Soul Cores, they were one of the most critical parts of cultivation in the Soul Land world. If you had knowledge of their existence, they would always be considered. Unfortunately, they were never mentioned in the show. Nor did Tang Yuan even know if anyone amongst humanity had one.
Tang Yuan had asked his father, and he had no knowledge of creating one. Tang Yuan could only suspect a matter involving the god trials perhaps. His father had at this point already acquired the Killing Domain which might be the answer.
Unfortunately, he had no way of knowing for sure, yet that brought another problem. If no human in this era had created a Soul Core, then no one could instruct him. The knowledge would be in the hands of Soul Beasts, and the Gods above. Both of which presented deep challenges if not impossibility in speaking with. Thus he felt that he had no choice, but to improvise.
Qian Daoliu moved the small marble-like orb of energy in his fingers. He had created it from his Soul power as the little one had advised. It was a simple matter for him, though it left him curious. "Exactly what is the purpose of this little thing you have devised. I will admit it would be a perfect control exercise."
Tang Yuan could hear the unspoken question. He had requested Qian Daoliu's help for this matter after all. Having a Limit Douluo help meant that this matter was far more complex. "I suppose we have taken the first few steps in creating an orb of Soul Power, and then shrinking it. Have you ever heard mention of something called a Soul Core?"
Qian Daoliu scanned his memories in a moment. "I have not," though he could make the connection to the orb he now held.
"Truthfully I have little knowledge of Soul Cores myself at least their creation. From what I know they are compressed spheres of energy that are critical to cultivation. Boosting soul power recovery, increasing the use of soul power, compressing soul power to a further level, and strengthening one's very foundation. All of these benefits are provided by a Soul Core, and more as well."
Qian Daoliu found himself very interested in the concept. It seemed to present another step in one's cultivation a very large one at that. Yet, "given everything you have listed, there is a problem. You have said that you don't know of their creation."
Tang Yuan had a wry expression at that. "Not knowing a proper method of creation is one matter. The second is that Soul Cores are incredibly difficult to create to the point of being dangerous. Death, severe internal injury, the regression of cultivation all could occur from a single mistake." Tang Yuan explained what he knew about the matter.
Qian Daoliu did not feel surprised at the admissions. Considering all the benefits the risk must be great as well. "Then I presume that this techqunie this your attempt?" he calmly asked.
"A Soul Core from what I know is a sphere of condensed soul power that is in constant motion. Thus this technique creates a sphere of energy that is in constant motion. A spiralling ball if you will that is durable enough to remain whole. Then, condensing that sphere to be as small as possible." he outlined what he had already to Qian Daoliu of the technique first.
"The idea is to maintain the sphere in a constant state if possible. Then create larger spheres, create spheres with more power, or add power to them. Any of the three ways will lead to a stronger result. Thus a way of practicing the creation of a Soul Core possibly."
Qian Daoliu could see the need for practice if it was so difficult to make a Soul Core. He looked at the small marble that he had been idly moving in his hand. He placed a portion of his focus on just that slowly increasing the power in it.
Tang Yuan also has plans to take advantage of the Soul Zone technique. It could be used to absorb large amounts of energy from the world. If paired with an area of high elemental power it could result in a powerful Soul Core. If he could achieve a high enough level in both techniques.
"So you want my help in refining the process I assume." Qian Daoliu quickly concluded. After all Tang Yuan currently lacked the needed skill or ability to create a sphere.
Tang Yuan sighed that was part of the matter in fact, but not all. There was another reason as well, "this method will need to be tested in the future of course. I don't know how safe this method will be either." Tang Yuan said with some trepidation in his tone.
Qian Daoliu understood his meaning immediately. He could read the child's concern in speaking on the matter. It showed a measure of youthful naivety about cultivation. He supposed that despite the child's talented and gifted ability he was still young and inexperienced.
