In the training room, Han Li watched as Shui Bing'er settled into position.
"Break it into pieces and swallow them one by one. It's best to chew them thoroughly to maximize the medicinal effect. Don't worry, its energy is very gentle and won't burden your body. As for the ice elemental energy, leave that to me."
Han Li gave his final instructions, signaling her to begin.
Only the two of them were present. Azure Luan and Guang Ling were outside in the courtyard, mainly because Shui Bing'er's Martial Soul was inherently unstable. They couldn't control the elements and didn't want to affect her Martial Soul's evolution.
Shui Bing'er didn't respond verbally but instead followed Han Li's instructions. She opened the box and unhurriedly placed the Purple Spirit Mushroom into her mouth.
After she had consumed it all, she slowly entered a state of cultivation.
As soon as her soul power began to circulate, the phantom of her Martial Soul manifested above her head.
Unlike before, the Ice Phoenix seemed more solid this time, almost as if it was ready to take flight.
Then, after circling her head a few times, the Ice Phoenix condensed into a large ice-blue egg, floating quietly above her head.
During this process, Han Li wasn't idle. He actively manipulated the ice elements in the training room to envelop Shui Bing'er, continuously monitoring her changes.
An hour passed, then two, as time quietly flowed by.
After about two and a half hours, Han Li could sense that the medicinal power within Shui Bing'er had been mostly absorbed. The ice-blue egg above her head finally began to show signs of activity.
The illusory egg emitted a cracking sound, with a stronger light shining from within. As it cracked open, the Ice Phoenix inside started actively drawing in the external cold air to strengthen itself.
Centered on the egg above Shui Bing'er's head, a vortex of cold air formed within the not-so-small training room, drawing in ice elements from the mimicry environment.
Initially, Han Li cooperated by guiding the ice elements. However, when an ice-attributed mineral in the mimicry environment shattered, he sensed trouble.
Shui Bing'er's Martial Soul evolution was proving to be quite costly. He couldn't just watch the mimicry environment get destroyed.
Although these items weren't particularly valuable to him at present, the mimicry environment was specially crafted by Guang Ling after dismantling his own, holding significant meaning.
Seeing the nearby ice elements nearly depleted, he didn't hesitate to start converting his soul power into ice elements, directing them towards Shui Bing'er.
He also had other means to supplement the ice elements, such as the extremely cold spring water from the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well stored in jade bottles in his bracelet. However, recalling the signs of erosion he had faced, he chose to use his soul power instead.
With him acting as a human filter, it was the safest method possible.
With his soul power supplementing the process, the speed at which the egg above Shui Bing'er's head hatched increased significantly, with continuous cracking sounds resonating.
Finally, when Han Li had expended nearly half of his soul power, the egg was covered with dense cracks, almost entirely spanning the shell, and it ceased absorbing external ice elements.
The phoenix soared, its call resonating powerfully.
For the first time, Han Li heard the cry of a phoenix—clear and resonant. However, in the enclosed room, the experience for his eardrums was less than pleasant.
Looking at the freshly hatched Martial Soul, Han Li's first impression was one of splendor and nobility.
Shui Bing'er's Martial Soul had undergone significant changes. Previously, it merely resembled a vague, misty phoenix, lacking clarity.
Now, although it still existed as an energy phantom, its form was no longer blurred. It fully displayed its shape, with impeccable details.
Its entire body was a translucent blue, looking as if it had been carved from a piece of crystalline ice. Snowflakes continuously fell around it, only to quickly vanish, giving it a dreamy appearance.
What surprised Han Li was that the Ice Phoenix's long tail feathers and the plumes atop its head had turned milky white, just like his own Martial Soul. These feathers constantly interacted with the aura surrounding its body, subtly enhancing the coldness of the Martial Soul itself.
Han Li wondered if Shui Bing'er's Martial Soul might eventually resemble his master's.
As he pondered this, the Ice Phoenix above Shui Bing'er's head detached itself, shrank slightly, and flew to Han Li's side, starting to circle around him.
