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Chapter 526 Martial Soul
The "Destiny of the Thief" quietly stirs, seeking opportunities from the already collapsed battlefield of evil spirits.

Two fates remain on the battlefield: "One in Ten" and "Ancestor of All Weapons".

However, under the laws of the underworld, evil spirits collapse extremely quickly, and "the one who steals the mandate of heaven" has tried repeatedly but has never succeeded.

Xu Yuan couldn't help but lick his lips.

He wanted both of these destinies.

The "one in ten" rule can also be considered a kind of "rule".

Judging from its performance against the third-rate divine cultivator Luo Gonglian, you can tell how strong it is.

It's just that its own standards weren't high enough, and it was overshadowed by its own "ruling the world".

The "Ancestor of All Weapons" can fulfill Lord Xu's "dream of martial arts cultivation".

Wisps of black smoke sank into the earth, and just as everything was about to vanish, suddenly the "Destiny of Heaven" stirred again.

One of his destinies was drawn back at the last moment.

Xu Yuan's heart stirred; it was the "Ancestor of All Weapons".

The "one in ten" destiny vanished along with the complete disappearance of evil spirits.

Xu Yuan sighed regretfully: What a pity...

Luo Gonglian and the other three had also escaped long ago and were standing not far from Xu Yuan.

Yuan Muping had been secretly observing Xu Yuan.

She had previously used the "fate-gazing" method to examine Lord Xu's destiny.

Of course, I saw the "destiny of the thief of heaven".

As a cultivator of destiny, she also vaguely sensed something several times, guessing that Xu Yuan's "Destiny of the Thief of Heaven" had taken effect.

A strong sense of envy suddenly rose in Yuan Muping's heart.

I envy Xu Yuan's numerous and precious destiny.

Now I roughly understand why Xu Yuan, a sixth-rate cultivator, has so many different destinies.

This envy suddenly filled her with a deep sense of melancholy.

I can't help but wonder if I had made a different choice back then—like Xu Yuan, keeping my freedom and not accepting the Luo family's support—would I be able to live as freely and unrestrained as Xu Yuan now, as a local official, with all sorts of powerful destinies that I desire?
Although she was a woman, when she was young and just starting out as a cultivator, she had great ambitions.

But in this mundane world, amidst its harsh realities, she ultimately chose a more peaceful path.

She didn't like the auspicious fates like "harmony in the family brings prosperity" or "the one who plants willows"; she only tried to cultivate them during her promotion for the sake of the Luo family.

Now that I am over forty, my path of spiritual practice has been established.

It was at this moment that she mustered up immense courage to choose to leave the Luo family, even though it was meaningless.

Her fate is not suited for combat; if she goes out, she will be at the mercy of others.

"Sigh—" Yuan Muping sighed inwardly, as if 30% of her energy had been drained away, making her look even older.

The three members of the Luo family were all in a more disheveled state than the last.

Before they came out this time, they would never have imagined that such a powerful lineup of one third-rate, two fourth-rate, and one life cultivator would end up with everyone seriously injured!

The three of them treated the injuries briefly, and then Luo Gonglian rushed to Xu Yuan's side.

"Lord Xu." Luo Gonglian clasped his hands and bowed solemnly.

Xu Yuan quickly helped him up: "Senior, you're too kind!"

Luo Gonglian insisted on bowing down.

This is a perfect example of being arrogant at first and then obsequious.

"If it weren't for your keen eyesight, sir, discovering this thief, our entire Luo family would probably be... alas!"

He sighed heavily.

They were just as furious with Xu Yuan for framing Luo Bei when they first met as they were now grateful that Xu Yuan had discovered the truth.

Luo Bei was being groomed by the Luo family to be the next head of the family.

If he were to actually take charge of the Luo family... Luo Gonglian felt a chill run down his spine just thinking about it.

"I am ashamed!" Luo Gonglian's old face flushed. "I have been disrespectful to you before, sir. Please forgive me!"

Xu Yuan waved his hand: "Senior, you flatter me."

After all, the man was quite old and a third-rate person. With him apologizing so humbly, Xu Yuan really couldn't afford to lose his temper.

"Don't be so formal." Luo Gonglian shook his head repeatedly, then looked around and said, "This is not the place to talk. Let's go down the mountain first. When we return to Champa, my Luo family will hold a banquet to apologize to you."

