“Primordial crystals are also categorized by ranks?” Qian Ye had never heard of such a thing.
“Of course. Do you think all divine generals have the same combat power?” Ji Tianqing retorted.
This question didn’t need an answer. The combat powers of divine generals were vastly different, and some would gain certain powerful abilities, almost transforming their combat prowess. A few rare prodigies might awaken extremely rare and formidable abilities, thus far outpacing their peers.
For example, Zhao Jundu’s Inevitable Strike was an ability that could be used until the highest realm of Overlord, with its power increasing in the later stages. Meanwhile, Zhang Boqian’s Void Crossing allowed him to traverse the void as if it were flat ground, making his combat power surpass that of ordinary Overlords as soon as he entered the highest realm of Overlord.
On the other hand, the weakest divine generals might only have a slight increase in speed or strength, with no fundamental changes. Such divine generals, even if Qian Ye fought with all his might, could still be a match for him.
The weakest and the strongest were in the minority; most were average, with limited strengths and weaknesses, each having their own specialties.
Like Zhao Jundu, Zhang Boqian, and Lin Xitang, whose abilities, talents, and cultivation methods complemented each other, enhancing their overall power, there were very few such individuals.
“Primordial crystals are roughly divided into four ranks: common, medium, high, and ultra-high, based on the divine general’s abilities,” Ji Tianqing explained. The Empire categorizes primordial crystals into four ranks, which may not cover every possible variation, but it serves as a form of measurement.
Common rank means the primordial crystal can only enhance a single physical attribute slightly. Medium rank enhances two or more attributes, such as strength, endurance, defense, speed, agility, or grants some minor, inconsequential abilities. High rank either significantly boosts multiple physical attributes or provides a powerful ability or several practical ones. Ultra-high rank requires a very powerful or very practical ability or characteristic.
Ji Tianqing pointed at Li Kuanglan, who was concentrating on converting the primordial crystal, and said, “For instance, if a primordial crystal could give someone’s primordial force the same frigid nature as hers, it might barely qualify as ultra-high. Of course, a true ultra-high would fully convert one’s entire primordial force into a frigid primordial force.”
Li Kuanglan’s frigid primordial force was cultivated through a unique secret technique of the Li family, not only compatible with cold-moon sand weapons and a series of advanced sword techniques, but also extremely pure. This enhanced her chances of breaking through the divine general threshold. If a primordial crystal could truly convert one’s primordial force into a frigid primordial force, it would indeed qualify as ultra-high.
Based on this classification, the primordial crystal Qian Ye once possessed, which greatly enhanced vitality, was also very practical. Additionally, natural primordial crystals naturally rank one level higher than those converted from the Well of Stars, so that crystal could also be considered ultra-high.
At this moment, the Heavenly Wind and Cloud Smoke Pearl in front of Li Kuanglan had shattered, and a swirling mist the size of a fist was rolling, with faint blue crystalline grains visible at the center.
A primordial crystal had already formed, but Li Kuanglan was already sweating and trembling. In the void at the bottom of the well, over a dozen stars had reacted, continuously sending blue light into the swirling mist, accelerating the formation of the primordial crystal. However, Li Kuanglan clearly couldn’t hold on much longer, reserving her last bit of primordial force for returning to the well’s opening, unable to use it all up.
Judging by the progress, this primordial crystal might fall short.
Yet, her competitive spirit was roused, and she gritted her teeth, refusing to give up. Above, Ji Tianqing’s face changed as she watched, but she dared not call out, fearing to disturb her.
In the swirling mist, countless tiny crystalline grains gradually gathered, forming the shape of a primordial crystal. Li Kuanglan, now drenched in sweat and pale, with trembling hands, refused to give up.
Finally, the primordial crystal formed. Li Kuanglan let out a sigh of relief, grabbing the crystal and flying upwards. But her primordial force was nearly exhausted, and she lost her strength when she was still dozens of meters from the well’s opening.
Her heart sank, and her body began to slowly fall. A distance she could usually jump over now seemed so distant.
At that moment, a strong arm wrapped around her waist, lifting her upwards with immense force. This feeling was familiar; during those cold, lonely nights, she had relied on this arm to endure the harsh winters.
She relaxed, leaning into Qian Ye’s arms.
Qian Ye wasn’t at ease, as chains of force dragged him towards the void at the bottom of the well when he flew in. Though the pulling force seemed small, Qian Ye had no place to brace himself in the air, relying solely on his primordial force to maintain flight. Adding Li Kuanglan made the burden more than double.
