Chapter 11: Dugu Yan (Please collect, please recommend tickets)
Hearing Yu Tianheng's voice, Gu Xuan looked up and saw that Yu Tianheng had already retracted his Spirit. The sleeve of his right arm was gone. Gu Xuan had noticed Yu Tianheng using the Dragon Transformation skill earlier, but he hadn't witnessed its power.
Gu Xuan also retracted his Spirit, slowly walked up to Yu Tianheng, cupped his hands, and smiled, "Senior, you let me win."
Yu Tianheng stared at Gu Xuan in disbelief for a long time before finally saying, "Can you tell me how you became so strong?"
He wasn't furious or resentful towards Gu Xuan for losing to someone with a lower spirit power Rank. All he had was an insatiable thirst for knowledge.
Both were grandsons of Titled Douluo, both possessed top-tier Spirits. Why was the gap between them so vast?
Although he was unwilling to admit defeat, he was indeed inferior to Gu Xuan. Humbly seeking guidance was never a derogatory term, but rather the learning method of a truly studious person.
To Yu Tianheng's question, Gu Xuan simply replied, "Nothing more than enduring hardships!"
Hearing this, Yu Tianheng was stunned for a moment, then smiled bitterly and shook his head. Had all his efforts over the years been in vain? Had his Cultivation gone to the dogs?
Yu Tianheng was about to say something else, but Qin Ming had already arrived, accompanied by the other six members of the Royal Fighting Team.
At this moment, no one dared to underestimate Gu Xuan. Even though Gu Xuan's spirit power Rank was only thirty-three, he had defeated Yu Tianheng, directly making him the strongest among them!
Oscar, who had been laughing just now, also kept his head down, following behind Yu Feng, not daring to look at Gu Xuan.
He had just provoked Gu Xuan, and now Gu Xuan had directly taken down Yu Tianheng. If that kid Gu Xuan held a grudge, he would really be speechless. So, he simply kept quiet, hiding behind Yu Feng and pretending to know nothing.
However, only Oscar was like this. Everyone else looked at Gu Xuan with an incredulous expression. To go head-to-head with a Rank thirty-seven at Rank thirty-three and win? What kind of Prodigy was this?
"Gu Xuan, you're amazing!"
A clear and melodious voice, like a beautiful oriole, rang out. Gu Xuan turned his head to see Dugu Yan.
Gu Xuan was a little surprised, because having read the original work, he knew that although Dugu Yan was ruthless towards outsiders, she was a devoted woman. After getting together with Yu Tianheng in the original work, she never gave any other man a pleasant look.
Not even Tang San, the pure and noble Young Master Tang, received a good look.
But now? Praising me for being amazing? And while Yu Tianheng was present? And right after I had just defeated Yu Tianheng?
Gu Xuan turned his head and found that Dugu Yan was also looking at him, rather than focusing her gaze on Yu Tianheng.
Logically speaking, if Dugu Yan and Yu Tianheng were already together, Dugu Yan should be concerned about and comforting Yu Tianheng at this moment. But Dugu Yan was directly praising him without reservation. Why was this?
Gu Xuan already had a guess in his heart, and there was only one such guess: at this stage, Dugu Yan and Yu Tianheng were not yet together.
With this guess, and Dugu Yan's proactive praise, Gu Xuan's face immediately showed a gentle and handsome smile. He nodded to Dugu Yan and replied, "Senior is too kind. Senior Yu is also very strong."
Gu Xuan didn't say that Yu Tianheng had gone easy on him, because anyone with eyes could see that Yu Tianheng had basically used all his strength. Saying that would have seemed pretentious, so it was better to simply praise Yu Tianheng.
Dugu Yan immediately replied, "He is very powerful, but didn't he still lose to you!"
Hearing this, Yu Tianheng's expression changed, turning a little red.
He liked Dugu Yan. Both he and Dugu Yan enrolled in Heaven Dou Royal Academy when they were fifteen. At that time, Dugu Yan was also as beautiful as a flower, youthful and radiant. However, Dugu Yan's personality back then was not as optimistic and cheerful as it was now; instead, she had the image of a cold and aloof older sister.
Because of Dugu Yan's own Jade Phosphor Serpent Poison, she had almost no friends growing up and never enjoyed the happiness of peaceful coexistence with friends.
It was Yu Tianheng who, over the past two years, had both guided her and taught her how to get along with others. Another point was that Yu Tianheng was not afraid of her Jade Phosphor Serpent Poison, which warmed Dugu Yan's heart.
