Master Changsheng

Chapter 146, Section 143: Offending the Gods?

In the home of the kind-hearted, many residents looked up, gazing blankly at the sky.

They haven't seen dark clouds in so long...

In the desert, the ever-present sun and increasingly scorching weather constantly erode the environment.

A sudden gust of wind, accompanied by muffled thunder, created such a "comfortable" scene that many residents of the Good House came out of their homes.

Come out to an empty street or courtyard and enjoy the long-lost coolness.

The city's residents were delighted, but An Kai, the protagonist, had a different feeling.

Standing in the open space of the castle.

An Kai didn't even have time to check his own panel.

He was then presented with three choices.

[Method 1 for imbuing a class with spirit: Communicate with the deity and pray for the deity to bestow upon the class a "spirit".]

[Warning: If you actually try to communicate with the God of Law, you will most likely be slapped to death by him!!!]

[Method 2 for Imbuing a Profession with Spirit: Communicate with Heaven and Earth, draw upon the essence of the profession, and imbue the profession with a spirit through Heaven and Earth.]

[Note: This method of spirit infusion is for those with a naturally endowed profession. If you are not in a naturally endowed profession, there is a very high probability that you will not be recognized by heaven and earth and will be unable to receive spirit infusion.]

[Method Three for Imbuing Spirits: Using the power of heaven and earth to forge the spirit of one's profession. This method is called "Spirit Awakening," not Spirit Imbuing.]

[Hint: This is the most ancient method in this world. The "Spirit Awakening" process involves being forged daily by the "Power of Heaven and Earth," and carries a certain degree of danger. (You should choose this... and it seems to be the only option...)]

Three methods of spirit empowerment are available for An Kai to choose from; the system truly lives up to its name.

Compared to others who struggled to figure out how to imbue spirits, An Kai was far superior.

but…

It seems that An Kai has been given three choices.

Just like the system prompt, Ankai only had one choice.

The reason why communicating with the "God of Magic" to imbue the spirit failed is because Ankai's magic bypassed this "deity" from the very beginning...

Even during the later upgrade of the [Contract], the God of Magic blamed Ankai for it.

Even now, Milton still often mutters to himself, not understanding why the God of Magic would accept Ankai's modified [contract]...

Therefore, Ankai was very certain.

After communicating with the God of Magic, he received not "spiritual empowerment," but a "slap" powerful enough to destroy him...

As for the second option…

Ankai, however, is trapped by his [divinely bestowed profession]...

Having been in the desert for so long, I've met countless people.

Ankai had only seen the "Heaven-Given Profession" twice.

One is Will-Buklin, the fifth prince of the Duchy of Buklin, whose profession is "Wanderer".

The second one was the first time Ankai and his two kings had ever heard of the profession of "scholar," which came from the eldest prince of the Kingdom of Shak.

This shows just how rare naturally endowed professions are.

It's no exaggeration to say that the area around Goodwill Home has seen a foot traffic exceeding one million people over the years.

However, despite being born with a special profession, An Kai did not see a third one.

An Kai himself is a [Mage], which is the number one profession on the continent, but it is not a naturally bestowed profession.

Just as the system indicated, if An Kai insists on choosing the second option, there is a very high probability that he will not be recognized by Heaven and Earth and will not be granted the "spirit" of his profession...

Therefore, Ankai only has a third option left to choose from.

The most ancient method of imbuing spirits—Spirit Awakening!

Using the power of heaven and earth, forge the spirit of your profession, and finally activate it.

It sounds simple.

But what exactly is this "power of heaven and earth"? And how long will it take? An Kai had no idea.

Putting life and safety together with spiritual empowerment, An Kai still believes that life and safety are the most important.

He made a decision.

I've decided not to make that choice.

Wait until you are more confident before making a choice.

The power of heaven and earth sounds dangerous.

Anyway, the system doesn't specify a time limit.

