Tang San, who had originally transmigrated from a feudal era,
felt an immense sense of agreement in his heart after hearing Yu Xiaogang's words.
Loyalty to the Empire.
This should be the duty of every Soul Master.
But he immediately followed up with a question: "But... Teacher, since this money is provided by the Two Great Empires,"
"then why don't the Two Great Empires send people to distribute it themselves?"
"Instead, they let Spirit Hall do it."
"Isn't that just letting Spirit Hall win over the people's hearts for nothing?"
Yu Xiaogang said in a deep voice: "How could the people's hearts be so easily won?"
"Do you think the Two Great Empires are unaware of Spirit Hall's little tricks?"
"In fact, they have known for a long time."
"The reason they acquiesce to Spirit Hall distributing the subsidies is merely that they are using Spirit Hall."
"Yet Spirit Hall is foolish enough to be unaware, thinking they've struck a great bargain."
Tang San was stunned: "Using them?"
"Correct."
Yu Xiaogang was extremely confident.
"The low-level Soul Masters of the continent are basically distributed across remote and inconspicuous villages."
"The local customs in these places are complex, and the locations are far-flung."
"They are difficult for the Two Great Empires to govern."
"It just so happens that Spirit Hall is willing to establish branch halls, send people to govern and patrol, and is even willing to help commoner Soul Masters awaken their Martial Souls for free."
"This way, it saves the Empire a lot of trouble."
"Think about it, if the Two Great Empires were to step in personally, how much manpower, wealth, and resources would be wasted on commoners for nothing?"
"With that time and energy, it's better to use those resources to resist Spirit Hall."
"But with Spirit Hall taking the lead, the Two Great Empires only need to issue an appropriation order."
"Everything that follows can be left entirely to the people of Spirit Hall."
"This way, it saves time and effort, and even wastes Spirit Hall's resources."
"Why wouldn't they do it?"
After listening, Tang San had a sudden realization.
In his heart, he applauded and supported the actions of the Two Great Empires.
A power with ulterior motives like Spirit Hall should not exist in this World.
That sliver of goodwill he had just felt toward Spirit Hall
vanished completely at this moment.
However, there were still some things he didn't quite understand, so he continued to ask: "But if that's the case, wouldn't the Two Great Empires be at a disadvantage?"
"After all, Spirit Hall is the one winning the people's hearts."
Hearing this, Yu Xiaogang sneered: "Spirit Hall wants to win hearts empty-handed? It's not that easy."
"The Two Great Empires have long since thought of a solution for that."
"Do you think that just because Spirit Hall distributes subsidies to commoner Soul Masters, they will gain their gratitude?"
"Wrong! Utterly wrong."
"Little San, you must know that human nature is the most complex thing in the World."
"Spirit Hall giving Soul Masters a small subsidy will indeed earn a bit of gratitude."
"But if the subsidies are distributed persistently, these commoner Soul Masters will develop a dependency."
"Once the subsidies stop being issued one day, all past gratitude will vanish like bubbles, replaced by hatred."
"The Two Great Empires naturally understand Spirit Hall's ambitions."
"So, they have been reducing the amount of the subsidies over these years."
"The goal is to make the grassroots Soul Masters notice that something is wrong."
"For example, a Soul Master who should have received five gold coins as a subsidy ends up only receiving one."
"What will that Soul Master think then?"
"He will certainly think that Spirit Hall has embezzled the money from the Two Great Empires, thus harboring resentment toward Spirit Hall."
"In this way, the grassroots Soul Masters will develop a rift with Spirit Hall."
"When the time is right, the Two Great Empires will step in and issue the full subsidy to the Soul Masters."
"This way, they can not only harvest the people's hearts but also suppress Spirit Hall."
"Killing two birds with one stone."
"Little San, the reason your teacher is telling you this is to make you understand that there is no such thing as a free lunch."
"You are the third person in a hundred years to possess twin spirits; you are a true chosen one."
"In the future, your name will surely be known across the entire continent."
"At that time, various major powers will certainly extend olive branches to you."
"But you must know, they are only doing this because they value your talent and want to recruit you."
"You don't need to refuse their benefits; just use the resources they provide to improve yourself."
"Do you understand?"
Tang San nodded.
"Teacher, I understand."
"The reason Spirit Hall issues subsidies to me is that they want to recruit me."
"And I only need to use the resources they give to improve myself."
"When I have grown strong, I can help the Two Great Empires fight against Spirit Hall!"
After hearing Tang San's words, Yu Xiaogang expressed great satisfaction.
As expected of his disciple.
He understood his meaning so quickly.
If Golden Crown knew about the conversation between this master and disciple,
he would surely curse: Ungrateful wolves!
And he would directly cut off the subsidies for Yu Xiaogang and Tang San.
Damn it, Spirit Hall gives you money so you can live without worries,
so you can cultivate in peace.
Yet you want to wait until you've grown up to help the enemy fight Spirit Hall.
Truly, kindness fed to a dog!
Furthermore,
Yu Xiaogang was actually wrong on two points.
First, the subsidies distributed to commoner Soul Masters
had long been borne solely by Spirit Hall.
The Two Great Empires had long been unable to issue subsidies due to internal corruption issues.
Moreover, sometimes people from the Two Great Empires would even use the name of 'inspecting the subsidy distribution'
to try and carve up the subsidies Spirit Hall was distributing to the commoner Soul Masters.
But they were all blocked by Spirit Hall.
If not for Spirit Hall, it's estimated that the Two Great Empires wouldn't care at all about the survival of commoner Soul Masters,
let alone subsidies.
They wouldn't give them a single cent.
But how could Tang San and Yu Xiaogang have thought of this?
At this moment, in their eyes, Spirit Hall was the greatest evil force.
As for the second point, the founding of Spirit Hall could be traced back to ancient times.
At that time, the continent had not yet split.
The Two Great Empires were products of the continent's split, established after the ancient era.
Therefore, Spirit Hall was founded before the Two Great Empires.
Even back then, Spirit Hall had already begun awakening Martial Souls for Soul Masters free of charge.
So the 'rebellion' Yu Xiaogang spoke of really couldn't be blamed on Spirit Hall.
As for what he knew about the founding times of Spirit Hall and the Two Great Empires, it was entirely his own speculation.
It wasn't rigorous at all... Dusk was approaching.
Spirit Hall Academy had already dismissed classes.
Not many students were left.
Golden Crown and Ye Lingling were walking on the way home.
"Lingling, this is for you."
Golden Crown handed the prepared Pistol to Ye Lingling.
On this Pistol, a pattern of the Nine Star Begonia was engraved.
"What is this?"
Ye Lingling took it curiously, while simultaneously pointing the muzzle at herself.
Golden Crown quickly corrected her: "Never point this thing at yourself."
"This is called a Pistol. It's a highly lethal weapon I developed by combining it with spirit tool technology."
"A weapon? But I'm in the support system, I'm afraid I won't have a use for this spirit tool," Ye Lingling said.
Golden Crown explained with a smile: "That's where you're wrong. Even an ordinary person can use this spirit tool of mine."
"And it's extremely lethal."
"It's perfect for a Support-type Soul Master like you who lacks offensive means."
"If you encounter an enemy in the future, you can use the Pistol to take them out."
After hearing Golden Crown's words,
Ye Lingling looked at the Pistol and asked curiously: "But how do I use this?"
"You just pull the trigger."
"How about this, I'll take you for a practice run, and then you'll know how to use it."
Saying that, Golden Crown pulled Ye Lingling toward the Hall of Worship.
Feeling Golden Crown's warm hand, Ye Lingling followed with a blushing face...
-------------------------------
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