Chapter 120: Level 9 Warrior, Talent Combination

Upgrade successful, the character's warrior profession level has risen to Level 9.

Your creature level has reached Level 9; based on the Comprehensive Net Slaughter trait, killing creatures below Level 4 will no longer grant you slaughter experience.

You have received three Profession Baptisms; your comprehensive basic attributes (all attributes, maximum HP, related basic resistances) have increased somewhat!

Your overall attributes have increased!

Current attributes: Strength 13, Agility 14, Constitution 15, Intelligence 12, Charisma 13, Perception 22.

Based on your profession level, you have gained a professional specialty; please make your choice.

Indestructible Diamond:

In long-term training and combat, your physical fitness has been greatly strengthened; mastering the flesh lets you know that the body is the foundation of existence, and you begin to pursue the ultimate essence.

Permanent HP increased, innate armor 1, gain all 5% damage reduction, body-type Elite Talent receives adjustment (based on Strength, Agility, Constitution).

Swallowing Mountains and Rivers:

In long-term training and combat, your use of Inner Qi has been greatly strengthened; you gain a deeper understanding of the essence of Qi, for Qi that receives from heaven and earth, drawing Qi into the body is Inner Qi, and you begin to pursue the ultimate Qi.

Permanent Inner Qi increased, Inner Qi recovery speed increased by 10%, Inner Qi-type Elite Talent receives adjustment (based on Inner Qi and Wisdom-related attributes).

Peerless Under Heaven:

In long-term training and combat, you have sensed the existence of divine will, begun to clarify your belief, willing to devote your life to upholding that belief, and you begin to pursue the ultimate divine.

Permanent will resistance increased; when facing will-based spells and effects, the character has a probability (based on Perception) to be immune to these spells or effects; will-type Elite Talent receives adjustment (based on Perception and Charisma-related attributes).

Three choices, once again representing three paths.

Essence, Energy, Spirit; in Jiuzhou culture, they are the fundamental composition that determines a person's strength, from which three paths extend.

Refining the indestructible body through essence cultivation, inhaling and exhaling heaven and earth's essence through Qi cultivation, and forging a radiant will through spirit cultivation—each path has its own distinct style.

It seems that from the moment he first chose to charge into battle, he had already embarked on an unknown path.

However, compared to his earlier confusion, this time he has given thorough thought to his development.

Mu Yi followed his heart's choice, selected Peerless Under Heaven, and walked the path of spirit cultivation.

You have obtained the qualification to assume an advanced profession.

Specific information is insufficient; currently unable to obtain advanced profession information.

……

As the information on the retina constantly refreshes, Mu Yi can feel that he is undergoing a subtle yet earth-shattering change.

His body has become more tenacious, his reflexes sharper, and most importantly, his will seems to be undergoing a metamorphosis.

Within his body he felt a landscape never before sensed; strength began to spread throughout his physique, the materialized symbol of Elite Talent enveloping his entire body.

Mu Yi could feel that the will-type Elite Talent within him had become more full of spirituality, giving a sense of coming alive.

The blood light representing the Iron-blooded Slaughter Talent flickered on and off, as if reaching a certain limit, just one step away from completing the metamorphosis upgrade; but Mu Yi, no matter how he tried, could not touch the materialized Elite Talent, and in the end could only regretfully give up, waiting for a suitable opportunity.

After adapting to the newfound strength for a moment, Mu Yi began practicing the sword; although the effect was slight, it was also a good way to grasp his abilities.

After adapting for a period of time, Mu Yi, following convention, drew three newly acquired Elite Talents into his hand.

After the three Elite Talent extractions were completed, beads of fine sweat appeared on Mu Yi's back.

The sharper the perception, the more one can feel the power behind these talents—a power completely beyond his imagination.

You have obtained Elite Talent: Strength Enhancement.

You have obtained Elite Talent: Gathering Force.

You have obtained Elite Talent: Explosive Arrow.

You have obtained a talent combination route—Gathering Force Explosive Arrow; using the two in conjunction can yield a special effect.

Three new Elite Talents have been credited, and to Mu Yi's surprise, this time there also appeared something new—a Talent Combination.

You have obtained Elite Talent: Strength Enhancement.

Elite Talent: Strength Enhancement (LV1)

Talent Effect: Strength base attribute +1, Strength check +1.

