Unable to Cultivate, I Can Only Raise Soul Pets Chapter 500

500 Body Advancement, Split into Pieces

"The last ice crystal mine."

Beneath the expansive Southern Frost Ice Mountain, Wang Che surveyed the depleted mine.

A full month had elapsed, during which the little skeleton had relentlessly shattered and reformed its body, absorbing vast quantities of ice crystals.

"The energy sequestered within an entire mine, completely assimilated in mere weeks."

The gathered energy from the mine was profound; even a fractional portion would sustain numerous soul beasts in their cultivation for a considerable duration.

He hadn't anticipated the little skeleton's capacity to absorb it all within a single month.

Presently, a subtle, intermittent icy luminescence emanated from the little skeleton's skeletal frame.

"Its physique must be undergoing an upgrade."

"All the energy has been fully absorbed and tempered by its form. The fluctuations in its soul power are not substantial."

Wang Che observed with quiet attention.

The little skeleton tenderly cradled its own fractured skull with its left hand, while its right hand methodically crushed an ice crystal, absorbing its essence silently.

It appeared remarkably adept at this process.

The ice crystal was swiftly consumed. Following a week of this peculiar cultivation, the little skeleton's physical resilience had been markedly enhanced; it could now fracture an ice crystal with a mere clench of its palm.

Furthermore, after its skull absorbed the ice crystal for the third time and consequently regenerated, its density had increased significantly, rendering it impervious to fragmentation.

In the deeper recesses of the mine, under Wang Che's tutelage, the little skeleton now employed its head to grasp and hurl the ice crystals.

The process of its advancement was proving quite fascinating.

Now, the little skeleton was using one hand to crush its skull and the other to break the ice crystal.

It was a dual-pronged strategy for cultivation.

Throughout this period, Wang Che provided guidance and observations periodically.

Upon absorbing the final segment from the Ice Crystal Mine, the little skeleton reattached its head.

Its body began to radiate with intensified brilliance.

"The very bones composing its structure are advancing automatically..." Wang Che distinctly perceived an imminent eruption of energy from within the little skeleton's form.

This was an unmistakable indication of an impending breakthrough.

Excellent, it didn't even require a cultivation technique.

This begged the question: what was the purpose of a Contract Soul Master then?

Wang Che commenced contemplating this.

Originally, a common little skeleton equipped with two external 'divine artifacts' would necessitate considerable effort to cultivate.

He hadn't predicted its ability to simply and aggressively advance by damaging its skeletal structure.

While the true potency of the two 'cheat' artifacts remained unclear, its own diminutive frame was effectively a cheat.

"However, only the Black Jade Star provides such conditions... In a war zone, it would find no such mineral veins to absorb."

"This modest mineral vein is valued at one hundred million. One hundred million for a single advancement..."

This was a conservative estimate in its undeveloped state; in reality, if extracted and fashioned into various soul devices, soul crystals, and the like, its value would multiply severalfold.

The Black Jade Star was replete with numerous small mineral veins such as this.

The data meticulously recorded by the Firefly Dream Spirit primarily pertained to large-scale, high-grade rare mineral deposits.

"What an insatiable machine for resource consumption."

"Based on this month's observations, its body's shattering and tempering capability is highly efficient, leading to rapid absorption. However, the utilization of the ice crystal isn't optimal, with a significant amount of energy dissipating during the absorption process."

"Moreover, while the increase in strength is notable, it hasn't reached its ultimate potential."

"If the inherent abilities of this physical form are expected to escalate with its bodily advancements, then indeed, cultivation techniques are superfluous."

"With its current physique alone, reaching one hundred thousand years should be a straightforward endeavor."

"Provided the resources remain sufficient..."

Wang Che surmised that any abilities intrinsically linked to its physique would not see enhancement.

Such development would necessitate the aid of a cultivation technique.

The luminescence intensified progressively until, at a specific juncture, it began to contract, receding back into the little skeleton's form.

Moments later, it resolved into a skeleton of pure ice-blue hue. The surface of its skeletal body appeared coated with a tempered membrane that captured and reflected a distinctive light.

At first glance, it conveyed an impression of immense solidity.

It was incomparably robust.

"Ah!"

The little skeleton opened its mouth and emitted a raspy cry.

Wang Che approached and gently patted the little skeleton's head.

Through his divine sense and the touch of his palm, Wang Che could distinctly perceive the enhanced strength of the little skeleton.

So incredibly firm!

It had absorbed the entirety of this mine to fortify its physical structure.

Had the little skeleton undergone this same developmental step with other soul pets in the war zone, it would likely have taken at least a year or two.

"Not bad, I can feel that its body won't shatter quite so easily now."

Wang Che gave a slight nod. He sensed the life contract connecting him to the little skeleton and noted a subtle enhancement in their bond.

