[ Condition: Retain previous conditions, but only create the first level of the technique! ]
[ Cost: 5,000 Fortune Points! ]
[ Create? ]
Zhuge Lan secretly reveled in his own cleverness for thinking of the "alternative plan."
By now, his Fortune Points had replenished to over 5,000.
[ Create! ]
In accordance with his will, a tome materialized out of thin air. Its cover bore the inscription: Muscle Transformation Manual - First Stage: Red-Grade Pagoda!
Assuming an authoritative air, Zhuge Lan declared solemnly:
"This secret manual is called the Muscle Transformation Manual, divided into seven layers. It is a cultivation method for deities."
"This volume contains the first stage. Upon mastering it, you will undergo a fundamental transformation—purifying your essence, refining your marrow, and altering your innate foundation. It will rectify the deficiencies you were born with, elevating your talent to the level of Innate Full Soul Power."
"Whether you can grasp it depends entirely on your comprehension."
Huo Yuhao's eyes lit up. He bowed deeply, extending his hands to receive the manual.
But Zhuge Lan slapped the manual onto Huo Yuhao's head, causing it to explode into a shower of luminous particles that streamed into the youth's forehead.
"Now that you're in the spiritual world, there's no need to read it slowly," Zhuge Lan added with a dismissive remark.
Beside them...
Tianmeng Ice Silkworm approached, his eyes filled with both skepticism and anticipation.
"Is the Muscle Transformation Manual truly that miraculous?"
"Time will tell," Zhuge Lan replied mysteriously.
"And if it fails, will you blame Little Yuhao's talent?" Tianmeng Ice Silkworm countered.
"The person I chose couldn't possibly lack comprehension," Zhuge Lan retorted arrogantly. "Even if he fails to grasp it, I can afford to make him have an epiphany."
'Creation isn't limited to physical objects; epiphanies, extending Soul Ring years, custom-tailored Soul Skills—I can achieve anything.'
Seeing Zhuge Lan's unwavering confidence, Tianmeng Ice Silkworm immediately put on a fawning smile.
"Then, can I practice the Muscle Transformation Manual?"
Zhuge Lan shook his head without hesitation.
"Why not?" Tianmeng Ice Silkworm's face fell. "Is it because my talent isn't good enough?"
"Seriously? You think your soul can grow abs?" Zhuge Lan rolled his eyes. "Little Yuhao just said it's to enhance his physique. What are you getting excited for?"
Tianmeng Ice Silkworm awkwardly scratched his chin with a foot, chuckling sheepishly.
"But..." Zhuge Lan's tone shifted. "Once we accumulate enough Fortune Points later, we can have Little Yuhao exchange for a secret manual to cultivate spiritual and soul power. That way, we can practice it too."
"Techniques like those used by Ghost Cultivators allow the soul to act independently of the physical body in the world."
Tianmeng Ice Silkworm's eyes lit up like light bulbs.
He used his "Wrap" ability to ensnare Zhuge Lan, staring at him with eager intensity.
"What are Fortune Points?"
"What's a Ghost Cultivator?"
"Can you really move freely?"
Zhuge Lan pushed Tianmeng Ice Silkworm away in annoyance.
"I don't like repeating myself. You'll find out soon enough..."
Zhuge Lan paused, both he and Tianmeng Ice Silkworm looking skyward—more accurately, beyond the spiritual world.
"Little Yuhao is in trouble in the real world. He needs to get out immediately," Tianmeng Ice Silkworm said, frowning. "But he's currently in the middle of comprehending a technique. This..."
"Just interrupt him," Zhuge Lan said casually. "It's just a comprehension state, not even a full epiphany. We need to be able to summon him at any time."
With a wave of his hand:
[ -1 Fortune Point ]
Huo Yuhao was yanked out of his comprehension state, kicked out of the spiritual world and back into his physical body.
"Xiao Ya, protect Yuhao!" A sharp cry echoed as the light dimmed before him.
A figure stood before him.
Huo Yuhao had a good memory.
He immediately recognized Tang Ya, the girl he'd encountered before who had devoured three whole grilled fish.
In the distance, Bei Bei fought a Soul Beast, lightning crackling around him—a picture of cool.
