Chapter 222: Exchange

"The first stage: condense the Lifeform Force Field. The second stage: leverage the Lifeform Force Field to disrupt the Celestial Force Field, then merge them together. The third stage: forge the Lifeform Force Field into a Natal Planet, becoming one with the planet and emulating the celestial bodies. From then on, shine like a star and stand firm in the world."

Li Pin carefully examined the detailed version of the Stars Overlord Secret Art Xiang Tianxing had provided.

To some extent, it was no longer just a secret art, but rather a cultivation technique. However, this technique lacked a complete system, making it impossible for ordinary martial artists to practice.

For Astral Cultivators, the Stars Overlord required one to be a Top-Tier Astral Cultivator capable of forming a starlight body before starting. Only such cultivators, after reaching the stage of energy conversion, could shed the burdens of flesh and blood on their Vitality, Qi, and Spirit, and fully unify their power into their unique Lifeform Force Field.[1]

Only then could they use this Lifeform Force Field to disrupt the Celestial Force Field.

However, the combat power increase from disrupting the Celestial Force Field with the Lifeform Force Field fell far short compared to directly integrating Martial Will with Atomic Will. Even if an Astral Cultivator perfected this method, it would only be equivalent to acquiring a powerful secret art, divine abilities, or Astral Technique.

It could never compare to a Master Astral Cultivator who merged Martial Will with Atomic Will, which was why Xiang Tianxing was still rated as a top-tier Astral Cultivator rather than a Master Astral Cultivator.

Of course, there was still that final step of refining the Lifeform Force Field into a Natal Planet.

Unfortunately... this step was exceedingly difficult.

Only a few continued to persist, like Xiang Tianxing. As for the others, even the three Master Astral Cultivators—Chong Guang, Xuan Yang, and Kai Ming— had given up.

No one knew how much combat prowess would rise after refining the Natal Planet. However, based on the strength of the Celestial Force Field, many speculated that even if Xiang Tianxing did manage to condense a Natal Planet, it would merely be equivalent to a Master Astral Cultivator's level. And the path of a Master Astral Cultivator... offered no future.

Whether it was through the Astral Equipment path, Companion Beasts, or Astral Palaces, all of these paths lead to the Legendary realm. The only difference was that the difficulty of achieving Legendary status through these paths was slightly higher than the conventional path.

Nevertheless, at least these were a clear path forward. Unlike this one, which seemed to lead only to the level of a Master Astral Cultivator. It remained a question if it could even reach that far.

Li Pin muttered to himself, "The Lifeform Force Field... even if I fuse Song Wuya's Saber Intent with Zhao Yushi's spear momentum, and unleash it through the Lunar Youying, it's still nowhere near the level described in the Stars Overlord. The field disperses rather than converges.

"Moreover... I can only release it in short, explosive bursts. The true Lifeform Force Field should be almost like a passive 'domain' skill, similar to the atomic-level agitation when I face an Astral Cultivator."

It seemed the only option was to visit Dragon Gate Hall as soon as possible, apply for permission to use the legendary astral equipment, and use it to amplify his control and perception abilities to the limit, completing the activation of the Lifeform Force Field.

𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

He was confident that once he triggered it successfully even once, with his precise self-control, it would just be a matter of time until he could once again activate the Lifeform Force Field without the aid of the legendary astral equipment.

However, meeting Xiang Tianxing wasn't entirely without its advantages.

Li Pin immersed himself in his own thoughts, carefully recalling the moment he faced the aura of the Top-Tier Astral Cultivator and the suppression of the Atomic Will.

Using his innate "Clairvoyance" talent, he channeled his focus into every cell, aiming to counteract the atomic will agitation with cellular-level control.

This process had a significant tempering effect on his mental spirit. After just one such confrontation, his mental spirit had increased by 0.11.

Despite the immense mental strain, the growth was immediate and undeniable.

Moreover, with the aid of Spirit-Restoring Incense, he could undergo one such training session daily.

In other words, in ten days, he would have increased his mental spirit attribute by one full point.

Such efficiency... even describing it as "rapid progress" wouldn't do it justice.

However, this required the assistance of a Top-Tier Astral Cultivator for half an hour each day.

After pondering briefly, Li Pin decided not to complicate matters.

He took out his communication bracelet and contacted Xiang Tianxing: I wish to ensure my Vitality, Qi, and Spirit flow smoothly under the suppression of a Top-Tier Astral Cultivator's Atomic Will. Might I trouble you for assistance, Lord Xiang?

It took a full minute after sending the message before Xiang Tianxing responded with a simple word.

Okay.

With his confirmation, Li Pin didn't waste any time. He rested for a day and went straight to the manor of the Guardian Hall's Warden the next morning.

Xiang Tianxing's daughter, Xiang Xiaoyue, personally opened the door for Li Pin and led him into the manor.

Along the way, she bombarded him with questions, her curiosity about Li Pin and her admiration for his achievement of becoming the world champion apparent.

Inside the manor, Xiang Tianxing was already waiting.

Seeing Li Pin and Xiang Xiaoyue arrive side by side, he paused momentarily. "I've heard you possess the talent of a great teacher?"

"It's simply that my mental spirit is on par with a Martial Saint, so my senses are a bit more acute," Li Pin explained.

Xiang Tianxing nodded and said calmly, "I will fully assist you in adapting to the effects of the Atomic Will agitation. In return, you'll teach Xiaoyue. How does that sound?"

