Soon, the fully formed solid soul power seemed like a miniature black hole, drawing in the surrounding elemental energy from the environment.
The converging elemental energy even formed a massive cloud of spiritual energy above the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, invisible to the naked eye but detectable by spiritual perception.
As time passed, Chu Chengzhou suddenly noticed that with the influx of vast amounts of elemental energy, an extremely fine black line appeared around the rapidly rotating solid soul power.
'Is this... a spatial rift?'
Chu Chengzhou keenly sensed the unusual nature of this black line.
The rapidly spinning solid soul power, while devouring large amounts of external elemental energy, was also absorbing the spatial energy contained within this spatial rift.
Not understanding why this phenomenon occurred, Chu Chengzhou didn't dwell on it. He continued using his spiritual power to maintain the stable operation of the solid soul power.
Gradually, the spatial rifts around the solid soul power became denser and showed a tendency to intensify.
As the spatial energy was absorbed by the solid soul power, subtle spatial fluctuations were imprinted in Chu Chengzhou's mind.
Unfortunately, these fluctuations were too weak, and without any prior foundation in this area, he couldn't form a clear understanding.
Moreover, the consumption of spiritual power required to maintain the stable operation of the solid soul power increased as it devoured the turbulent spatial energy.
Fortunately, Chu Chengzhou was naturally adept at spiritual power, and his strong control over soul power greatly aided in maintaining the stability of the solid soul power, so he wasn't overwhelmed.
Time ticked by, second by second. When his internal soul power was nearly depleted, Chu Chengzhou sensed that the energy accumulation in the solid soul power seemed to have reached its limit. Its rotation speed had also peaked, and the surrounding space was completely distorted.
'Next, it seems like the solid soul power will explode... No, collapse?'
The next moment, with a shift in Chu Chengzhou's thoughts, the solid soul power trembled slightly.
Instantly, it was as if time had frozen. The previously rapidly spinning solid soul power stopped, transitioning from extreme motion to extreme stillness. This abrupt change felt indescribably strange.
Before Chu Chengzhou could think further, in an instant, space collapsed. Everything seemed to contract towards his body, and the terrifying spatial force felt as if it would tear his body into pieces.
Of course, this was all just an illusion. Otherwise, soul masters who hadn't mastered immortality wouldn't be able to form soul cores.
This illusion arose because during the final stages of soul core formation, a mysterious connection brought his consciousness into the perspective of the collapsing solid soul power.
The next moment, his awareness returned. Chu Chengzhou saw that the solid soul power floating before him had completely collapsed, transforming into something resembling a blue-black vortex.
With just a glance, Chu Chengzhou felt as if his very soul was being sucked in.
Within the vortex, apart from the visible blue, he couldn't sense the existence of anything else. All the energy previously devoured by the solid soul power seemed to have turned into nothingness.
However, he clearly felt a faint connection, like a bridge, linking him to the vortex.
Soon, ripples of golden waves began to appear around the vortex.
The next moment, the vortex contracted, forming an egg-sized blue polyhedral crystal. The dense golden ripples then merged into the blue polyhedral crystal.
Finally, with a burst of blue-golden radiance, everything transformed into a blue-golden polyhedral crystal.
'Is this my soul core?'
Looking at the blue-golden polyhedral crystal floating before him and sensing the immense soul power it contained, Chu Chengzhou nodded in satisfaction.
At this point, the soul core had taken shape. While rotating steadily clockwise, it no longer needed to draw soul power from Chu Chengzhou's body but instead gently absorbed external elemental energy.
Of course, although the soul core had formed, it wasn't yet truly considered the first soul core until it was integrated into his body.
Focusing his mind, Chu Chengzhou began attempting to fuse the formed soul core into his body.
Following the faint connection, Chu Chengzhou guided the blue-golden soul core into his lower dantian (abdominal region).
Without unnecessary embellishments, in Chu Chengzhou's view, the role of the soul core was akin to an extra mana bar—enhancing soul power quality, speeding up recovery, and aiding in breaking through bottlenecks.
If one day he found this attribute-less soul core unsuitable, he could simply remove it and form a new one.
Though unclear whether future soul masters could alter the attributes of already-formed cores or if any had discarded and reformed them, since the soul core wasn't tied to his soul and was merely a product of condensed soul power, removing and replacing it should pose no issue.
Once the soul core integrated into his body, Chu Chengzhou immediately felt a wave of pressure spread throughout his body.
This pressure was familiar—it resembled the sensation experienced when absorbing high-level soul rings.
