The Strongest Talent Tree

Chapter 233: Chapter 230: Secret Technique Mastery

The Thief Master couldn’t help but suck in a sharp breath after seeing the stats for [Dark Moon Slaughter]. "What kind of monster are you, kid? To master a Secret Technique at the third-rank... it’s simply unbelievable."

"Uh, is it that hard to get a Secret Technique past 100 proficiency?" Feng Hao asked, surprised.

"Hard is an understatement." The Thief Master rolled his eyes and explained, "Mastering a Secret Technique isn’t something you can accomplish just by using it over and over. Unlike proficiency, mastering a technique requires a certain level of insight. Some people go their entire lives without mastering a single one, so you tell me—is it hard?"

Feng Hao was stunned. ’So after grinding a Secret Technique to 100 proficiency, you need some kind of epiphany to master it. But I didn’t feel anything special when I broke through... Could it have been because my mind went completely blank at the time?’

"Is mastering a Secret Technique that big of a deal?" Feng Hao pressed.

The Thief Master snapped, "If you can continue to deepen your understanding of a mastered Secret Technique, you can improve it indefinitely. Plus, you get extra mastery effects. So tell me, is that a big deal?"

"Indefinitely? You’re kidding, right?" Feng Hao said, dumbfounded. "Doesn’t that mean you could become invincible with just one Secret Technique?"

"In your dreams. You think advancing your realm is that easy?" the Thief Master smirked. "However, once a mastered Secret Technique reaches a very high level, the damage is truly terrifying. I once encountered such an opponent in the outer realms. The man had mediocre talent and no inheritance, but no one dared to look down on him. All because he had comprehended his basic Sword Qi to over five hundred layers, and its mastery effect was armor penetration."

"Over five hundred layers? And it came with armor penetration? Couldn’t he just insta-kill anyone he met?" Feng Hao asked in amazement.

"Now do you see how important mastering a Secret Technique is?" the Thief Master asked with a smile.

"Got it, got it." Feng Hao nodded sheepishly, though ’he couldn’t help but feel a little proud of himself.’ "By the way, Master, what does ’Destructive’ mean?"

The Thief Master explained with a light chuckle, "It’s the ability to break through armor. On a weapon, it’s called ’Sharpness.’ On a Secret Technique, it’s called ’Destructive.’ Simply put, it’s a type of effect."

"I see." Realization dawned on Feng Hao, and ’he was ecstatic.’

After all, while Dark Force ignored armor and Gang Qi, it could be blocked by Dark Force protection.

Unlike physical power, Dark Force couldn’t directly imbue a Secret Technique with a weapon’s sharpness, making it difficult to pierce an enemy’s armor. But now that [Dark Moon Slaughter] had the Destructive property, as long as he encountered armor with low toughness, he could pierce right through it and deal full damage.

Of course, for now, [Dark Moon Slaughter]’s 25 Destructive points weren’t as practical as the Su Mu Dagger’s 48 Sharpness points.

But once [Dark Moon Slaughter]’s level was higher, its Destructive property would truly begin to show its power.

Having figured all this out, Feng Hao stopped dwelling on it and headed straight for the bathroom attached to the training grounds.

He had to admit, Mei Meimei must have been bored out of her mind. It was one thing for her to have modified so much of the equipment, but she hadn’t even spared the bathroom.

In short, Feng Hao barely had to move after entering the bathroom. The entire cleaning process was automated, making him feel as if he’d been tossed into a washing machine.

’Technology really does change your life! It’d be perfect if eating and taking a crap could be automated someday, too.’

He lazed in the bathtub, enjoying a back scrub from a mechanical arm and feeling utterly content.

’Oh, right. I almost forgot about Rapid Shadow Slash and Shadow Sparks. I wonder what they look like after reaching 100 proficiency.’ With that thought, he focused his will and summoned his skill panel.

[Rapid Shadow Slash]

Proficiency: 100

Magic Power Cost: 55

Effect: Unleashes a powerful impact in conjunction with Shadow Strike, dealing 1200 + 150% Dark Force damage.