And Yu Tianheng hadn't 'conquered' Dugu Yan before this because he was afraid that his actions would make Dugu Yan think he was taking advantage of her. So, he had always interacted with Dugu Yan as a good friend.
Furthermore, precisely because of this, Dugu Yan was closer to him than to others. Now, he felt that the time was ripe and planned to deepen their relationship with Dugu Yan, then confess and win her over in one fell swoop.
Then, just now, Yu Tianheng felt that his position might be threatened.
No girl dislikes an outstanding peer, and Gu Xuan's appearance was indeed more handsome than his, and his strength and talent also surpassed his.
At this moment, Yu Tianheng somewhat regretted why he hadn't expressed his feelings to Dugu Yan earlier, insisting on just being good friends with her.
As for Dugu Yan, she did have a good impression of Yu Tianheng. After all, this man had accompanied her out of the shadows. But just as Yu Tianheng had shown, Dugu Yan now only regarded Yu Tianheng as a close confidant and good friend, in a state of 'above friendship, not yet Lovers.'
Because Yu Tianheng had never said any words of confession to her, although he had shown his admiration for her.
But when Yu Tianheng explained it back then, he only said that it wasn't the kind of love between Lovers, but an instinctual appreciation for an outstanding woman.
That's right, it was like that. Yu Tianheng was also in love for the first time, how could he know how to grasp the perfect measure? There were always some words that would stagnate the emotions between them, and then... now Gu Xuan came.
Gu Xuan was very happy after realizing this. Even if he could see Yu Tianheng's affection for Dugu Yan, since the two weren't together, it was fair competition.
Gu Xuan's appearance was already good, coupled with his extraordinary talent and his glib tongue, Gu Xuan was confident in winning over Dugu Yan.
To be honest, Dugu Yan is now seventeen, and her body is fully developed. In the precocious World of Douluo Continent, the current Dugu Yan looks like a mature older sister of twenty. Gu Xuan saying he doesn't like her would be a lie.
Of course, Gu Xuan wouldn't be blinded by lust. Liking Dugu Yan was one aspect; more importantly, it was because of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. That was his main purpose in pursuing Dugu Yan.
Gu Xuan's idea was to directly take down Dugu Yan and the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, and then use this relationship to also bring Dugu Yan into the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, directly taking their whole family in one fell swoop. Wouldn't that be wonderful?
So Gu Xuan unreservedly displayed his goodwill towards Dugu Yan, which was far more enjoyable than Yu Tianheng's almost secret crush.
Girls are like this: as long as you make her feel that she is unique in your heart, she will definitely receive this signal. As long as the other person also has a good impression of you, and your subsequent series of actions do not make the other person dislike you, entering her heart, then you can naturally get together.
In fact, if Gu Xuan hadn't appeared, a year later, no, even half a year later, Yu Tianheng would have been able to win Dugu Yan over and get together.
However, things are different now. Gu Xuan would not let go of such a good opportunity.
Good Sister or Lover, Gu Xuan chooses the latter!Chapter 12: Royal Fighting Team (Please collect and recommend!)
It wasn't just Dugu Yan; everyone else was also filled with surprise and curiosity towards Gu Xuan.
Defeating the Level 37 Yu Tianheng while only being Level 33 meant his strength was the highest among all of them, as Yu Tianheng had previously been the strongest among the group.
Qin Ming also spoke up at this moment: "Gu Xuan, your performance exceeded my expectations. Joining the Royal Fighting Team is more than enough for you."
Gu Xuan smiled at Qin Ming and said: "Thank you for your approval, Teacher Qin."
Gu Xuan then turned to the others and said: "I hope everyone will take care of me in the future."
"Hahaha, no problem! We're thrilled to have a Genius like you, Gu Xuan, join us!" The speakers were two robust brothers, the elder brother Shi Mo and the younger brother Shi Mo.
"Alright, since Gu Xuan has joined the Royal Fighting Team, why don't you all introduce yourselves," Qin Ming said.
The rest of them nodded.
Yu Tianheng said helplessly: "I suppose I don't need an introduction."
Gu Xuan laughed and replied: "Hahaha, Senior, are you 'emo'?
Yu Tianheng was stunned: "Aunt?"
Gu Xuan then remembered that Yu Tianheng and the others didn't know the meaning of this term, and explained: "It's nothing, it just means helpless."
Hearing this explanation, Yu Tianheng didn't dwell on it, and the others just nodded thoughtfully.
