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*****
Although the success of Consolidation largely depends on the quality of the Consolidation Scrolls, it is also inextricably linked to the Heavenly Jewel Master's own attributes. If a Heavenly Jewel Master is in peak condition and possesses exceptional talent for Consolidation, then even the lowliest scroll—one with a success rate of only one in ten thousand—might yield a result within just a hundred attempts.
The same logic applied to Skill Storing; the individual factors of the Heavenly Jewel Master played a significant role in the outcome.
Feng Yu meticulously introduced the various precautions and nuances of the Consolidation process to Zhou Weiqing. As Zhou Weiqing listened intently to the explanation, Su Wen was equally focused. After all, Su Wen had never undergone Consolidation himself, and this was a prime opportunity to "secretly" learn the ropes.
While Zhou Weiqing's specific Consolidation process might not be universally applicable to others, its essence remained the same. By understanding the general theory beforehand and then observing the underlying principles through Zhou Weiqing's practical application, Su Wen hoped to gain a much deeper understanding of the entire phenomenon.
Zhou Weiqing took a deep breath. He placed a Consolidation Design to the side and began circulating his Heavenly Energy. His right hand shimmered as his pure-bred Icy Jade Physical Jewel emerged, and a sudden, mutual sense of attraction bloomed in his heart. Sensing the resonance with the power contained within the design, Zhou Weiqing pressed his right hand firmly onto the scroll.
Within a sensory realm accessible only to Zhou Weiqing, the dark and gray regions of his Alexandrite Cat's Eye—representing Darkness and Evil—began to overlap. Suddenly, an image flashed through his mind, a vision he had seen when first fusing with the Dark Demon God Bead: a black tiger with wings on its back and a hooked tail, letting out a roar that reached toward the heavens.
A powerful devouring force followed the path of his Heavenly Energy, surging toward his right hand and exploding at the Taiyuan point—one of the Death Acupuncture Points he had recently forced open. The Consolidation Scroll erupted with a brilliant light, which was instantly swallowed into Zhou Weiqing's body.
Feng Yu stood there, slack-jawed.
Success on the first try?
His very first Consolidation, and it worked on the first attempt?
Even though Huyan Aobo's scrolls were of such high quality that success was guaranteed within a hundred tries, a one-percent probability was still incredibly low for a novice.
Su Wen, however, looked thoughtful. He had observed the entire process through his mental perception.
"The Consolidation Scroll contains a template sketched and created using Spatial Force. This template guides the Heavenly Energy to fill and outline the scroll, ultimately condensing it into the Overlord Bow. However, once the condensation is successful, there is still the process of retracting the completed Overlord Bow into the body."
Usually, this required repeated guidance and countless attempts. Only once successful would the template be swallowed and fused by the Heavenly Jewel Master's Physical Jewel, becoming a natural instinct. Zhou Weiqing, however, had bypassed the adaptation phase and used brute force to devour and fuse the template directly. From now on, he would only need to fill the template.
For ordinary Physical or Heavenly Jewel Masters, they needed to adapt to the template before they could attempt to integrate it into their Jewels. There was no doubt that the creation of these templates was tied to the power of space; their ability to merge with a Jewel and resonate with the Master was even more dependent on the manipulation of Spatial Force.
Su Wen took a deep breath, his interest in the principles of Consolidation deepening. At the same time, he realized that many of his ongoing projects now had a clear direction.
"Skill Storing can help me better develop methods for Spirit Masters to condense Spirit Rings using their own power, while Consolidation seems like it can help me smoothly manufacture..."
"Battle Armor!"
Constrained by the current development level of the Douluo Continent, Su Wen had never seriously considered developing Battle Armor. Even though the Soul Tool technology of the Sun Moon Continent seemed more advanced now than it would be ten thousand years later, the development of high-end Soul Tools was still lacking. Research into humanoid Soul Tools hadn't even begun. In such a climate, creating Battle Armor would be a pipe dream.
However, the Consolidation Master system of this Heavenly Jewel world had opened a new door for him.
