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Sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting dappled shadows on the pavilion. Ning Fengzhi placed his teacup on the stone table, the crisp sound of porcelain meeting gray stone echoing softly.
Gu La made no effort to hide his curiosity, his amber eyes shimmering with an unusual light. "Uncle Ning, why don't you first share your insights on cultivating the visualization diagram? I noticed that your spiritual power fluctuates like oceanic tides—surely you've developed a unique understanding of the visualization diagram."
Ning Fengzhi gazed deeply at Gu La, spinning his jade thumb ring three times in his palm before responding: "Very well."
He raised his hand, summoning the Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda and actively channeling his spiritual energy while Bone Douluo stood guard beside him.
Within the swirling, seven-colored radiance hovered a grayish-white orb the size of a longan fruit.
"The Universal Visualization Diagram, in my view, is rooted in the Universal Pearl. Choosing a spherical form not only emulates the harmonious nature of heavenly laws but also aligns with the celestial trajectories of the stars—the most important aspect being its compatibility with any martial soul."
"The spiritual power cultivated through this method is akin to attributeless soul power. It is neither restrained by nor restrains any attributes, much like how water can embrace all things."
Ning Fengzhi spoke eloquently, occasionally citing classical texts. Had Gu La not been equally well-read, he might have struggled to follow along.
The distant rustling of bamboo leaves interrupted them. Gu La raised his hand to pause the discussion, his fingertips sketching circuits of soul power in the air.
"Oh, this is something Master didn't clarify in his paper."
"Among the eighteen diagrams, the Visualization Diagram cultivates spiritual power tied to mental forces, such as sword intent or spear intent, which have special effects on attributeless soul power… much like how a sharp needle can pierce a water pouch."
As he spoke, he formed his fingers into a sword shape, and a sharp aura sliced a falling leaf cleanly in two mid-air.
"This is the Aura I've cultivated. The mental forces you cultivate may differ."
In truth, they would undoubtedly differ. Aura was a latent ability of the Super Pallet Town Physique potential—something soul masters couldn't easily master. Even achieving mastery over certain intents was already a great accomplishment.
Take Gu La, for instance. Before creating the Universal Visualization Diagram, he could sense the Aura of all living beings. Now, he could perceive the Aura of all things.
If he wished to master techniques like sword intent, a slight familiarity with weapons would allow him to use Aura to evoke corresponding mental states.
"Imitating external objects will never surpass the power of delving deep into one's inner self." The Aura leaping in Gu La's palm suddenly transformed into a miniature sword blade, then elongated into a spear.
Ning Fengzhi studied it closely, momentarily feeling as though he were being seen through, yet strangely, he felt no aversion—it seemed perfectly natural.
Bone Douluo observed intently, his gray robes stirring without wind: "A very peculiar energy."
A skeletal dragon materialized in his palm, its bones beginning to defend automatically under the influence of the Aura, seemingly sensing a threat.
"It possesses characteristics of spiritual power yet is closely linked to the body—indeed, it resembles… Chen Xin's sword intent."
Ning Rongrong stifled a giggle, earning a playful glare from Bone Douluo.
Ning Fengzhi tapped the stone table lightly, mist rising from the teacup to obscure his contemplative face. "Rongrong, didn't you mention wanting to learn swordplay earlier? Is this why?"
Ning Rongrong placed her hands on her hips, proudly raising her head. "Exactly! Grandpa Sword is the greatest swordsman in the world—I must learn from him to inherit his skills!"
Bone Douluo remained silent, recalling how he had been jealous for days when she first expressed interest. However, his expertise lay in defense, unsuitable for someone as delicate as Ning Rongrong.
Ning Fengzhi frowned and asked: "Your Uncle Sword has devoted his life to the sword. Before the age of thirty, he practiced three thousand swings daily; at sixty, he achieved enlightenment and broke through to become a Titled Douluo… Do you think you can persevere? You always find excuses to slack off during secret method training…"
Ning Rongrong flushed red, clearly embarrassed. "Ah, Father, stop! I promise I can stick with it!"
Ning Fengzhi didn't believe her and turned to Gu La: "What does nephew think?"
Deep down, he was certain he didn't want Ning Rongrong to be distracted by swordplay. He knew his daughter's personality—spoiled since childhood, she slacked off even when supervised. Without supervision, she'd never last.
After a moment of thought, Gu La replied: "In my opinion, mastering an auxiliary skill wouldn't hinder Rongrong's cultivation of the secret method."
"The Universal Visualization Diagram aligns with attributes and cultivates spiritual power, while the Combat Visualization Diagram assists in refining mental intent."
"Soul masters can freely choose which visualization diagram to cultivate. The Combat and Universal diagrams are the most unique—one delves inward to unlock one's potential, while the other seeks outward to master profound transformations."
"We soul masters must choose the path best suited to us. Auxiliary-type soul masters are suited to the Universal Visualization Diagram, but if their talent allows, they can also practice with a weapon."
Gu La gestured toward Oscar, who was training in the distance.
Oscar was wielding a black iron staff, striking at the bamboo grove. The shadow of the staff whistled through the air, shattering more than ten bamboo leaves.
"For example, Oscar—a food-type soul master born with full soul power—possesses no less talent in spiritual power."
"He trained with Teacher Li in staff techniques for half a year. His moves are now proficient, and he's close to manifesting staff intent. At that point, he'll be able to simultaneously cultivate the Combat Visualization Diagram, using mental strength to protect himself."
"Though weaker than battle-type soul masters of the same level, he'll already possess self-defense capabilities. Combined with his auxiliary abilities, he won't be a weak link in a team."
"The Universal Visualization Diagram aligns with attributes and cultivates spiritual power, while the Combat Visualization Diagram refines mental intent—like equipping auxiliary-type soul masters with weapons."
"If Uncle Ning is worried, you could first let Rongrong use swordplay to temper her physique. Once her secret method cultivation reaches a matching level, she can shift her focus to swordsmanship."
"This way, neither pursuit will be neglected, and Rongrong won't be held back by concerns."
"A brilliant idea!" Ning Fengzhi's eyes brightened. "Nephew is truly wise. I'll follow your advice and let Rongrong use swordplay to strengthen her body."
As he spoke, he recalled the sword qi Gu La had demonstrated earlier and extended an invitation: "I saw how skilled your sword qi was earlier—you must have a keen interest in swordsmanship. When you have time, visit the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. Uncle Sword would surely be delighted to teach a sword genius like you."
Gu La smiled and politely declined: "Thank you for your kindness, Uncle Ning, but the sword isn't my path. In truth, I haven't specifically trained in swordsmanship."
Bone Douluo: "…."
'Jerk, here's someone even more insufferable than you.'
Ning Fengzhi sensed Gu La was boasting. Having practiced swordsmanship himself, he knew cultivating sword intent required countless hours of sweat and effort.
But as Gu La's sword intent shifted, it transformed into a sense of steadfast "protection," completely opposite from the sharpness he had displayed earlier. Strangely, it resonated with the aura Bone Douluo had released.
Bone Douluo's lazy expression faltered as he sensed the alignment between Gu La's "intent" and his own.
He muttered in disbelief: "This…"
Gu La chuckled softly, dispelling the Aura: "These are just useless trifles. Rather than spending time studying intent, it's better to focus on unlocking the potential of one's martial soul."
Though Gu La was being modest, Bone Douluo felt as though his own path had been belittled. A wave of frustration washed over him, and his gaze toward Gu La turned icy.
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