Douluo: Not enough blood? Use your brain

As for the ultimate achievement, Xu Yuan really didn't know.

"It's a pity that your father chose the direction that best suited him, but at the same time offended the ancient families."

"Ancient families?" Xu Yuan asked in confusion.

Mu Ye snorted coldly from the side. He often stayed with Zhenhua, so he had naturally seen Xu Yuan's father and knew some of the details.

"It's hard to say how effective your father's research on soul spirit cultivation is on other martial souls, or whether it can be applied to beast martial souls, but it is almost universal for soul masters with weapon martial souls. The Qian Gu family's inherited martial soul, Panlong Staff, is also a top-notch weapon martial soul."

"Then shouldn't they be the beneficiaries?"

"Hmph, as martial souls have evolved to this day, the Qian Gu family's Panlong Staff is already a top-notch martial soul. How else can they benefit? With this technology applied, it is estimated that there will be more and more geniuses with weapon martial souls, and the impact on their Qian Gu family will not be small."

No way? Are the Qian Gu family so narrow-minded?

Although Xu Yuan knew that Qian Gu Dongfeng wasn't very good, a large family shouldn't be afraid to face even this storm, right?

"Xiao Yuan, you're thinking too simply. Your Shishu actually also hinted that the development of modern forging techniques is what your father values most. Otherwise, even if he can cultivate at the age of thirty, his future won't be too bright. But if he has Zhenhua's full cooperation to create the most suitable metal raw materials for his life-bound soul spirit, and tempers them with the Heavenly Forging Hammer, it will definitely give him the most top-notch talent, and he still has hope of achieving the Title Douluo."

Xu Yuan took a deep breath, finally directly feeling where the problem lay.

This is truly a man-made evildoer.

Moreover, the key point is not the technology, but the Divine Craftsman Zhenhua!

"Qian Gu Dongfeng and I can't say our relationship is very bad, we can only say it's extremely bad," Zhenhua added.

If it weren't for the Spirit Transfer Pagoda's vast power and its monopoly on soul spirit technology, and the existence of too many soul masters in the Forging Masters Association, Zhenhua wouldn't have been able to refuse forging at sky-high prices, lest he give Qian Gu Dongfeng an excuse to tear up the Forging Masters Association's high-quality soul spirit supply agreement.

Yes, the Spirit Transfer Pagoda monopolizes soul spirits but cannot refuse to provide them, which would provoke public anger, but he could cut off cooperation.

The Forging Masters Association is such a large behemoth, and the cooperation between it and the Spirit Transfer Pagoda is inextricably linked. The excellent forging masters within the association are themselves excellent soul masters, and the demand for soul spirits is also extremely high, so naturally there is a cooperation agreement with the Spirit Transfer Pagoda to obtain high-quality soul spirits from the Spirit Transfer Pagoda at low prices and with priority.

Sealing off a soul master on soul spirits is not possible, it would arouse the resistance of the entire soul master group, but the cooperation agreement that benefits the entire association only involves the Forging Masters Association.

It can only be said that, seemingly, the Divine Craftsman is glorious, and theoretically no one dares to offend him, but that is only in theory.

When one truly reaches the pinnacle of strength and the peak of power, offending a Divine Craftsman is just that.

But Qian Gu Dongfeng's own four-word battle armor can obtain Heavenly Forged metal through such power and means, but it doesn't mean that he can really obtain Heavenly Forged metal from Zhenhua at will.

A life-bound soul spirit forged from a piece of Heavenly Forged metal is theoretically enough to provide a soul master with a useless martial soul with cultivation qualifications equivalent to innate full soul power, and if the soul spirit is configured according to the best theory, that is, the subsequent soul spirits continue to be paired with metal soul spirits, its growth along the way...

"Actually, this is all fine. The Qian Gu family's Panlong Staff is already top-notch, plus they control the Spirit Transfer Pagoda channel, so even if it is impacted, the impact can actually be controlled."

"But, without a doubt, your father's research made his relationship with Qian Gu Dongfeng very tense."

"A year ago, some fuse caused Qian Gu Dongfeng to directly take action regardless of any consequences."

Xu Yuan was very silent after listening.

Mu Ye secretly glared at Zhenhua, seemingly blaming him for telling Xu Yuan, a child, so much heavy news.

"Thank you, Shishu, for telling me these things. I will complete the results that my father didn't complete back then," Xu Yuan said softly.

"Huh?"

Hearing Xu Yuan's words, Zhenhua was immediately stunned.

"You mean, you want to use your father's theory to cultivate the Tianyuan Brush martial soul?"

"That's right," Xu Yuan nodded, "Actually, yesterday my D伯 (Great Uncle) already determined my choice for my first soul spirit, which is the spear soul spirit made by my father."

Zhenhua fell silent.

After a long time, he sighed and stepped forward to pat Xu Yuan's shoulder.

"Xiao Yuan, do you know how difficult this decision of yours is?"

Chapter 12 Xu Yuan's Doubts

"I know," Xu Yuan's expression was calm, with a hint of determination.

"First of all, this path cannot be separated from one point, my own cultivation."