“This…” Xu Yuan smiled wryly.

But Luo Gonglian was adamant, and Xu Yuan couldn't refuse.

The group then went down the mountain first.

Suddenly, a mournful cry came from the side.

There was a hint of grievance in her voice.

Xu Yuan immediately grabbed "Dream Come True," who was about to rush out.

Then, turning around, I saw that it was indeed Dafu bullying the younger brother of "Dream Come True".

At the last moment, the yellow-bodied warbler retrieved the "wise-eyed" monster that had degenerated into a "small insect."

It's also possible that the Yellow-bodied Warbler possessed some kind of ability that shrunk the enormous monster into a tiny insect.

But before it could eat it, Dafu rudely snatched it away.

When Xu Yuan looked over, Da Fu stretched out his neck and swallowed the "Wise Eyes" monster!
And then... Xu Yuan sensed that the fate of that destiny had disappeared!

Xu Yuan was taken aback and looked at Da Fu with a puzzled expression.

Even if one obtains this destiny, one must either integrate it or solidify it within one's own destiny for direct use.

How could Dafu actually "digest" this destiny?
Xu Yuan thought about it again. Just now, Da Fu had eaten a lot of eyeballs, and it seemed that he had gained the ability of "wise eyes".

Accurately identify the weaknesses of those evil spirits.

"Giving it this destiny... isn't necessarily a bad idea," Xu Yuan thought to himself.

But the yellow-bodied warbler wouldn't have it. It flew back and chirped incessantly around "Dreams Come True," complaining all the while.

Xu Yuan pressed down on "Dreams Come True" with his hand, but it was still restless and dissatisfied, shaking incessantly.

"Alright, alright," Xu Yuan said. "Don't make trouble among your own people. I'll find a way to make it up to Huang Shenying later."

"Dreams come true" conveyed Xu Yuan's meaning to Huang Shenying.

The yellow oriole chirped twice more, as if to tell Xu Yuan: You can't go back on your word.

Xu Yuan waved his hand: "I keep my word."

The yellow-bodied warbler then flew back through the car window.

Luo Gonglian and the others found it amusing and couldn't help but smile.

They were older and more experienced than Zhu Zhanlei, a naive young man. Although they were all somewhat envious of Dafu, none of them spoke up about buying Dafu or Huang Shenying.

On the way back, however, Luo Gongjie and Luo Gongyao repeatedly tried to signal to Luo Gonglian, but Luo Gonglian stopped them each time.

Upon returning to Champa, the two sides parted ways. Xu Yuan went back to the yamen, while the four members of the Luo family went to an inn to recuperate.

Luo Gongjie couldn't help but ask, "Second Brother, why don't you say anything?"

Luo Gonglian shook his head: "The timing is not right."

Lord Xu has already accepted our apology banquet; we'll discuss it then.

The two younger cousins, however, were worried: "But if you hadn't told us beforehand, what if Xu Yuan had leaked this information..."

Luo Gonglian glared at them: "Can't you see what kind of person Lord Xu is? Although he is young, he is not the kind of person who doesn't know his place."

The two cousins ​​remained deeply worried.

Xu Yuan returned to the yamen and immediately went to his room, instructing Lang Xiaoba to stand guard outside and not allow anyone to disturb him.

Lang Xiaoba and Ji Shuangqiu stood on either side of the doorway.

Fierce and evil.

They resemble two guardian deities.

Since the adults have given such an order, even if His Highness comes, they will turn him away.

Xu Yuan sat down in the room and began to unleash the "Destiny of the Thief".

All the gains from this experience are contained within this destiny.

There are six different life paths!

Be one step ahead.

He is my friend.

Half-dead and undefeated.

Good fortune smiles upon the virtuous.

longevity.

The ancestor of all weapons.

With a thought, Xu Yuan began to filter and merge these destinies using the "Destiny of the Thief of Heaven".

First, there is the phrase "good fortune favors the virtuous," which is integrated into the "mountain fire and mist."

The "Mountain Fiery Mist" destiny is meant to unleash a concentrated burst of "luck".

In times of crisis, such an outburst can turn the tide.

However, this is an advance on future fortune, because after it takes effect, there will be a period of "low fortune" afterwards.

However, after incorporating the concept of "good fortune," it becomes an accumulation of good luck.

