Pirated Immortals in the World of Spirit Weapons

Chapter 107 Upgrade Unlocked! Mutation and Evolution!

[Imitation upgrade in progress————]

Upon seeing the distorted tadpole-like characters, Zhu Que was completely stunned.

He never expected that this secret realm source core could upgrade his replica nine-square grid.

"Isn't this for improving cultivation? Why can I upgrade the replica of the nine-square grid?"

Zhu Que muttered to himself.

Although it was different from what he expected, this result made him even more hopeful.

Because to some extent, upgrading the replica of the nine-square grid is more valuable than directly improving one's cultivation level.

After all, his ability to grow to his current level in just a few months was entirely thanks to the imitation of the nine-square grid.

If imitation can be upgraded, his strength will inevitably improve even faster.

Thinking about this...

Zhu Que stopped being distracted, closed his eyes again, calmed down, and fully cooperated with the fusion process of the Secret Realm Source Heart.

The ball of light, like a living thing, enveloped his heart and spun around. With each rotation, some of it would seep into his heart.

I thought this process wouldn't last long.

But what he never expected was...

The process of fusion and upgrade was extremely slow; he spent a full ten days in the Time Sequence Capsule.

The tadpole-like characters still displayed—

[Imitation upgrade in progress————]

Zhu Que was somewhat puzzled, but not anxious, because he could sense the fusion process of the Secret Realm Source Heart.

On the third day in the real world, and the eleventh day inside the Time Sequence Chamber, Zhu Que finally noticed the change.

The liquid light surrounding the heart suddenly began to merge at an accelerated pace.

It no longer seeped in slowly, but rather, like ice and snow melting, it quickly seeped into the heart.

With each heartbeat, these luminous fluids are carried throughout the body by the blood.

His limbs, bones, muscles, skin—almost every inch of his flesh and blood was nourished by this liquid light.

Zhu Que felt incredibly comfortable all over, as if his pores were open, greedily absorbing the light liquid.

His flesh and bones became more resilient, his meridians widened considerably, and his dantian and qi sea became even larger.

In the dim light.

He felt like he had been reborn.

This mysterious state of transformation lasted for a long time.

Suddenly, a loud "BOOM!"

Zhu Que suddenly opened his eyes, a sharp glint flashing in them.

"Click-clack"

He felt a cracking sound coming from his bones, his mind became clearer than ever before, and his senses became more acute.

"Have I... broken through?"

Zhu Que showed a surprised expression.

This clearly feels like breaking through a minor realm.

Unexpectedly, the Secret Realm Source Heart not only upgraded the replica of the nine-square grid, but also improved his cultivation level.

A secret source heart produced two effects on him, truly a priceless treasure.

Zhu Que immediately took out a portable testing device.

Spiritual Root: High-grade Profound level (artificial)

Cultivation Realm: Qi Refining Level 7; Dao Heart Stability: Initial Glow 95%

Overall physical fitness: 569.15

Physical condition: Distortion 14.5%

As expected, his cultivation level improved from the sixth level of Qi Refining to the seventh level, officially entering the late stage of Qi Refining.

The stability of my Dao Heart has improved a lot, which must be thanks to the Source Heart of the Secret Realm.

His overall physical fitness soared to 569.15, and his strength in all aspects was comprehensively enhanced.

But what surprised him most was that the distortion rate dropped from 15.1% to 14.5%.

"I didn't expect that the Source of the Secret Realm could reduce distortion —"

Zhu Que was somewhat surprised; for him, who was already close to moderate distortion, this was an unexpected delight.

Just then.

Several lines of distorted tadpole-like characters appeared: 【Upgrade Successful!】

[The third imitation tile has been unlocked!]

[Gain 1 second-order mutation attempt]

[Gain 1 second-tier evolution attempt]

Zhu Que's eyes lit up instantly, and he exclaimed with delight, "Finally, the third space is unlocked!"

Since acquiring the replica nine-square grid, he has only ever had two replica squares.

Although for now, two slots are enough to replicate a third-tier spiritual weapon.

However, as his strength further increases, his demand for mid-to-high-level spiritual artifacts will definitely grow.

In the near future, there will definitely be a need for replicas of magical artifacts, so unlocking them now is a good precaution.

"Unexpectedly, unlocking the grid that imitates the nine-square grid is not achieved by improving one's cultivation level, but by needing a source heart that merges with the secret realm."

Zhu Que stroked his chin thoughtfully and said, "A second-tier secret realm source core has unlocked the third slot."

"Does unlocking the fourth slot require a Tier 3 Mystic Core? Or can multiple Tier 2 Mystic Cores be stacked together?"

""

He was curious, but since he couldn't verify the question for the time being, he looked at the two upgrade rewards.

