After Zixu's explanation, Pang Tong finally understood his spiritual talent. Although he could gain boosts from his opponents, there were physiological limits to human abilities, aning it wasn’t truly possible to infinitely stack enhancents.
"So, what exactly is the extent of this ability?" Pang Tong now found this Daoist quite agreeable—he answered every question, though his mind seed a bit off. But then again, Daoists aren’t like normal people.
"Let
put it this way: your current intelligence and thought processes are already approaching the human limit." Zixu stroked his beard as if rembering sothing. He then pulled out a book from his robe, noticing the strange look Pang Tong gave him. "This is a book I 'borrowed' from the Qingzhou Library. It’s said to be based on Chen Zichuan's lectures on arithtic, and it includes a thod of quantification."
Perhaps unsettled by Pang Tong's gaze, Zixu handed over the book. He almost got caught by Zuo Ci when he took it.
It’s worth ntioning that Zixu and Zuo Ci, though both following the Dao, were not the sa type of people. Zixu had no interest in seizing earthly power like Yu Ji; he was rely curious about whether he could alter the future.
That’s why Zixu had been searching for individuals capable of creating alternate futures. When he encountered Li Ru previously, he noticed that Li Ru’s future had beco more complex, which pleased him. After all, if Li Ru could avoid his death, it showed that fate was not set in stone. Zixu was satisfied with this outco.
If soone destined to die could alter their fate, it proved that destiny was not fixed. A future filled with chaos had value in being shaped; if everything was predetermined, Zixu figured he might as well live a life of complacency.
Because of this, Zixu didn’t fear death. What he cared about was the results of his research. In the Qingzhou Library, he ca across the concept of "science," and he found that it matched well with his pursuits!
Now, Zixu had replaced his old motto, "Heaven's Mandate," with "For Science!" To him, Pang Tong was a valuable research subject. Whether he lived or died was secondary; as long as he achieved his research goals, it was worth it. Life had beco dull, but science was an exciting endeavor...
"So, if I’m already at the limit, doesn’t that make my talent useless?" Pang Tong put away the book and grumbled with a sour expression.
"Listen carefully, and you'll understand. Let’s quantify it: ninety-nine is the human limit. You’re probably around ninety-seven. A hundred is the threshold between human and divine. Your physical limits might allow you to bear around a hundred or so, but how much exactly is uncertain. Generally, the higher your base, the more you can handle, but a twenty percent increase might be the maximum," Zixu said, showcasing the arithtic knowledge he had recently acquired.
"Oh, I see." Pang Tong nodded, indicating he understood.
"However, pushing that twenty percent limit would be a heavy burden on you. Let’s put it this way: at your level, a ten percent increase in power would already give you the upper hand in a one-on-two fight, and you could even hold your own against three opponents in the short term," Zixu warned. He didn’t want Pang Tong to push his limits to the extre, as that would place too much strain on him. To Zixu, Pang Tong was too exceptional to face situations that would require a one-on-three fight.
Zixu was completely unaware that in this era, powerful strategists were no longer rare. It wouldn’t be surprising if Pang Tong had to face five opponents at once! Well, considering Pang Tong’s rather unfortunate appearance, perhaps such a scenario wasn’t too far-fetched...
Thinking back, it seed that Chen Gong also had a rough ti. Based on Zixu’s calculations, if the physiological limit was a twenty percent increase, then with his ninety-two or ninety-three intelligence, Chen Gong must have been pushing his limits in those infamous battles. He likely forced his intelligence to around a hundred and ten to barely fend off the collective onslaught of Cao Cao’s strategists, depleting all his resources in the process.
In retrospect, it was a testant to the strength of Cao Cao’s advisors. Had Chen Gong faced anyone else, he might have successfully turned the tide single-handedly. At that ti, only Cao Cao’s faction had such a formidable group of strategists. If this had happened under Yuan Shao, even Yuan Shao might not have been able to withstand it. Sotis, picking the wrong opponent is a tragedy.
"Thank you, sir. May I ask your na? I, Pang Tong, will find a way to repay your kindness soday," Pang Tong said sincerely. He now felt a certain fondness for Zixu. After all, he had just left ho and already encountered soone who helped him solve his problems.
"Hahaha, there’s no need for that. If we’re fated to et again, we will. Pang Shiyuan, do what you need to do—I have high hopes for you." Zixu laughed heartily and patted Pang Tong on the shoulder. Then, in a display of showmanship, he transford into a swirl of purple petals and gradually disappeared, leaving only a parting phrase echoing in the air: "Pang Shiyuan, follow your path!"
Pang Tong stared blankly at the spot where Zixu had vanished. Had he just encountered a real immortal? Then he thought about Zixu’s eccentric nature. "Sir, co back—I need to learn that trick!" he shouted.
On the other side, Zixu, having just reford his physical form, almost stumbled when he heard Pang Tong's distant call. This kid…
Casually shedding his purple robe—it was too attention-grabbing—Zixu resud his wandering. He continued his quest to find individuals capable of altering destiny. His research must go on. Nan Hua believed in power, Zhang Jiao in himself, Zuo Ci in the Dao, Yu Ji in fortune, and Nan Hua, who had once believed in fate, now thought perhaps he should believe in science...
In Xu Province’s Langya Commandery, Cao Song, holding the letter his eldest son had sent, couldn’t help but feel a wave of emotion. He glanced over at his second son, a sense of pride welling up within him.
Back then, Cao Song had favored his second son, Cao De, over his eldest, Cao Cao, who was short and unattractive. But now, Cao Cao had defeated Yuan Shu and established himself as a major power in the Central Plains, ruling over a vast territory with tens of thousands of soldiers. Whether Cao Song had favored him in the past or not, his son had beco a formidable warlord.
Looking at his beloved second son, now a great scholar, Cao Song felt even more satisfaction. Although Cao De wasn’t skilled in warfare, he was handso and excelled in education. Thanks to him, the children of the Cao and Xiahou families were united, and there was no question of brotherly strife!
It was unfortunate that Cao De's death had been such a significant loss for Cao Cao. Cao De had been a great scholar in his lifeti, but more importantly, he had been a unifying force for the children of the two families, fostering a deep bond that endured even after his death.
Cao De’s guidance had helped forge the brotherhood between cousins like Cao Ren, Xiahou Dun, Xiahou Yuan, Cao Hong, Cao Chun, and Cao Xiu. While Cao De may not have been responsible for their talents, he had undoubtedly solidified the familial ties that held them together around Cao Cao. One need only look at the infighting that plagued the Cao family later on to understand how important Cao De had been—his death had truly been a tragedy.
With one son ensuring the family’s prosperity and another ensuring its unity, Cao Song felt imnsely satisfied. Now, he was prepared to take out his savings to help strengthen his son’s position.
Money, after all, had little aning if it wasn’t put to use. Now that the brothers were united, Cao Song was confident that the Cao and Xiahou families would not fall into decline. With that assurance, Cao Song was eager to fully support his son!
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