Chapter 584: Self-Named Xuan Ling
Seeing the feedback talent on the Nine Mystical Golden Thunder, Xiao Ze's eyes immediately brightened. However, upon closer inspection, a hint of disappointment appeared in his eyes. Although the "Innately Sacred" talent reached a golden level, it was particularly difficult to enhance. This was similar to the golden talent he had seen on Cao Ying; there was basically no chance of improvement. Born powerful, but with almost no possibility of further enhancement.
Xiao Ze's auxiliary feedback talent also had certain limitations. That is, after binding, it required an enhancement to truly receive the feedback reward. This was why Xiao Ze initially chose to bind to the Alchemy Art of Xiao Yan instead of Elder Yao, because Xiao Yan's potential for growth was much higher. At that time, Xiao Yan's alchemy was just starting, from a one-star alchemist to a nine-star alchemist, there was a very broad space for improvement. If he had bound to Elder Yao, not only would the growth ceiling be lower than Xiao Yan's, but even the scale of improvement would be less.
If it were up to Xiao Ze to choose, he would definitely not choose to bind a talent from a top powerhouse, as it was almost impossible to enhance further. Binding in such a case would completely waste one of his auxiliary binding spots unless a single feedback reward was valuable enough to justify occupying an auxiliary binding position. Like Ziyan's Dragon Phoenix Bloodline or Medusa's Nine-Colored Sky-Eating Python, both had a high probability of successful evolution, and the value of their feedback rewards was substantial enough to justify the binding.
It can be said that on the entire Dou Qi continent, the value of most auxiliary feedback could not compare to that of the Dragon Phoenix Bloodline or the Nine-Colored Sky-Eating Python. Now, although the Nine Mystical Golden Thunder also possessed a golden talent, "Innately Sacred" was ultimately a talent of being born powerful. On the Dou Qi continent, Xiao Ze could hardly think of a way to enhance it further.
Encountering another golden talent but unable to bind it, a trace of regret flashed through Xiao Ze's mind. However, he quickly came to terms with it, considering the two remaining auxiliary binding spots he had were extremely precious. Xiao Ze's philosophy was to prefer shortage over waste. Even if he didn't use these two auxiliary binding spots, his current strength was sufficient.
Xiao Ze's thoughts flickered, and he soon set aside the idea of binding the Innately Sacred talent. "We've mutually benefited from this," he said with a smile to the Nine Mystical Golden Thunder. "Would you like me to teach you some common knowledge?"
The Nine Mystical Golden Thunder opened its mouth, emitting a low dragon chant, and a wave of soul fluctuations emanated from its brow. Sensing the intentions within the soul fluctuations, Xiao Ze nodded slightly. "I should make it clear to you beforehand that most of the knowledge I will impart is from the human cultivation realm. I don't know much about other races or magical beasts."
The Nine Mystical Golden Thunder nodded, and Xiao Ze extended a finger, touching it on the scale of its brow. A brilliant soul light burst forth, and a massive amount of soul information surged into the brain of the Nine Mystical Golden Thunder, causing it to shake its head slightly, seemingly unaccustomed to the influx of vast soul information.
After a while, the Nine Mystical Golden Thunder's eyes regained clarity. Opening its mouth, it no longer emitted dragon chants but rather articulate human speech. The first few words were a bit hesitant, but they soon became fluent. "Xiao Ze, thank you for awakening my intelligence," said the Nine Mystical Golden Thunder, expressing gratitude with its first sentence.
Xiao Ze had imparted basic information, including some intelligence on top forces on the continent, to the Nine Mystical Golden Thunder. This was to prevent it from provoking these top entities. After all, Xiao Ze was well aware of its power. If those top forces learned of its existence, they would not hesitate to imprison or refine the Nine Mystical Golden Thunder into their trump card. Of course, those capable of refining a mid-Dou Saint stage Nine Mystical Golden Thunder were few on the Dou Qi continent.
"Ha ha, didn't I say it? It's mutually beneficial, we both gained something. I should also thank you for allowing my thunder power to evolve into Nine Mystical Golden Thunder," Xiao Ze spoke sincerely.
The Nine Mystical Golden Thunder's eyes flickered with thought. "Xiao Ze, should I also have a name that belongs to me?"
"That's natural, Nine Mystical Golden Thunder is just what people call you, but now that you've developed intelligence, you should indeed choose a name for yourself," Xiao Ze responded, letting the Nine Mystical Golden Thunder ponder.
Xiao Ze stood quietly by, not interrupting. He had unlocked the intelligence for the Nine Mystical Golden Thunder and also imparted some common knowledge to it, allowing it to move beyond naivety. Now that the Nine Mystical Golden Thunder clearly wanted to name itself, he naturally wouldn't presume to do it for him.
"Xiao Ze, ever since my sentience was born, I have always been in confusion. That feeling of chaotic ignorance made me crave intelligence," said the newly intelligent being. "Now that my wish is fulfilled, it's natural not to forget the original intention from all this time; to name myself based on my spirit. I choose Xuan Ling. What do you think?"
"Xuan Ling... Yes, that's fine. You were born from the heaven and earth, sacred and powerful, these decisions should indeed be made by you."
Over the next few days, Xiao Ze stayed in the depths of the Void Thunder Pool, spending time with the Nine Mystical Golden Thunder. Perhaps because he was the one who awakened its intelligence, the Nine Mystical Golden Thunder was very close to him. During these days, Xuan Ling, like a curious child, continuously asked Xiao Ze questions, and Xiao Ze earnestly answered them. It gave Xiao Ze a feeling of being a teacher or an elder.
However, such times are always short-lived. Xiao Ze stretched and spoke to Xuan Ling, "Well, Xuan Ling, it's time for me to leave. I've spent a lot of time here in the Void Thunder Pool for this cultivation session. I wonder how my friends and family are doing now."
Upon hearing this, a very reluctant expression appeared in Xuan Ling's eyes. However, he didn't speak to retain Xiao Ze any further. He understood that Xiao Ze had completed his cultivation and would likely leave immediately; his continued presence in the Void Thunder Pool was entirely because of him.
"Xiao Ze, thank you again for awakening my intelligence," said Xuan Ling.
Xiao Ze smiled and nodded, "Until we meet again, Xuan Ling."
Immediately after, Xiao Ze's figure vanished on the spot, heading out of the Void Thunder Pool. In the dragon's eyes, Xiao Ze's departing silhouette was reflected, and even though he could no longer see Xiao Ze, he still gazed longingly in that direction. Xiao Ze, as the one who had awakened the intelligence of the Nine Mystical Golden Thunder and taught it relevant knowledge, had left a profound mark on it. Even its future actions would likely bear some of Xiao Ze's influence.
Leaving the depths of the Void Thunder Pool, Xiao Ze could no longer restrain himself. He was ready to test the array of abilities brought about by this significant increase in strength.
(End of Chapter)
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