With Yao Xuan's command, the six Golden Evolution Points dissolved into streams of profound, primordial energy that erupted from his core. They flowed through his meridians, a river of nine-colored light that saturated every cell in his body.
As the energy spread, a faint, shimmering luminescence emanated from his tissues. Ethereal runes, glowing with the same nine-colored light, flickered into existence across his cellular structure, optimizing his very DNA. The dormant Ancestral Dragon power left from the initial fusion was also stirred and finally absorbed, further tempering his physique into a more resilient vessel.
Ten minutes later, the fusion concluded. The system's chime was a welcome sound.
'Excellent!' Yao Xuan marveled internally, a surge of pure exhilaration coursing through him. His physical capabilities had taken another leap; he estimated his raw strength had increased by at least thirty kilograms, placing him far beyond any ordinary adult. His heartbeat was a stronger, more resonant drum in his chest, his blood felt richer, and his vitality had clearly been enhanced. It was a comprehensive evolution.
The potential was staggering. If 0.6% could grant him this, what wonders would a fully unlocked bloodline bring? The path was clear, though he knew the cost in Golden Evolution Points would grow exponentially. The reward, however, would be worth any price.
The morning lessons passed with Lin Ximeng imparting foundational knowledge about the Douluo Continent's history and the Soul Master world. Soon, the lunch bell rang. While the other children went home, Yao Xuan ate with Lin Ximeng in the school cafeteria before resting in the teachers' lounge.
The afternoon session began promptly.
"Good afternoon, students! Today, I will teach you meditation," Lin Ximeng announced, her tone emphasizing the importance. "As I said this morning, meditation is the most fundamental, the most critical skill for a Soul Master. To increase your soul power, you must meditate diligently and consistently."
"The technique I will teach you is called the Five Hearts Towards Heaven Technique. It is the most basic, freely provided meditation method granted by the Sun Moon Federation to all its Soul Masters."
"Beyond this, there are more advanced techniques, but they are controlled by powerful sects and organizations. If you advance to the Soul Elder rank, enter a higher academy, or join the Federal Army, you may have the opportunity to learn them."
"Now, to the essence. Meditation is the process of perceiving the ambient soul power floating freely in the world, drawing it in, and making it your own. The first step is to sense it. Now, everyone, close your eyes and listen to my instructions."
Textbooks were distributed. Following Lin Ximeng's guided instructions, Yao Xuan closed his eyes.
'Is this the ambient soul power?' he wondered. Almost instantly, his enhanced perception, fueled by his Creation-level Martial Soul and the system's [Enhanced Comprehension], allowed him to "see" clusters of soft, white light drifting in the space around him. It was a mesmerizing, ethereal sight.
"Generally, the higher one's innate soul power, the more sensitive one is to the energy in the environment. Being able to sense it within half an hour is considered excellent talent. Keep trying, everyone!" Lin Ximeng encouraged.
"Teacher Lin," Yao Xuan raised his hand. "I think I've sensed it."
"So quickly?" A flicker of surprise crossed her face. "Very well. Then try to use your spiritual power to guide a wisp of that energy. Let's see if you can truly draw it in."
She was skeptical but trusted he wasn't lying.
"Okay, Teacher Lin."
Yao Xuan focused, separating a thin strand of his spiritual power as described in the technique. He gently wrapped it around a nearby cluster of soul power and drew it toward himself. The moment the energy touched his skin, it was siphoned into his meridians. A faint, warm current flowed into him, a sensation both foreign and deeply familiar.
"Very good! You not only sensed it but successfully absorbed it on your first attempt! Your affinity for soul power is remarkable!" Lin Ximeng's eyes shone with genuine pleasure and pride.
"Alright, Yao Xuan, you may review the rest of the Five Hearts Towards Heaven Technique. If you have questions, ask me. I will guide the others now. Class, if you have trouble, you may also ask Yao Xuan for help."
"I understand, Teacher Lin," Yao Xuan nodded.
He had no need to review the text. In the time it took Lin Ximeng to introduce the lesson, his enhanced comprehension had already allowed him to fully digest and master the simple, foundational technique.
Instead, he closed his eyes and began his first true meditation. He fell into the rhythm of the Five Hearts Towards Heaven Technique, consciously guiding the ambient soul power into his body. The energy streamed in, some being absorbed by his flesh and bones, the rest flowing into his dantian. He could feel his reservoir of soul power, minute as it was, beginning to swell with steady, palpable growth.
The system's notification was a quiet confirmation in the back of his mind. The path was long, but every step was now measured, every gain calculated. He was building his foundation, one point of power at a time.
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