The Peerless Emperor (TPE)

Even though the traits awakened by a soul core during the breakthrough to the Nirvana Realm can vary widely, with some being rather peculiar, most soul core traits have already been documented and are categorized by their strength into different tiers.

The traits are generally divided into four grades: A, B, C, and D, with each grade further divided into upper, middle, and lower tiers. For example, Lei Qian's lightning paralysis trait is considered a C-grade upper-tier trait, something that made his grandfather, Lei Heng, proud for a long time. After all, the Thunder King of Wanxiang Sect himself only possesses a C-grade middle-tier trait.

For Lei Heng, seeing his grandson complete eight cycles of Nirvana and awaken a C-grade upper-tier trait was a pleasant surprise. There's nothing better than having a successful descendant.

But what about Lin Qian? He completed twelve cycles of Nirvana to break through to the Nirvana Realm, and the trait he awakened was "Enhancement"?

The "Enhancement" trait generally strengthens a specific aspect of a soul martial artist, such as boosting their soul power, enhancing their physical strength, improving their vision, or sharpening their hearing. However, this enhancement typically only increases that ability by 10-20%.

If you're lucky, and the enhancement boosts your soul power or physical strength, it might help in battle. But Lei Qian knew of a fellow disciple whose trait only made his hair grow faster—completely useless in combat.

As a result, the "Enhancement" trait is usually considered a D-grade middle-tier trait if it boosts soul power or physical strength. If it only enhances something trivial, like hair growth, it's classified as a D-grade lower-tier trait—the most useless kind of soul core trait.

"It doesn't matter if your trait is 'Enhancement,' as your master, I believe that even without relying on soul core traits, you can still outshine your peers," Wei Wushuang reassured Lin Qian, patting him on the shoulder.

Lei Qian also chimed in, "Boss, it's best not to mention this trait to others. It could harm your reputation."

"Is the 'Enhancement' trait really that weak? I actually think it's pretty powerful," Lin Qian said, puzzled by their reactions.

"Not weak? Then tell me, how exactly is your 'Enhancement' trait useful?" Wei Wushuang asked, curiosity piqued by Lin Qian's confident demeanor.

After all, his disciple had completed twelve cycles of Nirvana to reach the Nirvana Realm. Perhaps there was something unique about his "Enhancement" trait.

"As long as I activate my crimson lightning soul power, the trait will kick in, enhancing my physical strength fivefold," Lin Qian explained, as crimson lightning surged from his body, flowing across his skin.

"Watch this!" Lin Qian took a deep breath, drew his fist back, and punched the air in front of him.

Without relying on his soul power, he generated enough force purely from his physical strength to create a shockwave. The air seemed to explode from the impact, and an invisible blast of energy roared past Lei Qian, striking the courtyard wall behind him.

Boom!

The loud noise echoed through the courtyard. Lei Qian turned around slowly, eyes wide in disbelief.

"Holy…!" Lei Qian gasped as he saw the damage. The courtyard wall had completely collapsed, leaving a large, circular hole. The ground between where Lin Qian had stood and the destroyed wall was torn up, with a trench stretching for several feet.

Lin Qian withdrew his soul power, rolling his shoulders and grinning. "Master, Lei Qian, what do you think? Pretty powerful, right? How could this trait be considered weak?"

He casually punched the air a few more times, each swing producing a sonic boom and whipping up gusts of wind.

"Boss, you're not messing with me, right? Is this really the 'Enhancement' trait?" Lei Qian finally asked, stunned.

Lin Qian looked confused. "Isn't it common knowledge that when you break through to the Nirvana Realm, you instinctively understand your trait's name and effect?"

"But… but this isn't the kind of 'Enhancement' we know at all!" Lei Qian groaned, staring at Lin Qian in disbelief.

Wei Wushuang shook his head, trying to stay calm. "Let me process this for a moment. Lei family kid, explain it to him."

Lei Qian quickly recapped the grading system, explaining how traits are categorized into A, B, C, and D tiers and how the typical "Enhancement" trait works.

After listening to Lei Qian's explanation, Lin Qian laughed. "So someone actually awakened a trait that makes their hair grow faster? How many cycles of Nirvana did they complete?"

"He didn't complete a single cycle by the time he was eighteen. He barely managed to break through by nineteen. That guy's in a different league from you, Boss," Lei Qian replied with a smirk.

"Putting aside the name 'Enhancement,' purely based on its effect, your trait is at least A-grade upper-tier," Wei Wushuang finally concluded.

Lei Qian nodded in agreement. Enhancing physical strength fivefold was a terrifying ability. Given how strong Lin Qian's body already was, increasing it five times made him a force to be reckoned with. They had just witnessed the destructive power of his punch—he hadn't even used his soul power, and he still managed to blast through a reinforced stone wall.

"And I also awakened a new soul power attribute," Lin Qian added casually, nearly causing Wei Wushuang and Lei Qian to stumble.

Golden soul power radiated from Lin Qian, and the overwhelming aura of an emperor swept over the courtyard. Wei Wushuang and Lei Qian finally understood why they had felt such intense pressure earlier. Lin Qian had not only awakened a new trait but also a new soul power attribute.

"Is the universe mocking me by giving me a disciple like this?" Wei Wushuang sighed. "I was worried you might fail your breakthrough. How foolish of me."

"You? Fail? Impossible."

With that, Wei Wushuang turned and headed back to his room, intent on resuming his own cultivation to heal his lingering injuries. The damage from the poison he had suffered was worse than he had anticipated.

"What kind of master calls his disciple a monster?" Lin Qian muttered, shaking his head as he looked at his hands.

"Well, I guess I won't mention the Cloud Sword Soul Core. No need to further shock the old man," he thought to himself as he watched Wei Wushuang retreat into his room.

Inside his own room, Wei Wushuang smiled with satisfaction, completely unaware that his "monster" disciple was even more extraordinary than he realized.

Lin Qian's Stormy Night Sword Soul Core had awakened the enhancement trait, boosting his physical strength fivefold. However, what he hadn't told Wei Wushuang and Lei Qian was that his other soul core, the Cloud Sword, had also awakened a trait: enhancing his soul power fivefold!