Inside the quiet room, Yu Yuanchen slowly opened his eyes. The purple-gold lightning in his pupils receded like a tide, eventually settling into a calm as deep as a sea of stars. He exhaled a breath of turbid air; the breath actually carried faint electric arcs that crackled in the air, lingering for a long time.
Successfully merging completely with his Martial Soul Origin and achieving the realm of Human-Dragon Unity brought benefits far exceeding his expectations. Not only did he realize the concept of a "Humanoid True Dragon," achieving an unprecedented level of precision in his control over power, but he also seemed to break through an invisible barrier, triggering another subtle leap in his life essence.
Within his Dantian, the liquefied Thunder Soul Core began to rotate rapidly, becoming more solid and brilliant, like a miniature thunderous star! The connection between the Soul Core and his meridians and acupoints became tighter, and his soul power flowed as if an extension of his arm, smooth and unobstructed. His soul power, previously stable at the peak of level 94, broke through the bottleneck as naturally as water flowing into a channel, stepping into a brand-new level—level 95!
Super Douluo!
A torrent of soul power, far more vast and pure than before, surged through his limbs and bones, nourishing every inch of his flesh and blood, making his life aura increasingly vigorous and long-lasting. Level 95 is an important watershed in the Titled Douluo realm; soul power undergoes a qualitative change, the ability to perceive and mobilize Heaven and Earth Origin Qi increases significantly, and one's lifespan also increases notably. Yu Yuanchen could feel that his strength had increased by at least forty percent compared to before his seclusion! This was not just an increase in soul power level, but a sublimation of his life essence.
At the same time, his spiritual power also underwent a strange change. His spiritual power, originally like an abyss or a sea, had been tempered and refined after the intense collision and final fusion with the will of his Martial Soul Origin, becoming more condensed and pure. The scope of his Spiritual Sea had not expanded much, but its "density" and "quality" had seen a qualitative leap! His perception was sharper, his thinking speed faster, and his insight into his own power was so meticulous that he could faintly sense the more subtle and active energy particles in the surrounding space.
This feeling... my spiritual power seems to have crossed an important threshold. Yu Yuanchen carefully contemplated it. Based on the vague memories of his past life and his own perception, he judged that his spiritual power realm had likely surpassed the peak of the "Spirit Abyss Realm" and touched the threshold of the next major realm, though it seemed to be missing that final push to fully step in, leaving him in a "half-step" state. He could tentatively call it the "Half-Step Spirit Domain Realm." Even so, the improvement it brought was immense; whether in cultivation, enlightenment, or combat, he would hold an absolute advantage.
"Martial Soul return to origin, soul power breakthrough, spiritual sublimation... the gains from this seclusion are immense!" Yu Yuanchen felt joy in his heart, but he was not satisfied with this alone. The "Humanoid True Dragon" state he had just achieved was only an initial fusion; it still required further familiarization and optimization.
He closed his eyes again, sinking his mind into his body to carefully experience this brand-new state. He circulated his soul power slightly, and the power of his seventh soul ring was quietly triggered, though not fully unleashed. The vast origin power of the Thunder Sacred Dragon flowed gently throughout his body, strengthening every inch of his physique without changing his form. He remained in the appearance of Yu Yuanchen, but beneath his skin, noble purple-gold scale patterns faintly flowed, and the dragon might naturally radiating from his body was condensed rather than dispersed, heavy as a mountain—far more restrained than when he transformed into a giant dragon, yet even more terrifying.
"Humanoid True Dragon, condensed power, movement and stillness at will—truly, it has infinite wonders." Yu Yuanchen nodded with satisfaction. But then, a thought struck him.
"Since the Martial Soul True Body can maintain a human form, then... what about the Dragon Transformation Secret Method?"
He decided to test it. He attempted to maintain the "Humanoid True Dragon" state while simultaneously activating the "True Dragon Transformation" secret method—which he had improved by combining it with his bloodline power, far surpassing the original version of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan!
"Hum!"
A miraculous change occurred! Originally, in the Martial Soul True Body state, the Dragon Transformation secret method would naturally merge and strengthen the dragon body. But now, activating the dragon transformation while in this special "Humanoid True Dragon" state produced a completely different effect!
Crackle! Dense purple-gold electric arcs erupted from his body, but they did not form obvious dragon features like claws, horns, or wings. Instead, they rapidly intertwined and condensed on his skin! In the blink of an eye, a magnificent, majestic, and streamlined suit of full-body armor covered him completely!
The armor was a deep purple-gold, its material neither metal nor jade, as if forged from the purest lightning and dragon scales. Mysterious dragon patterns flowed on its surface, and the joints were ingeniously designed to ensure both flexibility and excellent protection. The helmet was a majestic dragon-head design, with a faceplate covering most of his features, revealing only a pair of eyes as deep as the starry sky. The pauldrons, breastplate, arm guards, and leg guards were integrated, with smooth lines full of power. The overall style was luxurious without losing its dominance, majestic without appearing cumbersome.
