Chapter 11 The Reform Led by Kong Deming.
The night sky was still covered with dark clouds last night, but no rain fell.
The next day the weather cleared up, and the morning sunlight streamed into the room through the window.
The warm sunlight spread throughout the room and soon reached the bedside.
Kong Xuan rubbed his eyes, then just kept them half-open, knowing that it was the morning sunlight shining on his face.
He sat up and looked at himself lying in bed, while his younger sister was still asleep on the other side.
Clenching his fist, Kong Xuan felt an unprecedented surge of power coursing through his body, clearly sensing an improvement in his physique.
I don't know how long they lasted last night, but it's clear that both of them succeeded in their first "whale glue body training".
Although Kong Xuan was very careful when getting out of bed, she still woke Kong Ling up.
Kong Ling, who was also full of power, was clearly not sleepy and got up to wash up as well.
When the two sat down at the table, they found that today's breakfast was unexpectedly delicious, and it didn't seem to be a nutritious breakfast prepared by Kong Deming.
Seeing the two people's surprised looks, Kong Deming smiled and said, "Cultivation requires a balance of work and rest, and the same principle applies to eating. Today, I will only eat three meals, all of which will be normal foods."
Although they weren't very hungry, the brother and sister couldn't resist eating more than they should because of the delicious food on the table.
Kong Deming didn't say anything and let the two children indulge in their gluttony.
When the brother and sister finished eating, Kong Deming placed two small boxes in front of them.
Under their surprised gazes, he said, "This is a gift for you. Open it and take a look."
Kong Ling picked up the long, narrow box in front of her, opened the lid, and inside lay a necklace.
The necklace is silver overall, adorned with gemstones that shimmer with a faint blue-silver glow. The embellishment is a piece of crystal-clear jade, within which nebulae seem to swirl.
The box in Kong Xuan's hand contained the exact same necklace.
Kong Deming explained, "This is a level nine protective soul tool I made, called Starlight Guardian."
"This necklace is made of mithril and star steel, and each link is inlaid with a soul guide gem to form a miniature defensive soul guide array. It will automatically trigger when subjected to a fatal attack and is enough to withstand the full force of a titled Douluo below level 95."
"The pendant of the necklace is a deep-sea sunken star jade. By inputting soul power, it can activate a healing shield that can slowly restore the injuries of oneself and teammates. It also has a purifying effect and can dispel symptoms such as dizziness and poisoning."
Listening to Kong Deming's introduction, Kong Xuan's eyes lit up as he looked at the defensive soul tool.
Wearing this trigger-activated defensive soul tool is like having an extra life!
Kong Ling, standing next to her, had a similar expression, her eyes filled with joy.
She wasn't concerned about the function of the defensive soul tool; she simply liked the style of the necklace.
After all, she's a girl, so she always likes pretty things.
Seeing the two people's eyes light up, Kong Deming stood up and said, "You can wear these two necklaces from now on. I'm giving you both a day off today so you can rest well."
After saying that, Kong Deming turned and left the room; he still had many things to take care of today.
A short while later, Kong Deming appeared in the offering hall; he was waiting for someone.
"teacher!"
Upon hearing this voice, Kong Deming, who had been resting with his eyes closed, finally opened them.
Xuan Ziwen strode in from outside, his silver robe looking somewhat disheveled, and he gave off a travel-worn impression.
Kong Deming asked, "Is everything settled?"
Xuan Ziwen nodded and said, "As instructed by the teacher, the message has been sent out from the Hall of Offerings. Within three days, all the Soul Master Academies in the Empire will receive the order."
The Hall of Offerings is not considered a high-level leadership position in these Soul Master Academies; in fact, the two are not part of the same system.
However, the Hall of Offerings holds a very special position in the Sun and Moon Empire, which can be said to be above many other powers.
Therefore, even the emperor of the empire would have to carefully consider any orders issued from the Hall of Worship, since the title of protector of the country was not given lightly.
Seeing his teacher's serious expression, Xuan Ziwen couldn't help but ask, "Teacher, are you planning to come out of seclusion?"
Kong Deming, as the head of the Hall of Offerings, wielded immense power.
However, he usually devoted himself to the research of soul tools and did not "meddle" in the development of the empire.
This time, Kong Deming issued an order to the whole country in the name of the Hall of Offerings, which Xuan Ziwen found to be completely different from his teacher's previous style.
Instead of directly answering his disciple's question, Kong Deming asked in return, "Why do you ask that?"
Without hesitation, Xuan Ziwen replied, "Teacher, you have ordered that Soul Master Academies in various regions provide free martial soul awakening services for eligible children in the surrounding areas, and offer free admission opportunities to those with outstanding talent. Isn't this a reform you're planning, Teacher?"
Xuan Ziwen looked at his teacher with burning eyes, as if he had been waiting for this day for a long time.
Kong Deming remained outwardly calm, but inwardly he was amazed by the rich imagination of his disciple.
However, he had to admit that Xuan Ziwen had guessed some things correctly.
Kong Deming then asked, "Reform? What kind of reform do you think we mean?"
Hearing his teacher ask the same question again, Xuan Ziwen felt even more certain that his previous guess was correct.
He took a deep breath and thought for a moment before answering, "According to the specifics of the teacher's orders, the main criteria for finding geniuses this time are innate soul power and martial soul strength. So I think the teacher wants to promote the development of soul masters within the empire."
Kong Deming smiled upon hearing this: "Since you can see these things, then I'm sure many others can understand what I mean as well."
Xuan Ziwen's expression froze, realizing that what his teacher had said seemed a bit "unpleasant".
This is somewhat of an insult to him, making him seem inferior to others.
Xuan Ziwen was valued by Kong Deming and accepted as a disciple. He was already a level seven soul master at a young age, so his talent was naturally far beyond that of ordinary people.
Therefore, Kong Deming did not underestimate his disciple's talent in the slightest. He was referring to his political sensitivity, an area in which his disciple had always been slow to react.
"The Empire's development of soul tools far surpasses that of the Douluo Three Kingdoms, but the reason we lost that great war was because we lacked true powerhouses!"
"Whether you're a Soul Master or a Soul Guidance Master, everything still has to be based on Soul Power. We've become too reliant on Soul Tools, and this situation must change!"
After witnessing the talent of his two grandchildren whom he had "picked up," he knew he was incapable of teaching them.
After that, he kept thinking about solutions, which eventually led to this nationwide reform!
He doesn't just want to cultivate Kong Xuan and Kong Ling, but to start cultivating a whole generation!
After all, even the growth of a strong person requires the companionship of partners.
Xuan Ziwen then said, "But teacher, our strongest asset right now is our soul tool. As for soul master cultivation, we have always lagged behind Douluo Continent. Isn't your decision just using our weaknesses to challenge their strengths?"
(End of chapter)