Sanctuary Paradise

Chapter 874 Advancement in Soul Studies

The sensing range, sensing accuracy, and sensing intensity have all been improved by 50%.

This is the powerful buff effect brought by 3 gold skill points.

It should be noted that their overall perception ability was already among the best in the third tier, with few people able to match it.

Now, with the boost from these 3 gold skill points, unless a contractor has unlocked a pure perception-type master ability like 'Perception Master LV.20', there shouldn't be another person in the entire Tier 3 who can rival them in wide-area perception.

"The next upgrade... will it really require 4 gold skill points?"

After spending a few minutes getting used to the greatly enhanced Star Luo Domain, Xin Lailai looked at the information displayed on the screen, and her eyelids twitched involuntarily.

4 gold skill points.

I wonder if they can withstand this level of enhancement when they reach the fourth tier.

but……

"Judging from the current feeling, the next enhancement should be when the Star Luo Domain reaches LV.EX..."

After glancing at the description of the Soul Master skill on the Grandmaster skill bar, which was longer than the combined descriptions of his other four Grandmaster-level abilities, Xin Lailai's eyes flickered slightly, a hint of anticipation flashing in them.

As reminded by 83203, as abilities acquired later in life, their Star Luo Domain and Soul Pressure will inevitably have some inconsistencies with the Soul Master's own abilities.

There are only two ways to change this.

One approach is to gradually hone one's skills through repeated advancements as a Soul Master, actively absorbing these two abilities as a Soul Master.

Another approach is to leverage the power of the amusement park to forcibly elevate these two skills to the level of LV.EX, and then, through their process of breaking down and rebuilding, perfectly integrate them into their soul mastery.

Regardless of the method, according to 83203's description, it will inevitably bring about a tremendous transformation for their Soul Masters. Furthermore, if they can figure out a way to transform the Star Luo Domain into Star Luo Intuition beforehand, the resulting improvement will be even greater.

only--

"Starry Sky Intuition... Even after trying for so long, it still feels so far away."

Xin Lailai murmured to herself, feeling the sense of control and peace of mind that came with having everything under her control as the Star Luo Domain unfolded, and sighed softly.

Xingluo is intuitive.

From the day they realized they lacked an intuitive ability in melee combat, they never stopped developing this ability and even came up with countless ways to achieve it.

Especially after transforming their sovereign's breath into soul pressure and using the disguised evil to convert it into a soul aura with negative charm, they almost thought they had reached the answer.

But the result was that even though they were almost able to develop a method to transform the positive enhancement properties of soul energy into negative suppression properties without resorting to embellishing the evil side, they still couldn't comprehend the Star Luo Intuition they had envisioned.

Every time they had a flash of inspiration, they felt they were just a hair's breadth away from it, but that hair's breadth was like an insurmountable chasm, leaving them completely unable to find a way to cross it.

If it weren't for 83203's explicit affirmation of their ideas, and a persistent intuition telling him that giving up on the future would lead to regret, Xin Lailai probably would have given up on developing Star Luo Intuition long ago.

"I wonder if the life-or-death situation at the Tower of Death can help us cross this threshold..."

Xin Lailai pondered, glancing at the additional 10 permission functions on the brand interface, a glimmer of hope flashing in her eyes.

After so many failures, their only hope now lies in the legendary Tower of Death, which is said to be able to recreate the insights gained from near-death experiences and keep them in a state of potential activation on the brink of life and death. It is also known as the 'Bottleneck Breakthrough Tower'.

If even the Tower of Death can't help them grasp the key to transforming the Star Luo Domain into Star Luo Intuition, then it can only mean that this ability is indeed something they can't develop at this stage.

As for the present...

"Do I have 3 gold skill points left?"

"Hmm... I'm not sure which ability to use it on?"

Inside the skill upgrade pod, Xin Lailai, who had temporarily put aside the matter of Xingluo Intuition, looked at the ability interface in front of her and showed a slightly conflicted expression along with Ling Yuzi.

Just as Ling Yuzi said, after improving their core ability, Star Luo Domain, they really didn't know where to spend those 3 golden skill points next.

The reason they kept that 1 gold skill point after upgrading their Netherworld Heart to LV.EX was because they didn't have any urgent need to improve their combat power at the time, so they saved it for Star Luo Domain.

However, given the pressure from the completely unknown abyss world of the Macrophage World Cluster, continuing to hoard Gold Skill Points is clearly not a wise decision, especially when the number is as high as 3.

The key point is that even if you don't plan to hoard these 3 gold skill points, deciding which ability to invest them in is an extremely difficult decision.

In the long run, investing in their other additional ability as a Soul Master, namely "All Spirits Bow Down LV.MAX", is definitely the most worthwhile option.

After all, according to their plan, regardless of whether there are other needs, they will definitely have to upgrade "All Spirits Bow Down LV.MAX" to "All Spirits Bow Down LV.EX" in the future. Therefore, even if they spend 3 gold skill points here, it is at most just a pre-payment for the upgrade that will be carried out in the future.

