Chapter 93: The Mutated Eight Spider Lances Did I Just Turn Dugu Yan into Qian Renxue?
After wandering around the area, taking care of personal hygiene, and clearing his mind, Han Li returned to the campsite to find that Guang Ling and Dugu Yan had also woken up. The three of them were already eating.
Not wanting to interrupt, Han Li stayed off to the side, practicing new techniques. Ever since his affinity with the elements had evolved into full control, he had been constantly experimenting with developing new skills.
Or rather, he wasn't exactly "developing" he was copying.
He was testing whether he could recreate the spells from his memories, aiming to become a full fledged mage even without using his martial soul.
However… the results so far were mediocre at best.
He could easily perform basic techniques like compression, explosions, burning, shaping, materializing objects, and temperature control. But more advanced techniques like elemental form shifting, clones, flame teleportation, or ice surfing were completely out of reach.
The elements were right there, at his fingertips, yet it felt like an invisible barrier was stopping him from pushing beyond the basics.
Guang Ling, having finished his breakfast first, noticed Han Li experimenting again and walked over.
"Don't overthink it. I've told you before your level is still too low. Even with your spiritual power reaching Soul Sage level, understanding advanced applications is difficult.
"It's like how I can't describe to you what it feels like to enter Martial Soul True Body state. Once you reach that level, you'll naturally understand.
"For soul masters, the real transformation happens at the Soul Sage stage. The next major leap doesn't come until Super Douluo." Guang Ling shared his cultivation experience.
"Yeah, I know, Master. I'm just passing time."
Han Li dismissed his elemental energy and smiled.
"Alright, pack up your things. They'll finish eating soon. As before, you two will continue exploring on your own. We won't intervene against soul beasts below twenty thousand years old."
Guang Ling patted Han Li on the shoulder, then gestured toward Dugu Yan, who had been sneaking glances in their direction.
"Oh, and go check out her external soul bone. Considering how it merged with her martial soul, it turned out pretty interesting."
"Really? I'll take a look."
Han Li walked toward Dugu Yan.
"Han Li!"
Seeing him approach, Dugu Yan immediately stood up, smiling brightly.
"Looks like you're in a great mood. Master said your external soul bone mutated when it merged with your martial soul. Mind showing me?"
Hearing his teasing, Dugu Yan rolled her eyes playfully before stepping aside.
A pair of dark red wings, adorned with purple blue patterns and covered in sharp spikes at the edges, appeared behind her.
"Mm?"
Han Li only took a quick glance before noticing something odd.
Dugu Yan wasn't in Martial Soul Possession state so that meant these wings were actually… the Eight Spider Lances?
"I can practice dual wielding with you now."
Dugu Yan beamed at Han Li, then said playfully,
"Don't tell me your wings can detach and be used as weapons?"
Han Li immediately thought of that possibility.
"I can't do it now, but in Martial Soul Possession state, I can."
Seeing him guess correctly, Dugu Yan didn't bother hiding it. She activated her Martial Soul Possession, and instantly, her external wings overlapped with her martial soul's energy wings.
With a flash of light, the two fused, and the next moment, two sleek, sharp wing blades detached and landed in her hands.
"Interesting. Can I take a closer look?"
Han Li's eyes lit up with curiosity.
"Sure, here you go."
Dugu Yan handed him the weapons without hesitation.
Han Li examined them closely, noting that they had a different feel from a standard martial soul weapon.
While they had a physical form, gripping them gave the impression that they were energy solidified into matter.
They were incredibly light, but the sharp, serrated edges lined with purple blue spider like spikes made them look both elegant and deadly.
"Is this an ability granted by the soul bone?" Han Li asked casually.
"Probably. I noticed this soul bone doesn't seem to have any active skills. I have to explore and develop its abilities myself.
"So far, aside from transforming into weapons, I discovered it can store and extract toxins at will. My martial soul's venom and fire poison are both stored inside.
"Oh, and it has a slight devouring ability not just for soul power, but also for life energy."
"Like this "
Dugu Yan demonstrated by slashing at a nearby tree.
A deep gash appeared instantly, leaving behind scorch marks and a visible blackened area where the poison had corroded the bark.
Then, a faint greenish aura flowed from the tree's wound into Dugu Yan's body.
At the same time, the bark around the wound dried up and withered.
"Don't reveal this ability to others. You can control it, right? How strong is the devouring effect?"
Han Li's expression turned serious.
He had no issue with this power itself, but others might see it differently.
Their current strength wasn't enough to withstand scrutiny, and such an ability could easily be used as an excuse to brand Dugu Yan as a "fallen soul master."
"Mm, don't worry. I can control it. If I don't transform my weapons, the devouring process manifests as eight energy tendrils from my wings way too obvious.
"Besides, Elder Guang Ling already warned me not to use this ability recklessly."
"As for its effectiveness… it's pretty average. Probably because the soul bone's age is still low. Most of what it absorbs naturally dissipates.
"For example, with that last strike, I only felt slightly more energized. If I wasn't paying attention, I wouldn't even notice.
"Maybe it'll improve as the soul bone grows."
Dugu Yan responded seriously.
She didn't want to be seen as a cursed, hunted soul master.
"Good."
Han Li handed the blades back to her, signaling that he was done examining them.
Dugu Yan took them and casually tossed them over her shoulder where they vanished instantly.
"Yan , you should try integrating Martial Soul Possession with your external soul bone activation. That way, it'll be easier to hide its true nature." Han Li suggested.
"Mm, I was thinking the same. If I do that, others will just assume it's a soul skill and never suspect it's actually a soul bone ability.
"Oh, by the way, what do you think of the name Flame Spirit Wing Blades?"
"If you like it, then it's perfect."
Han Li chuckled. He was self aware enough to know he wasn't great at naming things, so he didn't interfere.
Dugu Yan experimented a few more times before fully integrating the summoning process.
Excitedly, she flapped her wings and performed a few low altitude dashes while conjuring the Flame Spirit Wing Blades.
Only after playing around a bit did she finally settle down.
Watching her movements, Han Li couldn't shake the feeling that something about her seemed oddly familiar.
After a moment, realization struck him.
Of course she looked familiar.
At first glance, Dugu Yan was now a dead ringer for Qian Renxue.
Well, a low budget version given the difference in martial soul quality and cultivation level.
Did I just… turn Dugu Yan into Qian Renxue?
Han Li inwardly mocked himself.
(End of Chapter)
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