One second-order mutation number.

One second-order evolution number.

Zhu Que carefully read the instructions and found that when imitating a spirit weapon, using mutation or evolution times would allow the imitated spirit weapon to undergo "mutation" or "evolution".

The value of these two rewards is simply immeasurable.

It should be noted that the probability of a magical artifact mutating is extremely small; according to his experiments, it is probably less than one in ten thousand.

Most importantly, the mutation is completely out of control.

You never know if the next counterfeit artifact will mutate.

The most likely scenario is that the mutated artifact is merely a first-tier spiritual weapon, or even an unnecessary one.

Now, he can proactively choose the most crucial magical artifact to undergo mutation, ensuring maximum benefit.

In addition to the number of mutations, there is also the number of evolutions.

Zhu Que already knew a lot about mutated magical artifacts, but this "evolution" was the first time he had ever seen it.

What's the difference between evolution and mutation?

Zhu Que was very curious and almost wanted to try it out immediately.

But he took a deep breath and forcibly suppressed the impulse.

Don't rush.

He hasn't had time to study and analyze the many magical artifacts he looted from the Black Lotus Guild.

Among those magical artifacts, there might be targets more suitable for mutation or evolution.

There is only one chance for mutation and evolution, so you must choose carefully and consider which two spirit artifacts to mutate and evolve.

"The Source of the Secret Realm is truly a wonderful thing."

Zhu Que sincerely praised.

It can not only improve cultivation level, but also reduce distortion, and unlock the imitation grid, gaining opportunities for mutation and evolution.

For him, it was an all-around improvement!

"We need to add another goal from now on—to obtain more Mystic Source Cores by any means necessary!"

After making up his mind, Zhu Que got up and left the Time Sequence Container.

After washing away the filth from his promotion and changing into clean clothes, he prepared to begin studying the spiritual artifacts he had looted from the Black Lotus Guild.

But just then, a "buzzing" sound rang out!

My phone suddenly vibrated.

Zhu Que looked and saw that it was Boss Meng calling.

"Hello, Sister Meng."

"Oh my, so you've stopped calling him 'Big Boss' and started calling him 'Sister Meng' instead?"

"Isn't this more intimate? Sister Meng, you gave me a Secret Realm Source Heart, so I'd call you Mom, let alone Sister Meng," Zhu Que joked.

"Get out of my way!"

Meng said irritably, "I have good news for you. The matter is settled, and the police have withdrawn the arrest warrant."

"I submitted evidence of Zhan Yunhe's collusion with high-ranking officials of the Jinfeng Police Station. The director has been dismissed and an investigation has been launched. As victims who have been wrongly accused, we have naturally had our arrest warrants lifted."

"Finally, I don't have to hide in this lousy place anymore." Zhu Que breathed a sigh of relief.

"However—" Old Master Meng hesitated, wanting to say something but stopping himself.

"But what?"

"Your situation is a bit complicated."

"How so?"

"Because there were too many witnesses when you fought Zhan Yunhe, all of the kidnapped girls saw you use the Ten Thousand Soul Banner."

Meng said, "Although the arrest warrant has been withdrawn, the police will definitely investigate your use of forbidden magical artifacts."

"This is a minor issue; I can explain it to the police."

1

Zhu Que spoke calmly, without the slightest worry.

"It's good that you can explain it clearly. Go to the police station as soon as possible. Don't you have to take the special college entrance exam? The exam is tomorrow. If you deal with it today, you can take the exam directly tomorrow."

"Okay, Sister Meng."

Zhu Que hung up the phone and glanced at the time.

Tomorrow is indeed a special college entrance examination date. If we can explain it clearly today, we can take the exam in time for tomorrow.

Thinking about this...

Zhu Que tidied up briefly.

He took out a black jade pendant, used it, and after everything was ready, he went to the police station.

Jinfeng Town Police Station.

As soon as Zhu Que entered the police station, he went through a detection device and was then escorted into the interrogation room by Su Zhen.

The interrogation room was very small, with gray walls and extremely bright lights.

-

Zhu Que sat down in the interrogation chair, and Su Zhen and a police officer took charge of interrogating him.

"Tell me, what exactly happened that night?"

"6

"Because I was wanted by your police, I disguised myself as a girl, and then I was unexpectedly kidnapped by the Black Lotus Guild—"

Zhu Que began to recount the statements he had prepared with Meng Laoda and Sun Zheng.

He portrayed himself as a hero who, despite being unexpectedly kidnapped, bravely intervened and eliminated the crime boss, Zhan Yunhe.

He spoke in a methodical manner, and his answers to Su Zhen's questions were watertight.

Because of the testimonies of more than 300 kidnapped girls, as well as corroboration from Sun Zheng, his statement was flawless.