Reflecting further, given the little skeleton's previous form of existence, the life contract might not have been capable of properly sensing a soul beast life form such as it.

The life contract started to display its effects now that it possessed a certain level of strength.

When the little skeleton’s body underwent advancement earlier, Wang Che had only perceived a surge of life force returning to him.

Name: Skeleton

Attribute: Ghost (Bone Transformation)

Species: Dead Soul Beast

Cultivation: 4,500 years

Current Soul Skill: Unknown

Soul Skill Sequence: Unknown

Species Soul Skill: Unknown

...

The provided information was quite basic, allowing him to only gauge the little skeleton’s cultivation.

Concurrently, the life contract classified it as a ghost-type soul pet, specifically a bone-transformed ghost type.

This classification was rather intriguing.

The primary indicator of the little skeleton’s existence was the visible black life force soul light emanating from its head.

This indeed bore resemblance to the life force characteristic of ghost-type soul pets.

In contrast, aspects like its bone structure were not considered vital traits.

It was akin to a unique variant of a ghost-type soul pet.

“The life contract cannot discern its soul skill sequence… For this to occur, it appears this is the very first of its kind.”

“While skeleton soul pets exist, its singular nature suggests it’s unprecedented. Otherwise, the life contract should have identified its soul skill sequence.”

“Or perhaps, it’s completely unaware of its own capabilities?”

“The Firefly Dream Spirit was easily identifiable because it possessed self-awareness. It knew its own soul skills, which allowed the life contract to perceive them.

If it lacks even that knowledge… then the life contract truly wouldn’t be able to sense anything…”

It had lost its memories.

For a skeleton, a lack of memories was not entirely unusual.

Nevertheless, its fundamental bodily functions remained intact.

“So, what exactly do you know?”

Wang Che inquired with a smile.

The little skeleton shifted its gaze to Wang Che.

This time, there was no unsettling cracking sound. Its body seemed to have acquired numerous lubricated joints, and its movements were no longer the stiff, jerky motions from before.

It ceased its habit of leaping and flinging its head.

“Never mind, let’s head out for now.”

“The majority of the energy within the ice crystal mine has been assimilated by your bones.

“However, your life force soul light has shown minimal growth, and the soul power fluctuations remain low.”

Wang Che gestured upwards.

An ice crystal mine, by its nature, shouldn’t yield such a meager increase in a soul pet’s cultivation.

A significant portion of the energy was directly absorbed by its bones, reinforcing them, rather than being converted into cultivation.

Only a fraction was transformed into cultivation.

Furthermore, even now, it appeared incapable of directly absorbing ambient energy from the world to cultivate.

If its only method of progress was bone shattering, then relying on passive, instinctual cultivation would ultimately be more detrimental than beneficial.

Wang Che pointed towards the mine.

The little skeleton seemed to comprehend his meaning.

It struck the now-empty mine wall.

Boom!

The immense force caused the surrounding area to vibrate, and cracks rapidly spread from the point of impact.

“Its physical prowess has improved dramatically.”

“A developing body… is akin to a bottomless pit…”

Wang Che observed, his eyelids twitching slightly.

This mine extended hundreds of meters below the surface, and this single palm strike was far beyond the capabilities of a thousand-year soul beast.

As anticipated, the bone structure refined by absorbing the majority of an entire mineral vein’s energy was truly exceptional.

Following the newly formed crack, the little skeleton stomped its foot and launched itself out like a projectile.

Its exit was so smooth, it seemed as though it had practiced the maneuver countless times.

“…”

Wang Che followed close behind.

Within mere moments, they reached the surface.

The biting cold air of the Southern Frost Region was still palpable.

With a precise kick, the little skeleton landed with remarkable stability on the ground.

“Well done. I hadn’t expected its control over its body to improve so significantly right after its advancement.”

Wang Che mused inwardly, ‘In the little skeleton’s previous life…’

The little skeleton tilted its head, looking at Wang Che with a puzzled expression.

As if suddenly regaining its senses, it began to run towards Wang Che.

However, mid-run, its body slid uncontrollably, as if it were dancing on ice.

Then, with a distinct snap, it tumbled onto the icy surface.

“…”

Could it be that praise was not well-received?

Was it acting purely on instinct just now?

Such a drastic increase in physical power typically made adaptation a challenging process.

The little skeleton’s pat, its kick, and its subsequent fall were indeed executed with a peculiar grace.

Conversely, while somewhat amusing, its movements appeared quite natural.

At this precise moment, a small figure materialized in the distance and began flying towards Wang Che!

“Wu~”

The Firefly Dream Spirit journeyed from afar.

Having teleported to the vicinity, it immediately detected Wang Che’s aura.

