Chapter 14: Enhancement and Goal
Upon seeing the content of the talent awakening mission, Su Xiao confirmed one thing—advancing to Absolute Strength was only the beginning. What lay ahead was far more perilous.
The mission content was relatively straightforward: eliminate three of the Four Giants of the Lightless Temple. The problem was that the Four Giants of the Lightless Temple were far too powerful.
At present, the "Super-World-Level Sealing Technique" had not yet been activated, and the Four Giants of the Lightless Temple were still at the Supreme rank. But even if the "Super-World-Level Sealing Technique" suppressed the world's combat power to the Absolute Strength level, the Four Giants of the Lightless Temple would undoubtedly be among the most top-tier of Absolute Strength combatants.
Before dealing with the Four Giants of the Lightless Temple, Su Xiao needed to enhance his own strength. He sat on a wide stone chair and meditated for a moment. After advancing to Absolute Strength, his aura stabilized, and the unique Absolute Strength ability, "Absolute Strong, Lv.EX," became viewable.
Opening the skill list, he found this ability on the second page, occupying an entire page by itself. This page was covered in strange patterns, the color of which matched the "Power Source Matter" he had previously obtained. He examined the "Absolute Strong, Lv.EX" ability.
[Absolute Strong, Lv.EX (Passive)]
- Soul of Power: Current true strength attribute permanently increased by 5% (not yet enhanced via Power Source Matter).
- Soul of Agility: Current true agility attribute permanently increased by 5% (not yet enhanced via Power Source Matter).
- Soul of Physique: Current true stamina attribute permanently increased by 5% (not yet enhanced via Power Source Matter).
- Soul of Intelligence: Current true intelligence attribute permanently increased by 5% (not yet enhanced via Power Source Matter).
- Soul of Charm: Current true charm attribute permanently increased by 5% (not yet enhanced via Power Source Matter).
- Arcane Power: Current true strength, agility, stamina, and intelligence attributes permanently increased by 5% (not yet enhanced via Power Source Matter).
- Potential Power: Gains corresponding enhancements based on the characteristics of the Source Matter (not yet enhanced via special Source Matter).
[Note: This ability cannot be leveled up by any means, but its derived traits can be enhanced by consuming "Power Source Matter."]
[Note: This ability cannot trigger the bonuses from Perfect Physique (this is a trait brought by "Power Source Matter" and has absolute priority).]
Although the level of this ability could not be increased, each of its attributes could be individually enhanced. For example, with "Soul of Power," if he used "Power Source Matter" to strengthen this trait, his true strength attribute would increase by 5%.
Due to the nature of "Source Matter," the higher the user's base physical attributes, the greater the effect a single portion of "Source Matter" could achieve.
"Source Matter" worked this way: it grew stronger with the strong and weaker with the weak. How much it could enhance physical attributes depended on whether the user's own attributes could withstand it.
Using one portion of "Power Source Matter" on 300 points of true stamina would increase stamina by 15 points. Using it on 340 points of true stamina, due to improved tolerance, would allow better absorption and increase stamina by 17 points.
This was why "Power Source Matter" could increase physical attributes by a percentage—its stable range was 5%.
Of course, there were exceptions. For instance, someone who advanced to Absolute Strength by absorbing the primordial power from 11 "Primordial Fragments" would have extraordinary physical adaptability. Such an Absolute Strong could simultaneously absorb one portion of "Power Source Matter" across all four physical potentials—strength, agility, stamina, and intelligence—resulting in a permanent 5% increase for each.
This was precisely the "Arcane Power" trait Su Xiao had obtained by advancing to Absolute Strength with 11 "Primordial Fragments."
The "Absolute Strong, Lv.EX" ability could be roughly divided into three types. The first was advancing to Absolute Strength without using any "Primordial Fragments." This type of "Absolute Strong" ability could only enhance one attribute with "Power Source Matter," and each portion only increased it by 3%.
Those who advanced with five "Primordial Fragments" had an "Absolute Strong, Lv.EX" ability that could enhance the five main attributes—strength, agility, stamina, intelligence, and charm—but each portion of "Power Source Matter" could only enhance one attribute at a time. Additionally, this type of Absolute Strong could also use "Special Source Matter."
