Chapter 567: The Soul‑Melding Array Nears Completion

Less than eighty kilometers from Baiyun City, there was once a tranquil sea of bamboo. A Secret Realm was hidden here, serving as the Trial ground for new Job Changes. Yet within just a month, the area beyond the bamboo was completely transformed into a massive camp.

Countless civilians, clan members and soldiers are stationed here, busy yet orderly. Over one‑third of the Empire's top healers have gathered here, working day and night to keep the healing arrays running.

Now, the number of Spirit‑Eating Beast parasites in the camp has already surpassed three hundred thousand, and that is only the tip of the iceberg. Across the entire Empire, the count of Spirit‑Eating Beast parasites is even more staggering.

Therefore, the royal family has urgently mobilized, reallocating all resources and throwing everything at this crisis. They aim to ensure every parasite's safety and reduce casualties.

Hong Jishi, Lin Zhenzi, Yi Qianjue, Feng Anzai and others sat around a long table, their faces full of worry. Outside the door, ruler Si Tu Liang strode in, joining their discussion.

These people are among the most powerful and influential figures in the Shenlong Empire. They gathered together to discuss the current situation.

Si Tu Liang said in a deep voice, "We have already reached our limit and cannot bear any more parasites."

"Indeed, the number of people infected by the Spirit‑Eating Beast in every province and city has exceeded eight hundred thousand, and our medical system is overloaded," Feng Anzai said anxiously.

"Moreover, it's not just our nation; countries around the world are also seeing Spirit‑Eating Beast parasites appear," Yi Qianhang added, "All factions are blaming us and demanding an explanation."

Hong Jishi slammed his hand on the table in anger, "What explanation should we give them? Didn't they secretly send our citizens away themselves? We haven't even settled accounts with them yet!"

"They still want us to give them a justification? How absurd!" Hong Jishi exclaimed indignantly.

Recently, turmoil has been brewing within the Shenlong Empire; lacking concrete information, various factions have begun covert sabotage. They even secretly smuggled Spirit‑Eating Beast‑infected people out of the nation, causing the beasts to disperse.

Although Hong Jishi and the others have been trying their utmost to retrieve them, the Spirit‑Eating Beasts have already spread to the outside world, creating considerable trouble.

Yi Qianjue said worriedly, "If they unite, it will be a huge problem for us. Though they encountered the Spirit‑Eating Beast later, its outbreak trend is already unstoppable, and they probably won't hold out long."

Chu Yao Shen inhaled deeply and said gravely, "Regarding this matter, Hong Shen and I have already discussed it. Once our Soul‑Melding Array succeeds, I will give them the revised Soul‑Melding Potion formula so they can brew it themselves to combat the Spirit‑Eating Beast."

Yi Qianjue frowned, "Wouldn't this just produce many more geniuses for them?"

Chu Yao Shen smiled and shook his head, "Don't worry, the formula I provide has been altered; it can only kill the Spirit‑Eating Beast, and they cannot extract any soul energy from it."

After a long period of research, Chu Yao Shen finally made some breakthrough progress.

Upon hearing Chu Yao Shen's explanation, everyone finally relaxed.

Hong Jishi added, "This formula is exceedingly precious; we can't give it away casually—we must sell it at a good price to exchange for resources."

"Exactly, sell it for resources!" Hong Jishi's words were immediately met with unanimous approval.

For this plan, the Shenlong Empire has poured everything into it, consuming massive resources. Now is the perfect time to recoup the investment and replenish the treasury.

"Teacher, I'm back!" Jiang Chen's voice rang at the doorway, and he flew in.

"Divine General Jiang!" Everyone inside greeted Jiang Chen, their tone full of respect and equality.

Jiang Chen's feat in the Tianshan God Palace Dungeon has spread throughout the Empire, and no one doubts his potential to become a Divine-level Strongman.

Whether in rank or strength, Jiang Chen already stands on equal footing with them. Coupled with his youth and talent, surpassing them in the future is only natural.

A person like that naturally becomes the object of their eager friendship.

Jiang Chen also bowed his fists to the crowd, saying, "Greetings, esteemed seniors, and ruler."

Hong Jishi looked at Jiang Chen, his eyes flashing with anticipation, "Jiang Chen, the Soul‑Melding Array is almost ready; how confident are you in this operation?"

No one knows the details of this secret mission better than Li Xueru; he is not only the planner but also the executor of its key steps.

