Extreme Path

Extreme Path

Before long, Oslo slowly woke from his unconsciousness. The first thing he saw was Yu Feng's face, wearing a teasing grin.

"Yo, you're awake~" Yu Feng leaned in with a cheeky smile, only to sheepishly pull back under Oslo's icy stare.

Oslo slowly pushed himself up, his sharp gaze sweeping over everyone present before finally settling on Feng Yao. He was silent for a moment before asking in a low voice, "Can you tell me how you did that?"

The training ground immediately fell quiet, everyone's eyes focusing on Feng Yao. Sunlight spilled down, casting a gentle halo over the ancient zither in his arms.

Feng Yao lightly brushed the strings with his fingertips and explained gently, "Zither sound is intangible, yet it can arrive in an instant. Through sound waves of a particular frequency and intensity, I briefly interfered with your brain's central nervous system." He paused, his gaze sweeping over the group. "And beast Martial Souls like the Ghost Leopard possess perception far beyond that of ordinary people. The sharper one's senses, the more information one receives from the outside world."

"So that makes them more susceptible to being affected by zither sound instead." Oslo picked up the thought, a flash of realization appearing in his eyes.

Feng Yao nodded with a smile. "Exactly. Before the match, I learned a little about everyone's abilities." There was a trace of apology in his gaze as he looked at Oslo. "That was also why I chose you as my opponent."

The area fell silent.

Yu Tianheng's pupils contracted slightly. The Shi Mo and Shi Mo brothers exchanged looks, while even the ever-composed Qin Ming wore a thoughtful expression. Everyone realized that this seemingly gentle Zither Master not only possessed astonishing strength, but also extraordinary combat wisdom.

Pride shone in Dugu Yan's emerald eyes, while Ye Lingling gently covered her slightly parted lips. At that moment, no one dared underestimate this Zither Master with only two Spirit Rings any longer.

Ye Lingling tilted her head slightly, silver hair cascading like a waterfall. Confusion flickered in her light purple eyes. "What is the central nervous system?" Her voice was as clear as a spring, carrying a hint of eager curiosity.

Feng Yao brushed the strings lightly with his fingertips. After pondering for a moment, he asked gently, "Ling Ling, have you ever watched a puppet show?"

"Of course." Ye Lingling nodded lightly, and the tips of her ears, faintly visible amid her silver hair, twitched slightly.

A gentle smile appeared in Feng Yao's eyes. With a light pluck of the strings, he produced a faint trembling note. "A Spirit Master controls their body much like a puppeteer controls a puppet. The brain gives an order, and the body moves accordingly." His slender fingers traced several lines through the air. "The central nervous system is the 'strings' connecting thought and action. Just now, I used zither sound to briefly interfere with the transmission along those 'strings.'"

Clap, clap, clap—

Crisp applause suddenly rang out. Qin Ming stepped forward slowly, approval on his face. "Well said." He looked around at everyone, his voice steady and forceful. "Today, our new classmate has taught you an important lesson—never underestimate any opponent." His gaze rested on Yu Tianheng for a moment. "On the contrary, you must carefully understand every opponent's traits. That is the wisdom of a Spirit Master in battle."

"Yes!"

The Imperial Fighting Team answered in unison, their voices echoing through the training ground. Expectation and curiosity shone in everyone's eyes.

Qin Ming nodded in satisfaction, then turned his gentle gaze toward Feng Yao. "Feng, could you show us how you normally train?" His voice carried sincere curiosity, without the slightest hint of a teacher's airs.

Expectation gleamed in Dugu Yan's emerald eyes. Ye Lingling unconsciously leaned forward, while even the newly awakened Oslo widened his eyes. Everyone wanted to know what unique cultivation method this Zither Master, who had subdued a Ghost Leopard Spirit Master in an instant with only two Spirit Rings, possessed.

Feng Yao smiled modestly. "You flatter me. My training is actually very simple." As he spoke, he gracefully sat cross-legged on the ground, his moon-white robes spreading across the training ground floor.

