Chapter 1392

Below the combat technique list was Ye Li's message:

'Of the four T5-level combat techniques, you should prioritize learning "Instant Hell Lianhuan Lei Qiang" and "Lei Guang Phantom Step."

These two techniques, combined with your mastered Spear Intent, can push your close-combat killing ability to its extreme.

However, both require you to have attained some understanding of the Lightning Principle and the Destruction Principle.

Your current focus should be on the "Source Core Secret Scripture."

I suggest you abandon training combat techniques for now and devote all your energy to breaking through the "Source Core Secret Scripture."

Once you comprehend the "Source Core Secret Scripture," the rewards you gain will far exceed those from training combat techniques.'

Ye Li's message was brief, and its core meaning was simple.

Devote all effort to studying the "Source Core Secret Scripture"; do not waste time on other things.

"Sister Ye Li really is a kind-hearted person."

Xu Jingming's lips curled slightly, then he shook his head and muttered to himself, "But for me, mastering the 'Source Core Secret Scripture' is a foregone conclusion.

The real problem would be if I didn't gain combat power from learning techniques."

As for the difference between close-combat and ranged destruction:

Indeed, after mastering Spear Intent, his close-combat ability had grown stronger.

Of course, with the system, he chose to have it all!

"But whether learning any technique, you need the corresponding principle layer.

My Lightning Principle and Destruction Principle layers are still too low.

Fortunately, my gains from the Heaven's Punishment Thunder Realm were rich enough—likely sufficient to raise my layers to the minimum threshold for learning these techniques."

Thinking this, Xu Jingming no longer hesitated—he immediately chose to allocate points!

First, the Lightning Principle!

Source Points -1,000,000!

Lightning Principle First Layer → Lightning Principle To Second Layer!

Boom!!

In an instant, Xu Jingming's understanding of the Lightning Principle rose another level.

"Raising the Lightning Principle from First Layer to Second Layer cost me four million Source Points.

But this time, it only cost one million!"

Xu Jingming's eyes glinted faintly.

This was the benefit of the Heaven's Punishment Thunder Realm!

Even though he had never seriously contemplated the principles, he still naturally gained understanding.

Hard to imagine—if he had focused properly, he might have broken through to Lightning Principle To Second Layer within a month!

"Next, the Destruction Principle!"

Source Points -8,000,000!

Destruction Principle First Layer → Destruction Principle To Second Layer!

After allocating points, Xu Jingming's system panel showed only 3,923,000 Source Points remaining.

"Damn, I'm out of Source Points again."

Xu Jingming felt a headache coming on.

But fortunately, principles differ from domains—they max out at only nine layers.

Generally, Star Stage cultivators possess principles matching their rank.

For example, a Star Stage One cultivator only masters the First Layer of a principle.

Yet he, at Star Stage One, already mastered Lightning Principle To Second Layer and Destruction Principle To Second Layer—already quite outstanding.

"Now my principles have reached the threshold to train 'Instant Hell Lianhuan Lei Qiang' and 'Lei Guang Phantom Step.'

Next, I just need to buy the scrolls..."

Soon, Xu Jingming opened the Academy Marketplace.

He spent just over ten thousand credits to purchase both techniques and began studying them.

Two days later, it was time for the gathering with Yue Ying.

He rose and left, heading for the island where Bei Si was located.

Eternal Day Archipelago, Island F-004.

The star's light pierced through the clouds and fell upon the courtyard's central stone table, gilding it with a faint glow.

Around the courtyard, fountains trickled gently; emerald vines curled around the pillars, and the air carried a subtle floral fragrance.

At the stone table sat six or seven figures.

Besides the host Bei Si, Yue Ying, Lan Yu, and several other top ten prodigies had already arrived.

They chatted in small groups, the atmosphere relaxed and casual.

"I heard Luo Yi has made rapid progress under Master Jian Heng—he's already mastered the second transformation of the 'Nine Heavens Sword Array.'"

A young man in a blue combat robe whispered; he was Lan Yu, ranked eighth in the Prodigy Battle.

"After all, he's being personally guided by the Supreme Dominator—his resources and support are on a completely different level from ordinary students."

A red-haired woman beside him chimed in; she was Yan Ji, ranked sixth.

All present nodded in agreement.

The Supreme Dominator's direct disciples receive resources and instruction far beyond what ordinary disciples can obtain.

Especially in the early days after becoming a disciple, under the Dominator's direct tutelage, their power often explodes upward.

Just as the group was whispering among themselves, a sharp aura suddenly surged from outside the courtyard.

That aura was like a drawn blade, prickling the skin slightly.

Everyone turned their heads simultaneously, seeing a tall figure appear in the courtyard.

He wore a simple black combat suit, with an ancient longsword hanging at his waist.

Though he made no extra movement, he himself resembled a divine weapon ready to strike at any moment, radiating sharpness.

"Roy, you've come."

Beth was the first to rise and greet him.

The other prodigies also felt a chill in their hearts.

Compared to the Talent War, Roy's gaze was even sharper, as if able to pierce straight through the soul.

This caused several present to unconsciously suppress their aura.

"Mm."

Roy remained as cold as ever, casually finding a seat and sitting down.

"Tch, as expected, Roy has grown stronger again!"

"Indeed, even without revealing his power, one can feel that astonishing sword intent."

"By the way, I wonder how Xu Jingming's strength is now—he became a disciple of the Frost Crown Dominator. Could he be stronger than Roy?"

"......"

Several prodigies whispered among themselves.

As the top-ranked contestant of the Talent War, Xu Jingming was naturally a figure of great attention.

Added to that, his recent adoption as a disciple by the Frost Crown Dominator had caused another uproar, making him the center of everyone's discussion.

Yet, after they finished speaking, Lan Yu shook his head and said:

"The Frost Crown Dominator only took him as a nominal disciple—this is vastly different from being a direct disciple."

"Besides, I heard Xu Jingming hasn't broken through to the Star Stage yet; his progress is already lagging behind."

"True."

Another prodigy chimed in, "One step behind, and every step falls behind."

"Now Roy has received the true transmission of the Sword Eternal Dominator. Even if Xu Jingming has already broken through to the Star Stage—"

"When they truly fight, Xu Jingming will probably..."

He didn't finish, but the meaning was clear: Xu Jingming was no longer Roy's match.

Yue Ying frowned slightly at this.

She was about to speak in Xu Jingming's defense when suddenly she sensed something and looked up at the sky.

A dark golden Lei Guang sliced across the heavens, falling like a meteor into the courtyard.

As the Lei Guang dispersed, a tall, pine-like figure emerged.

Short black hair, a cold, sharply defined face—it was Xu Jingming.

"Sorry, I'm a bit late."

Xu Jingming smiled slightly.

The others froze in expression—they had all already broken through to the Star Stage.

Now, they also sensed that Xu Jingming had broken through.

The one who reacted most strongly was naturally Roy.

This usually cold swordsman stood up of his own accord.

His eyes burned as he stared at Xu Jingming, his sharp sword intent spilling out uncontrollably:

"Fight?"