Fourth-Order Path, Weapon Shifter

Feng Buzhi manipulated the [Steel-Hardened Keratin] on the surface of his skin.

When he first mastered [Steel-Hardened Keratin], it was only the size of a palm, but due to his continuous absorption of anomalies in the abyss, his [Steel-Hardened Keratin] had now expanded to the size of a basketball.

Feng Buzhi shifted the [Steel-Hardened Keratin] toward his arm.

Perhaps because of his breakthrough in mental state, Feng Buzhi found that his control over the [Steel-Hardened Keratin] had improved by a level; although it was still a far cry from being able to use it as he pleased, it was passable.

Soon, Feng Buzhi used the [Steel-Hardened Keratin] to form a line of metallic-lustered text near his shoulder.

The Shadow subconsciously read it aloud: "The Bodhi is originally no tree, the bright mirror is also not a stand, originally there is nothing, where would dust settle? What is the meaning of what you wrote?

No, how did you do that?

How are you capable of such precise control over anomalous power?"

As the Shadow spoke, an expression of annoyance appeared on his face once again, looking extremely irritable.

The Shadow said with a depressed look: "It's a pity you have such a talent for controlling anomalies. If you had chosen blood, wouldn't that have been... No, with this talent for controlling anomalies, you should have chosen the brain as your alienated organ!"

"Skin-type alienated organs generally don't have high requirements for anomalous control; you've wasted your talent for nothing."

"What a pity, what a pity!"

"The type of anomaly you integrated into your skin is related to steel, let me think..."

As the Shadow spoke, he covered his head and squatted down on his own, revealing a pained expression; he had begun to reminisce once again.

After a long while, the Shadow said: "A lot of my memory is missing, but I have thought of a fourth-order path suitable for you, named Weapon Shifter."

"Weapon Shifter?"

The Shadow nodded: "This is a powerful fourth-order path. The surface of your body can transform into various blades or unexpected weapons. The higher your control over anomalous power, the stronger the strength you can unleash.

It is highly compatible with both your alienated organ and your anomalous attributes, and this path has room for further growth; breaking through to the fifth order is basically no problem. As for whether you can continue to break through to the sixth order or higher, that will depend on yourself."

Feng Buzhi said: "You seem to be mentioning the word 'path' for the first time. What does it represent?"

The Shadow asked in confusion: "I haven't said it before?

Oh, it seems I really haven't. But that's your fault for delaying your trip to the Abyss Altar to integrate anomalies; it would have been useless for me to tell you anyway.

Fine, I will explain it to you now. A so-called path represents a route of growth.

Generally speaking, after forming an alienated organ, if one grows haphazardly without a plan, they will at most get stuck at the third order. Some don't even reach the third order and remain trapped at the second; unless they excise the anomaly within their body, they will never make any progress for the rest of their lives.

Growth routes that can reach beyond the fourth order are known as paths.

The Weapon Shifter path I just told you about, although it only goes to the fourth order, doesn't mean its potential is exhausted once you reach it. Even if you don't have a subsequent path, as long as you aren't too outrageous, you can smoothly grow to the fifth order.

So, do you realize the value of the path I've given you?"

Feng Buzhi said: "It sounds like it's not bad."

The Shadow glared at Feng Buzhi: "Not bad? It's extremely good! You're lucky you met me; otherwise, there's a high probability your talent would have been wasted.

Now, I will tell you the specific process of this path, starting with the most basic principle.

Usually, a person's body can only integrate one anomaly because a person's soul will only match one type.

So the question arises: what happens if you inject another anomaly into this person's body at this time?"

Feng Buzhi said: "The two anomalies might conflict, or they might fuse with each other."

The Shadow said in surprise: "Eh? You actually know? Did you obtain knowledge inheritance in the abyss?

Fine, as long as you understand. A so-called path relies on the fusion of anomalies.

Although your initial anomalies and alienated organs differ, by integrating specific anomalies and materials, you can follow similar growth routes. It's just that because the initial anomalies are different, the manifested effects will have some variations—some stronger, some weaker.

For example, you: your alienated organ is skin, and the type of anomaly is related to metal, which is highly compatible with the Weapon Shifter path.

The first three orders of the Weapon Shifter are slightly weaker, but a qualitative change will occur upon ascending to the fourth order.

The first order is Shapeshifter; you need to collect a Rotting Anomaly and consume it along with a morphing worm. Both of these are very common. It will make your skin more prone to deformation. After you enter the first order, you must convert the anomaly into a Shapeshifter anomaly before breaking through to the second order.

The second order is Bloated One; the materials are also easy to obtain. It will make your skin thicken, perhaps looking like edema.

The third order is Bastion; the materials include a type of demon insect blood, which is relatively rare. Your skin can transform into a special carapace, much like an insect pupa, with astonishing defensive power. Since your anomalous attribute involves metal, your defense might be several times higher.

The fourth order is Weapon Shifter. The required materials and anomalies are relatively difficult to obtain, but if you start paying attention now, you will have gathered almost all the materials by the time you need them.

Have you heard of a pupa breaking out to become a butterfly? The transition from the third-order Bastion to the fourth-order Weapon Shifter is a process of turning decay into magic. By then, your entire body will undergo a metamorphosis!

With your potential, the fourth order is just the starting point. You will become stronger and stronger; you will become a pillar of the Human Race, and then..."

Seeming to get a bit carried away, the Shadow had unconsciously begun to imagine the future beside Feng Buzhi.

Until Feng Buzhi spoke up to interrupt him.

Feng Buzhi said: "It sounds like it's not bad. I will take it into consideration."

The Shadow's words came to an abrupt halt. He looked at Feng Buzhi in disbelief, then became angry.

The Shadow said furiously: "Consideration? You actually said consideration?

I've given you the standard answer; wouldn't it be better if you just copied it?

Can you stop messing with my head now?"

Do you think it's trash just because I made it sound easy? Every path is the result of countless people repeatedly summarizing their experiences, and some were obtained only after enduring immense suffering in the Deep Abyss Trial.

You have no idea how precious these paths are!

I know you are strong and talented, but aren't you being a bit too arrogant?

After experiencing this Deep Abyss Trial, have you learned nothing from the lesson?

If you continue to mess around like this, the gap between you and those alien races will only grow wider!

The Shadow tried earnestly to persuade him, but Feng Buzhi nodded with a hint of perfunctoriness, his mind still preoccupied with the Weapon Shifter path the Shadow had mentioned.

It wasn't that he was considering taking that path.

His future had long been decided: internal cultivation of the Muscle-Tendon Transformation Classic and external cultivation of the Vajra Indestructible Divine Art. Dabbling in this Weapon Shifter path would be nothing more than a detour.

However, there were some aspects of the Weapon Shifter path that could be used for reference.

For instance, the physical transformations; Feng Buzhi felt that if he wanted to achieve his two-headed, four-armed state from the Abyss in the real world, he might be able to draw some inspiration from this path...