Chapter 8: Transformation and Celebration
Lu Yuan's ambition had solidified: he would break through to the Planetary Level, and only then would he consider venturing into the perilous Central Plains. The power he wielded was formidable, but the universe of Swallowed Star had taught him that true strength lay beyond mere initial breakthroughs.
Today marked a significant milestone for Xiao Yixian. After months of patient absorption, she had finally integrated the Poison Sea Pearl. The transformation was startling. Her slender form seemed to lengthen subtly, her height increasing by a noticeable margin, and the soft green of her hair deepened, taking on a richer, more vibrant hue. She opened her jade-like eyes, now shimmering with a profound inner power, and without a word, she floated gracefully into Lu Yuan's waiting arms, embracing him tightly. The hug was filled with an unspoken gratitude and a newfound confidence.
Lu Yuan gently stroked her transformed hair, a sense of awe mingling with pride. He could feel the immense power radiating from her, a dark yet vibrant energy that spoke of mastery. He saw her strength had directly escalated to the peak of the God of War level. The Poison Sea Pearl had not merely merged with her; it had amplified her inherent constitution, granting her the ability to absorb poison with incredible efficiency, allowing her to cultivate at an astonishing pace. Recognizing her breakthrough, Lu Yuan gently sent her off to train, knowing she needed to assimilate her new power.
Her rapid progress fueled his own drive. He had been working diligently, too, not wanting to fall too far behind her. Her special body's capabilities, combined with the Pearl, were truly shocking.
Months passed in this manner, a blur of focused cultivation. While no dramatic external events occurred, Lu Yuan utilized this time to acquire several crucial items from the system's store. He invested in a Black God Armor, enhancing his durability, and various other resources that directly contributed to his growth. His physical fitness, after rigorous training and strategic use of system resources, finally reached Warlord Advance level. His Spirit Mastery, however, had already soared higher, breaking through to God of War Intermediate level.
His system points had dwindled to four thousand five hundred. While this sounded substantial, he knew from past experience that true game-changing items in the store still demanded far more.
This day, however, was dedicated to a major breakthrough for himself. He had the Ten Thousand Year Willow Heart patiently waiting. He opened his inventory and carefully retrieved the precious item. Following the knowledge gleaned from the Swallowed Star series, he cut away its fibrous outer covering, revealing a small pool of vibrant green liquid, pulsating with an immense, palpable life force. Without hesitation, he drank it all. Though the quantity was small, the concentrated life force within was astronomically high.
The moment the liquid touched his tongue, his entire body was engulfed in a wave of exhilarating joy. Every cell, every fiber of his being, vibrated with renewed vitality. He felt his physical 'shackles' being violently torn away. For a few brief, glorious minutes, he found himself hovering effortlessly in the air within his room, completely immersed in the overwhelming rush of life force, his senses swimming in ecstasy.
Then, after what felt like an eternity yet was only a few minutes, he returned to his senses, grounded by the sheer, immense strength and power that now coursed through every vein. He strode outside to the courtyard, a simple desire to test his newfound might. He casually threw a punch, a seemingly effortless motion. But the air before his fist screamed, producing a deafening sonic boom, and a tremendous burst of concussive force erupted, slamming into the courtyard wall. The sturdy stone cracked, huge fissures spiderwebbing across its surface, a testament to the raw power he now contained. He quickly reined in his strength, realizing that even a casual movement could shatter his home. His physical fitness had now been elevated to the Intermediate God of War level, perfectly aligning with his Spirit Mastery, which had already reached God of War Advance level.
He extended his spiritual force, eager to test his techniques. He activated the Fourth Form of the Nine Dragons Technique. Instantly, the familiar hum of the Shifter Blade filled the air as it elongated and split. Four majestic dragons, each at least fifty meters long, materialized in the sky above the courtyard. They were almost perfectly identical, their forms composed of countless shimmering blades, radiating an awe-inspiring power. They let out synchronized roars that weren't just sounds, but ripples of power, vibrating through the air like the calls of true, ancient dragons. The sheer scale and destructive potential of this new form left Lu Yuan utterly satisfied. With a thought, he retracted the Shifter Blade, the four dragons dissolving back into a single, elegant weapon in his hand.
He had become stronger, immeasurably so. Now, his focus sharpened on his next grand goal: breaking through to the Planetary Level as swiftly as possible. He possessed the means to accelerate this breakthrough: the Wood Crystals he had acquired earlier. He knew absorbing them could easily propel him to the peak of the Planetary Level.
But today, he decided, was not for further breakthroughs. Today was for enjoyment, for celebration with his girls.
He took both Xiao Yixian and Qing Lin out into Green Mountain Town. The town market was particularly lively, bustling with people, vendors, and the scent of various foods. They ate, drank, and enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere, spending hours in light-hearted conversation and shared laughter. It was late into the night when they finally returned home, tired but content.
Later that night, Xiao Yixian quietly came to Lu Yuan's room. He saw her enter, her cheeks flushed a soft red. "What's the matter?" he asked gently, a playful glint in his eyes. "Have you come to sleep with me?"
"Yes," she whispered, her face burning even redder. Without another word, she quietly slipped into the bed beside him. Lu Yuan inhaled her sweet scent, a comforting aroma that filled his senses. He gently pulled her into his arms, holding her close as they both settled down. In his embrace, Xiao Yixian felt utterly comfortable and safe, quickly drifting off to sleep.