Chapter 56: Mad Grandmaster Cerebrovascular Disorder? Manual Craniotomy!
A cold shiver ran down their spines as a blade suddenly unsheathed.
A massive sword descended from the sky, planting itself firmly in front of Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong, shielding them behind it. However...
The terrifying power from the light beam paid no heed to the massive sword, passing right through it and engulfing Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong!
*[Emotion Points +29999]*
*[Emotion Points +22222]*
*[Emotion Points +19595]*
The massive sword transformed into a figure dressed in pristine white robes, with silver hair flowing wildly in the air.
The figure's aura, far more imposing than Meng Shu's, descended like a mountain, putting pressure on Zhuge Lan.
*[Detected: Host under aura pressure; expending 1 Emotion Point/second to negate this state!]*
Good.
As usual, the system reacted swiftly and attentively.
Zhuge Lan recognized the newcomer: Sword Douluo Chen Xin.
It seemed he thought Ning Rongrong was in danger, and his failed attempt to intercept had triggered his rage.
Understandable.
But... passively taking hits wasn't Zhuge Lan's style!
'System, let's make a big move and counterattack!'
*[A Strand of Divine Sense: 1 million Emotion Points!]*
Huh?
He had expected a Level 9 or Level 10 soul tool.
But this? And for a million Emotion Points, it seemed a bit pricey...
'After taking down Chen Xin, there should be a good amount of Emotion Points to collect.'
'It'll also reinforce the idea of me having divine ancestry.'
'Alright, I'll buy it!'
*[Expending 1 million Emotion Points to purchase "A Strand of Divine Sense!"]*
A tremendous, indescribable pressure burst forth from Zhuge Lan's body.
Behind him, a divine shadow began to materialize.
On closer inspection, it even looked somewhat like Zhuge Lan himself.
The divine shadow glanced at Chen Xin.
With just one look!
Chen Xin, in his rage, appeared to take a severe blow. He spat a mouthful of blood, and his aura weakened significantly.
"Seven Treasures Glazed True Form!"
With a fierce shout, the massive Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda rose in the distance, sending seven beams of light to empower Chen Xin.
Bolstered by this power, Chen Xin stood straight and raised his sword against the divine shadow, his ninth soul ring's dark light seeming to consume the very heavens.
"Blossoming Laurel for a Hundred Miles of Youth!"
Only half a line of the poem had been uttered.
The divine shadow flicked a finger.
"Pfft—"
"Pfft—"
Chen Xin and Ning Fengzhi, not far away, both spat blood and were sent flying backward.
Any martial soul true form, any ninth soul ring—
All instantly dissipated!
And it didn't end there.
The divine shadow raised its right palm, aiming it at Chen Xin.
*[Emotion Points +59999]*
Danger!
Chen Xin drew in a sharp breath, activating his ultimate technique. His nine soul rings shone at their peak brightness.
He was ready to fight to the death!
Zhuge Lan, as if snapping back to his senses, quickly shouted—
"Ancestor, please, have mercy!"
The divine shadow's hand paused and looked down at Zhuge Lan.
"It's a misunderstanding! Just a misunderstanding!" Zhuge Lan shouted. "Please, return. Being out here is too exhausting!"
The divine shadow lowered its hand, gazing calmly across.
Chen Xin, with his blade drawn, emanated an intense cold aura that was hard to look at directly.
But the divine shadow didn't shy away from looking.
In fact, it stared so intently that Chen Xin's scalp prickled, leaving him too intimidated to make a move!
*[Emotion Points +49999]*
Chen Xin hesitated.
To retreat or to continue the fight?
"Sword Grandpa!" Ning Rongrong called anxiously. "I'm fine! Please stop!"
Chen Xin looked over.
To his surprise, Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing, whom he thought had been engulfed by the light beam, were standing there unharmed.
—Even the auras of Chen Xin and the divine shadow had instinctively avoided the two girls.
*[Emotion Points +23333]*
Chen Xin let out a sigh of relief.
As long as they were safe, that was all that mattered.
