Douluo Continent: Targeted Thoughts, Winning Over Bibi Dong at the Start

On the carriage heading to Tiandou City, the wheels made rhythmic sounds as they rolled on the official road.

Qin Heng leaned back in his soft chair, his gaze lowered as he watched the scenery rushing past the window. Suddenly, he asked, "Elder Gui, have all the traitors who sold the 'Basic Universal Version of Meridian Cultivation Method' to various factions been dealt with?"

The ghost sitting opposite him nodded slightly and said in a low voice, "Everything has been handled according to His Holiness the Pope's orders. Those who are unforgivable and have a long history of misdeeds have all been executed and their property confiscated."

Those whose actions were excusable, merely driven by greed or forced into a corner, were given a chance. As long as they honestly handed over all the gold soul coins they had obtained, their lives would be spared, and they would be allowed to atone for their crimes through meritorious service.

Qin Heng gave a soft "hmm," a cold glint flashing in his eyes: "Killing some, intimidating some, and bribing some—His Holiness the Pope's move was indeed brilliant. He not only purged the internal forces but also made a fortune and established his authority in the process."

Ghostly lips curled slightly, a rare smile appearing on his face: "His Holiness the Pope's planning is so meticulous, it's naturally flawless."

Qin Heng turned his head and asked, "So, when we go to Heaven Dou City this time, are we going to directly announce the public sale of the 'Basic General Version of Meridian Cultivation Method' to all Soul Masters?"

This time, the ghost did not answer immediately, but instead turned its gaze to Yue Guan, who had been smiling silently to the side.

Yue Guan, with her delicate fingers raised, covered her lips and chuckled softly, her voice gentle yet solemn: "Your Highness, His Holiness the Pope arranged for you to go to Tiandou City this time precisely to build momentum for you."

Salas had already received His Holiness the Pope's decree, which was that he would first publicly announce that the "Basic General Version of Meridian Cultivation Method" had been stolen by various forces.

At that time, His Highness only needs to step forward at the most opportune moment, in the name of the author of the cultivation technique, and announce in front of all the Soul Masters of Heaven Dou City that this cultivation technique is officially being made public to all Soul Masters across the continent.

A hint of amusement flashed in Yue Guan's eyes as he said this: "At that time, you will not only gain great prestige, but also be able to promote the technique in a natural way, killing two birds with one stone."

After listening, Qin Heng nodded slightly, a knowing glint in his eyes: "It seems His Holiness the Pope is going to push me to the forefront completely." He leaned back in his chair, a meaningful smile playing on his lips: "Very well, if we're going to do it, let's do it big."

As the carriage sped along, the scenery outside the window changed rapidly. A few days later, the majestic city walls of Tiandou City came into view in the distance.

The enormous characters "Tian Dou" hang high above the city gate, exuding a majestic aura.

The city gate was bustling with people, with Soul Masters, caravans, and commoners coming and going in an endless stream, making it seem exceptionally prosperous.

The carriage slowly came to a stop some distance from the city gate. Gui Mei and Yue Guan got out first, and Qin Heng straightened his robes and followed suit.

"We've finally arrived..." Qin Heng looked up at the towering walls of Tiandou City, a sharp glint in his eyes. This time, he was no longer an unknown youth, but was about to officially step onto the mainland stage as the creator of the "Basic Universal Version of Meridian Cultivation Method".

As soon as Qin Heng, Yue Guan, and Gui Mei entered Tian Dou City, they could clearly feel that the atmosphere inside the city was different from usual.

Pedestrians hurried along the streets, and discussions about the "Basic General Version of Meridian Cultivation Method" could be heard everywhere—in teahouses, taverns, and alleyways.

The Spirit Hall's actions have clearly caused quite a stir in Heaven Dou City.

"Hey, have you heard? The Spirit Hall has launched a brand new cultivation system! It's said to be much better than our old meditation method, and it can increase cultivation speed by several times!" A middle-aged Spirit Master in his twenties excitedly told his companion.

"Your information is outdated!" someone immediately chimed in. "This has been circulating for over half a year, and the technique has already been leaked. I've heard that many powerful forces and sects have quietly obtained their hands on it."

"Yes, yes, I heard about it too! The Platinum Bishop Salas of the Martial Soul Temple was furious about it and arrested several deacons who dared to leak the techniques. They're going to be burned at the stake in the central square tomorrow!"

"Tsk tsk, it's been a long time since the Spirit Hall has mobilized so much. It's clear they're really enraged this time."

"I have to go see what's going on tomorrow. It's been so many years, it's rare to see the Spirit Hall publicly execute someone."

"Alright, let's go together! I heard those deacons used to be quite arrogant, but they've really messed up this time."

……

Qin Heng and his two companions walked down the street, hearing all the discussions clearly. He paused slightly, then immediately transmitted his voice to Yue Guan and Gui Mei beside him, saying, "Elders, let's not go to the Martial Soul Temple today. Let's find a place to stay and go tomorrow."

