Anime: Fight Sukuna at the beginning?.

Chapter 449 Imbuing the Longsword with Spirit and the First [Soul Search]

Hamlet Town, late at night.

A quiet residence.

Fang Yi was sitting on the edge of the bed, looking down at the long sword in his hand.

Or rather, it's a statistic reflecting the extent of damage to this longsword named "Kashuu Kiyomitsu".

[Durability: 13/1200]

This rather pitiful figure is Fang Yi's masterpiece.

This is the price that must be paid for using the powerful skill [Yin Yang Intertwined], which [reduces weapon durability and increases attack power].

It can also be described as a destiny for weapons.

In the previous mission, this longsword clashed with the 'Holy Sword' tainted with ominous magic right from the start.

Then he was repeatedly ravaged by skills such as [Yin Yang Intertwined].

It was quite a ordeal; he nearly lost his life.

If it develops according to the normal trajectory...

This longsword might be able to rely on the "restore durability by extracting flesh and blood" attribute.

By using the vampire's tooth to extract the enemy's flesh and blood, the longsword is continuously nourished and its durability restored.
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However, before the final battle of the previous mission.

That tooth, which didn't match the overall character of the longsword, was entirely due to the [Truth Forging - Completion] and [Replacement] techniques that were applied to it.

While the hilt was modified to gain the [Magic Conduction] attribute, it was 'optimized' away by Ms. Merlin using even stronger materials.

Therefore, it lost this function.

The entire knife became stronger and earned the nickname 'Dragon's Claw'.

They also obtained the ambiguous "Dragon Sword," which became a blank sword that needed to be 'reforged' by a craftsman.

In theory, this longsword could be forged with minimal effort, without diminishing its spiritual essence, and its blade could be sharpened.

The longsword, now imbued with a certain amount of spiritual energy, will regain its durability and gain attributes such as "Never Worn Out".

But in the final battle of the previous mission.

In order to kill Sesshouin Kiara, who was transforming into a beast and possessed extremely high immortality.

He implanted the "Right Hand of Glory," a consumable, one-time-use relic.

Aside from temporarily evolving [Mist Reaper].

It also temporarily brought to light some descriptions that were quite ambiguous.

Even after acquiring the powerful trait of [Dragon Heart], the [Dragon Sword] still cannot meet the activation conditions.

The power of that strike was certainly impressive.

Theoretically, Sesshouin Kiara, who could not be killed as long as her "believers" remained, also fell to that blade.

The final settlement of the task resulted in a huge profit.

He took with him two highly promising expertise.

It adds branches to the [Talent] category that are far beyond what ordinary people can achieve.

It can be said that he has made a leap forward in all aspects of his life.

But now, Fang Yi is about to face the consequences of forcing the growth of this knife blank.

This longsword, which had acquired a great deal of spirituality, was now in an extremely fragile state, 'terminally ill'.

It cannot be restored to its durability using methods similar to those used in normal medical treatment.

Instead, it requires a complete reforging process.

Of course, as long as the man doesn't use this long knife.

There's no problem with keeping it in my personal storage space; this long sword can just sit there like this.

At the same time, it is not difficult to reforge the longsword to obtain roughly the same functionality.

In theory, this 'bad consequence' is not actually that serious in the eyes of other reincarnators.

However, Fang Yi, who possessed the [Reflecting Blade and Swift Heart] trait and had also obtained the [Resonance Spirit Empowerment - Blade], was aware of the consequences of doing so.

Do that.

It would erase the spirituality that this longsword had cultivated in previous battles.
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He stroked the long sword in his hand.

Looking at the long sword's current dilapidated state and the grayed-out entries on several items, I was struck by its appearance.

Listening to the emotionless voice in the space, "[This item has low durability; this item is in a special state, and some functions are limited.]"

With the blessing of [Resonance with the Longsword] and [Reflecting the Blade's Swiftness],

I vaguely sensed that this knife had acquired a considerable amount of spirituality.

As if realizing that he was about to die, he became somewhat depressed, as if he had been crying.

Fang Yi, who has always been relatively calm and composed.

He sighed, a rare occurrence, and made a promise to the air that defied some of his common sense.

"I understand, I'll think of a way."
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According to past interpretations.

Normally, no matter how carefully you take care of it...

Many objects, and indeed everything in this world, are subject to the limitation of 'lifespan' and will eventually leave us and change.

From tiny erasers that get smaller and smaller when sketching, to erasers that seem to disappear from your hand at any moment.

The first one I received in my previous life was very bulky.

It was considered very 'advanced' at the time, and people thought it would last them a long time.

As a result, the IBM laptop with 32MB of memory and 1GB of storage was obsolete within a few years and was thrown into the basement and shelved.

On a more abstract level, there are also past views on certain things.

Even the "malicious attraction" that one had previously resolved to "forget" has now been reawakened.

These things change over time.

Ultimately, it will fade and change after its 'lifespan' is exhausted.

Therefore, this long sword is named "Kyushu Kiyomitsu".

Those 'spiritual qualities' that can be repeatedly nurtured should be no exception.

