Chapter 129: Stepping into the World of Martial Soul Fusion
"Good, but there's one more very important point."
Han Li was completely in his element. He really enjoyed this role of teaching and guiding others, a habit deeply ingrained from his past life's experiences surfing the internet.
"According to records, many people who develop martial soul fusion techniques later in life tend to have very close relationships either as spouses, close friends, or family. Have you ever wondered why that is? Also, the records specifically mention emotional factors, even stating that if one party resists, the fusion technique can fail."
"That means a martial soul's aura and a person's soul power fluctuations can change over time. For example, after my martial soul evolved, my aura changed significantly. As for my soul power fluctuations, I can't say for sure, but they must have changed as well, right?"
This time, Dugu Yan was the one to answer. She was beginning to understand Han Li's reasoning.
"Very good, Yan Jie, you're absolutely correct."
Han Li gave her an approving look before continuing:
"Humans are naturally influenced by their surroundings, and even more so by those close to them. Over many years, it's inevitable that they absorb some of each other's traits."
"The same applies to martial souls. This is actually the principle behind martial soul mimicry environments adapting the martial soul to its surroundings to accelerate cultivation."
"Master, you and Uncle should try the same experiment Bing'er and I did. Test your soul power fluctuations and see if my theory holds."
Guang Ling and Qing Luan exchanged glances. One released cold air, while the other manipulated wind, showcasing their soul power fluctuations.
"This is mine, just as a reference. But since I just synchronized with Bing'er, there might be slight changes. Still, for a rough comparison, it should be enough."
Han Li also released his soul power fluctuations and stood beside them.
Sure enough, even though their fluctuations weren't as synchronized as his and Shui Bing'er's 80% similarity, there was still a noticeable pattern both Qing Luan and Han Li shared about 50% of their fluctuations with Guang Ling.
"I suspect that 60% similarity is the minimum threshold for martial soul fusion techniques. Once it succeeds the first time, the two souls gradually synchronize even further, which explains why some fusion techniques become stronger with repeated use."
"Also, in cultivation, we mostly rely on spiritual power to guide our soul power, which is where emotional factors come in."
"Since mental and emotional states greatly influence soul power fluctuations, this explains why martial soul fusion techniques depend on emotional bonds. If one person rejects the other, their soul power fluctuations become incompatible, leading to failure."
"This is also why martial soul fusion techniques require both participants to clear their minds to stabilize their soul power fluctuations."
After Han Li finished explaining, Guang Ling tested his theory by deliberately recalling something that made him angry.
Sure enough, his soul power fluctuations changed noticeably.
"This is actually true…"
Guang Ling then experimented with different emotions, observing how each one altered his soul power fluctuations.
However, Han Li quickly interrupted him before he could go too far, his expression turning serious.
"Master, I must warn you all about one very important thing."
"Spiritual power is an extremely mysterious field, and I don't fully understand it yet. But under no circumstances should you recklessly attempt a progressive evolution type martial soul fusion especially if you're not the dominant soul in the fusion."
"Why is that?"
Guang Ling stopped his experiments and focused intently on Han Li.
"Because I suspect that the dominant martial soul in a progressive evolution fusion can mentally influence the subordinate soul. Over repeated use, the subordinate soul might unconsciously start submitting to the dominant one."
"My theory is based on the Nether White Tiger."
"Think about it for generations, the Zhu family has never once resisted becoming vassals of the Dai family, even though there were times when they were stronger."
"Historical records even mention a Nether Spirit Cat Soul Douluo who completely obeyed a White Tiger Soul Sage without any resistance. What's more, she was the strongest among both families at the time."
"Although I can't confirm my theory yet, I believe this warrants an investigation. After all, no one wants to unknowingly become someone else's puppet, right?"
Han Li's voice was calm, yet it carried an eerie weight. He didn't elaborate further, but he knew the others were intelligent enough to grasp the implications.
These records were real he had read them in Spirit Hall's archives.
However, his suspicions also came from his memories of Zhu Zhuqing, Liu Erlong, and Flender.
Zhu Zhuqing's transformation was the most drastic after being persuaded by Yu Xiaogang to undergo a martial soul fusion with Dai Mubai, her entire personality changed overnight.
As for Flender and Liu Erlong, their behavior was inexplicable in a world where strength dictated everything. They were middle aged, yet both seemed irrationally obsessed with Yu Xiaogang.
One gave up on a lifelong love, while the other remained obsessed for twenty years, even after discovering they were blood relatives.
What kind of emotional bond could justify such extreme devotion?
If it had been Tang Xiao, Han Li might have believed it.
But Flender and Liu Erlong?
Impossible.
The only logical explanation was that their martial soul fusion had left an unseen influence on their minds and decisions.
Of course, this was just Han Li's speculation but he always assumed the worst case scenario when dealing with potential enemies.
His warning was meant to protect the people around him.
And what if he was right?
The others shuddered, feeling a chill down their spines.
If Han Li's theory was correct, then this gradual subconscious manipulation was far more terrifying than any soul skill.
"I will personally investigate this. If it's true, then the Dai family is definitely hiding something."
Guang Ling's expression hardened.
"Yes, this must be looked into. If it's true, then every Zhu family leader throughout history has been…"
Han Li shook his head and didn't finish the sentence.
"What about Yu Xiaogang?"
Guang Ling suddenly brought up the person they had almost forgotten, his eyes flashing with killing intent.
"He probably hasn't realized it yet. Otherwise, with his personality, he wouldn't have stayed hidden in Nuoding City for over ten years."
Han Li chuckled.
"That's true."
Guang Ling recalled Yu Xiaogang's ridiculous claims and couldn't help but sneer.
Oh, right back then, Qian Xunji had mentioned that Liu Erlong was Yu Xiaogang's cousin.
…Disgusting.
Guang Ling shook his head, pushing away that disturbing thought.
"But just in case, we should kill him."
Guang Ling firmly decided.
"Wait. With his terrible intelligence and pathetic strength, even if we told him the theory, he'd probably mess it up with his 'brilliant modifications.'"
"Besides, ever since the tournament, Bibi Dong has been oddly silent. Grandmaster has his own plans, so let's not interfere unnecessarily."
"Plus, keeping Yu Xiaogang alive might actually be useful he could even be the perfect weapon against our dear Empress."
Han Li smirked.
"Hm? Wait how do you know about this?"
Guang Ling suddenly realized something was off and narrowed his eyes at Han Li.
"Oh, this? Grandmaster told me last time we chatted."
Han Li shamelessly pinned it all on Qian Daoliu.
"…My brother actually told you that?"
Guang Ling looked at his disciple with suspicion.
"Of course. Otherwise, how would I know? Grandmaster told me lots of things I can't possibly repeat them all, right?"
Han Li remained completely unfazed.
"…Fine."
After staring at him for a long moment, Guang Ling finally gave up.
But deep down, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was the one being left out of the loop.
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