New concept of the mysterious way to ascend to immortality

Chapter 299 Cooperation reached
When the topic suddenly shifted to her professional field, A-Miao immediately became eager to try, and she quickly retrieved her detailed memories from her time inside the Star Bank.

At that time, Yuan Zhu was in a peculiar temporary (viscous) holy light state, constructing an energy circuit (simulating meridian tissue) within his body. Through incorrect breathing techniques, he inefficiently converted the holy light into a controllable active energy, which, with the help of the circuit within his body, unleashed a powerful attack.

Overall, this secret technique for enhancing power, though cumbersome, is worthwhile:
Consuming 10 units of Holy Light ultimately results in at least 13 damage. However, the arcane technique is extremely complex, requiring constant switching and adjustment of the Holy Light's properties, which is very energy-consuming and tests one's control.

But the most egregious error was undoubtedly the incorrect and inefficient use of the [Steel Breathing Technique]. They actually veered off from the [Knight System] and onto the [Kunlun Path]'s 'Inner Alchemy Breathing'? Absolutely outrageous!
It was precisely because of this excessively provocative behavior that she couldn't help but take action, forcibly reshaping Yuan Zhu's breathing pattern (violent knee strike).

The original [Imitation Source Qi Breathing Method] was instantly corrected and returned to the [Holy Light Breathing Method].

The 'pseudo-true qi' and the viscous 'temporary holy cough meridians' disappeared; the holy cough particles were dispersed and, with each breath, reintegrated into the limbs, bones, and flesh, temporarily strengthening the physical body and granting a [holy steel body].

After abandoning 'Pseudo-True Qi' and Zerg martial arts, his physical attributes were comprehensively enhanced, greatly increasing his defense, resistance, stamina, basic strength, and physical toughness. Every move he made was imbued with [Holy Light Enchantment Damage]. Yuan Zhuyuan called it 'Knight Style: Steel Fist Form,' a pure and extreme enjoyment of violence. It was very similar to [Frog Style: Strength Enhancement].

The original cost was immediately reduced from 10 units of Holy Light to 7. Meanwhile, the output remained at 13+ and increased instead of decreasing.

He was caught up in the killing spree and didn't pay much attention. According to feedback from the [Immortal Scripture Data], the highest output of the [Holy Knight] form was maintained at 15-16 at one point.

Because of this significant enhancement, and the two skills [Holy Cough] and [Holy Breath] born from his own [Holy Seal], he had no choice but to develop [Personal Holy Light] in the direction of a 'Paladin'.

After all, the [Sanctuary. Seal] lacks a corresponding inheritance, so it must be created by oneself. The two skills that one comprehends on one's own not only greatly reduce costs, but also have a burst effect far exceeding that of abilities learned later.

Therefore, he had to develop Holy Light around [Holy Cough, Holy Breath], making [Paladin] the best choice. And among his entourage, only Zhou Chu and A Miao had any understanding of the [Knight] class.

Compared to the genuine female knight, A-Miao, Zhou Chu is a knock-off. Her [Knight Armor] is entirely bound by laws and regulations; she has claimed it for herself and is not a true knight. Therefore, Yuan Zhu chose to seek her guidance.

...

A-Miao: "From what you're saying, you want to use [Holy Light] to replace the most basic [Steel Breathing Technique] of the [Knight System]? And not just to temporarily gain the enhancement effect of 'Pseudo-Steel Body', but to permanently increase the body's strength like a real knight? To create a Holy Light version of 'Constant-[Steel Body]'?"

Yuan Zhu nodded: "Yes!"

He painstakingly cooked pumpkins and comprehended the [Power of the Grail], all to make up for this last shortcoming! Now that the conditions are right, he's about to ask an expert to help him optimize his training materials for the [Greater Grail Body].

Ah Miao rested her chin on her hand, propped her elbow on the table, and frowned in deep thought... After a moment, she clicked her tongue and said, "Tsk! I must say, you have a lot of ideas! I'm curious, since your [Sanctuary] has many secret techniques for training and strengthening the body, why do you insist on imitating the 'Iron Body'?"

Yuan Zhu: "There are many top-tier inheritances in the Holy Temple, but I don't have the means to obtain them. I also have my own thoughts on the choice of the [Holy Seal]. I am unwilling to sell my freedom, sell myself to join different factions, and be unable to control my own destiny. I want to take control of my own fate and growth trajectory. And the [Iron Breathing Technique] is the inheritance that I can access and that is most suitable for me."

Putting aside other matters, Yuan Zhu had already witnessed the authentic Paladin legacy in the [Space of Gods]. By simply imprinting a specific [Holy Seal], a complete series of [Paladin Enhancements] could be developed. It even involved a portion of the core disassembly and utilization of the [Knight System].

Yuan Zhu didn't want to be branded with these [Holy Seals], which meant he was destined to be unable to follow the orthodox [Holy Knight] path. But he still wanted to improve the strength of his human body, so he could only find a way through [Breathing Techniques].

