Chapter 89: The Super Disciple 1.0 Dao Ba
"As I explained earlier, there are various ways a martial spirit can undergo a second awakening," Ye Wen began. "Beyond the method of stacking spirit ring origins as detailed in The Theory of Origins, and the special innate martial spirit second evolution method your seniors are using, I have prepared another way for you to awaken your martial spirit's potential."
Dao Ba's interest piqued. After all, no soul master would ever complain about having too powerful a martial spirit.
"What is it, Master?"
Ye Wen took two jade bottles from his spirit space. "These bottles each contain an essence from rare immortal herbs something I acquired by chance."
Dao Ba's expression shifted. Since entering the academy, he'd heard about Ye Wen's reputation for his medicinal expertise and special soul master remedies, including his research on immortal herbs. He knew how valuable these essences were and hesitated.
"Master, I've only been here a month and haven't proven myself yet. Isn't it a waste to give me something so precious? Maybe it would be better if the younger disciples used them they're at an age where it could be more beneficial."
Ye Wen shook his head. "You are my disciple, and whether you've been here a day or a year, I treat all my disciples the same. And although immortal herbs are powerful, their effects aren't limitless. If taken too young, they can disrupt one's natural development. For now, your juniors are better off without them."
With that, he handed the first jade bottle to Dao Ba. "Drink this. I'll be here to protect you through the process. With any luck, this will restore your martial spirit's foundation, allowing it to fully evolve."
Dao Ba gratefully took the bottle, feeling a warmth in his chest as he accepted his master's guidance. Without hesitation, he downed the contents in one gulp.
"Dao Ba, quickly circulate your spirit energy to refine the medicinal power. This first bottle contains the essence of a ninth grade Purple Mushroom, known for its ability to strengthen one's essence and enhance cultivation."
Following Ye Wen's instructions, Dao Ba directed his spirit energy, allowing the herb's essence to permeate every inch of his body. A gentle heat spread from his core, carrying with it a surge of energy that reached his extremities. Soon, a foul smelling black liquid seeped from his pores, purging toxins from his battle worn body.
It was a testament to the power of the Purple Mushroom its essence was known for refining the body. In cultivation terms, Dao Ba had reached a state akin to "tempering the body" and would henceforth have the same spiritual aptitude as a soul master born with innate full spirit power.
After about an hour, Dao Ba had absorbed the essence fully. Though his skin still carried the unpleasant scent of the expelled impurities, he was too delighted by the results to care. Ye Wen directed him to clean up, and upon his return, handed him the second bottle.
"This bottle," Ye Wen explained, "contains the essence of the Ink Jade Divine Bamboo, a herb that strengthens martial spirits. It should increase the likelihood of a positive mutation in your martial spirit, which has now been fully restored."
Dao Ba drank the second bottle as instructed. This time, the effects were less dramatic, though his skin took on a faintly polished, glossy sheen.
Over an hour passed as he meditated, until finally, Dao Ba opened his eyes, brimming with excitement.
"Master, my martial spirit it's evolved!"
Dao Ba raised his right hand, summoning his martial spirit. Where there had once been a worn down, chipped weapon, now there gleamed a refined, long bladed saber. Though the design was still simple, the blade was restored and sharpened to perfection. The weapon stretched a full meter and a half, slightly curved, its grip wrapped in supple leather, while the blade itself seemed to ripple with a ghostly pattern that hinted at trapped souls within.
The room suddenly felt heavy, as if a wave of killing intent had descended upon them. The air vibrated with a menacing aura, as though a bloodthirsty specter sought to annihilate everything in its path.
Ye Wen's face turned serious as he regarded the saber. "Is that… a domain?"
He couldn't help but wonder how this rare ability, the domain a power said to be possessed by fewer than ten soul masters on the entire continent seemed to keep appearing around him.
Dao Ba, having learned about domains from Ye Wen, nodded. "Yes, Master. This new martial spirit possesses a natural ability, a Killing Domain. It lowers all enemy attributes within its range by 10%, and the more I kill, the more this killing intent strengthens me."
Though not as potent as Ah Yin's life based domain or Bibi Dong's future Death Domain, Dao Ba's domain was still a formidable weapon, particularly since it grew stronger in prolonged battle. Remembering his student's prior struggles with his weapon's effects, Ye Wen probed further.
"Dao Ba, are you still able to resist the killing intent of your martial spirit?"
Dao Ba flashed a pure smile. "There's no need to worry, Master. I was ignorant of its nature before, but now that I understand it, it cannot control me. Although, I can feel it constantly urging me to kill."
Ye Wen relaxed. He knew that Dao Ba's mind had grown stronger through their time together, and that this purity of spirit had allowed him to harness even his wildest urges. It was, after all, the strength of his unwavering heart that would protect him from becoming a mindless killing machine.
Suddenly, Dao Ba's expression grew serious, and he addressed the weapon in his hand with a steely command.
"Quiet. I am your master, and you will keep your power contained."
His demeanor shifted, his innocent, straightforward personality giving way to a new and commanding presence. In response, the saber stopped emitting its bloodthirsty aura, obeying his will. The transformation in Dao Ba's control was undeniable.
(End of Chapter)
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