"You seem to be in a good mood, huh? Wow, you're already at level 54? Even with just an extra 4,000 years, that's a considerable boost in soul power! Maybe what I said before isn't so far-fetched after all?"
"It's just 4,000 years, and it's from a Wind Summoner. How could it provide so much soul power? That's all from my prior cultivation. But you, your observation skills have improved again. I only released a bit of soul power after absorbing the soul ring, and you noticed it?"
You Chen looked at Diwan, his expression somewhat meaningful.
With the enhancement of the Breath Concealment Technique, his ability to hide his level had improved significantly.
This world isn't one where everyone walks around with a level tag on their head, or where revealing one's aura instantly reveals their level to everyone.
Soul masters evaluate levels by observing soul rings first, then assessing aura.
This method is usually accurate when dealing with individuals of similar strength.
Diwan, seeing You Chen's expression, twitched his nose and pouted, "You really are as cautious as ever. It's just a level. Do you really think I'd go around telling others?"
It's just a level...
Diwan's thoughts weren't unreasonable.
For most people, this wouldn't be an issue, but You Chen had to raise his guard in this aspect.
Jumping from level 48 to 54 isn't too suspicious. Nobody knew when You Chen reached level 50.
But if, in two or three years, his strength leaps to the sixties, anyone would sense something amiss.
'Looks like I need to focus more on practicing the Breath Concealment Technique. If necessary, I'll use that flash of insight.'
You Chen thought silently.
Aloud, he said, "The best way to keep a secret is to ensure no one else knows it. The second-best is that those who know won't speak of it. Be cautious, Diwan. I'm not worried about you knowing, but if someone keeping an eye on me has some kind of eavesdropping soul skill or method..."
"Alright, alright, I'll be careful."
Diwan had a "what are you talking about?" look but knew You Chen's personality well enough to remember his caution even if he didn't fully understand it.
He continued, "Anyway, now that everything's done, are you heading to Farsno, to Nordin City? Who knows how long it would take you on foot. Let me take you there."
You Chen was about to agree when suddenly, a violent tremor shook the ground. A terrifying beast roar seemed to echo through the entire forest, and the chaotic sounds of countless birds and beasts fleeing filled the air.
Diwan's expression changed instantly. He grabbed You Chen and took off into the sky without hesitation.
"What's happening? Have the soul beasts in the forest gone mad? It can't be that the Wind Summoner we just killed had something big backing it, right?"
"No, you're overthinking it, Diwan. I assure you on my honor as a theoretical master, there's no connection between the two."
While responding to Diwan's speculation, You Chen turned back to glance in the direction of the beastly uproar.
Recalling some critical information, a spark of realization flashed in his eyes: 'Could it be that guy? Such timing, today of all days?'
With Diwan's speed, they flew out of the Star Dou Forest in just two hours.
As Diwan made to continue flying west, carrying You Chen further, You Chen finally spoke up.
"Diwan, here is fine."
"Huh? We just entered the borders of Barak Kingdom. It's still a long way from Farsno."
"That's right."
Diwan didn't quite understand You Chen's sudden decision but wasn't one to pry—another reason You Chen liked relying on him.
You Chen often had seemingly inexplicable whims, and Diwan had learned to attribute these to "that's just how genius scholars are."
He easily let You Chen down and asked, "I'm planning to stay in Spirit City for a while. Any messages you need me to pass on to your lovely maid?"
At the mention of this, Diwan teasingly gave You Chen a whistle, his eyes filled with playful mischief.
You Chen ignored Diwan's suggestive glance and replied in a businesslike tone, "I'd like to collect data on the soul ring ages used by those who've used whale glue over the years, preferably including their physical and mental data at the time."
As a young man from the information technology age of the 21st century, how could You Chen not pay attention to soul tools after arriving in the Douluo world?
While researching the concept of the trinity of essence, energy, and spirit, You Chen had begun developing soul tools capable of more accurately measuring and collecting soul master data several years in advance.
Nowadays, most of Spirit Hall's new generation elites would use these tools to measure themselves before absorbing a soul ring. As long as they had a decent memory, such critical data was unlikely to be forgotten.
"Ah? Another new research project? You really are a boring guy, you know that?"
"What's it to you!? Just tell me if you'll help or not."
"Alright. Nordin City, right? Even if I'm too busy, I'll make sure someone gets the data to you."
Thinking of something, You Chen shook his head, "No need for all that trouble. Just hand it over to my head maid, and she'll get it to me."
"Okay. Since you don't want to see my old face more than necessary, I won't impose."
With that, Diwan shrugged, turned with a flourish, waved his right hand at You Chen, and soared into the night sky, disappearing from view entirely.
Meanwhile, You Chen quietly entered the nearest city...
Days passed in a flash.
On a country road in Barak Kingdom, a cute little girl with a scorpion braid extending past her hips, dressed in an adorable pink outfit, was happily skipping along, swinging her arms freely.
As she walked, she hummed a tune of unknown origin, her face displaying a pure, silly smile.
She resembled a husky gleefully frolicking around when its owner wasn't home.
"Little girl, don't you know there are bandits around here lately?"
Suddenly, a magnetic voice reached the girl's ears.
Her expression instantly turned vigilant, but upon turning, she saw a young man with gentle, scholarly demeanor and broad black-rimmed glasses sitting on a tree stump. The voice had come from him.
"Mister, who are you?"
Perhaps due to his gentle appearance, the girl relaxed her guard and asked, "What are you doing here? Waiting for someone?"
"I'm heading to a remote place for business. I've been traveling a long time and stopped for a short rest here. But didn't you hear what I just said? Instead of worrying about me, shouldn't you be more concerned about your own safety?"
This man with non-prescription glasses was, of course, You Chen.
The accessory wasn't an attempt to cosplay Aizen but a precaution. Considering the potential appearance enhancements from future martial spirit upgrades, it was to prevent others from noticing changes in his appearance.
As for this cute girl with the scorpion braid, who else could she be but Xiao Wu?
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