Interest

"Interest is the best teacher!" Those words were perfectly borne out by Tang Ping.

For the next month, determined to regain his pride in his "contest" with Luo Xiaoyu, he immersed himself completely in developing secret techniques. He devoted all his energy to exploring the Fusion Domain, Spiritual Telekinesis, and physical strength.

Unexpectedly, his research progressed far more smoothly than he had anticipated.

This was not only thanks to his enthusiasm. The Wind-Thunder Secret Canon itself was a top-tier secret technique at the World Lord Rank, and its recorded moves covered every possibility, from basic Origin Force circulation methods to advanced techniques for controlling a domain. It encompassed nearly every conceivable form of combat.

Following the Canon's guidance, Tang Ping drew parallels and made connections. Many of the fusion problems that had once seemed obscure and difficult were resolved through repeated experimentation, greatly reducing the difficulty of his research.

In the Virtual Universe's Training Room, Tang Ping sat cross-legged with his eyes closed, faint Wind-Thunder energy swirling around his fingertips.

He took a deep breath and repeatedly worked through the paths of power fusion in his mind. "Unite the heart and intention, intention and breath, breath and force..." The energies of internal Yin and external Yang coursed through his body, and with each cycle, Spiritual Telekinesis and Gene Force harmonized more closely. "Keep the spirit suspended above, gather it within, and use the heart to control intention..."

He sank his consciousness into his sea of consciousness and guided his Spiritual Telekinesis into invisible threads, weaving them around the Wind-Thunder Domain and his physical strength in an attempt to create a complete network of power.

He mulled over the Canon's principles again and again. "Without intention or breath, force becomes rigid." He abandoned his former fighting style, which relied solely on brute strength. "Unite shoulder and hip, elbow and knee, hand and foot." He adjusted every joint in his body, allowing his physical strength to merge more smoothly with his energy.

"Weapons are extensions of the limbs; this is what they mean by becoming one with your weapon." Though he wielded no weapon, he treated his Spiritual Telekinesis as an invisible one, working in tandem with the Wind-Thunder Domain.

After who knew how long, Tang Ping suddenly opened his eyes, a sharp glint flashing in them.

The Wind-Thunder wings on his back unfurled in an instant, and he shot toward the rows of training dummies with a rush of wind.

"Pa-pa-pa-pa!" Crisp impacts rang out one after another. Almost simultaneously, dozens of training dummies were covered from head to toe in fine marks. Every strike contained the piercing force of Spiritual Telekinesis, the burst of Origin Force, the suppression of the domain, and the power of his physical strength. Four forces stacked together, unleashing destruction beyond imagination.

Tang Ping slowly came to a stop and glanced at the data panel beside him, his pupils contracting slightly.

It displayed: Speed: 60,000 m/s, Strength: 1 million tons!

He was only at the fourth level of Planetary Rank, with a basic attack power of just 4 million jin (about 2,000 tons). Yet this secret technique had increased his strength five hundredfold. Such an enhancement was terrifying.

More importantly, the power of the domain went far beyond that.

Within the range covered by the Wind-Thunder Fusion Domain, he had an absolute advantage over opponents without a domain. He could even manipulate the flow of energy within it, neutralizing his opponents' attacks as if they were nothing.

In other words, with this secret technique, he could completely suppress a Star Rank fighter for a short time—even Luo Xiaoyu, who had already advanced to Star Rank.

However, a secret technique this demanding consumed a staggering amount of both mental energy and Origin Force.

Tang Ping rubbed his chin, deep in thought. "When I have my 'one-on-one' with my wife, should I shout, 'I need to replenish my energy!' while secretly drinking Nutrient Solution?"

As soon as the thought crossed his mind, he hesitated. "Wouldn't that be a little dishonorable?"

But after reconsidering, he steeled himself. "There are no husband and wife on the battlefield. What's wrong with a little trick if it helps me win?" After all, being "suppressed" by Luo Xiaoyu every time was no fun. This time, he was determined to turn the tables.

As he pictured his victory, everything suddenly went black. A petite figure appeared out of nowhere, nearly pressing against his face.

It was Babata. Her not-yet-fully-grown oval face still had a childish look, but her eyes were eerie vertical pupils. Her snow-white fur occasionally brushed his nose, tickling him so much that he nearly sneezed, but he managed to hold it in.

After all, she was the esteemed Demon Babata. Sneezing all over her would have been a huge problem.

