Douluo: Wuhun Qimen Formation, control everything!

For a moment, both sides fell silent.

Is the cooperation proposed by Moon a good idea?

It's definitely a good thing; the benefits outweigh the drawbacks for both the spirit beasts and the humans.

The saying "Those who are not of our kind will surely have different hearts" applies to both humans and spirit beasts.

To put it bluntly, neither side trusts the other.

"Cooperation?" Di Tian finally broke the silence. "It's not impossible. How do you want to cooperate?"

"How about we collaborate to establish a new force dedicated to research on spirits and, later, on artificial spirit rings and spirit bones? We'll each contribute half the personnel."

Di Tian raised an eyebrow in surprise; Mu En's condition was indeed very sincere.

However, all conditions are negotiated, and he won't agree immediately.

Di Tian's gaze swept over Mu En: "Where will the new force be located? Who will take the lead?"

After a moment's thought, Mu En said, "As for the location, the core area of ​​the Star Dou Great Forest is too dangerous for humans, and you soul beasts probably wouldn't feel comfortable with Shrek City either. How about we set it on the outskirts of the Star Dou Great Forest, at the entrance of Shrek City?"

"As for the person in charge, it will naturally be the people of Shrek City who take the lead, since it was proposed by my disciple."

Di Tian narrowed his eyes and objected directly: "No way!"

He could accept the previous conditions, but he couldn't accept this last one.

Moon shook his head: "So you want me to take the lead? Do you have any experience? Do you know what it takes to manage a force?"

A series of questions left Di Tian speechless.

Although he has a distinguished status, he actually only manages a few ferocious beasts in the Star Dou Great Forest, and he does so entirely through his own strength.

If you ask him to manage a force, he might not be able to do it.

However, he absolutely refused to let Shrek Academy control him; that was his bottom line.

Di Tian said in a deep voice, "Mu En, stop beating around the bush. I truly don't understand management."
But if this research is entirely led by you, Shrek, who can guarantee that you won't keep secrets from us?
Who can guarantee that the results of this research won't ultimately become a weapon against my soul beast race?

"Di Tian!" Mu En's voice turned cold. "Since I've proposed cooperation, I've shown my sincerity. If you believe Shrek Academy is like this, then let's not discuss this cooperation anymore!"

Zhou Xuan listened from the side, knowing that if these two big shots got angry, the hard-won cooperation agreement would probably be ruined. He had to say something.

"Teacher, Senior Di Tian, ​​please don't be angry." Zhou Xuan stepped forward and stood between the two.

Di Tian and Mu En both turned their gazes toward him.

Zhou Xuan composed himself and said, "I have a preliminary idea. Since both sides have concerns about the other side monopolizing power, why not separate the responsibilities and authority?"

"separate?"

Mu En also looked at Zhou Xuan, signaling him to continue.

“The new power can appoint two leaders.” Zhou Xuan spoke slowly. “One will be in charge of research affairs, including setting research directions, managing researchers, allocating resources, and so on.”

Shrek has extensive experience in this area, and having it handled by you, Professor, or someone assigned by the college will ensure the efficiency of the research.

Moon nodded slightly. Shrek Academy certainly had experience in this area; otherwise, it wouldn't have been able to grow to its current scale.

Zhou Xuan turned to Di Tian: "The other leader is in charge of the security and defense of the new forces, as well as their external deterrence."

In this area, no one is more intimidating than Senior Di Tian.

With you personally overseeing and leading an elite force, we can prevent any unscrupulous individuals from coveting our research results, and also put the soul beast race at ease.

The two powers are separated and mutually check and balance each other.

"Hmph, that sounds nice," Di Tian said. "You can do the research, and I'll just be the gatekeeper? If you research something that's harmful to soul beasts, wouldn't I become an accomplice?"

Mu En also spoke up, his concerns differing from Di Tian's: "Zhou Xuan, this method sounds feasible. But how can the responsibilities and powers be clearly defined?"

What if the two leaders disagree? Excessive security and defense power could also interfere with the normal progress of research.

Both sides raised crucial questions, but it was at this point that Zhou Xuan's role became apparent.

He had anticipated this, and continued, "We can discuss and draft a specific list of powers and responsibilities together, ensuring it is clear."

Regarding the disagreements, I think a veto system could be adopted; if any party disagrees with a proposal, it will not be passed.

After Zhou Xuan finished speaking, neither Di Tian nor Mu En immediately expressed their opinions.

