The Chaos Dragon Prince

924  Lending A Hand

Cain's eyes scanned the Divine Art laid bare before him, recognizing intricate patterns of interwoven laws and energies. Though its power was undeniable, his perception told him that even Divine Arts had limits. True might didn't solely rely on the skill itself; the user's combat prowess played a decisive role in its execution. Yet, such arts still held immense value – a cultivator of average strength could erupt with surprising ferocity as long as the skill could be activated. The potential for widespread empowerment was undeniable.

He glanced at Kali, her face shining with a mix of triumph and the hunger for further improvement, then back at the divine ice sword. His Chaos Mind delved into its structure, dissecting the flow of Dao principles it embodied. He admired her progress – Kali was a genius, her grasp of laws exceeding even the favored scions of the heavens. But even within perfection, there was always room for refinement.

"Impressive work," Cain acknowledged, meeting her gaze, "but don't slip into complacency. There are points where the flow of your Dao principles could be streamlined, creating a significantly stronger impact. Let me show you."

"Eh?" Kali blinked, a touch of confusion flickering across her face. She hadn't sensed any shift in Cain's energy, hadn't felt the probing tendrils of his mind, and yet, within a few moments of observation, he claimed to see deeper into her creation than she herself did.

Ignoring her puzzlement, Cain reached out and grasped her shoulder. A surge of his soul energy, honed by the insights of the Chaos Mind, flowed seamlessly into her mind. Kali jolted slightly, eyes widening. It was as if a veil had been pulled back, revealing possibilities she hadn't realized existed. Inspired, she manipulated the Dao principles and essence energy within the divine ice sword. The weapon trembled, the Dao runes shifting in a subtle yet profound dance. Instantly, a denser, sharper burst of frigid air spiraled from its tip, the power within amplified several times over.

As Cain withdrew his hand, genuine awe bloomed on Kali's striking face. "What was that?" she asked, her voice laced with disbelief. "You've never demonstrated such profound perception before. Did you break through with Chaos Energy again?" Of Cain's myriad abilities, Chaos Energy was the most inscrutable, the most likely explanation for this sudden leap in understanding.

"I did," Cain confirmed. "I've unlocked a new aspect of Chaos Energy – the Chaos Mind. It was through this that I was able to so quickly analyze and improve upon your art."

"I see…" Kali mused, brows furrowing in contemplation. Then, she gently prodded, a hint of suspicion glinting in her eyes, "Also, I believe I should be the one asking if you made a breakthrough with your bloodline Dao principles."

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Cain held up a finger, stimulating his blood flow. "Actually, you're half right. I have come up with a way to push the power of our Divine Arts beyond even 3rd Grade techniques."

"Truly?!" Kali's eyes flared with excitement. Despite her progress, she was still miles away from creating something comparable to the might of a 3rd Grade Divine Art.

Cain nodded, summoning a flicker of crimson lightning to the tip of his finger. "It lies in our bloodline's Swallowing Dao principles. Remember what Grandmother told us about the first Huang ancestor? I drew inspiration from that. I've fused the Swallowing principles to my technique; when my lightning shatters void space, it'll draw upon the pure essence energy from beyond, enhancing the force of the strike and simultaneously enhancing my perception. Additionally, it will weaken an opponent's attack by subtly siphoning their energy. Though, the primary effect is the amplification from outer space."

Kali nearly dropped her divine ice sword in shock. "An art that simultaneously boosts your combat prowess and cultivates your Inner World? With all that pure energy, it'll solidify your foundation even further! Cain, sometimes it's a wonder why I let you handle the important decisions," she admitted, a wry smile dancing on her lips.

While his explanation seemed straightforward, Kali knew the process was anything but. Fusing multiple Dao principles was a monumental task, one she wouldn't even consider attempting until Cain set the example.

Just then, a dazzling bluish glow bloomed at Cain's fingertip. With a flick of his wrist, a drop of his bluish-crimson blood, saturated with power, arced through the air towards Kali, thunder faintly rumbling in its wake.

"Oh?" Kali caught the drop, sealing it within a bubble of essence energy. She stared intently at the swirling Dao runes and the blinding radiance within. Concepts she had never glimpsed before assaulted her mind; even this brief examination fueled by their environment was expanding her perception by the second. Her lips parted in a soundless gasp, then transformed into an awestruck smile.

Cain nodded. "My comprehension of the Swallowing principles has deepened. Analyze this as well. If you gain even a sliver of inspiration, it'll be immensely beneficial. But remember, don't force it. You'll only hinder your progress. We don't have endless time for this."

"Right!" Kali's eyes shone with anticipation. She didn't even spare another glance at the outside world, sinking into a contemplative trance within moments. With Kali settled, Cain focused. His Chaos Soul Sense spread out, searching for the soothing warmth of Luo Na's aura. Her presence wasn't far, and another surge of Chaos Energy, space itself twisting and trembling around him, instantly teleported him across the Purple Heaven.

The blinding cold vanished as he stepped into a realm of comforting warmth. The air caressed his skin, easing his senses, a stark contrast to the chilling atmosphere he'd left behind. A mesmerizing melody filled the air, a hypnotic tune woven from pure soul energy that would lull even a Primal Sovereign into a state of serene vulnerability. Yet, beneath that gentle exterior, there resided an irresistible power that could tug the very soul from a weaker being.

Cain continued forward, his Chaos Mind analyzing the intricate structure of this soul melody even as he enjoyed its tranquility. Several meters ahead, the source of this enchanting tune became visible. Luo Na stood in ethereal beauty, gleaming wisps of Faith essence energy swirling around her. She played a flute seemingly materialized from her very soul, her ruby lips delicately shaping the notes. While her focus was on the melody, she was undoubtedly aware of his approach. As he neared, her tune softened further, as if attempting to lull him in, not with force, but with gentle persuasion.

Cain walked closer, letting the serene notes wash over him as he focused his Chaos Mind on the soul Saint Flute. The flow of essence energy and the Dao principles woven within laid bare before his perception. He couldn't help but be impressed. Luo Na had flawlessly merged her Faith essence energy with her Soul Dao principles, creating a harmonious, unbreakable flow. Even without cultivating the Faith Dao, a skilled cultivator could draw insights from the impeccable control of soul power she displayed. However, just as with Kali, he saw places where the efficiency of her essence circulation could be optimized for an even greater effect.

As always, he didn't mince words with Luo Na. "Your soul melody is exquisite, especially considering this is its basic form. But, if you modify the flow of essence energy like so, the result will exceed your expectations."

Luo Na briefly ceased playing, tilting her head with a hint of curiosity. She knew Cain had no prior cultivation in the Faith Dao, making his insight all the more surprising. Without explanation, he placed a hand on her shoulder, his own soul force smoothly transferring into her divine mind. The impact was instantaneous – Luo Na's body trembled slightly, and her soul was inundated with a flood of new sensations. Her surprise was clear.

The flow of Faith essence energy within her changed with a mere mental push from Cain, transforming the nature of her melody. As she started playing once again, a subtle yet potent shift permeated the atmosphere.