Beast Taming: the More the Better Chapter 888 - 378: Celestial Tomb Mark! Is It Really a Gift? (2)
Previously on Beast Taming: the More the Better...
However, the current situation bore a profound impact on him.
It even made meditation incredibly difficult.
Whenever he attempted any action, all he perceived were the whispers of the undead.
Even with his eyes shut, the Heavenly Tomb felt unnervingly close.
Maintaining mental focus became an impossible feat.
Su Ping expelled a long breath, compelling himself to find calm, and then plunged his consciousness deep into his soul.
As anticipated, within that hazy perception, Su Ping encountered the source of his distress.
That very grey-white flame.
This was it!
Su Ping instinctively extended his soul power.
Inevitably, the frantic whispers emanating from the Heavenly Tomb intensified, growing more substantial.
A grimace of agony contorted Su Ping’s features.
It was demonstrably more than mere sound; it was a direct assault on mental fortitude.
Such an ordeal, Su Ping considered, would challenge even those with an unbreakable will, let alone himself, whom he didn't consider to possess a will of steel.
What should be done? Su Ping was at a loss. It appeared that only by confronting the Heavenly Tomb directly could he unravel the mystery and definitively expel this entity.
Yet, deep within his soul, Su Ping soon detected another mark.
A mark he had previously overlooked.
It was a paperman.
Su Ping understood the origin of this paperman.
It manifested as a shadow mark acquired after the Paperman Record within the Myriad Spirit Beast Atlas achieved Level 5.
He had, in fact, almost forgotten about this existence until now.
The reason was quite simple.
He hadn't perceived any significant utility in it.
According to the Myriad Spirit Beast Atlas’s guidance, when the Paperman’s Illustrated Handbook reached its ultimate level, the so-called origin of the paperman would be fully realized.
Consequently, within his consciousness, this entity had taken form.
This notion of a ‘complete origin,’ in Su Ping’s interpretation, seemed to merely enhance his inherent appeal to papermen.
It fostered a natural affinity, reducing hostility, but little else.
Su Ping had uncovered no other discernible function.
However, in this moment, within the core of his soul, this paperman mark, existing alongside the grey-white flame, sparked an idea within Su Ping.
Right, I still possess a golden finger!
Su Ping tapped his forehead.
From the deepest recesses of his soul, an atlas began to unfold.
Almost instantaneously, as the Myriad Spirit Beast Atlas opened, Su Ping received a distinct notification:
[Advanced origin power detected. Would you like to absorb it?]
Su Ping hesitated for a moment before instinctively choosing affirmatively.
Immediately thereafter, the tormenting whispers, the maddening voice that had caused him such exquisite pain, vanished entirely.
Gone?
Was it truly over so quickly?
Su Ping blinked, then blinked again.
Opening his eyes and subsequently closing them, he confirmed that within his manifested soul, the peculiar grey-white flame had completely dissipated.
What utter garbage!
Su Ping felt an urge to place his hands on his hips.
Then, overcome with a sense of power, Su Ping began to question the efficacy of his golden finger.
Why did this so-called Celestial Tomb Mark not get absorbed automatically upon its emergence? It lacked sufficient intelligence!
It had caused me so much worry!
With newfound resolve, Su Ping redirected his consciousness back into the Myriad Spirit Beast Atlas, eager to comprehend the true meaning of this ‘absorption’ process.
With a mere thought, the Myriad Spirit Beast Atlas materialized before him.
The information presented took Su Ping utterly by surprise.
[Advanced origin power (absorbing)]
[Contains a potent trace of origin imprint power. It is of undead origin and possesses a degree of will.
Though exceedingly weak, it remains indelible for lesser beings. It can be actively absorbed or re-released!
Upon active use, the will is erased, allowing the user to actively cultivate a catalog-level undead pet beast no higher than level four, or to further upgrade a Level 5 record!]
(Note: The current advanced origin power is too feeble; the upgrade effect on a Level 5 record is negligible.)
Absorbing the feedback from the Myriad Spirit Beast Atlas, Su Ping’s mind raced, instinctively leaning towards utilizing the absorption to bolster the Paperman Record.
Precisely, to apply it to the Paperman Record.
Rather than dispersing it among other undead-type records.
Not only did he lack any undead-related records currently, but none were below level four. Even then, he would only consider enhancing his existing level three records.
Evidently, even a cursory examination revealed the extraordinary nature of this gift, far surpassing mere enhancement for lesser beings.
Furthermore, once a catalog level reached Level 5, further upgrades through conventional experience became impossible. However, this advanced origin provided a pathway for continued advancement, imbuing it with unparalleled significance.
Thus, even a marginal enhancement was tempting enough for Su Ping to consider immediate utilization.
However, at the final moment, Su Ping abruptly halted his decision.
No need to rush.
With a newfound grasp of the situation, Su Ping felt no urgency to act. The most crucial element was that this entity was drawing him into the Heavenly Tomb. He might even be able to predict the situations he would face. First off, one thing was certain: neither the Mark of the Celestial Tomb nor Charles intended to harm him.