Tang Yuan opened the scroll for another session of cultivation. It had already been two or so weeks since he had received it, and he had yet to commit it to memory. The technique had the same origin as the original, but was more complex.
His grandfather had refined the technique through Spirit Hall's archives. Apparently, Qian Daoliu had help in the aspect of absorbing light from the sun. It also had a more complete assessment of the body's meridians.
After another glance at the techqunie he sat down for his meditation. Tang Yuan had chosen a fairly stable rock to serve as his seat. The area was fairly particular he felt almost like he was back in the marsh/swamp. The major difference was that the area was smaller, and more rocky.
It was a mimicry environment designed after the marsh or swamp-like environment. This specific environment had existed for a while, but had been further refined by his grandfather. It was the ideal place for his second martial souls cultivation, and potentially his first.
Apparently, it was based on elemental theory to a degree. This marshy environment was primarily an earth-type environment. Though apparently a swamp also collects amounts of metallic energy in the water. Tang Yuan did not completely understand the reason, more like there was just too much information.
Whatever the reason Tang Yuan begins his cultivation. Drawing the surrounding energy from the air into himself. Since becoming a Soul Grandmaster he could absorb quite a bit more of the ambient energy. Tang Yuan began to cycle the energy through his meridians.
It was something he had done hundreds of times before at this point. Of course, since the acquisition of his second soul ring the cycling had changed. The amount of energy he cycled each time was greater. However, each cycle had also become easier now since his advancement. Though more cycles were needed to reach his saturation limit.
As Tang Yuan cycled the energy he sent it down the smaller channels as well. The impurities in those secondary channels were far more clogged than the primary. All the while he felt blindly at times for further channels. Yet he could not afford to take much time on that risky proposition. Especially with the new channels already added to his list.
Finally, after a time Tang Yuan opens his eyes as he reaches saturation. Faster than ever before this time around, and yet seemingly less progress. It was a particular feeling he supposes, and one that would only grow greater. With a sigh, he stands up from the rocky ground.
As he did he looked up at the ceiling his hand shading his eyes. This was actually an underground training environment, but it was constantly illuminated. Apparently, the source of this light comes from a type of stone crystal that mimics the Sun's light. Allowing this ecosystem to function underground properly.
Tang Yuan moves through the area, which was fairly large for an artificial environment. Though it was a fairly simple one to traverse as well. He wondered how accurate it was to an actual swamp area. There was no real night, and very little life except for plants.
Tang Yuan quickly moves to the entrance of the environment. He considered just leaving the underground environment from here. But if he did so than she might just track him down anyway. So with only slight reluctanceance he sits down to wait a few minutes. She would likely be along shortly now.
The environments were separated from one another carefully. This area was divided into two different parts both like marshy swamps. Slightly different from the others in that they were right next to each other.
The second type was a swamp shrouded mostly in darkness with little light. A great many poisonous spiders, snakes, and plants had been allowed to exist in the area. An ideal place for poison cultivation, whether they be plants, frogs, snakes, or in this case spiders.
It was only a small span of time from his arrival, ten or so minutes. Before he heard movement from the area as she stepped out. Bibi Dong's gaze found him quickly as she approached him.
As she approached him slowly "Were you waiting here very long?" she asked with some curiosity.
"Not very long now," Tang Yuan replied, and then asked with curiosity "How was your cultivation?"
Bibi Dong nodded at him "It was fine after I found the spider zone, mostly." Her face grew slightly irritated thinking about the spiders. And the fact that her cultivation was most optimal around them.
Tang Yuan did not say anything to that. Being smart enough not to wander into that certain trap. He had only known her for a bit, but that was enough to pick up a few things. Such as his friends' subtle distaste for her marital souls. Bibi Dong was a girl after all, and very few girls liked having an ugly appearance.
"Nevermind that how was this environment compared to the previous one?" she asked with some curiosity. All the while trying to put the spider talk behind them. She was happy that her marital souls were so strong, but why did they have to be like that?
Tang Yuan saw her question for what it was. "It was effective for my cultivation as far as I can tell. If anything I feel it was better than back home." though wether that was because of his own improvement he couldn't quite tell. The ambient earth energy in the area was certainly of high quality.
"Then are you going to the lightning zone for cultivation next," she asked considering what he had done the past few days she guessed.
"Maybe, lightning is only a sub part of my martial soul right now. I might see what level of the lightning zone I can withstand. Than if it would be a desirable effect right now." Tang Yuan says considering the thought for a few moments.
The Lightning Zone was perhaps the most dangerous of the mimicry zones. So much so it was divided into different levels where one was allowed to use. Determined by the intensity of the lightning energy, and actual lightning. At least that was what he had read in a book about the zone.