Yue Guan and Gui Mei exchanged a glance. Although they didn't know why Qin Heng had changed his mind at the last minute, neither of them asked any further questions. They simply nodded to indicate that they understood.

Ghostly said in a low voice, "Then let's find a quiet hotel nearby."

Soon, the three of them checked into a high-end hotel called Tianxiangju, not far from the central square.

Qin Heng directly requested the quietest room on the entire third floor, while Yue Guan and Gui Mei stayed in rooms on the left and right sides respectively, secretly protecting him.

Inside the room, Qin Heng had the waiter bring over a sumptuous meal.

After the three of them had a simple dinner, Yue Guan covered her mouth and chuckled, asking, "Your Highness, you've suddenly changed your mind. Is there some new plan?"

Qin Heng leaned back in his chair, gently swirling his wine glass, a playful smile curving his lips: "Since Salas is going to burn people in public tomorrow, let's let him heat up the atmosphere first. When people's anger reaches its peak, I'll step in and announce the public release of the cultivation technique. That way, the effect will be the best."

A hint of approval flashed in the ghostly eyes, and he nodded, saying, "Your Highness's considerations are thorough."

Qin Heng smiled and said nothing more. After he had eaten and drunk his fill, he went straight back to his room to rest.

Lying on the soft bed, Qin Heng gazed at the night view of Tian Dou City outside the window, feeling a sense of peace.

The next morning, before dawn, a large crowd had already gathered near the central square of Tiandou City.

The news that the Martial Soul Temple was about to publicly execute someone spread like wildfire throughout the city.

Meanwhile, Qin Heng and his two companions leisurely ate breakfast in the hotel, quietly waiting for the best opportunity to make their appearance.

......

At 9:00 a.m. sharp, the central square in front of the Martial Soul Temple in Tiandou City was completely packed with people.

A dense crowd surged in from all directions, crowding the entire square until there was almost no room to stand.

The rooftops, treetops, and balconies of nearby buildings were filled with Soul Masters and commoners watching the spectacle, and the air was thick with tension, excitement, and a lingering sense of fear.

In the center of the square, five thick black iron pillars stood prominently, with four male and one female Soul Masters bound to each pillar.

Their soul power had been destroyed; their faces were pale, and their eyes were filled with despair.

A series of exclamations and murmurs quickly arose from the crowd below:

"My God! The Spirit Hall is serious this time! All five of them have had their spirit power completely destroyed!"

"I recognize that female Soul Master. She used to be a level 56 Soul King! Are all Soul King-level powerhouses being burned to death?"

"That's not all! The man in the middle is the worst off. He's a level 65 Soul Emperor! Judging by his age, he's not even 50 yet, and he might even reach the Soul Saint level in the future. Now he's going to be burned alive. The Spirit Hall is truly enraged this time!"

"Serves him right! A traitor who takes resources from the Spirit Hall but secretly sells cultivation techniques to other forces—such a person deserves to die!"

"Exactly! The Spirit Hall's cultivation techniques are incredibly precious; how could they be revealed so easily? They're courting death!"

Discussions rose and fell, ranging from shock and schadenfreude to fear and awe at the Spirit Hall's tough stance.

Just then, a powerful voice resounded throughout the entire venue:

"quiet!"

Platinum Bishop Salas, dressed in a magnificent platinum robe with the Spirit Hall emblem embroidered on his chest, slowly walked to the center of the plaza, surrounded by several Soul Saint-level experts.

His face was cold and stern, his eyes sharp as an eagle, and his powerful soul power at the level of a Soul Douluo naturally spread out, instantly silencing the entire square.

Salas surveyed the entire area, his gaze finally settling on the five pillars. His voice was cold and authoritative, clearly reaching the ears of everyone present with the amplification of his soul power: "Fellow residents of Heaven Dou City and fellow soul masters, you must already know why these five people are tied up here."

As deacons of the Spirit Hall, they enjoyed the best resources and treatment within the hall, yet instead of repaying the favor, they betrayed their own people! They privately sold the "Basic General Version of Meridian Cultivation Method," personally issued by His Holiness the Pope, to other major powers and sects, severely disrupting the Spirit Hall's overall plans—a heinous crime!

At this point, Salas's voice suddenly rose, filled with intense anger: "Today, I, Salas, on behalf of His Holiness the Pope, will execute them!"

At the same time, the Spirit Hall will demand an explanation from all forces that purchased this technique! The Spirit Hall will settle accounts sooner or later for plagiarizing our confidential techniques and stealing our achievements!

As soon as Salas finished speaking, a collective gasp filled the square, and many people's expressions changed, especially those representatives of powerful forces who had secretly purchased the cultivation techniques, who were now filled with unease.

Beneath the five iron pillars, dry firewood was already piled up. A Soul Saint expert stepped forward, waved his hand, and flames instantly rose up, sweeping towards the five prisoners.

