Chapter 184 - 157: Ultimate Form, Size at Will!

Chapter 184: Chapter 157: Ultimate Form, Size at Will!

Ji Zhixing listened carefully to the sound of his genes, his heart filling with increasing joy the longer he listened.

The Size Manipulation ability was even more powerful than he had imagined.

If he used the default giant form of this newly developed ability—a standard height of 2.7 meters—it wouldn’t consume any Genetic Source Power.

This was an inherent trait of his previous Super Gigantification ability, which was perfectly preserved after evolving into Size Manipulation.

Beyond his default state, he could execute a second-stage transformation into a super giant form exceeding four meters in height. But it didn’t stop there; building upon the super giant form, he could initiate a third-stage transformation.

This would double his height once again, reaching a terrifying stature of over eight meters.

"Over eight meters..." Ji Zhixing murmured to himself, truly grasping the terrifying potential of the Size Manipulation ability.

If he transformed into such a colossal giant with his strength scaling proportionally, he couldn’t even imagine the devastating impact a single strike of his staff would deliver.

However, as terrifying as this ability was, it consumed a massive amount of Genetic Source Power.

After all, this was a five-star ability. He was currently only a Tier Three Genetic Cultivator, and the genes he had integrated were only at the third tier. His genetic essence was simply too low.

He wasn’t the only one; even Gu Zheng, who had integrated the tier-four Morning Star-grade Sword Feather Peacock genes, experienced an absurd drain on his Genetic Source Power when executing a five-star ability.

That was why Gu Zheng generally treated his five-star Thousand-Sword Peacock Body ability as a trump card, rarely using it lightly.

Only someone like Cao Zhenxing—who had integrated tier-five genes—possessed a strong enough genetic essence and concentrated Genetic Source Power to repeatedly execute a five-star genetic ability while still being a Tier Three Cultivator.

"Although the third-stage transformation of the Size Manipulation ability can’t be sustained for long, its shrinking aspect doesn’t have such limitations," Ji Zhixing observed with burning eyes.

Previously, he had no way to snatch the treasures gestating in the Mist Valley right out from under Lu Xinghe and his group’s noses.

But now that he had developed the Size Manipulation ability, it might not be impossible.

"I’ll go test it out tomorrow!" Ji Zhixing took a deep breath, lifted the tent flap, and stepped outside.

It was dusk, and the students from the three universities were trickling back to camp.

The Dead Wood Regeneration Forest was bustling with people, much livelier than during the day.

With fewer and fewer treasures left to be found these past few days, conflicts among the students had dwindled. Having grown familiar with one another, the initial hostility between the students of the three universities had largely faded.

Many would greet each other in passing, and upon returning in the evening, they would gather to chat and share what they had seen and heard.

Stepping out of his tent, Ji Zhixing spotted Jiang Qingqian pulling another girl along as they laughed and chatted with Xiao Mingyue.

Ji Zhixing walked over. The girl glanced at him and asked with a smile, "Ji Zhixing, the Spirit Ruins Treasure Land is almost closing. You’re not just going to hole up in the Dead Wood Regeneration Forest forever, are you?"

"Of course not." Ji Zhixing smiled, taking a seat beside Xiao Mingyue. "I plan to go out and take a look tomorrow."

He recognized this girl. She was also from Yu City University, but she belonged to the genius class.

Her name was Ye Chutong, and she had ranked fourth during the freshman trial. He wasn’t sure how she had befriended Jiang Qingqian, but it had eventually led to her getting to know Xiao Mingyue as well.

He planned to go out and take a look tomorrow?

Hearing this, Xiao Mingyue felt her heart stir, her eyes instantly lighting up.

She cast a glance at Ji Zhixing, who gave her a subtle nod.

A look of joy immediately crossed Xiao Mingyue’s face. She knew this meant Ji Zhixing had successfully developed his Size Manipulation ability.

She kept it to herself, however, as this was clearly one of his trump cards and couldn’t be exposed prematurely.

After sitting down, Ji Zhixing casually asked, "Have you guys been paying attention to Lu Xinghe’s group these past two days? Do you know if they’ve managed to conquer the Mist Valley yet?"

"Of course," Jiang Qingqian nodded. "It’s not just me; almost everyone is keeping an eye on them. After all, once they conquer the Mist Valley, the Spirit Ruins Treasure Land will likely come to an end.