It will erupt when needed.

If that's not enough, then you're mortgaging your future "good fortune."

This outbreak was more powerful than ever before.

Furthermore, there are two additional effects. The first is:

When Xu Yuan used this destiny, he burned off as much of his own "good fortune" as possible, and in doing so, he bestowed the same "misfortune" upon his opponent.

Furthermore, Xu Yuan can also intentionally burn a certain amount of good fortune when he doesn't need to unleash his own, causing his opponents to suffer the same misfortune.

Because the good fortune that was burned was accumulated in advance, it will not cause Xu Yuan to fall into a trough of fortune in the following period.

The second additional effect is:

If Xu Yuan continues to refrain from burning his auspicious fortune, the accumulated fortune will grow larger and larger, forming a pond of auspicious fortune.

Then, as it continues to accumulate, it will expand into a lake of good fortune.

The longer this auspicious lake exists, the more likely a new destiny will automatically emerge from it!
The effect of fate is random.

"Good fortune in heaven" is an auspicious destiny in itself. After merging with "Mountain Fire and Mist", the new destiny is named "Lake of Fire and Tide".

It is a destiny ordained by Heaven!
Xu Yuan was overjoyed!

This integration has greatly enhanced "Mountain Fire Mist".

Immediately afterwards, "The Fate of the Thief" selected the second destiny: longevity.

He attempted to integrate himself into the story of "The Ghost Doctor Stealing Life".

But then "The Fate of the Thief" began to choose a third destiny. Xu Yuan originally thought that "The Fate of the Thief" would choose "Half-Life Unbeatable".

After all, all three types of fate are related to "fate".

But unexpectedly, the one chosen by "the will of Heaven" was "my friend"!
Xu Yuan thought about it and then understood: the abilities of "long life" and "half-life invincibility" seemed to be in conflict.

But what new abilities will emerge when "For My Friend" is integrated with the Ghost Doctor's Life Stealing?
The fusion of the three destinies would take much longer, and Xu Yuan waited quietly.

Finally, the fusion of the three destinies is complete!
The function of "Ghost Doctor Steals Life" is:

Unbeknownst to them, they steal some of the enemy's "lifespan".

Then add these "lifespans" to yourself or your comrades.

Moreover, the effect of "Ghost Doctor Steals Life" is area-of-effect; all enemies within the combat range will be weakened by this fate.

The more people who are below Xu Yuan's level, the stronger the weakening effect.

If the skill level is higher than Xu Yuan's, the degree of weakening will be reduced.

Even against top-tier opponents, this destiny can still be effective.

However, the degree of weakening is negligible.

The ability to "be my friend" means that "everything in the world is my friend".

This destiny allows everything around you to have a strong affinity with you.

After the fusion, the new destiny retains the "Ghost Doctor Stealing Life" ability and gains two new abilities:

The first one is "to lose one's life".

It wasn't Xu Yuan who gave away his life, but rather the enemy who gave Xu Yuan his "life".

There is a low probability that Xu Yuan's enemies will not resist and will willingly let Xu Yuan kill them!
This terrifying effect, like "Ghost Doctor Steals Life," increases the chance of triggering the effect the lower the skill level compared to Xu Yuan.

If they are of the same level, they will feel a sense of "not wanting to be enemies".

If the skill level is higher than Xu Yuan's, the effect will be close to nothing.

The reason for this is that "being my friend" itself is not "precious" enough; it is merely a "good fate" and has not yet reached the level of "noble fate".

But this ability allows Xu Yuan to instantly kill groups of enemies when facing low-level opponents!

Against lower-level opponents, its suppressive power even far exceeds that of "Reign Supreme"!
Another new ability comes from "long life".

After merging with the original "Ghost Doctor Stealing Life" ability, it gave rise to "Life Extinction".

In battle, you can automatically reduce your lifespan by a certain amount, in exchange for your opponent reducing their lifespan by the same amount!
This ability, however, is effective at all levels.

only……

A higher standard of living often means a longer lifespan.

Even with the blessing of "long life," Xu Yuan might not be able to wear down an opponent of third rank or higher when using this ability.

But for some third-rate people in their twilight years, this ability becomes very valuable!

This second new destiny is called "Ghost Doctor's Destiny"!
A difference of just one word can lead to a significant improvement in ability.

