Chapter 178: Explosive Growth in Strength

Chapter 178: Explosive Growth in Strength

Along the river, Li Yuan sprinted for a kilometer.

Soon, he arrived at the foot of a towering mountain.

The massive cliff seemed as if it had been cleaved by a battle sword, with barely any vegetation growing on its surface.

About forty to fifty meters above the ground, a cave entrance could be vaguely seen.

This was the 'Natural Seclusion Treasure Land' that Li Yuan had discovered not long ago.

Whoosh! Li Yuan leaped lightly, swiftly climbing the protruding rocks on the cliff like a monkey, and quickly soared into the cave.

The cave entrance was not large, about two to three meters high and four to five meters wide, but the interior was spacious, reaching a depth of several dozen meters. Aside from some dust and rubble, it was relatively clean.

"This is the place," Li Yuan scanned the area with his eyes, using his spirit power to sense the surroundings, confirming that there were no other life forms present.

He proceeded deeper into the cave and sat down cross-legged.

"Source Power Infusion," Li Yuan's mind quickly calmed, and he tried to enter the state of 'Heaven and Man as One' while also releasing his suppression of the Mind Divine Palace.

The next moment—

Boom! The Star Vessel began to circulate uncontrollably, and an endless surge of Origin Power flooded into Li Yuan's body.

The power was overwhelming.

The purity and intensity of the Origin Power were at least ten times stronger than the second time, causing immense pressure on Li Yuan's perfectly rounded Star Vessel.

"Such pure Origin Power?" Li Yuan held his breath, feeling slightly surprised even in his heart.

Fortunately, Li Yuan's spirit power was much stronger than during his previous Source Power Infusion, or else he wouldn't have been able to control it for a while.

"Life Evolution."

"Body," Li Yuan's heart moved, and with his current spirit power, he could sense that in the second layer of the Mind Divine Palace, golden mists were spontaneously born out of thin air.

These mists drifted along the stairs and poured into the first layer of the Mind Divine Palace... or rather, into Li Yuan's limbs and every part of his body.

"This golden mist should be a strange power," Li Yuan thought to himself, "Without it merging into my body, I wouldn't be able to digest such a vast amount of Origin Power in such a short time."

With his newfound status as an L6 member of the Starfire Martial Palace, Li Yuan had gained access to more extensive databases.

He had also inquired about numerous treasures related to the Mind World and enhancing physical qualities.

Although he hadn't found any information about the Mind Divine Palace, he had formed many speculations based on various sources.

"Normally, when Source Power is guided throughout the body, the muscles, blood, and flesh cannot quickly devour and absorb it," Li Yuan thought silently.

It's like eating; one can only eat so much before feeling full.

Practicing the 'Various Heavens Stars' or other Martial Arts, the physical qualities that a Warrior like Li Yuan could improve daily were limited... Advancing in skill realm and tapping into the body's potential was, in a sense, increasing one's appetite.

But there was always a limit.

On the other hand, some Heavenly Materials and Treasures could enhance physical qualities in an extremely short time, fundamentally transforming the body.

Consequently, they were incredibly rare and priced exorbitantly.

Undoubtedly, the Source Power Infusion brought about by the Mind Divine Palace had its core not in guiding Origin Power but in the mysterious 'golden mist' that could digest this overwhelming power.

Boom!

Li Yuan's muscles, blood, bones, membranes, and internal organs all began an all-encompassing evolutionary transformation.

"【Your Life Tier has increased from 16.8 to 16.9】"

"【Your strength has increased from...】" Numerous prompts flashed rapidly on the Palace Panel.

This transformation, as the Origin Power infused every part of Li Yuan's body, caused astonishing changes, constantly evolving him.

This physical evolution was a comprehensive reorganization of muscles, blood, and flesh, bringing pain, but with Li Yuan's spirit power, he could easily endure it.

Moreover, Li Yuan's attention was not on his bodily transformation; his primary consciousness had entered the Mind Divine Palace, and his spiritual body had reached the second layer.

Buzz! Buzz!

In the vast palace, Li Yuan sensed the golden mists constantly being born in the void.

"Before, I thought these mists were naturally present in the Mind Divine Palace, always existing in the second layer," Li Yuan pondered, "But now it seems not entirely the case."

"Could these golden mists be the 'life soul substance' of the aliens I killed, captured by the Mind Divine Palace through some mysterious means?" A thought suddenly flashed through Li Yuan's mind.

Upon careful consideration, it seemed reasonable.

This perfectly explained why the effects of the Source Power Infusions had increased each time... because the aliens Li Yuan killed were becoming stronger and more numerous.

"But why only when I kill aliens?" Li Yuan was also puzzled: "When I scanned human Warriors, there was no prompt about acquiring Spirit Nutrients."

At least, Li Yuan was still unclear about the Mind Divine Palace's judgment criteria.

