Bibi Dong's seventh Rakshasa Trial was unique: she needed to control thirty percent of the evil intent within the Pure Heart Pearl. This raised questions—how did the Rakshasa God know she possessed such an artifact, altering her trial based on her current state?
What Bibi Dong didn't know was that divine trials often adapted to the inheritor's circumstances. Though the Rakshasa God may have perished, it seemed a trace of its consciousness remained; otherwise, it wouldn't have been able to bestow a legacy trial.
Su Ming's Journal Entry:
"The original story gave little attention to Yu Tianheng and Dugu Yan's fates. Ultimately, they ended up together, but things didn't end well. The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, their sanctuary, was annihilated. This was Bibi Dong's first move in establishing the Spirit Empire, eliminating clans not aligned with her empire, including the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.
"The Clear Sky Clan, secluded and powerful, was left untouched. However, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan wasn't as lucky; they were completely eradicated, while the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan survived with a remnant of their lineage thanks to Tang San's hidden weapons."
Dugu Yan felt a wave of realization: So Su Ming had spared Yu Tianheng, not out of leniency, but due to his consideration for her and everyone's safety. Yet, he also wanted her to make her own decisions about that connection.
Su Ming's kindness toward her and her grandfather was clear. Now she had to take responsibility, severing her ties with Yu Tianheng. She would make her stance known if they met in the upcoming Soul Master Tournament, perhaps even crippling him if necessary.
Su Ming's journal continued:
"During our first attempt at a spirit fusion technique, things didn't go as planned. Despite our best efforts, I was blocked from merging my spirit power within Ye Lingling's. She was clearly nervous and couldn't fully open up. Although it was a shame, I understand."
Everyone:...
Su Ming, do you realize how ambiguous that sounds?
Ye Lingling blushed as she read on, amused and flustered by the suggestive wording.
Su Ming's Journal:
"When Lingling asked if there was any other way, I explained that a deeper physical connection—an embrace—could help. This isn't your typical polite hug but a closer embrace that could foster a state of calm and connectedness."
He went on to explain:
"I admire beautiful women like any man, but to coerce someone goes against my principles. That's where I draw the line!"
Everyone: Leave it to you to make such a statement sound so... profound.
In her room, Ye Lingling's face was flushed, but she read on with fascination, eager to hear more about the effects.
"When we tried again with Lingling's permission, this time embracing from behind, the fusion process was much smoother. Eventually, our spirit powers merged entirely! This was a crucial first step toward a successful spirit fusion technique, proving that with time and practice, we could reach full compatibility."
With this successful merge, Su Ming continued:
"Our perfect compatibility would bring unique benefits. When two spirits achieve a perfect fusion, they don't just combine powers—they amplify each other. First, it speeds up spirit power recovery; second, it accelerates cultivation speed; and third, it enhances the quality and potency of any techniques or skills used during fusion. Unfortunately, Lingling fainted from the effort, leaving us unable to explore these effects in depth."
Ye Lingling, more determined than ever, felt her curiosity deepening about these new abilities. How much could her Nine Heart Begonia's healing power improve with such an enhancement?
Later that night, after journaling, Su Ming resumed training, confident that he would soon reach level 49.
Ding! "Congratulations, host! Daily journal completed. Reward: Ten-thousand-year increase for your first three spirit rings and a God-bestowed spirit ring (Poison)."
Su Ming was elated. An ideal poison-based spirit ring for his fifth ring? The coincidence was too perfect.
Inwardly, he praised the system: System, you're amazing!
System: "Your luck is all there is to thank for that."