One could intimidate enemies, like Dragon Might or Conqueror’s Haki.
The other could create things.
Xu Yuan found it hard to choose.
After a long while,
he finally spoke with difficulty:
"Sir, how do I make these two arts more powerful?"
“Sacrifice all the Transmutation Material obtained through Ghost Devour to an art, and its power will grow,” the masked figure said. So it was that simple!
Xu Yuan perked up.
"Sir, I want to learn Ninefold Nether Bonecraft."
“Haha! Nine out of ten ghosts choose Ghost Shadow Strike, yet you chose the creation art? Why?” the masked figure asked, puzzled.
"Maybe... I just like building things. It's a little hobby of mine," Xu Yuan said.
“Very well. I’ll explain it to you, though I don’t know the art myself. I chose Ghost Shadow Strike.”
"The two arts conflict?"
"Yes. They're the fundamental arts of Ninefold Nether. Every ghost can cultivate only one."
The masked figure began forming hand seals, explaining each key point step by step.
Xu Yuan listened closely, asking questions now and then. He followed along with the hand seals, seeking guidance at every step.
One taught and the other learned. After several hours of focused instruction, the art had been passed on.
"That's everything there is to Ninefold Nether Bonecraft. I've taught you the sacrificial method too. Well? Have you learned it?"
"I have. Thank you, sir," Xu Yuan said gratefully.
“Good. Now that you know this art, you can go to the Second Layer of the Nine Nether Prefecture. There’s no need to stay on the first. I hope you climb another foot beyond the top of the hundred-foot pole. Keep at it!” the masked figure said encouragingly. “I will!”
As Xu Yuan spoke, he glanced down and saw new lettering appear on his Waist