Consuming a large amount of stamina can briefly enter Strength Burst State (in Strength Burst State, Strength attribute +1).

Exiting Strength Burst State leads to Exhaustion State (Strength attribute -5).

A simple, brutal numerical bonus, compared to other Elite Talents with special effects, appears rather plain and unadorned.

Strength Enhancement and Heavy Armor Defense are basically the same, both being the most simple and brutal Elite Talents, allowing Mu Yi's Strength attribute to rise from 13 points at most to 15 points, achieving an effect close to 16 points.

If Mu Yi had initially drawn this, perhaps he would have walked the path of a muscle tyrant; however, this instead makes up for part of his physical shortcomings.

Next is the main event: Gathering Force Explosive Arrow.

You have obtained Elite Talent: Gathering Force (LV1)

Elite Talent: Gathering Force (LV1)

Talent Effect: After performing a standard action, you can gather power in place; during the gathering, heaven and earth's essence converges toward the body; the longer the gathering time, the greater the force that can be exerted.

You have obtained Elite Talent: Explosive Arrow (LV1)

Elite Talent: Explosive Arrow (LV1)

Talent Effect: After performing a standard action, your attack will explode, the explosion impacting the heaven and earth's essence at the point of impact.

Elite Talent Combination Effect: After Gathering Force, the attack range of Explosive Arrow is strengthened by the accumulated heaven and earth's essence; both the explosion's impact strength and range are affected by the strength of Gathering Force.

Special Effect: Spell Breaking; the struck unit will lose mana.

"Strong!" Mu Yi exclaimed from the heart; the light emitted by the combination of two seemingly ordinary talents is blindingly bright.

It seems that, without realizing it, you have grasped a special attack effect against the Mage profession, and even against elemental creatures it is absolutely a special attack.

Incidentally, three basic talents were drawn from the Army Soul Secret Art: Great Strength, Gathering Qi, Concentrating Spirit.

"Great Strength: Strength +1"

Focused Mind: Reaction 1

"Gather Qi: Energy Accumulation Speed 1"

"Currently possesses the basic talent Great Strength, and the newly acquired basic talent has already been converted into Universal Experience."

"Can't stack basic talents to get stronger?"

Mu Yi watches the basic talent Great Strength being converted into Universal Experience with a hint of regret.

Come to think of it, if one could truly become stronger without limit by this method, Jiuzhou would probably have already become the domain of the Military Strategist.

After sensing the changes in his own body, Mu Yi began experimenting with his new ability; in the past, he might have needed to go into a Dungeon to test a new ability.

But here is within Kunlun Mountain, so Mu Yi can try freely.

Without a large army, he now cannot move a massive object like a mountain range.

To avoid disturbing the first day, Mu Yi even walked a distance away.

He pulls out his bow, Mu Yi holds his breath and concentrates, feeling the effect of the new ability.

At the moment Mu Yi draws the bow and nocks an arrow, the essence of heaven and earth spontaneously gathers toward Mu Yi, flowing into the arrow under his guidance.

Mu Yi continues to draw the essence of heaven and earth until the arrow emits a strange sound; realizing the arrow has reached its limit, Mu Yi releases the bowstring.

The arrow embeds in the stone, and an invisible shockwave suddenly spreads outward.

"Hmm… so this is the kind of attack?"

The attack's effect was somewhat beyond Mu Yi's expectation; he had thought the explosion would be a physical RPG‑style blast, but after the charged explosive arrow combined, it actually targeted the essence of heaven and earth, hence the accompanying anti‑magic effect.

There is also a physical impact, but even an adult would likely not be knocked down, as if it were just a gust through a hallway.

Mu Yi steps toward the arrow, pulling its tip out of the stone; at this moment the arrow, deformed by the collision, has lost its shape entirely.

The charge did increase his shooting power, but at this level, any longbowman on a battlefield could probably achieve it.

Hoping this thing can pierce a shield or Dragon Scale is probably still too difficult.

"The essence of heaven and earth has become thin in an area!"

The physical shortfall corresponds to a strengthening in another aspect; Mu Yi feels that if he does it a few more times, he might completely disperse the nearby essence of heaven and earth, turning the area into a Transcendent dead zone.

Combined with the anti‑magic effect, it might directly render spellcasters unable to fight?

