"Teacher, I don't think we need this" Ma Hongjun spoke up quietly, his voice catching Flender's attention.
Frowning slightly, Flender turned to Ma Hongjun, confusion evident in his voice as he asked "Why is that? Is it too hard for you?" He shook his head, dismissing the thought as unlikely.
Ma Hongjun puffed his chest out confidently before responding cheekily "We already have a similar cultivation technique. Besides, compared to the ones my brother taught me, this one seems like child's play"
Flender glanced at Sheng Jun, puzzled by Ma Hongjun's statement. Sensing Flender's confusion, Sheng Jun decided to explain.
"Reporting to the teacher" Sheng Jun began "this cultivation technique appeared in my mind out of nowhere when I was little. It contains ten levels, but as of right now, Ma Hongjun and I have been stuck at the 1st level"
He recounted his experience honestly, trusting future teachers and his fellow students. He omitted the fact that he felt he had created the technique himself, deeming it too unbelievable to mention. Flender, still skeptical, asked if Sheng Jun could show him the technique.
Sheng Jun scratched his head, considering Flender's request carefully. "Teacher, it would be easier for me to impart it straight into your mind. Please trust me and let go of your mental defenses" he suggested.
After years of study, Sheng Jun discovered that only by fully understanding every level of the Heavenly Dao Sutra could one impart the technique directly to another person. Though they would still have to start at the first level, compared to learning it by themselves, imparting the technique was hundreds of times easier. The Heavenly Dao Sutra was suitable for all life forms, but it didn't mean that everyone could become the strongest without fortuitous opportunities. Talent and comprehension play significant roles, and a person with no talent might never reach the third level in their lifetime. However, reaching the strength of the second level was a already significant achievement that surpassed the dreams of most people.
Looking at Sheng Jun's sincere eyes, Flender nodded. "Okay, I trust you" He allowed Sheng Jun to touch his forehead with his small hands, closing his eyes as he began to impart the cultivation technique. Flender felt a rush of complex information flooding into his mind, causing him to gasp involuntarily. When he opened his eyes, he was shocked not only by the profundity of the technique but also by a newfound ability to see everything within a 10-kilometer radius from above. The name 'Predatory Eyes' flashed in his mind as he realized the extent of his enhanced perception.
After learning the technique, Flender felt an inexplicable closeness to his first Spirit Ring and Martial Soul, as if they were now intimately connected to him. Suddenly, he felt a nudge on his body, and his vision returned to normal.
"Teacher! What's wrong?!" Sheng Jun asked nervously, while the others stared at Flender with concern.
"It's nothing" Flender reassured them, though his mind was still reeling from the revelation. "It's just that this technique is truly profound " Flender said as he recounted the experience he had just now.
Sheng Jun looked at Flender in confusion. "This is weird, teacher. We're all at the first level of the technique, but only you gained that type of special ability" With a slight pause he continued "This might also be related to Spirit Rings, after all, you said that you felt an inexplicable closeness with your first Spirit Ring and Martial Soul after learning the Heavenly Dao Sutra to the first level"
Flender and the others nodded in wonder at the peculiar situation. "Sheng Jun, have you taught this technique to anyone else?" Flender asked with a tinge of concern in his voice.
"Don't worry, teacher. I have only taught it to my parents and Hongjun" Sheng Jun replied, understanding Flender's apprehension. "I understand that with my limited strength, I can't recklessly spread it to the world yet"
Flender nodded in approval, appreciating Sheng Jun's responsible attitude. "It's good that you understand. Promise me that you will only teach this to people you can trust until you have enough strength. Then you can do whatever you want with it" he advised gently.
"Teacher, I promise" Sheng Jun said seriously, his expression reflecting his determination to uphold his promise.
Looking at the hopeful eyes around him, Sheng Jun couldn't help but chuckle. After all, they were already aware of his intentions, and as members of Flender's group, he could trust them. Besides, he didn't intend to keep the technique to himself. In fact, he harbored aspirations of one day sharing it with the world. However, he knew that his current strength was insufficient for such an endeavor.
As he began to impart the technique to them one by one, unfortunately, none of them exhibited any special abilities. This made him wonder about the requirements for acquiring such abilities. Nonetheless, he continued to teach diligently.
Finally, Sheng Jun imparted the technique to Zhao Wuji, who learned a special ability called 'All Out' This ability allowed him to convert all his defense into speed, with an additional 20% bonus at the first level. Zhao Wuji also felt a closer connection to his first Spirit Ring and his Martial Soul, much like Flender did. Zhao Wuji was overjoyed by this development, as speed had always been his weakness. Despite its being a double-edged sword, the ability was well-suited for him, especially given his high strength and defense but low speed.
As Sheng Jun imparted the technique to Oscar, the process seemed to stretch much longer compared to the others. An hour passed, and Oscar still hadn't emerged from his cultivation state. However, nobody left; all were curious to witness the unveiling of Oscar's special ability.
Suddenly, Oscar's eyes flickered open, emitting a golden light that captured everyone's attention. An air of anticipation filled the space as they awaited Oscar's revelation.
"Oscar, what kind of special ability did you get?" Shao Xin asked eagerly, already convinced that Oscar had acquired something extraordinary.
"Reporting to the teacher" Oscar began, his voice brimming with excitement "my special ability is called Enlightenment. It boosts my comprehension to unimaginable levels. Just now, I created a self-made soul skill based on Vice Dean Zhao Wuji's fighting style"
With that, Oscar thrust his fist forward, the paw-like soul power coating it. The force of his punch tore through the air, finally striking a tree ten meters away and leaving a fist-sized hole in it.
"This is called Vajra Punch" Oscar explained, a wide smile spreading across his face. "The power may not be much right now, but I feel like I can improve it in the future. Sadly, I can't enter the Enlightenment state at will, nor do I know the requirements to enter such a state"
His smile reflected his newfound hope and determination. Despite awakening a Food-type Martial Soul, his long-buried dream of fighting on the frontline resurfaced, thanks to the Heavenly Dao Sutra. With this new ability, he felt empowered, and no longer hopeless infront of his dreams.
Oscar's self-created soul skill immediately sparked exclamations from everyone around him, with his teacher being the loudest. As the Soul Emperor of the Food-system, he understood how crucial additional skills were for survival specially for them. Oscar walked toward Sheng Jun and Ma Hongjun, wrapping his arms around both of their necks with excitement. He laughed heartily and declared, "From now on, you two are my brothers! If you ever need anything in the future, always come to me for help. As long as I can do it, I won't let you down!"
Seeing that the excitement had settled, Flender ushered everyone away, scolding them that he didn't pay them to sit around idle. Before he left, he instructed Oscar to show Sheng Jun and Ma Hongjun around the facility.
(Reading recommended)
I would like to clarify that Ma Hongjun is not dumb and wouldn't say such a thing easily; he said it now because he trusted Flender as their teacher. Additionally, the Heavenly Dao Sutra doesn't significantly boost cultivation speed, as it is not its primary function. One cannot expect a technique that can be cultivated by all to provide the same level of advancement as those exclusive to large sects with countless restrictions, right?