Inside the secret chamber, time slipped away silently amidst the intense collision of thoughts and the flickering glow of soul power.
Yu Yuanchen, Qian Daoliu, and Tang Chen, the three most exceptionally gifted youngsters of this era, were thoroughly immersed in the deduction and refinement of the "Soul Core Condensation Method." Different philosophies and different paths intersected, collided, and fused at this moment, sparking brilliant flashes of wisdom.
The deduction process was far more difficult than anticipated, yet it was also far more spectacular.
As the theoretical founder, Yu Yuanchen provided the core framework and the most profound understanding of the essence of energy. His Thunder True Essence fused soul power, qi and blood, and spiritual power; its essence was extremely high, and his train of thought was unrestrained, often proposing ideas from the most fundamental level of laws. The Thunder God Seal between his brows flickered on and off, granting him an extraordinary intuition for energy condensation and law imprints.
Qian Daoliu was meticulous, possessing unique insights into the stability, structure, and purification of energy. The sacred attributes of his Angel Martial Soul demanded extreme "order" and "purity" from energy. He continuously optimized the structure of the energy vortex, proposing various meticulous plans to enhance stability and reduce the risk of backlash. His deduction process was like the design of a precise soul tool—interlocking and logically rigorous.
Tang Chen, on the other hand, followed a path of extreme power. His way of thinking was more direct and domineering, focusing on the compression, condensation, and explosive efficiency of energy. His understanding of "pressure" was unparalleled, and he continuously proposed various methods to enhance compression efficiency and refine energy density. His approach was like forging refined iron—tempered a thousand times to remove the dross and keep the essence.
However, even with the combined wisdom of the three, those critical steps—the extreme stability of the vortex, the perfect control of liquefaction, and the solidification of the law imprint—remained like massive mountains standing before them, difficult to overcome easily. The danger of the technique and the harsh requirements for the cultivator had not fundamentally changed.
The turning point occurred during a debate regarding the "resilience" of the energy vortex.
Qian Daoliu frowned slightly, holy light flowing from his fingertips as he stabilized an energy node on the sand table that was about to collapse. He mused, "For an energy vortex to reach extreme stability, it cannot rely solely on rotation speed and structural optimization; its inherent 'resilience' is crucial. It must be able to withstand the dual pressure of internal compression and external interference without collapsing. Looking at this method, it seems there is still a deficiency at this point..."
He paused suddenly, a look of recollection flashing in his eyes, and looked up at Yu Yuanchen and Tang Chen. "Speaking of 'resilience' and 'inner condensation,' I am reminded of something. In the secret archives of Martial Soul Hall, there were once scattered records. About three hundred years ago, a powerhouse of the Hall accidentally obtained a strange 'soul beast inner core' in an ancient ruin. According to research, it was left behind by a rare hundred-thousand-year soul beast that had failed its tribulation and passed away. The energy within it was extremely condensed, and its structure was exceptionally stable."
Upon hearing this, both Yu Yuanchen and Tang Chen showed expressions of interest.
Qian Daoliu continued, "At that time, an Elder in the Hall had a sudden inspiration: since a soul beast could condense such an inner core, why couldn't a human soul master? Thus, using this inner core as a reference, they secretly researched and imitated the method for humans to condense a 'soul power origin pill.' Unfortunately, this method was extremely difficult to research, and it was not valued by the higher-ups at the time, so the resources invested were limited. In the end... they only developed a semi-finished product. The effect was mediocre, and it seemed to only benefit a specific lineage of martial souls, making it impossible to promote, so it was shelved. I only happened to see a few fragmentary records while flipping through miscellaneous books as a child, and it left a deep impression."
His eyes brightened slightly. "Its core idea seemed to be imitating the structure of that inner core, using a specific frequency to vibrate soul power, supplemented by spiritual thought guidance, to make the soul power spontaneously condense inward, enhancing its 'cohesiveness' and 'resilience.' Although it was far from reaching the level of forming a pill, it seemed to have a slight effect on stabilizing soul power and slightly improving the quality of soul power. Perhaps we can borrow its concept of 'cohesion' and 'refinement' and integrate it into our vortex construction to enhance its load-bearing capacity?"
As soon as these words were spoken, a gleam erupted in Yu Yuanchen's eyes! "Inner core? Cohesion? Vibration frequency? Spiritual guidance?" These keywords instantly triggered certain vague concepts from his past life and the scattered knowledge about energy structures within the Thunder God Seal, creating a wonderful chemical reaction!
"Brother Qian, these words are excellent!" Yu Yuanchen clapped his hands in praise. "This line of thinking is indeed a new path! Instead of pursuing the extreme stability of the external structure, we turn to enhancing the 'cohesive' characteristics of the energy itself, improving stability from the inside out! Brilliant!"
He immediately immersed his mind, combining the ideas provided by Qian Daoliu with his own understanding, and began to deduce frantically. The Thunder God Seal between his brows flickered violently, and countless inspirations burst forth.