The problem is that, from the perspective of improving combat power, it would be more appropriate to invest those 3 gold skill points into "Soul Inscription LV.MAX", which can bring huge benefits to their entire soul system, rather than investing them into the aura-type ability "All Laws Converge" which they have only developed so far, especially since their soul rune literature is about to reach LV.30.

At that time, combined with the transformation brought about by the advancement of Soul Studies, the upgraded 'Soul Inscription' will be able to enhance their soul-based abilities by at least 20% to 30% on the basis of intermediate-level Soul Studies. The enhancement of soul-based abilities will in turn provide comprehensive feedback to their health, recovery ability, upper limit of protective energy, physical defense value, weapon attack power, etc., and the improvement in strength is obviously much more powerful than the Soul Pressure that has not yet been developed.

"Hmph... Fine, I'll upgrade my soul inscription first. In any case, its priority in long-term development is only second to the Star Luo Domain and Soul Pressure."

After a brief moment of deliberation, Xin Lailai let out a long sigh, looked at the screen in front of her, and a look of determination appeared in her eyes.

Although the pressure of the soul is more important in the long run, the feeling that the macrophage world community gives him is too unsettling, so it is better to prioritize investing resources in improving combat power.

After all, if you can't even guarantee your survival, then talking about long-term benefits is meaningless.

[Hint: Do you want to consume 3 Gold Skill Points to upgrade "Soul Engraving: LV.MAX" to "Soul Engraving: LV.MAX+++"?]

"Yes."

[Confirmation complete, upgrade in progress!]

Boom——! !

As the cold notification tone faded, the next second, a surge of golden power erupted from their brand, crashing heavily into the depths of their souls in a fleeting golden radiance. This caused them to groan involuntarily and instinctively sit down cross-legged, entering a state of deep meditation.

Since their "Soul Inscription: LV.MAX" is a downgraded version of the "Soul Inscription: LV.EX" ability inherited from the Soul Bell Tower, its enhancement process is naturally much gentler than that of "Star Luo Domain". Therefore, as mages, they certainly cannot miss this opportunity. Experiencing the complete transformation of their ability while fully conscious is highly beneficial for both understanding and mastering the ability.

Om-! !

Like a thousand ants gnawing at her mind, the pain kept coming from her soul. Inside the skill upgrade pod, Xin Lailai, who was maintaining her elven assimilation state, meditated without changing her expression, letting the pain, which would make an ordinary contractor roll on the ground in agony, echo in her soul.

Half an hour later——

[Notification: Upgrade complete! "Soul Engraving: LV.MAX" has been upgraded to "Soul Engraving: LV.MAX+++"!]

……

【Soul Imprint: LV.MAX+++ (Soul System - Basic Passive)】

Skill Effect: Forms a soul meridian, alters the nature of soul energy, and grants a 0.60x (+0.30x) "Soul Strength" bonus to all your actions such as rune inscription, spell formation, etc.

*Note: Due to the "Spiritual Body" talent effect, the current "Soul Inscription" buff coefficient has been increased by an additional 20% (originally 0.5 times).

……

Wow——! !

Almost the instant the notification sound ended, a feeling of comfort that permeated her entire soul spread through Xin Lailai's mind. However, she did not show any change in expression. Instead, she quickly stood up from the skill upgrade pod and took out a stack of sheepskin notes and a soul cultivation manual from her storage space while rushing towards the training area.

[Note: Advanced training mode has been activated; Pioneer's physical condition and equipment durability have been locked...]

[Note: The "Diligent Scholar" title's active ability has been activated. During this time, it consumes 16 mana and soul energy per second, increases knowledge learning efficiency by 320%, and doubles the rate at which mental fatigue accumulates, lasting up to 16000 seconds!]

[Note: You have used a "General Soul Rune Script Enlightenment Scroll (Tier 5)". During the reading period, the efficiency of accumulating Soul Rune Script proficiency will be "super-hugely" increased!]

Shasha~!

The next second, the sound of pages turning rang out from the unusually quiet training area. In the bedroom area, separated by an invisible spatial barrier, the ticking of a clock continued in a loop, pushing the hands of the wall clock to turn. And when the shortest hand had spun more than half a circle—

[Upgrade complete. Basic Soul Rune Technique has been upgraded to LV.30]

[Note: Since the Pioneers have not yet mastered "Intermediate Soul Science", the current "Basic Soul Arcane Science" can only be upgraded to LV.30.]

[Note: It has been detected that the Pioneer's "Basic Soul Arcane Arts," "Basic Soul Rune Arts," and "Basic Soul Weapon Arts" have all been upgraded to LV.30. Based on the Pioneer's current soul science specialization path, "Advanced Soul Science" can now be upgraded to "Intermediate Soul Science"!]