Attack Range: Shadow Strike Range

Mark Recall: 8 seconds

Channeling Time: None

[Shadow Sparks]

Proficiency: 100

Magic Power Cost: 75

Effect: Dark Force and fire intertwine, erupting into deadly sparks that deal 200% Dark Force damage to targets in range and an additional 125% Dark Force as fire damage per second. The flames last for 10 seconds and apply an instant-death vitality damage effect.

Attack Range: Shadow Strike Range

Mark Recall: 20 seconds

Channeling Time: 0.8 seconds

"Holy crap, the damage output on [Shadow Sparks] is insane!" Feng Hao exclaimed.

Rapid Shadow Slash was fine. Its progression was about what he expected; since it was primarily a mobility skill, it was understandable that its damage wasn’t sky-high.

But Shadow Sparks completely shattered his expectations. The initial 200% Dark Force damage was negligible, but the 125% fire damage per second was terrifying. And since the flames now lasted for 10 seconds, the total damage output was a whopping 1250%. If he could control it properly, it would absolutely leave his opponents screaming for mercy.

’Tsk tsk, to be able to create such a badass Secret Technique, Master must have been a genius in his youth.’

After marveling to himself for a moment, he let the mechanical arm dry him off and then began to get dressed.

He had just pulled on his pants when a faint ripple came from his Listening Stone. Extending his Divine Sense to check it, he was surprised to see it was Xiyue Frost.

’Did something happen in Five States City?’ Feng Hao felt a pang of nervousness and hurriedly established the Stone Listening Communication link. "Is something wrong?"

Xiyue Frost’s exasperated voice came through the Listening Stone. "Nothing major. It’s just that Yaoyao has run off to find you."

"What do you mean? School doesn’t start for over a month," Feng Hao said, baffled.

"My dad said that Yaoyao got a letter from you a few days ago, and then she just couldn’t wait. She threw a fit, crying and demanding to come to Five States City to find you. She’s probably already on the road," Xiyue Frost said peevishly.

Feng Hao was speechless. He never expected that the love letter he’d written on a whim would get Yaoyao this worked up.

"Honestly, that girl... couldn’t she wait just one more month?" Feng Hao sighed.

"So what are you going to do now?" Xiyue Frost demanded. "When Yaoyao gets here and finds you’re not around, she’s definitely going to drive me crazy."

Feng Hao gave a helpless, wry smile. "There’s nothing I can do. My competition is about to start over here. I guess this is a good opportunity for you two to cultivate your sisterly bond."

"So I suppose I should be thanking you?" Xiyue Frost asked coldly.

"Hehe, no need to thank me. We’re practically family," Feng Hao said evasively. "Anyway... I’ve got something to do, so I’ll hang up now."

Without waiting for a reply, he ignored Xiyue Frost’s furious roaring on the other end and quickly severed the Divine Sense connection.

Feng Hao emerged from the bathroom with a gloomy expression. This stunt from the Yao Girl had completely upended his plans. There was nothing to be done; she was just so impulsive, and who the hell knew what she’d do next.

The Thief Master was sitting quietly in the rest area. Seeing Feng Hao’s morose expression, he frowned and asked, "What’s wrong, Xiaofeng?"

"Uh..." Feng Hao gave a wry smile and explained Xi Yueyao’s situation.

The explanation immediately sent the Thief Master into a fit of laughter. "Hahaha! And here I thought it was something serious."

Feng Hao didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

"Bring her over for your master to have a look when you get the chance," the Thief Master said, his voice brimming with amusement. "Don’t worry. With just a single word from me, I can absolutely arrange a decent position for her."

"Thank you for the kind offer, Master, but Yaoyao’s aunt is part of the Holy Hall. She’ll probably join the Holy Hall herself in the future."

"A girl from the Holy Hall?" The Thief Master paused, his expression suddenly growing complex. He let out a soft sigh. "Then let her follow her own path. As long as I’m still alive, the Thief God Hall and the Holy Hall will never become enemies."

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