Thinking of this, An Kai felt much more relaxed.

Ignoring the system prompts, he took the Meditation Staff and returned to the castle to continue his cultivation. The world is vast, but cultivation is paramount.

however…

An Kai, however, did not understand that all the choices presented by the system originated from An Kai himself.

The system manifests the choices that Ankai has made based on his own conditions.

The moment Ankai entered meditation, he had already made his choice…

"Select: [Empowerment Method Three - Spirit Awakening!]"

Suddenly, a bolt of purple lightning shot down from the clouds!

The direction is right there: the castle of the Good House!

boom!

The castle collapsed instantly under the lightning strike!

The dust has settled.

Ankai cast the [Frozen] spell, manifesting [Magic Armor] armor on the outside, and stood in the collapsed castle.

Within the [Freezing Spell] domain, Ankai's expression froze: "Is this some kind of forced sale?!"

Just now, if he hadn't reacted quickly, that bolt of lightning alone would have given him a hard time...

At this moment, the dark clouds in the sky had not yet dispersed. In just a moment, another bolt of purple lightning crashed down from the sky!

Click!

Lightning struck in the blink of an eye, crashing down on the castle ruins.

This time, An Kai was prepared. Holding the [Brute Force Staff], he swung it a few times, and [Fireball] and [Wind Blade] shot out instantly!

Taking the hits passively is not Ankai's style!

boom!

Purple lightning collided with [Fireball] and [Wind Blade] spells.

In just a moment, the Fireball and Wind Blade spells were shattered by the purple lightning.

However, the purple lightning was also less powerful.

When the purple lightning rushed into the [Freeze] field, struggled to pass through the [Freeze] field, and arrived in front of the [Armor] armor.

Its power has been reduced to less than one-tenth.

A tingling sensation coursed through An Kai's body.

There was also information about the "power of heaven and earth," which gave An Kai some insight...

It was described as "the power of heaven and earth," but it was more like a "natural disaster," with the lightning strike being just the beginning.

The so-called "spirit awakening" is the process of forging one's own professional spirit through "natural disasters".

Once the spiritual awakening begins, it cannot be stopped.

Every day, Ankai must undergo a forging process using the "power of heaven and earth" until his spiritual awakening is successful.

In other words, from now on, Ankai will have to experience a "natural disaster" every day...

In other words, Ankai is a walking "natural disaster"...

Click!

Another bolt of purple lightning shot out from the dark clouds, and after it appeared, the clouds dissipated…

boom!

The collision between the lightning strike and Ankai's attack left the area in ruins, as if it had been the site of a nuclear explosion.

About half a minute later.

The dust has settled.

The once-benevolent family castle is now a pile of ruins, its courtyard riddled with potholes and radiating white steam…

It's no exaggeration to say that if an ordinary spirit-enchanting professional were to arrive, just three lightning strikes would be enough to reduce them to ashes...

[Awakening Progress: 0.01%]

Standing in the courtyard, An Kai's hair stood on end, even though the lightning strike had no effect on him.

However, the lightning strike still left its mark on his body...

"One day equals 0.01% progress, so it means I need 10000 days to successfully awaken the spirit?!"

"It took me almost 28 years to complete one spiritual awakening?!"

An Kai was dumbfounded.

Upon carefully comprehending the [Spirit Awakening], he learned of another unfortunate piece of news.

During the [Awakening] period, if he wants to increase the level of his spells, he needs to reach a certain progress in [Awakening] before he can level up.

Of course, this upgrade is different from Ankai's previous spell level increases.

This is equivalent to a comprehensive upgrade and enhancement of the spell.

This far surpasses the previous step-by-step improvement.

However, this process takes too much time...

There's also good news.

During this period, Ankai's attributes can increase as usual.

Until the [Awakening] limit is reached.

After the [Awakening] ends, Ankai himself will also undergo a sublimation.

For An Kai, who was immortal, 28 years was not a big deal.