Then Dugu Yan said: "I'll go first."
"My name is Dugu Yan, I am seventeen years old, my Spirit is the Green Scaled Snake, and I am a Level 37 control system Spirit Master."
Dugu Yan had a smile on her face when introducing herself.
Hearing this, Gu Xuan also put on a thoughtful expression, then exclaimed in surprise: "Could it be that Senior Sister is the granddaughter of Poison Douluo Dugu Bo, the Senior?"
Hearing this, Dugu Yan smiled with crescent eyes and replied: "You're very clever, Junior Brother. That's right, my grandfather is Dugu Bo."
Gu Xuan chuckled and replied: "That wasn't hard to guess. Teacher Qin previously said that Senior Sister's status was no lower than mine, and Senior Sister's Spirit is the Green Scaled Snake, so your identity naturally became obvious."
"I see," Dugu Yan also smiled.
She then pushed forward the black-veiled girl beside her and whispered: "This person is the support system of our team, and she's the same age as you."
Gu Xuan looked over. Naturally, he recognized this Cold Beauty—Ye Lingling, the owner of the Nine Heart Begonia Spirit, whose support ability was mentioned in the original work to be even superior to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda.
However, it seemed Ye Lingling was cold toward outsiders, likely due to Family reasons. Only Dugu Yan, who was also female in the team, had a relatively close relationship with her.
"Ye Lingling, fifteen years old. Spirit: Nine Heart Begonia, Level 33." Ye Lingling's voice was somewhat icy, and she offered no extra words.
As soon as she finished speaking, Dugu Yan added: "Lingling's personality is just like that, Junior Brother, please don't mind it."
Gu Xuan smiled upon hearing this and replied: "Not at all. Hello, Senior Sister Lingling."
Gu Xuan tried his best to appear approachable. After all, although the Nine Heart Begonia Family didn't receive much attention in the original work, any Family whose support system Spirit could rival, or even surpass, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda must be formidable.
Gu Xuan naturally wanted to build a good relationship with her. If he got the chance, he should properly interact with this Older Sister Type. If he could win her over, bringing the Nine Heart Begonia Family into the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School would certainly not be a bad thing.
Of course, those were plans for the future. Gu Xuan wasn't a stallion who couldn't walk straight when he saw a woman, but this idea had certainly been planted in his heart.
After Ye Lingling's introduction, the brothers Shi Mo and Shi Mo also introduced themselves: "Shi Mo, seventeen years old. Spirit: Black Tortoise, Level 36 defense system Battle Spirit Elder."
"Shi Mo, seventeen years old. Spirit: Black Tortoise, Level 35 defense system Battle Spirit Elder."
"Brother Gu Xuan, from now on, the two of us brothers will be your strongest support."
Gu Xuan also smiled and replied: "Then thank you both, Senior Brothers, for looking out for me."
"Hahaha, no problem, no problem."
After the Shi Mo and Shi Mo brothers, Yu Feng also introduced himself: "Yu Feng, sixteen years old. Spirit: Wind Chime Bird, Level 35 agility-attack system Battle Spirit Elder."
Yu Feng didn't say much, as he didn't know what to say right now, and simply offered Gu Xuan a smile.
Finally, it was Oscar. This guy had been running his mouth next to Yu Tianheng just moments ago, and now that Yu Tianheng had lost, it made him blush a little.
After fidgeting slightly, Oscar introduced himself: "Oscar, sixteen years old. Spirit: Ghost Leopard, Level 35 agility-attack system Battle Spirit Elder."
After the introduction, Oscar continued: "Brother Gu Xuan, what I said earlier was unintentional. Please don't take it to heart."
Hearing this, Gu Xuan waved his hand seemingly indifferently, revealing a gentle smile: "Senior Brother, what are you saying? We are teammates now; talking like this makes you seem like an outsider."
"Hehehe." Hearing this, Oscar relaxed and laughed.
However, little did he know that Gu Xuan had already made a mental note of him and planned to properly temper him later.
After the introductions were complete, everyone was acquainted. Qin Ming then said: "Since Gu Xuan has joined the team, your training from now on will involve all eight of you together. Let me first explain today's training content."
After Qin Ming finished explaining the training content, he instructed Yu Tianheng and Gu Xuan to first recover their spirit power on the side before joining the training.
The Royal Fighting Team's training schedule was as follows: Mondays and Tuesdays, from nine in the morning until twelve, were dedicated to theory classes. Of course, if your theoretical knowledge already met the standard, you could skip them.
