The Spiritual Cage had already lost its effectiveness.
This was not only because Zhao Liuyun had gradually adapted to the self-imposed isolation within the cage, but also because his mental power, reaching the peak of the Soul Emperor realm, was inherently sufficient to shatter such shackles.
Shi Nian could no longer contain him.
"Since you are capable of absorbing ten-thousand-year soul rings—then I shall teach you another method of mental power cultivation," Shi Nian said after a long silence, his voice deep. "Its name is the 'Spiritual Grinding Wheel'."
It used one's own mental power to grind away at itself.
While the Spiritual Cage fostered a desire for freedom to escape the prison, the Spiritual Grinding Wheel brought a pain that struck directly at the soul.
When soul power is weak, such deep-seated spiritual torture can easily cause irreversible damage. Only upon reaching the Soul King realm—having the capacity to resist soul tremors and successfully absorb ten-thousand-year soul rings—is one qualified to attempt this cultivation. This level of strength implies that the soul has reached a new tier, ensuring it will not tear apart due to the agony.
Zhao Liuyun's mental power was nearly at the Soul Saint level; naturally, he met the requirements.
"It hurts—" Under his teacher's guidance, Zhao Liuyun's first attempt at the Spiritual Grinding Wheel left him trembling constantly, his teeth clenched tight.
The pain was like needles and thorns piercing straight through his soul. it was far more agonizing than the Dragon's Blood Tree medicinal bath, an experience so visceral that one could never forget it.
No wonder Shi Nian's personality was so paranoid and gloomy. Being washed over by such pain for years was much like Bibi Dong being eroded by the Rakshasa's evil thoughts; how could one's disposition not gradually become twisted?
Fortunately, the fragrance of the Moonlit Lotus could eliminate the lingering effects of the pain.
At this thought, Zhao Liuyun's mind suddenly jolted. He remembered the matter of his Martial Soul's evolution, and subsequently thought of the source of that transformation—the immortal herb, the Autumn Water Dew.
With the evolution of his Martial Soul, a single drop of water had been born in the gilded center of the Moonlit Lotus's stamens! He seemed to understand the miraculous use of that water drop now.
"Teacher, try this water drop condensed by my Martial Soul."
Zhao Liuyun summoned his Martial Soul, and an elegant floral fragrance filled the surroundings. Shi Nian inhaled slightly, and his mind cleared instantly. The mental tension caused by the Spiritual Grinding Wheel was moisturized by a cool sensation and relaxed at once.
As a single crystal-clear water drop fell upon his forehead and quietly seeped into his Sea of Consciousness, the fatigue that had been as difficult to dispel as maggots on a bone was actually washed away considerably.
A blazing light suddenly erupted in Shi Nian's eyes. His lips moved as if to say something, but in the end, he only slowly uttered a few words: "It can repair spiritual damage."
Though the Spiritual Grinding Wheel was powerful, it could not be used frequently. Sufficient time had to be left between two cultivation sessions for the mental power to recover. This was a result of old injuries Shi Nian had sustained years ago in his haste for success. He never expected that under the nourishment of this strange water drop, his chronic ailments would actually show signs of healing.
"It is good that it is useful to you, Teacher."
Zhao Liuyun smiled slightly. While letting more water drops fall, he couldn't help but think of himself. The Purple Demon Eye could continuously strengthen one's spiritual foundation by absorbing the purple Qi from the horizon, while the Spiritual Grinding Wheel could rapidly convert that foundation into substantive mental power.
The strange water drops from the evolved Martial Soul could repair spiritual damage. If he utilized them, could he be more daring in his cultivation, perhaps even breaking past the original boundaries?
Zhao Liuyun began cultivating his mental power using the Spiritual Grinding Wheel alongside the Purple Demon Eye. After several painful attempts, he ultimately did not cross that final limit. He still followed the warning line Shi Nian had reminded him of, only practicing once every three days.
The water drops surely had a limit as well. They were sufficient as a means to heal spiritual damage, but using them to forcibly push cultivation forward would be too risky. A gentleman does not stand beneath a crumbling wall; there was no need for Zhao Liuyun to rush for success.
In his spare time, he learned the applications of mental power from Shi Nian.
The energy control bestowed by [Precision] allowed Zhao Liuyun to progress extremely rapidly in learning the mental power techniques derived from soul rings. In less than half a month, he had mastered "Breath Concealment."
After another month, he learned "Invisibility," which Shi Nian had acquired from his father. This was not a physical disappearance in the literal sense, but rather an effect on others' perception, causing their consciousness to automatically ignore his presence.
Zhao Liuyun simply named it "Psychological Invisibility." "Diminishing Presence" and "Breath Concealment" were the prerequisites. Then, using special mental power to create a disordered but not overly strong spiritual interference, he forced the opponent's brain to subconsciously block visual and other sensory signals regarding him.
This was exactly the key to how Shi Nian had repeatedly killed in the past without anyone noticing. He always avoided those with powerful soul power and never left traces before low-level Soul Masters or ordinary people. Even with the many talented individuals in the Spirit Hall, they could find no clues.