This enhancement was already significant, but compared to Su Xiao's Absolute Strong ability, it was far inferior. The most intuitive difference was that one portion of "Power Source Matter" for Su Xiao equaled four portions for this type of Absolute Strong, and seven portions for the weakest Absolute Strong.
Did all Absolute Strong have extremely high physical attributes? Not necessarily. Having the "Absolute Strong, Lv.EX" ability was one thing; obtaining "Power Source Matter" was another. Without "Power Source Matter," this ability was useless, providing no initial increase in physical attributes.
To put it more directly, the total amount of "Power Source Matter" in each world was limited. In Transcendent Primordial Worlds like Wind Sea Continent, Witch Realm, and Doom Star, the existing "Power Source Matter" had long been absorbed by the world's strong.
Even killing them wouldn't directly yield it. Due to the world's system, these "Power Source Matters" would first be absorbed by the world, then reset their characteristics through world force, and finally appear randomly somewhere in that world as unowned "Power Source Matter."
When someone from a Paradise faction obtained "Power Source Matter" from a world, it was first certified by the Paradise faction. After the person who absorbed it died, under the Paradise faction's certification, the "Power Source Matter" would return to its original world.
Regarding the price judgment of 750 ounces of space-time power for one portion of "Power Source Matter" given by Reincarnation Paradise, this could basically be ignored. For example, the Eternal-rank equipment [Gravity Law Ring] Su Xiao had previously obtained was marked with a sale price of 8,500 Soul Coins.
How exactly this was judged, Su Xiao didn't know, but he was certain no one would choose to sell Eternal-rank equipment to Reincarnation Paradise at such a price. Anyone who did would end up on the "Apocalypse Paradise Annual Top Ten Brain Hemorrhage Events Ranking."
The rarity of "Power Source Matter" could be imagined. Yet, during the completion of the "Hunt List: Blood Pact" bounty, Su Xiao had obtained two portions of "Power Source Matter." At first, it didn't seem significant, but now it appeared to be due to being in the Eternal Light World.
More precisely, it was Su Xiao's advantage as a Shadow of Law Destruction in the Eternal Light World. The Eternal Light World certainly had a corresponding amount of "Power Source Matter," which must have been absorbed by the Ancestral Law Destroyers. Additionally, they had to ensure that the world-destroying beings and Abyss Spawn within the world couldn't devour the "Power Source Matter," preventing their power from increasing further or exceeding some limit to escape.
This restriction was likely embedded in the spatial seals of the world. After the Ancestral Law Destroyers died and the world-destroying beings and Abyss Spawn were suppressed, unable to devour the "Power Source Matter," a considerable amount had accumulated in the Eternal Light World.
Su Xiao's completion of the "Hunt List: Blood Pact" bounty was more of an opportunity, which was why he obtained two portions of "Power Source Matter" at once.
Thinking this way, the "Power Source Matter" priced at 350 ounces per portion in the Honor Shop was incredibly cheap. No wonder the stock was cleared instantly after each refresh.
Source Matter could be divided into two types: "Power Source Matter" and "Special Source Matter." Among them, "Power Source Matter" was more universal and in higher demand.
As for "Special Source Matter," its characteristics were varied. For example, "Radiance Source Matter" could enhance light attribute attack power, light attribute resistance, and light-type abilities. It could be absorbed using the "Potential Power" trait of the "Absolute Strong, Lv.EX" ability.
Compared to "Power Source Matter," Special Source Matter was relatively common at the Absolute Strength level because it didn't originate from a world but was more like a derivative of Abyss Force or Elemental Force.
A Special Source Matter suitable for oneself was no less valuable than "Power Source Matter."
Su Xiao's four main attributes had just been raised to around 360 points. The 60-point increase in physical attributes gave him some difficulty controlling his strength and speed. He needed to adapt before engaging in high-intensity combat.
Since adaptation was necessary, he might as well enhance further. Su Xiao took out a portion of "Power Source Matter," sealed in semi-transparent resin. He crushed it with one hand, releasing a colorless energy that, upon entering his arm, turned light blue due to his Law Destruction trait.