Shui Bing'er opened her eyes in confusion, witnessing her Martial Soul expressing affection towards Han Li. She was momentarily at a loss for words.
She could sense that her Martial Soul had become much stronger and was not out of control. With a single thought, she could summon it back to her head. However, she chose not to, simply watching instead.
Han Li was also a bit bewildered. Shui Bing'er's Martial Soul had flown to his side, and his own Martial Soul seemed to be faintly reacting to it.
Could it be because Shui Bing'er's Martial Soul absorbed his soul power, converting it into ice elements? Han Li speculated uncertainly.
"Ahem, Bing'er, maybe you should recall your Martial Soul for now?"
Han Li noticed that Shui Bing'er was awake and spoke up.
"Alright."
Shui Bing'er glanced at him, stood up, and summoned her Martial Soul back into her body.
"Okay, let's head out first. We can discuss things later. The phenomenon during your Martial Soul's evolution attracted everyone, and they're waiting for us outside."
Han Li sensed the activity outside the training room and smiled at Shui Bing'er.
"Okay."
Shui Bing'er nodded obediently, acknowledging that this wasn't the place for a conversation.
Han Li opened the door to the training room, immediately seeing the waiting crowd outside.
"I didn't disappoint you all," he said with a smile.
"Come, let's welcome today's star."
With that, he stepped aside, revealing Shui Bing'er to everyone.
"Bing'er, your hair has lightened a bit. It looks even prettier now," said Dugu Yan. The focus of men and women differed, as Han Li hadn't noticed this at all.
"Yes, Sister Yan is right. It also seems to have a layer of white sheen, making your skin look even fairer," Xiu'er nodded in agreement, a bit envious.
"Really?"
Shui Bing'er hadn't had the chance to notice her changes since waking up. Hearing their words, she grabbed a lock of her hair and smiled happily.
Han Li, Guang Ling, and Azure Luan observing the three girls discussing hair changes, exchanged looks, feeling a bit out of place in the conversation.
After waiting for a while, Han Li noticed the girl's enthusiasm had slightly waned. He took the initiative to speak: "Alright, let's head to the training ground to check out Bing'er's Martial Soul changes. She and I haven't eaten yet."
"Okay, let's go then."
The two girl snapped out of their distraction, realizing they had gone off-topic due to Shui Bing'er's changes.
Arriving at the training ground, everyone focused their attention on Shui Bing'er.
"Martial Soul Possession," Shui Bing'er called softly, and the phantom of the Ice Phoenix reappeared behind her. Simultaneously, she underwent some physical changes.
A pair of ice-blue energy wings unfolded from her back, lifting her into the air, with snowflakes continuously falling around her. Her head also changed; after the Martial Soul Possession, a magnificent milky-white ice crown with phoenix carvings appeared on her head, adding a touch of nobility to her appearance.
"Wow, Bing'er's Martial Soul Possession is so beautiful and looks more regal. Yes, it has a majestic aura," Dugu Yan racked her brain for the right words to describe it.
"Indeed, Bing'er looks very beautiful," Han Li gave a thumbs-up to Shui Bing'er, who looked a bit embarrassed by the praise.
"Yes, yes," Xiu'er nodded in agreement from the side.
"Alright, Bing'er, tell us about the changes in your Martial Soul," Azure Luan smiled, stepping in to help her blushing disciple.
"Yes, Master."
Shui Bing'er glanced gratefully at her master and regained her composure.
After a moment of thought, she began to speak: "Compared to before, I feel a closer connection with my Martial Soul, and it's easier for me to sense ice elements."
As she spoke, she gently reached forward with her right hand, and a crystalline snowflake appeared in her palm, showing no signs of melting.
"Not only that, but I can also feel that the cold aura emitted by my Martial Soul is more than twice as strong as before. Now, even without offensive Soul Skills, I won't be at such a disadvantage against Soul Masters of the same level."
"And."
At this point, she unconsciously touched the ice crown on her head and pointed to the milky white plumes and tail feathers on the phantom of her Martial Soul.