But he couldn't stop his all-out attack that easily. Swinging his sword to the sky, a powerful wave of sword energy surged upward, shredding a vast portion of the clouds, creating a massive gap as if the sky itself had been split open.
Zhuge Lan looked on in admiration.
This is what swordsmanship should be!
Unlike his own sword skills... best not to mention those.
The divine shadow, having confirmed there was no danger, gave Zhuge Lan a disapproving look.
The ethereal and majestic silver voice resonated through the heavens:
"If this happens again, you'll face ten thousand years in isolation in the God Realm."
Then it dissolved into a wisp of blue smoke, re-entering Zhuge Lan's forehead.
*[Emotion Points +49999]*
*[Emotion Points +29999]*
*[Emotion Points +11111]*
With just one sentence, he gained nearly 200,000 Emotion Points.
Counting the earlier harvest, he was close to 500,000 Emotion Points—already covering half the cost.
With some follow-up moves, he could probably earn another 500,000.
Nice! Not only did he get to put on a show for free, but he also solidified the impression of having a divine backing from the God Realm.
Pure profit!
Looking at Ning Fengzhi, who was still lying down, Zhuge Lan raised his hand.
"I bless you!"
A beam of holy light shot out.
Chen Xin, who had just exited his "Man and Sword as One" state, instinctively blocked it—Zhuge Lan was just too unpredictable, and as Ning Fengzhi's protector, his reflex was to stop it first and ask questions later.
Then,
"Ahhh—"
*[Emotion Points +39595]*
*[Emotion Points +23333]*
*[Emotion Points +11111]*
Ning Rongrong glared at Zhuge Lan, both angry and embarrassed.
What kind of soul bone ability was this? Even Sword Grandpa couldn't withstand it?!
Unbelievable!
Chen Xin, being a Title Douluo, soon calmed himself down, though his eyes twitched as he looked at Zhuge Lan.
What the heck is that power?!
"Ahem!" Zhuge Lan explained, "That's a healing-type soul bone ability. If I left Sect Leader Ning untreated, things could get... intense."
Chen Xin: "!!"
Ning Rongrong: "!!"
Although they weren't sure what "intense" meant, they got the general idea.
The holy light's abundant life force was something Chen Xin experienced firsthand—it even alleviated most of the backlash from his injuries.
He immediately stepped aside.
Zhuge Lan continued to pour beams of holy light, stabilizing Ning Fengzhi's condition.
And then...
"Mm~"
"Ah~"
"Oh~"
Unlike Chen Xin, Ning Fengzhi, who was unconscious, acted entirely on instinct.
Ning Rongrong was so embarrassed her toes practically curled in on themselves.
*[Emotion Points +15555]*
*[Emotion Points +9999]*
*[Emotion Points +23333]*
Chen Xin's face grew more puzzled by the second.
This boy... he truly is shrouded in mystery!
Half a minute later, Ning Fengzhi was fully healed and slowly opened his eyes.
Zhuge Lan, feeling a bit regretful, lowered his hand—he should've had the system hold back a little, only keeping Ning Fengzhi at the edge.
That way, he could've milked a few more minutes and earned even more Emotion Points.
The scene fell into silence.
Chen Xin and Ning Fengzhi had a lot to say but were too embarrassed to speak.
Ning Rongrong was still dazed, unable to process what had happened.
Finally, Zhu Zhuqing gathered her courage and asked,
"Lan, what was that just now?"
"Huh? Oh!" Zhuge Lan waved his hand.
*[Tai Ah]* appeared again, charging up and launching a blast skyward.
The force was no less powerful than Chen Xin's previous slash.
However, it didn't even stir a single cloud.
The *[Tai Ah]* then transformed into a massive sword, mirroring Chen Xin's "Man and Sword as One."
The same overwhelming power, the same sky-splitting slash.
But again, no actual damage was dealt.
Chen Xin seemed to understand.
"A simulation ability?" Chen Xin asked in puzzlement. "But at your level, how could you simulate—"
He stopped himself mid-sentence.
He remembered the shadow from earlier that nearly slapped him to death!
What couldn't this boy do?