This Source Matter energy seeped into Su Xiao's body and was absorbed. Compared to using the Attribute Enhancement Pod, this feeling was more intense, bordering on the risk of losing control. In contrast, a sweet, nourishing energy surged through his body, rapidly improving his physique.
Su Xiao meditated to stabilize his aura. One of the biggest changes after advancing to Absolute Strength was gaining the qualification to absorb Source Matter. A physique below Absolute Strength would die from absorbing "Power Source Matter," though some Special Source Matters might be possible.
After successfully absorbing one portion of "Power Source Matter," Su Xiao noticed something. Compared to using True Attribute Points to enhance himself, each absorption of "Power Source Matter" through the "Absolute Strong, Lv.EX" ability left a sense of instability. There were two solutions.
The first was to let time slowly smooth it out, taking about half a year to a year for the instability to disappear. For an Absolute Strong, half a year wasn't long, but for Su Xiao, it was too long.
The second solution was costly: absorbing the primordial power from "Primordial Fragments" to stabilize the newly enhanced physique. Su Xiao only had one "Primordial Fragment." To save resources, he decided to use both portions of "Power Source Matter."
He crushed another portion of "Power Source Matter" sealed in world tree resin and used it to further enhance "Arcane Power." After a few hours, when the enhancement was complete, he checked the "Absolute Strong, Lv.EX" ability and simplified its information by moving unused traits down in the list:
[Absolute Strong, Lv.EX (Passive)]
- Arcane Power: Current true strength, agility, stamina, and intelligence permanently increased by 5% (enhanced twice).
- Potential Power: Gains corresponding enhancements based on the characteristics of the Source Matter (not enhanced).
Taking out the only "Primordial Fragment," Su Xiao used it. A surge of primordial power emerged, refreshing his entire body. Although it didn't enhance his physique, it stabilized it. The sense of power loss caused by the "massive" increase in physical attributes quickly vanished.
Unconsciously, the "Primordial Fragment" in his hand was reduced to residue. These crystal fragments fell between his fingers and dissipated into the air before hitting the ground.
Su Xiao suddenly understood why the difficulty of this talent awakening mission was so absurd. Besides his own strength, it was also because the two portions of "Power Source Matter" and the 11 "Law-Destroying Skill Points" were factored into the judgment.
This meant that after converting these resources into strength, combined with the upcoming "Super-World-Level Sealing Technique," he was qualified to clash with the Four Giants of the Lightless Temple.
With Su Xiao's previous physical attributes, absorbing one portion of "Power Source Matter" could increase strength and agility by 18 points each. Based on his world settlement after advancing to Absolute Strength, one world progress would yield about 70 to 85 True Attribute Points, meaning each of the four main attributes would increase by about 21 points.
Calculating this way, the gain from one portion of "Power Source Matter" was slightly weaker than the attribute point income from one world progress. Unfortunately, there was no stable way to obtain "Power Source Matter." The True Attribute Points from each world were more reliable, and each use of "Power Source Matter" required a "Primordial Fragment" for stabilization.
This made Su Xiao, as a triple Technique Grandmaster, even more resource-strapped than before.
Su Xiao even suspected that the main purpose of the "Absolute Strong, Lv.EX" ability was to absorb suitable "Special Source Matter," which didn't require "Primordial Fragments" for stabilization.
Su Xiao checked his current stats:
- Health: 100%
- Mana: 96,698 points
- True Strength: 397 points
- True Agility: 395 points
- True Stamina: 396 points
- True Intelligence: 395 points
- Charm: -21 points
Surges of power seemed to flow within his body. Su Xiao made a fist with one hand. Before his fingers fully closed, they tore the space around them like cloth, wrapping around each fingertip. As his hand clenched, the surrounding space creaked and groaned. This was pure physical strength, accumulated over time.
However, compared to his physical enhancement, Su Xiao was more curious about one thing. When he last checked, his charm attribute was -20 points. How had it dropped by 1 point in such a short time?
Ignoring this, Su Xiao began using "Law-Destroying Skill Points" to enhance "Overlord Power." Why hadn't he enhanced this ability first to get higher physical attributes before using "Power Source Matter"? Because "Overlord Power" had potential in other areas, but its attribute enhancement couldn't go further. This might be related to the bonus from "Perfect Physique"—no ability would provide improvement without reason.