Clearly, if one's physical constitution wasn't up to par, forcibly integrating a soul core into the body would result in a fate similar to absorbing a soul ring beyond one's capacity—exploding from overload.
But for Chu Chengzhou, this level of pressure was negligible. His physical strength surpassed most Soul Douluos, and the soul core he formed was only at the Soul Emperor level.
Soon, the soul core successfully integrated into his body, stably rotating clockwise within his lower dantian.
Instantly, Chu Chengzhou felt his depleted soul power begin to recover rapidly.
At this rate, even without practicing the Nine Breaths Qi Absorption Meditation Method, he estimated full recovery within about an hour.
Moreover, not only did his internal soul power recover quickly, but Chu Chengzhou also noticed that with the constant operation of the first soul core, his already superior soul power compared to peers began to become even more condensed.
Though the change was subtle due to the recent formation of the soul core, over time, the effects would be significant.
This was why Chu Chengzhou had previously focused solely on increasing his soul power level rather than compressing and purifying it to enhance its quality.
Why bother with manual effort when you could form a soul core?
One method was manual; the other operated automatically 24/7. The efficiency gap between the two was obvious.
Additionally, while his internal soul power quality steadily improved, the accumulation required for subsequent upgrades increased. However, this didn't mean his upgrade speed slowed compared to before forming the soul core.
The soul core continuously absorbs external elemental energy, purifying and speeding up the recovery of the soul master's internal soul power, acting as an accelerator for cultivation.
Although higher soul power quality meant greater accumulation requirements, the net effect balanced out, resulting in no noticeable slowdown or slight improvement in upgrade speed.
The only downside was that perhaps he couldn't be a high-end assassin anymore?
With the soul core constantly drawing external elemental energy, though invisible to the naked eye, he could perceive through spiritual awareness a small soul power vortex in his abdomen, with external elemental energy continuously flowing into it.
This small vortex was far less noticeable than during the initial soul core formation, but it indeed existed.
After all, energy is conserved. Without drawing external elemental energy, how could the soul core purify and automatically restore the soul master's internal soul power?
Thinking it over, Chu Chengzhou mentally severed the connection between the soul core in his lower dantian and the outside world.
Immediately, in his spiritual perception, the small soul power vortex in his abdomen disappeared.
Chu Chengzhou: I, Sneaky Chu, am back!
"Hmm?"
Suddenly, Chu Chengzhou couldn't help but exclaim softly.
Apparently, after severing the soul core's connection to the outside world, his internal soul power still recovered automatically?
Upon careful perception, Chu Chengzhou discovered that even with the connection blocked, the steadily operating soul core inside him still drew energy from an unknown source.
Though less efficient than before, it was still effective.
'Spatial energy?'
After pondering for a moment, Chu Chengzhou recalled the dense spatial rifts that appeared when the soul core was still solid soul power and the spatial energy absorbed during the soul core formation process.
Perhaps the previously absorbed spatial energy allowed the soul core to cross space and absorb external elemental energy?
Though unsure whether this hypothesis was correct, it didn't matter. What mattered was that even with a soul core, he could still conceal his soul power fluctuations when necessary.
"How does it feel?"
At this moment, Dugu Bo stepped forward and asked.
"Very good, very powerful!"
Chu Chengzhou stood up and nodded with a smile.
For advanced soul masters of the future, you might lack soul bones, but you absolutely couldn't lack soul cores. Otherwise, in same-level battles, you'd mostly get utterly crushed, and even face defeat against higher-level opponents.
For instance, in the current era, a Level 98 peak Golden Crocodile, under otherwise equal conditions, would likely lose to a Level 97 Super Douluo with dual soul cores from the future.
Dugu Bo didn't respond, only gazing at Chu Chengzhou with burning eyes.
He had witnessed the entire process of Chu Chengzhou forming the soul core and understood what it entailed.
He wasn't stupid. Compared to soul bones, which had storage limits, soul cores were far more suitable for storing residual toxins left in the body after spirit possession.
"I'm male, attracted to females, not interested in men…"
Facing Dugu Bo's intense gaze, Chu Chengzhou said.
Dugu Bo: "."
Dugu Bo deserved his title as a Titled Douluo. Though his strength was somewhat lacking, his control over soul power was decent.
Moreover, he had once condensed a poison pill, which vaguely resembled a soul core. Without a certain level of soul power control, it wouldn't be possible.
In just three days, after several attempts, Dugu Bo successfully condensed a poison-attribute soul core in his lower dantian under Chu Chengzhou's guidance.
