Gazing at the indignant expressions of the Council Members, the Chairman knew that anything he said would be futile…
He had to comply with their wishes, "Since everyone believes that the response from the Xingluo Empire's Emperor is not credible and is likely just to string the federation along! Then even if we do anything, it would be useless!"
"What we should be considering is how to deal with the Spirit Pagoda's collaboration with the Xingluo Empire!"
Hearing these words, the faces of the Council Members turned considerably ashen...
"If we were to fight against the Spirit Pagoda, we might still have a slight chance of victory, but if the Xingluo Empire joins in, the federation is likely to suffer a disastrous defeat!"
"That's right, the Xingluo Empire has fully equipped its army with soul weapons. If it came to a battlefield confrontation, they would certainly not be comparable to a Soul Master army. At least, they pose a considerable threat to the current federation!"
"Handling both the Xingluo Empire and the Spirit Pagoda at the same time is simply impossible unless we can utilize the rare materials from the abyssal plane to produce God-killing soul-guided missiles before the war starts!"
"Ah... speaking of which, there's that nettlesome Ghost Emperor waiting to be dealt with; the federation's situation is indeed worrisome!"
Had it not been for the discovery in the abyssal plane of the potential to recreate God-killing soul-guided missiles, they would probably have already given up on contending with the Spirit Pagoda!
The Chairman opened his mouth but simply sighed silently...
However, just when everyone was at a loss, one of the Federation Members suddenly burst in...
Excitedly exclaiming, "Re... Report, Chairman, and all Council Members, I have an important matter to report!"
All eyes suddenly turned towards the speaker...
The Chairman asked, "What has happened?"
The former hastily explained, "According to our investigation, we have confirmed the existence of precious materials in the abyssal plane needed to manufacture God-killing soul-guided missiles!!"
"What's more, without the interference from abyssal creatures, the collection process has been very smooth!!"
"A preliminary estimate suggests that in about a week, we will be able to start research and development of God-killing soul-guided missiles!!"
Upon hearing this news, the gloomy expressions on Council Members' faces vanished in an instant, replaced by looks of excitement...
"This is great, if this is the case, we might truly not fear the alliance between the Xingluo Empire and the Spirit Pagoda!!"
"This news is undoubtedly like a strong stimulant for us; as long as we successfully produce the God-killing soul-guided missiles, the federation will regain its former dominance!!"
"We can't be too complacent. No one knows when the Ghost Emperor might return in force. If it interferes with our research, it will have a significant impact on the federation!"
Several weeks later, as Xu Sheng's behavior during this period had been too inconspicuous, entirely not showing any ill intentions...
Therefore, Bi Bidong ordered the cancellation of his surveillance...
However, this did not mean he was left completely unchecked; it was just a restriction in his activities...
For example, he was not allowed to leave the Pope Hall at will, among other things...
Owing to his strong spiritual power, Xu Sheng naturally felt the people secretly watching him disappear, but he didn't pay much attention to it!
After all, he had never intended to do anything to the Martial Soul Hall!
While contemplating, Hulena, excited, asked him, "Xu Sheng, just yesterday, brother advanced to the 2nd Ring, and the teacher decided to let Ghost Douluo lead us to hunt soul beasts on the outskirts of the Aquipeia Forest!"
Hearing this, Xu Sheng was quite surprised as he looked toward Evil Moon not far away, who was talking with Flame, "He broke through to the 2nd Ring?"
If it wasn't for his Innate Soul Power Level Ninety, perhaps he would be the same!
However, after all, he was only a few years old; his mind was far from mature!
Flame glared at Evil Moon with vehement rage, grinding his teeth, "Evil Moon, you... you dared to break through to the 2nd Ring before me, damn it!!"
He had always believed he would be the first one from the Spirit Hall Golden Generation to achieve the breakthrough!
Evil Moon curled his lips, "Is that so surprising? After all, my talent is somewhat stronger than yours!"
How could Flame admit that, retorting coldly, "Tch, stop being so smug, it won't be long until I break through too!!"
Evil Moon displayed a smirk of contempt, "What of it? You're still slower than me!!"
However, seeming to notice Xu Sheng casting him a glance, he stopped his quarrel with Flame and strode towards him...
Before he could speak, Xu Sheng took the initiative, "Evil Moon, congratulations on reaching the 2nd Ring!"
Upon hearing this, Evil Moon spoke with genuine gratitude, "Thank you. But I must admit, this rapid progress is largely thanks to you!"
Soon enough, these Branch Tower Masters began to change their stance...
Speaking up again, "The Pagoda Master does have a point. Engaging in war with the federation now could give opportunities for evil Soul Masters and other forces to take advantage, furthermore, the other two great empires are also coveting the Soul Land!"
"Indeed, worthy of the Pagoda Master, your foresight is truly far-reaching, let's allow the federation to be arrogant for a little while longer, once we handle other troublesome matters, we'll deal with the federation!"
"Even if we don't go to war with the federation, we can't let them off this easily, we need to vent our anger, like delivering a severe blow to the federation's industries."
"Agreed. In doing so, we can make the federation restrain themselves somewhat, as well as greatly boost the Spirit Pagoda's morale. After all, many Spirit Pagoda Members are bottling up their rage over this affair!"
The former paused, then directed his gaze towards Gu Yuena, "Pagoda Master, what do you think about this?"
Gu Yuena did not immediately take a stance, but responded meaningfully, "I will carefully consider your proposals, and if it's necessary, I will inform you all at once!"
"With that said, let's conclude for today. Di Tian, you stay behind, the rest of you may leave!"
With this statement, these Branch Tower Masters of the Spirit Pagoda rose to their feet and swiftly left the Council Hall...
Only Bi Ji and the ferocious beasts, led by her, looked somewhat worriedly at Di Tian beside her, "Di Tian, you..."
The latter glanced at her with golden pupils, with an unchanged expression, "Bi Ji, don't worry, I trust our lord will make the right judgment!"
On hearing this, Bi Ji could only let out a sound of agreement...
Within the Pope Hall in Soul City!
Yueguan gave Gui Mei a sidelong glance as they walked side by side, frowning, "Lao Gui, do you really think we should tell His Holiness about this news?"
Gui Mei's pupils tightened, affirming, "Of course! Such an incident happening once could be a fluke, but several occurrences in a short span indicates deliberate action!"
"If we're not careful, it could bring about the legendary Beast Tide!"
It was rumored that just before a Beast Tide occurs, ferocious beasts from various soul beast forests would suddenly leave their habitat to launch attacks on humans or cities!
And this matched perfectly with the current situation!
Yueguan took a deep breath and countered, "I think there's more to it than that, even the bloodthirstiest of ferocious beasts wouldn't resort to such a bloody method to torture their adversaries!"
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