Chapter 76: Phoenix Trial (II)
As the ethereal figure slowly coalesced into the form of a woman, Yun Che couldn't help but feel a sense of astonishment. It was as if the third trial from the novel had come to life before his eyes. The system's actions to protect his original memories had piqued his curiosity, for it seemed this trial was intent on using his own memories against him, creating an avatar that would lull him into vulnerability.
However, just as the avatar began to take shape, Yun Che noticed a peculiar development. The system, as if in response to some intrusion, swiftly intervened.
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[Ding… System Hacked. Executing countermeasures.]
[Countermeasures applied.]
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"It seems that I cannot take a look at your memories as if a force was preventing me from taking a look at it," Yun Che remarked, his voice laced with intrigue.
"Spying on someone's memories? So, the third trial is using it against the participants? Quite a hectic method," he continued, the Phoenix Spirit's attempt to delve into his thoughts thwarted by the system's defenses.
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[Ding… Projecting data from the previous Yun Che.]
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With his memories remaining sealed, the system relented slightly, allowing the Phoenix Spirit access to a fragment of Yun Che's memory. And thus, the avatar slowly took form, leaving Yun Che, or rather, Yuuki, in a state of awe.
Before him stood a woman whose age seemed to defy conventional understanding. She appeared to be in her mid-twenties, yet exuded an aura of delicate charm more befitting a girl of fifteen or sixteen. Her presence was akin to that of a hibiscus swaying gracefully under the moonlight, tranquil and enchanting.
She wore a graceful typical wuxia dress, a masterpiece of green and white that exemplified her refined taste and martial spirit. The gown clung to her slender frame, accentuating her captivating presence while contrasting with the natural beauty of her surroundings.
Despite her elegant attire, it failed miserably in concealing her star-like beauty, as futile as trying to stop a mountain torrent with bare hands. Her eyes, in particular, were a sight to behold—clearer than the purest of crystals, their allure so intense that it rendered the rest of the world dull by comparison.
Her waist-length hair flowed like a silken waterfall, framing her perky breasts and bestowing upon her an air of natural elegance. Rosy lips, bearing a trace of resolute determination, enhanced the enigmatic allure that enveloped her.
Golden hairpins adorned her cascading locks, each a shimmering masterpiece of intricate design and delicate craftsmanship. These exquisite ornaments not only held her hair in a graceful arrangement but also hinted at concealed strength beneath her serene exterior, rendering her all the more captivating.
"Who's this woman?" Yun Che whispered in amazement. She was undeniably beautiful, but her emotionless gaze fixed on him, sending shivers down his spine. Then, the system notifications chimed in, shedding light on her identity.
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[Ding….. Level 70 Memory Illusion Avatar: Former Yun Che's lover - Su Ling'er detected. An emotionless and expressionless avatar made from the power of the Phoenix Spirit. Derived from the original Yun Che's database given by the system. Be cautious as she is powerful as well as flexible.]
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The revelation left Yun Che, now Yuuki, both captivated and wary. This was not just a beautiful woman; she was a manifestation of his memories, his former lover. But something was amiss. The real Su Ling'er was not like this; she was filled with emotions from what he read and a vague description from the system. The trial had conjured an enigmatic and formidable version of her, and Yuuki knew he needed to tread carefully in this illusionary world where memories held sway.
Yun Che had read about her in the annals of history—a woman who had once been the beloved of a Yun Che from a previous life. Tragically, her life had been snuffed out amidst the fires of vengeance that had consumed him in the Azure Cloud Continent during that bygone era. Yet, as fate would have it, she had been reborn in his present life, donning a new identity but retaining the name that had once been synonymous with her existence. The echoes of their shared history, the weight of their intertwined destinies, and the secrets she held from the past all converged to make her a figure of profound mystery in Yun Che's current world.
A slow, knowing smile curled at the corners of Yun Che's lips as he observed the development. He turned to the System, his curiosity burning brightly. "So, this is what they call 'A Blast from the Past.' What is the third challenge?"
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[Ding…. The third challenge is a test of character where the host is challenged using an avatar made from the host's memory. The main requirement is for the host to defeat the avatar and claim the inheritance.]