But now a problem has arisen in front of him.

Donglin is about to emerge from seclusion.

What is certain is that when Donglin emerged from seclusion, he must have been at the level of being endowed with spiritual power.

By then, An Kai was unsure whether he was a match for Donglin.

So, despite being immortal, what Ankai lacks most right now is time.

Standing amidst the castle ruins, Ankai's brows furrowed involuntarily...

"My... sir... is your spirit possession... due to difficulties communicating with the gods?"

At this moment, Milton, a fifth-tier [Enchantment] who was originally guarding outside the castle, saw the thunder disappear and the dark clouds disperse.

Upon entering the castle, all that comes into view is ruins.

at the same time…

And Ankai's hair, standing straight up...

Milton ignored Ankai's hair, pretending not to see it.

He couldn't help but exclaim in confusion, his face full of shock.

Such a terrifying scene of "spirit empowerment" could probably only be created by offending the gods...

Considering what Ankai often said in his daily life, such as "that old bastard the God of Law" and "the goddess of fortune is a stinking bitch," Milton believed that the gods' anger was understandable.

If he is a god…

Milton shook his head, not daring to think any further.

Ankai glanced at Milton and immediately understood his thoughts. He waved his hand calmly and said, "Get lost!"

"Alright!"

It comes quickly and goes quickly.

Milton vanished in the blink of an eye; his agile movements were nothing like those of a heavily armored warrior…

With a frown, Ankai left the castle.

After finding Wayne and informing him of the castle's reconstruction, Ankai summoned the Mage Tower from the Spirit Tower.

Go underground.

This time, he's going to conduct an experiment.

Inside the mage tower, will one be forged by the power of heaven and earth...?

Ankai disappeared, taking with him the gale and the dark clouds.

The residents of Good House City, who were enjoying the cool weather, were suddenly replaced by hot weather.

As the intense sunlight swept in, many residents of Good House sighed helplessly and retreated to the shade, savoring the coolness they had felt earlier.

Only within the inner city of the House of Goodness, some fourth- and fifth-tier professionals gazed towards the castle, some with worry, others deep in thought…

Their expressions varied, but their hearts were all focused on the true master of the Good House…

"Does it mean becoming stronger?"

"Such a powerful aura! Is this the might of heaven and earth, or is it an aura unique to you, sir...?"

"This…"

...

The underground of Fuling Tower.

Five hours later.

An Kai opened his eyes.

[Attribute Points +1]

I checked again, and all four attributes were [2000], while my spell level and proficiency were also both at [Lv40『2000/2000』]...

Based on past experience, if Ankai adds the new attribute points to any attribute and raises it to [2001], he can unlock the cap on spell level increases...

With a thought, Ankai used the newly acquired attribute points.

Intelligence +1

【Intelligence: 2001】

In an instant, the shackles on spell levels were broken once again…

only…

[Note: Insufficient Awakening progress; spell level cannot be increased.]

"Just as I expected!"

An Kai clicked on the Spirit Empowerment app and learned more about it.

I have a clear understanding now.

When the [Enlightenment Progress] reaches [5%], a spell level upgrade and [Enlightenment] can be performed...

Ankai imbues the spell with "spirit" through his own spirit...

This is equivalent to labeling this spell with Ankai's name, which not only strengthens and enhances it, but also makes this unique spell exclusive to Ankai.

This is equivalent to Ankai opening up a new path for magical advancement that is recognized by heaven and earth.

If anyone were to embark on this path of magic in the future, they would most likely need to consult Ankai during the "spirit empowerment" process...

He could only continue to "imbue" spells with spirits after obtaining Ankai's consent...

By doing this, Ankai is essentially competing with the God of Law for business…

There are many benefits, though. As long as Ankai successfully "enchants" all his spells, he can break free from the restrictions of the God of Magic.

In the world, all magic is under the control of the "God of Magic".