From three to six in the afternoon were practical combat classes, and the time afterward was free for personal allocation.
Although it was called free allocation, Qin Ming had actually arranged Spirit Combat matches for them, which were training sessions held at the Great Spirit Arena in Heaven Dou City.
Every person had to complete at least one Spirit Combat match daily. This could be multiple participants, single participants, or team Spirit Combat.
Starting from Wednesday, the mornings were practical combat classes, the afternoons were team coordination training and practical combat classes, and the evenings featured a Spirit Combat match as usual.
This continued until Friday. Saturday and Sunday were rest days, and they could take a normal break when Qin Ming had no special arrangements.
In his words, Cultivation also required a balance between work and rest. Monday through Friday were high-intensity courses and training, while Saturday and Sunday were used for recovery.
In fact, for Gu Xuan, this schedule was nothing, as his usual daily Cultivation and tasks involved much more. Coming to the academy actually gave him a feeling of being on vacation.
Of course, Gu Xuan definitely wouldn't waste his time. Furthermore, he planned to lead the others in intensified training.
Because he knew what the future held. Even if he did nothing, Spirit Hall's future Spirit Hunting Operation would almost wipe out the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon School.
And Gu Xuan intended to do his utmost to change all of this, even Achieving GodhooChapter 13: Gu Xuan's Little Class Begins (Please collect, please recommend tickets!)
After Gu Xuan and Yu Tianheng recovered their spirit power, they immediately plunged into training.
As a Genius, Gu Xuan's adaptability was naturally beyond question.
After spending half an hour to recover his spirit power, Gu Xuan joined the Royal Fighting Team's training for the day.
There was no enthusiastic welcome as he might have imagined, but there was intense Spirit Fighting combat.
This was Qin Ming's teaching method; when it was time to be serious, he would never waste time on other minor matters, because he also gave them ample time to relax.
During training, Qin Ming also mentioned, "Tonight, you don't need to go to the Great Spirit Arena.
Get to know Gu Xuan well."
Then he turned to Gu Xuan and said, "Gu Xuan, you too, integrate with them as soon as possible.
From now on, you are all members of one team, sharing honor and disgrace."
"Understood!"
After these brief words, Gu Xuan joined the training.
The members of the Royal Fighting Team had already learned most of their theoretical knowledge, so their morning sessions were also changed to practical combat.
During this time, Qin Ming asked Gu Xuan how well he had learned his theoretical knowledge, and Gu Xuan naturally replied that there were no problems.
Qin Ming did not delve deeper into this question, because generally, students with backgrounds like Gu Xuan would have been taught at home, so Qin Ming did not ask too many questions.
He wasn't worried about Gu Xuan lying, because such things are easily exposed, and Gu Xuan wasn't a fool, so he naturally wouldn't lie about such matters.
However, since it was Gu Xuan's first day, the practical combat mainly focused on letting Gu Xuan familiarize himself with the others' Spirit Abilities, so they could cooperate better in the future.
Gu Xuan also introduced the effects of his Spirit Abilities to the others.
Although Spirit Abilities are the biggest secret for a Spirit Master and generally would never be easily revealed to others, as teammates in a battle squad, they would be intimate comrades who would cover each other's backs in the future, so this point was naturally irrelevant.
When they learned that Gu Xuan's first Spirit Ability was actually an all-attribute amplification skill, even Qin Ming was astonished, followed by uncontrollable envy.
No wonder Gu Xuan was able to defeat the Rank 37 Yu Tianheng with a spirit power Rank of 33.
Just his first Spirit Ability alone provided Gu Xuan with a 20% all-attribute amplification; it would be a miracle if he wasn't strong.
Coupled with Gu Xuan's profound inherent foundation, defeating Yu Tianheng was only to be expected.
It was precisely because of this that they envied Gu Xuan for obtaining such a top-tier Spirit Ability.
And when they learned that Gu Xuan's first Spirit Ability could actually grow stronger with the improvement of his strength, it was no longer just envy; everyone immediately became jealous, asking Gu Xuan what kind of Spirit Beast he had hunted to obtain such a top-tier Spirit Ability.
Gu Xuan did not hide this; his first spirit ring came from a six-hundred-year-old Golden Armored Dragon, a Dragon Clan Spirit Beast of the True Dragon level, making it a truly top-tier spirit ring.
Like his second spirit ring, from the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear, both were overlords among Spirit Beasts.
