Steady On, Start by Playing It Safe

Chen Jieqi rubbed his shoulder, which had grown sore from being hugged, and looked at the girl's flushed cheeks.

He couldn't help but curl his lips into a smile, deliberately feigning an air of nonchalance:

"Yanyan, I'm curious, have your soul skills changed along with your Martial Soul?"

After all, in the original story, Dugu Yan's first three soul skills—Jade Phosphor Red Poison, Jade Phosphor Blue Poison, and Jade Phosphor Purple Poison—were quite decent, but the base number of soul skills was simply too low.

Upon hearing this, Dugu Yan's eyes lit up:

"Of course they changed!

My previous poison-type soul skills are gone; now, everything is based on the application of the earth attribute!"

Dugu Yan took a deep breath and then activated Martial Soul Avatar. Her dark orange hair instantly shimmered with a bright yellow luster, a golden horn sprouted from her forehead, her earth-yellow eyes elongated into vertical pupils, dense dragon scale patterns spread from her neck to her arms, and her hands transformed into dragon claws. Then, two yellow soul rings flashed in succession:

[First Soul Skill: Earth Power]

Consumes 20% of base soul power to awaken the free earth elements in the air to amplify oneself, increasing earth attribute by 50% and halving the consumption of earth-attribute soul skills for the duration of one incense stick.

[Second Soul Skill: Elemental Simulation]

Depending on the soul power used, one can simulate earth elements into earth spikes, rocks, earth walls, etc. It strengthens and changes based on soul power and attribute enhancement.

"Look, once the first soul skill 'Earth Power' is activated, my earth attribute is directly boosted by half, and the consumption of subsequent skills is also halved!"

"The second soul skill 'Elemental Simulation' is even more flexible. I can create earth spikes to pierce people or earth walls to block damage. In future soul battles, I can control the field while also attacking and defending!"

Chen Jieqi looked at the flexibly shifting earth elements before him and praised her sincerely:

"Yanyan, the growth potential and foundation of your soul skills are incredibly powerful.

Under the condition of equal attribute levels and soul power volume, my Heart of the Naaru isn't even as comprehensive or convenient as yours!"

The characteristics of these soul skills mean that once Dugu Yan's soul power level and attributes increase, she will essentially be a 'magic and martial dual cultivator of earth elements.'

From a distance, she can use various terrains for restriction, offense, and control; in close combat, she can cover herself in armor for melee fighting, and so on.

If her subsequent soul skills continue to enhance attribute boosts, mental boosts, or provide displacement and life-saving abilities, it would be absolutely perfect.

"Sure enough, sometimes luck is also a part of strength."

Chen Jieqi shook his head with a smile and looked at Dugu Yan, handing over a soul power crystal with eyes full of anticipation:

"Yanyan, let's measure your soul power while we're at it. Let's see how much you've improved this time?"

"Alright, little brother Jieqi."

Dugu Yan smiled and pressed her hand onto the crystal. A bright yellow earth-attribute glow surged in, and the crystal erupted with a dazzling halo.

"Level 30?"

Chen Jieqi looked at the brightness of the crystal and couldn't help but frown.

Dugu Yan withdrew her hand, feeling the surging power within her body, and shook her head gently:

"It's definitely more than that; it's just that I haven't obtained a soul ring yet, so I can't measure the specific value for now."

"Yanyan, it's a good thing that your soul power has increased so much, but your current Martial Soul and attributes are different from before.

You need to re-master and familiarize yourself with them. Let's aim to complete this within half a year, and then we will go obtain your soul ring together."

Chen Jieqi said solemnly.

"Okay, I'll listen to you."

Dugu Yan nodded, her eyes filled with anticipation for the future.

After all, her previous 'Jade Phosphor Snake' Martial Soul was purely for releasing poison—as long as it was released, it worked. But now, the 'Single-Horned Golden Flood Dragon' Martial Soul is different. Not only can she follow the conventional beast-type Martial Soul route of self-enhancement, but due to her unique second soul skill, she can also choose an elemental reinforcement route. This means she doesn't rely on the use of any single soul skill, which in turn places higher, even harsh, demands on her mastery of her Martial Soul and attributes.