He gently placed the ancient zither "Fuxi" across his knees, his long fingers hovering above its strings. As the first note rang out, the very air throughout the training ground seemed to fall still.

"This is..." Qin Ming's pupils contracted slightly. He sharply noticed that every note Feng Yao played was precisely controlled at a particular frequency. As the strings trembled, faint ripples of Soul Power spread through the air.

As the melodious zither music echoed across the training ground, an astonishing sight appeared—an azure glow gradually emerged around Feng Yao, flowing endlessly like ripples of water. This was not merely Soul Power released outward; it contained some profound rhythm, waxing and waning with the rise and fall of the zither music.

"A training method that perfectly fuses zither artistry with Soul Power control..." Qin Ming's eyes burned as he could not help murmuring in admiration. As a Soul Emperor, he saw at a glance the brilliance of this cultivation method.

Dugu Yan quietly watched Feng Yao, immersed in the zither music. A complicated expression flashed through her emerald eyes. Even Teacher Qin can only see the surface of it.

This seemingly simple cultivation through playing the zither actually contained mysteries profound enough to astonish even Poison Douluo. Dugu Bo had personally commented that Feng Yao's method of tempering his body through zither sound was an innovation worthy of founding an entire school.

Yet even a powerhouse like Dugu Bo had not fully seen through its mysteries. Feng Yao's cultivation was far more than what appeared on the surface—he had perfectly fused the rhythms of zither artistry, the properties of his Martial Soul, bodily tempering, and Soul Power control. The four complemented one another, forming a unique cultivation system. With every vibration of a note, Feng Yao tempered his Martial Soul with his own Soul Power, in accordance with the principle of the five tones corresponding to the internal organs; every rise and fall of a melody corresponded to the path of circulating Soul Power.

The zither music gradually quickened, and the blue glow around Feng Yao accelerated along with it. To everyone's surprise, the ancient zither "Fuxi" in his arms began producing a faint resonance on its own. The ancient patterns on its body seemed to be infused with life, gleaming with mysterious light beneath the sun.

This was a cultivation path belonging solely to Feng Yao. Even if he taught it without reservation, it would be difficult to find a second person in the world capable of fully mastering it. At its root, the entry requirements for this cultivation system were simply too demanding:

First, one's Martial Soul had to be an instrument-type Martial Soul. Looking across the entire Spirit Master world, such Martial Souls were not rare. Yet one also needed an extremely profound attainment in music—children in this world awakened their Martial Souls at the age of six. To reach Feng Yao's near-transcendent realm in zither artistry, one either needed to possess memories from two lifetimes like Feng Yao, or devote decades to music like Tang Yuehua.

But reality was even crueler: those with exceptional Innate Soul Power already had broad paths leading to the heavens before them, so why would they spend such effort studying this? And how could those with low Innate Soul Power possibly devote decades to this path like Tang Yuehua? Not to mention that in this rigidly stratified world of Spirit Masters, musical study had always been an exclusive amusement of the nobility. Commoner Spirit Masters could scarcely even obtain the right to touch an instrument.

The zither music flowing from Feng Yao's fingers echoed across the training ground, every note seemingly in harmony with the great principles of heaven and earth. The members of the Imperial Dou Team listened as if entranced, unaware of how many irreplaceable opportunities and conditions lay hidden behind this seemingly elegant cultivation method.

As the piece ended, lingering notes drifted through the air. Feng Yao gently pressed down on the trembling strings, then raised his eyes to Qin Ming with a warm smile on his lips. "Teacher Qin, this is how I normally cultivate."

Qin Ming stared blankly at the youth before him. Only after a long while did he shake his head with a wry smile. "Feng's cultivation method truly stands apart from all others." He stroked his chin, amazement gleaming in his eyes. "Even with my experience, I cannot offer any better advice. However..." His tone shifted, and his expression grew serious. "I still have an important question."

"Please ask." Feng Yao lightly brushed the strings, producing a clear lingering note.

