Time flies, and three months have passed quietly since Yu Yuanchen returned from the west.
In Dragon City, deep within the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family, the atmosphere in a secret chamber reinforced with layers of soul guidance isolation arrays was heavy and focused.
Yu Yuanchen, Yu Boxuan, Yu Qingtian, and several elders who were most experienced and well-versed in soul power theory were gathered together. On the massive soul guidance sand table in the center, light and shadow flowed as countless energy flow lines simulated by soul power intertwined and shifted, outlining the incredibly complex execution trajectory of what was the prototype of the "Method of Core Condensation" they had been painstakingly deducing for the past three months.
The Thunder God Seal on Yu Yuanchen's forehead flickered slightly, purple-gold lightning surged in his eyes, and his fingertips tapped out from time to time, prompting the energy model on the sand table to adjust accordingly. As the primary proposer of the theory and the person with the deepest understanding of the essence of energy, he led the entire deduction process.
Yu Boxuan's expression was solemn, his vast spiritual power as a Level 97 Super Douluo enveloping the entire room, sensing every subtle change in energy, and occasionally offering suggestions for modifications regarding energy stability and the macro-architecture.
Yu Qingtian focused more on the practical level of power operation and eruption, using his formidable cultivation level of Level 94 (now Level 95) and rich combat experience to verify the feasibility under various extreme conditions. The other elders each displayed their strengths, checking for gaps and making up for deficiencies from different angles.
However, three months had passed, and the progress of the deduction was far slower and more difficult than expected.
"It won't work. The critical rotation speed of the energy vortex cannot be stabilized. Once it exceeds this threshold, the load on the meridians increases exponentially; those without an extremely formidable physique simply cannot withstand it!" one elder shook his head and sighed, as the light cluster representing the energy vortex on the sand table dissipated once again due to the excessive simulated pressure.
"The step of compression and liquefaction is even more dangerous. If the spiritual power is slightly insufficient and cannot precisely constrain the surging energy within, it will instantly trigger a backlash explosion!" another elder added with a grave expression.
"And this final solidification and condensation of the core requires a deep realization of one's own martial soul and the laws, only then can one successfully imprint their will upon it, allowing it to form a self-contained cycle. This step... is mysterious and profound, difficult to express in specific methods, and more like a kind of... enlightenment?"
Everyone frowned. They had gathered the top wisdom of the entire clan and spent three months, yet they had only managed to refine Yu Yuanchen's originally crude and dangerous "three-step" concept into a relatively clearer framework, and preliminarily verified its theoretical feasibility. But the key difficulties involved—the extreme stability of the energy vortex, the terrifying pressure and control of liquefaction and compression, and the law imprint for solidification and core condensation—remained like a chasm, difficult to overcome.
The requirements of this method for the practitioner's talent, foundation, spiritual power, physique, and comprehension had reached a desperate level. Looking at the entire Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family, apart from Yu Yuanchen himself who had a greater chance of success, and perhaps Yu Boxuan and Yu Qingtian who could take the risk, the others did not even have the qualifications to try, and the success rate was negligible.
"This method... is too heaven-defying. To achieve extraordinary results, one must bear extraordinary risks and costs," Yu Boxuan finally sighed and concluded, "It should not be tried lightly by anyone other than a peerless talent. To perfect it to a relatively safe and promotable state is beyond the power of our family alone."
Everyone was silent; although they were unwilling, they had to admit this fact. Creating a brand-new path of cultivation was far more difficult than imagined.
However, these three months were not without gains.
Yu Boxuan and Yu Qingtian, relying on their profound foundation and powerful spiritual power as Titled Douluo, had successfully constructed a stable "soul power vortex" within their Dantian. For powerhouses of their level, the soul power in their bodies had already spontaneously completed high-level liquefaction and even partial condensation during their long cultivation; constructing the vortex was more of a reorganization and efficient integration of existing power.
Once the vortex was formed, although it could not directly condense a soul core, it immediately improved the speed of their soul power operation and recovery, and their cultivation efficiency also improved slightly—better than nothing. More importantly, this process allowed them to control their own power with more meticulous precision.
The biggest surprise came from Yu Qingtian. In the process of successfully constructing the soul power vortex and continuously adjusting and comprehending its mysteries, his Level 94 bottleneck, which had trapped him for many years, suddenly loosened. Taking this opportunity, he broke through the barrier in one go and stepped into the ranks of Level 95 Super Douluo! His strength surged, and his aura became even more profound and tyrannical!
Another beneficiary was Yu Yuanchen's second grandfather, the peak Soul Douluo Yu Bo Yu. He had been stuck at Level 89 for many years and had a deep foundation. Participating in this deduction, although he could not fully understand the profound parts, he still benefited greatly.