After understanding his request, A-Miao said, "Actually, it's not difficult in theory to simply use the [Power of Pollution] from other systems to operate [Steel Breathing], replacing the concept of 'steel' with polluting elements to create an alternative 'Steel Body'. [Steel Breathing Technique] has long been used as a basic teaching material for different [Knight Orders] to select reserve soldiers, and has been actively spread among the people. It has even formed several folk martial arts schools such as [Steel Fist] and [Iron Shirt]."

"There are also a large number of emerging [Pollution Factions] that have absorbed, reconstructed, and incorporated the Breathing Technique into their own systems, developing non-[Knight Faction] 'Pollution Holy Body' and successfully establishing their own sects. Your imagined 'Holy Steel Body' can also be included in this category. But the problem is that those systems that have successfully absorbed the Breathing Technique have 'Pollution Power' similar to the Knight Faction's 'Steel Source Essence,' which can materialize, solidify, and permanently fuse with flesh and blood tissue, resulting in benign pollution mutations."

"For example, under the effect of the [Steel Breathing Technique], 'Steel Source Essence' is condensed to erode and modify the cell structure, forming an active metal structure, and gradually obtaining the [Steel Body]. However, [Holy Light] clearly does not possess this attribute; light dissipates... In other words, the [Holy Light Breathing Technique] modifies the flesh and blood structure while simultaneously evaporating and dissipating, making it impossible to retain. Unless—you can find [Holy Light Metal] with light attributes and use [Steel Breathing] to absorb and refine 'Holy Steel Source Essence' to modify the physical body. But that is not [Holy Breathing], but the Knight-type [Steel Breathing]."

Yuan Zhu nodded: "As long as the problem of the [Holy Light Breath] potentially leaking out is solved, you can cultivate the Holy Light version of [Pseudo. Steel Body]? Is it that easy? Doesn't the [Knight System] have any countermeasures to prevent other factions from stealing your 'core techniques'?"

A-Miao stared at him strangely: "When did you come to the mistaken belief that the [Iron Breathing Technique] is the core ability of the [Knight] class? The [Iron Body] only enhances the individual qualities of the 'Superhuman,' which is the most basic ability. Above that, the [Armor] is the [Core Equipment] that further amplifies the 'Knight.' In fact, the importance of the [Armor] far exceeds that of the 'Knight' himself."

"Generation after generation of knights diligently practiced the [Breathing Technique], enhancing their own physical strength to match the [Armor], and offering their own bodies to nourish the [Armor]. Ultimately, when a knight dies in battle, their [Steel Body] transforms into nourishment, in turn nourishing and sacrificing the [Armor], allowing it to advance. Countless generations of knights have followed one after another, nourishing countless sets of incomparably powerful [Armor]. Once donned, even ordinary novice knights can instantly gain top-tier combat power."

"So, you think the [Armor] is the true core of the [Knight System]? No, the [Power of the Masses] is! The [Knight Order] never fights alone, but links all its members together to fight with the power of the group. Therefore, the leakage of [Breathing Techniques] is never a problem. In fact, those who use [Breathing Techniques] to cultivate strange 'Contaminated Holy Bodies' will be targeted as prey by the [Group], captured, stuffed into old [Armor], and forcibly refined into 'New Knights'. Even if the [Armor] is lost, it is not a big problem if it is stolen by other contaminated systems."

"The true core of the Knight system lies in the 'Gathering of Power'. This 'rule' originates from the 'Knight System: The Source of Corruption,' and cannot be imitated, leaked, or lost. If someone truly masters the 'Gathering of Power,' then regardless of how it manifests as 'corruption,' it will be defined as a new 'Knight system.' Therefore, if you have the ability, feel free to learn and cultivate the 'Paladin's Body.' You don't even have a decent set of 'armor,' so no one will bother you."

Yuan Zhu: "..." Why do I feel a little humiliated?
After digesting A-Miao's understanding of the [Knight System], Yuan Zhu carefully said, "Um... it's like this. Through my relentless practice, I've developed a technique to 'intercept holy light particles, retain them within the body, and prevent them from leaking out.' At the same time, I greatly admire the [Steel Breathing Technique] and plan to experiment on a group of goblins. I hope you, Miao Miao, can generously offer your guidance and help me cultivate and guide these 'Holy Knights' to practice the most authentic [Breathing Technique], developing a [Holy Knight Body]. Once successful, they will join the [Unrestricted Goblin Fighting Tournament] as 'newcomers,' enriching the contestant classes: Holy Steel Body vs. Ultimate Warrior, adding even more excitement." A-Miao rolled her eyes at Yuan Zhu and said in a tone that saw right through his tricks, "Although you're suspected of taking my professional knowledge for free, I have to admit that you've piqued my curiosity. I've heard a lot of legends about the [Alien Riders], but I've never actually seen a [Contaminated Body] born outside of 'Steel Breathing'. I'm very interested in answering your questions, pointing out the problems, and proposing solutions."