Seeing that both Yu Yuanchen and Qian Daoliu had made contributions, Tang Chen was silent for a moment, a flash of determination in his eyes. He suddenly spoke in a deep voice, "My Clear Sky Sect has been passed down for generations. Although our martial soul is not the number one in the world, we have been able to stand tall, and Titled Douluo have emerged from within our gates. In addition to the Clear Sky Hammer Technique, we also have a secret that is not passed on—the 'Clear Sky True Refining'!"
Yu Yuanchen and Qian Daoliu looked at him simultaneously, their faces showing surprise. A sect's core secret technique was no small matter.
Tang Chen's expression was calm. "This is not an offensive technique, but a unique method for tempering soul power. Through special energy circulation routes and the vibration of will, it is tempered a thousand times to remove the dross and keep the essence. It can greatly purify soul power, enhance its activity and explosive power, and make the quality of soul power far superior to those of the same level! Precisely because of this, the soul power of my Clear Sky Sect disciples is often more thick and condensed, and breaking through bottlenecks is relatively easier. The emergence of powerhouses in the sect is inseparable from this technique!"
He looked at the two, his gaze sincere. "Today, we are studying this method together, and since both of you have taught without reservation, Tang Chen will not hide anything either. This method can perhaps be borrowed for the step of liquefaction and compression. Using its concept of 'tempering' to replace some of the brute pressure might allow for a more gentle and thorough completion of the soul power transformation, reducing risks and improving efficiency!"
As he spoke, he used his soul power to outline several complex, rudimentary energy circulation routes on the sand table and demonstrated that unique frequency of will vibration. Although he did not describe the full technique, its subtlety was already apparent!
Yu Yuanchen and Qian Daoliu's eyes lit up! The Clear Sky Sect was able to stand tall for a reason; it truly had a profound foundation! This "Clear Sky True Refining" method was indeed unique in its purification and tempering of soul power! Integrating its essence into the compression stage was simply a stroke of genius!
"Brother Tang is righteous!" Yu Yuanchen and Qian Daoliu bowed simultaneously, their estimation of Tang Chen rising another level in their hearts. This man appeared cold and hard on the outside, but he had his own depth and was open and aboveboard on the inside.
From this point on, the three truly held nothing back, pouring their respective bottom-line foundations and wisdom into the work.
The idea of Martial Soul Hall's semi-finished "Inner Core Condensation Technique," the core "Clear Sky True Refining" tempering method of the Clear Sky Sect, the "Three Elements in One" core framework from Yu Yuanchen's Thunder God inheritance and his own insights, as well as Qian Daoliu's precise optimization and Tang Chen's power control... several types of top-tier wisdom collided, fused, and sublimated!
The progress of the deduction accelerated suddenly! Countless problems were solved, and many barriers were broken through one after another!
The construction of the energy vortex incorporated "cohesive" characteristics, greatly increasing stability; the liquefaction and compression process borrowed the concept of "tempering," becoming relatively controllable and more thorough; the final solidification and core condensation, although still requiring one's own comprehension of the law imprint, saw its success rate and safety increase significantly due to the optimization of the first two steps.
Although the entire set of methods still had extremely high requirements for the cultivator, compared to Yu Yuanchen's initial "three-step" approach that was almost reckless, it had been perfected too much, becoming a relatively systematic, precise, and traceable top-tier secret technique!
More importantly, in this process, the three of them, based on their own martial soul characteristics and path choices, had actually deduced the soul core condensation method that was most suitable for themselves, with slight differences!
Yu Yuanchen's method centered on "Three Elements in One, Sublimation and Transformation." Using his Thunder True Essence as a foundation, he sought to completely fuse soul power, qi and blood, and spiritual power, sublimating to the extreme during the core condensation process. It aimed to condense a "True Essence Thunder Core" that contained the thunder of life and death and governed essence, qi, and spirit. Its potential was infinite, perfectly matching his goal of restoring his god position and walking his own path.
Qian Daoliu's method centered on "Sacred Purification, Faith as a Bridge." Using his Angel Divine Power as a base, he incorporated part of his understanding and application of the Power of Faith, aiming to condense a "Holy Light Core" that was pure and flawless, capable of invoking sacred power and communicating with faith. It complemented his future path of inheriting the Angel God Position.
Tang Chen's method centered on "Extreme Power, Will as a Hammer." Using his Clear Sky Hammer intent as a base, he pushed "Clear Sky True Refining" to the limit, pursuing extreme compression and condensation. He aimed to condense a "Power Core" that was indestructible and contained peerless power and unyielding battle intent—simple, domineering, and pure, perfectly fitting his path.
The three methods were born from the same source but had different focuses; all were top-tier methods leading to the peak. In terms of subtlety, there might be differences, but when paired with their respective masters, they were hard to distinguish in quality.
On this basis, the three also worked together to deduce a "simplified version" of the soul core condensation method. This version removed the unique imprints of their personal paths, retained the most core steps of energy vortex construction, liquefaction and compression, and solidification and core condensation, and incorporated optimization ideas such as "cohesion" and "tempering," greatly increasing safety and feasibility.