And upon successfully forming the first soul core, his bottleneck loosened, and his soul power level smoothly broke through to Level 93 Titled Douluo.
The slow advancement of Titled Douluos wasn't due to their slow accumulation of soul power but because each level above 90 was a threshold, with most time spent breaking through bottlenecks.
As for the cost of Dugu Bo's soul core formation~ several large craters caused by exploding solid soul power appeared near the small mountain where the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well was located.
"Little Chu, thank you so much for this!"
After breaking through, Dugu Bo, filled with joy, thanked Chu Chengzhou.
"Elder, there's no need. But may I ask a small favor?"
Waving his hand, Chu Chengzhou asked.
"A favor? Speak!"
"You must have felt the effects of the soul core. Until Sister Yan can attempt to form a soul core, please don't share this secret technique."
Chu Chengzhou wasn't afraid if other factions learned the soul core formation technique, but for now, this secret must not reach the Spirit Hall.
The Spirit Hall was already the dominant force in the soul master world, with numerous experts. If they obtained the soul core technique, countless soul masters stuck at the Level 89 bottleneck might swiftly advance to Titled Douluos, and existing Titled Douluos would undoubtedly become stronger.
Take the Spirit Hall's second elder, Golden Crocodile, whose soul power level had been stuck at Level 98 for years. If he could form a soul core, Chu Chengzhou had no doubt he could become a Level 99 supreme Douluo.
If the Spirit Hall's power expanded, their ambitions would grow accordingly. They might not wait for Qian Renxue, the "village's hope," and instead establish the Spirit Empire prematurely, launching a unification war. Then, instead of becoming a trendsetter, he might end up drowning.
Thus, this technique had to remain secret.
He could teach trusted powerful individuals, but those lacking strength shouldn't learn it.
He could temporarily alter others' consciousness with Void Illusion World, and naturally, there were soul masters proficient in hypnotic interrogation on the continent. Many mental-type soul masters knew such techniques.
Though they might not hypnotize formidable Titled Douluos like Dugu Bo, Dugu Yan's strength was far inferior to his grandfather's. If targeted, extracting the soul core technique from her under hypnosis would be effortless.
After all, Dugu Yan's soul power level wasn't high. By the time she could form a soul core, he would already be invincible, possibly even ascending to godhood. Naturally, he wouldn't care if the entire continent knew the minor soul core technique.
"No problem!"
Dugu Bo agreed without hesitation.
His social circle wasn't extensive. Apart from his granddaughter Dugu Yan, he only counted Prince Xue Xing of Tian Dou and Chu Chengzhou as friends.
Neither Dugu Yan nor Xue Xing were advanced soul masters, so even if given the soul core technique, they couldn't use it.
Even if Chu Chengzhou hadn't mentioned it, he wouldn't have taught the technique to Dugu Yan so soon.
"By the way, Elder, there's something I need to apologize for. I hope you understand."
Suddenly, Chu Chengzhou said with a sincere expression.
"Hmm?"
Hearing this, Dugu Bo couldn't help but look surprised.
"Cough, it's like this…"
Chu Chengzhou briefly explained the value of immortal medicinal herbs, downplaying it to avoid making Dugu Bo feel too much regret.
"Hey~ What's the big deal! Just some herbs. They're nothing compared to the safety of me and Yan Yan."
Dugu Bo said dismissively.
Was Dugu Bo a fool? Certainly not. If he were, he wouldn't have achieved the rare rank of Titled Douluo as an independent practitioner.
As a soul master with some knowledge of pharmacology, Dugu Bo knew there were many valuable plants on the continent that, when consumed, could enhance a soul master's strength.
He had witnessed Chu Chengzhou's rapid progress, but he understood that Chu Chengzhou's rapid advancement wasn't solely due to those herbs—it was because this young man was inherently extraordinary.
Moreover, it had been a clear trade initially. Chu Chengzhou hadn't forcefully taken anything. Even if he felt regretful, it wouldn't be proper to show it.
After all, the herbs were long consumed, and it was too late for regrets.
"Hehe, I've set aside two plants for you and Sister Yan. Take them back and let Yan Yan consume them. The earlier they're taken, the better the effect."
Seeing Dugu Bo's generosity, Chu Chengzhou felt somewhat embarrassed.
"Hmm? Why didn't you mention this earlier?"
Dugu Bo glared at Chu Chengzhou.
Chu Chengzhou awkwardly stayed silent, turning his head away.
"Oh~ I see. You were afraid I'd regret it before, but now you feel your wings are strong enough to handle me, so you're not worried about me regretting it, right?"
