A few days later.
The time had come for Ladio to hold its product launch event.
The venue was once again the grand square next to the Pope's Palace—a massive space capable of holding a million people, which was nearly filled to capacity. Even so, many more were still crowded outside.
This time, the Soul Hall had divided the attendees into different tiers: Soul Masters and nobles were placed in the innermost sections, and scholars from the Scholars' Alliance, in particular, were granted this same honor.
Now, the Soul Master community's regard for scholars was even more evident.
These were all changes brought about by Master Ladio!
Seated closest to the high platform, of course, were the high-ranking officials of the Soul Hall, with Pope Bibidong occupying the central seat.
Her phoenix-like eyes swept the room rapidly, and a hint of a smile appeared on her face.
Hu Liena asked curiously, "Teacher, have you thought of something that's making you happy?"
Bibidong chuckled softly and said to Hu Liena, "Nana, look around. What do you notice?"
Hu Liena knew Bibidong was testing her. After a moment's thought, she replied, "I… I feel like there are more people, but they're all ordinary folk—mostly women."
At this point, Hu Liena felt a bit embarrassed; it was precisely because of her portrait that she had thrust Master Ladio into the spotlight.
Sixty percent of the crowd were women, and their expectations for Ladio weren't focused on any groundbreaking theories or products, but rather on the true face hidden beneath his hood!
"That's right. As more and more people focus on Ladio's looks, the very foundation of his fame begins to crumble. Plus, the number of Soul Masters invited by the Soul Hall has dropped by nearly half compared to before!"
"Do you know what that means? Those Soul Masters have finally come to their senses!"
Bi Bi Dong let out a scoff, her eyes fixed on the stage with utter disdain.
Ladio's previous momentum was all due to those people's lack of discernment.
This is how things should be. Before long, Ladio won't be at the height of his fame anymore, and the high-ranking officials at the Soul Hall should finally realize that masters come and go, but the Pope remains!
Hu Liena furrowed her brow slightly. For some reason, she wasn't as optimistic as Bi Bi Dong; instead, a sense of unease welled up inside her.
Around 10:00, the product launch officially began.
The lights around the venue came on, and melodious music began to play, setting the stage for the event.
Under the gaze of the crowd, Ladio appeared on the stage and quickly made his way to the front.
Almost everyone's eyes were fixed on Ladio.
At that moment, he was the center of this world!
Who knows how much envy and bitterness lay hidden within those gazes?
Feeling the frenzy around him, Yu Xiaogang was grinding his back molars to dust. The scene he had long dreamed of was now being enjoyed with utter nonchalance by Ladio.
"Someday, someday, I'll be able to do it too!"
Yu Xiaogang clenched his fists so tightly that even the pain of his fingernails digging into his flesh couldn't snap him out of his bitter envy!
Bi Bidong let out a cold laugh as she looked at Ladio's face, thinking to herself, "That guy still has that same annoying expression! He has no idea he's in danger right now!"
True to form, Ladio stepped onto the center of the high platform.
Without giving anyone a moment to marvel, he swiftly delivered his entire speech in one breath.
"Three things."
"First, the theory behind Soul Masters producing their own Soul Rings has been refined and is ready for widespread application. What I'm introducing is the most basic version; building on this foundation, you're free to expand and refine it as you see fit…"
"Second, the theory of Soul Ring inheritance has also met the requirements for widespread adoption…"
"Third, the company I've established will begin selling products starting tomorrow: Soul Ring Containers. These can be used to store Soul Rings… The most basic version of the Soul Ring Container can only store a thousand-year Soul Ring, has a lifespan of twenty years, and will be sold at a starting price of 100,000 Gold Soul Coins!"
"All net profits from the company will be invested into a charitable foundation established by the company, ensuring that all commoners have the opportunity to receive a fair education."
Ladio finished speaking quickly and then had Ling Yao Douluo display all the specific experimental data and product information on the large screen.
"!!!"
The crowd fell into silence.
It wasn't that they weren't moved—it was simply that they couldn't process one sensational piece of news after another!
However, the look in their eyes as they gazed at Ladiuo grew increasingly fervent and reverent!
"Buzz, buzz, buzz…!"
Just then, a commotion erupted from outside the square.
Bi Bidong immediately remarked with schadenfreude, "Things are getting rowdy out there—and it's all on Ladio's head!"
...
On the streets of Soul City, crowds poured out of every alley, all rushing toward the Grand Plaza.
Flyers fluttered through the air, landing on everyone's heads.
At the same time, fueled by who knows how many Soul Master factions, all sorts of outlandish rumors began to circulate.
Rumors like the one claiming that Master Ladio was going to reveal his true appearance at this press conference.
This piece of news was rather mundane, yet it sparked the most intense reaction!
Never underestimate the destructive power of fans obsessed with good looks. Upon hearing this news, women rushed headlong toward the Grand Plaza. The combined force of hundreds of thousands of women gathering in one place left the Palace Guard Knights completely overwhelmed!
Left with no choice, the Papal Palace had to deploy over a thousand Soul Masters just to stop the women from storming the Grand Plaza.
At the same time, rumors spread that Master Ladio had been taken captive by the Soul Hall, which was why he'd remained there—and that they absolutely had to seize today's opportunity to rescue him.
This news attracted many middle-aged conspiracy theorists; as soon as they heard it, they were incited to join the stampede toward the square.
With all sorts of rumors circulating—and with certain individuals deliberately stirring up trouble—the crowd blocked at the entrance to the square grew increasingly restless.
At that moment, Ziji and Biji also learned a different version of the story from a fierce-looking woman.
"…What? Master Ladio has been forcibly taken by the Pope of the Soul Hall? Is he being drained dry day and night?" Ziji's eyes widened, her face filled with disbelief.
In the eyes of the Soul Beasts, Master Ladio is a deity—how could that be possible…?
The fierce woman stamped her foot indignantly and said, "Of course! You don't know—Master Ladio is a merciful man. The Pope of the Soul Hall threatened him with the lives of innocent people—that's what forced him to do it!"
"Master Ladio may be merciful, but we can't just stand by and do nothing! We must rescue Master Ladio!"
The fierce woman shoved Zi Ji aside and strode purposefully toward the square.
"..." Zi Ji's expression shifted rapidly, wavering between anger and agitation.
"Zi Ji, you don't really believe…"
Bi Ji asked hesitantly.
Zi Ji gritted her teeth and growled, "That damn Pope of the Soul Hall! I'm not done with her yet! Master Ladio is mine and mine alone! If she wants a fight, let's see what she's made of!"
Amid her heavy panting, patches of purple dragon scales began to emerge on the exposed skin of Ziji's forehead, face, and wrists.
Bi Ji stared in disbelief. "Ziji, don't be so impulsive…"
"Roar!!!"
A piercing dragon's roar suddenly rang out.
........
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