The Star Absorption Technique itself has strong side effects because it forcibly absorbs spiritual energy, which cannot be fully utilized once absorbed. If not handled properly, not only will the absorbed spiritual energy not bring any benefits, but it can also cause significant harm.
The correct use of the Star Absorption Technique requires the practitioner to disperse their own internal energy before each use. This prevents conflicts between the absorbed spiritual energy and their own spiritual energy, allowing them to gradually assimilate the energy throughout their meridians.
However, in this instance, Jiang Yun used the technique without any preparation, resulting in a fierce internal struggle.
The internal energy from the Yi Jin Jing technique in Jiang Yun's body and Zhao Minghai's spiritual energy constantly vie for dominance in the dantian. The two forces collide within the limited space of the dantian.
Fortunately, Zhao Minghai only recently broke through to the eighth level of Qi Martial Realm, and his spiritual energy is not too terrifying. Although this is the case, Jiang Yun has only been practicing the Yi Jin Jing technique for about ten days, making his spiritual energy comparatively weaker.
Soon, the spiritual energy suppresses the internal energy, taking control of the situation. At this point, Jiang Yun has already returned to his room and started practicing the Yi Jin Jing technique.
After activating the technique, Jiang Yun immediately uses the internal energy from the Yi Jin Jing to draw out Xiao Dong's spiritual energy from the dantian, allowing it to circulate through his meridians.
The Star Absorption Technique is an incomplete technique derived from the Beiming Divine Art, but Jiang Yun does not possess the Beiming Divine Art. Therefore, he cannot absorb Zhao Minghai's spiritual energy and can only use the methods of the Star Absorption Technique to disperse it within his meridians.
While Jiang Yun was guiding the spiritual energy out of his dantian using the Yi Jin Jing internal energy, he had a new idea. Since the Star Absorption Technique could disperse spiritual energy within the meridians, why not disperse it on the physical body?
If the spiritual energy could be spread on the physical body, Jiang Yun could utilize the cultivation method of the Lingji Li Divine Art to refine this spiritual energy. Moreover, the Lingji Li Divine Art itself required a substantial amount of spiritual energy.
With this thought in mind, Jiang Yun carefully guided the spiritual energy out of his dantian and slowly dispersed it over his physical body. He then focused on both refining the spiritual energy according to the Lingji Li Divine Art's cultivation method.
Half an hour later, a look of ecstatic joy appeared on Jiang Yun's face. He had succeeded.
Jiang Yun successfully refined Zhao Minghai's spiritual energy, and the noticeable increase in explosive power indicated that he had broken through from the first layer of the Lingji Li Divine Art to the fourth layer. The fourth layer was equivalent to the physical strength of the sixth level of the Body Martial Realm.
This was not just a matter of advancing one level in cultivation; it revealed the remarkable effects of the Star Absorption Technique in the Spirit Martial Continent. The side effects that existed on Earth no longer applied here. It also meant that Jiang Yun could quickly enhance his strength using the Star Absorption Technique.
No one could have anticipated that a technique that was considered mediocre on Earth would become a shortcut for rapid cultivation advancement in the Spirit Martial Continent. This meant that Jiang Yun could easily solve the issue of requiring a large amount of spiritual energy for the Lingji Li Divine Art.
"It seems I need to change my low-profile style of doing things," Jiang Yun muttered to himself.
The moment he stepped out of the room, Jiang Yun was startled. He hadn't expected Lin Shenhe to be waiting at the door. This surprised him.
"Is Master Lin waiting for me?" Jiang Yun asked.
Lin Shenhe had a smile on his face as he replied, "Of course, I am waiting for Young Master Li."
Oh, now he even called me Young Master Li. When one shows excessive respect, it usually means they want something. Jiang Yun understood Lin Shenhe's intention for waiting here. A mischievous smile appeared on his lips as he asked, "I wonder what Master Lin wants from me?"
"This matter is indeed related to Young Master Li," Lin Shenhe awkwardly said with a smile. "In fact, it was I who brought Zhao Minghai back this time, for the upcoming Yanjing Martial Tournament in three days."
The Yanjing Martial Tournament?
Jiang Yun suddenly realized. The Yanjing Martial Tournament was held once every four years by the four major families of Yanjing City. Its main purpose was to redistribute the interests among the four families.
The four major families in Yanjing City, despite their internal conflicts, presented a united front and controlled the city's commerce. The Yanjing Martial Tournament served as a means for the four families to send three warriors each to compete, and the rankings determined the distribution of commercial benefits.
The first place received 40% of the benefits, the second place received 30%, the third place received 20%, and the fourth place received 10%.
In the previous Yanjing Martial Tournament four years ago, the Xiao family took first place, followed by the Ye family in second, and the Lin family had to settle for third. The Jiang family, due to the unexpected death of their patriarch, ended up at the bottom.
This time, Zhao Minghai returned to the Lin family for the Yanjing Martial Tournament because there were strict age requirements for the participating warriors. They had to be between sixteen and thirty-five years old. The warriors sent by each family didn't necessarily have to be from the main lineage; they could invite external assistance.
Since Zhao Minghai had been disabled by Jiang Yun, the Lin family needed to find another person to fill his spot. Jiang Yun, undoubtedly, was the best choice in Lin Shenhe's eyes, which was why he was waiting there.
After Jiang Yun pretended to be unaware, he asked, "I'm not quite sure about Master Lin's intention."
Lin Shenhe explained, "The Yanjing Martial Tournament is a martial arts competition among the members of the Xiao, Ye, Lin, and Jiang families. Originally, Zhao Minghai was supposed to represent the Lin family. However, since he was injured by Young Master Li, he can no longer participate on behalf of our family. So, I took the liberty of asking for Young Master Li's help."
Seeing Jiang Yun frowning, thinking he had misunderstood, Lin Shenhe quickly added, "Of course, I don't blame Young Master Li at all. I just believe that if you can replace the Lin family and participate, you will surely achieve something remarkable."
Jiang Yun smiled generously and said, "Master Lin, please don't misunderstand. I was just thinking that since this is a martial arts competition among the four major families, and I am an outsider, others might not allow me to participate."
Lin Shenhe breathed a sigh of relief. Thinking that Jiang Yun was concerned about this, he said, "Rest assured, Young Master Li. I can make the decision to appoint you as an honorary member of the Lin family."
Once again, Jiang Yun furrowed his brows, and realizing the awkwardness, Lin Shenhe quickly added, "Of course, as long as Young Master Li can help the Lin family achieve good results, I will naturally offer you rewards."
Jiang Yun nodded and said, "In that case, I appreciate your kind invitation. I might as well meet the young talents of the four major families in Yanjing City."
In fact, Lin Shenhe's invitation aligned with Jiang Yun's intentions. He had been contemplating how to utilize the Star Absorption Technique to quickly absorb the spiritual energy of martial artists for cultivating the Lingji Li Divine Art. Unexpectedly, the Yanjing Martial Tournament came up, which was indeed a timely opportunity.
Lin Shenhe felt reassured when Jiang Yun agreed, so after chatting for a while, he bid farewell, and Jiang Yun didn't try to keep him.