Qian Daoliu was calm even as his words were so piercing. "Remember this child, the path of cultivation is ever fraught with hazard. The world today is built upon the triumphs and failures of past generations. Both represented the growth of the world of cultivation to what it is today. The path of a Soul Master is that a careful balance of risk and caution, greatness and stagnation."
Tang Yuan found himself deep in thought Qian Daoliu's words were provoking. He supposed many soul masters would jump at a chance to grow stronger. Despite the risk involved, they had the ambition and drive to reach a high level. He supposed he had underestimated the will that soul masters had.
"If someone has enough skill in this method, and strong enough Spiritual Power. For now only those 89 and above should even attempt it. Starting with Titled Douluo preferably to give more experiences." Tang Yuan began to advise what he felt was safe fr the matter. Though what happened would not truly be his to decide in the end.
Tang Chen walked through the door with steady strides. His gaze quickly found the members of his family. His son seemed to be in another game with Bibi Dong. His love on the other hand, was focused on meditation, and an orb of power in her hand. Nor was she the only one both her grandfather, and Qian Daoliu were much the same.
He recognised it as the technique that his son had introduced him to before. It would seem he had introduced it to them as well. Then he had likely introduced the shocking concept of Soul Cores as well. Tang Chen wondered if they had any insights into the matters.
Tang Yuan focused on the game with most of his attention. They had transitioned from checkers to playing chess as well a few weeks ago. Then once more this girl had grown skilled at playing this game. He still won most of the games, but she was a skilled player. Considering how young she was that was really saying something.
Tang Chen walked over to his son to observe him for a moment. He found that both children were unaware of his presence. Qian Daoliu, and Grandpa Crocodile were both aware of his presence but focused on their work.
Tang Chen examines his son closely after sensing something. It would seem that Tang Yuan had reached level 24 in the months he had left. He smiled proudly at his son's progress. He turned his gaze to his son's friend curious, finding that she had also recently reached level 24. Both were indeed young geniuses of impressive potential.
"I see the two of you have been enjoying yourselves." Tang Chen finally announces himself to them.
Tang Yuan startles slightly at the sudden call out, jumping slightly in his seat. Recognising the voice after a few moments of consideration he let out a sigh of relief. His hand was on his chest as he caught his breath from the shock. He gave a slightly annoyed look at the smiling Bibi Dong.
Bibi Dong had experienced a smaller shock at the sudden voice. However she was farther away from the voice, and she could simply look up at them. This she recovered far quicker than Tang Yuan, who showed a larger shock. She tried to control her laugh at seeing his sheer surprise and face.
Tang Yuan turned to his father with a more annoyed look on his face. "Greetings Dad it's good to see you. But, did you have to scare me so much?" he asked with slight annoyance coloring his happiness at the reunion.
Tang Chen smiled "Then you should have been paying better attention to your surroundings." he said almost casually, but with a hint of seriousness as well.
Tang Yuan understood the small warning for what it was. He would need to be more cautious in the future he supposed. Though given the occupants of the room it was likely the safest in the world.
Tang Chen turned to look at those focused on their practice. "I see you shared that training method with them. Was Brother Daoliu able to provide any further insight on a Soul Core?" He was curious if the Angel Clan had knowledge of the matter.
"Yes, it was several weeks ago that I first asked for help on refining the technique. And no Uncle Daoliu did not have any knowledge of the Soul Cores. He has begun reading through the records of his predecessors. Whether that will come to anything is unforeseen."
Tang Chen nodded meaning they would likely depend on base-to-base success. They would simply need to determine if this method would work. Speaking of "I assume that they have been practicing for quite a while then." Knowing them they would definitely want to get as ahead as possible.
"Yes, they seem to find the possibility of a Soul Core quite tempting. Uncle Daoliu has taken to adding power to the orb directly, and Grandpa has done much the same. Mom has been a bit slower than them, but has also picked it up fast." Tang Yuan explained in response.
"We believe that Level 89 is the current earliest a Soul Core should be created. Theoretically doing so should allow one to reach level 90. It would also greatly boost the limit of the ninth ring as well."