Qin Ming looked directly into Feng Yao's eyes. "How do you position yourself? That determines your role in a team." He paused briefly. "Judging by the characteristics of your Martial Soul, I would guess you are a Control System Spirit Master?"

Feng Yao laughed softly at that, startling confidence in his smile. "Teacher Qin, I can fill any role."

The moment those words fell, Dugu Yan's emerald eyes flew wide open. Even the normally steady Ye Lingling could not help covering her red lips. A chorus of sharp inhalations instantly arose throughout the training ground.

"Feng, this..." Qin Ming frowned slightly. "You aren't joking, are you?"

Feng Yao calmly plucked the strings, producing a meaningful trembling note. "Teacher Qin, I follow the Extreme Path." He raised a hand, and two bright yellow Spirit Rings gleamed beneath the sunlight. "Every one of my Spirit Rings has the same skill: Soul Power Amplification."

Those words exploded in Qin Ming's mind like a thunderbolt. At that moment, every doubt was suddenly cleared away—with Feng Yao's superb Soul Power control coupled with the Extreme Path cultivation method, he truly could choose his role at will. This seemingly gentle youth had fused his understanding of zither artistry with the path of a Spirit Master to such a degree!

Qin Ming's gaze unconsciously fell upon "Fuxi" in Feng Yao's arms. The ancient zither seemed to contain limitless possibilities at that moment. He finally understood why the education committee held this youth in such high regard.

Qin Ming's expression suddenly tightened, solemnity filling his features. He looked around at the Imperial Fighting Team and said in a low voice, "It is enough that you know this. Do not spread it outside." His voice was soft, yet it carried unquestionable authority.

"Yes!"

Everyone answered together, understanding shining in their eyes.

Only then did Qin Ming turn back to Feng Yao, a warm smile returning to his serious face. "Feng, from now on, identify yourself publicly as a Control System Spirit Master." He added meaningfully, "That would be more in line with common sense."

Feng Yao bowed elegantly, his fingers casually brushing over the strings. "I will follow Teacher Qin's instructions." The soft trembling of the zither carried a shared, unspoken understanding.

"Alright, training begins now." Qin Ming clapped his hands, his gaze sweeping over the Imperial Fighting Team. "Feng, make yourself comfortable." With that, he led the team toward the other end of the training ground.

So as not to disturb the Imperial Dou Team's daily training, Feng Yao deliberately found a quiet corner along the edge of the grounds. Sunlight filtered through the shadows of trees, casting mottled light over him and "Fuxi." The zither music flowed like a clear spring, intertwining with the sounds of training in the distance without strangely interfering with them.

When the setting sun dyed the horizon orange-red, Feng Yao finished the final note and gently pressed the strings to stop the lingering resonance. He slowly opened his eyes, only to discover that Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling had somehow come to stand beside him. Dugu Yan stood with her arms folded, emerald hair fluttering softly in the evening breeze; Ye Lingling stood quietly nearby, her silver hair cascading like a waterfall and glowing warmly beneath the sunset.

"Oh my, my dear little brother, you finally finished." Dugu Yan let out an exaggerated sigh, though her green eyes were full of amusement.

Feng Yao carefully lifted "Fuxi," the flowing patterns on its body faintly appearing and disappearing in the twilight. "Sister Yan, Sister Ling Ling, you really did not need to wait for me."

"I wasn't the one waiting for you~" Dugu Yan blinked teasingly, her emerald hair swaying lightly as she tilted her head. She gently nudged Ye Lingling beside her with her elbow and deliberately drew out her tone. "Someone wanted to learn the zither from you~"

At those words, a rosy flush instantly spread across Ye Lingling's fair, lovely face. Even the tips of her ears, faintly visible amid her silver hair, turned translucently red. She awkwardly twisted her slender fingers together, embarrassment flickering in her light purple eyes. "Yan Yan! Y-you, what nonsense are you talking about..." Her voice grew softer and softer until it was nearly inaudible.

Understanding, Feng Yao smiled softly and lightly plucked the strings, bringing forth a gentle trembling note. "It is my honor to receive Sister Ling Ling's favor." His warm gaze fell upon Ye Lingling. "If you have any questions about music, we can discuss them anytime."