However, the only drawback is that it takes far too long…

And the daily "natural disasters" also pose a significant danger.

Thinking of this, An Kai felt somewhat melancholy.

It was clearly a good thing, but he couldn't feel any joy.

Five hours had passed since he first experienced the "natural disaster".

In 19 hours, the second "Power of Heaven and Earth" forging will begin.

An Kai took out the beast meat that had been enhanced by the [Beast Meat Refining Table +6], roasted it until cooked, and ate it while checking his improved attribute panel.

【Level Lv1: 10/10 'Locked'】

[Intelligence: 2001 (1372 + 629)]

Endurance: 2000 (1372 + 628)

[Stamina: 2000『1372+628』]

[Strength: 2000 (1372 + 628)]

[Talents: Immortality '∞', Mage's Body 'lv4']

[Spirit Empowerment Progress: 0.01%]

[Spell Lv40 'Excellent-' '2000/2000': Meditation, Fireball, Freeze, Summon, Armor, Wind Blade, Swiftness, Contract, Beast Taming.]

[Skill 'Superior': Forging Lv40 '2000/2000']

[Identity: Wanderer's Guide, 'Lord-level NPC']

Compared to before, the panel now includes a new [Enchantment Progress] indicator…

Ankai's spell level could not be increased, and his talent [Mage Body Lv4] was also stuck.

In the past, talent would be enhanced after the spell level was increased, accumulating enough foundation to improve.

At this point, without the increase in spell level, the four attribute values alone are insufficient to support the improvement of [Mage Body Lv4].

but…

After reflecting on his experience, An Kai gained a clear understanding.

The forging process using the "power of heaven and earth" perfectly compensates for this.

Today's single "Power of Heaven and Earth" forging is about to satisfy the upgrade of [Mage Body Lv4].

With one or two more forgings using the "Power of Heaven and Earth," even without the foundation brought by the increase in spell level, the talent [Mage Body Lv4] can still be improved.

Because there was no significant improvement, the spell level increased only in a step-by-step manner compared to before.

[Meditation] is upgraded to [Lv40]. The time to gain attribute points is still 4.5 hours, but the time to multitask is increased to 50 minutes.

It's 30 minutes faster than the previous 20 minutes.

We're one step closer to Ankai's envisioned "passive" [meditation] state...

He was also looking forward to the possibility that meditation would change after the "spirit infusion".

An Kai already had a plan in mind: once his [Spirit Awakening Progress] reached [5%], he would immediately choose to upgrade [Meditation]...

We've come a long way from humble beginnings to where we are today.

Meditation is his core practice.

The offensive spell [Fireball] has its power and temperature increased across the board, and its overall state changes from gaseous to liquefied.

When activated, it flows continuously, like a mass of magma.

It still has a diameter of 12 meters, but the number of signals emitted per second has increased from nine to 15.

As for the current power of the Fireball spell?

Ankai was unaware.

Because no one was going to do experiments on him.

Aside from him, the strongest member of the Good Family, the Spirit-Enchanted [Heavy Armor Warrior] Milton, also couldn't withstand a single [Fireball]...

In the last experiment, if Ankai hadn't reacted quickly, Milton would have been engulfed by Ankai's [Fireball] and become a "dead soul under Ankai's ball"...

The other offensive spell, Wind Blade, also completed its complete liquefaction, so its power was naturally enhanced.

The length remains 15 meters, unchanged.

The length remains unchanged, but the Wind Blade Technique has reached its peak in terms of "silence" by being upgraded to Lv40.

Previously, the Wind Blade Technique would only have a effect when the target was close; now, even after the Wind Blade Technique has completely cut the target, there's no reaction...

This was something Ankai discovered through experiments with orcs.

In comparison, the semi-offensive, semi-defensive [Freeze Spell] undergoes more noticeable changes as the spell level increases.