Tang Chen could see reason in that it would certainly benefit those future Titled Douluo. Though creating one would still be a major change for them as well. He had been at this method himself for quite some time as well. He wondered if he could attempt to create a Soul Core in a few years' time.
"I have agreed with the child's assessment of timing for now. I have had two Titled Douluo practice the technique. Both are incredibly talented individuals whom I have high hopes for." a calm voice said as Qian Daoliu moved from his work.
The Grand Worship walked over to them steadily a spark of light floating in his hand. The result of his near hour of work was radiating light like a bright candle. He would watch it for a while to see if it would remain stable.
Tang Chen found his eyes drawn to that small spark of light. It seemed small, but held a terrifying amount of condensed power. Liquid practically solid power condensed up into a single point. A normal Titled Douluo would find it terrifying if that were an attack.
"I see you have been busy" Tang Chen could not help saying looking at the spark of light. "So who are the two you intend to have test the creation of a Soul Core. They must be particular to be willing to endure the risks."
Qian Daoliu smiled playing with the small spark of light another to the tally. Several of them that had remained stable even now, but more had fallen apart. He had taken to placing them in his own cultivation room with interesting results.
"Amongst the current elders of our Spirit Hall, I have the highest hopes for them. They are brothers with the same martial soul, both level 95." Qian Daoliu informs his friend of the qualifications of the two. Though he also planned to be present to intervene if necessary.
Then he turned his attention to his friend who seemed to be in a particularly good mood. "I see something has happened worthy of your celebration." Considering the Soul Bone and the Whale Glue their must have been breakthroughs.
Tang Chen smiled as he placed a hand on his son's shoulder "Yes, my son broke through to rank 96 thanks to the Soul Bone. One of our elders broke through to rank 89 as well thanks to the glue."
Qian Daoliu quirked his lip he could sense subtle bragging from him. In his position, he would be bragging as well. Considering Tang Yuan's achievements he foresees more in the future.
"I'm happy for Tang Zhang, I'm also happy to see you again my husband." Tang Nuan says as she comes to stand beside her husband.
Tang Chen smiles as he hugs her briefly. "So now tell me how things have been since I left," he asked curiously.
Tang Yuan swung his hammer with a steady rhythm. The sound of metal upon metal resounded with each strike upon the scorching metal. Tang Yuan kept swinging his hammer with a steady yet fierce rhythm. The recoil only adds to the next blow of his Random Hammering. He had already passed the twenty-fifth strike yet he could continue.
He had been at the process for several hours already. His newest work was nearly done another metal for the collection. With a final swing, he finishes his work on his latest creation. He had succeeded in the hundred refinements as he classified them. Despite more than a thousand swings, the Thousand Refinements was another failure.
"Well it's not a complete failure the metal is pure, and very dense as well." he voiced out loud. Though perhaps not at the level he thought it should be. Once more, there was not a hint of life or spirit in the metal.
He had reached a large wall in his forging. Perhaps it was a matter of his strength that was preventing his growth. It could very well be a factor as he was only a Grandmaster. Or perhaps he was moving too fast out of impatience. Perhaps he needed to slow down slightly and work on the Hundred Forgings more.
Yes, he felt that might be wise for now. He would strengthen his skill in the Hundred Forgings. Then, after his third ring, he could aim for the Thousand Forgings again. Though perhaps it was his own skill that needed work rather than power.
Tang Yuan with that thought solidified moves the finished metal away to cool. Taking another metal to forge and heat to a forgeable temperature. When it reached a desired temperature he placed it upon the anvil. This time he would take it slower and more methodically.
He swung his hammer testing the metal with swings sounding it out. The hammer hits with a good thud on the softened metal. He slowly began to hammer it more gently at first to test it. Then Tang Yuan began to slowly step up his pace as the hammering became a rhythm again.
After an hour he had finished his hundred refinements of the metal. Examining it closely he tried to determine his mistakes. At least those that he could identify with his perception. Then he brought out a second piece of metal the same as the previous.