[Hint: Do you want to pay 300 Soul Coins + 30 Complete Soul Crystals / 300 Large Soul Crystals to upgrade "Advanced Soul Studies" to "Intermediate Soul Studies"?]
"Have we finally reached this stage?"

Numerous notification sounds swept through her mind. On the training field, Xin Lailai, having digested the knowledge of soul runes, opened her eyes and looked at the notifications that popped up in front of her, her gaze shifting slightly.

Intermediate level Soul Studies.

As a transcendent knowledge with a complete advancement system, once they cross this threshold, their soul-based techniques can undergo a complete transformation.

As for the upgrade cost of 30 complete Soul Crystals + 300 Soul Coins? There's not much to say about that. As a supernatural knowledge comparable to Grandmaster LV.20 and above, even if its direct strength cannot compare with the real supernatural abilities of Greatsword Grandmaster, it can't be much cheaper.

Of course, this is mainly because their spiritual studies are based on a quick fix in paradise.

Normally, according to the advancement path of wild souls in the void who do not have Paradise or Void Tree to rely on, what they should do after reaching this stage is to spend a long time determining their advancement path, constructing the corresponding advancement ceremony based on the core knowledge they have mastered, and then carefully trying and confirming in a nerve-wracking process, spending several months or even years to complete this advancement.

But now, with Paradise as their backer, they only need to pay enough soul crystals and soul coins, and Paradise will take care of all the complicated matters for them, handling everything in one go, and helping them advance in an incredibly safe, reliable, and solid way.

"Intermediate Soul Studies... I remember when I first met Teacher Kagus, he insisted that with our aptitude, we would need to be at least at the fifth or even sixth rank to have a chance of reaching this level?"

"Indeed, Mr. Kagus was quite wicked back then, always making fun of you, Lai Lai!"

"Well, we can't entirely blame Professor Kagus. After all, we annoyed him quite a bit back then, and he's the kind of guy who's all bark and no bite."

Inside the training field, Xin Lailai stared at the notification message in front of her, a look of reminiscence appearing in her dark pupils.

Unbeknownst to them, they had already reached this level in terms of their soul systems...

Although they are still far from being masters of advanced or even top-tier soul science like Kagus and Shanxi, in the grand scheme of the astral plane, their current level of soul science expertise is already such that they are considered honored guests by small forces in the void.

Or rather, even in the most prestigious soul-related academies, being able to master intermediate-level soul studies through three branches would already be considered a high-quality talent with the ability to stand on their own.

therefore--

Let him wait and see what this "advanced" realm that Kagus mentioned looks like!

[Note: Confirmation complete. 300 Large Soul Crystals and 300 Soul Coins have been deducted. Advancement will begin shortly...]

As the cold notification sound faded, the soul crystals that had been piled up beside Xin Lailai shattered in the next second, releasing a dense amount of soul energy. Guided by strands of pale golden threads, the energy formed an exceptionally large and complex soul magic array, which slowly began to operate around Xin Lailai.

As the spell array operated, an incredibly wondrous feeling gradually rose in Xin Lailai's mind. Soul Sealing Secret Technique, Soul Inscription - Solid, Protection Rune... In an instant, the soul knowledge he had mastered in the past began to emerge uncontrollably from his thoughts. Endless inspiration burst forth from his mind, transforming into intense spiritual light, causing his mental power and soul thoughts to act instinctively.

Om-! !

Finally, when the burst of spiritual light reached its peak, an immense surge of soul energy erupted from his mind, and along with his rapidly working thoughts, it constructed complex and exquisite structures within his soul space.

Soul runic arts, soul arcane arts, soul weapon arts… the 'paths' symbolizing the three branches of soul studies gradually took shape, and the 'stage' based on spiritual and soul energy was rapidly perfected. And the moment all of this was completed—

[Note: Advancement complete. The current "Advanced Soul Studies" has been upgraded to "Intermediate Soul Studies"!]

[Note: Because the Pioneer Soul Science has advanced to "Intermediate Soul Science," it has formed its own "Soul Science Foundation." The current strength of the "Soul Science Foundation" is: 150. "(Mental Strength × 0.75) + (Soul Strength × 0.6)"]

[Note: Due to the "Soul Engraving: LV.MAX+++" effect, the current "Soul Science Foundation" has an additional 0.6 times the Soul Strength coefficient.]

[Note: Because Pioneer Soul Studies has been upgraded to "Intermediate Soul Studies", the current specialization branches have been changed to "Intermediate Soul Arcane Studies", "Intermediate Soul Weapon Studies", and "Intermediate Soul Rune Studies"]

[Note: Due to changes in the "Soul Science Foundation," the maximum strength of crafted items related to "Intermediate Soul Science Arcane Arts," "Intermediate Soul Weapon Arts," and "Intermediate Soul Rune Arts" has increased by 87.5%!]

……

(End of this chapter)