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However, as he gazed upon the emotionless avatar of Su Ling'er, the current Yun Che, or Yuuki, couldn't conjure any affection for the figure before him. He possessed the data from the system, but data could never replicate the depth of real experiences or genuine memories. This woman, this construct of his past, might have held significance in the life of the previous Yun Che, but to him, she was nothing more than an intricate illusion. There was no emotional tether, no affection that would hinder him from raising his sword without remorse.
"Never expected to find myself in a battle against Su Ling'er in the third trial," Yun Che mused aloud, his voice tinged with detachment. He turned his attention back to the System, seeking an advantage in this unfamiliar confrontation. "Any information you can provide on my opponent?"
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[She has the level of a Peak Sky Profound Realm]
[Without using the Hollow and Heretic God's powers, you would be at the mid-stage of the Sky Profound Realm. It seems you'll need to push your limits a bit.]
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With determination in his eyes, Yun Che decided to tap into his Heretic God Arts, boosting his strength all the way to the Ninth Level of the Sky Profound Realm. He chose not to use his Hollow mask this time, reserving it for later if necessary since it has cooldown compared to his Heretic God Arts. His primary objective was to uncover the hidden objective of this trial before defeating the avatar.
With a swift motion, he dismissed his bow and gripped Tensa Zangetsu once more. A serious expression settled on his face as he faced the avatar of Su Ling'er and he knew he couldn't simply overpower her without finding the hidden objectives.
Kon and Jasmine observed from a distance, their curiosity piqued by the enigmatic woman. They decided to let Yun Che focus on the fight for now and inquire about her identity later.
Yun Che pointed Tensa Zangetsu at the avatar and challenged, "Now then, give me everything you've got."
The avatar of Su Ling'er stood still, seemingly unfazed, before suddenly launching an attack. With his observation mode active, Yun Che narrowly dodged her blade, marveling at her speed.
"Hooo, she's fast," he remarked. "If I were a normal cultivator, I'd have been struck by that swing just now." He swiftly flashed step to the side, seeking some breathing room. But the avatar showed no respite, instantly closing the distance and attacking once more. This time, instead of dodging, Yun Che decided to meet her strike head-on.
As the blades clashed, and Yun Che found himself momentarily locked in a fierce struggle with the avatar of Su Ling'er, a vivid cascade of memories rushed through his mind. It was as if a floodgate had been opened, and he was swept away by a torrent of experiences and emotions from a past life he had never lived. A different life compared to the data and his reading experience.
His eyes widened, and his breath caught in his throat as he witnessed fleeting glimpses of Yun Che's former existence intertwined with Su Ling'er's memories. He saw moments of laughter and joy side by side, tender embraces, and shared dreams. Each image flashed before him like fragments of a shattered mirror, offering a poignant but fragmented reflection of a love story he had never known.
The memories were bittersweet, filled with warmth and happiness, but also marred by sorrow and tragedy. Yun Che felt an inexplicable surge of empathy for the previous Yun Che, who had experienced all of these emotions firsthand.
For a brief moment, he was transported to a different time, a different life, and he felt as though he had a glimpse into a world that was not his own. It was a disorienting experience, and as he regained his bearings, he realized that these memories were not his own, but they had left an indelible mark on his current self.
"System, what was that?" Yun Che asked, his head swimming with the sudden influx of memories. As someone who had never experienced Yun Che's past, these visions left him feeling disoriented.
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[Ding… System has detected an unusual resonance when the host parried her sword.]
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As the duel between Yun Che and the enigmatic avatar of Su Ling'er continued, the veil of mystery surrounding this challenging trial deepened. Each clash of their blades seemed to draw them closer to the heart of the enigma, an intricate puzzle waiting to be unraveled.
Yun Che, with his keen perception, sensed an unusual resonance between his Zanpakuto and the avatar. It was as if the avatar, formed from spiritual power just like his Zanpakuto, was attempting to use the data of his memories to gain an advantage. He acknowledged the clever tactic but refused to be ensnared by it. He knew that to lose focus would be akin to falling prey to the distracting ads of the internet – a mistake he couldn't afford. With unwavering resolve, he parried the avatar's strikes, his swordplay effortlessly countering her powered blows. It was clear that she had been trained to fight by someone formidable, likely Little Fairy.
