SoulLand:Ascending to Godhood through Science

You Chen's words shook Ignis, who had always revered him as a god.

It was akin to a mortal trying to imagine standing as an equal beside a deity.

She wanted to refute him, but his logic was so sound that she couldn't find a way to counter it.

Within the Soul-Battle Beast organization, nearly every command was personally issued by You Chen or relayed by Grace. While orders didn't go down to micromanaging every individual's tasks, they were usually only passed through two levels, ensuring minimal distortion. Everyone essentially operated based on You Chen's personal will.

But now, You Chen wanted some of them to regain independent thought, with Ignis being the first.

Of course, You Chen's goal wasn't truly to liberate the minds of the Soul-Battle Beasts.

He knew from the beginning that the near-indoctrination-like education the initial hundred members underwent had solidified their reverence for him.

Even if he told them to think for themselves, they would outwardly comply while burying their faith even deeper in their hearts.

What You Chen wanted was to make them more effective tools—not by disregarding their loyalty, but by elevating it to a higher form of devotion.

It was like a saint declaring that his followers would walk beside him, not as equals but as partakers of his benevolence. Rather than diminishing their faith, it would move them to greater reverence and commitment.

"You must set an example."

These words echoed in Ignis's ears as she took a deep breath.

She couldn't forget the gazes of her comrades.

Those looks of respect, mixed with competitive spirit and admiration, had always been present. But since receiving the crown of the Beast Chief from You Chen himself, they had taken root and begun to grow.

She realized she could no longer remain the same—someone who merely obeyed orders and carried out her leader's instructions.

It was a position she had once dreamed of attaining, yet now the thought of no longer being able to rely on her infallible leader filled her with unease.

But to ask her leader to rescind his decision?

Such an irreverent act was something she could never do.

"I understand, Leader. I will no longer bow to you," Ignis finally agreed, but she added, "However, I will keep my reverence for you in my heart. Please, permit me this indulgence!"

You Chen chuckled and shook his head. "What indulgence? If I forced you to suppress even your inner thoughts, it would hardly qualify as standing as equals."

His expression grew more serious as he continued, "Now, Ignis, I assume you know why I called you here? Speak your wish, and I will hear it."

Each Beast Chief was granted a wish upon assuming their position—one reasonable desire they could ask of the leader.

For most aspiring Beast Chiefs, this promise was the ultimate goal, even more than the authority or title.

Even the most devout believers had personal aspirations or desires beyond their faith.

Ignis was no exception.

As she gazed at You Chen's serene and confident face, her eyes shimmered.

She longed to become someone who could stand beside this man she revered as a god—to understand his struggles and be the strong ally who could share his burdens.

"Leader, is there a way to make me stronger?" Ignis spoke her wish.

"Stronger, is it? A fine wish indeed."

Hearing Ignis's request, You Chen nodded slightly under her expectant gaze. "There is a way, of course."

In fact, he had been prepared for this.

If this request had come earlier, it might have been a bit troublesome to fulfill.

He would never waste Ignis's innate talent under the guise of tempering her. All the resources she used were top-tier.

From the best soul beast meat to assistance in acquiring soul rings, everything was provided, though always with the expectation of repayment through contributions.

These resources were already available through the contribution system, which had few restrictions. You Chen was generous with his subordinates in this regard.

However, granting resources already obtainable through contributions as her wish would cheapen the promise.

To truly fulfill her wish, he would have had to set aside his research projects and spend significant time creating a custom training regimen or searching for resources on par with celestial herbs.

It would have required a personal commitment of time and effort.

Fortunately, the system had provided solutions.

You Chen first took out a booklet titled Five-Fire Qi Fiend Technique—a modified version of the Five Qi Fiend Arts.

"This Five-Fire Qi Fiend Technique is a cultivation method I specifically developed for you," You Chen said. "Ignis, your frontal assault capabilities are already at their peak for your current level. However, against top-tier defensive soul masters of similar rank, your offensive edge might falter. In such cases, the fire poison of this technique, capable of invading an opponent's body and causing internal damage, can turn the tide."

Seeing Ignis's eyes light up, You Chen smiled faintly and continued, "Moreover, the Five-Fire Qi Fiend Technique is an enhancement skill tailored for fire-attribute soul masters. Once you perfectly integrate it with your Red Dragon Battle Body and Red Dragon Battle Mark, I predict the fire poison's potency will be further amplified. That part, however, will depend on your own development. In essence, if you master it, this technique will rival a top-tier 10,000-year soul skill!"

A 10,000-year soul skill!

For Ignis, who currently only had one 10,000-year soul skill, this was an immense boost.

However…

After a brief moment of excitement, Ignis's gaze dimmed.

The Five-Fire Qi Fiend Technique was excellent, but it fell short of bringing her closer to becoming the kind of powerful ally she envisioned—someone who could truly stand beside You Chen as an equal.

Especially after witnessing You Chen's overwhelming display of strength against the Earthfire Dragon.

Nonetheless, Ignis expressed her gratitude. "Thank you, Leader, for granting me this technique!"

But You Chen's voice, calm and deliberate, interrupted her thoughts. "Ignis, do you truly believe that fulfilling your wish a

mounts to nothing more than providing you with a technique equivalent to a 10,000-year soul skill?"