours. Until then, Brother Xue, you must be open-minded and patient."

"So, I'm going to continue trying to win over those ministers and nobles?" Qian Renxue asked.

"Ministers and nobles need to be won over, but you can't just win them over. You need to look down to the common people and the talented Soul Masters who emerge from among them. They are the true foundation of your rule. So what you need to do is go deep among them and build your own team. Being aloof is not advisable," Chen Feng said with a smile.

Qian Renxue was somewhat surprised, "I thought that with your background, Xiaofeng, you would..."

"Will they place more emphasis on ministers and nobles?"

"Yes."

"Actually, it's a matter of gains and losses. Those people are mostly rich and powerful, as high-ranking officials in the empire. Even if you do them a favor, how much can you give in return, Brother Xue? But it's different for the others."

"I see." Qian Renxue said, understanding dawning on her.

Chapter 271 Ideological Contradictions

“However, I still have some questions,” Qian Renxue said.

"Excuse me."

Qian Renxue considered it for a moment and said:

"I understand what you mean: to win over commoner soul masters to work for us. Because commoner soul masters have no foundation, their loyalty can be guaranteed. But the problem is that there is another force on the continent doing the same thing."

"The Spirit Hall," Chen Feng said, revealing the name of the organization.

“That’s right. What the Spirit Hall does is to recruit commoner soul masters from all over the continent, train them, and turn them into their own. If we want to do the same, how can we compete with them?” Qian Renxue asked.