Li Pin glanced at the eager and excited Xiang Xiaoyue and gave a slight nod. Though he was careful not to make his unique talents widely known, securing the assistance of a Top-Tier Astral Cultivator through such an exchange, without owing a favor, was something he could accept. He just needed to be a bit more cautious about it.

"Are you planning to have her follow the Martial Saint path?" Li Pin asked.

"Even though she's my daughter, she needs to have adequate self-defense abilities. I can't protect her all the time," Xiang Tianxing explained briefly.

"At the end of it, Martial Saints can only compare to mid-tier ferocious beasts unless they break through to the final step and achieve the ultimate transcendence."[2]

"I mentioned before that apart from the conventional path of Astral Cultivators, there are other paths. For instance, the astral equipment path. You've used top-tier auxiliary astral equipment, but haven't encountered top-tier natal spirit weapons or battle armor, have you?

"If an Extreme Martial Saint is equipped with weapons forged from Darkmoon Crystals, the Battle God Armor, rings made from Dragon Gem, gloves forged from Phantom Hearts, and a necklace made from Phantom Crystals, they could very well contend with high-tier ferocious beasts!'"

Li Pin was somewhat surprised. "An Extreme Martial Saint equipped with top-tier astral equipment can compete with high-tier ferocious beasts?"

"Yes," Xiang Tianxing nodded. "However, there are two key points to consider. First, Martial Saints’ strength lies in their ability to scout and explore perilous regions. Even a few pieces of high-grade astral equipment could significantly increase their risk of exposure.

"Secondly... no matter how formidable a Martial Saint may appear, their power is ultimately inferior to that of Astral Cultivators. Unless they have a powerful background, flaunting a full set of top-tier astral equipment would likely attract disaster"

Li Pin nodded in understanding.

Top-tier astral equipment were akin to strategic assets. If a Martial Saint were to parade around with a full set of top-tier astral equipment, they would likely attract the attention of Top-Tier Astral Cultivators, who would seize the opportunity to rob and kill them.

It was difficult for Top-Tier Astral Cultivators to hide, but they could flee to foreign lands after committing robbery and murder, escaping immediate danger even if their identities were exposed.

After all... to steal a Martial Saint's top-tier astral equipment, they’d first need to ensure the target lacked significant backing.

Take Xiang Tianxing, for example. If he were to equip his daughter with a full set of top-tier astral equipment, she could attract the attention of a malicious top-tier Astral Cultivator. While the chances were not enormous, they certainly existed.

Li Pin also realized why Xiang Tianxing had brought up this matter. It was because he now possessed a set of top-tier astral equipment.

"Go to the Dragon Gate Hall as soon as possible. There, Master Astral Cultivators are stationed to ensure full protection," advised Xiang Tianxing.

"I understand."

In the face of immense benefits, a martial arts prodigy with the potential to become a Master Astral Cultivator?

It was inconsequential.

Xiang Tianxing continued, "Realistically speaking, if you truly want powerful astral equipment... you might consider starting with high-grade astral equipment.

"In the real world, nothing is absolute, and astral equipment is no exception. Take Dragon Gems for example. They are formed when dragon blood falls to the ground, and the atomic will in that area becomes highly active. Moreover... even among Dragon Gems, some astral equipment crafted from these stones can rival rare astral equipment. I've heard that in the Star Alliance, there's a Dragon Gem Ring that rivals a piece of legendary astral equipment."

Li Pin's pupils dilated. "Rivals a legendary astral equipment!?"

"Yes, it's comparable in terms of attribute enhancement to a piece of legendary astral equipment. However, you should know that top-tier astral equipment are far more valuable than high-grade ones because they possess various incredible mystical effects.

"Rare and legendary astral equipment have even more extraordinary properties. In summary, no matter how exquisite a Dragon Gem is, it cannot surpass legendary astral equipment."

Xiang Tianxing took out a box he had prepared earlier. "Take a look."

Li Pin opened the box to find a long sword similar to the one he had previously made from Lingfeng Crystal. "This is..."

"This sword is also made from Lingfeng Crystal. Though it has weaker astral energy fluctuation and its astral equipment rank is lower, its damage enhancement is comparable to high-grade astral equipment. Of course, I'm referring to long swords made from Lingfeng Crystal. Heavy weapons like the ax made of the Ashura Stones don't count.

"This sword not only offers damage enhancement that rivals high-class astral equipment, but it also has two special attributes. First, its lethality. Although this sword is slender, it's far more lethal than similar swords. Additionally... it is lighter than ordinary long swords, allowing for faster attack speed."

The sword's damage enhancement rivaled high-grade astral equipment!

With increased strength and faster attack speed....

This sword... was definitely the best among ordinary ones! Perhaps, the best of the best!

"My daughter has been in the Core Formation realm for some time but has yet to temper her organs. Since you have the talent of a master teacher... if you can help her reach the organs-tempering realm within a few months, I will give you this sword," Xiang Tianxing said.

"Organs-tempering...."

Having observed Xiang Xiaoyue, he knew that her qi and blood were already perfected at a younger age than Li Yunyao. With a bit of guidance, entering the organs-tempering phase wouldn't be difficult.

"Alright."

1. energy conversion refers back to chapter 126 about evolving into starlight body. This is akin to Internal Cultivation and Blood Renewal realm for martial artists. ☜

2. ultimate transcendence in the context is transcending to the Astral Cultivator realm, not to be confused with the Extreme Transcendence. ☜