In addition, Yu Yuanchen distributed two high-quality ten thousand year soul bones he had seized from the battle with the Elephant Armored Sect and the Tuoba Family for him to absorb, greatly increasing his foundation. Finally, under the dual stimulation of the soul bone enhancement and the successful initial construction of the soul power vortex, he completed the thorough liquefaction of his body's soul power (ordinary Soul Douluo can only partially liquefy it), broke through the barrier, successfully hunted an eighty-thousand-year dragon species soul beast for his ninth soul ring, and stepped into the realm of Titled Douluo! His title—Thunder!
Thus, on the surface, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family now possessed three true Titled Douluo: Yu Boxuan (Level 97), Yu Qingtian (Level 95), and Yu Bo Yu (Level 91)! Their strength was unprecedentedly strong, firmly sitting in the forefront of the continent's top sects!
Yu Yuanchen himself also benefited greatly from the high-intensity deduction and cultivation over these three months. His understanding of the essence of energy became more profound, his Thunder True Essence became increasingly condensed and pure, and his cultivation level naturally advanced, stepping into the realm of Level 78 Soul Sage. His aura became increasingly restrained and deep.
But the perfection of the Method of Soul Cores had indeed hit a bottleneck.
"It seems that only by inviting Brother Qian and Brother Tang will it work," Yu Yuanchen said slowly, his eyes sweeping over the energy model on the sand table that still had many uncertainties. He knew well that to perfect this heaven-defying method, pooling wisdom was essential, and in the known continent today, the only ones of the same age who could sit and discuss the Dao with him in terms of talent, flair, and strength were Qian Daoliu and Tang Chen (Bo Saixi was not yet known, so she was not counted for now).
"Hmm," Yu Boxuan nodded, "These two are indeed the best candidates. Qian Daoliu is gifted, his understanding of Angel Divine Power and holy attributes has reached a very high level, and he is meticulous; Tang Chen has extraordinary talent in the way of power, his Clear Sky Hammer intent is tyrannical, and it also contains changes within its rigidity. Plus, the forces behind them both have deep foundations and family heritage. If they can participate, they will surely make up for our lack of consideration."
With the plan decided, Yu Yuanchen did not hesitate and personally took up his pen to write two identical secret letters.
The letters naturally did not mention core secrets such as godhood or faith, but only frankly stated that he had gained some insights during his cultivation and had developed a "Method of Core Condensation" that might have a subversive impact on the soul master cultivation system. However, this method was profound, and the deduction had hit a bottleneck at the critical stage, leaving him unable to find a solution for a long time. Having long heard that the two brothers were learned and talented, he took the liberty to invite them, hoping they could spare some time to meet and discuss the wonderful method together, in the hope of perfecting it and benefiting future generations.
The words were sincere, neither humble nor arrogant, fully expressing his recognition and respect for their abilities, and elevating this act to the height of "benefiting future generations."
The two letters were sent to Martial Soul Hall and the Clear Sky Sect by trusted family members at the fastest speed.
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Martial Soul Hall, deep within the Hall of Elders.
Qian Daoliu sat quietly under the statue of the angel, his body bathed in holy golden radiance, with eight soul rings—two yellow, two purple, three black, and one red—shining behind him. Unsurprisingly, he had also broken through the bottleneck to reach the Soul Douluo realm, and relying on the deep foundation of Martial Soul Hall, he had hunted a hundred-thousand-year eighth ring without injury.
He took the secret letter respectfully handed over by the Cardinal and unfolded it to read. A trace of surprise first flashed in his golden eyes, followed by a strong interest.
"Method of Core Condensation? Subverting the soul master cultivation system?" he whispered to himself, a playful smile appearing at the corner of his mouth, "Yu Yuanchen, oh Yu Yuanchen, you always give people surprises. Is defeating me and Tang Chen together not enough, that you have started to study such a world-shaking path?"
He put down the letter and looked at the dome of the temple, his eyes deep: "Gathering the strengths of the three families to discuss the Great Dao together... interesting. If this method can really be achieved, it will indeed be a great merit for Martial Soul Hall and for all soul masters in the world. And..." a sharp light flashed in his eyes, "being able to discuss the Dao with him and Tang Chen again will surely be of great benefit to my cultivation!"
He almost did not hesitate and instructed the Cardinal standing by his side: "Reply to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan that Qian is quite interested in the wonderful method mentioned by Brother Yuanchen, and will personally go to Dragon City in a few days to meet with him."
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Clear Sky Sect, the atmosphere in the Main Hall was slightly heavy.
Sect Master Tang Gan still had his arm bandaged; although his aura had stabilized, he could not hide the exhaustion and grief between his brows. The death of the Great Elder and the fall of several elites had left the sect severely damaged.
Tang Chen sat in the lower seat, his face cold, his eyes suppressing bone-deep hatred and an extreme desire to become stronger. He took the letter, scanned it quickly, and for the first time, a trace of fluctuation appeared on his cold and hard face.
