The Path of Cultivation Takes Shape and Departure

"Teacher, you flatter me."

Han Li did not truly think himself a genius just because Broad Hill had reacted somewhat excitedly.

He knew very well that he was no genius. He was merely a second-tier university graduate no different from Huang Tao, and one from the liberal arts at that. Before transmigrating, he had faced the constant risk of unemployment. It was only on this Douluo Continent, where everyone else seemed foolish, that he appeared somewhat outstanding.

"It seems the people at the branch hall were right when they said you had enjoyed reading all sorts of books since several years ago. Those books were not read in vain. How did you come up with such a way to develop your Martial Soul? No one should have taught you, right?" Broad Hill could not help asking.

"To be honest, Teacher, after reading through most of the books in Spirit Hall and Notting Academy, I reached a conclusion: Martial Souls are inherited through bloodlines." Han Li spread his hands and continued, "For someone like me, if I wanted to rise above my circumstances, there was only one way—mutation."

Broad Hill did not interrupt as he watched his unusually mature disciple speak. He himself had benefited from a mutated Martial Soul, so he naturally understood this well.

"My parents' Martial Souls were both mutated Martial Souls. Though the degree of mutation was not high, I was very likely to inherit one of them. Of course, it could also degenerate, but I was unwilling to settle for that."

Han Li paused before saying, "It was not until I saw examples of Elemental Instrument Martial Souls continuously stacking attributes to evolve that inspiration struck me and I came up with this idea. Even if it failed, as long as I could stabilize my Martial Soul's elemental attributes, then at the very least, my descendants would not have to start with an iron knife, right?"

At that, he smiled. "But now, there is no need for that. My Martial Soul is stronger than I imagined, yet I still want to try this idea. After all, as Teacher said, simply adding single-element Soul Rings and pure amplification Soul Rings would waste my talent, perhaps even cause unstable mutations—not to mention that my two forms have entirely different attack patterns."

Broad Hill nodded unconsciously as he listened. He had been persuaded, and with the insight of a Super Douluo, it was easy for him to judge whether this was feasible. After all, cultivation after Rank 95 was no longer merely the accumulation of Soul Power, but the development and comprehension of one's Martial Soul.

In his view, it might not necessarily be right, but it definitely would not be wrong. At the very least, cultivating Martial Souls this way could easily allow both him and the disciple before him to reach Rank 97.

My disciple has the makings of a Super Douluo, a thought suddenly surfaced in Broad Hill's mind.

His heart immediately swelled with delight. Aside from Little Snow, who possessed the Angel Inheritance and could certainly reach Rank 99, none of the other worshippers had trained a single Super Douluo. Even those they had guided had failed to break past the limit of Rank 95. But he, Broad Hill—his disciple would absolutely not be weaker than him in the future.

That alone was enough. Bibi Dong, thank you, but when you stepped down as Pope, it would be time for master and disciple to gang up on you, Broad Hill thought happily to himself.

"Teacher? Teacher? Do you think this will work?"

Seeing Broad Hill inexplicably grinning foolishly to himself, Han Li could not help calling out loudly.

"Cough, cough."

Only then did Broad Hill's thoughts return to reality. He feigned a cough and looked seriously at his disciple. "There is nothing wrong with your idea. I agree with it, and I can ensure your early growth. But that does not mean you can completely abandon your combat ability in the early stages. Later, I will train you specifically so that you retain a certain degree of combat ability even without relying on Soul Skills."

"However, this sort of training may be quite arduous for you. You understand that, right?"

After hearing Han Li's plan, Broad Hill had indeed intended to abandon his early combat ability. But then he thought of Bibi Dong. How could his disciple be weaker than that little fox? If they were being precise, that little fox was actually a few years older than Han Li, but his, Broad Hill's, disciple would never be inferior to anyone in his life. He believed Han Li would overcome it. Yes, he would always believe in his disciple—Broad Hill repeated this to himself again and again.

As Han Li watched Broad Hill's expression gradually turn somewhat sinister as he spoke, his sense of danger surged. Yet he truly did not want to become a complete weakling, so he gritted his teeth and nodded.

It is only suffering a little in the early stages. Endure it, and it will pass. At worst, it is only twenty years. Thinking of the wonderful life after becoming a god, I will treat it like paying off a mortgage, he thought fiercely.

Seeing that Han Li had no objections, Broad Hill was even more satisfied. He took the initiative to ask, "For your First Soul Ring, are you planning to first settle on conventional amplification, or improve your elemental control first?"

After thinking briefly, Han Li replied, "The elemental aspect. That way, I might be able to further determine the direction. Even if it fails, the impact on what comes after can be minimized."

After hearing him, Broad Hill searched his mind for suitable soul beasts. Only after pondering for a while did he say, "Hmm, if I remember correctly, among the small soul beasts raised in Spirit City, there should be one suitable for your First Soul Ring. There is no need to take you out to hunt one specifically."

"However, I need to remind you of something. I was too excited earlier and forgot to tell you. Whether your idea can be realized will also depend on your comprehension. As far as I know, among the currently known soul beasts, there are quite a few whose Soul Ring skills relate to Elemental Affinity after they are hunted. But none with the effect of elemental control have ever been discovered."

Broad Hill's expression turned serious once more as he gave this solemn reminder.

Han Li nodded thoughtfully. It was not that there were none—they were simply impossible to defeat. He wondered whether killing the Silver Dragon King, a Divine Beast, would yield a Soul Ring? Only Elemental Affinity? Still, that was enough. Later, he could use immortal herbs and powerful Spiritual Power to lower the difficulty. And as he continued growing stronger, fortune would favor him as well. Combined with all the wild ideas from his previous life, if he still could not forge a path through this road, then he might as well give up.

"That is enough, Teacher. After all, I am your disciple, aren't I?" Han Li replied with a smile.

"Haha, well said. When the time comes, master and disciple will both become peerless legends. Let them be jealous." Broad Hill froze for a moment before bursting into laughter.

"You will see that day, Teacher." Han Li clenched his fist and spoke earnestly.

"Come. Take me to meet the people who have protected you these past few years. I must thank them properly for allowing me to gain such an excellent disciple."

Broad Hill smiled, took Han Li's hand, and led him outside.

The meal was thoroughly enjoyable for both host and guests. Since Broad Hill was in a good mood, he praised the three whenever he could—well, forced praise, really. Given Broad Hill's personality, he normally would not even spare a glance for Soul Masters of such low rank. He even promised that they could each make one request, so long as it was not excessive.

Ma Xiunuo, Xiao Zhan, and Su Yuntao were overwhelmed with surprise, but at Han Li's signal, each made a suitable request. Broad Hill did not hesitate and sent out messages on the spot. Within a few days, the three would surely receive good news.

Han Li was also happy for them. However, he was still weak and did not yet have the ability to repay them himself. For now, he could only rely on his teacher's power to offer something in return.

Once they learned that Broad Hill was about to take Han Li away, the three spoke with Han Li for quite a while longer. After saying their farewells, they finally left reluctantly.

Having prepared long ago, Han Li gathered all the servants in the residence, compensated them with half a year's wages, and dismissed them all before bringing Xiu'er before his teacher.

After gently locking the door, Han Li looked back once more at the place where he had lived for nearly three years, then turned and walked toward Broad Hill and Xiu'er, who were waiting nearby.

Broad Hill said nothing more. He picked one up in each arm, spread the icy blue wings of light behind his back, and shot into the sky amid the astonished gazes of Notting City's passersby.