Fortunately, Qian Ye’s primordial force was extremely robust, unafraid of depletion, and he managed to pull Li Kuanglan out of the Well of Stars.
As soon as Li Kuanglan landed, Ji Tianqing rushed over, hugging both of them tightly, saying nothing. Her silence spoke volumes; she was clearly terrified.
Having gone into the Well of Stars himself, Qian Ye knew Ji Tianqing couldn’t save Li Kuanglan. Even at her peak, she couldn’t pull Li Kuanglan up. Any attempt to rescue would result in both falling into the well.
The Well of Stars had a peculiar space where primordial force dispersed quickly, and only the physical body could effectively carry it. Using primordial force to control a whip or similar weapon was useless, as the force would dissipate upon entering the well. So, Qian Ye had to enter the well personally to bring Li Kuanglan back.
Li Kuanglan’s face was pale, remembering the moment she thought she was doomed to fall into the void. Ji Tianqing remained silent, tightening her grip on Qian Ye and Li Kuanglan, her arms clenching tighter.
Only Qian Ye seemed normal, patting Ji Tianqing to comfort her, “It’s fine now. We’re all back. It’s just a simple matter.”
Ji Tianqing realized her lapse, glared at Qian Ye, and pulled Li Kuanglan aside, whispering something.
Qian Ye felt awkward eavesdropping on the girls’ conversation, instead focusing on the Well of Stars, deep in thought, recalling Li Kuanglan’s process of forming the primordial crystal and his own experience in the well.
After a while, the two girls returned. Li Kuanglan held out her hand, revealing a light blue primordial crystal surrounded by a faint, misty aura, beautiful and ethereal. As it approached, Qian Ye felt a subtle chill.
But he saw that the primordial crystal was far from perfect. The misty aura, though pretty, indicated the loss of the star-force within the crystal. This meant the crystal’s quality was insufficient to hold such power, causing the leakage.
That the primordial crystal carried some frigid properties was already remarkable, though the enhancement was minimal, qualifying it as a medium rank. The Li family’s expertise in creating the Heavenly Wind and Cloud Smoke Pearl increased the chances of forming primordial crystals, and Li Kuanglan’s success in her first attempt, obtaining a medium-rank crystal, was quite impressive.
“It’s my turn next,” Ji Tianqing declared.
Qian Ye was alarmed and hurriedly advised, “No, your body isn’t fully recovered yet. It’s too dangerous to go down. Wait until you’re completely restored.”
“I’m almost recovered. Besides, I got some good medicine from Old Man Lu. A few pills will sustain me for a day. Don’t worry about me; observe carefully. My method is entirely different from Kuanglan’s. You must pay close attention. Whether we can make a high-rank primordial crystal and become rich depends on you.”
With that, Ji Tianqing put the Heavenly Wind and Cloud Smoke Pearl in her mouth and leaped into the Well of Stars.
Qian Ye shook his head, not stopping her. Ji Tianqing, though lively and quirky, was very decisive and firm in critical matters, more so than Li Kuanglan. Once she made up her mind, no one could dissuade her.
Initially, Ji Tianqing fell like Li Kuanglan, but when she reached a similar position, golden bubbles appeared around her, cushioning her descent. Soon, she hovered in the center of the Well of Stars, eyes closed, with golden bubbles appearing and disappearing around her.
Her method differed from Li Kuanglan’s, using the pearl to draw and gather star-force, condensing the primordial crystal through breathing and primordial force circulation.
In a short while, several stars brightened, sending points of golden light into Ji Tianqing’s mouth.
“She uses breathing to gather star-force, which is natural and effortless. Compared to our Li family’s method, it’s easier to form high-rank primordial crystals. However, the process is slower and demands higher primordial force, unlike the Li family’s more accessible method.”
Pausing, she added, “At our level, the Li family’s method is superior. But for those nearing the divine general threshold, her method catches up. After becoming a divine general, the Ji family’s methods are more advantageous.”
Qian Ye realized Ji Tianqing referred to the legacy of the Polestar King, whose secret techniques surpassed the Li family’s, reflecting their characteristics. The Li family, aiming to elevate their status, focused on the collective strength of the family, favoring moderately talented or highly talented members, with the goal of breaking through the divine general threshold.
The Polestar King, of imperial lineage, focused on advancing further in the Overlord realm. To him, becoming a divine general was a given, and descendants who couldn’t break through the threshold were of little value. Thus, the methods before becoming a divine general were not prioritized.
The Zhang and Zhao families, balancing both, maintained stability and resources, ensuring their enduring presence.
Speaking of this, Li Kuanglan’s voice grew wistful, showing some regret.
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