"Compared to before, the fog in the Mist Valley has noticeably thinned out over the last two days.

"Because of that, everyone is guessing they’ll secure the valley within the next day or two."

"I see," Ji Zhixing nodded slightly, offering no further comment.

Later that night, inside the tent.

Ji Zhixing looked at Xiao Mingyue and said, "I’m going to head back to the Mist Valley tomorrow to check things out. This time, however, I plan to go alone."

"Okay," Xiao Mingyue nodded.

Ji Zhixing had already briefed her on the changes to his abilities earlier.

Therefore, she understood exactly what he was planning to do this time, and she knew she couldn’t accompany him without becoming a burden.

"Be careful," Xiao Mingyue said softly. "If things go south, just come back. Don’t force it."

"Don’t worry," Ji Zhixing nodded. "With the Azure Sky Divine Wood around, I’ll be perfectly safe no matter what happens."

With that, he wrapped his arms around Xiao Mingyue. Together, they rested their heads on the Heart Refining Stone Pillow and began their heart-refining cultivation for the day.

Early the next morning.

In the Dead Wood Regeneration Forest, students from the three universities departed one after another.

Ji Zhixing was in no rush to set off.

He took his time strolling over to Bai Yuan.

"Teacher Bai," Ji Zhixing called out.

"What is it?" Bai Yuan cast him a glance.

"I’d like to exchange some points for a bottle of Clear Sight Potion—the potent kind," Ji Zhixing said.

Hearing this, Bai Yuan’s eyes flickered. Requesting a potent Clear Sight Potion at this juncture made Ji Zhixing’s intentions blatantly obvious.

In the entirety of the Spirit Ruins Treasure Land, there was only one place left where a Clear Sight Potion would be useful.

"I happen to have some right here." Bai Yuan retrieved a vial and tossed it to Ji Zhixing. "Two hundred thousand points per bottle. Apply a drop to each eye, and the effects will last for half an hour, allowing you to see through most of the fog.

"Take it for now; you can transfer the points to me once we’re back at the university."

"Thank you, Teacher!" Ji Zhixing quickly caught the vial, stored it in his Genetic Melting Furnace, bid Bai Yuan farewell, and left.

Bai Yuan shook his head slightly as he watched Ji Zhixing’s retreating figure. He knew the boy was still unwilling to give up and wanted to try his luck at the Mist Valley one more time.

However, he didn’t have high hopes for Ji Zhixing’s little excursion.

With Lu Xinghe’s group of four holding down the fort, what could Ji Zhixing possibly achieve even if he went?

Although Ji Zhixing was quite strong, he was clearly still leagues behind Lu Xinghe and his companions—not to mention the fact that they were operating as a coordinated four-man unit.

Still, Bai Yuan wasn’t going to talk him out of it. It was a good thing for young people to be driven and adventurous.

After leaving, Ji Zhixing said his goodbyes to Xiao Mingyue before bowing respectfully to the empty space in front of him. "Lord Azure Sky Divine Wood, please teleport me to the location I previously returned from."

As his words fell, a spatial ripple enveloped him. In the very next second, his figure materialized in mid-air just outside the Mist Valley.

Ji Zhixing instantly flapped his Purple Gold Thundercloud Wings, hovering in the sky as he gazed into the distance.

The distant Mist Valley indeed looked different from when he had seen it three days ago.

The thick fog shrouding the valley from above had noticeably thinned out, to the point where the outlines of the valley interior were faintly visible.

He could even vaguely make out the figures of Lu Xinghe and his group.

The four were engaged in a fierce battle against a large horde of fog monsters within the mist. Various energy shockwaves continuously erupted, accompanied by the faint, muffled sounds of explosions.

At the same time, he noticed other students spectating from afar. Seven or eight of them were watching the battle in the valley from a safe distance.

Evidently, as the pickings in the Spirit Ruins Treasure Land grew slim, many had abandoned their own searches for treasure, opting instead to see when Lu Xinghe’s group would finally conquer the Mist Valley.

Of course, some might also be lingering to see if they could opportunistically snatch some scraps. After all, if Lu Xinghe’s group ended up mutually wounded alongside the monsters, there might be a chance to strike.

"Ji Zhixing?"

"Why is he back?"

Spotting his arrival, the spectating students were slightly taken aback. They never expected him to dare show his face around here again.