What was even more peculiar was that this armor felt like a part of his body, resonating perfectly with the Thunder Sacred Dragon origin power within him. Not only was there no discomfort, but he felt his power was more condensed, and his defense, speed, and control over lightning were all amplified in every aspect! It was as if this armor was an extension and enhancement of his "Humanoid True Dragon" body!
"Is this... Thunderous Armament?" Yu Yuanchen recalled his sixth soul skill. In the past, the Thunderous Armament was a lightning armor condensed in his normal state, with astonishing defensive power. But now, this armor generated by combining the Dragon Transformation secret method on the basis of his "Humanoid True Dragon" state far exceeded the ordinary Thunderous Armament in quality, power, and compatibility with himself! The two seemed to have produced a wonderful chemical reaction, sublimating into a higher-order existence!
He moved his mind again, attempting to inject the power of his sixth soul skill, "Thunderous Armament," into it as well.
"Boom!"
On the armor, the purple-gold lightning suddenly flared! The already majestic and magnificent armor now had more dense and complex thunder runes appearing on its surface, as if they had come to life, slowly flowing and emitting a destructive wave that caused palpitations. The armor's defensive power and its amplification effect on lightning were raised to another level! At this moment, he was like a thunder god walking from ancient times, majestic, powerful, and inviolable!
"Wonderful! Simply wonderful!" Yu Yuanchen felt the terrifying power surging within him, obedient to his every command, and his heart was filled with surprise. This unexpected joy allowed him to find a brand-new form that perfectly combined his Martial Soul True Body, the Dragon Transformation secret method, and the Thunderous Armament!
"This form shall be called—Martial Soul True Body Possession!" Yu Yuanchen named this brand-new state. In this state, he maintained his human form, possessed all the amplifications of the Martial Soul True Body, combined the physical strengthening and partial features (transformed into armor) of the Dragon Transformation secret method, and incorporated the ultimate defense and energy amplification of the Thunderous Armament. Three-in-one, it pushed his combat power to an unprecedented peak! Moreover, the form was more flexible and better suited for fighting against powerhouses with human physiques.
He practiced repeatedly, familiarizing himself with the application of power, speed bursts, defensive strength, and soul skill execution in the "Martial Soul True Body Possession" state. Everything was as smooth as flowing water. After completely merging with his Martial Soul Origin, his control over his own power had reached perfection.
After initially mastering his newly acquired power, Yu Yuanchen finally ended this seclusion that had lasted for over a month. He removed the restrictions of the quiet room and pushed the door open. Outside, the sunlight was perfect; it was already afternoon.
"Young Master, you have come out of seclusion!" The disciples waiting outside immediately stepped forward to salute, their faces filled with awe. They could feel that the Young Master's aura seemed even more unfathomable.
"Hmm, how long have I been in seclusion?" Yu Yuanchen asked.
"Reporting to Young Master, exactly thirty-five days."
"Thirty-five days..." Yu Yuanchen nodded slightly; it was not a short time. He immediately thought of his plans before the seclusion, and a hint of warmth and anticipation rose in his heart. After giving a few instructions to the disciples, he walked straight toward the Beast Taming Research Institute.
Inside the institute, Ye Zhilan was discussing complex data regarding soul beast spiritual power frequencies and contract stability with Gu Yuena in a quiet room. Ye Zhilan's delicate brows were slightly furrowed; she had clearly encountered a problem. Gu Yuena, as always, maintained her cold and aloof demeanor, her purple eyes flashing with the light of wisdom, occasionally offering pointers that were often incisive.
When Yu Yuanchen's figure appeared at the door of the quiet room, both women looked up at the same time.
Ye Zhilan's beautiful eyes lit up instantly like stars, and a surprised smile bloomed on her face: "Brother Yuanchen! You've come out of seclusion!" She immediately stood up to greet him, looking at him with concern, "Did the seclusion go well? I see your aura seems to have become much more profound."
Yu Yuanchen smiled slightly, naturally taking her hand and feeling the softness of her palm, nodding: "Everything went well, I gained a little." His gaze was gentle, carrying undisguised affection.
Gu Yuena sat in her place, her purple eyes sweeping over Yu Yuanchen, a trace of extremely faint surprise flashing through them. She keenly sensed that Yu Yuanchen's aura was subtly different from before his seclusion. It was not a simple increase in soul power, but a deeper level of... harmony?
It was as if some kind of previously faint, discordant mark of external force (the corrosive feeling of the Ice Fire Dragon King's dragon power) within his body had disappeared, replaced by a sense of perfection that was natural and under his control. This change made even her, the Silver Dragon King, feel a trace of wonder; this person's cultivation speed and control over himself were truly beyond imagination.
But then, her gaze fell on the hands of Yu Yuanchen and Ye Zhilan held tightly together, and the naturally flowing, intimate atmosphere between the two that ignored everyone else. Deep in her purple eyes, a trace of... dissatisfaction? Or perhaps, a kind of incomprehensible confusion, flashed imperceptibly.