In fact, all three of Gu Xuan's spirit rings came from top-tier Spirit Beasts, which was the main reason for his immense foundation.
Daily training was one aspect, but the choice of spirit rings was the best foundation amplification for a Spirit Master.
When they learned that Gu Xuan's first spirit ring was from a six-hundred-year-old Spirit Beast, everyone couldn't help but be surprised again.
Wasn't this absorbing a spirit ring beyond one's Rank?
Could Spirit Masters absorb spirit rings beyond their Rank? And not explode?
Especially Yu Tianheng, whose uncle Yu Xiaogang was the proposer of the Ten Great Spirit Core Competition Theory, and he was most clear about the concept of spirit ring limits.
The limit for the first spirit ring was 423 years, yet Gu Xuan's first spirit ring actually reached 600 years.
How was this possible? Yu Tianheng didn't suspect Gu Xuan of lying, because his strength had already proven everything.
Yu Tianheng for the first time began to doubt whether his uncle's theory was correct, after all, Gu Xuan, who had absorbed a spirit ring beyond his Rank, was right there.
As if to dispel Yu Tianheng's doubts, Gu Xuan directly said, "My third spirit ring reached three thousand years."
"What?!"
"Three thousand years?! A spirit ring of that Rank could already be used as a Spirit Master's fourth spirit ring, couldn't it?"
Not only Yu Tianheng and the others, but even Qin Ming looked like he had never seen the world, exclaiming in surprise.
Regarding absorbing spirit rings beyond his Rank, Gu Xuan intended to keep it from them.
Although it was their first meeting today, in Gu Xuan's heart, these few were all his future right-hand men.
If he won them over, he would have allies for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School in the future.
Just like Yu Tianheng, by motivating him now and letting him develop better than in the original story, if Yu Tianheng became the direct successor of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan in the future, then with their relationship, wouldn't the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan truly be united?
Isn't this the best ally against Spirit Hall?
So Gu Xuan didn't plan to hold back, and even wanted to encourage them to buy Whale Glue to aid their cultivation.
They were all only around Rank 30; even if they couldn't absorb ten-thousand-year spirit rings beyond their Rank, at least their fourth spirit rings could be.
Even if only one spirit ring was absorbed beyond its Rank, their foundation would still be a cut above others.
This was Gu Xuan's goal.
Of course, another goal was to attract Dugu Yan's attention.
For example, if Dugu Yan didn't know how to use Whale Glue at that time, Gu Xuan would "personally" teach her, or if Gu Xuan led them through other training exercises, giving Dugu Yan special attention...
When it comes to dating, for someone like him, it's not difficult.
As long as the other person feels your special treatment and doesn't dislike you, and develops some good feelings, everything will naturally follow.
So Gu Xuan directly explained to everyone, "I know you're very surprised and confused, but don't be surprised yet.
From now on, we'll be teammates eating at the same table, so I naturally won't hide anything from you.
Just listen to me as I explain it in detail."
As soon as he said this, Qin Ming no longer made them train; he proactively moved a stool over to "attend class."
Indeed, Qin Ming also very much wanted to know the reason behind this.
Honestly, he was the most regretful among them.
Because his fifth spirit ring was only nine thousand five hundred years old.
Although this age was not low, just a little short of ten thousand years, and even higher than the fifth spirit rings of most Spirit Masters, there was a qualitative difference between a thousand-year spirit ring and a ten-thousand-year spirit ring.
If his fifth spirit ring had been a ten-thousand-year spirit ring, then his current achievements would definitely not be limited to Rank 61; his achievements would only be higher.
So, upon hearing that Gu Xuan had successfully absorbed a spirit ring beyond his Rank, his heart began to burn with excitement.
Now that Gu Xuan was actually willing to share this secret, he was undoubtedly the most excited one.
If the age of his fifth spirit ring was low, then he would make up for it with his seventh and eighth spirit rings!Chapter 14: Gu Xuan's Little Class Begins (Part Two)
The training hall had completely changed its appearance. Gu Xuan stood on the high platform, lecturing like a teacher, while Qin Ming, along with the four original members of the Royal Fighting Team, listened intently like eager students thirsting for knowledge. Each person even held a notebook and was writing furiously.
"Absorbing a spirit ring across tiers is not impossible. The Spirit Ring Limit Theory is not absolute; it is merely the boundary most people encounter when absorbing spirit rings."