After pondering briefly, Dugu Bo realized the truth and became greatly annoyed. Was he the kind of person who'd go back on his word?
"No, absolutely not!"
Chu Chengzhou hurriedly waved his hands in denial.
"Liar! Your wings are strong now, huh? Today, let me test your strength, boy!"
Dugu Bo cursed loudly.
Chu Chengzhou: "."
Ultimately, this "sparring" session didn't happen. As a junior, Chu Chengzhou strongly refused.
If he won, it would embarrass the elder. If he lost, he'd be the one suffering. Chu Chengzhou naturally wouldn't agree.
On Chu Chengzhou's suggestion, Dugu Bo decided not to consume the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum immediately but took only the bamboo shoots grown from the Black Jade Divine Bamboo.
For a Titled Douluo, a single immortal herb, even a mature one, didn't contain much energy.
Having just advanced to Level 93 Titled Douluo and not encountering a bottleneck, it was better to save it for when he faced a difficult-to-break bottleneck in the future.
For example, fully refining the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum's effects could increase Dugu Bo's soul power by 1.5 levels.
Currently at Level 93, refining it would boost his soul power to over half of Level 94. But if consumed at the peak of Level 93 facing a bottleneck, he might directly reach Level 95 Titled Douluo.
Since Dugu Bo was quite old, consuming it a year or two earlier or later made little difference.
Tian Dou City, Chu Residence.
"Hmm? Brother, what's going on here?"
Xiao Wu pointed to Chu Chengzhou's abdomen, asking curiously.
Her spiritual perception wasn't weak, and even without deliberate focus, she still noticed the surrounding elemental energy continuously flowing into Chu Chengzhou's body.
"Oh, I formed a soul core!"
"Soul Core? What's that?"
Ning Rongrong blinked.
"Is it a new secret technique?"
Zhu Zhuqing also cast an inquiring glance.
"A soul core is…"
Chu Chengzhou explained to his three sisters.
"That's great! I want it! My soul power is never enough!"
Understanding the benefits of the soul core, Ning Rongrong immediately exclaimed excitedly.
Chu Chengzhou felt his soul power was insufficient, and Ning Rongrong was in a similar situation. Supporting one or two peers wasn't a problem, but with more people and level differences, even abundant soul power wasn't sufficient.
Though forming a soul core didn't grant unlimited soul power, it significantly boosted stamina.
"No, Rongrong, your soul power level is too low."
Chu Chengzhou shook his head, refusing.
He well understood the difficulty of forming a soul core. Though he succeeded on his first try, it was thanks to his powerful spiritual power and exceptional soul power control.
Ning Rongrong lacked his abilities, and her soul power level was only at the five-ring Soul King stage, far from qualifying for forming the first soul core.
In Chu Chengzhou's view, based on his three sisters' foundations, they should at least reach Level 69 Soul Emperor to form a soul core. For safety, it was best to wait until they reached Soul Sage.
"Ah~"
Immediately, Ning Rongrong revealed a disappointed expression.
"Brother, what about me?"
Xiao Wu asked.
"Wait until you reach Soul Sage to form it!"
Chu Chengzhou clicked his tongue and said.
"You're only at Soul Emperor. Why does Xiao Wu need to be at Soul Sage?"
Pouting, hands on hips, Xiao Wu justified her question.
"Exactly! Big jerk, do you look down on us women?"
Ning Rongrong immediately supported her eldest sister, and Zhu Zhuqing aligned herself with the two older sisters.
"Don't complain, I'm doing this for your own good. Forming a soul core isn't easy. Insufficient strength and control can easily lead to danger. Even Poison Douluo had to try several times to succeed."
After emphasizing the dangers of forming a soul core, Chu Chengzhou pulled Xiao Wu over, embracing her and massaging her behind.
All three sisters united? Watch me break them one by one!
After individually 'bullying' them, the three immediately behaved.
Well, Big Cat was always obedient. The unruly ones were Bunny and Mischievous Witch.
"By the way, jerk, since you've taught Poison Douluo, can you teach Sword Grandpa and Bone Grandpa this soul core technique?"
Ning Rongrong asked sweetly.
She knew the two grandpas had been stuck at a bottleneck for many years, and the soul core could help break through bottlenecks. After forming it, her grandpas should be able to advance, right?
"Rongrong, what did you call me?"
"Jerk... no, Brother Zhou~"
"Hmm, write a letter to our father! Don't mention the soul core to avoid leaks. Just invite him to visit when he has time."
Satisfied, Chu Chengzhou nodded and waved his hand.
"Got it~!"
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