Within the resonances, Yun Che glimpsed tender moments from the former Yun Che's life. Hand in hand, they had strolled through a garden, laughter filling the air, and moonlit kisses shared in secret, binding their love even tighter. Their eyes had spoken of a profound connection, a love that transcended time.
Yet, their love had been overshadowed by the consuming flames of vengeance. Yun Che or Yuuki witnessed the former Yun Che's transformation from a gentle soul into a vengeful force of nature. Memories of epic battles, each one exacting a toll on his heart, unveiled a tragic descent into darkness.
Amidst these memories, a heart-wrenching scene played out. Su Ling'er's life had been tragically cut short in the relentless pursuit of vengeance. Her vibrant spirit had been extinguished, leaving the former Yun Che shattered, his grief overwhelming as he cradled her lifeless body.
Although Yun Che recognized that this was a construct forged by the Phoenix Spirit, meant to distract and challenge him, he couldn't muster any significant emotional response to it. Instead, he focused on countering the resonance once more. This time, he expertly dodged her sword by sliding underneath her, his agility surprising even himself.
Without hesitation, he pointed his hand at her stomach and invoked his Way of Destruction technique, uttering, "Way of Destruction #1 – Thrust!" An explosive force erupted around her midsection, sending her hurtling aside. With lightning speed, Yun Che flashed towards her, his blade poised at her neck, victory within his grasp.
"Checkmate," Yun Che declared, his blade arching through the air towards her. Yet, just as the razor's edge neared her neck, he halted. The avatar, with her unsettlingly vacant expression, made no move to dodge. This unexpected reaction confounded Yun Che. Though the trial had utilized parts of the system's novel data to replicate Su Ling'er's visage, her eerie passiveness was unlike any character trait he knew. A sudden realization dawned upon him. "So, this is the game."
As he contemplated this revelation, the avatar, sensing an opening, summoned her sword for a fierce counterstrike. With deft agility, Yun Che evaded her blow, reassessing the dynamics of their duel. "The resonances, her replicated image, her inaction. I've pieced it together."
Launching herself once more, the avatar hurtled towards Yun Che. But this time, he didn't retaliate. He merely stood still, as though rooted to the spot. From a distance, Jasmine watched the unfolding scene with growing trepidation. "Why aren't you fighting back?!" she cried out, her voice laced with panic.
"To end this," he responded, his voice almost a whisper, filled with determination.
Then, with a swift, jarring motion, the avatar's blade found its mark. Yun Che had chosen not to counter, and the sword drove deep into his abdomen, piercing him. The cold steel sent a rush of pain through him as blood welled up, staining the ground beneath.
From the sidelines, both Jasmine's and Kon's eyes widened in shock and disbelief. Where they had expected a triumphant victory, they instead witnessed a deliberate sacrifice. A cacophony of notifications began to sound in Yun Che's ears, each chime echoing the gravity of his actions.
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[Ding… The Great Way of the Buddha Experience points +15000]
[Ding… The Great Way of the Buddha Experience points +15000]
[Ding… The Great Way of the Buddha Experience points +15000]
[Ding… The Great Way of the Buddha Experience points +15000]
[Ding… The Great Way of the Buddha Experience points +15000]
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The excruciating pain coursed through Yun Che's body, radiating from the deep wound in his abdomen. Every nerve screamed in protest, but he clung to the sensation, knowing that each agonizing moment was adding valuable experience points to his repertoire. It was a stark contrast to the times when Little Fairy had playfully sparred with him, her strikes more akin to a gentle caress compared to the searing pain of a real battle.
As Yun Che's body absorbed the brutal lesson, Jasmine could only watch, her fists clenched in frustration, and her teeth gritted in impotent anger. Trapped behind the impenetrable barrier, she was rendered utterly powerless. All she could do was hope that whatever mysterious plan Yun Che had unfolding, it held a reason that justified this risky sacrifice. The trust she had in his judgment was the only solace in this harrowing moment.
