However, just as this statement began to echo, it was ruthlessly interrupted by another Council Member...
"Ha, what is there to fear? The position of the Douling Empire in today's three nations has always been awkward. Our Spirit Pagoda's influence spreads across every Continent; do we still need to fear them?"
"Exactly, the mere Douling Empire isn't qualified to threaten our Spirit Pagoda!"
"We have already given up on supplying spirit souls to the Douling Empire, and aren't we developing just fine now? The Douling Empire is not worth mentioning!"
"Well said. It must be that the Douling Empire is on its last breath internally. Otherwise, they wouldn't have taken the initiative to contact our Spirit Pagoda. Just drag it out a few more years, and even their emperor will come to bow and apologize!"
Watching the fiercely debating council members, Qiangu Qingfeng shouted coldly, "Everyone, be quiet!"
Then, he continued, "Firstly, regarding the matter of the Douling Empire sending messengers to visit, our Spirit Pagoda must receive them! After all, we have not yet found any evidence to prove that the previous incident was secretly manipulated by the Douling Empire!"
"Of course, the incident with the Soul Power transport team being attacked will not be let go so easily, either. The Spirit Pagoda will put forth all its effort to pursue the matter until the real mastermind behind the scenes is caught!"
He had an unspoken sentence, that as long as the Spirit Pagoda discovered any trace pointing to the Douling Empire, the latter should not dream of getting even one spirit soul!!
However, the Council Members were unhappy, as they discerned from Qiangu Qingfeng's words an intention to continue trading with the Douling Empire...
"What? Vice Tower Master, according to you, are we supposed to shamelessly grovel to the Douling Empire? Don't let the hearts of the Spirit Pagoda Disciples who died grow cold!"
"The mastermind is the Douling Empire. Why can't the Vice Tower Master understand this!"
"I actually think the Vice Tower Master is making a lot of sense. If we continue the investigation and can't produce any evidence, and if it really was the Douling Empire's doing, they could easily rebut with slander, leaving us speechless!"
"Stop arguing, the Vice Tower Master must have his reasons for saying this. However, in the end, how we should treat the Douling Empire will still depend on the Pagoda Master's decision!"
Therefore, most of the Council Members' gazes dimmed...
Because they were very much aware that there had never been a divergence between the thoughts of the Pagoda Master and the Vice Tower Master, and that the former had never rejected suggestions made by the latter...
This time was definitely no exception!
Nevertheless, to their surprise, after a few seconds of silence, Leng Yaozhu gave Qiangu Qingfeng a deep look...
She then spoke up, "Vice Tower Master, the opinion you have presented is indeed very rational, and I also believe that it's beneficial for the future direction of our Spirit Pagoda's development!"
The next second, her tone gradually became heavier, "But as the master of the Spirit Pagoda, I cannot watch idly as Spirit Pagoda Disciples sacrifice their lives in vain and converse amicably with their murderer!"
"Therefore, the Spirit Pagoda will absolutely not open the spirit soul channel to the Douling Empire!"
The Council Members below felt their blood stirring within them, their excited gazes turning towards Qiangu Qingfeng, as if wanting to see his expression at this moment...
And truly, upon hearing her words, he fell into a stupor, then revealed a relieved expression...
That's right, he wasn't upset that Leng Yaozhu had rejected his suggestion, but rather, he was happy for her!
Because at this moment, she was acting more like the true Pagoda Master of the Spirit Pagoda and not just a puppet swayed by his words!!
Burying his head slowly, he said with a calm tone, "Pagoda Master, this is your decision, and I have no objections!"
...
After the meeting ended, Leng Yaozhu looked at Qiangu Qingfeng with eyes carrying a touch of apology, "I'm sorry, Vice Tower Master, this time, I..."
Qiangu Qingfeng shook his head, "No need to apologize. Pagoda Master, you have done nothing wrong! However, it is time for me to step down from the position of Vice Tower Master!"
Having said that, his eyes revealed a trace of reluctance...
Leng Yaozhu hurriedly said, "What? Vice Tower Master, you're leaving? If it's because of the previous matter, I can take the initiative to step down from the position of Pagoda Master..."
The one so accustomed to having Qiangu Qingfeng's support by her side was momentarily unable to accept this...
Before she could finish, Qiangu Qingfeng solemnly interrupted, "First listen to me, I remained at the Spirit Pagoda from the start solely to assist you in becoming a qualified Pagoda Master!"
"Today, your performance has shown me that once again there is a Pagoda Master in the Spirit Pagoda who possesses both rationality and courage! Therefore, it doesn't matter whether I hold the position of Vice Tower Master or not!"
If he continued to stay in the Spirit Pagoda, it would certainly affect Leng Yaozhu's status. Stepping down as Vice Tower Master was the best solution!
Leng Yaozhu discerned the finality in his words and clenched her teeth, "Vice Tower Master, must you leave the Spirit Pagoda?"
This rhetorical question left Qiangu Qingfeng with a bitter smile...
"Leave the Spirit Pagoda? Why? If this is what you wish, Pagoda Master, I will not refuse!"
He had only mentioned resigning from his position as Vice Tower Master, not leaving the Spirit Pagoda!
Leng Yaozhu was also bewildered and asked doubtfully, "Vice Tower Master, you mean to say you won't leave the Spirit Pagoda?"
Qiangu Qingfeng nodded slightly, "Of course I won't leave. After stepping down as Vice Tower Master, I will continue to serve the Spirit Pagoda and dedicate myself to research in neuroscience!"
Indeed, once he had laid down the burden of being the Vice Tower Master, he felt a whole lot lighter!
Despite the awkwardness, Leng Yaozhu persisted stiffly, "I... I see! Then I respect your choice, Vice Tower Master!"
...
Another two to three weeks passed!
In the Special Service Forge Room!
With Tang Wulin's last hammer strike, the Two-Word Battle Armor, complete!
Gazing at the wild-looking Two-Word Battle Armor before him, Tang Wulin was quite satisfied, "Finally it is forged, Chief Ling's Two-Word Battle Armor! Though it may not be superior to the Three-Word Battle Armor overall, its defense is uncompromising!"
And so he reached out to Ling Wuyue using the communicator...
"Chief Ling, your Two-Word Battle Armor is forged. When would you have time to come and try it out?"
Upon hearing this, Ling Wuyue was filled with joy but also some skepticism, "What? It's already done? Are you sure you aren't just whipping something up to appease me?"
Tang Wulin rolled his eyes, "Chief Ling, am I that kind of person? Simply put, your Battle Armor is better than the one I'm wearing in every way!"
Ling Wuyue's attitude immediately underwent a radical change, "I'm... I'm sorry, Wulin, I'm just a bit excited, it wasn't on purpose. You wait at the Special Service, I'll cancel my tasks and come right over!"
After speaking, she hung up the communicator...
Compared to something as precious as Battle Armor, those trifling matters could be attended to later without any issue...
Tang Wulin put away his communicator, stood up, and stretched lazily, muttering to himself, "It seems this set of Two-Word Battle Armor should indeed be free of mistakes and quite suitable for Chief Ling."
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