"Soul Techniques, huh..."
Xiao Bai fell into deep thought. The original work hadn't gone into much detail about so-called "soul techniques," and even the methods used by the Soul Hall's enforcers seemed rather underwhelming.
They were only effective against soul bodies, but when it came to those with physical forms, their soul-based abilities didn't seem particularly impressive—even the Hun Clan, who stood behind the Soul Hall, were no exception.
When it came to the use of soul power, Xiao Bai immediately thought of the Divine Forging Palace on the neighboring Tianxuan Continent. That was a true method for using soul power.
The cultivation method Xiao Bai possessed, The Heavenly Heart Perception Chapter, was said to be a soul cultivation technique, but Xiao Bai felt that the soul cultivation part of it seemed more like an added benefit. Perhaps due to certain reasons on the Dou Qi continent, its main purpose hadn't been fully realized.
"That's right. According to some scattered records from my exploration of ancient caves, this is a mysterious method for utilizing soul power, just like Dou Techniques are used for manipulating Dou Qi within the body. Soul techniques work in a similar way! You should know the division of soul realms, right?"
Seeing Xiao Bai lost in thought, Yao Lao nodded in acknowledgment and didn't hesitate to elaborate. He wasn't like with Xiao Yan, where he would wait for him to grow and reach a certain level before giving guidance. Xiao Yan's cultivation was still low, and knowing too much at this stage would only cause him to be overly ambitious, which wouldn't be beneficial. But Xiao Bai was different—this kid already knew a lot, including some secrets that only high-level experts on the continent would know. So, it was fine to share a little more.
"As far as I know, the soul realms are divided into Mortal Realm, Spirit Realm, Heaven Realm, and the legendary Di Realm!"
Xiao Bai spoke openly, not hiding anything. These things weren't widely known in the Jia Ma Empire unless one was a high-level Alchemist or a powerful person. In the original story, even Xiao Yan only learned about them from Yao Tianhuo in the Central Plains after breaking through to Spirit Realm.
Upon hearing this, Yao Lao wasn't surprised. He had already suspected that Xiao Bai had a method for soul cultivation; otherwise, how could his soul progress so quickly? He smiled and said:
"Yes, based on my speculation, although soul cultivation techniques were once precious, they weren't as rare as they are now. Back then, with soul techniques, someone at the Perfect Mortal Realm like you could probably contend with a Dou Zong, while the Spirit Realm corresponds to Dou Zun, the Heaven Realm corresponds to Dou Sheng, and as for the legendary Di Realm... well, even I don't know."
Xiao Bai felt enlightened after hearing this. This was the first time he had heard such a clear division.
"Of course, this is just my guess. Nowadays, even Alchemists only have a rudimentary understanding of soul power. The most they use is a form of perception and the manipulation of flames!"
He paused, recalling a past experience—shortly after his physical death, his soul was hunted by the Soul Hall. Had it not been for the Bone Chilling Flame, he would have been finished.
After a brief moment of distraction, Yao Lao continued:
"Now, very few people on this continent know about soul cultivation techniques. Without any soul methods, most people can only rely on their Dou Qi cultivation to enhance their soul power. But this method, unless one is born with extraordinary soul talent, their soul power will always lag behind the corresponding strength tiers I mentioned earlier."
"Yeah! If they don't even know how to cultivate, how can one even begin to develop and utilize soul power?" Xiao Bai sighed. The development of soul power on the Dou Qi continent was indeed weaker compared to the Tianxuan Continent.
The current situation on the Dou Qi continent with soul power was like someone who only had Dou Qi cultivation but hadn't cultivated any Dou Techniques, relying solely on brute force.
Imagine two fighters of the same tier: One didn't use any Dou Techniques, while the other had mastered them. The outcome of their battle would be clear at a glance.
That's why I'm warning you, kid," Yao Lao said seriously. "Don't rely too much on soul power. Even if a Dou Huang or Dou Zong has weaker soul strength than you, their Dou Qi cultivation is still there. The higher their realm, the more they can amplify their power through heaven-and-earth resonance—turning one part of soul force into two or even three parts of combat strength. But for you? One part is just one part—no amplification. How are you supposed to fight like that?"
"Thank you for your guidance, Elder Yao. I understand now." Xiao Bai clasped his hands respectfully and bowed sincerely.
Seeing his comprehension, Yao Lao nodded with a faint smile. "No need for such formality. With your intelligence, even if you hadn't met me this time, you would've realized this sooner or later."
Xiao Bai didn't argue. Would he have really figured it out on his own? Maybe. But more likely, he would've learned the hard way—through bitter experience. In the original story, significant displays of soul power only appeared at the Spirit Soul realm and above, with almost no descriptions of its applications below that level.
"By the way, Elder Yao, where are you two planning to go next?" This time, Xiao Bai spoke openly instead of using voice transmission.
"I know this one!"** Xiao Yan, who had been standing to the side feeling a bit left out, perked up at the question. "Master said we'll train in the Magical Beast Mountain Range first, then cross it to enter the Tagor Desert!"**
"The Tagor Desert?" Xiao Bai nodded, a flicker of emotion passing through his eyes. *I wonder how Cai Lin is doing...*
"Heh... Brother Bai, really want to go see for yourself?" Noticing Xiao Bai's subtle reaction, Xiao Yan grinned and nudged him teasingly. He'd heard plenty about Xiao Bai's romantic escapades.
"Haha... I do, but now's not the right time." Xiao Bai admitted frankly, without any evasion.
"Tsk tsk... That female Dou Huang who just left—looks like she didn't escape your clutches either. Kid, you'd better be careful." Yao Lao shook his head in amusement. The sheer number of troublesome romantic entanglements this kid had was ridiculous.
Earlier, while he and Xiao Yan were observing from the side, they'd clearly seen the lingering reluctance between Xiao Bai and that woman. *This brat has a death wish—always targeting women who are clearly dangerous.* And at this rate, there'd be plenty of drama in the future.
"..." Xiao Bai rolled his eyes. He'd expected these two to tease him, but he *did* need to be more cautious from now on. Handling the women in his life wasn't going to be easy.
"Alright, I'm heading to the Jia Nan Academy tomorrow, so it's time for me to go back. Xiao Yan, work hard! Don't lose that three-year duel—imagine having to publicly eat your words in front of everyone!" Xiao Bai teased, looking at Xiao Yan with a smile.
"Damn it, Brother Bai! Can't you at least root for me?!" Xiao Yan nearly choked on his indignation, scowling in protest.
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