"It might be wise to start that now rather than later." he muses out loud to himself. There was more than one reason he sought the path of lightning. One of them was the sheer destructive power the element could have. Unfortunately, that destructiveness would make the path he planned difficult.
Suddenly he felt a rough poke to his side from something. He turned to see Bibi Dong with a stick in hand. "Why?" he asked her directly
"You seemed to be falling into another daydream." Bibi Dong said as if she had helped him. Her expression was one of slight innocence to further that image. Then she threw the small stick away casually. "Now that you have stopped daydreaming again we can leave. Where are you going after this exactly?"
"I think I will head to the forge." Tang Yuan decided on his course of action. He needed to continue sharpening his skills further. "What about you then?"
Bibi Dong didn't need a moment to decide "I'm going to my room for a bit." She wanted a bath, and a fresh change of clothes. Despite her carefulness, her clothing had gotten several stains. The thought of a long bath brought a happy smile to her face. "Then we can meet back up for lunch," she said the last part half statement half question.
Tang Yuan didn't see much of a reason to say no to that. He could guess her reason for returning to her room. Tang Yuan had noticed she had a slight dislike of stains. Yet "Do you like baths so much, Sister Dong?" he had noticed that she took long baths as often as possible.
Bibi Dong's expression turned surprised at the question not expecting it. "Yes I like baths quite a lot," she said that part despite her surprise. Now she seemed distracted by thoughts, based on her face negative ones.
Tang Yuan remembered reading that Bibi Dong was a commoner by birth. He lacked that experience, nor did he know about the specifics of her life. So he could only imagine, yet despite that curiosity he did not ask the question of her. Though they were friends, he didn't feel they were close enough to ask. So he simply held his silence on the matter.
"I agree baths are just enjoyable especially after a long day, or early. You could just soak for however long you want." Tang Yuan said to her. He hoped he could properly change her thoughts to positive ones.
Bibi Dong's rumination was interrupted by that statement. Her face gains a smile as she imagines that. The bad memories are pushed away by the thoughts of her nice hot bath. Then she pauses slightly as she realizes what just happened. "Thank you," she says slightly with a soft smile on her face.
Tang Yuan can only smile as well. Happy that he could break her from remembering bad memories. Still, he would keep his questions in mind for another day. Perhaps someday she would feel comfortable telling him.
Tang Yuan examined his hand covered by a shimmering cover of Soul Power. It was like a second skin at least that was the theory of the technique. He obtained the idea from the anime technique Mana Skin from the series Black Clover. Though "I suppose that it would be better called Soul Skin or Spirit Skin" at least in this world.
After a few days of using the swamp zone for cultivation, he tried the lightning zone. As he expected it was not ideal for his cultivation yet. Tang Yuqn also saw how potentially dangerous the later stages were. That was part of what inspired him to create slash copy this skill. Now was the time to test it under the gaze of his grandfather.
It was a rather simple technique to recreate with some effort. If anything it was only a few days' work to get to this point. Unfortunately, it was the type of skill that was easy to use, but hard to master. Rather perhaps perilous would be another way to say it.
Tang Yuan had considered the merits of working on this technique. It would be an ideal ability to have when he faced harsh conditions. It could serve as a natural armor that weighed nothing, that could defend against the elements. With this technique perhaps one day he could brave the most dangerous elemental areas.
"An interesting basic skill one with a good deal of merit." Golden Crocodile said as he examined his grandson's energy coating. Soul Power was already used to defend against hazards and damage. Yet no one had really thought to train or name that low-level skill. It was simply used to defend a soul master.
"Yes, it can also serve as a high-level control exercise as you might have noticed." Tang Yuan pointed out another benefit of the skill. That was especially true when using it in the most hazardous of zones. "Trying to maintain the skill in extreme environments requires a great deal of effort. Unfortunately, that makes this skill both difficult and perilous to train," he admitted the benefits and shortcomings of the skill.
Golden Crocodile nodded at his grandson's words he could see that. This was a skill used at the second or third ring in controlled circumstances. Beyond that, those of higher rank could begin using it in different hazardous environments. "So now I suppose you intend to test this skill." he looked at the doorway they stood at.
Tang Yuan nodded "I can only test it to see its effectiveness. I ask you to intervene if things become too much." he knew that caution was advised in this situation. Lightning was one of the most dangerous things in the natural world. And he was about to step foot into an area of electrical charge.
