Cahpter 27: Soulforge Enhancement Method

After the explanation about spirit runes, the moment arrived for Tang Jian to unveil the truth behind Liu Fan's stunning victory. With anticipation gleaming in Zhao Zhiming's eyes, he leaned forward and eagerly asked, "Saviour Tang, it's your turn now. Please enlighten us on how Huang Lin mysteriously fainted while unleashing his final move!"

Tang Jian, wearing a sly smile, folded his hands and leaned back slightly before beginning his tale. "Ah, Zhao Zhiming, my dear friend," he said, drawing out each word with a teasing tone. "Remember the map I requested you to bring?"

Zhao Zhiming nodded vigorously, his curiosity mounting with each passing second. Tang Jian's mischievous smile grew wider as he continued, "That map of the infamous Eternal Dark Forest had a special mark, a hidden secret that only a select few knew about."

Leaning in even closer, Zhao Zhiming couldn't help but be captivated by the suspense Tang Jian was building. "And what did this mysterious mark on the map have to do with Huang Lin's sudden collapse?" he questioned, unable to contain his excitement.

Tang Jian's eyes sparkled with mischief as he revealed his grand scheme. "Ah, my friend, let me unravel the web of deception for you," he said, relishing in the drama. "The mark on that map led to a location brimming with potential treasures, but not without its dangers."

Zhao Zhiming's eyebrows shot up, his interest piqued. "So, you strategically placed the map in Huang Lin's room, knowing he would discover it," he deduced, his mind racing to connect the dots.

Tang Jian nodded, a sly grin playing on his lips. "Precisely! Huang Lin couldn't resist the allure of hidden treasures, so he embarked on a clandestine mission to uncover its secrets."

With bated breath, Zhao Zhiming urged Tang Jian to divulge the next piece of the puzzle. "And what did Huang Lin find at this marked location?" he asked, unable to contain his curiosity any longer.

Tang Jian's eyes glinted with a mixture of mischief and triumph as he answered, "Hidden within the depths of that forbidden spot was a cultivation technique, my friend. A technique known as the Soulforge Enhancement Method."

Zhao Zhiming's eyes widened in awe and realization. "The Soulforge Enhancement Method? Isn't that a technique that temporarily boosts the power of artifacts?" he exclaimed, the pieces of the puzzle finally falling into place.

Tang Jian nodded, thoroughly enjoying the anticipation he was building. "Indeed, my astute friend! But here's the kicker: this technique comes with a catch. It can only be used by cultivators who have attained the Core Formation Stage, or else they face a powerful rebound."

Tang Jian held Zhao Zhiming's gaze, revealing the hierarchy of cultivation techniques in the Thousand Dao Realm. "In the Thousand Dao Realm, cultivation techniques are divided into nine ranks," he began, his voice laced with reverence. "They are: Novice Rank, Apprentice Rank, Adept Rank, Advanced Rank, Master Rank, Grand Master Rank, Elder Rank, Sage Rank, and the pinnacle, Divine Rank."

Zhao Zhiming's mind whirled with the possibilities. "So, where does the Soulforge Enhancement Method stand among these ranks?" he inquired, eager to understand its power.

Tang Jian's eyes sparkled with a mixture of excitement and caution. "The Soulforge Enhancement Method is an Apprentice Rank technique," he revealed.

Zhao Zhiming nodded, his understanding deepening. "So, when Huang Lin, unaware of the limitations, employed this technique during the duel, his cultivation stage proved insufficient," he deduced, his voice filled with realization.

Tang Jian acknowledged his astute observation with a nod. "Exactly. The backlash from attempting to wield a technique beyond his cultivation stage caused Huang Lin to vomit blood and ultimately faint, leaving him defenseless."

A mix of admiration and astonishment filled Zhao Zhiming's eyes as he stared at Tang Jian in awe. "Saviour Tang, your cunning tactics and strategic planning are truly extraordinary," he commended, unable to contain his admiration.

Tang Jian inclined his head in gratitude, a sense of satisfaction evident in his eyes. "Thank you, Zhao Zhiming. Sometimes, the greatest victories come not from raw strength, but from using one's wits to outmaneuver the opponent."

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Zhao Zhiming's eyes narrowed with a hint of suspicion, his fingers drumming restlessly on the edge of the table. He couldn't hold back the nagging doubt any longer and leaned forward, his voice filled with curiosity and a touch of disbelief. "Hold on just a moment, Saviour Tang," he interjected, unable to contain his burning question any longer. "I'm finding it hard to fathom how a mere first-year student like yourself managed to acquire such a coveted technique. I mean, even the esteemed Huang Lin with his lofty status would struggle to get his hands on an Adept Rank technique. So, pray tell, how did you come to possess it?"