"Indeed, aren't consolidated pieces essentially Battle Armor components? Heavenly Jewel Masters can even attempt to consolidate entire sets." Su Wen's heart filled with anticipation regarding the cultivation path of this world.
Zhou Weiqing looked at Su Wen and, seeing no surprise on his face, felt his heart settle.
It seems Teacher Su expected this.
Then again, Su Wen was the one who had found the Dark Demon God Bead for him; he surely understood its capabilities.
"Um, Senior Feng Yu, about these remaining scrolls..."
"Don't worry, the rest of the scrolls are yours as well," Feng Yu said, his mouth twitching slightly.
He had made a massive profit. This kid's luck was simply heaven-defying. Using only one out of a set of one hundred Overlord Bow Consolidation Scrolls—what was the difference between that and using none at all? He could still sell the remaining ninety-nine as a complete set without the price dropping an original copper. A product by Huyan Aobo was, after all, a gold-standard brand.
"So, what's next? Are you returning to Heavenly Bow City, or staying here to continue learning the skills of a Consolidation Master?" Su Wen asked Zhou Weiqing.
Su Wen had no intention of "stealing" Huyan Aobo's techniques for himself. He would soon be heading to the Vast Expanse Palace, where he would undoubtedly obtain a more comprehensive inheritance of Consolidation arts. There was no rush.
"I want to go home and talk to my old man first," Zhou Weiqing decided after a moment of thought. He wanted to learn, but he had only just discovered his talent and entered this field; he didn't want to make a life-altering decision too impulsively.
"Alright. Wait a few more days until I visit the Skill Storing Palace a few more times, then we'll head back to Heavenly Bow City. As for the Consolidation training, you can discuss a timeline with Huyan Aobo for when you'll return to study."
Hearing Su Wen say this, Zhou Weiqing breathed a sigh of relief. This way, Huyan Aobo shouldn't be too offended. Even if the old man didn't want to let him go, he wouldn't have much of a choice.
Ten days later.
Su Wen had successfully copied every Heavenly Beast kept in the Zong-level areas across the nine districts of Fei Tuo City. Upon learning that they were leaving, Huyan Aobo was instantly struck with panic. Although Zhou Weiqing promised to return in two years, Huyan Aobo didn't want to gamble.
Su Wen was a genuine powerhouse. Just because Su Wen didn't feel like taking Zhou Weiqing to find other Consolidation Zongshis now didn't mean he wouldn't encounter one within the next two years. If Zhou Weiqing was snatched up as a disciple by some other master while following Su Wen, where would Huyan Aobo go to cry?
"No! I'm coming with you to Heavenly Bow City!"
Su Wen had no objections, and Zhou Weiqing naturally couldn't refuse. Thus, Huyan Aobo joined the duo as they departed Fei Tuo City.
In mid-air, sitting within Su Wen's "flying carriage," Huyan Aobo looked completely dazed. What kind of method was this? He didn't understand it, but he was profoundly shaken. The carriage was a flight-type Soul Tool Su Wen had developed himself; under the guidance of his mental power, it could use the natural energy of heaven and earth as its fuel.
Ten days later.
Exactly one month after leaving Heavenly Bow City, the two returned on schedule—though they brought Huyan Aobo back with them.
Upon hearing of Huyan Aobo's arrival, Zhou Shuinian immediately arranged the grandest welcome ceremony possible. As a man who had gone to Fei Tuo City for his own Consolidation, Zhou Shuinian knew the weight of Huyan Aobo's name. He never imagined his son would not only become the disciple of such a master but also "kidnap" the Great Master back to the Heavenly Bow Empire.
At the banquet, even the Emperor of the Heavenly Bow Empire made a personal appearance, conversing cheerfully with Huyan Aobo. By the following day, Huyan Aobo had already agreed to produce ten sets of Consolidation Scrolls for the empire.
On the second day of their return, Tang Xian also arrived at the Admiral's Mansion, bringing Shangguan Bing'er with her, ready to fulfill her agreement with Su Wen.
(End of Chapter)