He nods his head in agreement, but speaks with caution. "However, take things slowly as you move through. This area might only be suited for Soul King cultivation, but that is only for Soul Kings with the lightning attribute. Even a Soul Emperor could be injured in that area if careless." his face was stern as he reminded his grandson of that.
Tang Yuan could only agree to that assessment. "I have no intention of not being careful." With those words, he steps through the door into the Lightning Mimicry Field.
It was a tunnel constricted in its size by a margin at least at first. This was the first zone with not a hint of what awaited save dark rock. Even so their was a certain amount of energy in the air for cultivation. Tang Yuan immediately began walking ignoring the instructions carved into the rock.
He walked down the path only a dozen strides into a wider cave area. The previous area was such that fewer than a dozen people could stand together. This area was such that a dozen could comfortably stand with at least two feet of space each. The opening opposite the entrance had faint veins of blue in the rock like snakes.
This room was the start of the cultivation environment. Best suited for those just beginning their cultivation, or maybe those with low affinity. Stationed at the beginning to fill with excess energy from the latter rooms.
Tang Yuan steps through to the third part of the tunnel. It was much the same at least in terms of size perhaps a bit bigger. The real difference was the faint blue light that illuminated parts of the cave. The light shining from the middle of the room was a metal box or cage, hung from an iron chain like a chandelier.
That was the core of this room a Thunder Stone, the source of the mimicry environment. A type of rock that generates the elemental energy of lightning wherever it exists. It was a resource formed from long exposure to lightning, or lightning energy. Thought to take decades to form at the earliest under the greatest elemental concentration.
Tang Yuan could feel a slight tingling sensation as he got closer to the center. It seemed there was static electricity in the air from the stone. This area was still that of where one would train below one ring. Though a Soul Master would also gain minimal benefit from the room.
The next room was much the same as the one before, if bigger by several meters. The biggest difference was multiple chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. The moment he stepped into the room he could feel the static in the air. Some of his hair was standing up from the energy in the room. He believed this was the location of Soul Masters cultivating toward their second ring.
Tang Yuan decided now was as good a time as any to begin. His soul power covers his body and clothing through his technique. Instantly the tingling feeling on his skin disappears completely. As the technique isolated him from the ambient energy in the room.
Tang Yuan closed his eyes as he mentally inspected the cloak of soul power. It was fairly stable at the moment, and he was losing little soul power. The loss was purely from maintaining the shroud. Yet this would be when his cloak was at its most untested of all.
So he proceeds to the room used by those with at least two rings. Further chandeliers surrounded the center of the room in two circles. The outer ring had twelve, and the inner ring had eight of them. An increase of nearly three times the number of hanging boxes.
Yet also in the middle of the room was a stone column though a pedestal might be a better term. The pedestal was to his stomach he estimates, a large chunk of stone with bright blue lines. Several other such stones are embedded on the stone pedestal. The pedestal itself had duller lines running through it. With further even fainter lines radiating from around the pillar in the ground.
He identified the Thunder Stones in direct sight this time. Now and then he could see small arcs of electricity radiate from the stones. In fact, the metal chandeliers seemed to also have small arcs as well. There was far more energy in this chamber than in the last one.
Tang Yuan slowly approached the center of the room. As he moves closer covered in his cloak he finds that he feels nothing. That was good the shroud of soul power was holding stable for now. Finally, he was only a few feet from the center when he felt the slightest instability. His soul power consumption had also increased by a small amount.
Than Tang Yuan reaches out to the stone with his hand. As his hand grows closer a small arc of electricity hits his hand. He could sense that his mana skin became slightly less controlled at the contact. Yet it doesn't break through the soul power surrounding his hand. The only thing was a greater consumption of soul power to maintain the defense.
Tang Yuan moves his hands closer to the stones. As his soul power consumption increases he tries his best to adapt. He needed to alter his Spirit Skin to be as stable as possible, with the least expenditure possible.
He finds that doing so takes only a few moments of time. After it was not really a stronger hazard or even much of one at all. If anything the experience was good for the next time. Which should be soon as he moves towards the next room. He wondered in which room he would find trouble.
Stepping into the next room he finds it more chaotic than the previous ones. A single large rock was in the center of the room as the core of the room. The rock had dark blue lines snaking along its length like serpents. Its size was such that it could easily be used uncomfortably as a seat for two. Though even without lightning its roughness made that a daunting prospect.
As it was the rock sparked with lightning nigh constantly. Several strands of that electricity snaked up to several floating shards of the same rock. Some are small, and others are larger size up twice the size of the smaller ones. Those rocks defied gravity perhaps because of that electricity, and their own charge. Again faints lines of blue snaked around the large rock.