"It's all a misunderstanding."
Zhuge Lan smoothed things over,
"That was a Level 9 Fixed Soul Guidance Cannon, *Tai Ah*, designed to match the power of a Title Douluo."
"Me, a mere Soul Elder? How could I carry that around?"
"It's just my mental domain ability, a mere simulation."
*[Emotion Points +36666]*
*[Emotion Points +23333]*
*[Emotion Points +11111]*
Good, good! Another domain ability, huh?
"An insignificant Level 9 Fixed Soul Guidance Cannon, Tai Ah," was unnecessary to carry.
Because he clearly had even more powerful weapons!
And since it's just a simulation, it couldn't have been made up from thin air, right?
Meaning Zhuge Lan's family likely possessed even more, perhaps even stronger, weapons!
*[Emotion Points +15555]*
*[Emotion Points +16666]*
*[Emotion Points +11111]*
Shrek's group, while envious, couldn't help but be amazed once again.
—Man, he really hit the jackpot with his family!
They couldn't help wishing they had been born into his family—heck, they'd even call him dad!
Especially Dai Mubai.
Why was he stuck in the Star Luo Empire instead of Zhuge Lan's family?
*[Emotion Points +15454]*
"Ahem!" Chen Xin continued, "Young friend, what was that shadow just now?"
See—young friend!
That's the power of a strong background.
Zhuge Lan hesitated slightly, making the curious crowd even more intrigued, granting him another wave of Emotion Points.
Though Ning Fengzhi had been unconscious for half of it, he offered a diplomatic suggestion,
"If it's something confidential, young friend, you don't have to answer."
Not a chance!
If he didn't explain, how could he harvest more admiration?
Just as he was about to speak, he noticed that Flender, Zhao Wuji, and the other teachers, along with Yu Xiaogang and Tang San, had returned, clearly drawn by the commotion.
Zhuge Lan realized something.
Xiao Wu wasn't among them; she must have sensed the presence of a Title Douluo and hidden herself.
So he decided to wait a moment.
—The more people, the more admiration he could harvest.
Oscar quickly explained the situation, leaving Flender and the others in shock.
Gaining over 100,000 Emotion Points in the process.
Chen Xin thought Zhuge Lan wasn't going to answer, and was about to discuss the purpose of their visit when—
"It's actually nothing," Zhuge Lan replied nonchalantly,
"I mentioned before, right? My family produced a god a long time ago."
"That was a wisp of that ancestor's divine consciousness, left on me."
"If I encounter danger and can't summon help, it activates automatically, and... well, you all saw what happens."
*[Emotion Points +32111]*
*[Emotion Points +11111]*
*[Emotion Points +9999]*
The Shrek students were once again deeply envious.
Zhuge Lan, you really hit the jackpot with your family!
Meanwhile, Chen Xin and Ning Fengzhi, hearing about "gods" for the first time, were completely stunned!
"Is it true that gods exist?" Chen Xin asked excitedly, "And are they at Level 100?"
Geez!
You're only at Level 96. Why do you want to know how many levels a god has?
You couldn't possibly want to challenge one, right?
But since it was just a bit of trivia, Zhuge Lan didn't mind sharing.
"Although becoming a god is at Level 100, that's only the lowest rank of god."
"Above that are Third-Class Gods, Second-Class Gods, First-Class Gods, and God-Kings, with each level adding 10 to the maximum level."
"The Angel God of the Spirit Hall is a First-Class God."
"Though they were defeated, and no one has been able to inherit it since."
"Beyond that, there's the Supreme God-King position, which is currently vacant due to some reasons related to spirit beasts."
"Honestly, our family's history book is so thick that I never bothered to read it all."
*[Emotion Points +6666]*
*[Emotion Points +9999]*
*[Emotion Points +5555]*
They had thought Level 99 was the ultimate limit.
But it turned out the maximum level was 150?
"Truly an eye-opener."
[Emotion Points +11111]
"How can you be too lazy to read this?" Yu Xiaogang raged, "This is such precious history; how could you neglect it? What a waste!"
