Chapter 111: Elemental Combat Techniques

"I get it now! My current power is like water; whether I shape it into a giant hand or a sharp blade, the effect is roughly the same, offering little increase in damage. But if I transform that water into ice, or alter its internal structure—like turning graphite into diamond—everything changes!"

"You've finally realized it. I truly don't know how to describe you. If I say you're smart, you pondered for ages and came up with nothing until I gave you such an obvious hint. But if I say you're foolish, this sudden realization covers not only the second stage of power application but the third as well. I'm truly at a loss for whether to laugh or cry..." White shook his head.

Lan Tian, having grown wiser this time, thought for a moment and asked, "Are you saying that converting water into ice is the second stage, and turning graphite into diamond is the third?"

"Exactly. You were previously stuck in the first stage, like turning a steel ingot into a blade. Anyone with a brain can grasp that first stage, but these second and third stages represent the true application of power!" Hearing Lan Tian’s response, White was finally satisfied and smiled.

"But... if I may be a buzzkill," Lan Tian asked timidly, "even though I understand the principle, mental energy and cosmic star force aren't water or graphite. How on earth am I supposed to transform them?"

"Haha, don't worry about the third stage for now. If you ever truly reach it, most secret arts will be of little use to you anyway," White laughed. "And you're right—mental energy and cosmic star force aren't water, so they can't literally turn into ice."

"Let's set mental energy aside; once you comprehend the 'Soul Suppression Pagoda,' you will naturally learn advanced ways to utilize it."

"As for cosmic star force, it is inherently attribute-less, or rather, it possesses all attributes. It is the purest energy in the universe. The second stage is akin to water turning into ice; by passing it through specific pathways or special transformations, you trigger one or more of the attributes hidden within the cosmic star force. This naturally results in significantly greater damage—these are known as elemental combat techniques!"

"Therefore, what you need to study most urgently is first the 'Soul Suppression Pagoda,' and second, elemental combat techniques."

"Elemental combat techniques..." Lan Tian nodded blankly. It was his first time hearing the term, and he looked at White with confusion. "The Nameless Technique doesn't seem to have any elemental combat techniques, does it?"

"Don't bring the Nameless Technique into this. It records only secret arts; elemental combat techniques aren't worthy of being included in it," White said dismissively. "Elemental combat techniques are, to put it plainly, methods for transforming and utilizing cosmic star force. For example, with the metal element: a low-level technique might only extract a trace of metallic properties, providing a limited boost. But a high-level one could extract most of the metallic properties, or even convert the entire burst of cosmic star force into metallic energy. The increase in attack power would be incomparable."

"Wait... after all that talk, why don't you pass me an advanced elemental combat technique to practice?" Lan Tian, now fascinated, urged impatiently.

"I don't have any," White replied.

"What?! You don't?" Lan Tian’s eyes widened. After all that talk about the second stage and elemental combat techniques, he didn't even have them?

"What's with that look? Is it so strange that I don't? Elemental combat techniques may not be secret arts, but they aren't exactly cheap cabbage either. My master was incredibly lucky to obtain the Nameless Technique; he couldn't have everything!" White said matter-of-factly. "In the universe, the most expensive things aren't cosmic armor or rare treasures, but combat techniques and secret arts! That is the foundation!"

"Besides, although my master was known as the God of Combat, it was merely an honorific title bestowed by the citizens of the Yuanlan Empire. He was, at best, a noble who had to fight for everything he achieved. While his cultivation was higher than that of the descendants of major clans, his wealth and techniques couldn't compare to theirs. Forget my master—even the Emperor of the Yuanlan Empire only possesses two advanced elemental combat techniques and not a single secret art. You should be content!"

"Then why didn't your master sell one of the secret arts from the Nameless Technique? By your logic, they should be worth a fortune," Lan Tian asked, puzzled.

"How could he? How dared he?! What do you think a secret art is? Believe me, if my master had revealed any secret art of unknown origin, some big shot would have assassinated him immediately!" White exclaimed dramatically. "In the universe, you need strength to guard your treasures. Possessing them without the power to protect them is no different from seeking death. Forget the big shots—if my master had brought out a secret art, the Emperor of our own Yuanlan Empire would have been the first to strike him down!"

"So you are truly lucky... Do you realize that the 'Soul Suppression Pagoda' alone could buy ten Yuanlan Empires?"

"Just be glad for what you have. You must cultivate the 'Soul Suppression Pagoda' in secret. Do not expose it to others until you have sufficient strength, or you know the consequences."

"Fine... but I have to ask, given what you've said, could your master's death have been caused by an accidental leak of a secret art, rather than just being 'too accomplished'?" Lan Tian wondered aloud.

"..." White's expression tightened as he processed this. "Now that you mention it, that does seem possible."

"Forget it. The man is dead, so it's pointless to dwell on it now," Lan Tian said with a somber expression. "But it seems I need to pick up the pace. If the secret arts were indeed leaked, the Yuanlan Empire might be even more determined to find the location of the Blazing Gold Divine Armor and your master's inheritance. Earth is in grave danger!"

"Well, then, shouldn't you hurry and comprehend the 'Soul Suppression Pagoda'?" White agreed. "Hurry up. You'll need to enter the Virtual Universe Network next. Without the wealth left by my master, you'll never reach the Absolute Sky Star. You can't just keep pretending to be a descendant of a major clan everywhere you go; you'll be exposed eventually!"

"Only by climbing to the higher levels of the Absolute Sky Pagoda and becoming the disciple of a true powerhouse will you be safe, and only then will Earth be truly secure!"