Tang Jian's eyes gleamed with a mixture of amusement and intrigue, relishing the opportunity to reveal a secret. He leaned back in his chair, a mysterious smile playing on his lips. "Ah, Zhao Zhiming," he began, his voice dripping with tantalizing anticipation, "I understand your skepticism. After all, it's not every day that a hidden treasure comes into the hands of a young prodigy like me."

The room fell into a hushed silence, the air thick with anticipation, as Tang Jian's words hung in the air, leaving Zhao Zhiming on the edge of his seat. With a sudden shift in his demeanor, Tang Jian leaned in closer, his eyes locking with Zhao Zhiming's, as if sharing a confidential revelation. "You see," he continued, his voice barely above a whisper, "this technique was bestowed upon me by none other than my enigmatic father, who hails from a fallen aristocratic lineage."

The room buzzed with a mixture of awe and disbelief, the truth unfolding before them like a captivating tale. Tang Jian's audacious lie was delivered with such conviction that even the skeptical Zhao Zhiming couldn't help but be intrigued. After all, in this realm of secrets and hidden agendas, the allure of a forbidden technique passed down through generations was too enticing to resist.

As the weight of his words settled, Tang Jian's smile widened, a subtle twinkle in his eyes betraying the mischief that danced within. The truth of the matter, however, remained a secret locked away, known only to Tang Jian and the enigmatic system that had granted him this priceless treasure for a mere faith value.

[Soulforge Enhancement Method] Rank: Adept Rank The Soulforge Enhancement Method, an Adept Rank technique, empowers cultivators at the Core Formation Stage to elevate the rank of their artifacts using Soul power. This technique can boost an artifact's rank by one or two levels, but not without consequences. Cultivators must endure non-fatal rebounds after each use.

Zhao Zhiming, his curiosity temporarily sated, couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over him. He leaned back in his chair, offering a grateful nod to Tang Jian. "Thank you, Saviour Tang, for enlightening me," he said, his voice tinged with a newfound respect. "Your journey and the secrets you carry within are truly remarkable."

As Tang Jian and Zhao Zhiming immersed themselves in their engrossing discussion on cultivation techniques, the air crackled with excitement. Suddenly, their scholarly exchange was rudely interrupted by the arrival of a senior student, who stormed toward their table with a purposeful stride. With a forceful thump, his knuckles struck the wooden surface, demanding attention.

"Ahem! I am Nie Shuang," he declared, his presence oozing confidence and sophistication. "I have the esteemed privilege of serving none other than the magnificent young master Liu Fan of the illustrious Liu Family. And guess what? He's personally invited you, Student Tang, to a private rendezvous in the enchanting oasis of his secluded backyard. It's an opportunity that few mortals are granted, my friend."

Nie Shuang's words dripped with veiled hints of the Liu Family's prestige and power, leaving Tang Jian and Zhao Zhiming no choice but to be captivated by his flamboyant display. Was Nie Shuang a devoted servant or simply a grandiose sycophant seeking to bask in the young master's glory? Only time would reveal the truth.

Tang Jian, his eyes sparkling with curiosity, responded with a wry smile. "Well, well, well, how could I possibly resist such an intriguing offer? Lead the way, good sir. I'm more than ready to meet the enigmatic young master Liu Fan."

Accepting the summons from Liu Fan, Tang Jian rose from his seat, leaving Zhao Zhiming behind with a mix of envy and anticipation. As he followed Nie Shuang's confident stride, a swirl of thoughts and possibilities filled Tang Jian's mind. What secrets lay hidden within the verdant sanctuary of the Liu Family's backyard? What kind of encounters and trials awaited him in the presence of the enigmatic young master?

Like a moth drawn to an irresistible flame, Tang Jian stepped forward, his heart pounding with a heady mix of excitement and trepidation.

As Tang Jian followed Nie Shuang through the bustling academy, a sense of anticipation filled the air. Whispers of Tang Jian's exclusive invitation from the esteemed Liu Family reverberated through the halls, sparking both envy and curiosity among his fellow students.

Their path led them through grand corridors adorned with tapestries depicting heroic tales of old. Stately marble statues stood sentinel, their watchful gazes hinting at the wisdom they held. With each step, Tang Jian felt the weight of history and the legacy of those who had walked these halls before him.

Finally, they arrived at a secluded courtyard, an oasis of tranquility amidst the academy's fervor. Colorful blooms painted the landscape, their sweet fragrance carried on the gentle breeze. In the center stood an elegant pavilion, its architectural beauty a testament to craftsmanship and refinement.