With a moment of consideration, he repeated his previous work. This time he could notice a subtle difference compared to the last time. This time within an hour Tang Yuan finishes his work on the metal. Shaping it to a desired form as he wanted it to be.
Taking the second metal over to the first he examined them closely. The second result was subtly better than the first. Then he began the process for a third and final time after examining the second.
Almost in a slight trance he began to work on this third piece of metal. Hitting it with various strikes trying to draw out as much of it as possible. A strike on the right, a smaller one to the left, a full strike to the center. Before he realized it he had applied the final strike of his forging. The third piece of metal was completed, and he brought it to the others.
From now on Tang Yuan determined he should perform three forgings a day. Each of the same metal through a different metal each day. He could broaden his experience of metals that way.
He determined to examine them with his Spiritual Power once they had cooled. Then he would ask his father to examine the three of them later. He would be able to point out more than he could. Both could give him further insight into his mistakes or successes.
Tang Yuan yawned as he brought a hand to his mouth. He was really tired, he hadn't quite planned that much forging. So with another yawn, he prepared to leave the forge. As he did he was surprised to find his Father entering the forge. "Greetings Father, are you preparing to forge now. If so I suppose I don't need to let the forge cool."
Tang Chen determined his son had been hard at work. "I see you have been at work Xiao Yuan." Even as he spoke he walked over to the cooling metal. He could simply pick any of the three pieces up without concern.
As he did he hit them with a little force of his knuckles. All three of them weren't bad pieces certainly. The latest one though was the best of the three by far. "This is a good piece," he said with a serious air as he hit it gently with a small hammer.
Tang Chen examined them his son had not let his skills rust. In fact, he had even improved slightly since the last time. In terms of ability, he was certainly at the level of an advanced Smith. His passion for the art was the greatest in the clan, leading him to reach such a level so early.
It would take him a few years yet to reach the level of a master. Still, he felt that his clan would welcome another Divine Craftsman in the future. Once more he felt such might happen in two decades at most, likely sooner. Tang Chen felt joyful as his clan only seemed to grow more prosperous. He smiled even as he noted what advice to give his son.
Tang Yuan leaned back into his seat tired from another long day. His schedule was always so busy in this life. Cultivation, exercising, sparing, forging, the library, and practicing his techniques consumed most of the time he had in a day.
In recent times their was also sparring and the times that Imp came around. Though Bibi Dong actually made things interesting and fun. The little games were a happy change of pace if he said so himself. Though now he could simply take a nice relaxing break.
Tang Yuan brought the cup of hot tea to his mouth taking a drink of it. The warm liquid filled his mouth with an enjoyable warmth. "This is good tea, don't you think?" he couldn't help asking his mother.
Tang Nuan simply leaned back in her own seat it really was nice. Just lying back, and letting all worries go to the future. Then she opened an eye to look at her peaceful child in the other seat.
Honestly, though she wondered if other mothers had the same problem. Instead of worrying that her son might slack off or get into trouble even a little bit. She instead had to worry if he was overworking himself. She wasn't sure how to feel about that happy or worried.
She remembered the conversation with her grandfather months ago. She only found that more and more correct as days continued. If they had disclosed that then he would only work harder potentially. Better to wait several more years at least.
"Is there something troubling you, Mom?" Tang Yuan noticing her gaze asks curiously. He noticed that she had a faraway look on her face. There was a hint of tension as well he noted.
Tang Nuan was drawn from her walk through her mind. She smiled "It's nothing much just worrying about how much you do every day." She chose to admit that part, and draw his attention to it.
Tang Yuan wondered for a moment if that was true. Then he dismissed it, now was a time to relax not to worry. So he simply closed his eyes and put it to the back of his mind.
The comfortable silence stretched on as both simply enjoyed the leisure. Every once in a while they would have a drink of tea. As time simply passed in a peaceful slow afternoon for once. Tang Yuan simply found himself drifting off into the land of dreams. Then he nodded off into a peaceful slumber.