Tang Yuan immediately felt the impact of this room compared to the others. His soul power consumption increased by an amount. This room was one that no one below three rings should step into. Perhaps they could handle it for a period of time, yet he suspected the energy would be uncomfortable. At least if they didn't have lightning aspect or resistance to it.
Tang Yuan once more approaches the center of the room. As he did the consumption of soul power also steadily increased slightly. He continued to stabilise the flow of soul power as he drew closer and closer. Until finally he was within a few feet of the centerpiece. He took another step forward, and then it happened.
The rock begins to fluctuate a spark of electricity jumps at him. As it hit him he felt a slight feeling of shock almost like static electricity. Though the shock was weak, the fact that it managed to pierce through his veil. Well, that was enough to show the power of the rock compared to the previous rooms.
Tang Yuan stands still as more arcs of lightning hit his defended body. Each one countered by the soul power protecting his body. Yet he could feel the loss of soul power at each hit. Even as he continues to attempt to adapt to the weak arcs. Tang Yuan spent several minutes like that until he felt it was time to leave.
He had tested his technique now, he was tempted to test his limits. How far into the training zone could he go? Though even if he went to the end this place was still a place for training. So the hazards would not be equal to the natural hazards of the world.
Tang Yuan stepped out of the training grounds still considering things. Someday when he was stronger he would need to find a powerful lightning attribute area. Then he could really push his Spirit Skin to higher limits. While using the chance to temper his body at the same time possibly.
"I assume that your test was successful, but also not as you expected." Golden Crocodile spoke drawing his Grandson from his musing. He had been monitoring his grandson closely with his perception.
Tang Yuan looked at his grandfather "I got to the room for Spirit Elders I think, the sixth room. The technique was only really pushed in that room when close to the stone." he recounted to his grandfather.
Golden Crocodile nodded at his words "So I assume that you will be spending more time in the lightning zone. Training this skill, what are you going to call it?" He anticipated his grandson's plans considering his interest in it.
"The lightning environment will be my primary focus, but also others, such as fire, ice, and wind. If I am going to train to handle extreme environments best to prepare for multiple." Tang Yuan revealed part of his idea for training the technique. Who knew when he would have to face those environmental challenges? He could also use the chance to train his base physique, to better handle them if possible.
Golden Crocodile saw some merit in that matter. Spirit Masters could train themselves to face harsh environments, but usually under limits. "So what do you intend for this technique?" he asked curiously with a slight question to him.
Tang Yuan smiled at his grandfather "I originally thought of a name like Spirit or Soul Skin. Now I think Spirit Veil or Shroud should be the name possibly. Thank you for your help Grandpa, give my thanks to Uncle Daoliu as well."
Golden Crocodile shook his head "It is only natural for me to help as your grandfather. But now also to honor the agreement you and big brother have come to."
Tang Yuan nodded slightly "still thank you for your help in this matter." Asking for the help of the worship elders as one of his requests had already proven fortuitous. "Grandfather I'm curious where exactly these stones come from?" He asked wanting to know if it was a place of powerful elemental energy.
Golden Crocodile recognized that there was something more to his Grandson's question. Still, he answered "The stones originate from Thunder Valley, and the Peaks of Tempest. Both areas are known for nigh constant storms, and as ideal training grounds for lightning attributes." His words were very pointed in their implications.
Tang Yuan supposed he wasn't being very subtle, and his grandfather made a reasonable conclusion. He supposed it wasn't wrong, though not complete either. There was another technique he wanted to recreate from Black Clover, one that would be of particular difficulty Mana Zone.
The skill to control the natural energy of the environment to attack with, and more. He had considered the ability for a long time not merely for its own functions. But the possibility that it might be used to awaken a greater power, a domain. He felt that this hypothesis was very possible, but would also require a great deal of effort.
For now though "thank you for telling me grandfather I hope to one day see them. When I am much stronger of course rest assured." He said his face sincere in his thanks, and caution.
Golden Crocodile nodded at that properly convinced. "I'm glad you show caution well beyond your years. Remeber while diligence is always good, don't be in too much of a rush. Cultivation is a long and hard road taken for many years." He said finally trusting his grandson to understand.
Tang Yuan stepped back slightly as a fist sought to strike his face. The strike fell short of its intended mark leaving only wind to hit him. His opponent not one to allow a miss to slow them down recounts in kind.
The hand that had failed to hit instead grabbed his clothing pulling him forward. Despite her smaller form she possed terifying strength. At the same time, a second strike moves like a Python to hit him.
