Martial Soul Fusion.
This was a topic that was incredibly difficult to fully understand.
Xu Yuan looked forward to the day he could thoroughly research and master it.
As long as he could use his understanding to assist in the development of his own martial souls, that would be enough for him.
He didn't ask for anything more.
At first glance, Xie Xie's two martial souls seemed to lack a fusion technique, but in reality, there was potential for them to achieve one.
The two martial souls were like two halves of a whole. If they truly merged into a single martial soul, wouldn't that essentially be a permanent fusion?
The resulting strength would far surpass the individual powers of the Light Dragon Dagger and Shadow Dragon Dagger before their fusion.
"The development of the Heavenly Origin Brush's abilities is still insufficient. Shan He, you need to stand on your own so you can play a bigger role in my battles," Xu Yuan said to his Paper Spirit.
Shan He was the name of the Paper Spirit.
"I'll record enough runes, replicated martial soul skills, and even templates of manifested abilities onto you in advance. Moving forward, I'll gradually add more. When we're in battle and need certain abilities to manifest, you'll directly help me bring them to life."
Xu Yuan spoke to Shan He.
By now, Shan He had already reached 9,999 years of cultivation, just one year shy of becoming a ten-thousand-year spirit. It was fully sentient and could understand Xu Yuan's intentions.
"The greatest significance of a spirit to a soul master isn't just the convenience of absorption or skipping the hassle of obtaining soul rings."
"In my view, the true value of a spirit has always been to assist the soul master—to help in areas where the soul master's abilities fall short. With the support of multiple spirits, a soul master's strength becomes greater, their abilities more comprehensive, and their path much longer."
Xu Yuan earnestly explained this to Shan He.
At the same time, Xu Yuan summoned his other three spirits. While educating Shan He, he also worked to instill the correct mindset about being a spirit into the others.
"Yao Yao, you've been slacking off lately. The Star Map shouldn't be that difficult, especially when combined with Huan Xing's abilities. With my Brain Martial Soul as the foundation, your progress on completing the Star Map should have been much faster."
Yao Yao hung her head, looking as if she'd been scolded.
I know, but what can I do? Even next time, it will probably be the same.
This wasn't a task designed for spirits to handle.
If we spirits had the ability to learn and develop like this, we would have dominated the Douluo Continent long ago.
"Huan Xing's progress in mastering the Five Elements is also less than ideal."
Huan Xing remained expressionless, giving no indication of his thoughts.
"Jue, on the other hand, has done well. Recently, the refinement of the Five Elements Spear Manual has far surpassed your current cultivation level, and the integration of life force is proceeding smoothly."
Jue stood rigid, his spearhead pointed at Yao Yao and Huan Xing as if taunting them.
Anyone else?
See that? If you're weak, practice more.
There's no such thing as inability—only effort.
Within Yao Yao's ghost-like body, teeth clenched tightly in frustration.
Damn you, Jue. Every time, you secretly grind harder than the rest of us.
"Jue, your foundation lies in the Five Elements. During the next fusion forging, I'll attempt to integrate Spirit Crystal into your core. I'll imbue the Spirit Crystal with the Five Elements and create a custom Five Elements Spirit Crystal specifically for you, then fuse it into your essence."
Ever since his recent epiphany, Xu Yuan had gained clarity on how to improve Jue. He realized that Jue's growth should be rooted in the Five Elements, using their power to encompass various other abilities.
The Five Elements could encompass void-breaking, space manipulation, life force, and eventually even destruction and countless other forces.
Later, the Five Elements would transform into Yin and Yang, which would then evolve into Chaos, culminating in the creation of a transcendent divine weapon.
Jue's spear vibrated slightly, seemingly brimming with excitement.
Compared to Yao Yao and Huan Xing, Jue wanted to improve far more desperately.
Yao Yao and Huan Xing belonged to pre-existing spirit beast races. Their progress was encoded in their genes, lacking the exhilaration of evolutionary breakthroughs. But Jue's essence was purely metal. He was an entirely artificial creation, with no inheritance or predetermined path. Every step of his growth was carved out by himself, and every achievement stemmed from his own efforts.
Each advancement felt like an evolution of his very existence.
That's why Jue never grew tired of striving.
He wanted to improve so badly.
---
"Junior Brother, Teacher mentioned that you'll be leaving soon?" Na'er's voice carried a hint of reluctance.
Xu Yuan patted her head gently.
"When you miss me, you can call me via soul-guided communication. It's only a year—it's not that long."
Na'er's mood dropped slightly, and she didn't argue with Xu Yuan over whether she should address him as "Senior Sister" or "Junior Brother."
She sighed inwardly.
If they had endless time together, a year wouldn't matter. But…
"Na'er, this trip to the Star Luo Continent is crucial for my transformation. I have to go," Xu Yuan said firmly, ruffling her hair.
"Fine. Don't slack off while you're there for a year, or I'll definitely punish you harshly when you return, you disrespectful little Junior Brother," Na'er said with feigned arrogance, shaking her head vigorously to dislodge Xu Yuan's hand.
"Even if I stand still, you won't surpass me in a year," Xu Yuan smirked.
Time passed, and half a month flew by in the blink of an eye.
During these two weeks, Xu Yuan slowed down his cultivation.
He was preparing for a farewell.
Leaving for a year, he made sure to spend time with those close to him before departing. He even returned to Tianhai City for a few days to visit his uncle, aunt, and cousin, Xu Tian.
At the same time, he was easing his mind.
From the moment he awakened his martial soul until now, he had been pushing himself too hard, constantly urging himself to train and grow stronger.
Now, his efforts had borne fruit, and he had achieved peerless strength among his age group. Yet, something was still missing.
Peerless among his peers.
But he couldn't guarantee the same against those of equal rank.
Reflecting on his Soul Elder stage, he honestly couldn't say he could surpass Tang Wulin at his current level.
The advantages of the Golden Dragon King's bloodline were simply too overwhelming. To catch up and surpass Tang Wulin, Xu Yuan would need to continue working tirelessly.
The relaxation during these two weeks was also meant to prepare him mentally for the upcoming second-stage awakening of his martial soul.
---
Night
Xu Yuan lay on the shore of Hai God Island, staring at the stars in the night sky.
His thoughts wandered, and memories of his current life played out like reflections, one after another.
His spiritual energy dispersed, and his mind became crystal clear.
The stars in the night sky shone exceptionally bright.
After finishing his recollections, Xu Yuan wasn't sure where his thoughts had drifted. Unconsciously, he seemed to fall into a deep, vast space.
Everything around him was profound and mysterious. Countless sparkling points of light dotted the darkness, some clustering together to form glowing orbs.
Where was this place?
Coming to his senses, Xu Yuan marveled at his current situation.
Soon, he recalled a similar experience from the past.
Back when he was at Yuehua Sect, he had once entered a similar state.
However, back then, all he perceived were blurry lights and shadows—the "Moon" as defined by Yuehua Sect.
But this time, the shimmering points of light he saw were stars.
------------------------------------------------------
Thank you to our new Patrons: DeathClan1980, Leroy, Drake Blazer, Mridk, Jose, Destin Woods, Isaiah, Soren Britt, AbsoluteZero, Oprea Andrei George, Sakuya and HADES! Your support means the world to me <3 We are up to Chapter 305: Regret on Patreon!
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Support my writing journey: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
40+ Chapters Ahead Guaranteed.