A heart-wrenching scream immediately echoed across the square.

Qin Heng and the other two were floating in the air, looking down at everything below with a clear view.

Yue Guan said with a smile, "That guy Salas is getting better and better at acting."

"That's exactly what he's good at," Ghost said.

Qin Heng crossed his arms and calmly looked at the raging flames below. When the fire had burned down enough, Qin Heng said, "The two elders have made their fires burn bright enough; it's time for us to make our appearance."

Upon hearing this, Yue Guan and Gui Mei immediately bowed and agreed.

Soon the five prisoners' mournful cries gradually weakened until they disappeared completely.

In the center of the square, only five charred iron pillars remained, along with a strong, acrid smell in the air.

Just then, three figures descended from the sky and landed steadily on the open ground in the center of the square.

Leading the group was a tall, handsome young man in black robes, flanked by two powerful figures with extraordinary bearing.

The moment the three appeared, they attracted the attention of everyone present.

"Who goes there?!" The surrounding paladin knights reacted quickly, immediately drawing their weapons and surrounding the three people, instantly creating an extremely tense atmosphere.

Salas frowned, about to reprimand the knights to step back, when he suddenly felt two terrifyingly powerful fluctuations of soul energy erupt simultaneously!

Yue Guan and Gui Mei simultaneously released their soul rings.

Yellow, purple, black, black, black, black!

Each person possessed nine spirit rings, dazzling and radiating a terrifying pressure that was suffocating!

The combined might of two level 96 Super Douluo descended simultaneously, and the air in the entire central square seemed to freeze.

The paladin knights surrounding them felt as if they had been struck by a heavy hammer in the chest; their faces turned pale, their legs went weak, and they could barely hold their weapons.

The audience was silent.

Salas's pupils contracted sharply, and he quickly stepped forward, knelt on one knee, and respectfully bowed: "Your Highness, I pay my respects!"

These words caused another sensation in the audience.

Your Highness?!

For the Platinum Bishop Salas to address him as "Your Highness," he must be a very important person from Spirit City!

Qin Heng's gaze swept calmly across the entire room. His voice was clear yet carried an undeniable authority as he slowly spoke: "Everyone, my name is Qin Heng. I am a member of the Spirit Hall and also the creator of the 'Basic General Version of Meridian Cultivation Method'."

As soon as he said this, a gasp rang out in the square, and countless eyes instantly focused on him, filled with shock, curiosity and disbelief.

Qin Heng continued without pausing, "My original intention in creating this technique was to benefit all Soul Masters across the continent. The original plan was to first have the Soul Masters of the Spirit Hall practice it, collect feedback, and continuously improve and perfect it before gradually promoting it to the entire continent."

Unexpectedly, the cultivation technique had barely been delivered from Martial Soul City to the various branch halls when it was secretly spied on and stolen by some petty thieves, disrupting my entire plan.

At this point, Qin Heng's voice gradually became stern: "Most of those who stole the cultivation techniques came from various families and sects."

After obtaining the cultivation techniques, their cultivation speed greatly accelerates, but this brings no benefit to us commoner soul masters. On the contrary, it further widens the gap between nobles and commoners, squeezing the living space of us ordinary soul masters.

So today I stand here, in front of everyone, to formally announce—”

Qin Heng suddenly raised his right hand, his voice resounding throughout the entire square: "From this day forward, the 'Basic General Version of Meridian Cultivation Method' will be fully promoted to ordinary Soul Masters! Any Soul Master who has awakened innate Soul Power can purchase the cultivation method for 1 Silver Soul Coin!"

I can solemnly guarantee here that the cultivation technique you purchased is exactly the same as the version practiced by the deacons within the Spirit Hall, with absolutely no difference!

These words caused the entire audience to erupt in cheers!

Many commoner and low-level Soul Masters showed expressions of ecstasy, and some were even trembling with excitement.

Qin Heng raised his hand to signal everyone to be quiet, and continued, "As for why we charge 1 silver soul coin instead of giving it away for free, it's because the Spirit Hall also needs a lot of costs to print, transport, and promote this technique. We can't let the people in the hall work for nothing."

But I can guarantee that this price is already the lowest possible; 1 silver soul coin is hardly a burden for any soul master who has awakened innate soul power.

After speaking, Qin Heng's gaze swept across the entire hall, and he announced loudly, "From today onwards, the Spirit Hall's Heaven Dou City branch will officially accept the purchase of cultivation techniques. I hope that all Soul Masters will take this opportunity to improve their strength. The Spirit Hall will always be the strongest support for Soul Masters across the continent!"

As soon as Qin Heng finished speaking, the entire square erupted in deafening cheers!

"Long live Prince Qin Heng!"

"Long live the Spirit Hall!"

"The Meridian Cultivation Method is finally going to be widely disseminated!!"

"As expected, the Spirit Hall is the true support for us commoner soul masters, and it is wholeheartedly concerned for us commoner soul masters."