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"Condensing liquid spirit power into a solid state in the form of a vortex is theoretically sound, but so far, no one has succeeded."
Su Wen learned from Xiao Zhan about the current progress of the Douluo Continent's exploration into the 'Spirit Core Method'.
No one had ever succeeded.
"How can no one have succeeded?"
"Sigh. It's perfect in theory. But to form what you call a 'Spirit Core' using a spirit power vortex, the core must link all the spirit power within the Spirit Master's body. It involves far too many complex procedures," Xiao Zhan shook his head.
Listening to Xiao Zhan's explanation, Su Wen slowly understood why there were no successful cases of the Spirit Core Method.
The current method for solidifying liquid spirit power was simply for a Spirit Master to have a moment of insight through a chance-encounter, a sort of natural, spontaneous process. The spirit power in their body would unify as one, requiring no conscious adjustment from the Spirit Master.
Although it relied more on 'feel' and talent, it was also much easier.
However, condensing it using the Spirit Core Method, while more standardized and seemingly having a unified structure, required one to perfect the spirit power circulation during the condensation process. One had to ensure the vortex's perfect operation until it finally collapsed to form solid spirit power.
This was equivalent to forcing a group of Spirit Masters, who were used to cultivating by 'feel', to go and study advanced science.
Yes, it was like making a liberal arts major study advanced calculus, and they could only graduate if they passed...
...with no grading curve whatsoever.
They had always cultivated by 'feel,' and now you were asking them to change their entire mindset and cultivate by 'theory.'
In truth, as the Spirit Master world developed, this trend would inevitably catch on.
But in the current era, at the very beginning of this development, it was still met with resistance.
They hadn't even fully developed a complete spirit power circulation pathway, let alone adding a Spirit Core structure on top of that, one that could unify the circulation of all spirit power in the body.
"However, even if there are no successful cases, the theory of this Spirit Core Method you speak of has, to this day, not shown a single theoretical flaw. All that's missing is the practical method."
Xiao Zhan pondered for a moment before speaking. "Right now, the various major powers are already conducting research in these areas."
Since they were on the topic, he didn't treat Su Wen as some ignorant child.
Su Wen's level of research in spirit cultivation theory was very high; he would be able to understand these things.
Most importantly, the 'meridians' he had named in his own theory were also intimately related to the research of the Spirit Core Method.
Su Wen's importance was never just about his single theory on exceeding-limit absorption; it also included many other research projects related to 'meridians'.
"Currently, any faction with a Spirit Douluo or higher expert should have research in this area. Spirit Hall's research is the deepest. They have already preliminarily mapped out several spirit power circulation pathways."
Xiao Zhan was one of the participants in this research.
He had no choice. This was a method that could help solidify spirit power, and it concerned whether he would have the chance to advance further in the future.
"So, Little Wen, you must remember: do not actively compress your spirit power during cultivation."
Finally, Xiao Zhan warned Su Wen one last time not to compress his spirit power.
"Don't worry, Uncle Zhan," Su Wen agreed verbally.
As for what he was really thinking, only he knew.
...
The next day.
"Little Wen, no training today."
"What's wrong, Uncle Zhan?"
"Someone wants to see you today," Xiao Zhan said.
"Who?" Su Wen asked 'curiously'.
"His Highness, the Crown Prince."
...
Tian Dou Royal Academy, in a private meeting room.
When Su Wen entered, a young man was already seated in the main seat. He was dressed in opulent clothing, yet it didn't appear overly gaudy. Instead, combined with his personal temperament, he seemed very approachable.
The Crown Prince, Xue Qinghe.
Or, to be more accurate, she was Qian Renxue.
"Su Wen pays his respects to His Highness, the Crown Prince."
"Xiao Zhan pays his respects to His Highness, the Crown Prince."
"Dispense with the formalities, Senior Xiao Zhan. I would like to speak with Su Wen alone." Even as the Crown Prince, 'Xue Qinghe' remained respectful and polite, addressing Xiao Zhan as 'Senior'.
He wasn't calling himself a junior, but simply showing respect.
Su Wen knew, however, that this was just part of her 'Crown Prince' persona.
It had to be said, a Crown Prince like this was very easy to be around. The many Spirit Master experts he had recruited were likely all convinced of his character.
Xiao Zhan left, leaving Su Wen alone in the room with the 'Crown Prince'.
However, Su Wen knew that there was at least one Titled Douluo watching from the shadows.
That was the power belonging to Spirit Hall's Elder Hall.
"Su Wen, I have read your file. You are excellent."
"Thank you, Your Highness, for your high regard," Su Wen said, neither servile nor overbearing.
"There's no need to keep calling me 'Your Highness.' With your talent, achieving the rank of Spirit Saint in the future will not be difficult, and you even have a chance at Spirit Douluo or Titled Douluo. If you don't mind, you can call me 'Big Brother Xue'."
"Your Highness jests." Su Wen did not overstep his bounds.
'Xue Qinghe' stood up and walked over to Su Wen, looking at him. "Your Spirit Master talent is very good. To develop a Book Spirit to such a degree, coupled with the opportunity of a thousand-year second ring, your future is limitless."
His tone then shifted, as if he was questioning Su Wen. "However, I've learned that your registered ID in the Great Spirit Arena is 'Fighting Scholar'. In your opinion, is what you truly want to be a 'scholar' and not a 'Spirit Master'?"
He seemed to be admonishing him. "Your cultivation talent is superb; there is no need to divide your focus. If it's merely a simple hobby, then it's fine. Consider me to have spoken out of turn."
Seeing him directly bring up the "scholar" topic, Su Wen inwardly gave him a thumbs-up.
"Your Highness, in my view, the research of spirit theory is equally important."
"Oh?"
"I only believe in one sentence: Knowledge is power," Su Wen stated.
Unconsciously, his entire temperament seemed to change, becoming that of a scholar filled with bookish aura. A confidence from deep within his bones emanated out, as if it would unconsciously infect others.
"Knowledge is power..." 'Xue Qinghe' murmured, seeming to earnestly ponder the meaning of Su Wen's words, his eyes growing brighter.
"In my opinion, the research of spirit theory exists for the cultivation of Spirit Masters. To master knowledge is to master the essence of a Spirit Master's cultivation. To apply that knowledge to spirit cultivation, to pave the way for one's own growth, and to convert that mastered knowledge into power... that is what makes a true scholar."
A scholar can dedicate his life to researching theory.
But a scholar is not just someone who researches theory.
"Flexible application is the foundation. Applying it to oneself is even more fundamental."
A scholar who cannot solve his own dilemmas is not a true scholar.
"Oh?" Qian Renxue herself also felt that what Su Wen said was very reasonable.
"Seeing your confidence, you must have already gained some insights. Is it convenient for you to speak of them?"
"This..." Su Wen hesitated slightly.
"Rest assured. Didn't you just say that knowledge is power? If you have a talent for theoretical research, I, on behalf of the Imperial Family, can provide you with the resources for that research. You can research to your heart's content, and your cultivation will also become more convenient."
Qian Renxue wanted to see: would Su Wen take the 'exceeding-limit absorption' theory—which he had already used to gain support from Spirit Hall—and offer it again to the Crown Prince of the Tian Dou Empire?
(End of this chapter)