"A veto? If Shrek Academy vetoes everything and hinders the progress of soul research, wouldn't all my efforts be wasted?"

Mu En shared the same concern: "Similarly, if Di Tian, ​​you use your veto power to forcibly reject some research, wouldn't all our efforts be wasted?"

Zhou Xuan knew these two wouldn't be easily persuaded: "That's why I said it was an immature idea. A veto is a bottom-line guarantee, but it can't become the norm. True cooperation requires mutual trust."

Zhou Xuan carefully considered his words before speaking, "How about this, above the two leaders, we set up a 'Joint Oversight Committee,' composed of three representatives from each side."

If irreconcilable differences arise at the leadership level, and a veto is invoked, the matter will be submitted to the committee for a final decision, with the minority abiding by the majority. How about that?

Di Tian snorted: "Then what about the selection of the committee? How can I trust any human soul masters that Shrek Academy randomly picks?"

If you humans are already in cahoots, wouldn't this committee be completely ineffective?

Mu En also shook his head slightly: "Although Di Tian's words are unpleasant to hear, they are also reasonable. You can't judge a book by its cover. The soul beast race can also nominate three people who are of one mind with you. The committee's decision may still be biased towards one side."

“Then we will further refine the powers of the committee,” Zhou Xuan said immediately. “The committee will not participate in daily management and specific research, but will only intervene when there are major disagreements between the two leaders and neither side is willing to back down.”

Furthermore, a committee ruling requires at least four votes to pass, meaning that any party wishing to force a resolution through it must secure at least one vote from the opposing camp. Surely this guarantees relative fairness?
Furthermore, the committee members must undergo rigorous selection to ensure their neutrality and avoid excessive favoritism towards any side.

Four votes in favor means that at least one person on your side must "betray" you for a resolution that is unfavorable to you to pass, which certainly increases the difficulty.

Di Tian and Mu En still did not agree quickly.

Zhou Xuan was at his wits' end watching this scene. He took a deep breath, knowing that without some drastic measures, it would be impossible to reach an agreement.

"Teacher, Senior Di Tian. The core technology of the Soul Spirit Technique is currently only in my hands."

I can promise that I will be fully involved in the research process at the new institution to ensure that the research direction does not deviate from its original purpose.

Mu En certainly trusted Zhou Xuan, so he had no objections to this.

As for Di Tian, ​​he knew that this was probably the best condition he could get. He might not have felt at ease with anyone else, so this was good enough for him.

“Alright.” Di Tian finally spoke. “As you say. The research direction and application of the results will be discussed jointly by both parties. If there are any disagreements, they will be submitted to the committee.”

However, you, Zhou Xuan, must take the lead in core technology within the new organization, and the Soul Beasts have the right to send observers into the core research area.

Moon nodded. "Okay." "In that case," Zhou Xuan breathed a sigh of relief, "can we begin discussing the personnel composition and resource allocation for the new organization?"

A hint of fatigue appeared on Moon's face: "Regarding personnel, Shrek Academy can draw on the academy's top soul masters and scholars who have in-depth research on soul beasts."

Regarding resources, Shrek is willing to cover 70% of the initial construction costs of the new facility and provide all basic research equipment.

Di Tian snorted coldly, neither agreeing nor disagreeing with Mu En's over-the-top promise: "As for expenses and equipment, our Star Dou Great Forest is not lacking in rare treasures, which are sufficient to cover them."

The key is people! The core of researching soul spirits lies with you, my disciple. But if all the other support personnel are from Shrek Academy, how can I feel at ease?

He paused, his dark eyes fixed on Zhou Xuan: "The observers you mentioned before are not enough."

"I require that at least 30% of the research team must be humans trusted by my soul beast race, or... directly, soul beasts in human form."

Whether or not it will happen is not important; what's important is that he must be there!

Moon nodded slightly, acknowledging the compromise. He continued, "Besides research, the new organization's daily operations involve a significant amount of logistical and administrative work. Shrek Academy has extensive experience in this area and can..."

The most crucial decision-making power had already been agreed upon, and he didn't want to bother with the other minor details.

“Wait a minute,” Di Tian interrupted him. “Managing affairs also requires our own people. I don’t want the new organization to become just another branch of Shrek Academy.”

A hint of displeasure flashed in Mu En's eyes, but he still patiently said, "Di Tian, ​​everyone has their own expertise. Soul beasts are skilled in battle, but when it comes to managing a complex organization, I'm afraid..."

“If you don’t know how, you can learn! And Shrek Academy can also send people in for security.” Di Tian’s tone was firm.

