Cultivation: I can solidify equipment attributes

Chapter 592 Demon Toad Palace

Inside the secluded meditation room, the progress of the Spirit Body Forging Technique was being continuously advanced.

One day during practice, the frequency of the cultivation technique suddenly increased.

My skin started to itch.

It's not just a localized itch; it's an intense itching sensation that occurs simultaneously on every inch of skin all over the body.

Li Yuan looked down.

The skin on my forearm is covered with tiny cracks that extend from my wrist to my elbow.

The crack was not deep and there was no bleeding, but the old skin was peeling off along the edge of the crack, like a snake shedding its skin.

Not just the forearm.

The skin on the torso, legs, face, back of hands, and the entire body was peeling off simultaneously.

Large pieces of old skin peeled off the surface of the body, thin as cicada wings, translucent, with a faint grayish-white tinge.

The shedding process was not slow; after about fifteen minutes, the old skin on the whole body was basically peeled off and piled up to form a complete human-shaped molted shell.

A new skin has already formed beneath the old one.

Li Yuan raised his hand to flip through it.

The new skin is half a shade lighter than the original, with an extremely smooth surface and a delicate feel.

Infuse your fingers with spiritual energy and press them against your forearm; the new skin's efficiency in channeling spiritual energy is significantly higher than the old skin.

He is proficient in the Spiritual Body Forging Technique.

Li Yuan used a cleansing technique to remove the molted skin and then stretched his body.

The new skin has a significantly improved tactile sensitivity, and the direction and intensity of the flow of spiritual energy in the air can be directly perceived through the skin without actively activating one's divine sense.

The cultivation continues.

The deciphering of the dragon pattern has progressed slowly over the past period.

The two beginner manuals on monster writing that I previously exchanged with the Loose Cultivator Alliance provided a basic framework, but the content was limited.

After returning to Liangzhou, Li Yuan exchanged several more books on demon beast scripts with the Loose Cultivator Alliance and Tianyue Sect, covering the script systems of three high-level demon beasts and advanced readers of common demon beast scripts.

After obtaining the classics, I studied them one by one.

Cross-referencing has brought about a qualitative change in decryption efficiency.

There are about three hundred basic symbols in the common monster script.

About 20% of the dragon patterns can be matched with this one, totaling about 60 or 70.

These sixty or seventy symbols are the most basic constituent units in the dragon pattern system, equivalent to radicals in human writing.

Using these known symbols as anchor points, the meanings of adjacent symbols are deduced outwards.

The derivation is not very precise, and many symbols are still uncertain, but it is enough for Li Yuan to form a preliminary understanding of the overall structure of the dragon pattern.

Dragon patterns on the skeleton.

The recurring functional markers in the continuous sequence were identified as markers for nodes in the flow of spiritual energy, based on the reference to the demonic beast script. The arrangement of the sequence is highly similar to the spiritual energy path diagram of the cultivation technique.

The dragon skeleton pattern seems to record a martial art.

However, the specific details of the technique have not yet been fully deciphered.

The deciphered portion accounts for only about 30% of the total sequence; the remaining 70% contains a large number of higher-order symbols that Li Yuan could not correspond to.

Progress has also been made in the comparison of the two complete dragon patterns in the jade slips reproduced by the Lu family.

The deciphering of the dragon patterns on the wall is progressing the slowest.

All three decoding lines are progressing simultaneously, but none have been completed.

However, during the decryption process, an unexpected discovery caught Li Yuan's attention.

As the deciphered dragon patterns were repeatedly reviewed in his mind, the spiritual power of the Dragon Blood Tempering Technique generated a slight resonance.

Resonance does not occur passively.

Li Yuan attempted to actively guide the flow of spiritual energy using the deciphered dragon pattern, superimposing the aura of the dragon pattern onto the spiritual energy path of the Dragon Blood Tempering Technique.

The tempering efficiency of the Dragon Blood Tempering Technique has been noticeably improved.

The increase was not significant, only about 10%. However, the significance of this discovery far exceeds that 10% figure.

Dragon patterns can enhance cultivation.

Li Yuan then tried the demon-transformation-into-human-form technique in the same way.

It works just as well.

The spiritual energy reversal cycle of the demon-humanoid technique operates more smoothly under the guidance of the dragon pattern, and the spiritual energy loss during the reversal process is reduced by about 10%.