Furthermore, since the arrest warrant had been withdrawn by the police, this part of the interrogation ended quickly.

"This matter is now in the past. You saved so many people through your heroic act, and the police should, in principle, award you a commendation, but—"

Su Zhen changed the subject and said seriously, "Think carefully about how you're going to explain the matter of the Ten Thousand Souls Banner later."

After speaking, Su Zhen left the interrogation room and then brought in a middle-aged man in a black uniform.

He was tall, with a square face, sharp eyes, and an aura of authority that commanded respect without anger.

Zhu Que knew that the most crucial interrogation was about to begin.

The Myriad Souls Banner is a forbidden spiritual artifact; anyone who illegally possesses it is guilty of a capital offense.

Zhan Yunhe had only stolen one of the Ten Thousand Soul Banners.

Zhu Que, on the other hand, produced a hundred "Ten Thousand Soul Banners" at once, which was an unprecedented and earth-shattering case.

Therefore, Su Zhen was not qualified to interrogate this matter.

This middle-aged man is most likely an investigator sent by the Guangyang Municipal Bureau.

The middle-aged man sat down opposite Zhu Que and said calmly, "Hello, I am Li Jun, a special investigator from the Guangyang Municipal Bureau. I have a few questions to ask you."

"According to eyewitness testimonies, you used a large number of Myriad Soul Banners during your battle with Zhan Yunhe. Tell us how that happened?"

The special investigator crossed his arms and stared sharply at Zhu Que.

But after saying that, he himself felt it was somewhat absurd.

Large quantities?

Ten Thousand Soul Banners?

Are these two words that can be combined?

At first glance, it sounds as if the Ten Thousand Soul Banner can be purchased wholesale, which is utterly absurd.

"The Banner of Ten Thousand Souls? What Banner of Ten Thousand Souls? I don't have a Banner of Ten Thousand Souls," Zhu Que said, feigning ignorance.

"Snapped!"

Li Jun slammed his hand on the table and shouted sharply, "Don't play dumb with me!"

"When you fought Zhan Yunhe, you clearly used a large number of Myriad Soul Banners. There were so many eyewitnesses at the scene, at least a hundred!"

"Officer, please calm down. First, I need to correct a mistake."

Zhu Que calmly said, "What I used was not the Myriad Soul Banner, but the Thousand Soul Banner, a counterfeit spiritual artifact made by my master."

"Wh-what the hell?"

Li Jun was stunned for a moment, wondering if he had misheard, and asked with a puzzled look, "Thousand Soul Banner??"

"Yes, the Thousand Soul Banner."

Zhu Que said in a serious tone: "My master imitated the Thousand Soul Banner. Although its appearance is similar to the Ten Thousand Soul Banner, its essence is completely different."

"What do you mean by 'different nature'? Does calling it the Thousand Soul Banner mean it's no longer a forbidden spiritual artifact? Can changing its name change its nature?" Li Jun shouted.

"It's different." Zhu Que shook his head.

"What's the difference? The Myriad Soul Banner is a forbidden spiritual artifact, and any imitation is also a forbidden spiritual artifact. This is clearly stipulated by law!"

"Officer, do you know why the Myriad Soul Banner is considered a forbidden spiritual artifact?"

Zhu Que did not answer directly, but instead asked a question in return.

"Is that even a question? Because the Myriad Soul Banner refines human souls."

"Isn't this wrong? The forbidden act is refining human souls," which is why the law prohibits the Myriad Soul Banner.

Zhu Que said seriously, "The Thousand Soul Banner that my master imitated did not refine humans, but rats."

"mouse?"

"Officer, you must have read the statements of those kidnapped girls. They should have seen clearly that the Thousand Soul Banner releases nothing but rat soul servants."

'

Upon hearing this, Li Jun and Su Zhen exchanged a glance.

Zhu Que was right; the girls' notes mentioned "rat soul servants" multiple times.

"What kind of forbidden artifact is a spiritual artifact that can refine rats? Rats don't have human rights, do they? Even animal protection organizations don't protect rats."

"Well----"

Li Jun was speechless for a moment.

This logic seems to make no problem.

The reason why the Myriad Soul Banner is defined as a forbidden spiritual artifact is that it requires the refinement of human soul servants.

But if what's being refined is a rat—

Rats are not protected by law, and there is no such thing as "rat rights".

"No matter what, whether it's the Thousand Soul Banner or the Ten Thousand Soul Banner, it falls into the category of forbidden spiritual artifacts."

Li Jun paused for a moment, then said, "This time you refined a rat, but there's no guarantee you can refine a human next time."

Zhu Que shook his head and smiled, "Officer, you're wrong. The Thousand Soul Banner can't refine humans at all."

What do you mean?