Just as he added 1 "Law-Destroying Skill Point" to "Overlord Power," Su Xiao, with all attributes near 400, blacked out. When he woke up, an hour had passed, and the Dark Maiden was sitting nearby.
[Ultimate Basic Passive: Overlord Power, Lv.EX]
- Skill Effect: Increases health by 200,000 points, all attributes +30, negates 20% physical damage (increased by 5%), negates 20% energy damage (increased by 5%), all potential limit ranks +8 (increased by 3), all technique ability level caps +8 (increased by 3).
This was just one "Law-Destroying Skill Point." Su Xiao looked at the remaining 10 points and decided not to use them on Law Destruction abilities. The feeling of a beautiful day abruptly ending was all too familiar.
Suddenly, Su Xiao thought of a question: Were the ability templates left by the Ancestral Law Destroyers versions they had improved with "Law-Destroying Skill Points"? That would explain why mastering them was so risky and why they were so powerful.
Just thinking about it seemed absurd. In a professional system, eight out of ten abilities were at the highest level, Lv.EX, upon mastery. Other inheritance systems had abilities start at Lv.1 and gradually improve.
Such Lv.1 abilities upon mastery were rare in the Shadow of Law Destruction system, with only "Azure Steel Shadow" and "Azure Shadow King" being examples.
Rather than marveling at the generosity of the Ancestral Law Destroyers toward their descendants, Su Xiao was more curious about how they did it. These ability templates, maximally enhanced by "Law-Destroying Skill Points," had extremely complex structures. Then, Su Xiao thought of the Awakening Stele.
Yes, it must be the Awakening Stele's trait. Before obtaining the Awakening Stele, the Law Destruction abilities Su Xiao mastered were usually at Lv.MAX initially, which he later raised to Lv.EX with multiple Golden Skill Points, such as Devouring Core and Spirit Shadow Constitution.
Abilities mastered from the Awakening Stele, like "Time: Dominator," "Perfect Physique," and "Adaptive Power," were all initially Lv.EX.
This gave Su Xiao a bold idea: Was the Awakening Stele's material a massive block of "Primordial Power Crystal"? Just with a lower concentration of primordial power compared to "Primordial Fragments."
If the concentration of primordial power in a "Primordial Fragment" was 1000, then the concentration in the Awakening Stele was around 100 to 150, but the quantity was enormous. This diluted primordial power couldn't be used to advance to Absolute Strength, but it was more than enough to enhance ability mastery.
Additionally, because the Awakening Stele was certified, aside from mastering abilities from it, no primordial power could be released from it in any way. Thinking this way, the Awakening Stele was truly a good thing. Without such restrictions, its value in certification would be absurdly high.
With the remaining 10 "Law-Destroying Skill Points," Su Xiao planned to make a decisive move. Otherwise, even in a one-on-one fight, he had no chance of defeating any of the Four Giants of the Lightless Temple after just advancing to Absolute Strength.
Su Xiao took out a vitality-nourishing potion and drank it in one gulp. Then, he used 6 "Law-Destroying Skill Points" to enhance Blade Grandmaster!
When Su Xiao woke up again, he found himself lying on a small wooden bed. The Dark Maiden was holding his right hand with both hands, and a cool healing energy slowly seeped into his arm.
"How long has it been?"
Su Xiao sat up. Hearing this, the Dark Maiden replied with a deep gaze, "One ke."
One ke in the Eternal Light World was about an hour and a half. The reason for the Dark Maiden's gaze was likely that the Gray Sanctuary had finally gotten a Shadow of Law Destruction, only for him to nearly die while enhancing his abilities.
Su Xiao got up from the small wooden bed. He decided not to use the remaining 4 "Law-Destroying Skill Points" for at least 5 days. He checked the enhanced Blade Grandmaster.
[Blade Grandmaster: Lv.82 (Technique Core Passive)]
- Skill Effect: Blade weapon damage rank +56 (increased by 30), blade weapon cutting force judgment rank +56 (increased by 30).
- Basic Effect: Immune to mental and spiritual control (this trait has extremely high priority).