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[Ding… The Great Way of the Buddha Experience points +15000]
[Ding… The Great Way of the Buddha Experience points +15000]
[Host body level up. Current Body cultivation – Sky Profound Realm Fourth Level]
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Despite the searing pain that coursed through his body, Yun Che reached out and clasped Su Ling'er's hand with a tenderness that belied his injuries. His gaze met hers, unwavering even in the face of agony, and he spoke with a soft, understanding tone, "That's enough, I understand now."
With newfound clarity, he had a clear line of sight to the situation. He possessed the power to obliterate her with his Kido arts or unleash a devastating Getsuga attack, but he refrained. The reason behind his seemingly self-destructive act became evident – he had allowed her to stab him not for the sake of leveling up, but to get close to her.
Rather than launching an attack, Yun Che surprised everyone by pulling Su Ling'er into a tight embrace, holding her gently in his arms. This unexpected action left both Kon and Jasmine thoroughly perplexed, their confusion mirrored in their widened eyes.
Then, he began to speak, his voice laced with empathy, "This trial is a test of character. To pass it, I must kill you. However, if you believe that I must eliminate you for this, then you're mistaken."
As his grip on her softened, he gently held her face, his expression warm and filled with sincerity. "Nice to meet you, Miss Su Ling'er. I am deeply sorry for what that wretched Yun Che did to you in his previous life. You were once sacrificed for his insatiable thirst for vengeance. But I want you to understand that I am not him, and I will never become him. If fate allows us to cross paths again in this world, I promise to care for you as he once did."
With those words, another resonance occurred, and Yun Che found himself glimpsing moments from Su Ling'er's life, as well as the harrowing memory of her death in his previous incarnation. He felt her fear, her willingness, and her profound love for his past self as she slowly faded away in his arms. It was a poignant reminder of the pain she had endured and the affection she had once held.
In her ethereal embrace, Yun Che could feel her presence wane, but she offered him a faint, grateful smile. Even though the avatar was not the real Su Ling'er, it had served its purpose – to ignite Yun Che's determination to protect her. The memories of the previous Yun Che's loss of her haunted him, becoming his enduring nightmare. Perhaps that was precisely why the trial had chosen to present her in this test of character.
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[Ding…. Congratulation host for triggering the Hidden Objective: Self Sacrifice]
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As Su Ling'er's avatar slowly dissipated, her presence faded along with it. Yun Che couldn't help but admit that her embrace had felt strangely comforting, her honey-scented hair a soothing fragrance amidst the pain that had coursed through his body. The barrier that had enclosed the arena began to dissipate, and Jasmine wasted no time in rushing to his side.
"What were you thinking?!?" Jasmine's voice was a mixture of concern and frustration as she began to berate him. "You seriously injured yourself because of that stab!"
Despite her scolding, Yun Che remained silent, his gaze distant and contemplative.
Growing impatient with his lack of response, Jasmine tapped his shoulder insistently. "Yun Che?"
Finally, he spoke, his voice strained and weary. "The test of character. That was the final trial." His words were followed by a painful cough, and blood spilled from his mouth.
Concern etched deeply on her face, Jasmine urgently pressed her hand against his wound, attempting to staunch the bleeding. "Stop talking!! Heal yourself right now."
With a painful grin, he replied, "I'll be fine. Watch." Then, he placed his free hand on his body and muttered a few words, "Status Recovery." In an instant, the wounds that marred his body began to heal, as if they had never existed. It was a miraculous sight that left Jasmine in shock.
Recovering his composure, Yun Che explained, "This skill restores my HP, Stamina, and Spirit Force back to full power, healing all wounds and recovering any lost limbs instantly. But I can only use it once per day, and it's a skill I can't reveal to the world. I saved it for when I needed it most. Perhaps I'll use it for fun later."
Dusting himself off and ignoring the bloodstains behind him, Yun Che slowly rose to his feet, his expression returning to its usual confidence.
Jasmine's astonishment was palpable, her curiosity ignited by the extraordinary skill she had just witnessed. She couldn't help but be intrigued by the remarkable power Yun Che had displayed.
