Chapter 18: A Successful Experiment and Han Li's Ridiculous Statement
Not only the other Worshippers but even Qian Daoliu himself showed a hint of confusion upon hearing Han Li's words.
The others turned their gazes to Guang Ling and Qing Luan, hoping to understand the situation, but the two merely shook their heads and gestured toward Han Li, indicating that they should listen to him. Clearly, they supported whatever he was about to say.
Jin Crocodile's eyes flickered as he glanced at Xiu'er. Seemingly realizing something, he sighed inwardly and remained silent.
Qian Daoliu also looked at Xiu'er but showed no reaction. Instead, he spoke seriously, "Very well, but are you certain? I may not be able to fulfill your request."
"I'm certain. Even if it fails, I want to try."
Han Li remained bowed, his young yet determined voice resonating throughout the hall.
"Then state your request."
Qian Daoliu's tone remained calm.
"Yes, Grandmaster Uncle."
Han Li bowed once more before straightening up. "I hope to obtain a ten year or, at most, a hundred year bear type spirit bone, and I ask that you personally oversee Xiu'er's absorption."
As his words fell, the Worship Hall fell into silence. Even Qian Daoliu momentarily looked dazed, as if he had misheard.
It wasn't that Han Li's request was outrageous it was just that it was too simple.
It was so simple that it didn't seem worthy of using such a valuable promise.
While low year spirit bones were rare, the continent was vast. If necessary, they could always hunt one directly without jeopardizing the balance of spirit beast populations. Ten year bones were insignificant compared to the reproduction rate of spirit beasts.
But the real question was: What was the point of such a low level spirit bone?
It might be useful to a Spirit Scholar, but for anyone at a slightly higher level, the benefits were negligible.
Is this kid messing with us?
Besides, wasn't that girl unable to cultivate? Could she even absorb a spirit bone?
Seeing the confusion in their eyes, Han Li immediately laid out his entire theory.
After all, Guang Ling had already revealed his insights on spirit development, and none of the Worshippers took him lightly. Instead, they began contemplating the feasibility of his proposal.
The more they thought about it, the more plausible it seemed.
Soon, they were discussing it among themselves.
Qian Daoliu narrowed his eyes in thought before raising his hand, signaling for silence.
"I have received your request. However, whether it is feasible or not can only be determined through experimentation. But I can guarantee that with me here, even if it fails, there will be no lasting consequences. I'll ask you one more time are you certain?"
"I'm certain."
Han Li's voice was firm.
"Very well, as you wish."
With a flip of his hand, a spirit bone emitting a faint energy fluctuation appeared in Qian Daoliu's palm, glistening like a crystal.
"You are quite fortunate. If it had been any other type of spirit bone, I would have had to search for one. But for bear type spirit bones, I just happen to have one even weaker than what you requested."
"Strictly speaking, I cannot determine its exact age. I obtained it years ago while traveling the continent after killing a pregnant Crystal Bear. This spirit bone did not belong to the mother it was from the unborn cub that perished with her. I had thought it would remain a mere keepsake in my storage forever. Who would have thought that today, it might actually serve a purpose?"
A trace of nostalgia appeared on Qian Daoliu's face.
"If this isn't fate, I don't know what is. No one is more suited for this spirit bone than her. Although I don't even know what part of the body this bone belongs to, it is undoubtedly infused with a rich bear type spirit beast aura. That makes it the perfect choice for this experiment."
After a long pause, he looked at Han Li, who was practically radiating anticipation.
"Very well, bring her forward."
"Yes, Grandmaster Uncle."
Han Li hurriedly led Xiu'er to Qian Daoliu's side, his eyes full of encouragement.
Qian Daoliu looked at the girl for a brief moment before channeling a gentle holy light from his palm, enveloping her. The spirit bone floated toward her, guided by his energy.
As soon as the spirit bone touched her, Xiu'er who had been trying to meditate felt a sharp contraction in her heart before losing consciousness.
Han Li caught her as she collapsed, his grip tightening in concern. Seeing her furrowed brows and pained expression, he turned anxiously toward Qian Daoliu, about to speak
But before he could, Qian Daoliu let out a curious "Oh?" and increased the flow of divine energy.
"Relax. She is fine actually, this turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Your hypothesis was correct, but there was also an unexpected twist. This spirit bone belongs to a part of the body that has never been seen before the heart. Due to this fortunate coincidence, her spirit power has begun to circulate. The bone and her body are now fusing. Once she wakes up, she will be able to cultivate."
Seeing Han Li still anxious, he continued, "No need to worry."
Han Li finally exhaled, slumping onto the ground, a relieved smile on his face as he gazed at Xiu'er.
It took a full five minutes before Qian Daoliu withdrew his protective energy.
Xiu'er's expression had softened, her complexion now rosy. Sitting so close to her, Han Li could even hear the steady beat of her heart.
"In another five minutes, she should wake up," Qian Daoliu assured him before turning serious. "But listen carefully do not attempt this experiment again. This success had elements of sheer luck. If it had been a different person, a different spirit bone, or if I hadn't been here to oversee it, she could have died on the spot."
Although he was exaggerating the dangers, he wanted to ensure Han Li wouldn't take further risks.
In truth, the experiment had been a success.
With a Spirit Emperor's supervision, others could likely replicate the process. But such knowledge wasn't worth publicizing.
Even a ten year spirit bone was extremely valuable, and people with incomplete awakenings like Xiu'er were exceedingly rare.
Moreover, he could tell that even if others succeeded, their initial spirit power would likely be quite low. There was simply no need to make this method public.
Han Li, shaken by the warning, instinctively tightened his arms around Xiu'er.
"I understand, Grandmaster Uncle. There will be no next time Xiu'er is my only sister."
Hearing his response, Qian Daoliu nodded. "This experiment holds significance for Spirit Hall as well. I will not count this as your request. The promise I made to you still stands."
With that, he closed his eyes, signaling that the conversation was over.
Han Li was about to speak when Guang Ling suddenly appeared beside him, covering his mouth with his hand.
His eyes screamed: Shut up.
Han Li had no choice but to nod obediently.
But inwardly, he grumbled.
I wasn't going to refuse! I was just about to say, 'Thank you, Grandmaster Uncle!' Teacher, you really don't understand me at all.
Guang Ling dragged Han Li away, but neither of them noticed the faint smile that flickered across Qian Daoliu's face.
People like him who value their bonds will become Xue'er's greatest allies in the future.
Just as predicted, Xiu'er woke up five minutes later.
The moment she realized that spirit power was flowing through her, she burst into tears.
After crying for a while, she noticed the Worshippers watching her with amusement and quickly got up, bowing respectfully before returning to Han Li's side.
"Test your spirit power," Qing Luan suggested, handing her a crystal ball.
Han Li shot him a grateful look he had completely forgotten to prepare one.
"Here, Xiu'er, check your level."
As she held the ball, a bright blue light glowed.
"Eight… EIGHT?!"
Han Li shouted in excitement.
"Your martial spirit evolved into a Crystal Bear. With innate spirit power of eight, Xiu'er, you're a genius now!"
Xiu'er simply smiled sweetly, unconcerned.
As long as Han Li was happy, that was enough for her.
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