If we make a rational judgment...

Only by reforging this sword and then experiencing some new battles can it be truly mastered.

He should be able to nurture new spirituality.

But upon reflection, I recalled the memories of fighting while wielding this long sword.

The scene before Fang Yi's eyes began to flash.

The first time this long sword was drawn, a chilling murderous aura descended several degrees in the room.

There is a sharp aura emanating from the blade when one wields this gleaming longsword to slay evil spirits.

When this long sword was used to face the Reincarnator clad in corpse armor amidst the mist, it faintly emitted a spiritual cry.

There was a requirement to win every single match before the final battle.

He cut through the 'waves' and 'winter' all the way, finally slicing through the 'flow of all laws to the east' with the same confidence he had.

Finally, what Fang Yi saw was the scene before him.

The image freezes on the moment when he raises the long sword high and cuts through the enormous "evil".

The blade emitted a roar that seemed to say, "I will change the ending of the story."

The man looked at the long sword in his hand, now dull and dented, no longer possessing its former glory.

He couldn't help but shook his head.

It would be a shame to let this longsword forget these stories.

He closed his eyes.

Then, he grasped the long sword.

He plunged the long sword into his own heart, which shared a similar concept.

Then, he began to perceive the shape of the soul and started to attempt a "spirit transfer" by using his special qualities to "imbue an item with a soul fragment".

To quickly organize and verify the somewhat confused memories related to the previous [Resonance Enchantment - Blade] skill.

After obtaining this conceptual heart, the heart is no longer a man's vital organ.

A moment later, this skill, which previously had no description other than its name, appeared.

Its specific effects were also demonstrated to him.
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【Resonance and Spirit Empowerment: Blade】

Skill category: Special skills

Conditions of Use:

1. One must have a certain ability to perceive and manipulate the soul.

2. Engage in multiple battles without changing the longsword.

3. Possess extremely strong knife skills and techniques.

Skill effect:
When one continuously uses a particular sword-type weapon in actual combat and training, immersing the longsword in one's own flesh and blood, and nourishing the longsword with scattered fragments of soul, one can achieve this.

Spirituality can be gradually accumulated in weapons.

[Spirituality] will bring a certain additional boost after reaching a certain level.

And without changing the material of the blade, slowly imbue the longsword with characteristics similar to its own soul.

Specific characteristics are influenced by the user's fighting style and emotional changes.
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The current skill level is [lv15].

Can be used on swords of no higher than [Second-Tier Mythical] or [Third-Tier Legendary]. Up to three benefits can be gained by increasing its spirituality.
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prompt:

When a large fragment of soul is extracted to nourish a longsword, the sword's spirituality will be greatly enhanced in a very short time.

This allows it to quickly reach the maximum spiritual energy that the longsword can absorb within a certain period of time.
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caveat:

The stripping and separation of a large number of souls is a high-risk and high-difficulty operation.

It can easily cause irreversible damage to the user.

The cost of repairing a soul is extremely high.

Summary:
Nurturing the longsword and imbuing it with spirituality.

The skill that gradually resonates with one's own soul, and then begins to assimilate with it.

Once the longsword's spirituality reaches a certain level, it will bring additional benefits.

Evaluation:

The longer you hold a knife, the more it becomes like you.
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Obviously, this skill normally requires a gradual approach.

Unless the user has unparalleled ability to manipulate the soul.

Only those who can perform the high-risk operation of splitting large fragments of the soul while walking a tightrope can take the shortcut.

Otherwise, one can only pair it with [Derivative Worlds], which have longer mission durations, to prolong the battle and obtain benefits through a slow and gradual process.

Fang Yi, who only possesses the [Substitute Spirit] trait and the [An Eye for an Eye] skill, is clearly not the former.

But he had already come up with a way to 'cheate'.

He has always had an unparalleled advantage.

That's the margin for error brought about by the "resurrection" of the Five Emperors Coins.

He has more than one life.

After absorbing the Book of Time, this relic has had some restrictions lifted.

I can now collect a limited amount of [Spare Life] from some minor enemies.

Therefore, when necessary.

He can use this relic more 'recklessly'.
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He deliberately ignored the stabbing pain in his chest after the long knife pierced his heart.

As Fang Yi closed his eyes, his breathing became low and slow.

His perception also began to fold inward.

Begin to explore the shape of your own soul.

Three minutes later, the man got what he wanted.

He first "saw" a boundless chaos.

Then, they saw the dark sea that exuded the aura of dragons and was as still as water.

And a 'whale' with dragon horns on its head, lying on the shore, weakly moaning.

And the man, who possessed the instinctive ability to "substitute spirits," knew how to use "spirit possession."

With a mere thought, he violently and recklessly separated his soul.

Accompanied by a searing pain, as if the skin were being torn away bit by bit from the top of the head, and then alcohol was poured onto the exposed flesh.

This once silent, dark sea suddenly seemed to come alive and began to churn.

Like a rising tide, it brought forth three surging waves that came from afar.

As they encroached upon the coast, they also surged toward the 'whale' stranded on the shore.

