Breakfast in the side hall ended in a subtly harmonious atmosphere.
Although Dugu Yan still had questions in her heart, the joy of obtaining the Immortal Herb and the favor of her Martial Soul Evolution were genuine. Thus, she maintained a superficial courtesy toward Jiang Zhen.
Dugu Bo was even more attentive, personally seeing Jiang Zhen and Lan Xi back to the outside of the secret chamber courtyard.
"If Young Master needs anything else, just give the word. I'll be waiting outside at any time," Dugu Bo said, bowing.
Jiang Zhen nodded slightly. "Thank you for your trouble, Senior. I need to cultivate in seclusion for a little while longer and familiarize myself with this newly acquired power. Don't let anyone disturb me during that time."
"Rest assured, Young Master!"
He stepped into the quiet cultivation room once more, and the stone door slowly closed behind him.
Jiang Zhen sat down cross-legged, sensing the vastness and vitality of his spiritual sea after absorbing the Water Dragon King Skull. Many of his previous ideas regarding Self-Created Soul Skills had now become incomparably clear.
He decided to start with the Pure Water Phantom Spirit, which he was most familiar with, and try to push it to a new level.
With a slight movement of his mind, a basketball-sized sphere of pure water floated above his palm.
In the past, he could only shape crude, singular forms.
Now, supported by his vast Spiritual Power, he began a new attempt.
"Compress... shape... grant it 'spirit'!"
Spiritual Power surged into the water sphere like the most precise carving knife.
Under the extreme internal pressure, the water sphere became solid and profound.
Immediately afterward, its form began to change—its body stretched, smooth muscle lines took shape, and sharp claws and fangs condensed...
A moment later, a