36: Longwei

Qin Jin's imprinting stopped.

At this moment.

In his spiritual world, the illusions caused by the python's oppressive aura completely dissipated.

After he successfully imprinted, the oppressive aura contained in this place no longer affected him.

At the same time.

A burning sensation came from the spiritual level; Qin Jin clearly perceived that his spiritual power surged like a tide, constantly increasing while undergoing certain changes.

With his mind completely immersed in it, Qin Jin comprehended his own changes, and at one moment, with a slight thought, he attempted to launch a spiritual impact.

At this instant.

The phantom of the Three-Headed Strange Python reappeared, an extremely chilling aura permeated, containing an oppressive force.

If he were to face the young Martial Artists in the base at this time, even if he held back, they would probably fall unconscious directly under this oppressive force, unable to resist.

The power was astonishing, and the consumption of spiritual power was also quite astonishing.

Qin Jin stopped the attack, and the strange python receded.

He opened his eyes, sensing his spiritual power.

"My spiritual power seems to have undergone some kind of change."

"It's somewhat similar to an inherent spiritual oppressive force, akin to the dragon's might contained in this python corpse, but combined with my own being, some changes have occurred."

"Teacher Wen didn't mention this when explaining the Visualization Method."

Although he learned about Wen Jinglun's past from Zhong Yi, Qin Jin still had considerable trust in him.

After all, this was the Teacher who introduced him to martial arts, and being able to get into Wu Yuan Academy also meant he had an extraordinary past.

"Teacher Wen wouldn't hide this, which can only mean he isn't clear about it either."

"After all, he is only at the Ningyi Realm."

"In that case, it can only be because of this strange python."

Qin Jin's gaze focused on the ice sculpture: "Perhaps it's because its own level is too high that I gained different insights after visualizing it."

"As my spiritual power continues to grow, I wonder if this change will continue."

"Perhaps one day, I won't need to lift a finger; I can just rely on the oppressive aura I inherently possess, like a dragon-type creature, to repel or subdue enemies."

No matter which world, dragon-type creatures are among the strongest of the extraordinary beings, extremely powerful.

Thoughts flashed.

The panel appeared.

Qin Jin's gaze focused on one of the pieces of information.

[Spiritual Index: 33.1]

"The index directly broke through thirty points; the growth is immense."

Qin Jin's eyes brightened.

Newborn Realm Martial Artists, once their Spiritual Index reaches 40 points, can attempt to condense their own Divine Intent.

Once Divine Intent is successfully formed, they can step into the second realm of a Martial Artist, the Ningyi Realm!

"It hasn't been long since I broke through to the Newborn Realm."

"This is the meaning of opportunity."

Thinking of this, Qin Jin looked up at the two great suns in the sky.

"Great Sun Golden Crow."

"I wonder, at what realm can one visualize this level of creature?"

"Can a Seventh Realm like the principal of Wu Yuan Academy do it?"

Confirming himself, envisioning the future.

That foreseeable grand future is one of the motivations for Martial Artists to strive forward.

Qin Jin began to get busy.

The Deep Driller's storage space contained a portion of frozen python blood; after the severed python head melted the ice crystals with wish power, it still emitted astonishing coldness.

Carrying the python head and the python blood.

Qin Jin embarked on his journey back to the Si Huo Tribe.

He had spent seven days searching to find this place.

Now that the route was confirmed, the return journey was much faster.

Along the way, Qin Jin did not encounter any fierce beasts.

Although the python was dead, its lingering might remained; the oppressive aura contained in the python head deterred any passing fierce beasts.

...

The next day.

Inside the base.

Qin Jin arrived early and began his training under Su Chaozong's guidance.

There were no living quarters set up in the base; other young Martial Artists also needed to commute daily from their assigned residences in the New Sheep District, traversing the wilderness, which was also a form of training.

A Grandmaster-level Martial Artist's full dedication to teaching and careful guidance yielded extremely astonishing results.

Under Su Chaozong's guidance, Qin Jin gained new insights into controlling life energy and spiritual power.

Time passed unnoticed during training.

Three hours flew by in an instant.

Fang Zhu had been waiting nearby, ready to provide him with physical therapy.

Qin Jin had already inquired; the secret medicine used for this therapy was extremely valuable, not only helping him recover but also promoting the growth of life energy and warming his spirit.

Seeing Su Chaozong preparing to leave, Qin Jin immediately spoke.

"Su Teacher."

Su Chaozong turned his head.

Qin Jin quickly stepped forward: "I have a question I'd like to ask."

"Speak."

Facing a Grandmaster-level expert, Qin Jin carefully chose his words and slowly said: "Su Teacher, after spiritual power grows and the spiritual index meets the standard, one can condense Divine Intent."

"So, during this process, does spiritual power undergo other changes or improvements besides numerical increases?"

