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The journey to Jia Nan Academy marked a pivotal chapter in GODFIFA's plan. Although Xiao Yan and Gu Xuner were traveling alongside him, they were oblivious to the intricate chessboard GODFIFA had already set.
The night before their departure, GODFIFA spent hours in meditation. Inside his inner space, the Talent Tree had grown considerably:
Branches Bound:
1. Gu Xuner's cultivation talent.
2. Xiao Yan's alchemy talent.
Each branch pulsed with energy, their growth amplifying the energy absorption process exponentially. The Talent Tree had developed an ability to condense dou qi from surrounding voids into pure energy, fueling GODFIFA's rapid cultivation without effort.
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Cultivation Progress
Stage: Dou Disciple (Peak)
Unique Achievement: Condensed Dou Qi Vortex – with enhanced density, GODFIFA's reserves rivaled those of a Dou Grandmaster.
Passive Effect: The Talent Tree's branches now had an aura of spatial manipulation, enhancing the area GODFIFA could dominate in a fight.
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The Weekly Random Draw
As the journey began, the system chimed in with its usual announcement.
System Notification:
Weekly Random Draw Initiating. Presenting three rare items:
1. Celestial Wind Steps: A movement technique that grants speed surpassing the wind itself.
2. Blazing Ice Orb: A hybrid elemental orb that combines fire and ice, devastating opponents.
3. Void Compression Seal: A defensive artifact capable of neutralizing attacks from opponents up to two realms higher.
GODFIFA considered his choices. The Celestial Wind Steps were tempting for their utility in combat, but the Void Compression Seal offered immense defensive advantages, especially for protecting his allies. He chose the Void Compression Seal.
The seal materialized in his system space, shimmering with otherworldly energy. GODFIFA inspected it closely, his sharp eyes noting the intricate inscriptions on its surface.
"This will be useful in the future," he murmured.
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The Journey Through the Black-Corner Region
The Black-Corner Region was notorious for its chaos and lawlessness, a place where only strength dictated survival. As the group ventured into its outskirts, GODFIFA's sharp mind came alive.
"Stay close," he ordered, his tone brooking no argument.
Xiao Yan and Gu Xuner obeyed, their trust in him unwavering. GODFIFA's senses picked up faint traces of hostile dou qi from hidden ambushers long before they attacked. He smirked, already forming a plan.
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The Ambush
A group of mercenaries, led by a Dou Spirit-level expert, confronted them.
"Surrender your valuables, or face death!" the leader sneered, his scarred face twisted into a menacing grin.
GODFIFA stepped forward, his calm demeanor unsettling the mercenaries. "You've made a mistake," he said, his voice low but commanding.
The fight was over before it began. Using the Void Compression Seal, GODFIFA neutralized the Dou Spirit's attacks effortlessly, his counterstrike sending shockwaves through the air. The remaining mercenaries fled, their morale shattered.
"Impressive," Gu Xuner said, her admiration evident.
"It's only the beginning," GODFIFA replied with a smile.
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Xuner's Growing Feelings
That night, as they camped under the stars, Gu Xuner couldn't help but reflect on GODFIFA's strength and composure. She sat beside him by the fire, her usual guarded demeanor softening.
"You're unlike anyone I've ever met," she admitted, her voice tinged with vulnerability.
GODFIFA turned to her, his amber eyes gleaming in the firelight. "And you're not as reserved as you pretend to be, Xuner."
Their conversation flowed naturally, marked by subtle glances and moments of shared understanding. By the time they retired for the night, Xuner's heart was already leaning toward him, though she tried to suppress it.
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