"I can feel that the ice elements in these are very strong, and they are continuously enhancing the ice elements of my Martial Soul. If my entire Martial Soul transforms to have the same aura, I would be able to easily suppress other Soul Masters with ice attributes."
She looked at Han Li: "Just like Han Li."
Everyone turned their gaze to Han Li, guessing that the powerful ice elements Shui Bing'er mentioned were his doing.
Seeing everyone looking at him, Han Li recounted the events that had transpired in the training room in detail.
"Bing'er's changes should be influenced by Han Li's soul power. Her Martial Soul's strength is still evolving to a higher level, similar to my own Martial Soul," Guang Ling observed, summoning his Martial Soul to compare it with Shui Bing'er's.
"Yes, it seems to be due to my influence, but this is a good thing. Once her transformation is complete, the ice element intensity in Bing'er's Martial Soul should be comparable to Master's," Han Li said, smiling and thinking it would be close to the extreme form of ice.
"Yes."
A hint of joy appeared on Shui Bing'er's face.
However, after speaking, her gaze remained fixed on Han Li, clearly not forgetting the previous incident.
"Alright, if nothing else, my previous actions not only enhanced her Martial Soul's strength but also seem to have created an inexplicable connection between our Martial Souls. It should be possible to develop a Martial Soul Fusion Skill," Han Li explained, understanding her look.
"Martial Soul Fusion Skill?"
The others were initially stunned, then joy spread across their faces.
"Yes, it should be possible. Perhaps it's because my soul power participated in her Martial Soul's evolution. In any case, when I see her Martial Soul now, I feel a sense of excitement. If I'm not mistaken, we should be able to develop a Martial SoulFusion Skill," Han Li continued, spreading his hands and looking at Shui Bing'er for confirmation.
"Yes, I feel it too, and it's very strong," Shui Bing'er confirmed.
As Shui Bing'er spoke, a blush flashed across her face.
She remembered that her mother once told her that in the world of Soul Masters, most who could perform Martial Soul Fusion Skills, if they were not family or the same gender, usually ended up as couples due to the mutual attraction between their Martial Souls.
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's try it out," Guang Ling said eagerly, wanting to see what their Martial Soul Fusion Skill would look like.
"Master, since we've confirmed it, there's no rush. Do you even know what time it is? We haven't eaten yet, and the noise from a Martial Soul Fusion Skill won't be small. Let's not disturb the neighbors; we can try it tomorrow," Han Li replied, touching his stomach and pointing at the lit-up surroundings.
"What's there to be afraid of? Who would dare come knocking?"
Guang Ling replied nonchalantly. The area was inhabited by members of the Martial Soul Hall. He didn't need to show his presence; just tossing a token would resolve everything.
"There's no need. Let's find a secluded spot tomorrow to test it. After all, it's a Martial Soul Fusion Skill; it shouldn't be exposed so casually," Han Li said, shaking his head and rejecting Guang Ling's suggestion.
"Alright, tomorrow then," Guang Ling agreed, realizing Han Li had a point and calming his eager heart.
"Yes, mainly because of Bing'er's situation. I have a new idea. Tonight, I'll try it with you—no, with Sister Yan instead," Han Li said.
"If it works, perhaps I can gain several Martial Soul Fusion Skills: one with you, one with Sister Yan, and maybe, once we're proficient, even a three-person Martial Soul Fusion Skill isn't impossible."
Han Li stroked his chin, contemplating.
"Artificially creating multiple Martial Soul Fusion Skills?"
The others were shocked by his words.
"It's not exactly that. For now, it's limited to Soul Masters with ice and fire attributes, and they must not be hostile towards me. Their bodies also need to withstand my soul power and the intense elemental invasion for it to succeed," Han Li clarified, emphasizing the prerequisites, all dependent on his absolute control over ice and fire elements.
"Yes, if it can succeed, it might even assist in training and enhancing the Martial Soul strength of ice and fire-related Soul Masters. Bing'er is the best example. In any case, I'll try it with Sister Yan tonight. Let's go eat first," Han Li said, looking up at the others who were a bit dazed and at Guang Ling, whose eyes held a hint of resentment.