212: Soul Crystal

At the same time, the information regarding the Hexagonal Crystal surfaced in Xu Yan's mind the moment he saw it.

Soul Crystal: The product of the fusion between the Earth Bear's Remnant Will and Soul Essence. Under the intervention of the Soul Fighting Secret Realm's power, the strand of Remnant Will that was originally separated now has the chance to detach from its main body and become an independent entity.

Uses: 1. Awaken the Remnant Will within the Soul Crystal / Seal the Remnant Will, causing it to fall into deep sleep.

2. Fuse with an embryo that has not yet formed consciousness. This allows the Remnant Will within to be reborn in the body, retaining all memories, and automatically signing a Follower Contract upon rebirth.

3. Integrate into a weapon or piece of equipment, allowing it to become an Instrument Spirit, thereby upgrading the level and power of the fused equipment.

4. Erase the consciousness of the Remnant Will and absorb the pure Soul Power within, allowing access to some of the Remnant Will's memories.

To summarize simply, it allows Xu Yan to choose one of four options: a Pocket Elder, a reborn younger brother, an Instrument Spirit, or a Cultivation Resource.

After reading the information that appeared in his mind, Xu Yan understood that this Soul Crystal was a gift bestowed upon him by the Soul Fighting Secret Realm.

At the same time, he gained a new understanding of the Innate Talent, Myriad Affinity.

The Secret Realms Xu Yan had entered before were either too weak (Secret Realm No. 162375), had major internal issues (Eerie Secret Realm), or had hateful logic implanted in their underlying structure (Consumable Secret Realm).

Even if they developed goodwill toward Xu Yan due to Myriad Affinity, those Secret Realms were in a state where they couldn't even look after themselves, let alone actively bestow benefits upon Xu Yan.

Even so, Xu Yan, with the tacit consent of those Secret Realms, had performed many actions that would be considered “Violations” if done by others, and he gained considerable rewards from them.

This time, the Soul Fighting Secret Realm was a complete, top-tier Secret Realm that cooperated with humanity, possessed a high degree of autonomy, and could even issue entry permits of the Saint Spirit Rank.

Because of the increased friendliness brought by Myriad Affinity, Xu Yan was able to remotely apply the power of Heavens Mandate Guidance to the body inside the Secret Realm while he was in the Transfer Station. Afterward, he even negotiated with the Secret Realm to transfer his consciousness into it.

As for the Soul Crystal before him, after carefully linking his previous words, actions, and thoughts, as well as the voice that arose in his heart when leaving the Soul Fighting Secret Realm, a conjecture quickly surfaced in Xu Yan's mind.

Perhaps due to the influence of his previous life, his personal moral standards were still too high. When he saw Mikhail gradually fading away and the hope and blessing contained in his gaze, Xu Yan's mood was somewhat low.

The Secret Realm likely captured this emotion from Xu Yan. The high degree of goodwill meant it did not want Xu Yan to be sad, so it chose to send Xu Yan out directly. If he couldn't see it, he wouldn't feel bad.

Then, before Mikhail had completely dissipated, it saved him and delivered him into Xu Yan's hands as a gift.

Having reached a general conclusion, Xu Yan gathered his complex thoughts. He had a preliminary idea of the Soul Crystal's uses, but the specifics would have to wait until he had examined the Demiplane that Mikhail mentioned.

Putting the Soul Crystal into his Storage Device, Xu Yan looked at the broken branch he held in his other hand and enveloped it with surging spiritual power.

As the spiritual power made contact with the broken branch, a miniature aerial view of the Demiplane appeared in Xu Yan's mind.

According to the information fed back by the broken branch, it was originally a twig broken off a World Tree Sapling, and the Demiplane contained within it was formed through its own evolution.

The total area is approximately twenty million square kilometers, containing various complete ecosystems, including mountains, rivers, and oceans. It holds vast resources, such as common to rare plants and minerals, and various Non-sentient Creatures raised by the Earth Bear clan for food.

In the center of the Demiplane, a total of thirty-two Bear Embryos were enveloped by a special power, maintaining their vitality while simultaneously halting their growth.

The Treasure Vault mentioned by Mikhail was located in a huge cave not far from the embryos, without any concealment or protection.

After a quick scan, confirming his sudden fortune, Xu Yan's mood became extremely pleasant.

With his mood greatly improved, Xu Yan took out the Soul Crystal again and injected his spiritual power into it according to the “instructions.”

As Xu Yan's spiritual power was injected, Mikhail's Soul Body appeared before him.

Mikhail, on his end, had already prepared himself to die, but suddenly his vision went dark, and he felt nothing.

When his consciousness recovered, the first thing he saw was Xu Yan smiling.

After taking a moment to regain his senses, Mikhail quickly noticed his current state. He looked at Xu Yan with some surprise and spoke with emotion:

“To be able to transform me from a state of Remnant Will into an Independent Remnant Soul—you, or the powerful entity behind you, are truly not to be underestimated!”

Xu Yan shook his head and replied, “I don't have this capability. As for the person behind me, they probably could do it, but although your actions touched me, the connection wasn't deep enough for me to call someone in to save you.

The main reason is that the Secret Realm saw I was in a bad mood, so it gave this to me as a gift.”

Whether it was when he noticed his own transformation or when he guessed that this change was an action by Xu Yan or the person behind him, aimed at achieving some goal through him, Mikhail's mood remained largely stable.

However, upon hearing Xu Yan's answer, Mikhail was stunned for a moment, then complained helplessly, “Your answer seems even more outrageous than what I guessed.

So, why did you reawaken me?”

Facing Mikhail's inquiry, Xu Yan did not hide anything. He first introduced the functions of the Soul Crystal to him, and then continued, “I've checked the Demiplane you gave me; it truly is a good thing.

I also checked the Earth Bear embryos inside. More than ten of them have yet to develop a faint consciousness. I don't have the time or energy to focus on their growth. After obtaining this Soul Crystal, I had the idea of finding a Guardian for them.

So, are you willing to fuse with one of the embryos that has not yet developed sentience and become their Guardian? Of course, as compensation, besides what the Earth Bear cubs are entitled to, I will also provide you with an additional portion of resources and spirit food.”

Although he had entrusted the Bear Cubs to Xu Yan, it was naturally false to say he had no worries. Now having the opportunity to personally intervene in the Bear Cubs' growth, Mikhail was already very tempted.

After hearing that Xu Yan would also provide extra spirit food, Mikhail recalled the deliciousness of the spirit food he had retrieved from Xiong Nian's memories. His Soul Body involuntarily salivated, and he nodded decisively afterward.

“Good, I agree. From now on, you're my Boss.”