Gu Xuan looked at the crowd, who were listening attentively like elementary school students, and began to explain his theory (which he had copied from netizens on Zhihu in his previous life, combined with his personal experience in this life).
"Before absorbing a ten-thousand-year spirit ring, among the ten-year, hundred-year, and thousand-year spirit rings, aside from special mental force-attributed Spirit Beasts, the limit for absorbing other spirit rings actually has no so-called 'limit'."
"This limit is actually related to the Spirit Master's own physical constitution, Spirit strength, willpower, and even their mindset. I'm not boasting, but just look at me—the person standing in front of you who successfully absorbed a spirit ring across tiers."
"My first spirit ring was six hundred years, but it could also have been different, because this is also related to the quality of the Spirit Beast. For example, you might be able to absorb a five-hundred-year spirit ring from a caterpillar, but if you switched to a Dragon-species spirit ring, you might only be able to withstand a limit of one hundred years."
"Of course, smart people would definitely choose a one-hundred-year Dragon-species spirit ring and abandon that five-hundred-year caterpillar spirit ring. This confirms that there is actually no so-called 'limit' to absorbing spirit rings; everything is related to the Spirit Master themselves."
Pausing, Gu Xuan gave them time to digest the information. Although everyone had doubts, even the usually cold and aloof older sister, Ye Lingling, showed an eagerness for knowledge, but they did not interrupt Gu Xuan.
A moment later, Gu Xuan continued, "Therefore, before absorbing a ten-thousand-year spirit ring, a person's physical constitution occupies the vast majority of the advantage. As long as your physical constitution is strong enough, it is feasible to absorb a thousand-year level spirit ring even as your first spirit ring."
"However, once the spirit ring reaches the ten-thousand-year level, this situation changes again." Saying this, Gu Xuan paused, sweeping his gaze across the faces of the people before him. Finally, when everyone's eyes were fixed on him, his gaze settled on Dugu Yan.
"Senior Sister, tell me, what is the biggest difference between absorbing a ten-thousand-year spirit ring and absorbing a thousand-year spirit ring?"
Hearing this, Dugu Yan was momentarily stunned. She hadn't expected Gu Xuan to suddenly ask a question, giving her the oppressive feeling of being called upon by a teacher during a theory class long ago.
Fortunately, Dugu Yan's theoretical knowledge was solid. After a pause, she stood up and replied, "The biggest difference between absorbing a thousand-year spirit ring and absorbing a ten-thousand-year spirit ring is that the Spirit Beast that produces the ten-thousand-year spirit ring already possesses considerable intelligence and powerful mental force. Absorbing a ten-thousand-year spirit ring causes a Soul Tremor that is absent when absorbing a thousand-year spirit ring."
"Clap, clap, clap!" Gu Xuan nodded in satisfaction and applauded Dugu Yan.
He then said, "Senior Sister is correct. It is precisely because the ten-thousand-year level spirit ring adds the characteristic of the Soul Tremor, which makes it much harder for a Spirit Master to absorb the spirit ring, that Absorbing a spirit ring across tiers becomes significantly more difficult at the ten-thousand-year level than at the thousand-year level, to the point where, theoretically, it ceases to exist."
Hearing this, Qin Ming's originally excited expression froze, and he sighed somewhat dejectedly. However, Gu Xuan's words were not finished.
"Of course, as I said, this is theoretical. In fact, ten-thousand-year level spirit rings can also be absorbed across tiers."
"The prerequisites involved are numerous. Since everyone's Spirit, personality, and talent are different, the required conditions are also not exactly the same."
"For example, for a Spirit Master who primarily Cultivates the mental force attribute, the maximum Soul Tremor from a ten-thousand-year spirit ring is actually not that difficult for them. They only need to gradually strengthen their Body Refining while Cultivating their mental force attribute, and they will have a greater chance of Absorbing a spirit ring across tiers at the ten-thousand-year level."
Hearing this, Qin Ming's already somewhat dim expression grew even gloomier. Didn't this mean he no longer had a chance to absorb a spirit ring across tiers?
But Gu Xuan's words were still not finished. Gu Xuan continued, "Of course, that was just a special case. In fact, for most Spirit Masters, the most important factor in Absorbing a spirit ring across tiers is first having a powerful physique capable of withstanding the spirit ring's pressure. Only then comes the requirement for mental force. Besides Cultivation, mental force can also be improved by finding a Head Spirit Bone or certain other medicines."
