The Auxiliary Function of the Crown

It appeared as though he had simply unleashed a powerful strike, but the intricacies involved were something only he understood best.

First, the effective range of the attack was absolutely greater than what had been demonstrated.

Second, while the power of Spirit Roar was indeed formidable, it was by no means as simple and crude as it looked; beyond its ability to shatter mountains and crush rocks, the light wave was also imbued with Qian Yun's mental power, meaning that even if someone were to block Spirit Roar in the future, they would still be subjected to his mental attack.

Furthermore, Spirit Roar possessed the effect of weakening an opponent's defense, especially if the target possessed a martial soul with maxed-out defensive stats like that boulder, in which case the effect of Spirit Roar could be described as immediate.

If Qian Yun wanted to, he could even utilize Star Power, which would extend the range of Spirit Roar even further and make its power even more tyrannical.

Unfortunately, such a powerful soul skill came with an astonishing consumption rate; using it just once had already drained nearly one-third of Qian Yun's level twelve soul power.

Moreover, the drawback of this type of attack was much like an arrow on a bowstring: if it hit, the damage was explosive, but if it missed, it was zero output.

The margin for error was a bit low, but if he could manage to catch his opponent off guard, the speed and power of Spirit Roar would surely make them suffer a heavy loss.

The method of descending the mountain was also simple and crude; Yue Guan grabbed Qian Yun and leaped from the cliff edge, and in the blink of an eye, the two landed in the camp.

Having waited for a long time, Hu Liena hurried over. "How was it, Qian Yun, did it go smoothly?"

Qian Yun simply and cleanly revealed the golden-yellow soul ring at his feet, symbolizing a century of cultivation.

Seeing Qian Yun's state, Hu Liena knew he had succeeded, and by the looks of it, he must have obtained a decent soul skill.

"That's great!" Hu Liena immediately beamed with a joyful smile, looking even happier than if she had obtained a soul ring herself.

"Yeah." Perhaps infected by her mood, Qian Yun couldn't help but feel excited as well, glancing out of the corner of his eye at Yue Guan, who was busy issuing orders.

In truth, what Qian Yun had displayed on the mountain peak might not have been the greatest gain of his trip; the Star Power he had obtained while absorbing the soul ring was the biggest benefit of all!

His first soul ring was indeed an attack-type soul skill, but Star Power had significant auxiliary effects, especially under the enhancement of his Crown, which made the degree of improvement truly terrifying.

However, he couldn't reveal everything; the effects of Star Power and the powerful aspects of the Crown still needed to be explored slowly on his own.

The next day.

Qian Yun's group finally set out on the return journey, the mission having been completed successfully. Both Hu Liena and Qian Yun had gained quite a bit, and Qian Yun, in particular, could be said to have had a very fruitful trip.

A few days later.

When the carriage finally re-entered Martial Soul City, the noisy peddling and the bustling streets gave the two of them the illusion of having been away for a lifetime.

"Qian Yun, this is my first time seeing Martial Soul City clearly. It's so lively here; how about we go for a stroll another day?" Hu Liena stood on her tiptoes, her little face pressed against the window, her eyes sparkling as she looked at the dazzling array of shops along the street.

Qian Yun naturally had no objections to this, but the two of them were still new to Martial Soul Hall and didn't have much savings to spend.

"If we go shopping, we'll need money, right? And as far as I know, things in Martial Soul City are often more expensive than elsewhere. I'm afraid our few gold coins won't be nearly enough."

Hearing this, the smile on Hu Liena's face stiffened, and she pursed her lips. "I didn't say we had to spend money; we can just look without buying."

Qian Yun looked at her with some surprise, but didn't say anything more. "Alright, let's go for a stroll another day."

Because the flow of people in the city was so heavy, even the Martial Soul Hall convoy, which usually traveled unimpeded, could only crawl along like a turtle here.

Hu Liena glanced at him and said, "But we don't really have to be stingy. Once we register at Martial Soul Hall, we'll officially be soul masters and will receive a monthly stipend. As long as we don't squander it, it should be enough for the occasional shopping trip."

Qian Yun closed his book and asked, seemingly implying something, "Then tell me, since almost all the soul masters on the continent receive money from Martial Soul Hall, do you think they feel grateful toward Martial Soul Hall?"

Hu Liena tilted her little head. "This... I suppose they would. Even if they don't like our Martial Soul Hall, they shouldn't go around badmouthing us, right? Isn't there a saying, 'Pick up the bowl to eat, put down the chopsticks to curse'? People shouldn't be that hypocritical, right?"

Qian Yun smiled. "That's not necessarily true."

The carriage drove through the noisy crowd and finally quieted down; Qian Yun knew they must have arrived at the Pope Hall.

Once a mission was over, one naturally had to report to their superiors, which was exactly what Yue Guan was doing now.

"Pope, I have arranged the details of this operation properly. The soul beast's carcass has been collected by specialists, and Qian Yun and Hu Liena have safely obtained their century-level first soul rings, officially becoming soul masters of our Martial Soul Hall." Yue Guan bowed before the high-seated throne.

Bibi Dong held a report in her delicate hand. "I am aware of the situation. You did well this time; you may go."

"Yes." Yue Guan received the order and slowly retreated.