"Lady Babata." Tang Ping quickly stepped back, cupped his hands in a salute, and spoke with all the reverence due a "God of Wealth."

Babata folded her arms and floated in midair, circling Tang Ping again and again with a frown. Every now and then, she let out an astonished "tsk."

Her long, straight legs and light posture caught the eye, as did the translucent blue stinger that swished back and forth behind her.

Under her scrutiny, Tang Ping grew uneasy, his heart pounding. "Does my secret technique have some kind of side effect? Or did I break one of the Falling Ink Star's rules?"

At last, Babata stopped and patted him on the shoulder, a hint of praise in her voice. "You've got some talent, kid.

"According to our agreement, since you've mastered an additional domain at Planetary Rank, I'll reward you with 20 million Black Dragon Coins, jointly funded by your family and the Falling Ink Star."

She paused, then added, "Even more impressive, you managed to perfectly fuse two domains. And you didn't do it by using a higher-level law to control a lower-level one—that's extremely rare.

"Your fused domain's control over space is far greater than the sum of its parts, and its increase to your combat strength is remarkable. So, I'll add another 10 million Black Dragon Coins from my own pocket money. Keep up the good work."

As soon as she finished speaking, Tang Ping's Optical Computer chimed with a notification: "Ding~ Black Dragon Mountain Empire Bank notification: 30 million Black Dragon Coins have been deposited into your account 98433*82138xewrw. For investment services, please click the link. To reject this payment, reply 'R.'"

Seeing the new balance in his account and thinking of the "victory" soon to come, Tang Ping was overjoyed. He quickly bowed and thanked her. "Thank you, Lady Babata! Tang Ping will remain loyal to the Luo Family and the Falling Ink Star forever. I'll never betray your kindness!"

Babata raised her chin, looking somewhat haughty. "Tang Ping, your progress is certainly impressive, but I need to remind you of two things. First, cultivation isn't about who advances fastest, but who goes the farthest. Don't let a little success go to your head, and don't slack off, or someone will eventually surpass you."

Her tone suddenly turned serious. "Second, my master is making rapid progress at the Virtual Universe Company. There's a good chance the Alien Race has already put him on its assassination list.

"Try not to reveal your strength. Otherwise, you could attract their attention. The struggle between races has always been a fight to the death. They might even send an Immortal Expert to enslave you, using you to find an opportunity to get close to my master."

Tang Ping's expression turned solemn at once. He nodded gravely. "I understand. I'll be careful."

Seeing how seriously he took her warning, Babata finally relaxed.

She had always worried that Tang Ping was young and reckless, and that a little success would make him conceited. But then she remembered that when he had first asked for a secret technique, his priority had been one that could keep him alive. The kid understood the value of being "afraid to die."

And being afraid to die was often the key to living a long life.

She rubbed her chin and fluttered her tiny wings as she thought for a moment, then continued, "To be safe, I'll send you a Tier 3 Force Battle Suit later. It can withstand 90% of the attacks from Universe Level powerhouses.

"Also, if you can reach the threshold of a law within fifty years, I can introduce you to the Ganwu Secret Realm in the Ganwu Universe Kingdom. The Ganwu Universe Kingdom Lord personally watches over it, so it's absolutely safe."

"If you can reach the threshold of the higher-level Wind-Thunder Law, or the Space Law or Time Law, within a hundred years, I'll ask my master to recommend you to the Virtual Universe Company.

"That's where you'll finally have real backing and won't have to worry about being hunted by the Alien Race."

After that, she sent Tang Ping her Virtual Universe ID. "Here's my ID. Add me. If you ever face mortal danger or have questions about your cultivation, you can contact me in an emergency. If you're in danger, I'll pay a mercenary to rescue you. If you have questions about cultivation, I'll ask my master."

Only after giving him all those instructions did Babata relax a little.

Even her vast database couldn't explain how a Planetary Rank fighter had managed to fuse two domains completely without any conflict—and achieve such a tremendous increase in strength.

A genius like this deserved to be nurtured.

The Falling Ink Star needed talent like him!

Listening to Babata's instructions, Tang Ping felt his eyes grow warm. He stepped forward, wanting to hug the white-haired little girl. "Lady Babata, you're just too good to me!"

"Thump!" Before he could get close, a force slammed him to the ground, sending him sprawling on his backside.

Babata tilted her mouth to one side, revealing two pointed demon fangs, and snorted. "Insubordination deserves a beating!" With that, she let out a cackle, vanished in a flash, and disappeared from the Training Room.

Tang Ping: ...