While his strength grew steadily under Bibi Dong's tutelage, Song Qing understood that individual power was only one piece of the puzzle.
The world outside the Spirit Hall was vast and complex, filled with powerful forces that could influence his future.
He knew from his fragmented memories the general trajectory of events, but the specifics remained hazy.
To navigate this world effectively, he needed accurate and up-to-date information.
His position as the Pope's personal disciple granted him a certain level of authority within the Spirit Hall.
He decided to leverage this privilege to gather intelligence on the major players in the continent.
He summoned a few trusted Spirit Hall members, lower-ranking but with access to information networks.
"I require detailed reports on the current status of the major powers in the continent," he stated calmly, his young voice carrying an unexpected weight of command.
The Spirit Hall members, usually accustomed to taking orders from much older and more powerful figures, were nonetheless respectful.
"Of course, Young Master Song Qing," one of them replied, bowing slightly. "Which powers are you most interested in?"
"The top three clans: the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, and the Clear Sky Clan," Song Qing began.
"I need to know about their current leadership, the strength and potential of their younger generations, and any significant movements or alliances they might be involved in."
Another member chimed in, "We can gather this information for you, Young Master. It might take a few days to compile a comprehensive report."
"Time is of the essence," Song Qing replied, his gaze steady. "I also require information on the two great empires, the Heaven Dou Empire and the Star Luo Empire."
"Focus on their current rulers, the stability of their courts, and any signs of internal conflict or external aggression."
He paused for a moment, considering other potentially influential factions.
"Include any notable sects or academies that might play a significant role in the future," he added. "For example, Shrek Academy."
The Spirit Hall members exchanged glances, slightly surprised by the breadth of his inquiry.
"We understand, Young Master," the first member said. "We will gather all the available intelligence and present it to you as soon as possible."
Over the next few days, Song Qing continued his rigorous training, but his mind was also occupied with anticipation for the reports.
He knew that the current timeline was crucial. Tang San was still in Holy Spirit Village, his journey just beginning.
The major powers were likely in a state of relative peace, the calm before the storm that his arrival would eventually trigger.
Finally, the Spirit Hall members returned, bearing thick scrolls filled with detailed information.
Song Qing dismissed them with a curt nod and retreated to his private quarters to study the reports.
He unfurled the first scroll, which detailed the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School.
It spoke of Grandmaster Ning Fengzhi's astute leadership and the unparalleled support capabilities of their unique Martial Soul.
The report highlighted the exceptional talent of his daughter, Ning Rongrong, though her current soul power level was not specified.
There was no mention of any significant external conflicts, but the school maintained close ties with both empires.
The next scroll focused on the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.
The report painted a picture of a powerful and aggressive clan, renowned for their overwhelming offensive capabilities.
It mentioned the current patriarch, Yu Yuanzhen, and his two sons, Yu Tianheng and Yu Tianxin, both considered prodigies of their generation.
Their relationship with the Spirit Hall was described as tense but stable, a fragile truce built on mutual respect for each other's power.
The scroll detailing the Clear Sky Clan was surprisingly sparse.
It mentioned their reclusive nature and the immense power of their Clear Sky Hammer Martial Soul.
The report acknowledged their legendary status but provided little information about their current activities or leadership, hinting at a period of self-imposed isolation.
Song Qing then moved on to the reports on the two great empires.
The Heaven Dou Empire was described as politically stable under the rule of Emperor Xue Ye, though there were whispers of growing internal strife among the various noble factions.
The report mentioned the absence of a strong crown prince, which could lead to potential succession issues in the future.
The Star Luo Empire, on the other hand, was portrayed as a more militaristic and pragmatic empire, currently ruled by Emperor Dai Xing.
The report highlighted the fierce competition between the various princes for the crown, a constant source of internal tension.
It also mentioned the exceptional talent of the third prince, Dai Mubai, though his current whereabouts were unknown to the Spirit Hall informants.
Finally, Song Qing read the report on other notable factions, including a brief overview of Shrek Academy, describing it as a relatively small but influential academy known for its unorthodox teaching methods and talented students.