Zhuge Lan looked puzzled.
"Uncle, are you okay in the head?"
Zhuge Lan retorted unceremoniously, "This is my family's history book. Whether I read it or not, what's it to you?"
Yu Xiaogang's eyes reddened, just as he was about to argue.
Flender held his mouth, shaking his head at him.
—This kid nearly killed Sword Douluo with a slap; don't bring trouble upon yourself!
Yu Xiaogang felt stifled beyond words!
[Emotion Points +5555]
[Emotion Points +11111]
[Emotion Points +4444]
Tsk! This temper is just like Tang San's.
No wonder they're master and disciple.
Seeing the tension, Ning Fengzhi stepped forward with a smile.
"Thank you, little friend, for clearing things up for us."
"Previously, Rongrong mentioned that you have a formula you were considering selling."
"Do you still intend to sell it?"
This was also why Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin had come. For the sect master and a titled Douluo to come personally showed their determination.
But from his tone, it sounded like if Zhuge Lan refused to sell, they'd turn around and leave?
Well, when your fists aren't as hard as someone else's, you have to play it by their rules.
[Emotion Points +5555]
Zhuge Lan thought for a moment.
He was definitely going to sell the Whale Glue formula, but he held all the cards now.
So, he wasn't shy about making a big ask.
Directly, he said—
"Name the price in gold soul coins."
—Enough to splurge would be fine.
"I want three soul bones: right hand and both legs, with the highest possible quality and age, attributes don't matter."
—To offset the cost of activating soul bones.
"And for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect to assist me once, without any conditions."
—In case he wanted to teach someone a lesson with their help.
That seemed about right.
Anything more, and it wouldn't just be a big ask; it'd be highway robbery.
[Emotion Points +5555]
[Emotion Points +2333]
[Emotion Points +6666]
The deal made even Shrek Academy envious!
Especially Flender.
He lamented—why couldn't his family have a unique secret formula? Ancestors really dropped the ball!
Ning Fengzhi considered briefly and nodded—
"I only have 50 million gold soul coins on me, but I can add more if needed."
"As for the soul bones, that's not a problem. Most high-quality ones are already distributed, but I can collect them."
"I can guarantee they'll be at least 70,000 years old."
"But the last condition…"
"Little friend, with your high-level soul guidance tools, spiritual protection, and family backing, would you even need our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect?"
[Emotion Points +9999]
[Emotion Points +9999]
[Emotion Points +9999]
Flender: Whoa!!!
50 million gold soul coins?! That could bury him!
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, truly the richest among the top three sects, had wealth to spare!
Tang San and others were eyeing those three soul bones with envy.
70,000 years or older! They were practically drooling with desire.
Feigning contemplation, Zhuge Lan harvested another wave of emotion points before saying—
"Ning Sect Master, don't worry. I won't ask you to charge into the Spirit Hall or anything."
"I ran away from home and brought few things with me; they're just for self-protection."
"And my personality... tends to offend people."
"So, having extra insurance wouldn't hurt; I might not even need it."
[Emotion Points +6666]
[Emotion Points +6666]
[Emotion Points +6666]
So, you know you're troublesome, huh?!
Thinking about it now, Zhuge Lan's extensive preparations were probably because he knew this about himself.
And he still refused to change?!
What kind of person even are you?
[Emotion Points +4444]
[Emotion Points +4141]
[Emotion Points +4234]
Ning Fengzhi was quite satisfied with Zhuge Lan's explanation and nodded in agreement.
"Here is a Supreme Gold Card with 50 million gold soul coins. You can withdraw from our sect's bank as needed."
"As a Supreme Gold Card, it allows up to 100 million soul coins in overdraft."
"This part is my gift; no repayment needed."
"As for the soul bones, please wait a bit, and once I collect them, I'll return to exchange for the formula."
With the Supreme Gold Card in hand, Zhuge Lan tossed it casually, making Flender and others' eyes follow it up and down.
50 million gold soul coins!
And a 100 million overdraft limit!
That's a total of 150 million gold soul coins!