"Begin," Li Yuan's spiritual body willed it, and among the vast amount of mists, a small portion separated.

It fell onto Li Yuan's spiritual body.

Boom!

Instantly, like the previous two experiences, Li Yuan's consciousness became hazy, and the surrounding Mind World transformed into an endless dark space.

"The Life Star Space." Li Yuan's spirit power was now far superior to before, and his consciousness remained clear and alert.

The vast and boundless Life Star Space had a faint starry belt flickering within the endless darkness.

This was the 'Star Vessel' that Li Yuan had awakened, with over a hundred thousand life stars shining, enough to bring a faint glow to the Life Star Space.

"~

A strand of starlight appeared, shining from the depths of the dark starry sky, subtly nourishing Li Yuan's spiritual consciousness.

"Your soul is nourished, and your spirit power has risen from level 27.0 to 27.1."

Li Yuan's spirit power began to transform and elevate.

...

As Li Yuan's Origin Power infused his body, his strength underwent a metamorphosis.

In the Blue Star Xia Guo, at Kunlun Martial University, it was already the morning of January 14th.

Deep within the villa complex belonging to the Six Institutes.

"Dean Hai, as per your instructions, we should allow Li Yuan to experience life-and-death trials as much as possible," Li Yang said with a slight bow.

He had just reported Li Yuan's situation in the Mingxu Star Realm to Dean Hai.

"Hmm."

"A treasure of immense value and potential, one that might exist, could be enough to attract him." Dean Hai spoke calmly, "Li Yuan's character highly values his family. He wants to restore his uncle's body as soon as possible, and he won't easily give up this opportunity."

"Dean."

Li Yang couldn't help but ask, "Isn't this rushing things? Normal life-and-death battles are already challenging enough. There's no need to put him at such risk."

"Are you worried about him encountering Second Rank Aliens?" Dean Hai asked calmly.

"Li Yuan's strength is impressive, but if he encounters Second Rank Aliens, even with secret protection, it would still be extremely dangerous," Li Yang shook his head, "In the Star Realm, death is often a fine line away. Protection has its limits, and it might not arrive in time during a critical moment."

When he was nurturing Li Yuan, he was sometimes crazy, but in reality, he was quite rational.

He wouldn't take significant risks.

"The path is his to choose."

"After educating him for over a decade, the general education courses taught him various knowledge within the Star Realm. The Source Power Armor was given, and life-saving items were provided... The potential dangers were also made clear. Whether he goes or not is also his choice." Dean Hai spoke calmly, "The outcome, good or bad, is for him to bear. Making a choice and facing the consequences of that choice is also a form of spiritual tempering."

"But what if something unexpected happens?" Li Yang hesitated.

"If the choice he makes exceeds his strength, it will show that he hasn't truly grown despite the previous nurturing," Dean Hai said calmly, "If he can't withstand the tempering, then he dies."

Li Yang looked at Dean Hai in shock.

Die if he dies?

But he was almost destined to be an Ascendant Rank genius.

"This nurturing process isn't just my decision; it's a consensus among the higher-ups of human civilization," Dean Hai spoke softly, "Precisely because his potential is sufficient, the tempering will be even harsher."

"You need to understand."

"For a genius like him, the highest expectations of the top echelons aren't for him to become an Ascendant Rank, as Ascendant Rank alone can't determine the survival of human civilization... Instead, they hope he can surpass the Ascendant Rank." Dean Hai said slowly.

"Surpass the Ascendant Rank?" Li Yang held his breath.

Such existences were the true highest echelons.

"Like ancient emperors, many were also very intelligent in their youth," Dean Hai spoke calmly, "But growing up in the depths of the palace, raised by women... Most became mediocre or even foolish."

"Why? It's because the environment was too comfortable. Throughout history, great achievers have endured countless hardships, transforming their heart nature and willpower, and finally succeeding."

"Innate talent is only temporary."

"Postnatal cultivation is of utmost importance."

"With Li Yuan's talent, if we follow the standard path, he can indeed become Ascendant Rank. But what then? Will we try to temper him again?"

"When nurturing a child, if you don't cultivate their temperament and educate them properly at a young age, and only start doing so when they're thirty, it's too late." Dean Hai shook his head.

"For the highest echelons, if the talent is average, they won't care as much."

"But for an exceptional genius like Li Yuan, during the nurturing process, nine out of ten will die from the tempering."

"As long as one survives the tempering and becomes an existence that surpasses the Ascendant Rank, the deaths of the other nine are worth it; that's success." Dean Hai spoke solemnly, "Moreover, it's all about subtle guidance. We won't force such a genius."

"Like this time, if he doesn't take the initiative to venture out and seeks stability instead, no one will force him."

"I understand," Li Yang nodded.

He understood Dean Hai's meaning.

For an exceptional genius, human civilization provides top-tier resources and protection, but they also guide them to face numerous dangerous trials.

