Faced with Qin Ming's flattery, Lin Mu nodded slightly, his gaze shifting to Shi Mò and Shi Mó beside him. He praised their progress.
"Your Martial Soul Fusion Technique has impressive defensive capabilities. Once you two break through to Level 40, even ordinary Soul Emperors probably won't be able to crack your shell."
Before arriving at the training ground, Lin Mu had sensed a powerful aura originating from the Black Turtle. As one of the Four Spirits, the Black Turtle possesses not only an absolute defense but also formidable physical power. He wondered just how much of that divine might their fusion could eventually unleash.
"Teacher Lin Mu, without your guidance, we wouldn't have been able to develop this technique. It's all thanks to you!" Shi Mò and Shi Mó spoke in perfect unison, their smiles honest and humble.
At this moment, Yu Tianheng stepped forward with a hint of expectation. "Teacher Lin Mu, since they were able to complete a Soul Fusion Technique, does that mean Yanyan and I also have a chance?"
Lin Mu frowned slightly, stroking his chin in thought before finally shaking his head.
"No, the chances of success are extremely slim. Your Martial Souls have very low compatibility, and your elemental attributes conflict. Even if you succeeded by chance, you would most likely just end up with a poisonous, crippled dragon."
A Martial Soul Fusion Technique first tests the innate compatibility of the Martial Souls, followed by the trust and understanding between the users. Shi Mò and Shi Mó both possess the Black Turtle Martial Soul, sharing the same origin, which makes fusion natural. Being brothers, their bond is already established. Separately, their Martial Souls were merely top-tier defensive beasts; together, they touched the true divine might of the Black Tutle.
In contrast, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon and the Jade Phosphorous Serpent were virtually incompatible. Unless the serpent evolved into the Azure Phosphorous Serpent Emperor to reach a top-tier status, the probability remained zero.
Yu Tianheng's eyes dimmed. Dugu Yan immediately grasped his hand, ready to offer comfort, but Yu Tianheng wasn't ready to give up. "Teacher Lin Mu, what kind of soul do you think the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon is most suited to fuse with?"
"Firstly, a top-tier lightning-attribute beast soul. Secondly, souls with fire or light attributes. With the right partner, it could reach an even higher level," Lin Mu explained.
He wasn't stingy with verbal advice. If Yu Tianheng could find a partner with light and fire attributes, the mutation might lead to the birth of a Golden Sacred Dragon.
"Thank you for your guidance, Teacher Lin Mu," Yu Tianheng bowed respectfully. Since his raw talent couldn't match Tang San's, he was determined to find strength through other avenues.
Dugu Yan, however, looked displeased. The training for Martial Soul Fusion Techniques often required partners to be inseparable. If Tianheng found a female partner, wouldn't she be sidelined? The thought of him finding a male partner seemed even more troubling to her.
"Alright, we will discuss those possibilities later. These are some newly refined pills," Lin Mu said, taking several jade bottles from his storage bracelet. He handed them to Qin Ming to distribute. "Their effects are far superior to the previous batch and will greatly assist your cultivation."
These pills were crafted from high-grade, non-immortal herbs. Lin Mu intended to have the academy's Board Members reimburse him once the results were evident. Business was business, after all.
"I hope that before the Continental Soul Master Competition begins, every one of you reaches at least Level 40!"
"Long live Teacher Lin Mu!" the team cheered. The previous Soul Power Pills and Body Tempering Pills had already given them an edge; these new ones promised even greater gains.
The team members declined further sparring for the day, eager to return to their rooms and absorb the medicine. Lin Mu dismissed them, except for Ye Lingling.
Lin Mu produced an exceptionally exquisite jade bottle and placed it in Ye Lingling's palm.
"This pill was specially made for you. It is tailored to your Nine-Heart Begonia. Absorb it here; I will protect you."
"Thank you, Brother Lin Mu," she whispered. She sat cross-legged and consumed the pill.
Lin Mu stood guard silently. This specific pill incorporated three celestial herbs: the Qiluo Tulip, the Eight-Petaled Immortal Orchid, and the Narcissus Jade Bone. It carried the potential to evolve her Martial Soul. While the Nine-Heart Begonia was a legendary support soul, its singular focus on healing was also its greatest weakness.
"Brother, I'm so bored. Let's go shopping!" Xiao Wu called out, dragging Tang San away. After half a month in the valley, she was restless and wanted to explore Heaven Dou City.
As Ye Lingling began to emit a soft white light and a faint floral fragrance, a figure approached from the distance.
"Brother Lin, you're finally back!"
Xue Qinghe grabbed Lin Mu's arm warmly. "I just heard from the Board Members that you returned, and I dropped everything to see you."
"Thank you for your concern, Your Highness," Lin Mu replied, immediately pulling his arm away. Though he knew this was Qian Renxue in disguise, it was inappropriate to be so familiar with the Crowned Prince in public.
Xue Qinghe's lips curled into a barely perceptible smirk. She realized she might eventually need to change her identity to get closer to him. She gestured toward the meditating Ye Lingling. "What is happening here?"
"Just cultivation. I acquired some rare herbs and refined pills to aid the process. It's nothing special," Lin Mu said dismissively.
Xue Qinghe noticed Ye Lingling's Soul Power rising rapidly and her Martial Soul seemingly undergoing a transformation. The extent of Lin Mu's alchemy skills was truly staggering.
"Brother Lin, I have long heard of your extraordinary alchemy," Xue Qinghe said, stretching out a fair hand with a smile. "I am busy with government affairs all day and often have no time for cultivation. Could you perhaps spare some pills for me?"
Lin Mu stared at her, slightly speechless at her habit of asking for things. He shook his head solemnly.
"Your Highness, as the Crown Prince, you only need to focus on managing the empire. Why waste your energy on cultivation? Furthermore, the Swan Martial Soul... well, its potential is limited. No matter how hard you train, your strength will only be mediocre. There is simply no need for it."
Xue Qinghe froze, her smile twitching. To hear her Swan Marital Soul, a fake cover for her Seraphim Martial Soul, called mediocre was a unique experience.