Upon hearing this, Su Chaozong gave Qin Jin a deep look.

Qin Jin met his gaze calmly.

What he asked, of course, was precisely about the changes in his own spirit.

Since in the eyes of others he was an undeniable General, then he would solidify this genius persona!

The Great Wilderness is vast and contains countless things; as he constantly improved, his gains in the Great Wilderness would also increase, forming a cycle that would become the nourishment for his rapid growth. Since that was the case, he might as well use his most fundamental talent to conceal everything else.

Don't ask, just say: "You're not a General, you don't understand."

Moreover, his talent was indeed excellent.

Meeting Qin Jin's calm expression, Su Chaozong nodded: "Yes."

"Spiritual cultivation is the most unique and elusive."

"Suppose there are two Martial Artists, like perfect replicas, with all basic conditions identical, yet when visualizing the same extraordinary creature, they will still have completely different results."

"And during the process of spiritual power enhancement, Martial Artists may gain other insights."

He spoke eloquently, his voice imbued with a convincing power: "So far, what has been recorded can be broadly divided into two directions."

"Firstly, mutation."

"Secondly, special traits."

"Spiritual mutation can have both good and bad outcomes."

"Bad mutations can cause a Martial Artist's spirit to wither, leading to spiritual damage; in severe cases, they may even be unable to recover and have to abandon the martial path."

"As for good mutations, the gains are numerous, mostly manifesting as the Martial Artist comprehending unique spiritual offensive or defensive techniques specific to themselves."

"To draw an analogy, mutation involves the genesis of active abilities."

"While special traits are passive abilities."

He explained carefully: "Initially, when cultivating the spirit, everyone's spiritual quality is the same, but during the cultivation process, some people's spiritual power will develop special traits."

"For example, some traits are similar to real-world frost; when unleashing spiritual attacks, they can freeze the opponent's thoughts and slow down their reactions."

"Other traits lean towards explosiveness, making spiritual attacks more rapid."

"There are also those whose spiritual power has exhibited [illusion-type] traits, making their attack methods extremely secretive."

"Currently, the appearance of mutations and special traits is often due to the Martial Artist's inherent talent and external influences."

After completing his detailed explanation, he looked at Qin Jin and said solemnly: "Each person's mutation and special traits are different. In this regard, there are very few reference documents, and rashly comparing similar mutations and special traits could potentially lead to unexpected consequences."

"Therefore, one can only discover them oneself."

After leaving that remark.

Su Chaozong turned and left.

Fang Zhu's voice rang out.

"Qin Little Brother, are you ready for the physical therapy?"

Qin Jin nodded.

Lying on the treatment bed, feeling the secret medicine being continuously absorbed under Fang Zhu's actions, Qin Jin's eyes flickered with thought.

"Mutation and special traits."

"Active and passive."

"From the looks of it now, what I gained by visualizing the strange python is a trait similar to dragon's might."

"I haven't used it on a living creature yet, so I don't know the effect..."

In the following days, Qin Jin's routine stabilized.

Attending classes and cultivating daily.

After returning, traveling and cultivating in the Great Wilderness.

His monotonous life was not boring due to his continuous improvement.

With no one else to disturb him, only the diminishing number of young Martial Artists who came to the base each day reminded Qin Jin that the Chosen Plan was still ongoing, and undercurrents were surging within the Mining Star.

...

The Great Wilderness.

The great sun set, and night fell.

The Deep Driller advanced under the cover of night.

From afar, Qin Jin could already see the firelight within the Si Huo Tribe.

Compared to when he left, there were significantly more lights, indicating that the Si Huo Tribe was steadily developing.

Just as he approached the tribe.

With a sense of awareness, Qin Jin looked towards the surrounding wilderness.

It was pitch black and appeared empty.

But through his spiritual power, he sensed someone hidden there, observing him.

"They even have sentries set up."

"It seems Qi Chuan and Xia Yanh Tiger are very vigilant."

"They detected my movement but haven't recognized my identity. Is it a new tribe member?"

As thoughts flashed through his mind.

In the direction he was looking, the Sacrificial Fire Tribe member hidden there let out a shrill cry, like a whistle, mimicking the call of some fierce beast.

In this silent Great Wilderness, the sound echoed.

Qin Jin clearly saw the flickering firelights within the Si Huo Tribe, and the tribesmen inside began to move.

Qin Jin raised an eyebrow slightly and continued forward.

The sentry issued a warning, and the tribesmen within the Si Huo Tribe, holding torches, quickly gathered, ready for battle.

Then.

They witnessed a scene they would never forget.

In the man-eating darkness, illuminated by the firelight, a massive, majestic figure with golden light emanating from his chest, dragging the remains of a terrifying giant beast, slowly walked towards them.

The dull footsteps, accompanied by the rustling sound of the python head dragging on the ground, stepped into their hearts.