Seeing Ye Lingling's flustered embarrassment, Dugu Yan finally could not hold back her laughter. Her emerald eyes were full of affection. "Alright, alright, I'll stop teasing you." Turning, she beckoned Feng Yao over. "Little Feng, let's go. After dinner, I'll take you to see the Heaven Dou Royal Academy's Mimicry Training Ground."

Soon, after dinner, bright moonlight had quietly climbed the branches. Dugu Yan led Feng Yao through the academy's tranquil paths, her emerald hair drifting softly in the night breeze.

"The Heaven Dou Royal Academy's Mimicry Training Ground is a place that even Spirit Hall would envy." Dugu Yan's voice carried a hint of pride. She pointed toward a uniquely shaped circular building in the distance. Under the moonlight, Soul Tool patterns along its surface glowed with a faint blue light.

Only upon drawing closer did Feng Yao discover that the building was far grander than he had imagined. Countless crystals were embedded in its ten-meter-high dome, sparkling like stars in the night.

Is this Soul Tool Technology? Feng Yao silently wondered.

At the entrance, two guards dressed in silver-white uniforms immediately saluted respectfully upon seeing Dugu Yan and Feng Yao. After checking their student credentials, the heavy metal doors silently slid open. Dugu Yan smiled and said, "The privilege of entering and leaving freely is reserved for core team members. From now on, you only need to show your own student identification to enter."

The instant Feng Yao stepped into the Mimicry Training Ground, the ancient zither "Fuxi" in his arms suddenly emitted a clear trembling note on its own. Its strings moved without wind, sending wave-like echoes through the silent space. This strange resonance seemed to respond to the dense, almost tangible primordial energy of heaven and earth within the training ground.

A long corridor stretched before them, with countless doors of different designs lining both sides. Each door was engraved with different Soul Tool patterns, glimmering mysteriously beneath the dim blue lights.

Dugu Yan leaned against the wall, her emerald hair faintly glowing in the light. "Just pick any room and go inside to meditate." Seeing Feng Yao's surprised expression, she could not help laughing. "What? Think it's too simple?"

"It is indeed somewhat unexpected." Feng Yao touched the strings of "Fuxi," which were still trembling faintly, a trace of confusion flashing through his eyes.

"You'll understand once you start meditating." Dugu Yan gave him a mysterious wink. "Grandfather once said that, bluntly put, this place was built by throwing money at it." She pointed at the floor beneath their feet. "Beneath every inch of ground are buried countless priceless rare crystals, while the walls are filled with rare metals capable of generating special energy fields."

Feng Yao lightly touched the wall with his fingertips, and a wave of pure energy immediately flowed into them. Surprise flashed in his eyes. A training ground built directly from heavenly treasures and precious materials? Such extravagance...

The sensation at his fingertips made him instantly understand the mystery of this place—the entire wall was built from special ore capable of storing Soul Power, every block worth a fortune. What Soul Tool Technology was this? It was clearly a sacred cultivation ground forcibly piled together from countless rare materials.

If the Spirit Tool Masters of the Sun-Moon Continent saw this... Feng Yao could not help laughing bitterly inwardly. They would probably cough up blood from rage.

Dugu Yan's voice sounded at just the right moment. "When you enter a meditative state, the properties of your Martial Soul will guide the surrounding energy field to change." Her slender finger drew a graceful arc through the air. "Put simply, Martial Souls can be 'picky eaters' too. Only in the most suitable environment can one achieve deep meditation. But in a place like this, the concentration of every kind of energy far exceeds the outside world, making it easy to enter deep meditation. Because of the difference in energy density, even if you were fortunate enough to enter deep meditation outside, the results would certainly be far inferior to what you could achieve here."

Feng Yao nodded thoughtfully. This was the first time he had heard such a theory, yet upon reflection, it truly made sense. Just like his zither, which was now faintly trembling after sensing the rich energy fluctuations, as though it could not wait to begin cultivating.