Tang Yuan responds in turn blocking the strike with a hand. His second hand aims for his opponent's chest. Hoping to catch her off guard, or weaken her hold. Instead, he finds that she steps to the side herself. The blow misses, but she also relaxes her hold.
They both step back to recover from the exchange of blows. Neither had yet broken a sweat from several minutes of the spar. Tang Yuan and Bibi Dong sized up each other for possible weaknesses.
Then once more both spring forth into their spar. Bibi Dong launches into a chain of strikes all aiming at her opponent's chest. Fully expecting most of them to be blocked, and in doing so expose a chance. Her hair was blowing in the wind from the speed of her movement.
Tang Yuan's action was surprising as he made no movement to defend himself. His hands and arms remained still yet ready for action. As her hits land on his chest he holds steady barely moving. Until finally the multiple blows stop after more than a dozen. Yet Tang Yuan showed not a single hint of obvious pain.
Bibi Dong is confused at first, but her eyes narrow at the soul power around his body. His Spirit Shroud thing that he had been working on for several weeks now. She supposed she should have expected as much.
Tang Yuan taking the chance throws an enhanced punch right at her face. Unfortunately for her, he has no intention of pulling punches. The punch whistles through the air as it quickly approaches the girl. He had placed most of his power in this blow though he doubted it would end the spar.
Bibi Dong crosses her arms to catch the blow in her palm. Her other hand steadying the first making the defense more effective. As she also gathers soul power in her palm to defend. Even still the impact of the blow causes her to skid back unsteadily.
As she recovered from the blow she glared at Tang Yuan. "You jerk what if that had actually hit my face. You would hit a girl right in her face you big meanie." She said her voice was rife with her annoyance at his ruthlessness. Even as she maintained a combat-ready stance.
"No mercy on the battlefield Bibi Dong. Besides you were fully capable of countering that blow." Tang Yuan says not even attempting to apologize right now, not after the last time.
He actually felt bad once when he thought she was really hurt. Then the Imp blindsided him mercilessly winning the fight. She was the cross of an Imp and a Spider in a fight. Agile, cunning, and very ruthless in all her attacks with the strength to back it up. Even using words to gain an advantage sometimes in a prankish manner.
Bibi Dong moved with grace and agility into her next attack. Now her own spirit power-enhanced punch aimed at his face. Yet as Tang Yuan easily dodges the blow she changes to her actual target. Arriving at his side, she lands a quick, but piercing jab to his side.
As he winced with slight pain Tang Yuan moved around to face her. As he does he moves close to her even as two more jabs hit him. He grabs ahold of one of her soft wrists before she can retreat. Then a hit to her neck caused her balance and focus to falter.
Taking the chance presented to him Tang Yuan uses his grip to flip her. In an instant, she finds herself on her back on the ground. Her eyes were wide unblinking at the action, and how it happened. When she realized what had happened a fist was already paused a centimeter from her face.
Bibi Dong sighed at that though she was aware of her position. "I yield, you win this time." She said in a similar annoyed tone used when she lost a game. She accepts the offered hand griping it as she is helped up.
Tang Yuan smiles at his victory "It looks like I win this time." His face filled with happiness at the win as he let go of her hand.
Bibi Dong only says "this time around." She said accepting her loss, but already planning the rematch.
Tang Yuan smiles he had an advantage in pure physical combat or soul power combat. He was in the lead by a bit, but that lead was not that great. She had the advantage in martial soul combat though by a wide margin.
Clapping is heard from the sidelines from a child-like figure. The Fifth Worship had been present watching their fight. "Good job Dongdong, Little Crocodile that was pretty good for newbie Grandmasters at least." He said his tone was slightly childish.
Tang Yuan twitched at the nickname he had still not gotten used to. The Fifth Elder was like a child despite being far older than that. The mischievous one amongst the serious worships whom acted like a bored or excited kid. He and Bibi Dong got along swimmingly as well.
"Yes, both of you did well in this spar." Tang Nuan spoke from beside the worship. "Xiao Yuan while it worked out taking all her blows was risky. Xiao Dong my son is right the battlefield is not one for mercy. Even if it was partially a ploy." She says seriously to both of them pointing out mistakes.
"Understood mother." Tang Yuan says respectfully to her in agreement.
Bibi Dong nodded her head in agreement.
Tang Nuan nodded "Now then then let's change things up. The two of you will have a spar with martial souls now. No Soul Rings though especially you Xiao Dong that includes poison or your domain." She said directly to Bibi Dong restating what has been said many times before.
Both Bibi Dong and Tang Yuan prepare to summon their martial souls. This would be another fight between them. Soul Power gathers around them in greater amounts. Smiles blossomed on their faces as they prepared for another match.