Cultivating in Honkai!

Herrschers are beings chosen by the honkai to spread its advocate. Each one of them possesses 'authorities' over their given concepts. 

Due to the machinations of the Previous Era, the honkai began to think more 'human-like'. Its actions became predictable, unlike before.

Similarly, the orders of Herrschers are set in stone—though this became very questionable.

Nevertheless, the First Herrscher remained to be the Herrscher of Reason.

There is a huge twist, however.

There is supposed to be a brand new 'ego' that is the manifestation of the host's darkest side. It is inhuman, indifferent, and will only act upon the honkai's destructive instincts. Previous Era Herrschers did not have any chance of becoming humanity's ally, for they will only seek to destroy.

That was where a certain Pink Elf came in. 

Herrschers are granted a chance to remain 'humans'. Welt Joyce, a being born out of the 300,000 human souls, decided to fight for humanity. 

It is a double-edged sword. 

The existence of Welt Joyce who rebelled against the honkai and Sirin who embraced the honkai are the two extremes demonstrating the Pink Elf's impact.

Welt Yang, the successor after Welt Joyce's sacrifice, is the current First Herrscher and Sovereign of the Anti-Entropy.

"So? How is it?"

"It's not reacting to honkai."

"Hm?!"

The trio did not waste much time upon returning to the Salt Lake base. The information given by Shi Tian is fragmentary. There is still a lot to explore.

Most importantly, the relationship between spiritual qi and honkai energy is unknown.

"The blue orb you created… It doesn't react at all."

In Welt's hand is a miniature of Arahato, a samurai-based robot based on the anime the trio produced. Inside its chest is a miniature honkai reactor.

"It is like heat traveling on wood..."

"Material difficulties, maybe? We can test it later on some animals later."

While Tesla began to get absorbed into a maelstrom of ideas, Einstein asked something.

"The structure wasn't affected?"

"No."

"Insulation? No, I have a feeling that's not it…"

As usual, Welt acted as their assistant. Their talents in practical and biological science are better than his.

Some time later, they came up with the results.

"Has no reactions on the material, does not possess conductive elements, is invisible in all types of available detection devices…"

Spiritual qi turned out to be inaccessible to their current technology. It cannot be harnessed by any known materials on Earth. Its noticeable effects are present on humans themselves.

The cases of honkai corruption dropped in places with spiritual qi. It was as if spiritual qi is repairing the damages caused by honkai energy.

Its nature reminded them of the [Moonlight Throne] they researched in their earlier years. It consisted of converting honkai energy into other forms of viable energy. It fights the honkai with honkai.

Their biggest difference, however, was the spiritual qi's insane practicality when it comes to strengthening biological subjects. That was something they could never achieve even with the [Moonlight Throne].

A eureka moment struck Tesla.

"Try emitting honkai energy."

"Alright…"

Welt began his usage of the First Core. Simultaneously, Tesla began reciting the phrases for the [Two Phase Art].

Surprisingly, it failed. The spiritual qi concentration remained usual. There are no increases.

What's even more surprising is Tesla's reaction. Einstein realized it too after a look. Only Welt got left out.

A few seconds later, it struck him.

"You want to use it to prevent..?"

"Yes. I was wondering what the condition of this 'free energy' is like. It won't work if a Herrscher's manipulating it… even the eruption they caused might be that case. If it's a minor honkai eruption below a thousand honkai welt…"

"It came from the Master he speaks of. We can't use it arbitrarily."

"...Could it be someone from the Previous Era?" Welt asked. "There must be an organization responsible for the data we gathered on the Moon. Also, the alien civilization we came across seven years ago…"

During the Second Eruption, Anti-Entropy managed to get moon rocks that built the Palace of Selene. It contains the honkai technology of a past era dating back 50,000 years ago. 

There was also their encounter with an alien civilization back in 2005. Welt Yang had to ally with the aliens known as Sugars to stop the plans of Murata Himeko's father.

Each of them showed different proficiencies in honkai-related technologies.

They are not surprised with the conversion between honkai energy and "spiritual qi". The Selene could convert honkai energy into other forms of energy, mainly heat. It's just that the "spiritual qi" contained properties beneficial to lifeforms.

It's basically a brand new energy that needs to be studied.

"It could be…"

*****

Nothing unusual occurred when I returned to the orphanage. I expected to see Anti-Entropy's personnel, but to no avail. I gave the [Two Phase Arts] to them. I expected them to study its nature, particularly its reaction to honkai energy.

By then, I can ask for their findings and learn stuff in one go.

It's better to have co-workers if possible. If they do decide to use it to enact some big stuff, preventing minor honkai eruptions for instance...

That is exactly why I created a fake 'Master'. Part of it is the intimidation.

Either way, they should be aware of the honkai's proportionality law. The stronger the civilization, the stronger the honkai. That is what made the Previous Era despair. They can never break through the deadlock.

…

A gaze landed on me. I looked at the orphanage's window and saw a light purple-haired girl peeking. Her heterochromatic eyes give her a different feeling. Her arms crossed as she looked through the window.

Unlike most stalkers, she did not shy away when I discovered her. I raised my hand and waved at her.

Until I entered the main hallway, her gaze did not stop.

Sin Mal…

It's clear her perception does not depend on honkai energy. She did not react much when facing Kiana. The same happened when I deliberately tested her with spiritual qi.

Her eyes' abilities lie elsewhere; something simple that does not affect her combat power.

Now…

What should I do?

Kiana is not here. The same goes for Bronya and Seele. I am not that close with the others.

These thoughts continued until I returned to our room. 

The mess this morning…

I am not sure why Kiana has the habit of sleepwalking. I am pretty sure it does not happen in-game... or maybe it does. 

"Fu…"

My attention went to my Spirit Roots.

Like before, it has a five-colored brilliance. Their vibrant colors represented Yang. Although, there is now a pale portion of each five elements. This constitutes the Yin.

The 'Perfected Five Elements Spirit Root' requires the presence of all five elemental Yin and Yang counterparts. Once the "Yin Five Elements" and "Yang Five Elements" are all 'High Grade', it sublimates into another level: 'Ultimate Grade' Spirit Roots. 

One of its effects breaks the conventional "Spirit Roots are useless after Void Refinement Realm".

It serves as a 'free pass' for the realm after that, the Dao Integration Realm. Every bearer of this talent can step into the 'All Things Creation Dao', guaranteeing they will reach the Dao Integration Realm without a hitch.

In short, having this talent serves as a guarantee you will reach the eighth realm at least.

Looking at my current progress, the Yin counterparts are only Low Grade. There's still a long way to go.

Soon, my mind went into a trance…