Having mastered this method, Zhao Liuyun felt a few degrees more confident about obtaining the Blue Silver Empress Right Leg Bone.
Zhao Liuyun did not attend classes. He possessed more knowledge than the teachers at Canghui Academy. Aside from reading books in the library to earn general experience, he practiced body-tempering techniques and the Seven-in-One Fusion Skill.
Occasionally, Shi Nian would take Zhao Liuyun to some secret auctions to broaden his horizons and increase his knowledge. Spiritual-type natural treasures were rare to begin with; even a clan with deep foundations like the Ye family found them hard to come by.
But Shi Nian had his own channels.
In the third month after Zhao Liuyun returned to Canghui Academy, Shi Nian suddenly said to him, "I have received news that a private auction will be held in Suotuo City, where three Thousand-Year Spirit Fruits will be for sale."
Spirit Fruits come from the Spirit Fruit Tree and are treasures that can cleanse mental power without side effects. They can gently stimulate the spirit, enhance perception, and maintain it for a considerable period of time. For a Soul Master practicing the "Spiritual Grinding Wheel," they were the most suitable auxiliary treasures.
Zhao Liuyun had also seen this material in the secret manual Watching the Mountains and Seas, which discussed the transformation of mental power. The book mentioned that a powerful and keen sense of perception not only helps in capturing fleeting moments of enlightenment but can also elevate that realization to a higher realm.
However, just as Whale Glue was used as an aphrodisiac, the perception-enhancing effects of the Spirit Fruit were often used by nobles for romantic dalliances—making the senses sharper, the subsequent reactions naturally brought a greater sense of satisfaction.
Zhao Liuyun did not care for that aspect, but he was undoubtedly intrigued.
"Teacher, when do we set out?" His eyes were very fervent. Spirit Fruits could be made into long-lasting pills, which would surely exert a more sustained effect.
"In two months," Shi Nian replied.
"?" A flash of confusion passed through Zhao Liuyun's eyes.
Shi Nian explained, "Most Spirit Fruit Trees grow within Soul Hunt Forests, and their fruiting time is relatively fixed each year. Most of the ripe fruits are sent for internal use within Spirit City; very few flow to the outside world."
Someone in the Spirit Hall was preparing to embezzle and was privately tipping off friends. This was likely a secret auction intended for the nobility.
Zhao Liuyun understood and asked no more. As the future son-in-law of the Ye family and a disciple of Dugu Bo, he would not be lacking in funds.
Two months passed in a flash.
Zhao Liuyun followed Shi Nian on a three-day carriage ride and finally arrived at Suotuo City, located within the Balak Kingdom. This city sat in the center of the fertile Lima Plain and was known as the "Granary of Balak." It not only stationed heavy troops but also housed a third-grade Spirit Sub-Halle, magnificent in style and densely populated.
On the long streets, patrolling soldiers came and went incessantly, and the bustling crowds were like a woven tapestry, where the figures of Soul Masters were a common sight. Although it was not a place of "hidden dragons and crouching tigers" like Heaven Dou City, Soul Masters of the Soul Elder and Soul Ancestor level could be seen everywhere one looked.
Shi Nian had been here more than once and led Zhao Liuyun through the streets and alleys with practiced ease, quickly finding a place to stay.
The two had arrived early; there were still three days before the auction officially began, so Zhao Liuyun wandered freely through the city. Shi Nian recommended several famous spots in Suotuo City to his disciple.
With a slight nod, Zhao Liuyun committed a brand-new map of the city to memory and strolled out the door. In terms of prosperity and entertainment, Suotuo City naturally could not compare to Heaven Dou City. Being young and having high aspirations, Zhao Liuyun was unwilling to indulge himself like those Soul Masters who gave in to their desires; he simply wandered aimlessly through the city.
As he walked, a uniquely styled hotel caught his eye. Three stories high, the outer walls were painted rose-red, and the overall silhouette resembled a giant rosebud about to bloom, drawing the eye.
"Rose Hotel—"
He glanced over and saw three people stepping out side-by-side from the interior. Two beautiful twin girls, about eighteen years old, flanked a blonde man. The man was about 1.8 meters tall, with a sturdy build, broad shoulders, and a handsome, heroic face. Most notably, he had a pair of deep blue pupils as sharp as swords.
Zhao Liuyun caught a casual glimpse and happened to lock eyes with the man. The blonde man's footsteps halted, his pupils constricted, and a layer of frost suddenly appeared on his face. He squeezed a low shout from between his teeth: "Zhao Liuyun!"
An enmity that had almost condensed into substance rushed toward him.
Zhao Liuyun read his overwhelming malice, feigned confusion, tilted his head slightly, and asked back in a light tone: "Who... are you?"
-----------------------------------------------
I handpick only the finest and most captivating novels for you. Don't forget to check out my other novels!
p@treon HongMengZi