However, just as they turned to look, Ji Zhixing had already pivoted away. Flapping his Purple Gold Thundercloud Wings, he flew off into the distance, covering hundreds of meters in the blink of an eye.

"He’s gone."

Seeing Ji Zhixing leave, the crowd realized he was probably just passing through, not actually planning to make a move on the Mist Valley.

"I was about to say, after what happened last time, how could he possibly have the guts to come back..."

"It’s a pity he left so quickly, otherwise I bet Gongye Zhou would have charged right at him."

One student shook his head and withdrew his gaze.

The group gossiped for a few moments before dropping the subject of Ji Zhixing, turning their attention back to the distant battle in the valley.

"This should be good."

Ji Zhixing flew a good distance away and touched down behind a grove of trees.

He scanned his surroundings, breathing a sigh of relief only after confirming that no one had followed him and no one was watching.

"First, a drop of the Clear Sight Potion."

He retrieved the vial of the potent Clear Sight Potion from his Genetic Melting Furnace, popped the cork, and applied a drop to each eye.

As the liquid made contact, a refreshing, cooling sensation washed over his eyes. He blinked, feeling as though the entire world had suddenly snapped into razor-sharp focus.

The distant scenery was no longer blurry; he could even clearly discern the subtle ripples of the fog within the valley.

"Size Manipulation!"

The next moment, he stowed the potion away. With a mere thought, his body began to shrink.

One meter, half a meter, thirty centimeters, eighteen centimeters...

In the blink of an eye, he transformed from a young man standing over 1.8 meters tall into a tiny figure a mere eighteen centimeters in height.

Standing on the ground, the surrounding blades of grass towered over him like a dense, lush forest.

He looked up at the undergrowth, feeling as though he had stepped right into the Giant Country.

"This is my limit."

Ji Zhixing mentally assessed his condition.

By utilizing the Size Manipulation ability, he could shrink his physical form down to at most one-tenth of its original size.

"But ten-something centimeters should be more than enough."

Ji Zhixing took a deep breath.

"Purple Gold Thundercloud Wings."

With a thought, the Purple Gold Thundercloud Wings unfurled from his back. The wings had shrunk down with him, becoming two tiny appendages no larger than the palm of a hand, yet their speed remained entirely undiminished.

Ji Zhixing flapped his wings, hugging the ground as he rapidly zipped toward the distant valley.

He flew extremely low, hovering only a few centimeters above the earth. When he encountered rocks, he circumvented them; when he encountered patches of grass, he threaded his way through the gaps between the blades.

His stature was incredibly small, his speed was blinding, and his movements were completely silent. Unless one was paying close attention, it was impossible to spot him from afar.

Along the way, he constantly maneuvered his tiny frame, using the rocks and trees on the ground to evade the lines of sight of the distant students.

The students’ attention was entirely captivated by Lu Xinghe’s group in the valley; they were utterly oblivious to the tiny speck zipping across the ground.

Soon, he arrived at the edge of the Mist Valley.

Hovering at the entrance, he had a clear view of the situation inside.

Although the fog had thinned considerably, it was still present, churning slowly within the valley.

"Let’s go in and take a look."

With that thought in mind, Ji Zhixing flapped his Purple Gold Thundercloud Wings and silently glided into the valley.

Upon entering, he peered through the mist and immediately spotted Lu Xinghe’s group of four engaged in a fierce battle with a horde of fog monsters deep within the valley.

He didn’t rush to act, opting instead to direct his gaze deeper into the fog.

The potent Clear Sight Potion worked wonders, allowing him to see through the vast majority of the mist.

Through the layered haze, he saw a dozen or so bizarre, fog-like trees nestled in the deepest part of the valley.

These strange trees were entirely pale grey, their trunks, branches, and leaves all condensed from the mist itself. They looked ethereal and illusory, as if a single gust of wind would scatter them into nothingness.

Yet, their physical forms were quite distinct. Each tree stood over a dozen meters tall, boasting branching limbs and lush foliage.

What was most striking, however, was that these eerie trees were actually bearing fruit.

There were about a dozen fruits on each tree. These fruits were also composed of fog—pale grey and semi-transparent. They hung from the branches, swaying gently in tandem with the churning mist.

"These must be the treasures gestating in this Treasure Land, right?"

Looking at the fog tree fruits, Ji Zhixing felt a sudden thrill in his heart.