The fusion of the Infinite Growth Soul Spirit was complete. A profound, primal power now circulated within Yao Xuan's soul, feeling less like a new addition and more like a fundamental part of him that had finally been awakened. His senses felt sharper, and the world seemed to hold a clearer, more defined texture.
'Now, it's time to see the power of my new soul skill! Ancestral Dragon Sky-Splitting Strike—the very name promises devastation.'
With a focused thought, he reached out to the Super God System. A transparent, ethereal figure materialized in his mind's eye, a perfect replica of himself. Demonstrating such a destructive force within the confines of his home was unthinkable; a single misstep could reduce the entire building to rubble. This simulated space, a function provided by the system, was the perfect proving ground. He knew that upon reaching the Great Soul Master level, this function would evolve into a full "Simulated Battle Space," allowing him to hone his skills against simulated opponents. For now, understanding his new weapon was priority enough.
"Ancestral Dragon, Possess!"
Within the simulation, his phantom double uttered the soft command. A surge of soul power answered, and a faint, majestic nine-colored light emanated from its form. Extending a right hand, the light coalesced into the form of the magnificent Ancestral Dragon Martial Soul, hovering above his palm. With a silent, mental push, the dragon-shaped spirit soared upwards, reached its apex, and then descended like a comet, merging directly into the crown of the phantom's head.
The transformation was instantaneous.
The phantom Yao Xuan's aura intensified, becoming dense and oppressive. His eyes shifted, pupils elongating into vertical slits that glowed with a faint, terrifying nine-colored light, radiating an ancient authority that demanded submission. The light on his skin condensed, forming the barest outline of iridescent dragon scales, not yet fully formed but hinting at immense durability. His fingers thickened, nails elongating into five-centimeter-long claws that shimmered with a sharp, iridescent light, looking capable of tearing through solid steel.
Ten meters away, a three-centimeter-thick plate of hundred-refined steel shimmered into existence.
"Ancestral Dragon Sky-Splitting Strike!"
A yellow soul ring flashed behind the phantom. Then, it moved. Its right foot pushed off the ground, transforming its body into a blur. Crossing its arms in an 'X' formation, the dragon claws tore through the air with a ferocious speed that left afterimages. The air itself seemed to scream in protest.
SHRIIIEEK! CRUNCH!
Two ear-piercing sounds of rending metal echoed in the mental space. The steel plate shuddered violently, now marred by two deep, cross-hatched gashes that pierced completely through the metal, nearly cleaving the entire plate into four separate segments.
A slow, satisfied breath escaped Yao Xuan's actual lips. 'Truly powerful. This is merely its base form, a hundred-year soul skill without further nurturing. The potential... is staggering.'
He knew this was only hundred-refined steel, lacking the enhancements of a soul guide array, but for a first soul skill to exhibit such raw, penetrating power was far beyond the norm. This was the power of the Ancestral Dragon, a force meant to surpass all.
The system's concise report filled him with a burning determination. His path was clear. Every resource had to be directed toward this growth.
His attention then turned to his most crucial investment. The 100 Golden Evolution Points from his breakthrough, combined with a single point he had leftover, represented a significant opportunity.
'Yes,' Yao Xuan confirmed, his expression firm despite the internal wince at spending such a large sum all at once. While points could be used for many things, the system's warning was etched into his mind: reach 10% bloodline before Level 20. Nothing was more important.
A wave of pure, mysterious energy erupted from the very core of his being, flooding his veins and meridians. It was a sensation both exhilarating and intense, like liquid fire and soothing light combined. The nascent Ancestral Dragon bloodline within him stirred hungrily, devouring the evolutionary energy. A faint, nine-colored glow emanated from his skin as his body underwent subtle yet profound changes.
He felt his muscles grow denser, his bones more resilient. His meridians, the pathways for his soul power, expanded and strengthened, allowing for a smoother, more potent flow of energy. Most strikingly, as his bloodline concentration broke past the 5% threshold and climbed to 6.7%, he felt a new connection to the power within his own flesh and blood. A intricate, faintly glowing network of nine-colored lines seemed to form within him, establishing a unique circulation system that pulsed in rhythm with his heartbeat.
Ten minutes later, the sensation subsided.
Yao Xuan opened his eyes, their usual calm depth now holding a faint, almost imperceptible nine-colored shimmer. He clenched his fist, feeling the tangible increase in strength humming within his body. The path was set. He had his soul skill, his bloodline was growing, and his cultivation method was supreme.
Now, it was time to see Na'er. Her presence was his anchor, and sharing these milestones with her, even in the parts he could openly reveal, was a joy that balanced his relentless pursuit of power. He needed to see the quiet pride in her eyes, the one she reserved only for him. It was the fuel for his soul.