He let out a soft sigh as he finished reading the last scroll, his mind buzzing with the information he had gathered.
The overall picture aligned with his fragmented memories, but the details provided a clearer understanding of the current landscape.
"It seems the stage is set," he murmured to himself. "The major players are in position, and the wheels of fate are slowly turning."
He knew that if he wanted to alter the course of events in a way that benefited him, he needed to act soon.
Waiting for Tang San to rise to prominence would put him at a significant disadvantage.
He needed to carve out his own path, to build his own power base, independent of the inevitable conflict between the Spirit Hall and the future protagonists.
The first step, he decided, was to increase his own strength, and that meant acquiring soul rings for his hidden Primordial Life Tree Spirit.
He approached Bibi Dong, requesting a short leave from the Spirit Hall.
"Teacher," he said respectfully, "I was hoping to return to my hometown for a brief visit. It has been some time since I last saw the orphanage."
Bibi Dong regarded him with her piercing pink eyes, her expression unreadable.
"Your progress has been remarkable, Song Qing," she said slowly. "Are you sure you wish to take a break from your training?"
"I believe a short respite would be beneficial, Teacher," Song Qing replied calmly. "It would allow me to clear my mind and return with renewed focus."
Bibi Dong considered his words for a moment before nodding. "Very well. But do not take too long. Your training is paramount."
"I understand, Teacher. Thank you for your understanding," Song Qing said, bowing slightly.
With Bibi Dong's permission secured, Song Qing made preparations for his journey.
He informed Hu Liena of his temporary departure, offering a polite farewell to his Senior Sister, who seemed slightly disappointed by his absence.
His true destination, however, was not his hometown. Song Qing was heading towards the Star Luo Empire.
He knew that the vast forests within the empire held a greater variety of powerful spirit beasts, offering a better chance of finding suitable soul rings for his Primordial Life Tree Spirit.
During his journey, Song Qing meticulously planned his approach to acquiring these soul rings.
He understood that he couldn't reveal his second spirit to anyone, especially not at this stage.
Hunting thousand-year-old spirit beasts on his own with his current soul power was also a risky endeavor.
He needed a clever and discreet method.
His thoughts turned to the passive ability of his Primordial Life Tree Spirit: its exceptional sensory range.
He could sense the life force of plants and animals within a considerable radius, allowing him to pinpoint the location of spirit beasts.
This ability bypassed normal camouflage and concealment, making it incredibly useful for tracking.
However, he knew that some spirit beasts possessed illusionary or mirage abilities that could potentially fool his senses.
He needed to be cautious.
His goal was to find a thousand-year-old plant-type spirit beast, something akin to the Thorned Ent Protector.
A powerful constricting vine or a creature with potent toxins derived from plants would be ideal.
His plan was to use his sensing ability to locate such a beast, then devise a strategy to kill it without directly engaging it in prolonged combat.
He considered using his Abyssal Demonic Dragon Emperor spirit to weaken the beast from a distance, creating an opening for a decisive blow.
Or perhaps he could lure it into a trap using his knowledge of the forest and the behavior of spirit beasts.
He spent days traveling, his senses constantly scanning the surrounding environment.
The forests of the Star Luo Empire were indeed teeming with life, the air filled with the sounds of unseen creatures.
He encountered several spirit beasts along the way, but none of them were suitable for his Primordial Life Tree Spirit.
He was searching for something specific, a powerful plant-based entity with a soul age of around a thousand years.
The journey was arduous, but Song Qing remained patient and focused, his determination fueled by the desire to grow stronger and shape his own destiny.
He knew that acquiring these soul rings was a crucial step in his plan, a way to unlock the hidden potential of his second Martial Soul and gain a significant advantage in the challenges that lay ahead.
As he ventured deeper into the Star Luo Empire, the forests grew denser and the aura of powerful spirit beasts became more prevalent.
Song Qing felt a growing sense of anticipation, knowing that his search was likely nearing its end.
The subtle vibrations in the earth and the faint pulses of energy emanating from the flora and fauna around him were becoming stronger, hinting at the presence of truly powerful beings hidden within the emerald depths.