Chapter 631: Revisiting Old Memories
"So many souls..." Xiao Ze frowned deeply. The destruction of numerous Soul Hall branches had resulted in the rescue of a massive number of souls.
"Lord Xiao Ze, with so many souls, how should we handle them?" asked a Dou Saint with a grave expression. "Although we have destroyed Soul Hall branches and rescued souls before, our previous methods may not be suitable given the number of souls this time."
"I don't have a good solution either, as it's hardly feasible for the Dan League to sustain so many souls," Xiao Ze admitted. "Besides, I haven't been with the Dan League as long as the rest of you and am not fully acquainted with many of its aspects. We need to discuss this together and come up with an effective plan."
Everyone nodded in agreement, deciding to postpone this matter for later discussion.
Xiao Ze took a jade slip from the reporting Dou Saint. It contained the details of the operation, including a list of the materials seized. The same jade slips were distributed to the other Dou Saints present. As they probed the slips with their soul power, Xiao Ze saw that the bounty was indeed substantial. Many ordinary branches of the Soul Hall had been destroyed, including nine of the more significant branches. Notably, the Soul Hall categorized its twenty four crucial branches in Zhongzhou as Earth Evil Halls, and one of these had imprisoned Master Yao in the original story. Even one of the three mighty Sky Gang Halls had been destroyed.
Xiao Ze's eyes flickered slightly when he read about the destruction of the Human Hall. According to the original story, the Human Hall contained a soul orb that had accumulated the essences of over a million souls. While such an orb would not significantly aid in breaking through to the Emperor Realm given that breaking through required the essences of hundreds of such orbs it was still incredibly valuable. Yet, it was not listed among the items in the jade slip. Had there been some changes, or did someone conceal it, or was it simply not discovered?
"Who led the destruction of the Soul Hall's Human Hall?" Xiao Ze suddenly asked, causing a stir among the present powerhouses. A robust figure in a purple robe quickly stood up.
"It was I," said the figure, a familiar face from the Taixu Ancient Dragon clan sent by Zi Yan. He had an imposing aura that suggested long held authority.
Xiao Ze asked, "Did you find anything of importance regarding souls in the Human Hall? It's one of the three Sky Gang Halls and is only less significant than the Soul Hall's main Heaven Hall and the sub ordinate Earth Hall."
The robust elder furrowed his brow and recalled the event in detail before shaking his head. "No, I personally led the search after we destroyed the hall. Although we seized many treasures, we did not find the precious soul related items you mentioned."
Hastily, he added, "Lord Xiao Ze, please believe me, I did not conceal any loot!"
"Haha, of course, we are allies; I wouldn't suspect you," Xiao Ze reassured him, gesturing for him to sit down. "The Soul Hall gathers soul bodies to extract their essences, forming pure soul orbs. One reason they hunt souls across the continent is for these soul orbs."
"I suspect that as a Sky Gang Hall, the Human Hall would have had some soul orbs."
The assembled Dou Saints pondered this, curious about why the Soul Hall was so intent on collecting soul orbs.
"Lord Xiao Ze, now that you mention it, I do recall something," a sinister looking Dou Saint stood up to report. "After we captured some members of the Soul Hall, we interrogated them to glean any valuable intelligence."
"They mentioned that after the war with the Dan League erupted, the frequency of collecting soul essences increased."
Xiao Ze nodded thoughtfully. It seemed the Soul Hall was not foolish; knowing they were at war with the Dan League, they likely increased the collection frequency of soul orbs from their branches to prevent significant losses.
Seeing that the soul orbs from the Human Hall were unattainable, Xiao Ze abandoned the idea. Thankfully, he had not depended on the soul essences from the Human Hall for his breakthrough to the great circle of the Heavenly Realm; otherwise, it would have been a wasted effort.
"Alright, this operation was highly fruitful; we should commend those who contributed. It's essential to reward those who deserve it and ensure clear distinctions in rewards and punishments, as unclear policies can greatly harm an organization."
Everyone nodded in agreement. Soon after, Xiao Ze stretched and returned to the Elders Tower. A beautiful figure flew into his arms like a swallow returning to its nest.
"Xiao Ze brother," Xun Er murmured as Xiao Ze stroked her hair. Following the conclusion of the demon fire space incident, Xun Er had not returned to the Ancient Realm with the people of the Ancient Clan but had stayed by Xiao Ze's side.
"Xun Er, speaking of which, I actually need to visit the Ancient Realm again," Xiao Ze said gently as he caressed her back.
Xun Er looked up in surprise, tilting her head. "Why, Xiao Ze brother? Doesn't the Dan League have many important matters to attend to? And shouldn't you be guarding against the Soul Clan?"
Xiao Ze smiled softly, "I feel my soul power has been increasing slowly lately. I'd like to return to the Heavenly Tomb to seek help from ancestor Xiao Xuan, to see if I can advance further beyond the great circle of the Heavenly Realm. Also, having rescued ancestor Xiao Chen from the demon fire space, it's time to introduce him to ancestor Xiao Xuan."
Xun Er nodded, "But the Heavenly Tomb only opens once every twenty years; it might not be so easy to enter this time."
"True, I'll have to ask uncle for help," Xiao Ze chuckled. "You might have to help me persuade him, Xun Er."
"No problem, father certainly won't refuse such a small request," Xun Er responded confidently, nodding without hesitation.
"Shall we return to the Ancient Realm now?"
"Not in a hurry; we haven't had the chance to catch up properly since the demon fire space was so perilous. Now we finally have the opportunity."
With a smile, Xiao Ze picked up Xun Er. As her cheeks flushed red, he carried her into the room. Spring was in the air, and soft moans soon filled the room.
(End of Chapter)
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