Battle Through the Heaven: Purple Heaven

"Soul Techniques, huh?"

Xiao Bai mused, his thoughts drifting to the concept of Soul Techniques. In the original story, they were scarcely detailed. Even the techniques used by the protectors of the Soul Hall felt underwhelming. Their methods were effective against soul bodies but showed little remarkable prowess against those with physical forms, including the Hun Clan behind the Hall of Soul.

When it came to soul manipulation, Xiao Bai's mind immediately turned to the Casting God Palace of the neighboring Xuan Tian Continent. That's where the true art of soul power shines.

His own Heavenly Heart Sensing Chapter was ostensibly a soul cultivation technique, but Xiao Bai sensed its soul-enhancing effects were merely secondary. Perhaps due to some limitation of the Dou Qi Continent, its primary purpose remained unmanifested.

"Indeed," Yao Lao said, nodding as he noticed Xiao Bai's contemplation. He was more forthcoming with Xiao Bai than with Xiao Yan. For Xiao Yan, whose cultivation was still low, Yao Lao paced his guidance to avoid overwhelming him with knowledge that could foster overambition. But Xiao Bai was different. This young man already knew much, including secrets typically reserved for the continent's powerhouses. Sharing a bit more wouldn't hurt.

"From what I know, soul realms are divided into the Mortal Realm, Spiritual Realm, Heavenly Realm, and the legendary Emperor Realm," Xiao Bai said openly, not hiding his knowledge. Such details were rare in the Jia Ma Empire, known only to high-tier alchemists or powerful cultivators. In the original story, Xiao Yan only learned of them from Yao Tian Huo when his soul broke through to the Spiritual Realm in Zhongzhou.

Yao Lao wasn't surprised by Xiao Bai's awareness. He'd long suspected the young man possessed a soul cultivation method—how else could his soul progress so swiftly? Smiling, he said, "Correct. From my deductions and fragments of records from ancient ruins, Soul Techniques are a profound way of wielding soul power, much like Dou Techniques harness Dou Qi. You're aware of the soul realm divisions, yes?"

Seeing Xiao Bai's nod, Yao Lao continued, "Based on my speculation, in ancient times, soul cultivation methods, though rare, were more common than today. With Soul Techniques, someone at the peak of the Mortal Realm, like you, could rival a Dou Zong. The Spiritual Realm corresponds to Dou Zun, the Heavenly Realm to Dou Sheng, and as for the Emperor Realm—well, that's beyond my knowledge."

Xiao Bai's eyes widened slightly. This was the first time he'd heard such a clear delineation.

"Of course, this is just my conjecture," Yao Lao added. "Nowadays, even alchemists use soul power crudely, mainly for perception and flame control."

He paused, his expression clouding as he recalled a past ordeal. Not long after his physical body perished, the Soul Hall had hunted his soul form. Without the Bone Chilling Flame, a Heavenly Flame, he might not have escaped.

Snapping back, Yao Lao continued, "These days, few on the continent know soul cultivation methods. Without them, most rely on advancing their Dou Qi to bolster soul power. Unless someone's soul is innately exceptional, their soul strength will fall short of the power levels I described."

"Exactly," Xiao Bai said, a touch of感慨 in his voice. "Without knowing how to cultivate the soul, how can one develop its potential?" Compared to the Xuan Tian Continent, the Dou Qi Continent's soul power development was lackluster.

It's like having Dou Qi cultivation but no Dou Techniques, relying solely on brute strength to hurl bricks.

It was akin to two cultivators of the same level: one unskilled in Dou Techniques, the other a master. In a direct clash, the outcome was obvious.

"That's why I'm warning you, kid," Yao Lao said. "Don't lean too heavily on soul power. A Dou Huang or Dou Zong's soul may be weaker than yours, but their Dou Qi cultivation is solid. As cultivation rises, their sliver of soul power, amplified by resonance with heaven and earth, can exert two or three times the force of their Dou Qi. Your soul power? One unit is just one unit, with no amplification. How can you compete?"

"Thank you for the guidance, Elder," Xiao Bai said, bowing respectfully.

Yao Lao smiled, waving off the formality. "No need for that. With your wits, you'd have figured it out eventually, even without me."

Xiao Bai gave a noncommittal smile. Would I? Maybe. More likely, he'd learn the hard way after a setback. In the original story, soul power discussions mostly focused on the Spiritual Realm and above, with little mention of its application below that level.

"By the way, Yao Lao, where are you two headed next?" Xiao Bai asked aloud, forgoing private transmission.

"I know this one!" Xiao Yan, who'd been standing by, looking bored as the two conversed, perked up. "Teacher says we'll train in the Magical Beast Mountain Range, then cut through to the Tagore Desert!"

"The Tagore Desert, huh?" Xiao Bai nodded, a flicker of something unusual in his eyes. I wonder how Cai Lin is doing.

"Heh heh, Brother Bai, itching to visit?" Xiao Yan teased, catching the shift in his expression. He'd heard the rumors of Xiao Bai's romantic escapades.

Xiao Bai chuckled, not dodging the jab. "I do want to see it, but now's not the time."

"Tch," Yao Lao interjected, shaking his head. "That female Dou Huang who just left didn't escape your clutches either, did she? You'd better watch yourself, kid."

He and Xiao Yan had watched from the sidelines as Xiao Bai and Yun Yun parted reluctantly. Their closeness was obvious. This kid's got nerve, chasing women who look like trouble. At this rate, Xiao Bai's future promised quite the spectacle.

"…" Xiao Bai rolled his eyes, knowing he'd be teased by this master-disciple duo. Still, he admitted to himself, I need to be more careful. Handling these women won't be easy.

"Alright, I'm heading to Jia Nan Academy tomorrow, so it's time to go," Xiao Bai said, grinning at Xiao Yan. "Little Yan, you'd better step it up. Don't lose at the Three-Year Agreement and have to eat your words in front of everyone!"

"Ugh, Brother Bai, can't you wish me well for once?" Xiao Yan groaned, choking on the jab.

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