In his domain, Gu Yi felt an even stronger connection to the world around him, as if he were the master of this realm. Manipulating the natural energy was now as easy as breathing. Even his cultivation would progress faster in this environment.
For a spirit master at his level, improving cultivation relied heavily on their sensitivity to the world's energy. Deep meditation, in essence, was akin to achieving unity with nature. This state was rare, and even with his current cultivation level, he couldn't always achieve it.
"It looks like you succeeded," Dugu Bo remarked, pleased with Gu Yi's radiant spirit. Despite his unpredictable nature, Dugu Bo was unwaveringly loyal to those he acknowledged. In the original work, he had even contemplated poisoning an entire city just for Tang San's sake. While Gu Yi didn't agree with such methods, he wouldn't hold it against Dugu Bo. He wasn't a saint and couldn't concern himself with everything.
"Yes, I succeeded." The enhancement of his meridians improved him in all aspects. His senses were greatly heightened. Even without specialized training, he could see a bug flapping its wings hundreds of meters away. He felt like a god.
"With this experience, I should be able to develop a formula to evolve your martial spirit within three months," Gu Yi said. He wouldn't forget Dugu Bo's contributions, such as the unique environment and the rare herbs, including the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum.
Dugu Bo became even more increasingly fond of Gu Yi and almost wished he could be his grandson-in-law. Gu Yi then turned his attention to the Blue Silver Empress nearby, wondering what changes would occur if he brought her into the world early. He eagerly anticipated Tang Hao's reaction upon seeing the Blue Silver Empress, hoping to reshape the situation.
Without hesitation, Gu Yi uprooted the Blue Silver Empress and walked away.
"Human, if you dare harm our emperor, I will fight you to the death, even if it means my destruction," the Blue Silver King roared, enraged that this human had targeted their empress.
"Another word, and I'll destroy her. I won't harm her; I'll help her recover." Gu Yi said, gently stroking the Blue Silver Empress's leaves.
"Respect the dignity of the strong." the Blue Silver King reminded him, helpless against Gu Yi's power.
"Annoying," Gu Yi muttered, his Primal Energy Domain expanding instantly. "Deprivation!"
The Blue Silver King shivered, unsure of what he meant, but he suddenly felt his life force slipping away rapidly. In just three minutes, it lost more than half its life force.
"This is the dignity of the strong. Next time, I'll take all your power." Gu Yi warned coldly.
Terrified, the Blue Silver King dared not make a sound. Gu Yi then injected the deprived life force into the Blue Silver Empress, who absorbed it eagerly, her age rapidly increasing.
Gu Yi had planned to absorb life force from other plants for the Blue Silver Empress, but this solved the issue instantly. Although his strength hadn't reached the level to easily deprive an 80,000-year spirit beast of its life force, his possession of the Blue Silver Empress's right leg bone had allowed him to overpower the Blue Silver King effortlessly.
With the Blue Silver Empress now almost ten thousand years old, her spirit grew stronger. Gu Yi felt she would regain consciousness soon. He decided not to leave her at the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, as Lin Qing was still young, and prolonged exposure might hinder her mental growth. The Blue Silver Empress no longer urgently needed the well's environment, so Gu Yi took her to aid Lin Qing's cultivation.
After informing Dugu Bo, Gu Yi left. The Blue Silver King remained silent, terrified by Gu Yi's methods. Stripping away half its life force was beyond its capabilities. It feared losing millennia of cultivation more than death's solitude. Moreover, Gu Yi hadn't harmed the Blue Silver Empress.
In Heaven Dou City, an unexpected event occurred, one that even Gu Yi couldn't predict.
At Tianwen Academy:
"Zhuqing, come back with us. The Dean said that if you return, everything will be as before, and with the Grandmaster's guidance, we'll surely win the championship," Xiao Wu pleaded, hugging Zhu Zhuqing's arm. Tang San tried persuading Dai Mubai and the others, while Yu Xiaogang and Liu Erlong watched silently.
"Xiaogang, isn't this a bit disgraceful?" Liu Erlong, who had never poached talent, felt uneasy.
Yu Xiaogang, displeased by the opposition, replied, "What's disgraceful about it? They left Shrek Academy; we're just asking them to return. Besides, Gu Yi is now crippled and can't teach them. Only I can help them reach greater heights."
Yu Xiaogang, sensing Liu Erlong's discontent, prioritized his goals, knowing their success depended on Dai Mubai's return.
"Dai Mubai, you know Gu Yi is crippled and can't teach you. Come back with us. The Grandmaster will train you well," Tang San urged.
Dai Mubai hesitated. He had followed Gu Yi for his strength and the potential to enhance his own. But now, with Gu Yi incapacitated, perhaps it was time to leave. Joining Tang San might aid his quest for the Star Luo Empire's throne with Tang Hao's backing.
(End of Chapter)