Maintaining a relaxed expression, Yun Che examined the results of his healing with a sense of satisfaction. "The Status Recovery Skill," he explained calmly, "a once-a-day skill that allows me to instantly heal and recover."
Kon, who had been observing the entire spectacle, couldn't contain his enthusiasm. "That's a really cool skill. By the way, who is that 'boing' nee-chan just now?"
Yun Che maintained his composure and replied matter-of-factly, "She's Su Ling'er. She was Yun Che's deceased lover from his previous lifetime."
Jasmine's curiosity deepened, and she sought clarification. "Deceased?"
"Sort of," Yun Che began to explain, his voice tinged with remorse. "She was his lover back then, but the original Yun Che was consumed by vengeance when his master died. He didn't pay much attention to her." He went on to recount the story of how he had met Su Ling'er and their complex relationship. In summary, he had been rather callous toward her in his past life, only realizing the depth of her love for him after her tragic death.
Jasmine couldn't hide her frustration as she smacked his head hard, scolding him fiercely. "Still, you didn't have to get yourself stabbed."
Yun Che winced at the blow but softened his expression, his voice laced with a hint of playfulness. "Hey, that hurts. Wait, are you saying you were worried about me?"
Jasmine huffed in response. "Only because you're an idiot."
Chuckling, Yun Che couldn't resist teasing her. "Haha, fair point. I wanted her to stab me, though. My intention was to let her get close without risking getting hacked to death. Plus, I wanted to level up and test out the 'Status Recovery Skill.' Basically, I killed three birds with one stone."
Jasmine remained irritated, but her anger gave way to a sigh of resignation. "Still…"
With a playful grin, Yun Che reassured her, "Don't worry, everything's over now."
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[Ding…. Congratulations on completing the third and final trial. Host has obtained the final Crystal Fragment of the Phoenix Soul.]
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The crystal fragment floated serenely in front of Yun Che and Jasmine, awaiting its new owner. As Yun Che extended his hand to grasp the crystal, a sudden surge of scarlet fire gathered around them, coalescing in mid-air.
The flames gradually took the form of an enormous pair of fiery eyes, gazing down upon them from above. Kon, who had been observing this surreal spectacle, let out a startled cry before collapsing in shock. Apparently, the sight of those blazing eyes had proven too overwhelming for the self-proclaimed powerful beast god.
Yun Che and Jasmine shared an incredulous look, sweat-drops forming on their foreheads. They couldn't help but question Kon's boasts of might if a mere pair of fiery eyes could render him unconscious.
From the depths of the fiery gaze, the voice that had spoken to them before echoed once more. "So, the final trial has been overcome, and my champion has proven himself. You have successfully passed all the trials, and I must admit that none of them unfolded as I had anticipated. Well done, I must say."
Yun Che tightened his grip on Tensa Zangetsu, ready for any outcome, but he still sought confirmation. "So, does that mean I've passed?"
A hint of amusement colored the voice's response. "Hmph, as expected. The first trial was merely a test of strength, but you distinguished yourself by choosing not to ascend instantly, instead opting to stay behind and acquire more experience—something that eluded cultivators from a thousand years ago."
The voice continued to recount their trials. "The second trial was designed to test your speed and reflexes, but you not only beat the fire spirits but endured their onslaught with impressive resilience. Your tactical thinking in destroying them also left an impression on me."
"The third and final trial was the ultimate test of character, a challenge of your willingness to sacrifice your loved ones for the sake of ascension. Yet, you chose to endure pain rather than sacrifice them—a noble sacrifice worthy of a true champion."
Before the spirit could say more, Yun Che raised his hand, much like a student eager to pose a question. "Before we continue, you did promise to answer my questions, correct?"
"Indeed," the voice replied, "Ask any question you desire, and I shall answer accordingly."
Yun Che nodded at Jasmine and Kon, who remained unconscious due to their fright. The appearance of those fiery eyes had clearly unsettled them deeply. "My question is, why did the challenges feel different and more difficult? You mentioned that you wanted challengers, but the trials you devised seem far more perilous than I would have expected. Defeating a demon, surviving fiery birds raining arrows, and facing familiar figures as opponents—those tests could easily claim the lives of thousands of challengers."