With just one wave, the beach beneath the 'whale's' feet turned into a swampy expanse of water vapor, instantly moisturizing its parched skin.

The whale trembled slightly, as if awakening from a deep sleep.
Fang Yi also heard a very harsh warning.

Your soul has suffered moderate damage, your perception has been greatly reduced, and your control over your body has decreased.

Ignoring the warning, Fang Yi resolutely stirred up another wave.

The sea churned, like a sky rippled by a raging storm, as waves rolled and swept toward the shore.

The 'whale' suddenly raised its head and let out a deep dragon roar from its throat.

The beach shook violently, and the ground, which was not yet wet, was completely submerged in the surging waves.

At that moment, it was as if a piece of his soul had been forcibly cut out.

An unbearable stinging pain, as if proclaiming the concept of pain, also came from my chest and limbs.

It felt as if someone had inserted themselves along his limbs, and finally pulled a tormenting thread from his chest.

Your soul has been severely damaged.

A very fine mark slowly appeared on the long knife stuck in the man's chest.

Like the reverse scale of a dragon, it carries a domineering air of looking down on the world, yet it also carries a contradictory restraint like a man.

Fang Yi ignored all of this.

Because the third wave has arrived.

The third wave seemed to lift the entire sea up, and even the sky reflected the image of the water and the dragon.

That 'whale'—or rather, the 'sword' that was embodied in the soul of [Kukai Kiyomitsu]—has been completely swallowed up.

Your soul.

Fang Yi could no longer hear the instructions.

The excruciating pain was beyond words in describing how he felt at that moment.

He felt that everything he owned, from head to toe, no longer belonged to him.

It was like a giant hammer crashing down, smashing the man's body, soul, and existence into a pile of minced meat.

His consciousness has been breached.

Although the man couldn't hear the notification tone, he picked up another sound.

It sounded like a dragon roaring, or like a blade trembling.

That was an echo from [California Kiyomitsu].

The longsword was responding to his spiritual influence.

The [Kukai Kiyomitsu] inserted into the man's chest also began to tremble violently.

Like a dragon awakening from its slumber, it began to roar.

As a burst of light emanated from the blade, the originally dull and dilapidated blade surface seemed to be caressed by some invisible force.

It began to 'grow' visible to the naked eye, exuding a faint chill and revealing a hint of the soul.

Among those entries that were originally extinguished, some slowly emerged with a pale golden glow, indicating that they could be activated.

Clearly, the knife has not been fully restored, but it is no longer in critical condition.

The sound of the Five Emperor Coins shattering echoed from his waist.

A system notification that hadn't been seen for a long time also appeared in Fang Yi's mind.

[You are dead. 】

This resurrection consumed 34 years of remaining lifespan; current remaining lifespan is...
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A moment later, the man opened his eyes after using the [Resurrection] ability, which he hadn't used in a long time.

The effects of this spiritual empowerment were now visible to him.

[Due to the influence of [Substitute Spirit] and [Resonance Spirit Empowerment - Blade], you have infused your bound weapon [Kyushu Kiyomitsu] with a large number of soul fragments.]

【Kashuu Kiyomitsu】's durability increased by 127 points (current durability: 140/1200).

[Due to the influence of [Resonance Empowerment], [California Clear Light] gained enhanced [Spiritual Memory].]
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[Spiritual Memory]

This weapon will have a certain degree of memory capability.

You can prepay a certain amount of energy to store a skill on the weapon that can be activated at any time.

The effectiveness of skills that can be used in intervals and stored is affected by the weapon's spirit.
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Fang Yi glanced at it, gripped the longsword, and immediately understood how to use the buff.

[Spell Scroll - Low Power Sword Technique Edition] - Ready to use after tearing open.

Limited by its spirituality, its current power is insufficient, but it is a potential benefit in the future.

He already had some clever ideas about this ability outside of combat.

Fang Yi put away his long sword with great satisfaction.

This longsword has just absorbed a large amount of 'spiritual energy' and needs some time to adapt and digest it.

It will be impossible to perform [Resonance Infusion] again for a short period of time.

As for the remaining durability, assuming the longsword is out of its 'critical condition' and there are no restrictions on the 'method of restoring durability'.

He can go to the blacksmith's shop in town tomorrow.

The previous information indicated that there were consumables there that could restore weapon durability.

At the same time, he also needs to verify his conjecture that the bullets formed by the previous gathering of magic power cannot be used.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, he will need to purchase some bullets.

After planning for tomorrow, Fang Yi did not immediately take out the item that could integrate multiple skills.

Instead, they took out a treasure chest, along with the [Relics] and the [Scroll of the Deceased].

He planned to use a counterattack to kill the enemy, which would yield a treasure chest containing the most valuable item in his personal inventory.

At the same time, perform a "soul search" on the dump truck driver.

I glanced at the note on the relic: "[Do not use imprecise keywords when searching for souls.]"

After a moment's thought, Fang Yi quickly decided on the 'keywords' for this [Soul Search].

(End of this chapter)