18. Otherworldly Soul Form

-Snow Wind Family - Side Branch Courtyard - Inside Ye Xinghan's Room-

Gyuutarou and Ume sat side by side, while Ye Xinghan sat across from them. In front of them on the table were two soul crystals, brought out because Ye Xinghan wanted to know their attributes and soul forms. He had also borrowed numerous books from his uncle, Ye Zong, all related to the soul forms of demon spiritualists.

"This thing is called a soul crystal. Have you ever tested your soul realm attribute?" Ye Xinghan asked, lifting one of the crystals.

"Of course not," Gyuutarou replied, rolling his eyes. "I didn't even know what I'd be eating tomorrow, let alone thinking about luxuries like this."

"Wow, this crystal is so pretty. It would make beautiful jewelry," Ume chimed in, her eyes sparkling as she examined the crystal.

Ye Xinghan gave a slight smile. "I'll explain briefly. 

A person's soul form and attribute can be viewed by channeling their soul force into a brand-new soul crystal. 

The form is determined by the shape, color, and movement of the soul force within the crystal. This allows us to determine the most appropriate cultivation technique. Practicing the wrong technique could slow your cultivation progress significantly or even reduce your potential apex power. In the worst case, you could become crippled if you practice an unsuitable technique." Ye Xinghan explained patiently. "What do you know about soul realms?"

Gyuutarou tilted his head in thought before responding, "A person's soul realm is determined by the color that appears in the soul crystal. Different colors signify different potentials. The results vary, so talent can be ranked by the soul realm's color: red, orange, yellow, green, cyan, azure, indigo, with red being the lowest talent and indigo the highest."

Ye Xinghan nodded. "According to common practitioners, that's true. But what if I told you someone with a red soul realm could be far stronger than someone with an indigo realm?"

Gyuutarou lowered his head, pondering. After about ten seconds, he said, "As you mentioned earlier, it all depends on the cultivation technique they practice."

Ye Xinghan clapped his hands with a smile, "Well, you're indeed smart. You didn't refute my words just because they differ from ordinary common sense. I like that." 

He continued, "The reason this ranking was established is also why the Snow Wind Family became the strongest in Glory City."

"What do you mean?" Gyuutarou asked.

"It's because, during the dark age, the Snow Wind Family's ancestor managed to preserve cultivation techniques suited for the cyan and azure realms. While techniques for other colors were nearly extinct, we, the Snow Wind Family rose to the top."

Gyuutarou pointed out a flaw in the narrative, "Then why isn't cyan considered the strongest talent in Glory City?"

Ye Xinghan smiled, "Do you know Glory City was created by five Legend Ranked Demon Spiritualists? The strongest among them was a friend of my ancestor, Sheng Mu, the owner of a divine sword that's now embedded deep within the academy. And guess what? His soul realm color was Indigo."

Gyuutarou was amazed by the information. "How do you know all this?"

Ye Xinghan replied curtly, "By reading books and connecting the dots. Actually, there are plenty of cultivation techniques in the City Lord's mansion for other colors, but only a tiny fraction are translated. The ancient language is hard to decipher. If those books' mysteries were unraveled, Glory City would usher in a period of booming strength."

"How many people know this information?" Gyuutarou asked.

"Only the three of us, after all, this is just my speculation." Ye Xinghan continued, "Enough talking, let's proceed. Grip this crystal in your hand and focus on expelling whatever energy you have in your soul realm. It's like... taking a sh*t." Ye Xinghan tossed a soul crystal to Gyuutarou.

Gyuutarou caught the crystal while muttering under his breath, "Why give such a disgusting analogy?" He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and focused.

Ye Xinghan watched intently as the crystal began to glow after just a few seconds. 

It was green! 

There were also fifteen tiny bubbles floating inside it. 

However, Ye Xinghan paid no attention to these; instead, he focused on the center of the crystal.

A long creature, covered in emerald scales with a shining red crystal at the center of its head, appeared illusory but visible. 

When Gyuutarou opened his eyes, he was happy to have a green soul realm. Eventhough Ye Xinghan had already explained it, years of common sense were hard to replace in just few hours. "How is it?" he asked.

Ye Xinghan wasted no time, immediately grabbing a book from the towering stack beside him. 

He flipped through the pages so fast they were almost a blur until he stopped at a page written in ancient language.

"Jade Phosphor Serpent?"

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