- Lv.10 Ultimate Ability: Extreme Blade (Oath-level Passive)...
...
- Lv.80 Ultimate Ability: Extreme Blade: World (Absolute Strength-level Passive): Instantly expands "Extreme Blade Domain," dealing true cutting damage equal to 25% of maximum health to enemy targets within a 40-meter radius centered on you.
- Blade Domain Unique Effect: Domain Breaker: If you are within another domain when this ability is activated, it will instantly destroy that domain.
- Note: This domain-breaking trait has high priority.
- Note: After using this ability, it cannot be used again for at least 10 minutes.
Seeing the current strength of Blade Grandmaster, Su Xiao felt that the reason he had defeated Dean Guya back then was likely because the old man was no longer at his peak Absolute Strength and was concerned that killing Su Xiao would link the three Original Sin Objects to Arcane Eternal Star.
Giving Original Sin Objects to Arcane Eternal Star was one thing; killing Su Xiao and becoming the holder of these Original Sin Objects was another. In the former case, Arcane Eternal Star could still deal with it because the holder, Su Xiao, was alive. In the latter, they would become the holders.
Due to being past his peak and having concerns, Dean Guya ultimately died. It was fortunate that he hadn't chosen Sefeiliya, who was at her peak.
What was the concept of Su Xiao's Blade Grandmaster now? After reaching Lv.80, each level-up increased blade weapon damage rank by +2 and blade weapon cutting force judgment rank by +2.
Later, after mastering "Technique Sublimation: Supreme Blade," which increased upgrade costs by 50%, the Blade Grandmaster's gains became blade weapon damage rank +3 and blade weapon cutting force judgment rank +3.
This enhancement with "Law-Destroying Skill Points" was equivalent to Blade Grandmaster leveling up 10 times under extreme conditions. But the strongest part was that Blade Grandmaster was still at Lv.82, leaving room for further improvement.
This enhancement seemed absurd, but it was precisely this astonishing power that made Su Xiao pursue the Absolute Strength level. If Absolute Strength didn't have such means, how could it surpass the Ninth Rank?
Originally, with all attributes near 400, Su Xiao had only a 0.5% chance of dealing with one of the Four Giants of the Lightless Temple. Now, his odds had increased to 20%. Though still not optimistic, at least there was a chance of winning.
As he left the single room, Su Xiao heard Amu's snoring. This challenge of the Watcher's Tower had benefited Amu the most. During the two food trials, Amu had consumed an endless amount of food equivalent to an Absolute Strong's appetite. By the gluttony trial, the floor master had kicked him out.
This had significantly boosted Amu's physical attributes. He was now sound asleep and likely wouldn't wake up for a while.
Moving forward, Su Xiao heard the sound of a forge. He entered the workshop at the back and found the Molten Giant sitting there, staring blankly.
"Hmm, I miss the fruit of the Eternal Dark Tree."
"..."
Hearing this, Su Xiao thought for a moment but had never heard of the Eternal Dark Tree.
"Bai Ye, you're here. What's up?"
Su Xiao took out [Wild Hunt Night] and [Ember Fire] and placed them on the workbench. Seeing these two items, the Molten Giant hesitated for a moment but eventually nodded, indicating he could use [Ember Fire] to enhance [Wild Hunt Night]. Among the three legendary blacksmiths, the Molten Giant was best at armor.
Leaving these items, Su Xiao came to a round stone platform against the wall. It was about 30 centimeters high and could be sat or lain on. There were steps on both sides leading up to it. He took out [Cold Prayer Rune] and used it here.
[Cold Prayer Rune (One-time item, after use, creates a fixed recovery area of 5×5 meters, lasting one world progress).]
The rune emitted a cool wave. Sitting here after injury, the coolness could relieve pain, and the recovery area gradually healed wounds. The Dark Maiden had healing abilities, but they were dark-type healing. Unless absolutely necessary, dark-type healing should be avoided.
Seeing this recovery point, the Dark Maiden decided that if she got injured in the future, she would recover here.
The Dark Maiden was sitting quietly on a seat by the wall, with a small round stone table in front of her and another stone chair with a backrest opposite. Su Xiao sat down here.