"Ah, do you like lightning?" Zhuge Lan's voice rang out.
"I've got plenty of Thunder Methods here—body refinement, Dao cultivation, talisman cultivation. If you work hard to earn Fortune Points, you can have them all."
Huo Yuhao startled!
He stood up and discreetly observed Tang Ya. She was focused on Bei Bei's battle, keeping an eye on their surroundings, but completely oblivious to what was happening behind her.
Such carelessness would surely get her into trouble if she encountered an enemy.
But for Huo Yuhao, who had grown up with only his mother's love, this trust was a sweet relief.
Suppressing his agitation, he whispered, "Brother Lan?"
"No need to speak. Just think about talking to me," Zhuge Lan instructed.
"Little Yuhao, try your first Soul Skill," the Tianmeng Ice Silkworm chimed in. "They don't have much combat power, but their support abilities are top-notch!"
Huo Yuhao nodded slightly.
He summoned his Martial Soul, the Spirit Eye, and intricate patterns appeared on his forehead.
His first soul ring, a million-year-old white-gold hue, materialized—a ring that, at first glance, resembled a ten-year white soul ring.
This commotion finally caught Tang Ya's attention. Seeing Huo Yuhao activate his Martial Soul and soul ring, her first reaction wasn't wariness.
"You're awake?" Tang Ya exclaimed happily. "Just a moment, Bei Bei is helping me acquire my third soul ring. We're watching—"
Huo Yuhao had already activated two Soul Skills in quick succession—
First Soul Skill: Mental Detection!
First Soul Skill: Mental Sharing!
In the next instant, both Bei Bei and Tang Ya shuddered, their eyes wide with astonishment.
In their minds, every detail within a thirty-meter radius was vividly present, as if they didn't even need their eyes to see. Even time seemed to slow down.
Bei Bei focused on the Mandala Snake, and his mind automatically calculated its distance, speed, and even the subtle shifts in its muscles!
Even though Mental Detection was already providing him with visual data, he couldn't resist glancing back at Huo Yuhao, his gaze lingering on the white Soul Ring beneath his feet.
Meanwhile, he continued fighting, dodging the Mandala Snake's attacks—its lunges, bites, tail strikes, and coils—by hair's breadth.
'Could this be the effect of a ten-year Soul Skill?'
His heart settled.
A deep rumble exploded from within Bei Bei, and intense blue-purple lightning crackled around him.
He was about to unleash his ultimate move!
While Bei Bei was locked in fierce combat, Huo Yuhao was casually chatting.
"Brother Tianmeng! This Soul Skill is insane!"
"Of course it is! Don't forget who you're talking to!"
"I've only mastered half of Brother Lan's Muscle Transformation Manual, but I can already sense its profound mysteries. It's clearly no ordinary technique!" Huo Yuhao remarked, generously acknowledging both contributions.
"You've got quite the knack for balance, kid," Zhuge Lan teased.
"Then I'll give you a real dilemma to ponder. Tang Ya's Martial Soul is Blue Silver Grass, which is best suited for Devourer, Dark, or Life-type paths. This Mandala Snake is simply unsuitable for her. Even a venomous plant-type Soul Beast would be a better choice."
Huo Yuhao's expression froze!
'Huh?'
He didn't doubt Zhuge Lan's words.
But Tang Ya had worked tirelessly to hunt down this thousand-year Soul Ring, and now he, the protected bystander, was stepping in to tell her it was unsuitable?
'What kind of joke is this?'
But having just been "protected," he couldn't just stand by and watch her head down the wrong path, could he?
Just as he was struggling with this dilemma, Zhuge Lan dropped a bombshell:
"Moreover, Tang Ya's Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul possesses a hidden talent for devouring life."
"Normally dormant, it only manifests when her Martial Soul is activated. If triggered, her soul could transform into Dark Blue Silver Grass, and she herself might fall into becoming an Evil Soul Master."
"However, if she can activate this hidden talent, her Martial Soul will evolve. At the very least, she could become a Blue Silver King, and at best, she could ascend directly to Blue Silver Emperor!"
"This is both an opportunity and a trial. Whether you tell her is up to you."
Huo Yuhao's little face crumpled into a confused mess, like a steamed bun.
'This... this...'