Dai Chengfeng smiled faintly and firmly grasped Hu Liena and Zhu Zhuqing's small hands with his own.
Buzz—!
The next moment, a warm and refined golden soul power, akin to the melting snow of early spring, flowed into their meridians with a strange sharpness yet an overwhelming sense of calm.
"Focus your minds and carefully feel the subtle differences in each route that follows."
Dai Chengfeng's voice was steady, carrying an innate assurance that naturally calmed those who heard it.
Hu Liena and Zhu Zhuqing immediately held their breaths, concentrating all their attention on the foreign yet incredibly harmonious golden soul power.
This wisp of soul power seemed to possess a sentient guide, moving unhurriedly through their meridians, clearly outlining three distinct pathways for them.
The first path was balanced and orderly, like a river flowing steadily within its predetermined course. Each step was solid and stable, emphasizing equilibrium and enduring resonance between soul powers.
It constructed a sense of a stable framework.
The second path suddenly became agile and swift, with the flow of soul power full of leaps and bursts of energy. It would accelerate into sprints at times, while weaving intricate spirals at others, akin to a bird soaring freely in the wind, pursuing ultimate speed, agility, and mobility.
The third path surged forth like molten lava, turbulent and unstoppable.
Three routes, three vastly different styles…
Under Dai Chengfeng's exquisite control of soul power, they unfolded one by one, revealing their cores unreservedly to the two women's perception.
After the demonstration was complete, Dai Chengfeng slowly withdrew his soul power and smiled as he watched the two women, still lost in reverie with expressions of awe on their faces.
"Sigh!"
After a long while, Hu Liena and Zhu Zhuqing almost simultaneously exhaled deeply.
The two women slowly opened their eyes, their pupils still glowing with amazement.
"It's truly… incredible…"
Hu Liena spoke first, her voice tinged with lingering admiration. "The same soul power, simply due to differences in its flow, can yield such vastly contrasting characteristics."
"The first is like a cornerstone—solid and reliable; the second is like a gale—unrestrained…"
Zhu Zhuqing also nodded slightly, her usually cold tone carrying a faint trace of emotion. "Mm, each route seems to open a new door for our martial souls, showing us different possibilities."
Dai Chengfeng chuckled. "Naturally."
"The Spirit Fusion Technique of the Golden Iron Triangle is renowned across the continent. How could its core secrets be ordinary?"
"This isn't merely the addition of soul power—it's the deep fusion of martial soul traits and the will of the soul master."
With that, Dai Chengfeng paused and looked at the two women, asking the critical question.
"So, after experiencing them, which of these three routes do you think aligns more closely with the characteristics of your own martial souls and the direction you wish to develop in the future?"
Instantly, the courtyard fell silent. Neither woman answered immediately, both lost in thought.
After all, this decision would determine the roles each of them would play in the trio and whether they could truly grasp the Triple Spirit Fusion Technique in the future…
In short, it was not something to be taken lightly.
After a long while, Zhu Zhuqing finally raised her head.
Her gaze was sharp and resolute as she looked at Dai Chengfeng. "The second one."
"Without a doubt, the second one."
Zhu Zhuqing had clearly given it deep thought. "The essence of my Netherworld Spirit Cat lies in extreme speed, agility, and delivering a decisive strike from concealment."
"The agility and swiftness pursued by the second route perfectly match my martial soul—it allows me to maximize the advantages of my speed."
Her analysis was clear and composed, fully consistent with her usual combat style.
Dai Chengfeng nodded and turned his gaze to Hu Liena. "And what about you, Nana?"
A complex expression of contemplation graced Hu Liena's exquisite face as her slender fingers unconsciously tapped her chin. "Hmm… My situation seems a bit more complicated."
She attempted to articulate her thoughts more clearly. "My Fox Martial Soul isn't a powerhouse-type weapon. It leans more toward mental control and allure, while also possessing some close-combat agility."
"Therefore, all three routes felt quite unique to me."
"The stability of the first route allows me to maximize my abilities, while the agility of the second significantly enhances my movement speed and evasion, giving me greater flexibility in controlling the battlefield. As for the third…"
"The domineering and forceful nature of the third route is also very intriguing."
At this point, Hu Liena raised her head, looking somewhat conflicted as she gazed at Dai Chengfeng. "But since my Fox Martial Soul isn't a powerhouse-type weapon, in terms of practicality, it seems the second and third routes suit me better."
"Chengfeng, what do you think?"
Dai Chengfeng listened attentively to the analyses of the two women, his mind already clear on the matter.
The second route mentioned by Zhu Zhuqing originated from Flender.
Flender's role in the Golden Iron Triangle's Spirit Fusion Technique was to provide flight capability and mobility, so it made perfect sense that Zhu Zhuqing would be suited to the second route.
As for the third route, it came from Liu Erlong. Although the Golden Dragon fusion technique appeared to derive its form from Liu Erlong's Red Dragon martial soul, as someone who had transcended dimensions, Dai Chengfeng knew better.
The true awakening of the martial soul actually came from Yu Xiaogang's seemingly insignificant Luo Sanpao martial soul. If only Yu Xiaogang hadn't dragged it down, the Triple Cannon should have originally manifested as the Golden Dragon instead of its current useless state.
Thus, both Liu Erlong and Flender played supporting roles in the Golden Dragon fusion technique.
And since Hu Liena's Fox Martial Soul leaned toward support as well, it was only natural that she would adapt better to the second and third routes.
With these thoughts in mind, Dai Chengfeng first turned to Zhu Zhuqing and said, "Zhuqing, since the second route suits you, focus on memorizing it and draw inspiration from it."
Then he turned to Hu Liena. "As for you, Nana…"
"Your martial soul leans toward support. Since neither the second nor third routes conflict with your abilities, focus on memorizing the third route."
"As for me? I'll take charge of the main offensive, alright?!"
"Agreed."
Zhu Zhuqing responded without hesitation, her answer concise and clear.
Though Hu Liena felt a twinge of frustration at having to accommodate Zhu Zhuqing once again, she understood that compromise and complementarity were sometimes necessary among partners. Thus, she nodded firmly:
"I'll follow your lead! I'll focus on the third route!"
Dai Chengfeng smiled and nodded in satisfaction, looking at the two women. "If that's settled, I'll guide you through them a few more times to help deepen your understanding and allow you to fully grasp their essence."
With that, Dai Chengfeng once again took hold of their hands.
This time, however, he didn't run through all three soul power routes. Instead, he multitasked, guiding the agile route through Zhu Zhuqing's body and the route associated with Liu Erlong through Hu Liena's.
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