But even so, its requirements for the cultivator's talent, spiritual power, and physique remained extremely harsh. Without innate full soul power and a top-tier martial soul, a peerless genius would not even have the qualifications to get started. To further lower the threshold, it would likely require them to have higher cultivation levels and broader horizons in the future.
Time flew by; it had already been more than half a year since Qian Daoliu and Tang Chen arrived.
Inside the secret chamber, Yu Yuanchen, Qian Daoliu, and Tang Chen sat cross-legged opposite each other. Soul power surged around them, and their auras were surging; clearly, in these six months of high-intensity deduction and mutual verification, their cultivation levels had all greatly improved.
Qian Daoliu and Tang Chen had already reached the peak of Level 85, only one step away from another breakthrough, their auras becoming deeper and more powerful.
As for Yu Yuanchen, he had broken through the bottleneck of Level 80 in one go and was about to officially step into the realm of Soul Douluo! Although he had not yet obtained his eighth soul ring, his soul power foundation had already surged, his aura was more deep and restrained, and faint lightning light formed a circle around him, which was quite imposing.
At this moment, within the Dantian of the three, they had all successfully constructed an extremely stable, high-speed rotating energy vortex containing "cohesive" characteristics (Qian Daoliu had a Holy Light vortex, Tang Chen had a Power vortex, and Yu Yuanchen had a Thunder True Essence vortex). At the center of the vortex, a trace of extremely condensed, already liquefied pure energy had been born, flowing slowly and emitting astonishing energy fluctuations.
The prototype of the soul core had already appeared!
Although it would still take a long time of nourishment, compression, and the most important law imprint before it could finally solidify into a true soul core, the most difficult and dangerous starting stage had already been safely passed! The most solid foundation had already been laid for the ten-thousand-foot tower!
The three opened their eyes almost simultaneously, gleams flashing in their eyes. They looked at each other and smiled; everything was understood without words. In these six months, they had not only perfected the method, but their own gains were also huge.
"This method is complete, and we have all benefited infinitely." Qian Daoliu stood up slowly and smiled elegantly. "There are many affairs in the Hall, so I cannot stay long. Brother Yuanchen, Brother Tang, let us part ways here today. I look forward to the day when we have all successfully condensed our cores and can compete again!"
He took his leave freely, turning into a holy stream of light and disappearing into the horizon.
In the secret chamber, only Yu Yuanchen and Tang Chen remained.
Tang Chen did not leave immediately. He was silent for a moment, looking at Yu Yuanchen. After half a year of getting along and studying together, although there was not much communication, the tacit understanding and appreciation between top-tier geniuses had already sprouted.
Yu Yuanchen looked at Tang Chen and suddenly spoke, his tone calm but carrying a trace of sharpness. "Brother Tang, I heard that the Sky Azure Bull Python in the Star Dou Great Forest is a hundred-thousand-year soul beast. Its strength... is even a cut above the Titan Giant Ape?"
Tang Chen's body trembled slightly, and a bone-deep hatred and cold killing intent flashed in his eyes instantly. He clenched his fists and said in a deep voice, "Yes! Its strength is likely already close to a Level 97 Super Douluo! And its innate ability is strange and unpredictable, making it extremely difficult to deal with."
Yu Yuanchen looked him straight in the eye. "I intend to hunt it for its soul ring and soul bone. Brother Tang... would you be interested in going together?"
Tang Chen suddenly looked up, staring at Yu Yuanchen, his eyes erupting with a fierce light that immediately transformed into extreme sharpness and... a hint of gratitude. He knew full well that for someone like Yu Yuanchen, who had just broken through to Level 80 (though his true combat power far exceeded that), to hunt the Sky Azure Bull Python would require the full support of the family's powerhouses. This act, while intended to obtain a Soul Ring, was also a gift—an opportunity for him to personally exact revenge, verify what he had learned, and hone his fighting spirit!
He remained silent for several breaths, his chest heaving, before finally cupping his fists heavily, his voice hoarse yet firm: "Tang Chen is willing to go!"
"Good!" Yu Yuanchen nodded. "We depart in three days."
Soon, an elite team assembled in Dragon City. Led by Yu Yuanchen, with two Super Douluo, Yu Boxuan (Level 97) and Yu Qingtian (Level 95), anchoring the formation, they were also accompanied by a newly promoted Titled Douluo, Yu Bo Yu (Level 91), and eight Soul Douluo Elders, all with Soul Power above Level 85!
Such a luxurious lineup could be called the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family sending out its top combat strength in full force, with their target aimed directly at the Overlord of the Star Dou Great Forest—the hundred-thousand-year Sky Azure Bull Python!
The team set out, carrying an aura of solemn slaughter as they marched toward that vast and dangerous primeval forest.
Tang Chen followed closely by Yu Yuanchen's side, gazing ahead, the flames of vengeance and the thirst for strength burning in his eyes. He knew that a brutal battle was about to arrive.
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Translated by: randomtranslator.com
Proofread by: GodKun-Chan