Chapter 23: Those Who Excel May Serve as Teachers—The Holy Son of the Azurecloud Sacred Land (Projection)

"Greetings, fellow Daoist," the projection of the Holy Son from the Azure Cloud Holy Land said, offering a slight bow.

"In the path of learning, the one who possesses the knowledge is the teacher. I should be the one calling you 'Little Master,'" Chu Danqing replied.

The Holy Son’s projection appeared as a young boy of seven or eight, dressed in simple, humble Daoist robes, quite unlike the decadent imagery often found in novels. Or perhaps it was simply Chu Danqing’s own ignorance failing to recognize a hidden gem.

"I wouldn't dare," the Holy Son said, though a faint smile touched his lips at Chu Danqing’s words. "We have only ten days, so let us not delay."

"This beast—is this your summoned creature?" The Holy Son’s gaze fell upon Dabao. "Truly remarkable. It possesses one-in-a-hundred-thousand talent."

"However, its intellect is low, and coupled with..." The Holy Son proceeded to list quite a few of Dabao’s shortcomings.

"I humbly ask for your guidance, Little Master," Chu Danqing said respectfully, before adding, "Dabao is a person, not a beast."

Although he had paid for the service, Chu Danqing knew that aligning his attitude and speech with the teacher would ensure better instruction. Yet, he could not disregard Dabao’s dignity, which was why he chose to correct the Holy Son.

Upon hearing this, the Holy Son immediately replied, "My eyes were clouded. Dabao still has a portion of potential that has yet to be awakened. I can help you realize it while I teach you the way of summoning and spirit-taming."

"In your terms, this would be an increase in attributes and skills, and you will also gain a new skill."

Chu Danqing’s face lit up with joy. "Many thanks for your guidance, Holy Son."

He realized that this 'potential' was likely the power of the Cave God’s bloodline that Dabao had consumed from the Cave Beast Priest, which Dabao had not yet fully digested.

"However, Holy Son, I would prefer to first resolve the issue of Dabao losing his sanity when he enters his berserk state."

The Holy Son observed Dabao for a moment before saying, "If you are referring to the bestial instinct that triggers berserk status when vitality—or 'Health Points' as your skill description puts it—drops to 30%... it is not difficult to solve. It simply depends on whether you are willing to pay the price."

"Dabao’s innate intuition is sharp. If you are willing to divert the development of the new skill hidden in his potential toward this bestial instinct, you can derive a new skill that functions as a counterbalance."

"This is a method of 'grafting flowers onto a different tree.' The original skill, as I see it, is a passive one that enhances the bleeding state. If you gain it, Dabao will undoubtedly be stronger in battle. But the choice is yours."

Chu Danqing pondered for a moment and looked at Dabao. "Dabao, which one do you want?"

Since it was Dabao’s own skill, Chu Danqing felt he had to seek his opinion.

"Berserk... no. Lose... mind," Dabao articulated clumsily.

"Losing one's mind is inevitable, but with this balancing skill as a support, Dabao will be able to distinguish friend from foe and carry out simple commands. However, his combat will still be primarily driven by instinct," the Holy Son explained.

"That one," Dabao decided immediately.

"Very well. I leave it in your hands, Little Master," Chu Danqing said promptly.

"You are too kind, fellow Daoist. 'Eating the lord's salary, one must bear the lord's burdens,'" the Holy Son smiled. "This method is not difficult; it is merely a matter of practice making perfect. Dabao is a natural warrior; he only needs guidance during combat..."

As the Holy Son spoke at length, Chu Danqing opened his recorder and took out paper and pen to document everything. The Holy Son merely glanced at this behavior without saying a word.

During the lecture, the Holy Son gestured, and a dense array of armored puppets appeared. He threw Dabao into the fray and flicked his finger, sending a stream of light into Dabao’s body. This instantly reduced his health to 29%, forcing him into a berserk state.

He then began to teach Chu Danqing how to observe and summarize, leading him to discover the methods for guiding Dabao. The Holy Son was not just helping Chu Danqing train his creature; he was teaching him *how* to train, which was the true foundation. The underlying principles of the summoning system were broken down and explained to Chu Danqing in meticulous detail.

Chu Danqing practiced while learning and recording, while Dabao continued to absorb the power of the Cave God’s bloodline through the combat. For Chu Danqing, a summoning system was being built from the ground up.

"The way of summoning and spirit-taming is nothing more than cultivation and command: I am the general, and you are the steel of the infantry."

"Fellow Daoist, do you know what your greatest flaw is?" the Holy Son asked.

Chu Danqing did not need to think. "It is myself."

"And do you have a solution?" the Holy Son asked, prompting him to think for himself.

After a moment's thought, Chu Danqing tentatively replied, "Make myself as strong as Dabao?"

The Holy Son shook his head. "There are indeed such paths to perfection in this world, but they require immense talent, massive influence, great destiny, and vast resources. You have the Paradise to assist you, so influence is not lacking, but your talent, destiny, and resources are somewhat insufficient."

The words were tactful, but the reality was that it was impossible for him.

"Advancing on all fronts is something for the future. For now, you should prioritize your own safety through skills and equipment."

"It is a pity that I am but a projection; I cannot teach you magical arts or supernatural powers, only the way of the summoner."

"Therefore, I shall offer you some strategic advice..." The Holy Son continued to provide planning suggestions for the summoning system and guidance for Chu Danqing’s own personal development.

Chu Danqing listened intently, recording every point and raising his own doubts from time to time. He knew that when questions arose, they must be asked immediately; once the Holy Son’s projection departed, he would no longer have such a luxury.

Though the Holy Son appeared young, his depth of knowledge far exceeded anything Chu Danqing had imagined.

"Little Master, I currently have two attribute points. I am unsure how to distribute them," Chu Danqing asked at an opportune moment.

Skills and equipment were variables, and he had no way of knowing what he might obtain later. But attribute points were a constant, and this was the perfect opportunity to seek the Holy Son’s advice.

"Two points is not much, but there are two approaches: focus or balance."

"The former is simple—prioritize Constitution to ten points. But observing your spirit, I believe you intend to break through all five attributes. Therefore, balance should be your priority."

"I suggest you increase Perception and Agility," the Holy Son advised. It seemed the Holy Son’s projection had been infused with enough information from the Paradise to understand its attribute ranking system.

"After that, supplement your Spirit and Strength."

"Follow this with a cycle of Constitution, Agility, Perception, Spirit, and Strength," the Holy Son provided a specific sequence for point allocation. The overall philosophy was to prioritize survival and escape.

However, he did not speak in absolutes, adding, "Take this only as a suggestion. You must be flexible and adapt to the situation, rather than following a script."

"I will keep your words in my heart, Little Master," Chu Danqing replied, understanding that he must apply this knowledge dynamically rather than rigidly.

"Then let us continue..." The Holy Son turned back to the fundamentals of summoning, explaining new content and having Chu Danqing begin to practice and apply it.