Wang Che offered a smile and waved his hand. The Firefly Dream Spirit circled him once before settling onto his shoulder, letting out a yawn.

“Yes, yes, yes…”

Wang Che reviewed the log transmitted by the Firefly Dream Spirit and gave a slight nod.

“It’s still too early. Third-generation soul beasts won’t appear for several more years; we’re only seeing initial signs right now.”

“On the other hand, the cultivation of the Water Demon Beast and the others is at rocket speed. It’s normal. They were originally created by those two. Coupled with the aura of this world and the incomparable compatibility with the energy of this world, there’s no pressure to cultivate.”

“Don’t be discouraged. Without you, they won’t be able to find so many cultivation resources, right...”

Wang Che patted the little guy’s head.

As a soul pet, it cultivated slower than soul beasts. It was indeed ridiculous.

It could not be helped. The Water Demon Beasts were indeed too special.

As second-generation soul beasts of this world, when the origin energy erupted, not only did they have extremely high intelligence, but they also had resources and the cultivation technique Wang Che had given them.

Their cultivation could be said to have soared.

As a Transcendent soul pet, because it lacked materials, the Firefly Dream Spirit’s cultivation technique had never been completed. It was normal for its speed to be inferior to those fellows.

Moreover, it wasn’t a soul pet that specialized in cultivation speed.

“Oh right, this is your fifth brother.”

Wang Che pointed at the little skeleton that was carefully standing on the ice, not daring to move.

“Eh?” The Firefly Dream Spirit had already seen the little skeleton.

However, after hearing Wang Che’s words, it let out a puzzled cry.

It looked at the little skeleton in disbelief.

This, this, this was born from that Transcendent soul beast egg?

Its face was filled with two words: ‘That’s it?’

A little skeleton?

The Firefly Dream Spirit’s eyes began to glow as it stared at the little skeleton as if to see if there was anything special.

Mental Perception.

Yet...

“Wu?” The Firefly Dream Spirit rubbed its eyes.

This was a skeleton.

On the other hand, it sensed that the two pieces of equipment on its body contained extremely powerful strength!

The Firefly Dream Spirit spread its hands.

So what if it was a skeleton? It was a little brother after all.

The Firefly Dream Spirit flew over to the little skeleton.

The little skeleton seemed to be attracted by the Firefly Dream Spirit and moved its head.

When the Firefly Dream Spirit flew behind it, its head also spun 360 degrees and twisted to the back.

“Ahhh!”

The little skeleton roughly thought of something and began to chase after the Firefly Dream Spirit.

Speaking of which, the little skeleton had been with the Firefly Dream Spirit for a long time.

It was normal to be familiar with it.

The Firefly Dream Spirit flew away mischievously and landed on the little skeleton’s head. The little skeleton bounced and wanted to grab it, but it could not.

“Ssss...”

The Firefly Dream Spirit chuckled.

The little skeleton could not fly. As it ran, it fell onto the slippery ice.

But soon, it became familiar with running and did not slide onto the ice.

“It can master its body so quickly?”

Wang Che pondered, “No, not only did it control its body, but its bones also adapted to the environment!”

He realized something.

At this moment, subtle spikes appeared under the little skeleton’s feet. It could easily move in this environment.

“After advancing, this bone body can adapt to the environment extremely easily.”

Thinking of this, Wang Che suddenly said, “Little Firefly, use your Telekinesis and try to control it to fly. Do it for a longer time and let it experience flying.”

The Firefly Dream Spirit nodded.

Its body glowed slightly as majestic mental strength surged towards the little skeleton like a tide.

The fastest growth of the Firefly Dream Spirit was not cultivation, but mental strength.

Its mental strength grew faster than Wang Che’s divine sense.

Especially since the Black Jade Star did not lack resources, Wang Che could refine a pile of medicinal pills that could provide mental strength cultivation.

The Firefly Dream Spirit’s current cultivation was only more than 20,000 years, but its mental strength was comparable to the mental strength of a forty to fifty thousand-year soul beast.

This was only when it cultivated normally.

Boundless mental strength covered the little skeleton. Not to mention it, even a 20,000-year-old soul beast would be pressured and controlled by this ordinary Telekinesis.

The little skeleton was quickly controlled by Telekinesis, and its body could not control itself.

It gradually left the ice.

The Firefly Dream Spirit chuckled and flew around with the little skeleton, flying higher and higher.

Wang Che watched quietly as if waiting for something.

After about half an hour, the little skeleton began to move slightly.

Its body began to change slightly.

“It’s adapting...”

“It can even adapt to mental soul skills.”

After another half an hour, the little skeleton’s body began to move. Its body gradually fell from the sky.

The Firefly Dream Spirit flying in front turned around and was immediately stunned when it discovered that the little skeleton had disappeared.