86 The start of change
"Yes, it is almost impossible for an Ethereal to stand toe to tow against Transformation path in close combat. And that logic applies vice versa too... but..."
"But?" Yue Li asked, curious.
"There is in fact a chance for staying alive against such foes even when they're in their own zone of expertise in a fight. For example..." Han Li looked around and found a tree, he walked in front of it and touched its wet bark. "Take this tree as an Evolution Stage Ethereal Type Cultivator."
Yue Li and Liyue nodded, having already put the strange boy earlier out of their thoughts.
"This Tree guy had focused not only on his spark but also bothered about his body like I did by eating all four fruits. He also cultivated a body strengthening technique once he reached Evolution."
Yue Li and Liyue's eyes brightened.
"And take me as a same stage cultivator but I am of the Transformation Path." Han Li clenched his fists, pulled back his arms, held his breath, and as a powerful aura of might build up, smashed the tree with all his might.
BAM! A heavy hit was heard and splinters exploded all over the surroundings.
The girls stepped back in amazement. The tree hadn't completely broken apart but had lost a significant amount of bark and the flesh of its stem was now visible.
"He got severely damaged, but not dead. This is because he cultivated his body and is just as talented as me. This is the best level a person can achieve through cultivation."
Yue Li looked at his hand worriedly. She only calmed down when she saw no bruises. Then she focused on his teachings like a humble student.
Whatever she said, she hadn't ever honestly went against his training routine.
"So, in essence, Ethereal Type cultivators can never have a body equal in might to the Transformation Path?" Liyue asked, her eyes bright as she glanced at Han Li. At this moment, he seemed different.
Like a unique breed. So casually mighty, like a volcano, that could erupt at any time he so desired. She was once again reminded, her husb... fiance was a strong and capable man.
"Sadly, that is true in almost 100% of cultivators," Han Li sighed. "Transformation Path cultivators will always have a stronger body, while Ethereals will always have stronger Magic Powers. It is almost set in stone, but 'stronger' doesn't mean the other part will be vulnerable. Ethereals with great bodies are harder to deal with for them since they can't be killed in one or two punches. "And once the Ethereals get away from them and get the chance to use Magic Powers, a fight will be to the Ethereal's advantage."
Both girls tried to imprint this knowledge deep into their brains while Han Li contemplated. That was true for 'almost' 100% but not 100%. Sacred Demon Inheritors for example should be people capable of equally standing up with both Transformation and Ethereal Path's top-notch cultivators as equals.
He also knew some weird freaks of nature like the bone king who couldn't be seen with common sense. A silent calm settled in the area and the three didn't speak for a while. Han Li didn't bother moving in search of the Bone King — Yang Wei either. Even if he fought, there was no true guarantee he could win. He was not some ordinary Evolved in Han Li's mind the moment he understood who that person was.
Han Li didn't even know how long it had been since the Bone King Evolved. If it was recently, he would only have a strong body. But what if it had been a long time? Then he would have already gotten acquainted with a magic power.
"Be aware Mom, Liyue. Just like Ethereal can cultivate a stronger body, Transformation path cultivators can also gain Magic Powers. It is what they need to cultivate themselves instead of gaining after a breakthrough. We didn't get strong bodies, they won't get magic powers either. But beware, the ones who learn one are not rare, if you ever are in a situation to fight someone, always consider them as superior to you in some aspect."
Yue Li put on an arrogant face like the one Han Li had when training them, and said seriously, "It is not yet time for you to learn that. Wait till the time comes."
Han Li's eyebrows twitched and he looked at her in irritation. But then he shook his head and looked at his own hand. He had already used the Magic Power 7 times and only one more was left before the bar should reach 100%.
The unique power of his eyes, which he had decided to call Life Vision, activated, and his details streamed into his mind, as clearly as any kind of test could show.
[Current Cultivation: Evolution Stage]
[Body: Top Tier Mortal Physique]
[Skin Building of the Demon Transformation: 1.01% complete]
[Magic Powers]
[Low-Level Dao Magic — Seduction, (90% integrated into the body)] Weapon Mastery: Sword (Transcendence — High Proficiency)
Throwing Blades (Transcendence — Average Proficiency)
Knife (Transcendent — Average Proficiency)
War Blade (Power Birth — Mastery)
Spear (Power Birth — Mastery)... and more.
Feeling the need to know something else about him that didn't show up immediately in his mind, he thought of it and the immediate information in his subconscious expanded. He wanted to know everything about himself before he completed 100%, so he could easily figure out what changed.
[Lifespan: 300 Years]
[Minor Lust Dao Crystals: 39]
[Talent: Sacred]
Han Li looked into the glazed eyes of the owl and once again used the Seduction spell to shake its lust.
Its eyes turned a weird hue of red and weakly trembled and fell unconscious, its lust reaching a level its body couldn't handle.
[Low-Level Dao Magic — Seduction, (Integrating into the body)] Han Li felt an unstoppable thrill going up his spine as his vision grew blurry for a second.