17

"I happen to have brought a Thousand Soul Banner with me today, it's in my bag. You can organize some people to check it out."

Zhu Que had already prepared everything and said with a smile, "The Thousand Soul Banner can not only refine humans through worldly methods, but also creatures that are too large or have too much vitality, such as wild dogs."

"It can only refine some relatively small animals, such as mice, rabbits, chickens, ducks and geese."

This statement came out.

Silence fell over the interrogation room.

Li Jun and Su Zhen exchanged another glance.

"Boss, shall we test it out?" Su Zhen asked.

"Can."

Li Jun nodded slightly.

If, as Zhu Que said, the Thousand Soul Banner uses worldly methods to refine humans, then the nature of the matter is completely different.

I will keep my vow.

The two men got up and left the interrogation room.

Zhu Que sat quietly in the interrogation room for more than six hours.

Finally, the interrogation room door was pushed open, and Li Jun and Su Zhen walked in again and sat down opposite Zhu Que.

Zhu Que observed their expressions and noticed that the two looked strange, as if they had seen something unbelievable.

He immediately understood.

They must have already verified that he wasn't lying—

The Thousand Soul Banner can refine humans using worldly methods, and it can also refine creatures that are too large or have excessive vitality.

"Officers, I wasn't lying, was I?" Zhu Que shrugged.

'

Li Jun and Su Zhen fell silent for a moment.

The results of this test were quite shocking.

A forbidden fourth-order spiritual artifact, which was explicitly prohibited, suddenly became unrestricted in its effects simply because it was a counterfeit.

Furthermore, according to current laws, one of the definitions of forbidden spiritual artifacts is that they are evil spiritual artifacts made from human soul servants.

But the Thousand Soul Banner is not included in this category at all.

After a moment of silence, Li Jun finally spoke: "This matter involves great importance, and I need to consult with my superiors."

Done.

Li Jun and Su Zhen left the interrogation room again.

"Leader, theoretically, the Thousand Soul Banner is not illegal," Su Zhen said. "Putting aside the fact that the names of the spiritual artifacts are different, just considering the effects, the Thousand Soul Banner cannot refine humans, so from a legal point of view, the Thousand Soul Banner should not be defined as a forbidden spiritual artifact."

"Of course I know that."

Li Jun's eyes gleamed as he said, "This is roughly a modified version of the Myriad Soul Banner. If the authorities master the method of imitation, the power of the entire Alliance will increase significantly. I'm currently thinking about how to report this to my superiors—"

As he spoke, Li Jun made a verbal pledge and dialed the phone number of the General Administration leader.

trial room.

I hope you will wait for the outcome in vain for the rest of your life.

The Thousand Soul Banner's properties are such that unless the other party is completely unreasonable, they cannot be convicted by worldly laws.

Moreover, he didn't believe that the Kunwu Alliance officials wouldn't be tempted by such a completely harmful "forbidden artifact".

time flies.

Zhu Que waited until the next morning, but there was still no movement outside.

He glanced at the time, frowned slightly, and said, "Oh no, the special college entrance exam has started. I wonder if I'll be able to continue the exam if it's late—"

According to the schedule, the special college entrance examination was supposed to start at 9:00 a.m. today, but it is already past noon.

Zhu Que was somewhat helpless, but there was nothing he could do.

A moment of wisdom.

The interrogation room door was pushed open again, and Li Jun and Su Zhen walked in, both with smiles on their faces.

"Congratulations, Zhu Que."

Li Jun personally released Zhu Que from his restraints and said with great enthusiasm, "After discussion and judgment by higher-level leaders, your possession of—uh, the Thousand Soul Banner—is not illegal or against regulations."

"The higher-ups are very concerned about this matter, especially the method for making the Thousand Soul Banner—could you go back and ask your master? If you can share this with the authorities, they will offer a very generous reward!"

"Okay, I'll go back and ask my master."

Zhu Que said with a smile.

It seems they have completely come to believe that the Thousand Soul Banner was forged by his fabricated "master".

Thinking about it carefully, it makes sense. Given his age and cultivation level, no one would believe that he made a copy of the Thousand Soul Banner.

I'd rather believe it was a forgery made by his reclusive master who broke his oath.

This was exactly what Zhu Que wanted.

First, it can help avoid attracting too much attention.

Secondly, there is such a "reclusive master" who vows that anyone who wants to mess with him should think twice.

"Good, good, good. We are very much looking forward to working with your master." Li Jun nodded with great satisfaction.

"I have to take a special college entrance exam today. May I leave now?" Zhu Que asked.

"Of course, I'll drive you there. Even though you're late, the exam isn't over yet."

"Thank you for your help, Captain Su."

I will keep my vow.

Zhu Que rode in Su Zhen's car to the special examination venue.