In this world, people might consider the soul skills forcibly elevated by sheer power as ten-thousand-year skills, but You Chen held a different view. As a researcher, he maintained a scientific and rigorous attitude even in soul skill studies.
His "Soul Intimidation Technique" would be classified strictly according to its actual level.
Otherwise, should a century-old soul skill wielded by a Titled Douluo be called a ten-thousand-year skill just because of its power? That's absurd!
You Chen's mental strength had long reached a level known as the Spiritual Abyss, which was formless yet substantial.
Even if it were classified as a millennium-level skill, with his mental strength far surpassing his contemporaries, he could use this soul skill, primarily causing opponents to lose their focus, to directly overwhelm a Soul Elder of the same level.
Even against a Soul Saint, it could cause a momentary lapse.
Others, judging by You Chen's level and the skill's effects, might rate it as a hundred-thousand-year skill, which wouldn't be surprising.
The effectiveness of the "Soul Intimidation Technique" delighted You Chen, but his primary focus was the "Breath Concealment Technique."
He hadn't given up on uncovering the intriguing potential he sensed within it.
As the name suggests, the "Breath Concealment Technique" is a secret art for hiding one's aura.
It can suppress one's aura and even the fluctuations of soul power when activated.
In its localized version, it can even perfectly conceal one's soul rings during martial spirit activation.
However, this requires mastery of the technique at a major level.
When perfected, this technique allows the use of soul ring skills without triggering the soul rings.
Whether for survival, ambush, or exploration, it's an invaluable skill.
Given You Chen's cautious nature, he was particularly fond of the "Breath Concealment Technique."
He planned to focus on mastering it to a major level first, enabling him to hide his soul rings and level when releasing his martial spirit.
Even if it offered no hidden abilities, You Chen wouldn't overlook it.
Unfortunately, despite his research into the "Breath Concealment Technique," You Chen hadn't yet discovered any hidden uses.
However, the time had come for him to leave Spirit City.
"Teacher, I've made my decision."
In the reception room of You Chen's residence, Yan, following You Chen's instructions, arrived upon receiving an invitation from You Chen's household staff.
Seeing the determined and resolute young man before him, You Chen nodded, "Since this is a decision you've made after careful consideration, I won't interfere. As for convincing the Spirit Hall authorities to allow you into Death Canyon, consider it a test of your ability to handle affairs. I won't give you any special guidance; it's all up to your own efforts. However, anything before entering Death Canyon isn't a major issue in principle."
With that, he handed a storage bag to Yan, saying, "The real danger lies in Death Canyon itself. No one can guarantee your safe return. As the proposer and your teacher, this is my last bit of help for you."
Yan accepted it solemnly, bowing deeply to You Chen, "Thank you, Teacher!"
You Chen smiled, "I hope to see you as a formidable warrior when we meet again."
With these words, the two didn't prolong the farewell. Understanding his teacher's intentions, Yan promptly took his leave.
"A good disciple, indeed. No wonder you trained him. In a few decades, he might easily surpass an old relic like me."
A middle-aged man with a steady demeanor, wearing a green open-front long shirt, with tousled medium-length hair and a red band on his forehead, stood leaning against the wall, jesting.
It seemed he'd been there from the start, yet Yan never noticed his presence.
(Diwan.jpg)
"Diwan, if even someone like you, known as the King of Eagles, is considered an outdated relic, then there might not be any young people on this continent worth mentioning," You Chen remarked with a sigh, rolling his eyes.
"Hahaha!"
Diwan, the man addressed, laughed heartily at You Chen's words, and You Chen, infected by the carefree laughter, smiled in return.
Their casual exchange suggested a strong camaraderie between them.
The relationship between You Chen and Diwan was straightforward, resembling that of a benefactor and beneficiary.
Since You Chen considered creating soul beasts after his vitality waned, it was logical he'd sought external help even earlier.
But as a young man, he harbored some lofty ambitions and aimed not at children, who were like blank slates, but at young and middle-aged individuals.
After all, nurturing children to a point where they could assist him involved significant time, if not material costs, requiring at least a decade or more.
Relying on their strength to protect himself against future threats like Bibi Dong could take forty to fifty years.
During his prime, You Chen couldn't afford to wait that long.
He intended to leverage his theoretical knowledge to aid Soul Elders and Soul Kings in planning their cultivation paths and soul ring choices, thereby earning "favors."
He especially targeted those who seemed to be straying or whose cultivation progress had stagnated due to various reasons.
Novels often depict protagonists helping soul masters choose the best cultivation paths and soul rings, leading to achievements far beyond their original potential, earning gratitude and loyalty.
However, reality proved different. After altering their futures, these soul masters quickly returned to Spirit Hall. Though grateful, their gratitude was short-lived.
With Bibi Dong's rise and rumors of her targeting You Chen, many severed ties with him.
You Chen overlooked a crucial aspect: those fictional protagonists weren't just theoretical masters but also cultivation prodigies.
In a world where rank was paramount, intelligence alone couldn't command loyalty. They saw the protagonist's potential to become a peak powerhouse, coupled with gratitude, and were willing to follow.
It was a mutual investment.
As the saying goes, a favor in times of need is often forgotten. As a rising star in the theoretical realm, these soul masters didn't harbor animosity toward You Chen.
Feeling unable to repay and unwilling to pledge loyalty to a mere theorist, they unconsciously downplayed You Chen's role in their success, attributing it more to luck and their efforts.
Thus, their gratitude faded.
Only a select few remembered You Chen's past kindness, maintaining contact despite the current Pope's disdain for him.
You Chen recognized his youthful folly and no longer sought blind "loyalty," treating them as friends and equals.
Diwan was among these few, enjoying the closest bond with You Chen.
An 82-level Battle Soul Master with a top-tier martial spirit, the King of Eagles.
Even the Spirit Hall couldn't easily manipulate this free-spirited man.
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