In her view, Ye Zhilan was extremely wise and gifted in the way of beast taming, an excellent partner for discussing the Great Dao and advancing research. But as soon as this Yu Yuanchen arrived, with a few words, he could make the previously focused and wise Ye Zhilan instantly become... well, in human terms, a bit "dizzy," her attention completely diverted. This thing called "love" seemed to seriously affect the efficiency of "proper business"?
However, this trace of dissatisfaction and confusion was quickly suppressed by her. She just nodded faintly at Yu Yuanchen as a greeting, then turned her gaze back to the data on the table, as if everything around her had nothing to do with her. Only, a seed called "curiosity" about this complex and obscure human emotion had been quietly planted in the lake of her heart, which had previously known nothing of the world.
Yu Yuanchen and Ye Zhilan did not notice Gu Yuena's subtle reaction. Yu Yuanchen pulled Ye Zhilan aside and set up a sound-insulation barrier. Looking at the beautiful and peerless face of the woman before him, his heart softened, and he said softly: "Zhilan, there is something I want to discuss with you."
"Brother Yuanchen, tell me." Ye Zhilan looked up at him, her beautiful eyes full of trust.
Yu Yuanchen took a deep breath, his gaze sincere: "A month ago, Tang Chen sent a wedding invitation; he is getting married in three months. This matter... made me think of us." He paused, squeezing Ye Zhilan's hand, "We have known each other for many years and our hearts are in sync. Now that my cultivation has achieved some success and the sect is stable. Zhilan, I think... it is time. I want to take you as my wife and spend the rest of my life with you. Are you... willing?"
Upon hearing this, Ye Zhilan was stunned for a moment, then her fair cheeks were dyed with a moving blush at a speed visible to the naked eye, spreading all the way to her earlobes. She lowered her head, not daring to look at Yu Yuanchen's scorching gaze, her heart beating like a drum, her voice as soft as a mosquito's, yet carrying incomparable firmness and joy, she nodded gently: "Mm... I am willing."
Although she had been mentally prepared, hearing her beloved propose in person, the immense happiness still instantly overwhelmed her.
The heavy stone in Yu Yuanchen's heart fell, and infinite joy surged up. He couldn't help but reach out and gently pull her into his arms: "Good! That's great! Zhilan, wait for me, I will go and inform my grandfather and father right now, and ask them to choose a day to go to the Ye Family to formally propose and set the wedding date! I must give you the most glorious wedding!"
Ye Zhilan buried her head in his solid chest, feeling that reassuring warmth, and whispered a soft "Mm," her heart filled with longing for the future.
The two cherished the moment for a while, then Yu Yuanchen impatiently left the institute to find his grandfather, Yu Boxuan, and his father, Yu Mingfeng.
After hearing Yu Yuanchen's intention, Yu Boxuan stroked his beard and laughed, his heart greatly comforted: "Good! Yuanchen, you and the girl Zhilan are a perfect match; this good deed should have been done long ago! Leave this matter to your grandfather; tomorrow I will personally go to the Ye Family to discuss the auspicious date with old man Ye Kuan! It must be done in a grand manner!"
Yu Mingfeng was also full of smiles, nodding repeatedly. His son starting a family and establishing a career was one of the greatest wishes of a father.
Yu Yuanchen added: "Grandfather, Father, can the wedding date be set after Tang Chen's wedding? That way I can attend his wedding with peace of mind."
"That is only natural." Yu Boxuan laughed, "That kid Tang Chen is a close friend of yours; naturally, you must go to drink his wedding wine. Your wedding needs careful preparation, and placing it after his will give us plenty of time."
With the major matters settled, Yu Yuanchen felt refreshed, feeling that the world had brightened a little. His cultivation had broken through, his Martial Soul had returned to its origin, and he had set a lifelong commitment with his beloved—it could be called three happy events in one.
He returned to his courtyard and began to plan the next steps. Attending Tang Chen's wedding, preparing for his own wedding, and at the same time, he could not relax his cultivation, especially in familiarizing himself with and exploring more wonders of the "Martial Soul True Body Possession" state. The Seven Sects Selection was also drawing near, and the winds and clouds of the continent were about to rise; he needed to face future challenges with an even stronger stance.
His gaze swept past the window, as if he could see the outline of the Star Dou Forest in the distance. Gu Yuena's existence was like a dark thorn, but his strength had greatly increased, and his confidence was even greater. When soldiers come, block them; when water comes, cover it with earth. He, Yu Yuanchen, feared no challenge!
"The current priority is to cultivate with peace of mind and wait for the auspicious date." Yu Yuanchen sat cross-legged and entered a state of meditation again, consolidating his cultivation and familiarizing himself with his newly acquired power. Under the calm time, undercurrents were surging, and the era that belonged to him was slowly unfolding.
───────────────
Translated by: randomtranslator.com
Proofread by: GodKun-Chan