If Aurelia Cross had asked about his Martial Soul with her true appearance, then even if Wu Ling did not reveal everything, he would at least explain the general nature of his ability.
But Aurelia was asking him now as Xue Qinghe, so Wu Ling's original plan had been to casually muddle through.
Aurelia's true Spirit Power level could not possibly be that low. In Wu Ling's estimation, Aurelia Cross, who had innate level-twenty Spirit Power, should be at least level forty by now.
However, the thirty-one she had just stated did count as a form of "self-introduction" for her current identity. With that in mind, muddling through too casually would be inappropriate.
"Since Big Brother Xue has gone this far, it would be rude of me to refuse.
"Then I will speak of my Spirit Power first. My Spirit Power still has some distance from Big Brother Xue's current level." Wu Ling silently added in his heart: your true level.
"It will probably take me another two or three years before I break through to Big Brother Xue's present realm." He again silently added: your real realm.
Wu Ling's deliberately vague words were summarized in Xue Qinghe's mind as: he still needs two or three years to break through to level thirty.
"You have such rich theoretical knowledge, yet your cultivation has not fallen behind. Brother Wu Ling, your talent is excellent."
Wu Ling gave a deliberately embarrassed smile, then began talking about his Martial Soul.
"As for my Martial Soul, it is a kind of Martial Soul mutated from a plate. It can be considered an auxiliary-type Martial Soul.
"Just as people gain strength after eating food served on a plate, my Martial Soul's ability is to strengthen a person's physical condition." Wu Ling meant Heroic Spirit possession, of course. "It is nothing particularly strange.
"But my Martial Soul has one special feature. Since it mutated from a plate, it can form a certain connection with food-type Martial Souls.
"Of course, it is not the kind of connection used in a Martial Soul Fusion Skill. It is only ordinary coordination. Generally speaking, food-type Martial Souls are also auxiliary-type Martial Souls, so when the two work together, my support ability can achieve an effect greater than one plus one."
After listening to Wu Ling's explanation, Xue Qinghe's mind rang like thunder. He understood. He understood everything.
So that is how it is. Everything fits. If his Martial Soul is auxiliary-type, then Bibi Dong's reason for making him study theory becomes understandable.
And why has no one been able to uncover his information all these years? Because he has an auxiliary-type Martial Soul. He does not need to go outside to fight or train at all. He only needs to cultivate quietly and study.
As for the search for food-type Martial Souls, Spirit Hall had not announced it loudly, but since the order had been passed down to every Spirit Hall branch in the Polaris Empire, the imperial family naturally had ways of obtaining that intelligence.
When Xue Qinghe first obtained that information, he had been guessing at Bibi Dong's purpose. Now, Wu Ling's explanation resolved his doubts. Spirit Hall had been searching for food-type Spirit Masters for his sake.
Was Wu Ling lying? Xue Qinghe was not worried about that. Even if he had an auxiliary-type Martial Soul, he could not possibly avoid using it forever. When the time came, his Martial Soul would inevitably appear. If he had lied, those lies would collapse on their own. Generally speaking, no one would use their own Martial Soul for such a lie.
But in his excitement, Xue Qinghe ignored one detail because of the common rule that auxiliary-type Spirit Masters could not support themselves. Wu Ling had said "strengthen a person's physical condition," not "strengthen another person's physical condition."
He would also never imagine that Wu Ling stayed home because a Titled Sage served as his sparring partner. He had no need to go outside to fight.
Xue Qinghe, believing he had understood everything, was delighted. For the rest of their time, he became even more enthusiastic as he chatted with Wu Ling about all kinds of topics.
When the tea and snacks had been changed for the fifth time, the leading maid did not leave after entering. Instead, she stood beside Xue Qinghe.
Seeing this, Xue Qinghe understood that the reservation time had ended.
"Brother Wu Ling, it seems our meeting can only go this far today."
"No matter. Big Brother Xue manages countless affairs each day and will surely become Crown Prince in the future. Being busy is only natural."
"Haha. Good. Then I will borrow Brother Wu Ling's auspicious words. Let us continue another day."
That night, while Xue Qinghe was eating with Emperor Xue Ye and several of his brothers, Emperor Xue Ye suddenly called to him.
"Qinghe, I hear that this afternoon, you met privately with Spirit Hall's Pope's disciple."
In an instant, everyone at the table paused with their chopsticks. Xue Qinghe, the person involved, remained composed.
He set down his chopsticks and replied to Emperor Xue Ye, "Yes, Father Emperor. This afternoon, this son did indeed meet Wu Ling."
"Oh, his name is Wu Ling? It seems you gained some useful information, Qinghe. Anything else?"
Xue Qinghe then explained the process of his afternoon meeting with Wu Ling. He neither added nor omitted too much.
Among those details, Xue Qinghe emphasized Wu Ling's vast knowledge, outstanding cultivation talent, innate Spirit Power that was likely above level eight, and his mutated auxiliary-type plate Martial Soul.
"Good. Quite detailed. Then, Qinghe, how threatening do you feel he is?"
"Reporting to Father Emperor, in this son's view, since the Pope of Spirit Hall accepted him as a disciple, his Martial Soul's support ability is likely no weaker than the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda.
"If, as he said, it can improve further with the help of food-type Martial Souls, then his support ability may even surpass the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda.
"However, as an auxiliary-type Spirit Master, no matter how good his talent is, his cultivation speed will still be somewhat slower. He also cannot possibly sit on the Pope's throne.
"So overall, his growth cycle is slow, and his future influence will not be too great. Even if his support ability is stronger, he is only one person. Our Polaris Empire has the entire Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. I would not say he is completely harmless, but he should not affect the broader situation."
After hearing Xue Qinghe's analysis, Emperor Xue Ye nodded in satisfaction.
"Good, good, good. To analyze it to this degree, as expected of my proudest son. Then tell me, how should we treat him from now on?"
Xue Qinghe pretended to think for a moment, then said, "Approach him as a friend, then continue gathering information."
"Mm. Partly correct. Gathering information is right, but what matters is what information you gather.
"Spirit Hall has many high-level Spirit Masters. They must have their own internal documents and archives. Since this Wu Ling is the Pope's disciple and is so knowledgeable, he must have access to some of those materials.
"Therefore, Qinghe, your target should be those records and secrets concerning high-level Spirit Masters."
Xue Qinghe cupped his hands toward Emperor Xue Ye. "Yes. This son understands."
"Mm. We have talked for so long that the dishes have gone a little cold. Have the chefs prepare another table. But do not eat too much. There is still a banquet to attend later."