“This pearl is called [Spiritual Crystal Marrow].”
A trace of pride flashed across the Imperial Princess’s face. “It is the latest research achievement of the Empire.”
“Over a hundred years ago, we discovered certain demonic cores within the bodies of some exotic beasts that cultivators could absorb and refine for cultivation.”
“The blood and flesh power of these exotic beasts unexpectedly formed spiritual energy crystals within their bodies. Although the purity of the spiritual energy was low, this phenomenon still attracted the attention of the previous Emperor.”
“After more than a century of persistent research, we have gained a preliminary grasp of the technology for [Synthetic Spiritual Energy]. Although it requires a large amount of flesh as a medium, the spiritual energy crystals we cultivate have a purity level that is very close to top-grade spirit stones of the Xuanhuang Realm.”
Upon hearing this, Xu Bai’s eyes revealed a trace of surprise.
He carefully examined the [Spiritual Crystal Marrow] before him and slowly nodded. “Impressive. With such methods, given enough time, you might indeed be able to transform this world into a small realm suitable for cultivators. However, if this is all, it still won’t significantly impact the overall situation. Let alone our Federation of All Worlds, even any reliable faction in the Xuanhuang Realm would not lack spirit stones.” Xu Bai said with some regret.
The Imperial Princess seemed to have anticipated his reaction. “I am naturally aware of this. If the only function of the [Spiritual Crystal Marrow] were to provide spiritual energy, I wouldn’t rank its importance right after the Void Coordinator Instrument.”
“In truth, the primary function of the [Spiritual Crystal Marrow] is to transfer the abilities of exotic beasts to humans—completely and without side effects.”
“This was crafted using an exotic beast known as the [Blazing Flame Tiger] as raw material. You should try it for yourself.” The Imperial Princess confidently handed over the red pearl.
“Inheriting the divine abilities of demon beasts?”
For an instant, Xu Bai thought of a rare treasure that Dongfang Yao had once mentioned—its effect was similar, except that it stimulated the dormant ancient bloodline within oneself.
Holding the red [Spiritual Crystal Marrow] in his palm, Xu Bai applied slight pressure.
Like a fragile glass bead, it shattered instantly.
In the blink of an eye, countless red flames surged forth like fiery dragons, flowing up Xu Bai’s arm and drilling into his body.
“Roar!”
Before his eyes, a ferocious tiger composed entirely of flames appeared, letting out an enraged, unwilling roar.
Xu Bai snorted coldly, and the illusion shattered instantly.
A surge of heat coursed through his body before finally settling between his brows.
Xu Bai closed his eyes and meditated. Moments later, a small crimson flame flickered in his palm.
It danced continuously, distorting the surrounding air with its heat.
Xu Bai’s gaze turned serious.
This was because the flame did not rely on any spiritual energy or divine abilities—it was purely an instinctual power, as natural as breathing.
With a mere thought, he could command it.
The flame morphed into different shapes according to his will.
And as he continued manipulating the fire, memories of how to wield this ability surfaced in his mind.
Seeing Xu Bai master the ability of an exotic beast so effortlessly upon his first attempt at absorbing [Spiritual Crystal Marrow], the Imperial Princess appeared visibly astonished.
Fearing Xu Bai might misunderstand, she quickly added, “In reality, inheriting the powers of exotic beasts through [Spiritual Crystal Marrow] is not guaranteed to succeed. It depends on a person’s innate talent and qualifications, as well as the strength of the ability itself.”
“According to our research, the stronger and rarer an ability is, the harder it is for humans to master. Furthermore, if one fails during the inheritance process, the chances of succeeding in future attempts will decrease significantly.”
“The number of abilities a single cultivator can inherit is also limited. The more powers one has already mastered, the lower the likelihood of successfully acquiring new ones.”
…
The Imperial Princess continued explaining the usage rules of [Spiritual Crystal Marrow] in detail.
Meanwhile, Xu Bai grasped the key issue. “How difficult is it to manufacture [Spiritual Crystal Marrow]? How many exotic beasts are required to produce a single pearl?”
The Imperial Princess, who had been speaking fluently, suddenly fell silent.
A faint blush appeared on her face as the Imperial Princess spoke with slight embarrassment, “It takes the flesh and blood of nearly a thousand exotic beasts to create a single Spirit Crystal Marrow. However, the Empire’s cultivation technology is already very advanced. As long as we have sufficient resources, there is no need to worry about the production of Spirit Crystal Marrow.”
Xu Bai nodded slightly. “That is indeed a considerable bargaining chip. The power of exotic beasts is almost equivalent to a weakened version of a divine ability. In a life-and-death battle, if used unexpectedly, it could have miraculous effects.”
“Besides this, is there anything else surprising?” Xu Bai asked again.
The Imperial Princess hesitated.
After a long pause, she slowly said, “This technology is not yet fully developed…”
“No matter,” Xu Bai reassured her. “The Federation values potential. If it truly holds limitless possibilities, we will not hesitate to provide support.”
The Imperial Princess did not immediately respond. Instead, she turned her gaze toward Xiao Qing outside the Imperial Treasury.
Seeing Xiao Qing nod in silent approval, she took a deep breath and led Xu Bai to the deepest part of the treasury.
There, a massive metallic furnace stood.
The furnace was engraved with thousands of different exotic beasts, each incredibly lifelike.
There was no visible fire heating it, yet the temperature seemed incredibly high.
Even with Xu Bai’s current strength, he could feel traces of heat just by standing near it.
Bang! Bang!
Loud collisions echoed from within the furnace.
Upon careful listening, one could faintly hear the agonized wails of countless exotic beasts intertwined within.
It was deeply unsettling.
The Imperial Princess, seemingly wary of the furnace, stood even farther away than Xu Bai.
She whispered, “This object is called the Myriad Phenomena Furnace.”
“Its origin stems from a hypothesis—or perhaps, a truth.”
“All demonic beasts and exotic beasts in the world were once part of the same original entity in ancient times.”
“That being was the progenitor of all demonic beasts, containing unimaginable power.”
“Over countless years, countless individual creatures have separated from it.”
“So… what if we reverse the process? What if we fuse all exotic beasts back into…”
“…That original entity?”
A mysterious glint flickered in the Imperial Princess’s eyes.
“Even if we can’t fully reconstruct every demonic beast that has ever existed, by gathering enough species, we should be able to create a weaker fusion body.”
“It should be possible.”
“In fact, ten years ago, we briefly managed to fuse a terrifying demonic beast.”
“The aura it radiated was even more terrifying than the Nine-Headed Bird beneath our feet. At that time, everyone present—even the Holy Master Qing and Hong—were so overwhelmed by fear that they lost the ability to move.”
“Unfortunately, it did not survive for long before dissolving on its own.”