"In short, none of this is absolute. After all, opportunity favors the prepared. If mental force cannot be Cultivated, then strengthen your physique first. That way, if you happen to encounter a method to boost your mental force, you won't be unable to absorb a spirit ring across tiers just because your physique isn't strong enough."
"Furthermore, even taking ten thousand steps back, even if your mental force strength cannot be increased, if your physique is stronger, then the fifteen-thousand-year caterpillar spirit ring you could originally absorb might turn into a fifteen-thousand-year Dragon-species spirit ring. The difference between those is immense, and spirit ring quality is a very important foundation for a Spirit Master."
Listening to Gu Xuan's words, Qin Ming's eyes lit up again. That's right! Even if he couldn't improve his mental force, wouldn't the quality of the absorbed spirit ring increase if his physique became stronger?
Yu Tianheng and the other seven grew excited. Yu Tianheng no longer thought about his uncle's theories, especially since Gu Xuan, a living example, was standing right there.
Moreover, everything Gu Xuan said sounded extremely reasonable, and with him vouching for it, no one doubted that Gu Xuan would lie about such an important matter.
They currently only had three spirit rings. Even if ten-thousand-year spirit rings couldn't be absorbed across tiers, their fourth spirit ring certainly could.
The limit for the fourth spirit ring was five thousand years. If they started strengthening their physique now, wouldn't they be able to absorb a fourth spirit ring exceeding the five-thousand-year level in the future?
How could they not be excited upon realizing this?
This kind of opportunity—where mere effort could increase their foundation and enhance their strength—was the easiest thing for them to accomplish now. Although they were wealthy Young Masters, the one thing they weren't afraid of was enduring hardship.
What they feared was suffering hardship without any reward, suffering for nothing, which is why they were reluctant to endure it.
If enduring hardship could yield rewards like Gu Xuan's, they would gladly endure it every day.
The incident where Gu Xuan, at Rank 33, defeated Yu Tianheng, at Rank 37, had just happened, and it was still fresh in everyone's memory, especially Yu Tianheng, the direct participant, who was most deeply impressed.
Who doesn't want to fight across tiers? What young person doesn't want to show off?
It could be said that what Gu Xuan brought them today was not just knowledge, but also prospects and the future!Chapter 15: Integration (Please collect, please recommend tickets!)
Even Qin Ming was listening very intently to Gu Xuan's narration. As for doubting Gu Xuan's words, that possibility was practically nonexistent.
After all, Gu Xuan wasn't an idiot; it was impossible for him to make up stories to deceive them. Moreover, Gu Xuan, this living example of absorbing a spirit ring far beyond his grade, was standing right there, so they had no need to doubt him.
Now, all they had was anticipation and excitement. If they were to Cultivate according to Gu Xuan's method in the future, wouldn't they be able to absorb their fourth spirit ring beyond their grade?
Their Spirits were at least of Advanced Spirit quality. For someone like Yu Tianheng, who had the top-tier Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Spirit, if he could absorb a spirit ring beyond his grade, the improvements would definitely be significant.
Putting everything else aside, Gu Xuan was an excellent example.
Gu Xuan meticulously explained to them how he improved his physical fitness, tempered his body, and how to choose the corresponding spirit ring's age and quality.
Most of them knew some of this knowledge, but not as meticulously as Gu Xuan. Gu Xuan combined his experiences with theoretical knowledge and explained it to them, and they quickly understood the meaning.
In fact, this knowledge wasn't profound or difficult to understand; it was just that no one had truly explored it.
Back when Gu Xuan absorbed his first spirit ring beyond his grade, he discussed with Ning Fengzhi the establishment of a specialized research group. Now, five or six years later, research in this area has made significant Breakthroughs.
Of course, the most important part was some of Gu Xuan's suggestions and methods. This Breakthrough in knowledge greatly benefited the entire Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School.
Now, the Sect's method of nurturing Disciples involves laying a solid foundation from a young age, and several batches of people have already begun absorbing spirit rings beyond their grade.
Although it couldn't compare to Gu Xuan's terrifying level, it still proved that it was feasible.
It's worth mentioning that Ning Rongrong's first spirit ring was 450 years old, and her second spirit ring reached a full 900 years.
A diligent Rongrong still had a very bright future. In the original work, among the Shrek Seven Devils, besides Tang San who obtained the Seagod Nine Trials, only Ning Rongrong had the Sea God Eight Trials, qualifying her to become the High Priestess of Sea God Island.
The others only reached the level of Five Trials and Six Trials. Although she had the super Spirit of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, Ning Rongrong's Aptitude and talent were also beyond reproach.