Tang Nuan noticed that her son had fallen asleep. She also felt the slight lull of sleep on her mind. A nap really did sound nice as she allowed herself to fall asleep. She fell limp in her seat with a contented look on her face.
The mother and son would enjoy this nice midday nap. Left uninterrupted for a few hours as they peacefully rested. Then finally Tang Nuan stirred awake first as a groggy feeling made her mind a haze. She got up slowly to allow Tang Yuan to continue resting for a time.
Tang Yuan cycled his soul power through his meridians as he absorbed the energy from the air. It had been almost four months since his last breakthrough to level 24. He felt that his next breakthrough would be coming soon enough. Perhaps a few days, perhaps a week, or perhaps it would be two weeks.
The air of the swamp filled his nose as he continued to cycle the energy. He had done more than a dozen cycles in the span of thirty minutes. With a final cycle, his body had reached its saturation level for the day. His cultivation would have been for the day except this time he had come prepared.
He walked over to a small flame he had going while he had cultivated. He had been worried he wouldn't be able to do this in the location. Inside the pot was melted Whale Glue ready for his consumption. It was a piece about 1,500 years old, the first he would be consuming since he got his second ring.
Tang Yuan carefully took the scalding pot pouring the glue directly into his mouth. Quickly placing the pot back after dousing the flame. With that taken care of, he moved back to his position and began meditation. The familiar heat began to pool in his body already as he began.
As he cycled the energy of the glue the warmth spread through his body. As he refined the glue in his body he continued his cultivation. The glue would strengthen his physique, and also hasten the digestion of the just absorbed energy. He absorbed large amounts of energy from the air as he processed the energy.
The refinement of the Whale Glue could massively boost his cultivation for a short timeframe. He could achieve several days of cultivation in a single session. The time till his next breakthrough would be reduced quite a bit. Tang Yuan brought his mind back as he continued his cultivation.
Quickly enough the warmth brought by the Whale Glue lessened. As it did he slowed the absorption of energy from around him. As he finished refining the energy he continued to absorb energy from the environment. He intended to reach his saturation again for the second time.
As the energy moved through his body he felt it was the awaited moment. He hit a ceiling or barrier and then just kept on going as the barrier was passed. As he passed through the barrier he felt it as he stepped into the next stage. A burst of energy radiated from him as he broke through to level 25. He stabilized himself through a few more minutes of cultivation.
Then he stood up as he walked to the entrance. He suspected that this time he had kept Bibi Dong waiting slightly. He moved through the swamp with an air of quiet joy following from his breakthrough. That air followed him all the way to the entrance of the area.
Bibi Dong was waiting somewhat impatiently before the entrance. She had been waiting for nearly an hour for her friend. Usually Tang Yuan would beat her here, or if not would arrive a handful of minutes later.
Finally, Tang Yuan steps into the open as he exits the forested area. He spots Bibi Dong immediately moving towards her. "I hope I didn't keep you waiting overlong for me." He could not restrain the lingering sense of joy at his breakthrough.
"A few minutes, yes." Bibi Dong says with a hint of impatience that she couldn't quite suppress. Even as she knew that was unfair, that was nearly an hour of waiting.
"Thank you for waiting for me. I consumed a piece of Whale Glue, and was able to cultivate longer." Tang Yuan thanked her for her patience and offered a reason.
Bibi Dong felt the sense of annoyance lessen considerably at that. In return, a sense of understanding, and joy grew in her. "It was nothing you wait for me all the time." though she tried not to make a big deal of it her lips curled in a hidden joy.
Tang Yuan's smile widened then "once more I was able to break through to level 25." he felt quite proud of that so he shared it immediately.
Bibi Dong was surprised to hear of his advancement. Then she smiled at him "Congratulations on your advancement." she said happy for his achievement. "That being said, don't expect me to lag behind you too long. I will reach level 25, and catch up to you before you know it."