Yun Che couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss, that the trials had differed significantly from those described in the original novel. With doubts in his mind, he chose to voice them openly.
The spirit's response was both surprising and enlightening. "Oh, that. I decided to alter the entire course of the trials."
Yun Che was taken aback by the revelation. "That's quite unusual. May I ask why?"
The spirit explained, "When I sensed your presence upon entering the boundaries of the ruins yesterday, I felt a familiar and raging aura emanating from you. I decided to observe you while you exterminated those demons outside the barrier."
Yun Che's confusion deepened. "You knew about that?"
"My champion," the voice replied, "I am aware of everything transpiring both inside and outside the giant barrier. When I witnessed you defeating that colossal black demon, I knew you were the one."
Yun Che offered a sheepish grin and scratched his chin. "Well, it sort of slipped my mind."
The spirit continued, revealing more of its observations. "There were other aspects that piqued my interest, my champion. I observed you consistently utilizing transformation and demonic powers. Your ability to transform, and especially your 'hollow transformation,' surprised me. You also summoned a being from four unfamiliar cubes, each containing energies I had never encountered before. Additionally, you brought forth a girl using a unique energy, and you created life within an egg-like sphere using divine energy. These energies were unlike anything I had ever felt, surpassing even the energy of a god."
The spirit's revelations left Yun Che with a sense of wonder and curiosity, prompting him to seek further insights into the mysteries surrounding his newfound abilities.
This time Jasmine and Yun Che peak their attention. Then he continued "Energy of a god?"
"Yes, I was once known as the Divine Phoenix God," the spirit confirmed. "However, when confronted with the energy you emitted while summoning that egg-like sphere, I felt utterly powerless in comparison. Me, a spirit fragment from the Phoenix God itself, was rendered impotent by the energy concealed within your body. That's when I realized you were the perfect candidate to inherit my power. So, I devised a new trial, one tailored specifically for you, to uncover the secrets of your extraordinary abilities. Originally, the test was meant to be easy, something even an ordinary Nascent Realm warrior could pass. But you, my champion, proved to be different."
Yun Che nodded in understanding and replied with a hint of pride, "So, you created a trial exclusively for me?"
"Yes," the spirit affirmed, "I expected you to follow my intended path, but I never anticipated that you would bypass the trial and succeed on your own terms."
With a smirk, Yun Che quipped, "Well, I aim to please." Jasmine couldn't help but roll her eyes at his smugness.
The spirit continued, "As I suspected. Now, show me the crystal fragments you have collected."
Yun Che retrieved all three crystal fragments from his inventory. In a mesmerizing display, the fragments began to shake and float in the air, gradually merging into a single dark red crystal.
"My champion," the spirit intoned with reverence, "this crystal encapsulates the entirety of my legacy. Within its depths, you will find my Origin Energy, the Phoenix Soul, three drops of Phoenix blood, and three Phoenix pellets. It also harbors the essence of the Phoenix's core cultivation art, known as 'The World Ode of the Phoenix.' However, I must clarify that the art contained within is limited to the fifth and sixth levels of the complete cultivation technique."
The crystal hovered before Yun Che, and he couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement coursing through him. Finally, he would have the opportunity to cultivate 'The World Ode of the Phoenix,' a technique he had only encountered in the novel.
His anticipation was momentarily interrupted by a notification from the system, drawing his attention away from the crystal.
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[Ding… Obtained the Crystal of the Phoenix Soul.]
[Ding… Choose to assimilate the crystal into the host's body?]
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Yun Che turned his attention away from the system's notifications and focused on Jasmine. "It seems like I'll need to integrate this crystal into my body. You had some questions for the spirit, didn't you?"
Jasmine nodded, appreciating his consideration. "Yes, I do have some inquiries."
Leaving the questioning to Jasmine, Yun Che left her side and found a spot to sit on the arena floor. He carefully positioned Tensa Zangetsu in front of him and set the crystal beside it. With a palpable excitement coursing through him, he uttered the words, "System, initiate the fusion."
The moment had arrived for Yun Che to unlock the secrets contained within the crystal and inherit the power of the Phoenix.