Chapter 12: Clarity in Method, Clarity in All Methods
"Finally perfected," Gu Shanhai exhaled deeply. After three days of meticulous effort, he had successfully developed his own comprehensive system integrating the Golden Bell Cover, Iron Cloth Shirt, and Boy Skill.
By amalgamating Tongzi Gong's inner strength technique with Yunling Gong, and augmenting the external training of the Golden Bell Cover and Iron Cloth Shirt with mana circulation, Gu Shanhai effectively multitasked during his Yunling Kungfu practice sessions.
The reduction in dark injuries, thanks to adjustments in the enhancement efficiency of the Golden Bell Cover and Iron Cloth Shirt, minimized potential future complications. Though this approach might lengthen training times, it ensured a smoother journey ahead. Gu Shanhai resolved to assess whether similar benefits could be garnered in future encounters.
The upcoming mid-level dungeon presented a broader array of challenges. To bolster his preparations, Gu Shanhai planned to procure medicinal materials and concoct tonics or nutrient solutions, thus enhancing efficiency.
Despite the heightened spiritual energy consumption, the increased mana conversion improved strength-building efficiency, addressing previous shortcomings in physical fitness. Gu Shanhai acknowledged the indispensable role of Yunling Grass in sustaining him, enabling a form of spiritual fasting to stave off hunger and fatigue.
As for the disposal of the four corpses, Gu Shanhai utilized the Red Flame Talisman's cremation capabilities. Though its power was underwhelming, the talisman's assistance aided in efficient disposal without decay.
Recognizing the utility of the Butterfly Piercing Flowers technique in close combat, Gu Shanhai resolved to hone his skills further. Additionally, he contemplated imbuing the Legal Domain with a fire attribute, leveraging the remaining Red Flame Talismans for experimentation and enhancement.
Initially intended for corpse disposal, the unexpected surplus of Red Flame Talismans provided ample opportunities for exploration. By infusing the spiritual blade with a fire attribute, Gu Shanhai envisioned augmented melee capabilities and the potential for explosive ranged attacks with the Red Flame Talisman.
Chapter 12: Clarity in Method, Clarity in All Methods
"He cares less about fireballs and more about the essence—the fire attribute represented by this talisman," Gu Shanhai mused. Mastering this essence would enable him to conjure fire dragons and fire birds with ease.
Moreover, enhancing the aura of body protection could provide additional defense against fire attribute attacks. At its zenith, it might even absorb fire attribute energy to bolster his own strength.
As a fireball hurtled towards him, Gu Shanhai effortlessly deflected it, its impact augmenting his shield value—an unexpected boon.
"Records indicate spells with similar attributes. I can only study them in the mid-level area. Initially, I'll focus on bolstering the attack power of my spiritual light and spiritual blade," he resolved.
Having spent three days in this realm, Gu Shanhai acknowledged the need to depart. However, prolonged stays came at a cost—he was obligated to pay "First Era" rent, consuming two days of life for every day spent outside the dungeon world. While the time lost was negligible, superior resources would hasten his progress.
For instance, the acquisition of a three-piece suit from a fallen foe would markedly mitigate his weaknesses. Lingering to perfect his skills before venturing forth would prove disadvantageous, especially considering the escalating difficulty of subsequent levels.
Anticipating his limited dominance, Gu Shanhai recognized the imperative of self-improvement. While players could effortlessly level up, his progress necessitated diligent study and practice.
Cultivating additional spiritual plants emerged as a priority. While Yunling Art's resonance and energy circulation could benefit other flora, adaptation was imperative. Transitioning from reliance on magical artifacts to spiritual plants would restore the legal domain's potency.
Given his current financial constraints, Gu Shanhai could ill afford specialty materials, necessitating reliance on chance discoveries within the dungeon.
The unpredictable nature of the dungeon world underscored the importance of adaptability. Despite his vast knowledge, Gu Shanhai remained ignorant of the realm's intricacies, his expertise tailored to a higher plane.
Furthermore, the time disparity between "The First Age" and the modern city afforded him a strategic advantage over tardy players. As they languished in their ignorance, Gu Shanhai steadily forged ahead.
Yet, he remained cognizant of the impending convergence between realms—a reckoning that would reset the time differential.
(End of this chapter)