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Su Wen has essentially abandoned the possibility of revealing a Spirit Emperor-level cultivation at this particular Spirit Master Tournament.
"So, to make up for my losses in this session, I'll set a goal for the next one: reach Spirit Saint before it starts?" Su Wen thought to himself, quietly preparing a major trump card.
In five years, progressing from Level 59 to Level 70 was a highly realistic prospect. Of course, the primary obstacle before Level 70 was a specific threshold: he had to condense a Soul Core.
The quality and quantity of spirit power are influenced by two major factors. One is when a Spirit Master, through their own experimentation (and a bit of luck), successfully compresses their spirit power while continuously cultivating. The other is the quality of one's Martial Soul and Spirit Rings.
Many Spirit Douluo stuck at Level 89 are actually lacking in spirit power quality; they are far from achieving solidification. Yet, to break through to become a Titled Douluo, crossing this hurdle is an absolute necessity.
To use a numerical visualization: if spirit power with a quality of 10 begins to liquefy and a quality of 1000 begins to solidify, many Spirit Douluo at Level 89 might only have a quality of 600 or 700. They remain far below the standard for solidification.
However, even if they don't aim for solidification and only wish to break through Level 90, it remains impossible. This is because while their spirit power could theoretically advance further, the moment they cross the threshold of a Titled Douluo, the surge in Martial Soul compatibility and other breakthroughs causes a qualitative leap, pushing the spirit power directly past 1000.
At Level 89, a Spirit Master's meridians are already filled to capacity. A breakthrough at this stage is a true compression of spirit power rather than an increase in volume. This is the greatest hope for a qualitative change.
However, if one chooses to force a breakthrough to Titled Douluo and triggers a sudden, violent solidification of spirit power, a single mistake can lead to instant death. Therefore, the safest method for a Level 89 Spirit Douluo is to "grind" the quality of their spirit power, seeking the opportunity for solidification first, then naturally transitioning into Level 90.
Most Spirit Douluo find it difficult to grind their way up and eventually attempt a forced breakthrough once they lose hope, hoping the qualitative change succeeds.
Su Wen, naturally, had not yet undergone formal spirit power compression. However, the addition of each of his spirit rings acted as a form of purification and compression.
"If I truly absorb the ring of a Dark Devilgod Tiger for my sixth ring, the quality of my spirit power will inevitably skyrocket."
The age of the Dark Devilgod Tiger is naturally very high, and its terrifying quality means its amplification effects can surpass even many hundred-thousand-year spirit rings. This was why Su Wen felt he had to condense his Soul Core before Level 70. Even if he didn't reach the standard naturally, he would learn the active compression techniques from Xiao Zhan.
A Meeting of Powers
"Well, there's no rush to break through to Spirit Emperor," Su Wen mused.
Ning Fengzhi, having calmed down, also knew that a breakthrough before the finals was unlikely. Even if Su Wen did reach Level 60, they couldn't just slap a random sixth spirit ring on him just for the sake of "flexing." Su Wen's fifth ring was a 40,000-year Void Silver Moon Tapir; his sixth would likely need to be in the 70,000 to 80,000-year range. Such a specific beast would be impossible to find and hunt in such a short window.
"Little Wen, have you communicated with the Spirit Hall regarding the announcement of the Academy's establishment?" Ning Fengzhi asked.
Su Wen shook his head. "I still need to secure as much support from the Spirit Hall as possible. I think it's more appropriate to negotiate after I've demonstrated my true strength."
Ning Fengzhi nodded in agreement. Currently, in Spirit Hall's records, Su Wen was still just a Spirit Ancestor. While a sixteen-year-old Spirit Ancestor was impressive, Shrek already had a seventeen-year-old one. It was shocking, but not "rule-breaking."
Only when Su Wen's status as a Spirit King was exposed would he have enough leverage to negotiate.
"Salas is, after all, a Platinum Bishop," Ning Fengzhi suggested. "You should communicate with him first and have him report your plan to establish the Academy to the Pope. It would be inconvenient if you suddenly announced it at the finals without the Spirit Hall having any preparation."
The "Crazy" Proposal
Su Wen took the advice and sought out the Platinum Bishop.
Salas looked at Su Wen, his expression displeased. "Su Wen, coming here so openly will arouse suspicion."
Currently, Su Wen's identity was successfully hidden. Neither the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan nor the Imperial Family knew he was a formal member of the Spirit Hall. Even if Su Wen was close to the Crown Prince (who was secretly Spirit Hall royalty anyway), Salas didn't want the cover blown.
"Bishop, I am here to discuss official business. It won't be misunderstood," Su Wen said dismissively.
"What business?" Salas frowned.
"I want to establish an Academy, and I plan to announce it during the finals."
"An Academy?" Salas's face darkened. Was he planning to break away?
"Bishop, the Academy already has Ning Fengzhi, the Sword Douluo, and the Bone Douluo as Honorary Elders. The formal Elders will include the Poison Douluo and Xiao Zhan," Su Wen said calmly.
Salas sucked in a breath of cold air. "What kind of monstrous lineup is that?"
Three Titled Douluo and the leader of one of the Upper Three Sects?
"How could the Sword Douluo and Ning Fengzhi possibly agree to be your Honorary Elders?" he questioned. Despite his doubt, he already sensed Su Wen wasn't joking.
"Bishop, the Academy is not an independent political faction. It exists only to research and publish theories to benefit the Spirit Master world. Members of any sect or power can join as peripheral members, and the Academy's resources will be open to all."
"Hiss—" Salas gasped again, staring at Su Wen in shock. "I think you've lost your mind!"
(End of Chapter)