The most obvious example is the [Freezing Technique] field, which has expanded to a distance of 60 meters around Ankai.

Within a 60-meter radius of Ankai, there was a mist-like [Freezing Technique] field.

It possesses multiple properties such as slowing, freezing, and defense.

It has completely broken away from the original scope of "support spell [Freeze]".

The range of his surroundings increased from 30 meters to 60 meters, making it the spell with the most significant improvement among Ankai's spells.

The defensive spell [Armor Spell], which has no level requirement, receives a significant boost in defensive strength and durability after its level is increased to [Lv40].

The most noticeable improvement is to the [Magic Armor] armor, which has increased in length from 2.9 meters at [Lv34] to 3.5 meters.

Compared to the initial 2.5 meters, this is an improvement of one meter.

An Kai, surrounded by a dark yet intensely hot aura, felt like a demon from the abyss.

The image of being "great, glorious, and correct" is gradually drifting away...

At the same time, Ankai also conducted an experiment and found that Milton, the spirit-wielding [Heavy Armor Warrior] who focuses on defense, was not as good as himself.

It should be noted that if An Kai is judged by his spell level, he is currently only at the fourth rank, tenth level!

The difference is considerable.

After all, besides him, no one else cultivated through "Spirit Empowerment" after reaching the fifth rank...

Compared to some of the previous spells, the Swiftness spell offers a relatively singular improvement and lacks diversity.

The speed has increased again.

However, Ankai's brief distance off the ground increased from 4 centimeters to 10 centimeters.

If one could keep improving, walking on air wouldn't be a fantasy...

As for the remaining [Contract], [Summon], and [Beast Taming], they are relatively simple.

Especially [Summoning]...

"That damned Lady Luck, one day she'll strip you naked and sell you to the orcs!"

The thought of this spell made An Kai feel annoyed.

Even after upgrading to [Lv40], all you can summon are those damned monsters like trees and wood.

Not only are they inedible, but most of them also lack rationality.

If it weren't for Ankai's immense wealth after establishing trade with the Seven Kingdoms, and Nurnexus's guarantee with his life that he could summon the [Black Dragon], Ankai would never have upgraded [Summoning]!

The [Contract] upgrade is largely unchanged, except that the number of [Contract] members has increased from 34 to 40.

The God of Law and the God of Contracts are still taking the blame for him.

After [Beast Taming] is upgraded to [Lv40], the long whip in my hand increases from four meters to seven meters.

The accompanying scorching heat, when it touched the orc, sent plumes of white smoke rising from his body…

After reviewing the effects of his spell, he finished eating the beast meat in his hand.

As usual, after reading today's side story and confirming that the old man Donglin was still in seclusion and showed no signs of emerging, An Kai felt relieved.

Take a short break and re-enter a meditative state.

The next day.

Ankai will add the two attribute points he gained yesterday to his [Endurance] and [Stamina].

[Endurance: 2001]

[Stamina: 2001]

Calculating the time, it's basically time for the "Power of Heaven and Earth" to refresh.

Ankai activated the effect of [Lazell's Mage Tower], and a pitch-black lake appeared underground, covering the mage tower.

Then, he used the [Freeze Spell] to summon the [Magic Armor] armor, wielded the [Brute Force Staff], fully armed, and awaited the arrival of the "Power of Heaven and Earth".

An Kai wanted to see if the "Power of Heaven and Earth" could affect him inside the mage tower.

After a while.

The residents of the Good House suddenly fled their homes in a disheveled state.

Countless residents were disheveled and looked utterly miserable.

Some people looked puzzled.

They stood in the street, the ground beneath their feet swaying and twisting like excited dancers.

With an average strength of around level four, they were actually unable to stand steadily on this twisting ground.

The houses couldn't withstand the pressure and collapsed one after another.

"What's going on?!"

"An earth dragon turning over?! Or what?!"

"Is this still a desert?"

"Oh no! The master has offended the gods again!"