After he left, Bibi Dong's gaze finally shifted from the report to the two of them. "Xiao Yun, Xiao Na, first of all, congratulations on officially becoming soul masters. From the moment you step into the world of soul masters, it means that besides having the opportunity to see a wider world, you will also encounter dangers beyond what ordinary people can imagine. Therefore, your teacher hopes that you will remain humble and diligent in your cultivation, and not let down the cultivation the Pope Hall has invested in you."

"We will definitely work hard, Teacher!"

Bibi Dong nodded. "Yes, Teacher believes in your determination." After saying this, she spoke again, her tone softening slightly. "However, jade must be carved to become a useful vessel, so for the next few years, I will send you to study. Once you have sufficient strength and experience, you will officially take up your posts at the Pope Hall."

"Study? Does that mean we are going to a Soul Master Academy?" Qian Yun asked.

Bibi Dong shook her head. "No, the atmosphere in the outside Soul Master Academies is corrupt and does not meet my requirements."

Listening to her tone, Qian Yun guessed she was referring to those aristocratic Soul Master Academies like the Royal Academy.

"Therefore, I do not intend to send you to any so-called Soul Master Academy, but rather to study here at the Pope Hall, where specialists will be responsible for teaching you." Bibi Dong finally revealed her arrangements.

Indeed, as the faith in the hearts of the continent's soul masters and the absolute authority of the soul master world, Martial Soul Hall certainly had more to teach than any Soul Master Academy.

"Yes."

At night.

Qian Yun and Hu Liena arrived at a training room; it was quiet, with only the sound of insects chirping outside.

Watching Qian Yun's mysterious actions, Hu Liena asked with some confusion, "Why did you bring me here? You're acting all sneaky, and you won't tell me anything when I ask."

Faced with her question, Qian Yun finally confessed to her, "Don't be so impatient. I discovered that after absorbing my first soul ring, my martial soul seems to have changed."

"Ah, changed?" Hearing that it concerned his martial soul, Hu Liena was no longer sleepy and immediately perked up.

"Yes, but don't be nervous. I think this is a positive change," Qian Yun said.

"A positive change? What exactly do you mean by that?"

This time, Qian Yun shook his head. "I can't say for sure. I feel like my Martial Soul has gained some kind of support effect, so I want you to manifest your Martial Soul as well. Then, I'll channel my soul power into you to see what you feel."

"Oh... I understand what you mean. You want me to manifest my Martial Soul and then use a soul skill with your help, right?" Hu Liena was a smart person; she understood Qian Yun's intent after just a few sentences.

Hu Liena turned around. "Come on then."

Qian Yun did not hesitate. A Crown appeared on his forehead. At that moment, he felt everything around him with extraordinary clarity, even sensing the elemental fluctuations within the room.

Hu Liena, standing before him, had also completed her Martial Soul Possession. Unlike his tool-type Martial Soul, the manifestation of a beast-type Martial Soul was reflected in changes to her own body.

Qian Yun looked at the pair of soft fox ears on Hu Liena's head and felt an urge to reach out and pinch them, though he knew now was not the time.

He gathered his soul power and pressed his hands against Hu Liena's back, his soul power, imbued with the power of the stars, slowly entering her body through her slender shoulders.

"Ah!" As soon as Qian Yun's soul power entered her body, Hu Liena felt her Martial Soul suddenly surge with energy! A mysterious glint unique to the starry sky appeared in her eyes, and a tail quietly emerged behind her.

This change startled the culprit, Qian Yun. The scene looked exactly like a fox demon from a novel about to reveal its true form. "Xiao Na, are you alright?"

"Hoo, Qian Yun... I'm fine. No, I feel better than ever right now," came Hu Liena's slightly trembling voice.

"Hmm?" Just as Qian Yun was feeling puzzled, he felt a wave of pink light ripple out from the two of them as the center, spreading rapidly in all directions. In an instant, the chirping of insects and croaking of frogs outside the room came to an abrupt halt.

"This is..." Qian Yun looked at Hu Liena's back with a confused gaze. He felt that the Hu Liena before him was a bit unfamiliar. To be precise, she was clearly much stronger now than she had been a moment ago. This change in perception wasn't just from the strength of her soul power, but from her Martial Soul!

Hu Liena's Martial Soul was now more than a grade stronger than it had been before!

Fortunately, the light wave did not last long. After a few breaths, Hu Liena retracted her Martial Soul. Seeing her movement, Qian Yun also retracted his. Everything around them finally returned to calm.

"Come, follow me!" Hu Liena hurriedly grabbed the still-dazed Qian Yun and pulled him toward the outside.

Once they stepped out, a chill ran down Qian Yun's spine. He saw a vast array of insects lying all over the ground, and a few frogs floating belly-up on the nearby pond. The vitality of the summer evening had been completely extinguished, replaced by an eerie silence.

"This... did you do all this?" Qian Yun asked Hu Liena, feeling somewhat bewildered.

Hu Liena chuckled, pointed at herself, and then at Qian Yun, emphasizing, "We did it together. Look here."

Hu Liena picked up a grasshopper from the ground. Upon closer inspection, Qian Yun realized they weren't dead; they were simply immobilized by some kind of power.