Chapter 317: Flame Blade

"Of course there are second-rank talent spell items—there are even three of them—but I must advise you, younger brother, not to choose them." The gray-robed elder's face showed a peculiar expression as he spoke.

"Oh? Why is that? Are there problems with second-rank talent spells?" Wang Yu asked in surprise.

"I know you comprehended the Twelve Spirit Glyphs' talent spell, Flame Shield, while still in Qi Condensation—your insight is exceptional, your spiritual sense far beyond ordinary cultivators."

"But first-rank spells have at most twelve spirit glyphs; second-rank spells range from thirty to seventy glyphs, and their talent spells are even more profound and obscure. Even after Foundation Establishment, when your spiritual sense is vastly stronger than in Qi Condensation, you still cannot comprehend them."

"Some disciples still manage to comprehend first-rank talent spells while in Qi Condensation, but none among the Foundation Establishment cultivators have ever succeeded in comprehending these three talent spells stored in the Inner Chamber."

"Ordinary second-rank spells, by contrast, are merely combinations and overlays of first-rank spells—much easier to comprehend, though still relatively difficult."

"Moreover, exchanging for a second-rank spell requires nearly ten times the spiritual stones of a first-rank spell, plus a substantial additional contribution point cost."

"Younger brother, you've just established your Foundation—there will be many future needs for spiritual stones and contribution points. For your first free spell choice, you should be very cautious." The gray-robed elder explained in detail, sincerely advising.

"Thank you, elder brother, but you know I'm a metallurgist—I choose talent spell items primarily to comprehend new spirit glyphs not found in ordinary spells, to see if they can be applied to metallurgy, since I too wish to advance further in that path." Wang Yu replied calmly, his smile unchanged.

"I see. Young Master Wang intends to become a second-rank metallurgist—then I'll retract what I just said."

"Come with me—the three talent items are right behind." The gray-robed elder suddenly understood, growing warmer toward Wang Yu, and led him toward the rows of stone pedestals at the rear.

"Elder brother, the number of second-rank spells in the Inner Chamber seems far fewer than the first-rank ones?" Wang Yu followed behind, glancing at the surrounding stone pedestals, puzzled.

"What? You think our sect has more second-rank spells than first-rank ones?" The gray-robed elder stopped at a pedestal in the last row and turned to ask Wang Yu.

"Shouldn't it? You yourself said that aside from talent spells, all second-rank spells are combinations of first-rank ones—so shouldn't there be far more second-rank spells?" Wang Yu also halted, glancing at the objects within the light barriers, still confused.

Inside the barrier lay a white beast hide, its surface swirling with mist, faintly visible.

"It seems you've heard Master Qi Miao's teachings."

"Indeed, as Master Qi Miao explained—if all first-rank spirit glyph patterns could be overlaid and combined, second-rank spells should vastly outnumber first-rank ones. But in reality, overlaying first-rank glyph patterns drastically reduces stability, rendering them uncastable; most doubly overlaid spell patterns exist only theoretically."

"Second-rank combined spells are even rarer and harder to comprehend."

"Moreover, second-rank spells place greater emphasis on the cultivator's innate talent. One second-rank spell may be fully mastered in months by one person, while another may never master it in a lifetime—it varies entirely by individual."

"The second-rank spells stored here are actually quite numerous, but finding one suited to yourself is no easy task." The gray-robed elder explained slowly.

"I see. So there probably aren't many elder brothers in our sect who master multiple second-rank spells." Wang Yu nodded thoughtfully.

"Hah! You're right."

"The process of forming a second-rank spell's glyph pattern takes far longer than a first-rank one, consumes vastly more spiritual energy, and demands immense time to master—even then, it offers little advantage against comparable magical tools. There's truly no need to master multiple."

"But as a Foundation Establishment cultivator, you should still master at least one second-rank spell—generally, this will be the only instant-cast spell you'll ever be able to master." The gray-robed elder spoke with deep meaning.

"Second-rank spells can be cast instantly?" Wang Yu was startled.

"Hah! You didn't know that? I'll explain later. For now, look at the talent item—this one comes from a second-rank beast, the White Mist Ox. It contains the wind-element spell 'Mist Sea,' a second-rank spell with twenty-three spirit glyphs." The gray-robed elder pointed to the beast hide, his expression unchanged.

"Wind-element spell."

Wang Yu's heart stirred. He pressed his palm against the light barrier, and a cascade of information flooded his spiritual sea.

Moments later, he was speechless.

This second-rank spell did nothing but generate a vast mist!

"Heh, don't underestimate this spell. The fact it bears the name 'Sea' means its area of effect far exceeds imagination—it can produce astonishing results in certain situations." The gray-robed elder, sensing Wang Yu's thoughts, chuckled and explained.

"Forget it. I don't need a spell that's only useful in certain situations. Show me the other two talent items." Wang Yu shook his head.

"Then look at this one." The gray-robed elder said no more, took two steps, and led Wang Yu to another pedestal.

Inside the barrier lay a palm-sized beast hoof, wrapped in a golden-yellow aura.

"This comes from the second-rank beast, the Earth Dragon Beast. It bears the earth-element second-rank talent spell 'Crack Earth,' with forty-five spirit glyphs. A single strike can split the earth and open lakes—its power is astonishing." The gray-robed elder pointed to the hoof.

"I have no earth elemental affinity. Forget earth-element spells." Wang Yu said without hesitation.

"Then you can only choose the last talent item." The gray-robed elder showed no surprise, leading Wang Yu to the final one.

Inside the barrier rested an unknown beast's claw, glowing entirely silver, appearing exceptionally sharp, yet encircled by layers of crimson light, as if violently burning—strikingly eye-catching.

Fire-element item!

Wang Yu's eyes lit up. Before the gray-robed elder could speak, he pressed his palm against the barrier—the relevant information instantly appeared before him.

Original second-rank spell: 'Flame Blade,' a ninety-eight-spirit-glyph fire-element spell capable of forming a massive fire-elemental blade phantom. Cost: 800 spiritual stones, 1, 00 contribution points.

"I'll take this one." Wang Yu, after reading the information, said without hesitation.