[Emotion Points +29999]
[Emotion Points +9999]
[Emotion Points +9999]
Seeing Ning Fengzhi's eagerness, Zhuge Lan wasn't stingy either.
He pulled out a folded envelope and handed it to Ning Fengzhi.
"This is the enhancement formula. Sect Master Ning can take it to use first."
"Just make a few extra batches and deliver them with the soul bones."
[Emotion Points +11111]
Ning Fengzhi didn't expect Zhuge Lan to give the formula in advance.
They had just met, and they hadn't exactly been on good terms.
Was it because of his daughter?
He glanced at Ning Rongrong.
"Then I won't be polite." Ning Fengzhi solemnly accepted the formula. "I'll make sure the formula doesn't fall into other hands!"
Zhuge Lan waved dismissively.
This was a one-time deal.
If Ning Fengzhi resold it, he'd only be cheating himself.
"With that, I won't take up any more of your time." Ning Fengzhi said eagerly, "I'll collect the items soon and have Uncle Sword deliver them personally!"
Chenxin nodded slightly, agreeing with this arrangement.
"What? Leaving so soon?" Ning Rongrong pouted.
"Be good, Rongrong. Dad has business." Ning Fengzhi smiled warmly, "When the elixirs are ready, I'll bring you the best batch."
"Yes, Rongrong," Chen Xin added fondly, "When Uncle Sword comes, he'll stay to play with you for a few days!"
Normally, Ning Rongrong would've fussed and argued, but today she nodded obediently.
"Alright then."
"Dad, make sure to make enough for my classmates too, okay?"
Ning Fengzhi was pleasantly surprised.
His precious daughter's attitude had changed so much!
"Alright, alright!"
"Everyone gets a share."
Chen Xin was equally surprised and glanced at Zhuge Lan thoughtfully.
His intuition told him it had something to do with this boy.
—Could his precious princess be…?
But then he looked suspiciously at Zhu Zhuqing.
This girl also had a close relationship with Zhuge Lan.
Could it be...
"Alright, Uncle Sword, let's go." Ning Fengzhi reminded, "Young people should handle things their own way."
Chenxin frowned, a bit displeased.
Your daughter might end up a concubine, and you're this calm?
Ning Fengzhi shook his head.
With Zhuge Lan's mysterious and powerful background, even being a concubine would be a good connection.
Chen Xin was irritated, but as Ning Fengzhi said, young people should handle their own matters.
Summoning his Seven Kill Sword, he took Ning Fengzhi and soared into the sky.
As they left, he couldn't resist giving Zhuge Lan a glare.
[Emotion Points +39999]
Zhuge Lan was confused.
They had been fine a moment ago, so why the sudden glare?
Oh well.
With all those emotion points, he'd let it slide.
He looked at Yu Xiaogang, who had been fuming ever since his mouth was covered.
This guy had the "Divine Talent" of "The More He Thinks, the Angrier He Gets"—what a gem!
Later, he'd make sure not to provoke him too much.
"Dean Flender, you can release Master now," Zhuge Lan said kindly, "We're just having a normal discussion; no need for personal grudges."
"Right, Master?"
Master nodded hurriedly, his emotions slightly calming.
—The kid was at least polite, though his words were sharp.
But Zhuge Lan wasn't satisfied!
Hey! If I treat you well, you start slacking off?
Time to drop some real talk!
"Master's 'Ten Core Competencies of Martial Souls,' I've read it before."
"My evaluation is simple."
"It's complete nonsense."
Just as Yu Xiaogang was released, he went red!
[Emotion Points +11111]
[Emotion Points +22222]
[Emotion Points +33333]
He pointed a trembling finger at Zhuge Lan, his breathing ragged.
You can criticize me, but not my theories!
Before he could catch his breath to refute, Flender, sensing danger, covered his mouth again.
—The kid's fists are strong, take it easy!
Yu Xiaogang was once again stifled.
[Emotion Points +44444]
[Emotion Points +44444]
[Emotion Points +44444]
Oh ho!
One sentence, and it racked up over 200,000 emotion points!