"Yu Yuanchen... Method of Core Condensation?" he whispered, surprise and thought flashing in his eyes. Although he lost the battle against Yu Yuanchen and Qian Daoliu, he truly admired Yu Yuanchen's strength and talent. Receiving an invitation from him now, mentioning that he had developed a method that might change soul master cultivation, he was quite shaken.
"Sect Master, look..." he handed the letter to Tang Gan.
Tang Gan read it carefully, pondered for a moment, and said: "This Yu Yuanchen is no ordinary person. If what he says is true, this method is of great significance. Our sect has just suffered a heavy blow and is in need of people. If you go..."
"Sect Master, I will go," Tang Chen said decisively, flames burning in his eyes, "I keep the hatred of the Great Elder and all the fellow sect members in my heart! But precisely because of this, I need to become stronger! Closing the door to build a cart and practicing hard for ten years may not necessarily catch up with the footsteps of Yu Yuanchen and Qian Daoliu. Only by communicating and colliding with the top opponents can one break through faster! If this method can really help me improve my strength, I will have more confidence in my revenge in the future! And if this matter succeeds, it will also be beneficial to the reputation of our Clear Sky Sect."
Tang Gan looked at the unquestionable determination in his nephew's eyes and finally nodded slowly: "Very well. Go. Take my reply and tell Sect Master Yu that Tang Chen will arrive in a few days. Be careful on this trip."
"Yes!" Tang Chen cupped his fists heavily.
⁂
A few days later, in Dragon City, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family welcomed two heavyweight guests.
Qian Daoliu was still the same golden-haired, white-robed figure, handsome as a god, his aura even more rounded and profound, as if he were more in tune with the light and holiness of the world. He came alone, without any attendants, showing great sincerity.
Tang Chen arrived dusty and tired, with a trace of lingering sadness between his brows, but his eyes were sharper and firmer, like tempered steel, and his temperament was a bit more steady and calm. He also came alone, obviously only for the purpose of discussing the Dao.
Yu Yuanchen personally came out to welcome them, leading the two into that heavily guarded secret chamber.
Inside the chamber, the Soul Guidance Sand Table shimmered with flowing light, and a complex Energy Model hung silently in the air.
Without excessive pleasantries, the three most gifted Youngsters of the current era had their gazes instantly drawn to the profound energy execution diagram.
"Brother Yuanchen, is this the 'Method of Core Condensation' you spoke of?" Qian Daoliu's eyes burned with intensity as he immediately discerned the astonishing potential and the many perilous bottlenecks contained within.
Tang Chen's pupils constricted; as a power-type Soul Master, he was most sensitive to the condensation and eruption of energy, and he saw at a glance that if this method could succeed, the boost to a Soul Master's power would be revolutionary! "What an overbearing technique! You actually intend to compress the entire body's Soul Power into a single core?!"
"Precisely." Yu Yuanchen nodded, getting straight to the point, "I realized this method by chance, but having deduced it to this stage, I have encountered a Bottleneck. The stability of the Energy Vortex, the control of liquid compression, and the branding of the solidified core—these three barriers are exceptionally treacherous and cannot be broken by one person's strength alone. That is why I invited you two brothers here, to gather the wisdom of the three of us and study this method together, hoping to perfect it."
Qian Daoliu and Tang Chen exchanged a glance, both seeing intense interest and a desire for a challenge in the other's eyes.
"Agreed!" Qian Daoliu spoke first, Holy Light flowing from his Fingertip as he tapped a spot on the sand table, "The energy flow here seems to allow for the introduction of a 'stabilizing' intent, which might enhance the resilience of the vortex..."
Tang Chen spoke almost simultaneously, his voice deep and steady: "The power of compression cannot last if it is only rigid, and it cannot defend if it is only soft! It requires a balance of hardness and softness, much like the intent of my Clear Sky Hammer—achieving the Effortless, treating the heavy as light and the light as heavy! This structure should be fine-tuned..."
The three peerless geniuses immediately immersed themselves in a fierce discussion and deduction of the Method of Soul Cores. Different philosophies, different perspectives, and different Martial Soul characteristics and insights from their Cultivation collided violently at this moment, sparking countless flashes of wisdom.
Yu Yuanchen's theoretical framework and profound understanding of the essence of energy, Qian Daoliu's unique insights and meticulous thinking regarding energy stabilization, purification, and nourishment, and Tang Chen's ultimate realization and overbearing directness regarding energy condensation, eruption, and control... the three complemented each other, verified one another, and occasionally debated.
Inside the secret chamber, the light of Soul Power flickered on and off, and the Energy Model constantly collapsed and reorganized, becoming increasingly complex, stable, and exquisite...
A grand deduction, one capable of changing the landscape of Soul Master cultivation on the continent, officially began in the hands of these three Youngsters.
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Translated by: randomtranslator.com
Proofread by: GodKun-Chan