Because Dugu Yan's appearance had changed significantly due to her Martial Soul evolution, she followed Chen Jieqi's suggestion to return to the academy to request a long leave, and then remained at the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well to cultivate.

The two decided that before Dugu Bo finished his seclusion, Dugu Yan would not return to the Heaven Dou Royal Academy for the time being.

After all, Dugu Yan's change in appearance and Martial Soul evolution could not escape the observation of those with ulterior motives. Although they might not dare to act initially due to Dugu Bo's reputation, this would not stop some desperate criminals or major factions from probing. After all, this concerns Martial Soul evolution, which is an immense temptation for both individuals and factions.

The opportunity here is far greater than the 'Treasure of the Blood River'—the soul bone. It can not only benefit oneself but also provide shade for one's descendants.

That's right, I'm talking about you—Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

They are crazy about Martial Soul evolution; if there were even the slightest chance or possibility, they would act without hesitation and use any means necessary to achieve it.

Especially during the time gap when Dugu Bo cannot appear, no one can guarantee that Dugu Yan won't be pushed to an 'extreme.'

Moreover, as a level 30 soul master, it is not impossible for Dugu Yan to be abducted from the academy without a sound.

By then, even if Dugu Bo emerges with his 'divine skill perfected,' it would be too late. He couldn't possibly go around probing or taking revenge on every faction in the world.

By that time, the opportunity would have long passed. There is no need for us to stand under a crumbling wall.

Therefore, Chen Jieqi suggested that Dugu Yan lie low for the time being, carefully explaining the pros and cons of the situation.

Before one has the power to protect oneself, one can never be too cautious; there is no shame in that.

After listening to Chen Jieqi's analysis, and given that Dugu Yan was not stupid herself, she recalled various "things" she had heard or seen, and it all clicked into place.

It was just that, previously, due to the deterrent power of Dugu Bo acting as a "nuclear weapon," Dugu Yan had never imagined that these "possibilities" could ever happen to her.

Now, under Chen Jieqi's explanation, Dugu Yan suddenly saw the light; all risks are, in essence, linked to gains and rewards. Dugu Bo's "deterrence" certainly existed.

However, people are prone to wishful thinking; if someone were to snatch Dugu Yan away and flee, what would it matter if you, Dugu Bo, couldn't find them?

For some major factions, if they truly figured out the reason for the Martial Soul Evolution, the "deterrence" of Dugu Bo might be something they could afford to challenge.

In specific circumstances, it was even possible for them to take out Dugu Bo along with her.

That's right, I am talking about you—the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

For the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, whether it was snatching Dugu Yan away without a sound or taking out Dugu Bo entirely, they had the strength to do so; it was merely a question of cost and reward.

After all, as a support-oriented sect, Ning Fengzhi would first consider transactional methods, but if it involved Martial Soul Evolution, or if he had a lapse in judgment and decided to go to "extremes" one day, it was not impossible.

After all, as one of the sect's guardian Douluo, Bone Douluo—Gu Rong—had likely done his fair share of such things.

After the two had an in-depth conversation, the days that followed gradually began to settle into a calm rhythm.

Aside from maintaining enough time for meditation and prayer every day, Chen Jieqi spent his time helping Dugu Yan smoothly master the power of the elements.

"Sister Yanyan, try to follow the pulse of the earth; don't try to grasp it with brute force."

Chen Jieqi stepped forward and lightly tapped her wrist.

"Spirit power is the root, your earth attribute is the branches, and spirit skills are merely the fruit they bear. Only by anchoring the roots firmly can you allow the power to flow smoothly."

Dugu Yan adjusted her breathing as instructed, slowly injecting her spirit power into the earth beneath her feet. The bright yellow earth element instantly became docile.

It flowed through her meridians, eventually condensing into fine grains of sand that drifted away with the wind.

"I think I understand..."

Her eyes lit up.

"Before, the power of the Jade Phosphorous Serpent was about 'releasing outward,' but now, the power of the Single-Horned Golden Flood Dragon is about 'connecting,' and by connecting with the earth, it won't lose control."