Then, "the Fate of the Thief" chose "half-dead invincible".

This destiny was easily integrated into the original "overcoming misfortune and turning misfortune into good fortune" principle.

"To salvage one's fortunes amidst adversity" means to use the "life" of one's enemy to change the course of events in a way that is favorable to oneself.

After incorporating "Half-Life Unbeatable", it gains an additional ability: sacrificing half of an enemy's life in exchange for its own invincibility.

Xu Yuan felt that this ability was useless no matter how he looked at it.

If you can beat the enemy half to death, you're definitely in an invincible position.

But upon further reflection, my eyes lit up.

This ability ensures that even when faced with dire circumstances, one can at least remain undefeated!
For example, if you can't beat a third-rate opponent, but as long as the third-rate opponent has other subordinates, you can seize the opportunity to beat one of them half to death and maintain your invincibility against the third-rate opponent!
However, this ability obviously has its limits.

If the opposing third-rate opponent is very strong, Xu Yuan will probably only be able to hold out for a while longer.

If facing a second-rate opponent... Xu Yuan would have no chance of beating their men half to death.

After the fusion, the name of the destiny remains unchanged, still called "Xiang E Qu Ji".

This also indicates that the "half-death undefeated" status itself is not high.

This further proves that the potential of this new ability is not too high.

After all, the destiny is called "half-death invincible", not "invincible with remaining health".

The previous "Lake of Fate Fire Tide" and "Ghost Doctor's Fate Determination" had raised Xu Yuan's expectations too high, so this time, Lord Xu just pursed his lips and expressed his disappointment.

There are two fates left: "One Step Ahead" and "Ancestor of All Weapons". Xu Yuan looked at his other fates and felt that there was nothing that could be integrated with these two.

The "Destiny of the Thief" directly selected these two destinies and merged them into one.

But this time the speed was also slow.

Xu Yuan waited for more than an hour before the fusion of their destinies was finally completed.

Both "the ancestor of all weapons" and "one step ahead" are considered "good fortune," but they are among the best of the best, just a hair's breadth away from reaching the threshold of a noble destiny.

Xu Yuan didn't have high expectations for the fusion of the two, but his eyes lit up when he saw the name of the new destiny.

"Martial Spirit"!
I really do have a talent for martial arts!

The ability of the "Martial Soul" destiny is very simple: it greatly enhances all talents in martial arts and combat.

This destiny has been upgraded to "noble destiny".

Moreover, Xu Yuan sensed that if he could obtain a related destiny and integrate it, the level of that destiny would be further enhanced!

Xu Yuan rubbed his hands excitedly. With the "Dragon Transformation Technique," the "Battle General Technique," and the "Bone Searching Technique," plus this "Martial Soul," this lord can crush any martial artist of the same level.

Just thinking about it makes Lord Xu very excited!
Martial arts practitioners are usually physically strong and robust, making them easily recognizable.

If one day in the future, someone as "ordinary" as myself could single-handedly suppress a fourth-rate martial artist who was fifteen feet tall and had the physique of an elephant!
That scene was truly exhilarating!

Even without a "Martial Soul," most martial artists of the same level would be no match for Xu Yuan based solely on their martial skills.

Unless Xu Yuan encounters a martial arts genius.

However, without a "Martial Soul," one cannot suppress the enemy single-handedly, so the level of shock would be somewhat diminished.

In fact, it really is a case of the poor being scholars and the rich being martial artists, especially martial artists, whose bodies are so large that their houses are built to be taller and bigger than other people's.

Lord Xu straightened his clothes, looking refreshed, and then opened the door, only to be momentarily stunned.

There were many people in the courtyard.

Lang Xiaoba and Ji Shuangqiu stood guard at the door, not allowing anyone to enter.

However, Princess Ruicheng, Zhu Zhanmei, and Xu Miaozhi all arrived in the courtyard.

The spoiled brat Zhu Zhanlei idly stayed by his sister's side.

As night was approaching, he wanted to go out and fool around, but he didn't dare to slip away for fear of being beaten by his sister.

But the best spot in the center of the courtyard was undoubtedly occupied by His Highness.

This wealthy woman was waiting outside the door; she was quite different from the average girl from a modest family.

A girl from a modest family might be seen as pitiful and frail, standing under the eaves.

But His Highness's setup was complete, with a soft couch, a long table, an umbrella, a fan, and so on.