Only by surviving and overcoming these challenges can they more easily achieve great accomplishments.

Compared to producing a hundred Ascendant Rank warriors, the higher echelons of human civilization hope for the birth of an existence that surpasses the Ascendant Rank.

In the Mingxu Star Realm, approximately 900 kilometers away from the Third Outpost Base, lies the Flying Serpent Valley, a vast and narrow canyon perpetually shrouded in mist. About ten kilometers from this canyon, a secluded valley serves as a base for numerous Tianliang Clan warriors.

At this moment, the entire camp is eerily quiet, and all the Tianliang Clan warriors gaze at the distance with a hint of fear.

A loud whip cracks through the air, landing on the kneeling, burly figure.

"Useless! Useless!"

"You couldn't even complete such a simple task, and you let all your teammates die? You're the only one who returned alive?"

"Why didn't you die out there?" asked a bizarre youth in a blood-red robe, his voice cold and eyes filled with rage.

None of the Tianliang Clan warriors dared to speak.

Within the Tianliang Clan, the hierarchy is strictly enforced. As a core disciple of the Holy Ground, Xueshu has the power of life and death over these ordinary warriors.

Another whip cracked, leaving a visible, terrifying mark on the kneeling burly man, Logan.

Blood drenched Logan's entire body.

"Lord Xueshu, I admit my mistake," Logan said, lowering his head and gritting his teeth. "But I fought to stay alive, not out of cowardice. I wanted to report back to you to prevent a surprise attack."

"So, I should thank you?" The bizarre youth in the blood robe laughed in anger.

"I dare not," Logan said, lowering his head and enduring the pain. "My failure this time was not without reason... I was ultimately defeated by this seven-star human genius."

He narrated the entire process.

"Special Source Power Armor? 17th-level four-stage skill, fully mastered? Indeed, he's a top genius of the Seven-Star Human Civilization." A cold light flashed in the bizarre youth's eyes. "You've finally brought some good news."

"Unfortunately."

"He's within the Seven-Star Human's sphere of influence, and I can't risk hunting him down." The bizarre youth's eyes turned cold. "Prepare to withdraw."

"Prepare to abandon the plan for the Flying Serpent Valley."

"Withdraw?" Logan was taken aback.

"What else can we do?" The bizarre youth glanced at him, his voice cold. "You bunch of useless fools, not only did you fail to intercept those Seven-Star Humans, but you've also exposed so much."

"The Seven-Star Humans aren't fools. They'll likely guess that there's treasure in the Flying Serpent Valley, and the Source Warriors might come." The bizarre youth spoke coldly. "Do you want to start a war with the Source Warriors?"

Logan, the burly man, dared not speak.

Starting a war with Source Warriors? If they arrive, apart from Lord Xueshu, no one would likely withstand their attacks beyond three moves.

"Logan."

"I'll give you a chance to redeem yourself. Take your remaining troops and stay in the Flying Serpent Valley to keep watch." The bizarre youth spoke coldly.

"Three days!"

"If we still don't find any trace of the Seven-Star Humans, I'll lead a team back to continue the plan."

Logan's heart sank.

If the Seven-Star Human's main force arrives, his death would be certain.

However, he dared not speak up, as the current passive situation was indeed a result of his failed mission.

Soon, the bizarre youth in the blood robe swiftly departed with most of the Tianliang Clan warriors.

Only Logan and over ten warriors remained.

"I can only pray that the Seven-Star Human leaders won't take the risk," Logan silently prayed.

---

About 100 kilometers away from the Flying Serpent Valley, time ticked by.

After nearly eight hours, Li Yuan's consciousness fully recovered.

"This time, the Essence Energy Infusion seemed to end faster than the last time." Li Yuan slowly opened his eyes.

His eyes were filled with tranquility.

"After the third Essence Energy Infusion, my Physical Proficiency has improved so much." Without moving, Li Yuan could already feel the terrifying power within his body.

It was far stronger than before.

"My Physical Proficiency..." Li Yuan glanced at the Divine Palace Panel.

---

【Life Tier: 19.0 (First Rank)】

Punch Power: 50,200 kg

Speed: 100.8 m/s

Spirit Power: 28.4

Willpower: 30

Spirit Awakening Level: 30% (Current Limit: 30%)



Star Vessel: 10

Skill Realm: Spear Technique (Five-Stage 6%), Body Technique (Five-Stage 7%), Fist Technique (Mastery)



...

In just half a day, Li Yuan's Life Tier soared from 16.8 to 19!

His punch power had nearly doubled.

"Now..." Li Yuan slowly stood up, clenching his fists and feeling the surging power within him. "I should be able to challenge a beginner Source Warrior."

What about the Tianliang Clan warrior who escaped earlier?

If they met again, Li Yuan had a feeling he could defeat him with full force.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end