Fang Yu listened attentively to Gao Weiguang's lecture and assimilated the information.
The description provided about the early stages were easy to follow, but it became more esoteric as it progressed. Fang Yu did not fully grasp the concept of the Dao Arbiter Realm and how they correlated to the cultivation of the spirit embryo which was the inner universe, or cosmos. Did the cultivator's cosmos become the Dao Fruit? Or the cultivated World Heart alone? When Fang Yu voiced his questions about this, Gao Weiguang explained that achieving Dao Fruit was different for everyone, and there wasn't a single method of transcendence. Besides that, Fang Yu was reminded that he had already integrated with a fragment of a Dao Fruit. As long as he restored his inner cosmos to perfect condition, the chance to condense a Dao Fruit would automatically appear following the original method used by the god consciousness of the Godshard.
This way, Gao Weiguang practically mapped out Fang Yu's cultivation future. However, Fang Yu himself was secretly at a loss.
Contrary to Gao Weiguang's analysis, he now knew firsthand that his inner cosmos was not a mutation or embryonic form of the original Godshard he integrated with, not anymore at least. In fact, Fang Yu suspected it only served as fuel foil for the manifestation of the one-star, nine planet universe he now had.
This brought about certain unavoidable questions. By what sorcery did his inner cosmos form a link to the distant past of the civilization he came from? That aside, was he cultivating an embryo of a Dao Fruit based on it? Or perhaps, he was cultivating the real solar system itself? This train of thought was dangerous and he quickly removed the possibility from his mind.
'I should ask Master about this, but I'd have to reveal the origins of my solar system. For some reason, I have the strongest intuition that I must never reveal anything about my transmigation status to anyone, not until I'm strong enough to protect myself!' he thought to himself.
Fang Yu was not an overly obsessive person. Realizing he could only know so much about his situation, he resolutely pushed the questions aside for now. The answers would suffice later in the future when he was qualified enough to pursue them. The secrets of his transmigation, the somewhat sketchy origins of the Godshard he integrated with, the mystery of his solar system; all the answers he needed would be unravelled in due time.
Fang Yu moved on to another question, "You said I've awakened a World Heart....would that be the sun in my inner world? Am I equivalent to a sixth stage powerhouse right now?"
"Technically, the sun should be your Void Crucible, so yes," Gao Weiguang replied. "But your strength remains to be seen. Execute the techniques you can, let me take a look!"
Fang Yu smiled awkwardly, "I already did that earlier."
"Just the Hollow Travel and Instantaneous Blinks you made with the shadow rule?" Gao Weiguang was surprised. "Those are impressive for a newbie cultivator but way too shabby for a Godshard Integrator. Having awakened your inner cosmos, you should be able to execute sixth stage strength at least."
Fang Yu's euphoria abruptly died down. With an unpleasant face, he asked, "What level of strength does my Hollow Travel correspond to?"
"It's impressive speed even for a demigod actually," Gao Weiguang's words were a slight comfort but he wasn't done. "But many factors have to be considered too, like stamina, damage potential, domain projection and more. What do you think?"
"I shouldn't have a problem with stamina," Fang Yu said stonily. The condensed planet Mercury supplied him with energy every single moment.
"And your damage potential?" Gao Weiguang asked.
"Not very great!" Fang Yu said despondently. Attack power wasn't the forte of the Shadow Spawns' innate abilities.
"You are limiting your mindset," Gao Weiguang commented. "You're clearly channeling the shadow rule of your Godshard to execute imprinted movement techniques templates. Why don't you cultivate special techniques and channel Shadow rule to them to bring out the power of the law? For example, I know of a finger technique called Desolate God Finger that channels light and darkness spiritual energy to directly attack the soul of any cultivator. Getting your hands on techniques like that can easily expand your skill repertoire and maximize the combat strength you can output."
His words reminded Fang Yu that he was indeed not limited to the innate abilities of the ancient gods of his solar system only. Indeed, some acquired cultivation techniques could be key to breaking their innate limitations.
His eyes shining, he asked, "Master, do you have any such technique with you? Like the Desolate God Finger you mentioned?"
"Yes, but I won't impart it to you. Having you everything on a platter of gold is detrimental to your growth."
Fang Yu blinked in disbelief. Gao Weiguang continued.
"Once this Avatar of mine dissipates, you can either decide to regroup or part ways with your fellow disciples, but make sure to roam the world and allow your providence lead you to fortuitous encounters. When your strength is high enough, you can try investigating my condition and come find me."
"In prison?" Fang Yu's lips twitched mischievously.
The blood Avatar's expression was deadpan, "Yes. In prison."
Gao Weiguang spent the remaining two days guiding Fang Yu. It was during this time that the latter discovered he couldn't project a domain of his inner cosmos yet. Gao Weiguang mocked him, calling him a 'One Buff Demigod.'
'Speed!' Fang Yu thought. 'The crux of Hermes' abilities is speed. If I expand the stealth applications of the Shadow rule too, I'll make a terrific assassin with this combination."
Assassins were enigmas as they usually lacked direct combat strength but had extremely lethal killing ability. For Fang Yu, this might just be the best model to maximize his battle power, considering that most of Hermes' innate abilities were inclined in this direction.
Half a day later, Gao Weiguang's blood avatar dissipated. Fang Yu was both surprised and amused that the blood qi he initially supplied returned to his body. It just so happened that the Immobilization Spell on Pei Xue also lost effect at this moment and she regained her freedom. She opened her eyes to see Fang Yu smiling at her coldly.
"Hello, Senior Sister!"