Maids were attending to him, and tea, snacks, fruits, and other refreshments were laid out on the table.

If it weren't for the fear of disturbing Xu Yuan inside, His Highness would surely have summoned an opera troupe from the south city to watch the performance while waiting for Xu Yuan.

Zhu Zhanmei and Xu Miaozhi were squeezed into a corner.

Both women came from prominent families and were always the center of attention wherever they went.

But when facing His Highness... she felt like she was being bullied like a wicked mother-in-law's daughter-in-law.

"You're out!" Upon seeing Xu Yuan, His Highness cheered and got off the soft couch. He ran briskly to Xu Yuan and looked him up and down. "Are you alright? You went into seclusion as soon as you came back. I was really worried that you might have suffered some hidden injury."

She beckoned, and a maid brought a treasure box from the long table.

The box was inlaid with gold and jade, and inside were several precious, high-quality medicinal pills.

"Anyway, I've already prepared everything, so I'll just give it to you."

"This……"

Xu Yuan declined, saying, "I cannot accept a reward without merit. I appreciate Your Highness's kindness."

His Highness pouted slightly, but in front of everyone, he couldn't appear too forceful and insist on Xu Yuan's subordinates.

His Highness acknowledges some of the skills taught by his fourth aunt: one should give a man some face in front of outsiders.

That's right, His Highness has already classified the two beauties as outsiders.

“Alright then,” His Highness said, “It’s right here with me anyway. You can come and get it anytime you need.”

Then, she glanced at the two women intentionally or unintentionally, her tone tinged with a hint of coquettishness: "You can come and get it anytime. It's in my room, and you don't need a maid to announce your arrival."

Zhu Zhanmei and Xu Miaozhi's pretty faces turned visibly red with anger.

Has your relationship reached this point?

I don't even need to announce myself before entering your boudoir?
You woman! You are truly...shameless!
Xu Yuan was in a real bind.

Suddenly, a flapping sound came from the side. Dafu flew up to the courtyard wall and stood on the top of the wall, cawing loudly.

Xu Yuan felt that this guy was being unusually noisy at this moment!
And that sound... it sounds like Dafu is laughing.
Xu Yuan glared at it fiercely. What right do you have to laugh at me?
His Highness then said gently and considerately, "It's getting dark, you must be hungry, let's go get something to eat."

Xu Yuan bowed and declined, saying, "I dare not trouble Your Highness."

His Highness was pleased with himself and let Xu Yuan go. He waved his hand and turned to leave, saying, "It's alright, I'm glad you're alright. I'll head back now."

The two women's expressions softened slightly, but when His Highness reached the courtyard gate, he suddenly said, "Accompany me for a walk tomorrow. I've been cooped up in the yamen these past few days, and I feel like I'm going to rot."

"This humble official will have more tomorrow..." Before Xu Yuan could finish his refusal, His Highness had already drifted away.

Her palace servants hurriedly carried the things and followed.

Xu Yuan looked at Zhu Zhanmei and Xu Miaozhi, forced a smile, and said, "I have accumulated a lot of official duties, so I certainly won't have time to play with Your Highness tomorrow."

The two women still had stern faces, but their eyes finally softened a little.

Zhu Zhanlei, standing to the side, shouted nonchalantly, "Sister, if you ask me, what you're doing is wrong. A real man should have three wives and four concubines..."

"Get out!" Zhu Zhanmei shouted angrily.

"Alright!" Zhu Zhanlei dashed away in a flash.

Once he was outside, he smiled smugly, knowing that if he said those things, my sister would definitely tell him to get lost.

Sisters from Xieliu Lane, here I come!
……

Before the yamen closed, the Luo family sent someone to deliver a letter.

Please attend the banquet tomorrow at noon, Lord Xu.

Xu Yuan thought about it and agreed.

There are still some things that need to be clarified with the Luo family.

……

In an inn in Champa, Lord Wu Tianfang, who had been so confident a few days ago, has finally started to panic.

Luo Bei has disappeared!
I haven't been able to contact them for several days.

All day long, the manager of his Luocheng Money Shop was crying and wailing around him, saying, "Three hundred thousand taels! A whole three hundred thousand taels! Even if I were to cut myself up and sell everything, it wouldn't be enough to fill this hole."

(End of this chapter)