Yu Xiaogang truly had a fiery temper!
Zhuge Lan changed his mind—time to go
"Don't be too offended."
Zhuge Lan said, reasoning carefully—
"Let's go through each point one by one."
"Point one: Martial Spirit Inheritance – Each person's martial spirit can only inherit the better one from their parents, with a chance of having dual martial spirits in rare cases."
"This is just summarizing trends, right? How does it count as your theory?"
[Emotion Points +49999]
Ha! The effect was excellent.
Let's keep going!
"Point two: Martial Spirit Mutation – When inheriting the martial spirit from one's parents, there's a certain probability of the martial spirit mutating."
"Doesn't this feel more like a patch to explain the decline in martial spirit quality?"
"And again, it's just summarizing trends. How can this be a core principle?"
[Emotion Points +49999]
"Next, point three: Spirit Rings – Soul masters must obtain spirit rings from spirit beasts, and different ages of spirit beasts correspond to different colors of spirit rings."
"I have eyes. Do you really need to spell it out?"
[Emotion Points +55555]
"Point four: Development Direction – You list Food, Assault, Agility, Support, Control types, and even add an 'etc.' at the end?"
"Isn't this just an accepted classification?"
[Emotion Points +59999]
"Point five: Spirit Power Growth – Even without obtaining a spirit ring, a soul master's spirit power can still continue to increase?"
"Utterly wrong!"
"And point six: Spirit Power Awakening – If innate spirit power is zero, then one cannot become a soul master."
"Don't call it just my opinion – your disciple Tang San could refute you on this."
Yu Xiaogang, his eyes red, looked at Tang San, hoping to salvage the situation.
His disciple would surely be on his side!
But… Tang San hesitated!
What does that mean? Why are you hesitating?!
This is betrayal! Pure, naked betrayal!
[Emotion Points +61111]
Under Yu Xiaogang's angry stare, Tang San's frown smoothed out.
He was weighing the pros and cons.
On one side was his teacher – whose knowledge was essentially tapped out.
On the other was the mysterious Zhuge Lan – descended from a family with ancestors who had ascended to godhood and who shared a similar background with him.
Did he even need to choose?
Of course, he'd tell the truth!
Tang San feigned helplessness and sighed.
"I really didn't want to say this."
"But everyone knows, like Zhuge, I have a technique called the Mysterious Heaven Skill."
"It's also a family inheritance."
"Since I was two, I relied on it for cultivation until I could no longer progress."
"Later, I realized I was cultivating spirit power and achieved innate full spirit power."
"But after absorbing a spirit ring, I only reached level 13."
"It did increase somewhat, but after reaching a bottleneck, the time I spent cultivating was much longer than the first 10 levels."
"So, this proves—"
"Innate spirit power isn't set in stone; it can be altered through cultivation."
"Even after hitting a bottleneck, while spirit power can accumulate, it's less efficient than breaking through to the next level."
"As for zero-level innate spirit power…"
"Although I haven't tried, if one could use medicines to stimulate it, then cultivate Mysterious Heaven Skill, becoming a soul master shouldn't be a problem."
Yu Xiaogang felt his blood surge, and his vision darkened! His treasured disciple hadn't spared him an ounce of face!
No wonder Tang San was more interested in learning various types of knowledge than studying the "Ten Core Competencies of Martial Spirits."
He'd never truly accepted his theories from the start!
And it was all because…
Yu Xiaogang stared angrily at Zhuge Lan. All because of this kid!
Who are you?
Why are you exposing me? Why can't you just disappear!!!
[Emotion Points +69999]
[Emotion Points +71111]
[Emotion Points +74444]
Emotion points skyrocketed, leaving Zhuge Lan grinning with delight. His smile was as difficult to suppress as the AK in the morning.
Seeing Zhuge Lan so happy made Yu Xiaogang even angrier!
What right do you have to laugh?!
[Emotion Points +79999]
[Emotion Points +80001]
Wow!
80,001 emotion points! Enough for an 8th-level stationary soul cannon.
Yu Xiaogang seemed useless, but who knew he had such explosive power!