The spear soul spirit is a true man-made soul spirit. It does not have any existing soul beast genes as a template. Even if it can naturally possess some abilities, thereby endowing the soul master with soul skills, it is ultimately a newborn 'race', too young. If you don't want to obtain useless soul skills, then you must use your own cultivation to drive the soul spirit's evolution time after time, growing in sync with your own martial soul.

This means that the soul master's soul ring soul skills are no longer externally acquired, but sought internally.

Internal seeking, then the soul skills obtained are the abilities of one's own martial soul, at most possibly affected by the spear soul spirit to determine the form of expression of the soul skills.

Not only the spear soul spirit, Xu Yuan will continue to strengthen his Tianyuan Brush spear in the future, matching it with different metal soul spirits, thereby strengthening the pen-spear form of this weapon martial soul to the extreme.

This is the path Xu Yuan is talking about.

The reason why Zhenhua said this is difficult is first because no soul master has walked this path before, there is no case to refer to, and it is inherently extremely difficult.

"If you have to take such a path, then you may still need to join the study of forging masters in a sub-occupation."

The blank of the spear soul spirit is extremely good, but it has not been forged itself. In the future, it can be improved through forging, but if it becomes Xu Yuan's soul spirit, it is obviously the best choice to let Xu Yuan forge and improve it himself.

"There also needs to be an in-depth understanding of various rare metals and forging for the matching scheme of metal soul spirits."

Xu Yuan listened to what Zhenhua said and nodded silently.

After a while, he said: "Shishu, the energy consumed by forging masters is too great, I have too many cultivation tasks, I may not be able to wholeheartedly become a forging master."

Zhenhua stared at Xu Yuan, and after a long time, he sighed.

"Sigh, forget it, in the future, you can follow Shishu to learn the theoretical knowledge of forging in your spare time, and Shishu will also teach you some auxiliary forging methods."

Auxiliary forging method, as the name implies, is a method of assisting forging.

This is also a common forging method on the mainland, but it is not for pure forging masters to cultivate, but for those who pursue more extreme battle armor masters, assisting the forging master in the forging process, seizing the opportunity at the moment when the metal is formed, and taking over the real forging master to complete the last hammer of forging.

In other words, it is last-hitting - cough cough, last-hammering.

However, first of all, you have to find a truly forging master who cooperates tacitly, and at the same time, you have to obtain the other party's consent. You must know that most forging masters will not allow others to watch while they are forging, let alone join the forging work.

"Xiao Yuan, although it is an auxiliary forging method, you still have to participate in the entire forging process, because when you enter the real spirit forging soul forging, the whole process is integrated. The process of awakening the spirituality of the metal and giving it life requires continuous participation, and the auxiliary forging master must also participate in the whole process, with the two forging masters communicating with the metal at the same frequency."

This is the most difficult thing.

With Zhen Hua's skill as a divine craftsman, he can guide Xu Yuan into the rhythm. For spirit forging and soul forging, as long as Xu Yuan's foundation is solid enough, completing synchronous forging is achievable. But heavenly forging would be too difficult.

“Uncle-Master, this is already more than enough,” Xu Yuan said to Zhen Hua.

“Mm.”

“Stop talking about irrelevant things, let’s eat first.” Mu Ye’s voice came, accompanied by a rich aroma.

Xu Yuan and Zhen Hua stopped their discussion and went to the kitchen, where they saw a large, jelly-like substance in a plate, emitting a rich fragrance.

What is this?

Mu Ye introduced it from the side.

“This is whale jelly. Consuming it can enhance a soul master’s physique. In the era before soul spirits appeared, it was an essential treasure for soul masters to absorb soul rings beyond their level.

Of course, even now, this whale jelly is significant for enduring the soul ring granted by a soul spirit beyond one's level. After all, although the bearing of a soul spirit depends on mental power, the soul ring it grants still requires the soul master to bear it with their own body. Enhancing a soul master’s physical quality is still important.

This piece of whale jelly was cooked by me using a secret technique, removing some of its side effects and incorporating many other natural treasures, making its effects even better.”

Hearing Mu Ye’s introduction, Xu Yuan also swallowed his saliva, feeling that apprenticing to Mu Ye was definitely the right choice.

He really gives good things.

Of course, Xu Yuan also knew that when it came to cultivation, Mu Ye was also truly ruthless.

“Fortunately, I’m still young and can enjoy a few more years.”

Xu Yuan put aside the potential abuse he might face in the future and started eating voraciously.

The fifth day after arriving at the Forging Masters Association headquarters.

Xu Yuan sat cross-legged, having just finished the medicinal cuisine, refining the medicinal power within his body. Soul power surged like waves, washing through the meridians in his body again and again.

Rumble!

Suddenly, the soul power within Xu Yuan's body grew stronger, rushing through the meridians and erupting with a roar.

Ninth level!

Before arriving in Heaven Dou City, Xu Yuan had just broken through the eighth level.

Even further back, it had only been about ten days since he awakened his martial soul, and he had already advanced two levels.