So, even though Rongrong didn't like to Cultivate when she was young, under Gu Xuan's pressure, her achievements were still quite good.
Gu Xuan's small class lasted from ten in the morning until two in the afternoon. During this time, everyone else forgot about time, and even forgot about hunger.
It wasn't until Gu Xuan had basically finished explaining all the knowledge in this area that everyone finally came back to their senses, still wanting more, and then their stomachs began to rumble.
There was nothing they could do; they were all Spirit Masters, and their daily consumption was much greater than ordinary people, so three meals a day were essential.
Sometimes, after their Spirit Arena matches at night, they would even have a late-night snack, because Spirit Arena not only consumed spirit power but also a considerable amount of physical strength.
The more they consumed, the more they naturally ate.
Qin Ming carefully put his notes into his storage spirit tool, then smiled and waved his hand, saying, "Let's go, no training today. I'll take you all to eat."
"Ooh-hoo!" Oscar cried out, "Teacher Qin Ming is treating us!"
Qin Ming gave him a look, and the others also smiled happily.
Although Qin Ming was usually strict, his private interactions with them were also good.
Soon, the group arrived at the North Cafeteria. The academy had two cafeterias, the South Cafeteria and the North Cafeteria.
The two cafeterias were the same size, just in different locations; one was closer to the girls' dormitory, and the other was closer to the boys' dormitory.
Qin Ming quickly ordered a table full of dishes. Gu Xuan glanced at the menu; it cost a full 500 gold coins, and every dish was a delicate part of a Spirit Beast, with extremely high nutritional value.
Fortunately, Qin Ming was a Heaven Dou-grade teacher, enjoying a 30% discount, which saved him a lot of gold coins.
At the dinner table, Qin Ming held his chopsticks and smiled, "I know you're all hungry, don't be shy."
As soon as he finished speaking, Oscar immediately began to gobble down his food, completely disregarding his image.
Ye Lingling had also taken off her veil by this time, and Gu Xuan saw her face clearly. It was very delicate and looked somewhat cute.
Ye Lingling and Dugu Yan were both girls, each eating delicacies in small bites with their cherry-like mouths. If Oscar was devouring his food, then the two of them were savoring it.
Gu Xuan and Yu Tianheng were the two most elegant among the boys. After all, they came from large Sects and had received professional etiquette training since childhood.
As they started eating, Gu Xuan also began to speak.
"Teacher Qin, fellow seniors, you can know these things I've told you today, but I don't want anyone else to know, because this is a secret matter that the Sect is currently researching, and it's not yet time to make it public."
Hearing Gu Xuan's words, Yu Tianheng, Shi Mo, and Shi Mo's expressions showed some disappointment, because they had originally wanted to tell their respective Families about this matter, so that they could focus on nurturing it.
However, now that Gu Xuan had said so, it naturally couldn't be spread. They were clear about this.
After all, Gu Xuan trusted them so much, and they couldn't betray his trust.
After a slight pause, Dugu Yan was the first to reply, "Little Xuan, don't worry, I will keep it a secret."
Hearing this address, Gu Xuan also gave an awkward smile. 'I want to sleep with you, but you want to be my older sister? Isn't that taking advantage of me?'
Everyone else also expressed their stance. Since Gu Xuan had made it clear, they naturally had to keep it a secret.
And the reason Gu Xuan did this was naturally because he didn't want to attract the attention of Spirit Hall. If the method of absorbing spirit rings beyond one's grade became widespread and Spirit Hall noticed it, not only would it indirectly enhance Spirit Hall's strength, but attracting Spirit Hall's attention was something Gu Xuan didn't want right now.
Although Gu Xuan didn't have much hostility towards Spirit Hall, the current Spirit Hall under Bibi Dong's rule would launch a Spirit Hunting operation in the future, so Gu Xuan naturally couldn't aid the enemy.
Because Gu Xuan showed his trust in them, everyone at the dinner table quickly became familiar. Gu Xuan didn't feel any of the awkwardness of just having met. After the meal, Gu Xuan and the others were as harmonious as if they had entered school together, and he immediately integrated into the group.
This was naturally something Qin Ming was happy to see.
After the meal, Dugu Yan proactively offered to take Gu Xuan to get his student ID card and handle other miscellaneous matters, and also to take him back to their Royal Fighting Team's detached villa.
This was the treatment for a Genius: their dormitories were individual detached villa