Both techniques are related to the bloodline of the dragon.

The Dragon Blood Tempering Technique is a body-refining technique related to dragons, and the core of the demon-human transformation technique is the reversal of the bloodline of demon beasts.

However, the application of the dragon pattern was different from what Li Yuan had expected.

The bonus isn't automatically gained after deciphering; it requires active use.

Similar to talismans. The spiritual patterns on a talisman are also a set of energy circulation paths; if not activated, it's just a piece of paper.

The same applies to dragon patterns; they will not produce any effect unless you actively use spiritual power to drive them.

More results from deciphering the dragon patterns are needed to expand the scope and increase the intensity of the blessing.

The existing data has been used to its limit, and new sources of information are needed.

Li Yuan sat cross-legged and began to use the Heavenly Evolution Divination Technique.

Divination objective: To reach the Demon Toad Palace.

The hexagrams are condensed and clear.

lucky.

No ominous signs.

Li Yuan accepted the divination results and stood up.

It transformed into a beam of light and flew away towards the Demon Toad Palace.

Li Yuan knew the location of the Kunpeng Alliance's old main island. After passing through the Spirit-Severing Zone and entering the sea, the escape light advanced at full speed in a southeast direction.

When approaching the old main island area, Li Yuan did not use any covert means.

When they landed on the outskirts of the old main island, the changes to the island were greater than described in the intelligence.

Most of the original buildings of the Kunpeng Alliance have been preserved, but the style has been changed.

The outer walls of the stone building were covered with large patches of dark green moss-like spiritual plants, and the roofs of several main buildings were removed and replaced with open-air structures.

A flag hangs at the entrance of the original Kunpeng Alliance council hall in the center of the island, depicting a toad swallowing the moon with its mouth open.

The Demon Toad Palace.

There are cultivators active on the island. There are not many, about a dozen, all of them at the Foundation Establishment stage, scattered among the trading area and several buildings.

As soon as Li Yuan's escape light landed, a massive divine sense swept over from the direction of the center of the island.

Fourth order.

The intensity of the divine sense far surpassed that of any being in the Golden Core stage, like an invisible mountain pressing down. However, there was no hostility in the divine sense; it was merely a probing scan.

The scanner paused for a moment after contacting Li Yuan's spiritual energy aura before withdrawing.

A moment later, a voice came from the center of the island.

"A Golden Core cultivator? Haha, finally one has arrived! Please come in. Please come in."

His voice was loud and clear, full of energy, and brimming with undisguised enthusiasm.

A short, stout middle-aged man strode out from the direction of the council hall.

His complexion was rosy, his eyes were extremely large, and his mouth stretched all the way to his ears.

He was wearing a loose, dark green robe, which was obviously too big, and the hem trailed on the ground as he walked.

The human form of the fourth-tier demon toad after transformation.

"My name is Li Yuan, a rogue cultivator." Li Yuan cupped his hands in greeting.

"No need to be so polite." The short, stout man took three steps at a time and walked up to Li Yuan, grabbing his arm and pulling him inside.

"You're the first Golden Core cultivator to come voluntarily. Before you, it was all Foundation Establishment cultivators; not a single Golden Core cultivator dared to come. Come, come, come in and have a seat. We've prepared some good things for you."

The short, stout man had an extremely strong grip. But his attitude was genuinely not malicious; he was simply overly enthusiastic.

The interior of the council hall had been completely altered. The original solemn and dignified Kunpeng Alliance council layout had been completely demolished and replaced with a huge round stone table, which was filled with various spiritual fruits, spiritual meats, and jars of spiritual wine.

"Sit down, eat first, we'll talk after you finish eating."

Li Yuan sat down at the stone table, where a plate of unidentified spiritual fruits was pushed in front of him.

"I've come here to trade information related to dragon patterns."

Li Yuan didn't beat around the bush.

The short, stout man paused as he poured himself a drink.

He turned his head, his excessively large eyes narrowing.

"Dragon pattern?"

"right."

The short, stout man put down his wine jar and sat down opposite Li Yuan. His overly enthusiastic manner subsided somewhat.

"Generally speaking, no one studies dragon patterns." He slowed down his speech.