Next is Jiang Chen, an indispensable part of the mission, who knows the entire chain of events inside out.

Jiang Chen answered without hesitation, "I have complete confidence."

Hearing Jiang Chen's resolute reply, the weight on everyone's hearts seemed to lighten a bit. This mission's scope is so vast that failure would undoubtedly make them sinners in history.

Hong Jishi slammed the table hard, stating firmly, "Alright, it's up to you. Lao Li should be almost ready, we only need to hold on for one more day."

"Yes," Jiang Chen replied.

After discussing a few more details, everyone dispersed. Only Hong Jishi, Jiang Chen, and Lin Zhenzi remained in the room.

Seeing that everyone had left, Lin Zhenzi lightly tapped his finger, and a layer of sound‑proof barrier appeared in the room. He clearly had something important to say.

"The old man has indeed lost contact; I also tried to reach Jiang Yi, but his Soul Secret Realm is no longer within the Dungeon Hall," Lin Zhenzi said gravely.

He paused, his gaze turning to Jiang Chen, "As for Jiang Chen's sister, I likewise cannot get in touch."

Jiang Chen felt a pang of anxiety, but quickly steadied himself and asked, "Teacher, you sought Fan Emperor and the Righteous Deity to prepare for any possible mishap, right?"

Hong Jishi nodded, his gaze shifting to the distant mountains outside the window, "Some time ago, a strand of the Demon Emperor's will tried to breach our territory. With the Demon Emperor's power, it should have already sensed our plan."

"If it disregards everything and truly attacks us, it would be a disaster," Hong Jishi continued, "And the old man is our key to resisting the Demon Emperor; his loss of contact worries me greatly."

"Besides that, there's Long Huang. As one of the strongest on this continent, it could not be unaware of our actions. Yet it has taken no action so far, which makes me uneasy."

Jiang Chen knew Hong Jishi's concerns were not unfounded. Their plan concerns the entire continent's safety and cannot afford any slip.

He thought for a moment and comforted, "Teacher, don't worry too much. Perhaps the Righteous Deity already knows everything and is silently protecting us."

"The last time the Demon Emperor's will came, wasn't it slain by the Righteous Deity from a thousand miles away? Perhaps the Righteous Deity has already revived, silently guarding us somewhere."

Although Jiang Chen said this, Hong Jishi still felt uneasy. He knew this challenge was far more severe than they imagined.

"No matter what lies ahead, we have no retreat; we must press forward," Hong Jishi's steadfast gaze revealed an unquestionable resolve.

"Tomorrow, at the latest the day after, the Soul‑Melding Array will activate," he said, looking at Jiang Chen, his eyes full of trust and anticipation.

Jiang Chen nodded, saying gravely, "Teacher, rest assured. We have prepared fully; this battle will be victorious."

"Victory!" Hong Jishi echoed in the same deep tone, his voice resonating through the night sky, full of power.

Night fell, the starry sky glittered, as if cheering on the upcoming war. Jiang Chen sat atop the Soul‑Melding Array at the camp's center, feeling the surging power within it.

Although he is not an array master, at this moment he seemed able to merge with the array, perceiving every subtle shift clearly. He closed his eyes, focusing his mind to feel and familiarize himself with the array that would change the entire battle.

Meanwhile, Jiang Chen was making his final preparations. He knew the Demon Emperor and Long Huang could both intervene in this incident. They are powerful beings, whose strength far exceeds ordinary imagination.

"Demon Emperor, Long Huang, if you dare come, I, Jiang Chen, will show you what true power is!" Jiang Chen muttered inwardly, his eyes flashing with resolve.

He took out the remaining six Law Crystals, one of his trump cards. According to Hong Jishi, Law Crystals contain the power of law, a force only high‑rank deities can wield.

Jiang Chen believed these Law Crystals would surely play a huge role at the critical moment. He plans to use them to create a powerful Elemental Lich, adding strength to the fight.

In addition, Jiang Chen has another trump card—a Corpse of the God of Lethal Poison. It is a complete divine corpse containing incalculable power; detonating it in battle would yield astonishing force.

However, Jiang Chen still harbored a slight worry. He thought of his sister Jiang Ruo, not knowing where she was now. If she could appear, perhaps she could share some soul power, adding aid to the battle.

"But with Fan Emperor around, my sister's safety should be fine," Jiang Chen silently prayed, hoping Jiang Ruo would return safely.