But…
"Spurt—"
Because Flander covered his mouth, blood sprayed from Yu Xiaogang's nose instead.
His eyes rolled back as his limbs went limp.
Passed out from anger.
Zhuge Lan was unhappy!
How can you faint on me?
Get up and keep going!
"I bless you!"
"Ah~"
"Mmm~"
"Oh~"
After a strange noise…
Zhuge Lan forced him back to consciousness with a healing spell.
As soon as Yu Xiaogang opened his eyes, he saw Zhuge Lan.
[Emotion Points +11111]
[Emotion Points +80001]
[Emotion Points +80001]
Good!
The emotions carried over. Let's continue!
"I know you're frustrated, but don't pass out just yet; we still have four points left to discuss."
"Point seven: Martial Spirit Classification – Martial spirits are divided into tool spirits and beast spirits. Before level 70, beast spirits are stronger than tool spirits, but after level 70, when tool spirits activate their true forms, their combat power surpasses beast spirits."
"Again, this is just summarizing trends."
"And without any added variables – a level 90 Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon and a level 90 hoe activating their true forms wouldn't be equal, would they?"
[Emotion Points +80001]
"Point eight: Spirit Bone Selection – Different types of spirit bones suit different soul masters. Only the right match can bring out their full power."
"That's such obvious nonsense!"
"How could a water-element soul master choose a fire-element spirit bone?"
"Recognize your audience – only common soul masters would look at this kind of trivial knowledge summary."
"They'd be lucky to have any spirit bones at all, let alone get picky, wouldn't they?"
"This just misleads them!"
[Emotion Points +81111]
"Next, point nine: Martial Spirit Fusion – Different attributes of martial spirits can also be fused… Well, you're not wrong on that."
Everyone: "Huh?"
He actually didn't criticize it?
"Why are you all looking at me like that?"
Zhuge Lan frowned—
"This is an academic discussion, not just pointless criticism."
"Indeed, heterologous fusion skills exist, like my spirit with Zhuqing's demon spirit."
"But this doesn't get to the heart of it."
"The correct term for Martial Spirit Fusion is 'Soul Fusion Skill.'"
"As long as two people truly love each other and their spirits resonate, they could create a fusion skill even if one has a Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda and the other has sausages."
"For example, the Nine Colored Goddess and the Food God have a fusion skill called 'Resurrection Divine Light' that can revive even deities."
Hmm…
The constructive criticism was quite valid.
If it had been before, Yu Xiaogang would have argued back.
But now…
He actually felt a bit relieved?
His theories weren't completely worthless, after all.
[Emotion Points +66666]
Emotion points dropped sharply.
Would Zhuge Lan tolerate this?
"And this last point, number ten, is just plain silly!"
"There's no such thing as a useless martial spirit; only soul masters who don't work hard enough?"
"Find the right path and method, and even lower-ranked soul masters can reach the peak?"
"Ha!"
"This single sentence disregards all the hardships of lower-ranked soul masters."
"Why haven't the lower four sects ever had a Titled Douluo?"
"Why have you been stuck at level 29 for so long?"
"Is it because you don't want to progress?"
"You claim anyone can reach the pinnacle if they find the right path and method. Could you give an example of any soul master with low innate spirit power or poor martial spirit quality who became a Titled Douluo?"
[Emotion Points +77777]
Yu Xiaogang's stiff expression twitched.
There were indeed no such examples.
When he wrote this point, it was more of a way to motivate himself.
But he couldn't say that.
He had to come up with a fitting reason…
"Wait a minute!"
Zhuge Lan's eyes widened as he guessed—
"According to reports, you're the son of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon family head, with a poorly mutated martial spirit and an innate spirit power of 0.5."
"Did you write this last point just to motivate yourself to keep going?"
[Emotion Points +89999]
Yu Xiaogang gritted his teeth! How could you guess that?!
Zhuge Lan was just taunting him, trying to provoke him.
But seeing Yu Xiaogang's expression, he was stunned.
Was it actually true?!
"No way?" Zhuge Lan said in disbelief. "This widely circulated soul master theory was just a self-motivational fantasy?"