However, mages usually carry many magical implements, so dealing with them in practice is not that easy.

Nevertheless, it's good; having an extra combat method allows Mu Yi to perform better in Dungeons.

A few days passed quickly; during that time Mu Yi visited Princess Liliana Brenda again, spent another afternoon with her, and as a reward received a large sack of Silver Moon Red Tea from her.

Mu Yi liked the taste after just one sip.

Accompanied by Princess Liliana Brenda's understanding of Jiuzhou culture, the questions she raised grew deeper, and some things even Mu Yi could not answer.

Nevertheless, Mu Yi recorded these questions, intending to find some experts to answer them.

Although it might be more convenient if Princess Liliana Brenda came here directly, unfortunately she cannot leave the Silver Moon Empire due to certain special reasons.

Mu Yi expressed understanding; every household has its own difficult sutra, and he accepted the benefits that come with Princess Liliana Brenda's status, as well as the accompanying restrictions.

Freedom and rights have never been attainable together; gaining something always entails losing something.

Just as Mu Yi was pondering where to look for someone, a friend's message interrupted his thoughts.

He has few friends; aside from a few members of the Holy Warrior Kai Lie Er Squad, there are Princess Liliana Brenda, La Ge Na, and Gui Naifen.

And the one sending the message is Gui Naifen.

"Gui Naifen: Family! Urgent help needed! Small team lacks members for a Dungeon raid, level 4‑1, anyone have time to take a spot? Online waiting!"

After thinking it over, the Princess Liliana Brenda matter wasn't urgent; she was about to go elsewhere and currently had no time to meet Mu Yi.

"Pull me!" Mu Yi replied simply.

It so happened his small‑team Dungeon this month hadn't been run yet, so he could help Gui Naifen.

Zongwang Prompt: Your friend Gui Naifen has sent you an invitation to join a random small‑team Dungeon. Do you accept?

"Yes!"

…

"Ge Ni Wei Er, did you really pull people? So slow!"

The big catfolk Sofia Ailin twirled a throwing knife in her hand and asked Gui Naifen, who was seated on a stone.

Ge Ni Wei Er, Gui Naifen's real name, although a foreigner who drifted into the Jiuzhou civilization—Luo Fu Immortal Boat, has integrated well into the culture, even once gaining the approval of the Red Earth Tavern—Nine-tailed Fox Owner.

Several throwing knives spun in the big catfolk's hand, but she didn't even glance at them; her hand never stopped moving, her tail flicked repeatedly, revealing her inner displeasure.

Sofia Ailin, a new member of Gui Naifen's juggling troupe, is a lazy, laid‑back big catfolk; like the small catfolk, she belongs to a half‑beast race, but unlike the girl‑like or loli small catfolk, big catfolk generally resemble a mature lady.

Thus Sofia Ailin is very popular; her performances are often sold out.

"He won't bail on us, will he!" Sofia Ailin was quite irritated; a scheduled squad member at the last moment suddenly bailed, saying he was going to pursue true love.

Sofia Ailin wished she could fling all her knives at that guy's face, that damned bastard; the competitive Dungeon was already hard, and his meat‑shield warrior ran away, how could they fight the opposition?

Do they expect her to tank the damage?

"Don't worry! Mu Yi isn't that kind of person, but he's a close friend who slayed dragons with me! Since he promised to come, he will definitely come!" Gui Naifen said optimistically, patting her chest.

"Clearly you've only seen him two or three times!"

"The bard A Ka Bei Duo on the other side retorted, "Gui Naifen always talks about slaying dragons; how could they not know the truth?"

A Ka Bei Duo is the troupe's musician, providing BGM during performances, and he enjoys it.

"One time is enough to judge a person's character!" Gui Naifen said confidently.

"He seems special, do you like him?"

After a brief thought, the mage Ge Lin, who was reading nearby, said to Gui Naifen.

"Where did you draw that conclusion from?"

Gui Naifen widened her eyes at Ge Lin, unable to imagine such a silent person could say those words.

"I read it in a book: when you find you have confidence in a man, that's when you like him."

Believe me, throw that book away!

Gui Nai Fen did a backflip, jumped down from the stone, and with a sorrowful expression patted Ge Lin's shoulder.

Just then, a notification that refreshed on the retina interrupted Gui Nai Fen's train of thought.

He's here.