"The power modification of the 'Frog-type' doesn't require much thought. You say your goblin can complete it and master it into a mortal martial art. But the 'Breathing Technique' demands extremely high intelligence, precise control of the body, and comprehension of the technique. Even if 100 healthy, intelligent adult men practiced the 'Steel Breathing Technique,' perhaps only one would stand out and master the 'Steel Heart,' becoming a reserve member. Is your goblin really that intelligent, capable of comprehending the even more difficult 'Holy Light Breathing Technique'?"

A-Miao was filled with distrust, feeling that Yuan Zhu was simply making things up to seduce her. It was like the line, "My cat can do backflips, want to come over tonight?"—it was all a ruse. It was obviously fake!

Yuan Zhu confidently replied, "You may have your secrets, but don't I? Don't worry, I never boast. If I say I have an 'Extreme Earth Spirit Warrior' who is proficient in combat performance, then I definitely have one. If I say I have a 'Holy Earth Rider' who practices the [Holy Light Breathing Technique], then I will definitely conjure one up for you!"

Ah Miao shifted her position, slumping back in her seat: "Then I'll be waiting for your new fun! Trying to replace 'steel essence' with [Holy Light] will inevitably involve many difficulties and setbacks. If there's anything you don't understand, you can bring your 'test subject' to me. If I'm in a good mood that day and have the time and energy, I'll definitely give you some advice."

Candle: "What if you're in a bad mood, or don't have time or interest?"

Ah Miao smiled and said, "That depends on your sincerity. You can try to entice me with something I'm interested in, or you can hire me. I'm always very committed to keeping my promises; I always try to fulfill them. Hmm... is there anything else?"

Yuan Zhu waved his hand dejectedly: "That's all, I'm leaving now."

"Next time you come over, remember to bring your 'goblins' so I can play with them and test their quality. If they're too trashy and try to fool me, they won't have a good ending."

Zhu Zi gave A Miao a thumbs-up: "I guarantee you'll be satisfied. See you later."

...

After leaving the Cat House, Yuan Zhu didn't rush home. Instead, he strolled under the colorful neon lights of Cat Street, enjoying the rare night view of Running City.

The bizarre and colorful signs, the towering totem poles every few dozen or even hundreds of meters, and the miniature shrines and temples built at the intersections of shops—all exude an exotic style completely different from that of Earth.

Looking around, this cat street shares many similarities with modern cities on Earth: midnight neon lights, similar buildings, and totem poles that look remarkably like telephone poles. But there are also significant differences: orcs vomiting violently by the roadside, an elf girl waving to passersby in the pink lightbox... and non-existent 'electrical wires'.

Yes! It's an electrical wire!

Yuan Zhu suddenly realized that he felt there was something different about 'Running City' compared to third-tier cities in China. Because 'electricity' was not widespread in this world, industrial products like 'electric wires' had not emerged.

Therefore, while numerous streetlights and totem poles stand along the streets, they lack the dense network of interconnected power lines, leaving the modern cityscape without a striking, soulful element. It appears overly simple and clean, lacking the familiar, slightly chaotic feel of modern life.

Wandering along the street, he even sensed a subtle, flowing supernatural energy within these totems, shrines, and small temples. It bore a resemblance to the 'aura of an evil god' he had felt during the secret ritual in which he was nearly sacrificed.

Yuan Zhu said to Snake, "Did you sense it? These shrines and totem poles are not just for show. In other words, the 'deities' enshrined in the nearby shops are real and still working hard."

Snake: "How strange! The status of [gods and sects] in the Divine Realm is similar to that of [companies and enterprises] in various industries on Earth. The basic operating model of society has long been deeply integrated with and closely related to extraordinary powers. I regard these totems and shrines as 'signal base stations.' Thinking about it this way, doesn't it seem a bit like your old home on Earth?"

Yuan Zhu did not refute, but instead said with slight worry, "So, on Duling Star, the threshold for every industry is much higher than on Earth. It's not enough to just have technology, determination, and initial capital to succeed; anyone who wants to enter any industry must be prepared to withstand the malicious suppression from the [Demon Gods] in the same industry and compete with them for market share. Is this something that ordinary ability users are capable of doing?"

He could fully imagine the terrifying extent of the 'class solidification' in all walks of life on Duling Star.

In the feudal and backward ancient times of Earth, and in the modern era dominated by capitalism, the rigid class structure was so solid that it was unbreakable; let alone the existence of supernatural beings with extraordinary power? The combination of the ultimate source of pollution and the divine class brought about a devastating and crushing defeat.

Ordinary people truly have no way to get ahead; just thinking about it fills them with a sense of powerlessness. Joining prestigious and righteous sects like churches, Buddhist temples, or security agencies, or going to university and graduating to work for large corporations or groups, is the only right path.

Running a small, privately-run frog-raising workshop like Yuan Zhu's is undoubtedly a misguided path with a bleak future.

However, in the eyes of the local residents (Nie Yin, Senior Sister), he still has great potential. This is because he has a hidden power of the same level behind him (Shadow Demon God. Tiger Demon), which is why they are betting on him.

(End of this chapter)