"Alright, so until you guys have learned how to manage things, Shrek will still be in charge?"

Di Tian then nodded in agreement.

In any case, he only has one principle: no matter what department it is, his soul beast clan must have someone there!
Afterwards, the two sides discussed some details, and although there were some twists and turns, they managed to reach an agreement.

"The name of the new organization should also be decided. It belongs neither to Shrek Academy nor to the Star Dou Great Forest."

Di Tian raised an eyelid: "Stop with all that fancy stuff, get straight to the point."

Zhou Xuan chimed in at the opportune moment: "How about we call it the 'Soul Spirit Research Association'? The word 'association' represents cooperation, and the word 'research' highlights the core. It's simple and clear, and it also reflects the intention of both parties to conduct joint research."

Although the name Spirit Pagoda is acceptable, Zhou Xuan still felt a bit strange using it.

"The Soul Spirit Research Association..." Di Tian repeated, "It's barely acceptable."

Mu En turned to Zhou Xuan, his eyes filled with a hint of satisfaction: "Zhou Xuan, you are the key to the establishment of the 'Soul Spirit Research Association'."

Although it seems that many things have been agreed upon now, the obstacles will be far greater than you can imagine.

You must remember, no matter what, stay true to yourself and make peaceful coexistence between the two peoples your ultimate goal.

This is the most difficult part; even he himself might not be able to do it.

Zhou Xuan bowed solemnly: "This disciple understands."

Moon nodded with relief, his hunched body seemingly straightening up a little, even though the weakness brought on by burning life force surged like a tide.

The discussions within the Star Dou Great Forest have finally come to a conclusion.

He glanced at Di Tian one last time, his eyes calm and unwavering: "Di Tian, ​​I hope that today's promise will bear fruit one day."

Di Tian met his gaze, his tone laced with sarcasm: "I'm not in a hurry, but you're probably in a difficult situation."

The atmosphere at the Sea God Pavilion remained solemn.

Every now and then, Elder Xuan and the others would look toward the direction of the Star Dou Great Forest.

The two earth-shattering auras collided and then mysteriously subsided, which they probably didn't see as a good omen.

"Sigh..." Elder Xuan sighed again, but his movements suddenly froze.

He rubbed his eyes in disbelief and looked toward the courtyard entrance.

A hunched yet familiar figure was slowly walking towards them.

"Pavilion...Pavilion Master?" Elder Xuan's voice trembled slightly.

Xian Lin'er, Yan Shaozhe, and Old Song also looked over at the same time.

"teacher!"

"Pavilion Master!"

Mu En nodded slightly to everyone. Although his face was somewhat pale and his life force still carried a sense of decline, he had at least returned alive.

"Sect Master, are you...are you alright?"

"Thank you all for your concern," Moon said, his voice slightly hoarse. "I'm fine."

"Great! Great! Then... what about that kid Zhou Xuan?"

Mu En waved his hand, walked to the table and sat down, and said slowly, "Zhou Xuan is fine."

"Then Di Tian didn't kill Zhou Xuan?" Yan Shaozhe pressed, not believing that Di Tian would be so easy to talk to.

Mu En glanced at him: "Not only did Di Tian not make things difficult for Zhou Xuan, we also... reached a cooperation agreement with him."

"Wha...what? Cooperation?"

The group of people all looked incredulous.

Cooperation? How is that possible?

Moon briefly recounted what had happened.

From Zhou Xuan being "invited" by Di Tian to conduct research, to the proposal of the "Soul Spirit Method," to his confrontation with Di Tian at the edge of the Star Dou Great Forest, and finally the two sides reaching a cooperation agreement on soul spirit research.

Upon hearing that the "Soul Spirit Technique" allows the souls of soul beasts to continue in another form and grants soul masters soul rings and soul skills,

Moreover, when there was no need to hunt soul beasts, all four elders of the Sea God Pavilion were deeply shocked.

This is a groundbreaking innovation that could overturn the entire Soul Master system on the continent!
"You can obtain a spirit ring without hunting spirit beasts?"

Xian Lin'er frowned deeply: "Teacher, is this 'Soul Technique' really so miraculous?"

Yan Shaozhe's tone was complicated, "However, cooperating with Di Tian is tantamount to seeking help from a tiger! Can the Soul Beast race really be trusted?"

His concerns were shared by everyone present. They had fought the Soul Beast race for ten thousand years, and now they were talking about cooperating? (End of Chapter)