"Congratulations, Law Destroyer. You have passed the Watcher's Tower trial. Please accept this gift."
The Dark Maiden took a parchment map from the table's drawer and placed it on the stone table.
[You have obtained a Treasure Map.]
Su Xiao took out the Watcher's Map and compared it with this treasure map. It pointed to a treasure vault in the Wet Salt District to the west. Notably, Zuiyasi suspected that the entrance to the Monarch's Treasure was in the Wet Salt District.
The Wet Salt District was vast, but the No. 8 station in Black Iron City could reach its edge, saving a lot of travel time.
Given his current situation, Su Xiao wasn't ready to directly clash with the Lightless Temple. He needed to find a place to stabilize his abilities and adapt to his enhanced strength through combat.
Upon learning Su Xiao's thoughts, the Dark Maiden pointed her translucent blue crystal finger at the Erosion Rain Land and said, "Law Destroyer, there is an ancient ruin underground here with many powerful aberrant demons."
After speaking, she moved her finger to the Barren Desert: "The Sand Sea has many spawns that need clearing, but please don't approach the Hell Nightmare at the center of the Sand Sea."
Finally, she pointed to the Wet Salt District: "The Extreme Dark Castle in the Wet Salt District is also an option, but it has a dark seal, so you can only eliminate dark creatures from the outside."
Hearing "Extreme Dark Castle," Su Xiao suddenly remembered that when he had previously gone to the Law Destruction Treasure Vault, he had accidentally broken a seal. Thinking of this, he checked his notification records and found the prompt from that time:
[Prompt: You have broken the dark seal...]
[Killing all enemies in the Extreme Dark Castle will yield Precipitated Glass and region-specific products.]
[Warning: Minimum requirement of Absolute Strength to explore this area.]
[Prompt: This area is extremely dangerous but has ultra-high rewards.]
This was a good place. It offered high rewards and didn't interfere with finding the Monarch's Treasure. The Extreme Dark Castle was in the Wet Salt District. Although dangerous, he could bring his "good teammates." Zuiyasi and Wude had long surpassed the Ninth Rank in survivability.
Among them, Zuiyasi's strength had increased at an astonishing rate. However, after the rapid growth phase from Eighth Rank to Absolute Strength, Ancient God System users faced extreme difficulty in advancing further. That was the price.
The reason Zuiyasi hadn't advanced to Absolute Strength was a lack of "Primordial Fragments." As for unstable foundations, Ancient God System users didn't have such concerns. Zuiyasi needed 8 "Primordial Fragments" to advance, showing that while Ancient God System users grew quickly, the cost increased dramatically in the late stages.
Zuiyasi's shortage of "Primordial Fragments" wasn't a problem. They could go to the Extreme Dark Castle to gather enough Precipitated Glass, which Su Xiao could then exchange for "Primordial Fragments" through the Abyss Shop. 2,292 Precipitated Glass could be exchanged for one, thanks to a 40% discount.
Su Xiao posted this plan in the team channel. Initially, Zuiyasi and Wude hesitated due to the danger of the Extreme Dark Castle. But after seeing the part about Precipitated Glass and "Primordial Fragments," their friendship soared. Zuiyasi, even more shameless than Wude, directly said, "As brothers, how could I let you go to the Extreme Dark Castle alone?"
Su Xiao also hoped Zuiyasi would advance to Absolute Strength soon. The three of them now shared a common enemy: the Four Giants of the Lightless Temple, who were competing with them for the Monarch's Treasure. Given Zuiyasi's current survivability, if he advanced to Absolute Strength, even Su Xiao, as a teammate, would find his immortality absurd.
As for Wude, even without advancing to Absolute Strength, his methods were not to be underestimated.
Besides his two "good teammates," Su Xiao had another ally: Solomon. However, Solomon was currently busy advancing. Once he completed his advancement and became stronger, he would naturally contact Su Xiao.
Just then, a Void Tree notification appeared.
[Prompt: The "Super-World-Level Sealing Technique" is about to activate.]
Seeing this prompt, Su Xiao's pupils turned slightly red due to blood energy. This meant that the hunt in the Eternal Light World had begun!