Yu Xiaogang: (▼皿▼#) [Emotion Points +91111]
[Emotion Points +99999]
[Emotion Points +100001]
At the instant of breaking 100,000 emotion points—
Yu Xiaogang collapsed again in Flander's arms, twitching uncontrollably.
No matter how Zhuge Lan tried, he wouldn't wake up.
What happened?
He wasn't even coughing up blood?
Zhuge Lan activated his mental scan.
Oh no! All the blood has rushed to his head; his intense emotions caused a brain hemorrhage.
That won't do!
"Gangzi, you can't die on me! System, find a way to help him! He's such a valuable experience farm; it would be a waste if he died."
"Also, nothing too expensive—he's not worth it."
*[Cranial Surgery Pack: 10 Emotion Points!]*
So cheap?
Trusting the system, Zhuge Lan redeemed it.
With the memories of thousands of cranial surgeries flooding his mind, he suddenly had a complete understanding of the human brain.
He immediately said, "I've got this—leave it to me."
Flander hesitated.
Considering that Zhuge Lan was "constantly causing trouble," he might actually be experienced with "complications" like this.
So, Flander stepped aside.
Zhuge Lan knelt beside Gangzi, using his mental scan to locate the hemorrhage.
For just 10 Emotion Points, he rented a butcher's knife—the Meteorite Edition.
Guaranteed to slice through iron like butter.
Targeting the right spot, he plunged the knife right into Gangzi's forehead!
Everyone: Σ(っQДQ;)っ
*[Emotion Points +9999]*
*[Emotion Points +6666]*
*[Emotion Points +7777]*
Wait! Are you saving him or killing him?
Flander was about to lose it! He had gone through so much trouble to invite Gangzi to teach them all, and now this?
Flander stared intensely at Zhuge Lan's hand, ready to push him away the moment he pulled it out of Gangzi's head!
But…
With practiced precision, Zhuge Lan sliced open Gangzi's skull like opening a window.
This was murder! This was outright murder!
Flander lunged to pull Zhuge Lan away, but Zhao Wuji held him back.
"Dean, Gangzi stopped convulsing."
Flander took a deep breath, then looked more closely.
It was true!
But in the next moment…
Zhuge Lan pulled out an enormous syringe, the kind used by veterinarians, and plunged it into Gangzi's brain, extracting blood in one go.
Flander's blood pressure spiked!
What in the world are you doing?!
Yet, under these circumstances, he didn't dare intervene.
Everyone held their breath, afraid that any sound might distract Zhuge Lan, causing him to accidentally suck out a chunk of Gangzi's brain!
After half a minute, Zhuge Lan pulled out the syringe, examining the half-full chamber of blood.
He felt a strong sense of accomplishment.
——What a thrilling surgery!
Then, he blessed Gangzi with healing light multiple times, effectively sealing up the newly opened skull.
Slowly, Gangzi opened his eyes.
Meeting Zhuge Lan's gaze.
*[Emotion Points +81111]*
Then, he decisively closed his eyes, opting to play dead.
*[Emotion Points +11111]*
*[Emotion Points +11111]*
*[Emotion Points +11111]*
Whoa!
With a series of wild moves, did he actually save him?
"This can't be!" Flander asked, baffled. "How could drilling a hole in his head save him?"
Zhuge Lan stood up, nonchalantly washing his hands in the water poured by Zhu Zhuqing.
He explained casually—
"He suffered from a burst blood vessel due to rage."
"Opening his skull relieved the intracranial pressure, and by sucking out the blood at the hemorrhage point and healing the blood vessel, he naturally woke up."
"It's quite simple."
He looked so professional!
How many people must you have… dealt with to become this proficient?!
Everyone felt a chill down their spine, looking at Zhuge Lan as if he were a demon.
Not only were his soul skills eerie, but his other abilities were even stranger!
——What kind of normal person performs cranial surgery with their bare hands?!
Wait!
They realized a terrifying possibility—
---
Advanced 30+ Chapters in Patreon for 7 Dollars
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