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Cultivation techniques are generally considered a taboo subject and are rarely allowed to be scrutinized by outsiders.
Especially those unique to certain sects.
The term "cultivation technique" in today's context on the continent specifically refers to Xuan Tian Gong—a system that uses its own methods to drive the cultivation of martial souls. Everything else is categorized as meditation techniques, which focus on cultivating soul power through martial souls. Even if these techniques involve complex pathways for soul power circulation, they are technically seen as different methods rather than standalone cultivation systems.
Additionally, there are secret arts, which are usually passed down in strict secrecy.
Broadly speaking, all of these fall under the category of cultivation techniques, and even supreme skills can be considered special types of cultivation methods.
The technique Xu Yuan had mastered was most likely from his family or sect.
Wu Changkong remembered Shen Yi mentioning that Xu Yuan's greatest regret was not joining the Tang Sect, implying he already belonged to another sect. The academy speculated it might be the Body Sect.
Such a secret method aiding blood cultivation was undoubtedly tied to the Body Sect.
Headache.
That was Wu Changkong's predominant feeling at the moment.
"I'll try my best to ask around. If possible, I'll take you to speak with him personally."
Tang Wulin nodded and bowed in gratitude.
"Thank you, Teacher Wu."
Wu Changkong dialed a number.
"Senior Brother?" Shen Yi's puzzled voice came from the other end.
It was late at night, and she was just about to wash up. Why was he calling?
"Junior Sister, I want to ask—is Xu Yuan practicing some auxiliary digestion technique that helps with blood cultivation?"
Shen Yi let out a surprised sound, not expecting her senior brother to inquire about this.
"Yes, actually. Little Yuan developed his own supreme skill. It's still incomplete, but he's been continuously refining it," Shen Yi replied. She had some authority on this matter.
Wu Changkong's tone wavered slightly.
"He developed it himself?"
As he spoke, he glanced at Tang Wulin.
There's hope.
But at the same time, he couldn't help but wonder—do you really think a self-developed technique by Xu Yuan would suit your blood cultivation?
"Yes, he had a prototype before coming to Shrek Academy. At the time, it was only suitable for his own cultivation and wasn't fully developed into a supreme skill. For others, it was merely a technique for circulating soul power. He also taught this method to Lizhi back then," Shen Yi explained. "Later, after Xu Yuan gained permanent access to the academy's archives, he frequently researched materials to improve his technique. Now, even though the version Lizhi practices isn't fully complete due to limitations, it can still be considered a secret art that promotes digestion."
Wu Changkong's pupils contracted.
He hadn't expected that Xu Yuan, while cultivating soul power, developing his martial soul, and simultaneously pursuing four secondary professions, still had the energy to develop a supreme skill.
How did such a prodigy achieve this?
Tang Wulin, listening nearby, was equally shocked.
Did Brother Xu Yuan really develop this step by step on his own?
"My student may need this technique to aid his blood cultivation, Junior Sister. Can you help me contact Xu Yuan?"
By having Shen Yi set up a meeting, the four of them could discuss whether a transaction was possible.
Having a teacher mediate like this was the least offensive way to approach someone about their supreme skill.
Of course, the premise was that no coercive measures were used to achieve the goal.
"Alright, I'll contact him. You can come directly to the Tianhai Grand Hotel."
After hanging up, Wu Changkong took a deep breath.
"Think carefully about what you can offer. We need something of equal value to trade for a unique supreme skill!" Wu Changkong emphasized.
Not fully trusting Tang Wulin to grasp the gravity of the situation, he added further explanation.
"The supreme skills of the Tang Sect are different. They may be of similar caliber, but those are sect benefits—welfare-like resources. The true value of a supreme skill being passed down externally is extremely high."
Even in cases where both parties agreed to a trade, the value exchanged had to be immense.
Not to mention the additional costs in terms of favors and other considerations required to persuade the other party to agree.
Tang Wulin fell silent for a moment.
What resources did he have that could match the value of a supreme skill?
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At the Tianhai Grand Hotel
Xu Yuan was interrupted during his cultivation by Shen Yi, leaving him somewhat confused.
"Teacher Shen, what is it?"
"Well…" Shen Yi felt awkward but forced herself to relay the situation.
"What?" Xu Yuan exclaimed in surprise.
Someone wants my Great Devouring Heaven and Earth Technique?
You cheater, aren't you satisfied yet?
"Sorry, Teacher Shen, but I cannot proceed with this transaction." Xu Yuan flatly refused.
Are you kidding? My supreme skill can be passed down, but it can't just be handed out carelessly.
What if Tang San gets his hands on it, tweaks it slightly, and claims it as his own? Wouldn't I lose the copyright?
Isn't that exactly what happened with the Tang Sect's current supreme skills? They were stolen!
But that wasn't the main issue. The key problem was Xu Yuan's latest discovery.
During the battle on the stage, although he hadn't noticed it himself, the Five-Element Spear Spirit had alerted him: the Great Devouring Heaven and Earth Technique could theoretically devour Tang Wulin's blood and qi for cultivation.
This blood and qi itself was akin to a rare heavenly treasure.
Xu Yuan had hesitated to try it immediately due to concerns about contamination from the Golden Dragon King's bloodline. But others might not share the same concern.
If he gave the Great Devouring Heaven and Earth Technique to Tang Wulin, would Tang San notice this possibility when Tang Wulin practiced it?
And if he did notice?
Would Tang Wulin allow some of his close allies to cultivate it, using the Golden Dragon King's bloodline to create an army of Golden Dragon Warriors?
Xu Lizhi's understanding of the technique was incomplete.
Without mastery of the five elements, Xu Lizhi couldn't truly grasp the Great Devouring Heaven and Earth Technique. Although the circulation pathways became more refined as Xu Yuan improved the technique, Xu Lizhi hadn't grasped the essence of "devouring." He simply followed the prescribed soul power routes to enhance his body's digestive capabilities.
This was akin to the difference between wielding a spear with and without the intent behind it.
Xu Yuan had experienced an epiphany within the Sea God Pavilion, directly comprehending the essence of "devouring." With this intent amplified during the use of the Great Devouring Heaven and Earth Technique, he could potentially absorb Tang Wulin's high-grade blood and qi for cultivation.
Without mastery of the five elements and the additional gap in comprehension of the "devouring" intent, Xu Lizhi's version of the Great Devouring Heaven and Earth Technique was fundamentally different from Xu Yuan's.
Of course, Tang Wulin also lacked the necessary conditions, but who knew what Tang San's divine consciousness residing in him might accomplish?
To outright refuse?
Shen Yi frowned deeply.
She hadn't expected such a strong reaction from Xu Yuan.
After all, Xu Yuan had directly shared this supreme skill with Xu Lizhi during the assessment, leading her to believe he didn't place much importance on it.
"However, Teacher Shen, you can still bring them over. I won't trade the Great Devouring Heaven and Earth Technique, but I do have other things I can negotiate with Tang Wulin."
Shen Yi sighed.
"Alright. You can hear Tang Wulin's terms when the time comes."
Wu Changkong and Tang Wulin arrived quickly.
"Senior Wu, and Tang Wulin, I understand your intentions. However, I cannot trade the Great Devouring Heaven and Earth Technique. I hope you can understand."
Wu Changkong hadn't expected Xu Yuan to be so resolute, but he still prepared to make one last attempt.
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