As the star projectiles approached the cave entrance, they pierced through the solid rock with effortless precision, leaving behind perfectly circular holes as though the stone offered no resistance. Liang watched the fractured edges in silence, noting how cleanly the attack had penetrated, before the echoes faded and the projectiles vanished into the darkness beyond.
A trace of satisfaction surfaced in his eyes as he assessed the result. His training had clearly borne fruit, yet he could already sense the flaws that still remained beneath the surface.
With a thought, he halted the remaining orbs in mid-air, their soft glow illuminating the cave walls. Taking out a small notebook, he calmly recorded his observations, carefully noting the strengths and weaknesses of the technique while considering how it could be further refined.
The speed and accuracy of the star projectiles were already impressive, but their control still felt slightly rigid. Liang frowned faintly as he studied them, realizing that while they responded to his will, they still lacked the seamless connection he was aiming for.
Closing the notebook, he lifted his gaze toward the hovering orbs, a new idea forming in his mind. If he could make them move as naturally as his own limbs, the delay between thought and action would disappear entirely.
With a single thought, he recalled the orbs to his side, their brilliance dimming slightly as they gathered around him. This time, instead of launching them outward, he guided them into motion around his body, attempting to synchronize their movement with his own.
The orbs began to spin and weave through the air, their paths gradually becoming smoother and more fluid. Liang stepped forward slowly, observing the changes with focused attention as they adjusted to his movements.
A hint of realization flickered across his expression as the pattern stabilized. The orbs were no longer just weapons—they could also serve as a form of defense.
At his command, their formation shifted, forming a rotating layer of light that surrounded him like a protective barrier. Liang studied it for a moment before giving a slight nod, acknowledging the potential of this application.
Standing within the gentle glow, his thoughts turned inward as he began to assess his own strength. Having reached the peak of the Spirit Severing Stage, he needed a clear understanding of where he stood.
Mi Ling, if she unleashed her full power, could rival a mid-stage Dao Integration cultivator. Bai Shuan, however, possessed the strength to defeat one outright, placing him a step above in direct combat.
By that measure, Liang concluded that his own strength should be comparable to late-stage Dao Integration cultivators, perhaps even matching them under certain conditions.
Both Mi Ling and Bai Shuan possessed unique physiques, yet their effects were fundamentally different. Bai Shuan's Heavenly Dao Physique directly enhanced his combat power, allowing even a lower-grade version to reach the level of a four-flame cultivator.
Mi Ling, on the other hand, did not gain the same direct amplification. Even after activating her Seven-Colored Armor, her strength was closer to that of a three-flame cultivator.
Liang lowered his gaze slightly, carefully evaluating his own condition. After the recent bloodline enhancement, his physical body had already reached the peak of the early Dao Integration Stage.
In his complete serpent form, he would be able to match an early-stage Dao Integration cultivator. In partial transformation, his strength would remain within that same level, though closer to its lower boundary.
However, when combined with the Crimson Serpent Sword, his infernal abilities, and his growing comprehension of the Void Dao, his combat strength should allow him to contend with late-stage Dao Integration cultivators.
He even considered the possibility that he might surpass Bai Shuan in raw power, though that assumption remained uncertain without real combat to confirm it. After all, he had yet to fully utilize the Starfall Barrage or the abilities of his Void-Piercing Eyes in battle.
A faint smile appeared on his lips as the thought crossed his mind. It was rare to encounter a true Dao Integration cultivator, and his understanding of their capabilities remained limited.
Aside from Drunken Sword, who had already been severely injured, he had little experience facing opponents at that level. Still, one thing was certain—Dao Integration cultivators possessed control over Dao power, something ordinary Spirit Severing cultivators could not match.
Of course, that distinction did not fully apply to individuals like himself, or those with unique physiques.
Letting those thoughts settle, Liang's gaze gradually sharpened as his focus shifted forward. The Starfall Barrage was powerful, but it was not the technique he intended to rely on.
The Voidshade Symphony Technique was far more profound.
This technique combined the powers of shadow, illusion, and sound into a unified system that excelled in deception and control rather than raw destruction. It required a deep understanding of the Void Dao, as well as precise control over Void Qi.
It was divided into three distinct symphonies, each representing a different aspect of its power.
The first was the Shadow Symphony, which allowed the cultivator to merge with darkness and erase their presence. By manipulating shadows, one could deceive the senses and strike from unexpected angles.
The second was the Mirage Symphony, which focused on illusion and perception. By distorting space through Void Qi, the cultivator could create realistic illusions that misled even the most vigilant opponents.
The third was the Echo Symphony, which revolved around sound. By controlling vibrations in the air, it created disorienting echoes that disrupted awareness and interfered with an opponent's perception.
Liang did not rush into cultivation. He understood that a technique of this level required patience, and any attempt to force progress would only lead to instability.
Seated cross-legged within the cave, he began with the Shadow Symphony, slowly calming his mind as he reached toward the essence of the void.
He allowed the darkness to seep into his awareness, guiding his body into a state of stillness. With each breath, Void Qi flowed through him, gradually softening his presence.
Over time, his outline began to blur, merging with the surrounding shadows until he became nearly indistinguishable from them.
Months passed as he refined this state, repeating the process until it became instinctive.
Only after fully stabilizing the Shadow Symphony did he move on to the Mirage Symphony.
Opening his eyes, Liang extended his hand, focusing on the space before him. The air seemed to waver slightly as he began to manipulate it, carefully shaping illusions that blurred the boundary between reality and falsehood.
He refined this ability over time, gradually increasing both its complexity and realism.
Finally, he turned his attention to the Echo Symphony.
Closing his eyes once more, he focused on the subtle vibrations within the air, learning to sense and control them with precision.
Through steady practice, he shaped sound into a tool of disruption, capable of confusing and disorienting his opponents.
Time passed quietly as he cultivated each symphony in turn, never rushing, never forcing progress.
Months stretched into a year between each stage, yet Liang remained patient throughout, ensuring that every aspect was fully integrated before moving forward.
Only through complete mastery could the Voidshade Symphony reveal its true power, and Liang had no intention of settling for anything less.