"Unless you see a large number of dragon patterns, enough to pique your interest."

He looked at Li Yuan.

"Is it a remnant of the old dragon from Baihezhou, or a remnant of a dragon from somewhere in the ocean?"

"Baihe Prefecture," Li Yuan said.

"An ancient dragon's cave deep in the mountains, encased in a fourth-order restriction, with dragon patterns carved all over its skeleton and walls."

The short, stout man remained silent for a moment, then picked up the wine jar and took a large gulp.

He put down the wine jar and wiped his mouth.

"Dragon patterns, aside from being actively inscribed, can only be naturally generated within fourth-tier dragons or dragons of similar bloodline concentration. Dragons below the third tier do not have this ability because their bloodline concentration is insufficient."

"We demon beasts are different from you humans."

He pointed to his head.

"Your human race relies on written records and master-disciple transmission of knowledge. We demon beasts can directly pass on knowledge, talents, and even memories into our bloodline. When our offspring hatch, some of our ancestors' knowledge is already etched into their bones."

"Dragon patterns are a product of this bloodline inheritance."

He picked up a spirit fruit from the table and twirled it twice in his hand.

"To be specific, dragon patterns are something that the Jiaolong race created after learning the talismanic arts of you humans and merging them with their own bloodline."

You humans draw talismans by inscribing spiritual patterns on talisman paper with spiritual power, while dragons draw talismans by condensing patterns on their bones and scales with the power of their bloodline. The forms are different, but the underlying logic is the same.

"Later on, dragon patterns replaced the writing system of the Jiaolong clan. Records, transmission of skills, and formations were all done using dragon patterns."

Li Yuan nodded.

This information largely matches the deductions I made during the process. The characteristics of the skeletal dragon patterns and the mixed characteristics of the characters and formations in the wall dragon patterns can all be explained using this logic.

"Normally speaking, it's not very useful for human cultivators to learn dragon patterns. The core driving force of dragon patterns is the bloodline of the dragon race, and if the bloodline concentration is not high enough, it cannot be activated."

"9

The blood essence of a dragon accumulated over many years through the practice of the Dragon Blood Tempering Technique.

The concentration is certainly not as high as that of a real dragon's bloodline, but it is enough to make the dragon pattern produce some effect.

"I need a method to decipher the dragon pattern," Li Yuan said, getting straight to the point. "Does your senior have any?"

The short, stout man picked up the wine jar and took another swig.

"have."

He put down the wine jar and patted his bulging belly.

"I know a little about the Jiaolong clan, after all, we are all demons. I have some methods for deciphering dragon patterns, it's not complete, but it's probably much better than the information you have now."

"What are the conditions?"

"That feels great." The short, stout man grinned.

He counted on his fingers.

"The Demon Toad Palace has just opened and is short-handed and lacking in spiritual materials. I don't want spirit stones, I want goods. Ten spirit herbs from third-tier land, any type. Thirty pieces of ore from third-tier land, any type. In addition, you need to reach a supply agreement with me to provide supplies here steadily every two months."

"Okay." Li Yuan didn't haggle.

"The third-tier spiritual herbs and ores will be delivered within half a month."

"make a deal!"

The short, stout man took out a black jade slip from his storage bag and slapped it on the table.

"Take it. Inside is the method I know for deciphering dragon patterns."

Li Yuan took the jade slip and probed it with his divine sense.

The content is more detailed than expected.

The aura comparison table of core symbols directly lists more than one hundred symbols that are most frequently used in the dragon pattern system, with each symbol accompanied by a precise description of its aura characteristics and corresponding meaning.

The functional analysis of the combined structures covers dozens of common dragon pattern combinations, explaining the specific uses of these combinations in the Jiaolong clan.

The value of this material far exceeds the sum of all the previously scattered classics.

Li Yuan stored the jade slip in his personal miniature world.

"The supplies will be delivered within half a month."

"No rush, no rush," the short, stout man waved his hand.

"Anyway, you're the first Golden Core cultivator to arrive, so come visit more often when you have time."

Li Yuan got up and took his leave.

As I left the Demon Toad Palace, I glanced back at the toad banner that seemed to be swallowing the moon with its mouth open.

A fourth-tier demonic toad. Its personality is completely different from what I expected.

The light rose into the sky and flew towards Liangzhou.

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