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"Alas, this young man's secret technique is absolutely extraordinary. By now, it has likely surpassed any conventional soul skill within normal development timelines. If compared to the realm of soul skills, calling it a divine-level soul skill would not be an exaggeration."
This was Old Tang's evaluation.
During the battle on Sea God Island, Old Tang had been observing everything closely.
In the battle at Dragon Valley, Old Tang had fallen silent, and Tang Wulin had been panicked.
However, Old Tang had entered periods of dormancy before, so his current slumber hadn't affected Tang Wulin's regular training.
After crossing the sea and returning to the mainland, Old Tang gradually awakened, resuming basic communication with Tang Wulin. Still, he rarely made appearances, only offering guidance at critical moments.
The battle on Sea God Island had been under his watchful eye.
Whether it was the movements of the Golden Ancient Tree or Xu Yuan's use of the Devouring Heaven and Earth Technique, Old Tang had witnessed it all.
At first, Tang Wulin hadn't paid much attention.
He assumed that Xu Yuan's ability to rapidly absorb and digest those energies relied entirely on the Golden Ancient Tree.
However, after receiving Old Tang's correction, he realized it was Xu Yuan's true strength.
Xu Yuan had absorbed those energies using his own power.
It was precisely because of this that Tang Wulin became obsessed with this secret technique.
With the bloodline of the Golden Dragon King, Tang Wulin sought to continue devouring energy to enhance himself.
Whether it was boosting his blood energy independently to break free from relying solely on bloodline stimulation, or simultaneously promoting his soul power to quickly catch up in rank for the next seal fusion, this technique held immense value for him.
However, Xu Yuan firmly rejected his request.
"Big Brother Xu, is there truly no room for negotiation?"
Tang Wulin asked one final time, his eyes fixed intently on Xu Yuan.
Xu Yuan shook his head.
The Fusion Secret Technique could be given to Tang Wulin, but this ultimate art—the Devouring Heaven and Earth Technique—could not.
Even now, when both techniques were of equal value, Xu Yuan still had the clarity to make a choice.
The Fusion Secret Technique posed no threat to Tang Wulin.
Its primary worth lay in expanding the recruitment scope of the Body Sect—it was their exclusive secret technique.
As for Tang Wulin potentially leaking the technique?
There was no such thing as a completely airtight wall. Just as the secrets of the Body Sect's second awakening had been analyzed by other factions, so too could this happen here.
In this world, only strength was eternal.
With formidable power as a deterrent, even if the technique were to spread outside, without proper authorization, it would still require the Body Sect's consent.
That was what made it a true "exclusive" secret technique.
From another perspective, even if the Fusion Secret Technique were to spread across the continent, it would ultimately lay a solid foundation for the Body Sect.
All soul masters attempting the Body Sect's methods would essentially be testing their potential in blood energy cultivation themselves.
This saved the Body Sect some effort.
As long as their reputation remained intact, the developer of this technique—Xu Yuan—belonged to the Body Sect. The greatest cultivators of blood energy and the most comprehensive blood energy techniques were housed within the Body Sect. Those with potential in blood energy cultivation would naturally seek out the Body Sect on their own.
Ultimately, it all came down to the principle that even iron must be forged with its own strength.
Disappointed, Tang Wulin left.
"Senior Brother, is your technique really that useful? Why is Tang Wulin being so persistent?"
In Na'er's view, asking for someone else's secret technique was already an excessive demand. Persisting after being refused, especially with a phrase like "no room for negotiation," was outright rude.
"Of course it's useful." Xu Yuan sighed.
At this point, even Xu Yuan couldn't properly classify how far his Devouring Heaven and Earth Technique had advanced.
But he was certain that, across the entire surrounding star region—even during the time when the godly realm still existed—this ultimate art ranked among the top tier.
Especially with its integration into the five elements of Jue, almost fusing intoJue's instincts, it could be said to have formed the prototype of Jue's innate divine ability.
Continuing this path, Xu Yuan's Jue would inherently possess the ability to devour and digest everything.
This was the direction of Jue's power.
Devour, then digest.
Turn everything into one's own.
The five elements encompass all things.
The five elements accommodate all things.
All forces converge into oneself.
When one's power reaches its limit, all forces are shed, returning to simplicity and purity.
This was the path Xu Yuan had set for Jue.
It was also the path Jue itself acknowledged.
Recalling his early days in this world, Xu Yuan had once felt lost and doubted himself.
In this world, without bloodlines or so-called cheats, could one truly ascend to the pinnacle?
Aside from bloodlines, which path in this world could lead to the ultimate peak?
Now, Xu Yuan had found his answer.
A weapon-type martial soul could also achieve the status of an unparalleled divine spear.
Above the sea of spiritual energy, the true form of Jue emerged, floating in the air above the ocean, absorbing the power of the sun, moon, and stars. Infinite spear radiance condensed within its body, and the utmost spear intent permeated the air. Within the spear, a legendary spear soul was taking shape.
As if responding to Xu Yuan's thoughts, Jue floated five times before transforming into the light of the five elements, devouring the power of the sun, moon, and stars, and manifesting countless spear shadows.
The spear shadows dissipated, merging back into one entity—Jue's true form.
The spear floated, absorbing external forces to replenish itself, simplifying complexity and returning complexity to simplicity, in an endless cycle.
"Senior Brother, when are we setting out?" Na'er's excitement was palpable, her anticipation for her first trial evident.
Xu Yuan couldn't help but chuckle.
"If you're impatient, Na'er, we can leave now."
"Hmph, it's not that I'm impatient—it's that you're the one who can't wait!"
Na'er hopped along happily, following Xu Yuan out of the base.
However, she was also aware of the dangers of the Demon World. Once they left the range of the Golden Ancient Tree's influence, she adopted a cautious demeanor, treating this outing with the seriousness it deserved.
"According to the two demon Tyrants, the north is guarded by the Northern Three Kings, where the Hell Gates within Alba's domain are located. There are three Hell Gates in total, all capable of perfectly allowing Great Demons to pass through."
Perfect passage meant no need for any shortcuts or cheats—just direct traversal.
The fact that these gates could accommodate Great Demons indicated their extreme stability.
However, to prevent accidents, both planes had implemented various sealing mechanisms at the exits. Even though the channels themselves were robust, the entrances were sealed with arrays from the opposing side.
This was the principle behind the Northern Three Kings guarding the three gates.
The Northern Three Kings were around Levels 95-96, qualifying them as Great Demons, but they paled in comparison to the nine Great Demons closest to Alba, who had already been imprisoned by Yun Ming.
"So, what's our objective this time?" Na'er asked curiously, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.
"What are you thinking about?" Xu Yuan sighed, tapping Na'er lightly on the forehead.
"We'd prefer if someone were guarding these three Hell Gates. Adding chaos now could spell trouble if Hell isn't friendly toward us."
After a moment's thought, Xu Yuan added, "Our best bet is to scout the territory near the Northern Three Kings, mapping out the terrain between here and our base. This way, the academy can monitor the situation in real-time. If the Hell Gates fall and the Hell army enters the Demon Plane, we won't be caught off guard."
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