Chapter 418: Consolidating Soul Cores

"A soul core is the foundation for becoming an Honored Douluo; soul power is compressed from liquid to solid form and stored in the cultivator's dantian, becoming a soul core. While continuously rotating, the soul core absorbs external soul power through the cultivator, supplying it for use, making the cultivator's combat power and recovery ability far greater than before, hence the saying that attaining Honored Douluo is a leap to the heavens."

"After soul power solidifies, further advancement becomes much harder than when it is liquid or gaseous. The human body cannot let solid soul power circulate within it; it must be broken into particles and then driven by the cultivator's own soul power in gaseous or liquid form. This process is not only difficult but also dangerous."

"However, the inability of solid soul power to circulate is not absolute; if a cultivator's spiritual power is strong enough to control those solid particles and render them gaseous or liquid, the solid soul power can operate. At that point, solid, liquid, and gaseous forms may even coexist, and a cultivator at this level can become a Super Douluo. Consequently, after reaching the Super Douluo realm, a cultivator's cultivation becomes comparatively easier, at least because a definite method now exists."

"So that's how it is! Listening to Song Lao's explanation, Tang Wulin and Huo Yutong both felt a sudden enlightenment."

"They had only known that an Honored Douluo is far stronger than other cultivators, and a Super Douluo is even stronger than an Honored Douluo, but they had never deeply considered why the gap is so huge."

"Song Lao's words opened the door to a new world for them."

"Tang Wulin asked, 'So, Song Lao, do you mean you want the two of us to consolidate a soul core?'"

"Song Lao nodded and said seriously, 'You two, your current combat power is not just Honored Douluo level; even among Super Douluo, you are absolute elites. Therefore I think you already possess the basic conditions for consolidating a soul core. The consolidation itself isn't difficult, and once successful, your strength will reach a new stage.'"

"At this point she paused, then said in a very solemn tone, 'However, let me be clear: although a soul core can greatly boost your combat power, the drawback is that after this you will need to break through Honored Douluo and must consolidate a second soul core, which is normally only required by an Extreme Douluo. This is an exceedingly difficult task, with no precedent in history. If you are unwilling, you may abandon it.'"

"……"

"Tang Wulin and Huo Yutong couldn't help falling into silence."

"After pondering for a moment, Tang Wulin asked:"

"'Song Lao, as long as one possesses Extreme Douluo‑level strength, can one consolidate a second soul core?'"

"Song Lao lightly nodded."

"'Yes, theoretically it is possible; that is also why I believe you can consolidate the first soul core right now.'"

"After all, Tang Wulin and Huo Yutong can already contend with Super Douluo; once they consolidate the first soul core, their strength will likely be at least as strong as the ordinary Level 98, if not stronger."

"They have not yet broken through the Eight Rings, but when their Soul Power Level reaches Level 90, they will probably have the ability to confront a true Extreme Douluo."

"'Understood.'"

"After receiving Song Lao's affirmative reply, Tang Wulin said seriously, 'Song Lao, I am willing to consolidate a soul core; please guide me.'"

"Huo Yutong also nodded."

"'I am willing as well.'"

"Song Lao sighed lightly, his mood complicated."

"'Very well, follow me inside.'"

"Having said that, she led Tang Wulin and Huo Yutong into the Sea God Pavilion and stood before a secret chamber."

"Tang Wulin was familiar with this secret chamber; after succeeding to the position of Sea God Pavilion Master, Song Lao had taken him around the entire Sea God Pavilion, and he knows the purpose of every room."

"This secret chamber is specifically for those who practice dangerous cultivation methods to seclude themselves; within the room, the power of the Golden Ancient Tree provides protection, making the chance of going mad approach zero."

"Song Lao closed the door and said, 'First check your soul power to ensure it is all under your control before beginning; consolidating a soul core is no child's play, be careful, very careful.' 'Understood.'"

"The two hurriedly followed Song Lao's instructions, sat down on the spot, and began adjusting their breath."

"Soon they finished their breathing adjustment, and Song Lao said in a deep voice:"

"'First extend your hand and release your soul power at the center of the palm, making it rotate.'"

"Hearing this, Tang Wulin and Huo Yutong extended their hands together; liquid soul power already formed in their palms and began to rotate slowly as Song Lao instructed."

"'Gradually inject soul power inward to increase the rotation speed of the soul core. Remember, do not be overly impatient; if the soul core loses control, your soul power will explode. Though I am here, major problems are unlikely, you still cannot attempt consolidation again within three days.'"

"Hearing her say that, the two began trying to rotate the soul power in their palms and inject more into it."

"At one percent, two percent, as the injected soul power increased, the rotation speed of the soul core prototype began to accelerate gradually, yet under Tang Wulin's and Huo Yutong's control, the rapidly rotating soul core did not go out of control."

"Soon the injected soul power reached half of theirs, and solid soul power already appeared on the outer rim of the soul core prototype."

"Song Lao's eyes couldn't help but brighten."

"Tang Wulin and Huo Yutong's performance exceeded her expectations; based on the current results, their consolidation of the soul core will not encounter any problem."

"When the soul core had absorbed eighty percent of the soul power, the color of the prototype also changed."

"Huo Yutong's turned gold, while Tang Wulin's became blue‑gold."

"Song Lao couldn't help but nod in his mind."

"The color change indicates that the two have completed the most crucial step, the attribute assignment."

"At this stage, their probability of successfully consolidating the soul core exceeds half, and so far they haven't felt any strain."

"Gradually, the suction of the soul core formed by their combined soul power grew stronger; not only soul power but even spiritual power began to be drawn into it."

"At that moment, a familiar voice simultaneously echoed in both of their minds."

"'Eh, what are you doing?'"

"The speaker was naturally Ilex; he had awakened a few months earlier and was just conducting his own research. Huo Yutong's activity in consolidating a soul core was so significant that it startled him."

"'I Lao, that's how it is.'"

"Knowing that Tang Wulin and Huo Yutong had no time to explain, Snow Emperor hurriedly spoke on their behalf to clarify the situation."

"After listening, Ilex nodded in sudden realization."

"(End of Chapter)"