The moon rose over the Whispering Peaks, casting pale silver light across the jagged ridges. Zhou Yuan moved carefully, every step attuned to the currents of energy flowing along the stone paths. Zhou Jing remained fully immersed, controlling the Apostle directly. The first wave of practitioners had been dispatched, leaving the energy nodes free for study.
"Interesting," Zhou Jing murmured. The glowing nodes pulsed in rhythm, almost like the heartbeat of the mountain itself. Energy flowed differently here, denser in some ridges, thinner in others. His system interface responded instantly.
[SYSTEM MESSAGE]
Energy Node Analysis Complete
New Power System Detected: Mutant-Blood Warrior Template
Tier Range: Novice — Intermediate
Potential Skill Acquisition: Enhanced Strength, Regeneration, Blood Affinity Strikes
Observation Reward: Pending
Zhou Jing's eyes sparkled. The Mutant-Blood Warrior system was rare even among the Astral Worlds he had observed before. Its essence revolved around the adaptation of the body's own blood as both weapon and amplifier. If he could master even a fragment of it through observation, the Apostle—and eventually his main body—would gain a new combat edge.
He adjusted Zhou Yuan's stance and approached the nearest node. Energy seeped into the Apostle, reacting like a living thing. The interface highlighted techniques native to the blood system, displaying subtle patterns and flow sequences. Zhou Jing's mind raced, imprinting commands carefully.
[SYSTEM MESSAGE]
Astral Points Obtained: 12
Information State Particles Obtained: 7
Partial Skill Blueprint Captured: Blood Surge Stance
Recommended Action: Engage in Controlled Combat to Solidify Technique
A group of local Mutant-Blood warriors appeared, their veins faintly glowing, blood shimmering like liquid rubies. Zhou Yuan faced them calmly, muscles coiling with anticipation. Zhou Jing initiated a new command set:
[Command Imprint Active]
1. Avoid Lethal Strikes Until Technique Observation Complete
2. Prioritize Energy Node Interaction Over Combat When Possible
3. Retreat if Opponent Energy Significantly Exceeds Apostle Capacity
[Command Imprint Confirmed]
The warriors lunged. Blood flashed, and their strikes carried natural energy enhancements. Zhou Yuan parried, redirecting strikes while maintaining observation protocols. Every motion recorded, every energy reaction noted. Zhou Jing felt the system synthesizing the data in real-time.
[SYSTEM MESSAGE]
Astral Points Obtained: 15
Information State Particles Obtained: 10
Technique Observation Success Rate: 82%
Mutant-Blood Warrior Template Partially Integrated
The Apostle flowed between defensive and offensive motions seamlessly. With every successful parry, the system suggested micro-adjustments. Zhou Jing adopted them instinctively, training both Zhou Yuan's body and his own understanding of the system.
By dawn, the first full technique—Blood Surge Stance—was observed and partially mastered. Zhou Yuan's body had absorbed energy from multiple nodes, adapting temporarily to the Mutant-Blood traits. Zhou Jing allowed the Apostle a short rest, projecting a layer of automated instructions.
[SYSTEM MESSAGE]
Autonomous Mode Enabled
Command Set Active:
- Guard Energy Nodes
- Train Daily Using Observed Techniques
- Report Significant Power Signatures
[Autonomous Stability: 85%]
As Zhou Jing prepared to return to the Main World, he allowed his mind to wander. Lina's SSS-grade talent, his other friends' gifts—they all remained unaware of the Astral Realms. And yet, even from afar, he could pre-program Zhou Yuan to continue progress. One day, his Apostles would become Eternal. Their growth, their accumulated power, would eventually feed directly back into him.
[SYSTEM MESSAGE]
Next Objective: Explore Adjacent Peaks for Advanced Mutant-Blood Techniques
Potential Skills Available: Crimson Strike, Blood Reinforcement, Adaptive Regeneration
Recommended Apostle Deployment Duration: Long-Term
Zhou Jing felt a thrill. Each world, each system, each energy node was a step closer to mastering his own potential. Even the infinite expanse of astral realms couldn't intimidate him. With the Apostles at his command, and his main body growing in parallel, he was no longer a mere mortal.
From the distant peaks, the first whispers of new challengers stirred—but Zhou Jing's gaze remained calm. Every ripple of energy, every particle, every beat of the world around him was another opportunity.