Lin Xiao's heart confirmed his suspicions.
With Illustrious Virtue Hall's influence, even if someone from the imperial family made a move, they would have the ability to track down the culprit. However, by using the name of evil soul masters, it made things difficult for Jing Hongchen to act.
Both the imperial family and Illustrious Virtue Hall were no strangers to evil soul masters.
Jing Hongchen knew exactly what kind of people the Holy Spirit Cult were and was aware of their current ties with the imperial family. Moreover, since the incident happened near the capital, Jing Hongchen had to consider whether the Holy Spirit Cult had acted without recognizing the shipment's significance.
"Teacher, is this really something we did?"
"What do you think?"
Lin Xiao shook his head.
"Although the cult's expenses are significant, we haven't reached the point of targeting Mingde Hall," Nightmare Douluo said, sitting to one side. "Besides, we're currently managing the underground business in the capital. Why would we risk a big loss for a small gain? Do you think the cult leader is so shortsighted?"
"I wouldn't dare assume that. It's just that, since this is the capital of the Sun Moon Empire, there shouldn't be many evil soul masters capable of pulling this off, right?"
"Who says those using the name of evil soul masters are actually evil soul masters?"
Nightmare Douluo's gaze turned cold. "Not only did this group use the name of evil soul masters, but their methods were also exceptionally brutal. Unfortunately for them, they only imitated the techniques of evil soul masters, and their efforts were wasted."
Lin Xiao nodded slightly in acknowledgment.
It was clear that the real bandits had tried to disguise themselves as evil soul masters to pin the blame on them. What they likely didn't expect was that Illustrious Virtue Hall already had connections with the true evil soul masters.
"Teacher, is there something you need me to do this time?"
"Yes," Nightmare Douluo nodded. "Jing Hongchen invited us to Mingde Hall precisely for this matter. He won't hold the Holy Spirit Cult accountable, but he hopes we can investigate and uncover the truth."
Hearing Nightmare Douluo's words, Lin Xiao was slightly surprised.
Given the Holy Spirit Cult's usual behavior, even if they were responsible, they would never admit it without evidence. So why would they now, when they clearly weren't involved, go out of their way to help Jing Hongchen investigate?
Had the Holy Spirit Cult changed its ways?
Lin Xiao quickly dismissed that thought. Rather than believing evil soul masters had reformed, it was more likely that the cult was acting to protect their business interests in the capital.
"I came specifically to find you for this investigation. Didn't you say your cultivation was progressing too slowly? This is a prime opportunity."
Lin Xiao couldn't shake the feeling that Nightmare Douluo was acting strangely today. On one hand, he was generously offering to help Illustrious Virtue Hall investigate. On the other, he was only sending a disciple like Lin Xiao, with no mention of higher-level soul masters getting involved.
Could it be that the Holy Spirit Cult was actually behind this and was putting on a show of investigating to avoid suspicion?
"Thank you, Teacher," Lin Xiao said with a slight bow. "But finding this group of bandits around the vast capital won't be easy."
"Don't worry. Illustrious Virtue Hall will cooperate with you, and the cult will keep an eye on the underground market to see if anything similar surfaces," Nightmare Douluo said, waving a hand. "If any powerful figures show up, I'll naturally lend you a hand."
Lend a hand? Lin Xiao would be satisfied if Nightmare Douluo didn't hold him back. He still remembered how his teacher's restrictions had delayed his understanding of spiritual power for nearly a decade.
Nightmare Douluo, unaware of Lin Xiao's thoughts, continued, "Illustrious Virtue Hall will soon release news of a thorough investigation into evil soul masters. These bandits got a taste of profit, so they're unlikely to stop. The next time a shipment of 'materials' heads to Illustrious Virtue Hall, they'll probably strike again."
"The cult will send people to assist you. Set up an ambush then, and you might reap significant rewards."
Seeing that Nightmare Douluo had already arranged everything, Lin Xiao could only nod in agreement. In the ensuing silence, he slowly stood up straight.
Glancing thoughtfully at the nearby wall, Lin Xiao narrowed his eyes.
As a spiritual attribute soul master, Nightmare Douluo's martial soul, the Nightmare Demon, possessed abilities akin to those of spirits and souls. When Lin Xiao's cultivation was lower, he could never sense how Nightmare Douluo appeared or left.
But now, with his cultivation steadily advancing and his already exceptional spiritual power growing stronger, coupled with his extensive experience dealing with souls, he finally caught a trace of Nightmare Douluo's movements.
The intangible Nightmare Demon martial soul bore some resemblance to a soul. Nightmare Douluo could use its power to phase his body, passing through obstacles with ease. Under the cover of his spiritual power, he could move almost undetected, like a true nightmare demon.
These walls and structures were nothing to Nightmare Douluo. Only the academy's arrays could detect traces of his comings and goings.
When Lin Xiao had entered the room earlier, he had faintly sensed something off, and sure enough, Nightmare Douluo had been waiting for him.
Still a bit uneasy, Lin Xiao sat back on his bed, letting the ambient soul power flow into him and circulate through his meridians.
It wasn't until the sunlight outside dimmed that Lin Xiao slowly emerged from his meditation.
With a flick of his wrist, the metal ingot speckled with star-like patterns appeared in his hand. As his spiritual power gently extended toward it, the moment it made contact with the metal, he felt a sudden sense of ease.
It was as if someone burdened by great resistance underwater had suddenly emerged into the air, their body instantly lighter.
If extending spiritual power through the air was like moving through water, this metal was like an open space with no resistance at all. Not only could his spiritual power flow through it effortlessly, but the metal seemed to contain a space uniquely suited for spiritual power, allowing Lin Xiao's spiritual energy to linger briefly within it.
With a flash of thought, a faint shadow separated from his body and silently merged into the metal ingot. In that instant, a spark of light flashed in his eyes.
What a coincidence. Without the locust wood core capable of housing souls, Shangguan Qing had found these metals for him. Unexpectedly, after being smelted with other metals, they had developed similar properties—and perhaps even additional uses.
Since I created you, I suppose I should give you a name.
Lin Xiao looked at the metal ingot in his hand, thought for a moment, and then let out a soft chuckle.
Shaped like the starry sky and capable of holding souls, why not call it the Star Soul Ingot?
As the light outside faded, Lin Xiao glanced at the sky, carefully stored the Star Soul Ingot, and left the dormitory.
No matter what, as a disciple who had undergone the Spirit Ascension Ceremony, he had to make an effort to complete the task Nightmare Douluo had assigned.
Even if the situation felt strange in every way, even if it was like searching for a needle in a haystack, he had to go out and try.
As for the outcome, perhaps that wasn't for him to worry about.
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