Chapter 33: Xiao Zhan's Advice
"The Wind Element"
Su Wen began to explore the ability to control the wind element and found it to be different from controlling the fire element. There was quite a gap between them.
"Xiaowen, your control over the wind element is higher, and practicing with it is easier, not necessarily because of your Spirit Skill itself" Xiao Zhan also clarified Su Wen's doubts.
"Your Martial Spirit is ultimately a Book Martial Spirit."
'Books are restrained by the fire element...'
Su Wen nodded indicating understanding.
Being able to gain a certain degree of affinity with the fire element under the tempering of the Spirit Ring of the Three-Eyed Phantom Fox is probably also due to the strengthening of his Martial Spirit by his first Spirit Ring.
Otherwise, even though the Three-Eyed Phantom Fox has a fire attribute, it would be difficult to remodel his Martial Spirit and give it an affinity with the fire element.
The wind element on the other hand is not so difficult, the Spirit Ring's transformation of the Martial Spirit is more thorough, and the affinity is higher.
"My suggestion is for you to first train your control over the wind element and the compression and bursting of flames."
As for integrating the Flame Fist and adapting oneself to a higher level of flames, Xiao Zhan does not recommend it.
Although unable to fully unleash the power of the Flame Fist for the time being, this is the most cost-effective arrangement.
"Before overcoming the fear of flames inherent in your Book Martial Spirit, it will be difficult for your body to improve its resistance to flames. Even flames formed by your own Soul Power will be difficult to adapt to, let alone those transformed by heaven and earth energy."
Xiao Zhan shook his head.
Su Wen's talent is a bit higher, and many of his teaching plans have been disrupted, temporarily forgetting this point.
"My suggestion is to use your next two Spirit Rings to address this issue. First, you need to overcome your Martial Spirit's fear of flames so that you can quickly begin training for the next stage of the Flame Fist. I suggest you try it when you get your third Spirit Ring."
Then, obtain a Spirit Skill that transforms flames with Soul Power. Although there may be some overlap with the Second Spirit Skill, flames transformed by Soul Power pose less danger to Spirit Masters, resistance can be improved more quickly, and both Spirit Skills can be used simultaneously. Combining two transformed flames might even increase their power."
Even his path of the Fire Demon is not smooth sailing; it requires the coordination of one Spirit Ring after another, continuously evolving his Book Martial Spirit to adapt to the path he is taking.
"Fear of flames is actually inherent to the nature of the Book Martial Spirit. Paper fears flames, just as plant-type Spirit Masters fear flames."
Hearing this, Su Wen naturally already had an idea.
The Ice and Fire Alchemy Body.
The ability to resist both fire and ice is crucial for his Book Martial Spirit.
However, Xiao Zhan offered another path.
"Energize."
"Energize?"
"That's right, transform your Martial Spirit into energy form using the Spirit Ring."
Even if fully released and materialized, it is still an energy construct, not paper. In this way, it can also avoid being restrained by flames.
"Uncle Zhan, do you possess such a Spirit Skill?"
"That's right."
Xiao Zhan coincidentally obtained such a Spirit Ring and successfully completed this step.
"But even up to now, Old Bai and I haven't figured out how to more stably obtain this type of Spirit Skill. So, if you have better ideas, I won't force you to follow my path."
Su Wen fell into contemplation.
The Spirit Skills bestowed by Spirit Rings originate from the power of the Martial Spirit.
This is a theory Su Wen has put forward before, and he also believes in it. More accurately, the Martial Spirit has the potential in this regard.
Only when the conditions are met and the ability is present can the corresponding Spirit Skill be guided out.
The fundamental aspect of everything is still the Martial Spirit; otherwise, Spirit Rings are just rootless floating weeds.
Now, after listening to Xiao Zhan's advice on the development of the Book Martial Spirit, Su Wen felt that he has gained a deeper understanding of the role of Spirit Rings.
Spirit Rings alter the characteristics of the Martial Spirit after its birth. The power of the Spirit Ring integrates into the Martial Spirit and also transforms it. Initially, Su Wen's understanding of this point leaned more towards enhancing the same traits already present in the Martial Spirit. He overlooked the additional attributes that Spirit Rings impart to the Martial Spirit.
"The affinity with elements is a great example of extra effect added by a Spirit Ring"
Even if not manifested in the form of Spirit Skills, Spirit Rings still transform the Martial Spirit. However, Su Wen's absorption process of Spirit Rings differs from that of ordinary Spirit Masters; his absorption is more thorough, and the transformation of the Martial Spirit by the Spirit Ring is more comprehensive.
This is also why he can obtain other traits of Spirit Rings besides Spirit Skills.
While others may rely on luck, he is different; he can have it all.
"If that's the case, then further research is needed into the process of absorbing Spirit Rings. If we can intervene in the transformation of the Martial Spirit by the Spirit Ring, we can finely control the direction of the transformation."
Of course, this goal is definitely not achievable in the short term.
"Uncle Zhan, I understand. I will try to reach level thirty as soon as possible and find a way to overcome my Martial Spirit's fear of fire."
Although Xiao Zhan's suggestion is excellent, Su Wen chooses not to adopt it. He has a way to overcome the fear of fire, so he can still select the third Spirit Ring according to his own ideas.
However, when it comes to the specific planning of the third Spirit Ring, Su Wen feels it necessary to rethink it.
"Let's start by practicing the techniques of controlling the wind element and compressing and bursting flames."
In fact, there is more than just these two points. Su Wen's true Second Spirit Skill is control, control over the heaven and earth energy. He is also trying to develop the ability to manipulate elemental energy.
For example, during cultivation, using higher external elemental energy density to stimulate the speed of Soul Power cultivation. Although he cannot display the Flame Fist's stronger stance, Su Wen is not discouraged.
"This means that in the short term, I can focus on improving my elemental abilities wholeheartedly."
Su Wen has been studying techniques such as compressing and bursting flames, which can be used not only in Flame Fist. Xiao Zhan's application is just due to his possession of the Fifth Spirit Skill, Fire Demon Overlord Body, which is more suitable for close combat bursts.
"Wind element, fire element..."
In Su Wen's mind, there are many ideas waiting to be verified regarding the application of these two elements. Of course, before these ideas are verified, he needs to first try developing flying techniques.
"Air propulsion is the simplest and easiest to implement, useful for acceleration, but not suitable for regular flight."
Although he says this, Su Wen shows no hesitation.
First, develop the ability to fly using air propulsion. As for whether maintaining flight with air propulsion is convenient, that will be the next issue to solve.
Su Wen also began to attempt adapting to the process of transforming heaven and earth energy into wind elements, producing powerful winds.
"Haha, it really works!"
As his feet left the ground, Su Wen breathed a sigh of relief.
Very good, the initial development went smoothly. He didn't rush; flying attempts require caution. Otherwise, falling from high altitude, while might not be fatal, could cause serious injuries, greatly affecting his cultivation rhythm.
Sure enough, soon Su Wen began to experience instability in his control of the wind power, causing him to wobble.
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