Last time, it was because he was already close to breaking through, and he naturally broke through after the soul power in his body completed its cycle. This time, it was because Xu Yuan had consumed too many natural treasures, and the accumulation of soul power in his body far exceeded the eighth level, directly breaking through the shackles.

“Breaking through the tenth level within a month doesn’t seem to be a problem at all. Looking at it this way, what’s the difference between my starting point and innate full soul power?”

“You brat’s improvement is a bit fast. After this month, you can’t use natural treasures to improve your soul power for at least the next five years.” Mu Ye stroked his chin, observing Xu Yuan as he spoke.

There’s nothing wrong with using natural treasures to improve soul power.

What’s wrong is neglecting soul power cultivation after the improvement.

In fact, the Douluo Continent rarely has the concept of foundation. This concept only appeared before the unification of the Federation. The soul tool masters of the Sun Moon Empire, because they were obsessed with soul tool production and needed soul power to support them but had no energy to cultivate soul power, used natural treasures to accumulate their own soul power without cultivating it themselves, which over time caused their soul power to become superficial.

Soul power, as a force, needs to be cultivated by oneself to be reassuring, and it also allows for deeper control.

Beyond the Super Douluo level, even the slightest control can make a world of difference.

Mu Ye didn't let Xu Yuan suppress his level, but only restricted Xu Yuan from using natural treasures to improve his soul power for five years.

“Teacher, I just suddenly had an idea.” Xu Yuan didn’t have any objections to being restricted from using natural treasures. Instead, he explained some insights he had during his breakthrough.

“Speak.” Mu Ye said concisely.

Xu Yuan organized his words and described his doubts.

“Teacher, the cultivation of soul power, every bit of progress requires arduous meditation to achieve. But if the recovery of soul power after consumption can be replenished quickly, why is that?”

Chapter 13: Sowing Seeds

This isn’t actually a doubt that Xu Yuan only has.

This is a doubt he had in his previous life, but he suddenly thought of it when he just broke through soul power.

“Oh?” Mu Ye was slightly surprised that Xu Yuan would be concerned about this question, and curiously asked, “What do you think?”

“I actually had this doubt before I awakened my martial soul. At that time, I thought that soul power cultivation was a process of expansion, expanding the meridians in the body, or expanding the dantian. During meditation cultivation, it was expanding outward, so it was difficult to progress, while restoring soul power was restoring the already expanded parts, so it could be easy and fast.”

“What about now?” Mu Ye pressed.

“Now, I’m cultivating myself. At least now, the meridians in my body aren’t full yet, and there’s still room in my dantian. There’s no process of expansion.”

This is normal thinking logic.

Xu Yuan actually understands the process of soul master cultivation in detail, and he also understands the details of high-level soul master cultivation. He already knew that what he said earlier was unreasonable.

He brought this up at this moment to give Mu Ye a record of his own thinking process.

Mu Ye nodded, very satisfied that Xu Yuan could have these thoughts.

“Actually, your idea is correct.”

Correct?

Xu Yuan was stunned. He looked at Mu Ye, somewhat puzzled.

“Soul power cultivation is a process of expansion, but what is expanded is not the meridians, nor the dantian, but the limitations of the martial soul.”

“The limitations of the martial soul?” Xu Yuan muttered, pondering.

“What determines the upper limit of soul power is the bearing capacity, or control, of the martial soul. What soul masters expand through meditation is also this.” Mu Ye further explained: “However, this so-called bearing capacity has nothing to do with the quality of the martial soul, only its upper limit and the difficulty of expansion are related to the quality of the martial soul.”

Afterward, Mu Ye gave an example, an example that sounded somewhat familiar to Xu Yuan.

“For a powerful martial soul, you can gradually unlock the limitations of the martial soul and continuously increase soul power. But for a weak martial soul, even if there are no so-called limitations, exerting all of its bearing capacity may not be able to support the soul power of the thirtieth level, so soul masters will be trapped at the twenty-ninth level for life.”

“But, does the bearing or control of soul power really rely entirely on the martial soul?” Xu Yuan asked.

Xu Yuan's understanding of this deeper theory is not thorough enough, after all, there was no description of such a specific theory in the novels of his previous life.

Mu Ye shook his head: “Naturally not. The strength of a soul master’s body and mental power can also share the pressure of the martial soul, but it is ultimately limited. To get rid of this problem brought about by the innate nature of the martial soul, so far there is no other way except to use natural treasures to promote the mutation or evolution of the martial soul.”

“In the path of solving this problem, your father’s research is actually at the forefront.”

Solving the problem of bearing capacity in the form of a symbiotic soul spirit.

Mu Ye changed the subject.

“Actually, the expansion of meridians and dantian that you mentioned does indeed have this process, but it will only begin when you reach the thirtieth level as a Soul Venerable. At that stage, the soul power in the soul master's body will basically fill the meridians. Then, you have to start compressing the gaseous soul power to form liquid soul power. In the subsequent cultivation, the soul power cultivated is actually still gaseous, but it gradually turns into liquid under the soul master's operation and compression. But there is no doubt that the gaseous and liquid states coexist. Then, refill the meridians, then convert again, refill again, cycle back and forth, until the meridians are completely filled with liquid soul power.”