Chapter 74

Since obtaining the Primordial Energy, Su Zhong had never had the time to focus on studying it.

Now that he finally had a relatively stable environment and time, Su Zhong decided to enter seclusion.

This seclusion had two main tasks.

The first was to find a way to utilize the Primordial Energy, so that his strength could be maximized.

Just like his terrifying hard qi technique, he would never simply compete in brute strength with others; such a fighting method was too low-level.

Precisely because of this, Su Zhong had continuously improved his techniques, ultimately forming the Dragon Fist, which could reduce a person to powder, a technique that was both terrifying and domineering.

The second task was to find a way to increase the total amount of Primordial Energy.

Due to its special nature, the Primordial Energy was spread throughout his body, but in reality, it was very thin. Even just supporting daily activities like climbing mountains and walking on water, this Primordial Energy seemed insufficient, let alone using it for combat.

Under the observation of his Insight Eye, his body was constantly absorbing natural energy.

However, most of this energy was released back into the environment, and the part that was consumed by his body did not significantly increase the total amount of Primordial Energy.

Therefore, finding a way to increase the total amount of Primordial Energy was the top priority.

Su Zhong still remembered how, when he crossed over to this world, all his innate internal energy was completely drained.

The total amount of Primordial Energy must not decrease!

Fortunately, Su Zhong was not completely at a loss.

"Essentially, Primordial Energy is a combination of natural power, physical power, and soul power. It can freely convert between these three, which provides the foundation for increasing Primordial Energy." Su Zhong's mind was filled with various ideas.

"By converting Primordial Energy into physical power and soul power, and raising the upper limits of these two aspects, the upper limit of natural power will passively increase. The loss in this process can be compensated by absorbing external natural power!"

Su Zhong thought of the method he had invented to break through the seal while practicing his hard qi technique.

Although this method was simple and brutal, it was quite effective in enhancing physical strength, as he had already verified through his past practice.

He now wanted to use this method to increase his physical power, which would passively raise the other two aspects, thus enhancing his overall Primordial Energy.

"This idea is feasible. The next step is to gradually verify it." Su Zhong was not blind; he had no grand ambitions for this world and had plenty of time to carefully refine his skills.

Thinking about it, Su Zhong immediately called Bai to his side.

These past few days, Bai had been in a good mood. Zabuza, though severely injured, was recovering well under his treatment.

Moreover, Su Zhong had indeed kept his promise and did not kill Zabuza.

Zabuza was not content with becoming Su Zhong's subordinate, but the huge gap in strength left him with no choice but to seethe in silence.

However, Bai was very happy. Being able to reunite with Zabuza was already satisfying. The prospect of living together in the future filled him with joy.

" Bai, how is your seal training going?" Su Zhong asked.

Bai's face stiffened. He had been busy treating Zabuza's injuries and experimenting with various potions, and had only glanced at the seal techniques without actually practicing them.

His face turned red, and he felt full of guilt and frustration.

Su Zhong's brows furrowed, and he felt somewhat displeased. He valued his own cultivation the most, and Bai's negligence made him impatient.

However, considering Bai's special situation and his meticulous nature, which made him a rare talent in seal techniques, Su Zhong did not blame him harshly.

But he had to take action for the current situation.

"Have Zabuza find you some helpers. Choose those skilled in seal techniques and form a seal team. My cultivation intensity will be very high, and you alone won't be enough."

In Konoha, Bai's progress had already lagged behind Su Zhong's cultivation needs.

This unexpected capture of Zabuza was a good opportunity to gather seal technique talents.

"Understood." Bai bowed to show his understanding. He looked up cautiously at Su Zhong, fearing that he might be dismissed.

Now that Zabuza's life was in Su Zhong's hands, if he lost his position with Su Zhong, it could endanger Zabuza's life.

Bai's feelings towards Su Zhong were complex.

Initially, he was resentful and angry, but gradually he became accustomed to it. However, he could not say he was loyal to Su Zhong. Their relationship was more like a cooperative employment.

Bai was very clear about this relationship. He used to enjoy the almost unbound life.

But times had changed. His position in Su Zhong's heart directly affected Zabuza's life.

Bai's heart tightened, and he gritted his teeth. He decided to put aside all other matters and focus entirely on cultivating seal techniques. As long as he remained useful, Su Zhong would not abandon him.

This would make Zabuza's life more secure.

Waving Bai away, Su Zhong did not realize that in just a short time, Bai had gone through so many thoughts, indirectly increasing his loyalty.

He was still only concerned with his own cultivation.

"Since I can't verify the experiment to increase the total amount of Primordial Energy in the short term, I'll start by trying to use it." Su Zhong immediately shifted his focus. He would not waste time waiting for Bai's abilities to improve.

"Primordial Energy, like chakra, is a form of energy. Attempting to use Primordial Energy can draw on the development process of ninjutsu." Su Zhong had had this idea for some time.

He decided to try each ninjutsu one by one.

For complex ninjutsu, Su Zhong directly gave up. The more complex and powerful the ninjutsu, the closer its use of power was to its essence.

Using Primordial Energy, which was completely different from chakra, to perform such ninjutsu would be a waste of time.

Su Zhong decided to start with the simplest ninjutsu.

The secret books of the Uchiha clan that he had brought from Konoha, along with the ninjutsu materials provided by Zabuza, gave him enough ninjutsu to try.

However, the reality was harsh.

"Except for direct energy manipulation, which is hand seal-less ninjutsu, none of the other ninjutsu are useful!" Su Zhong's brows furrowed.

Hand seal-less ninjutsu was not easy to find.

Moreover, hand seal-less ninjutsu, though sounding powerful, was often a rough use of chakra. It was a technique for those with an abundance of chakra, who did not worry about their chakra reserves and thus used it extravagantly.

Powerful hand seal-less ninjutsu like the Rasengan were rare, which is why it was ranked as an A-rank ninjutsu.

Everyone thought Su Zhong's taijutsu was very strong, but only Sasuke and Bai knew that his understanding of ninjutsu was equally profound.

With various ninjutsu data running through his mind, Su Zhong's hands subconsciously twitched.

Suddenly, a binding force abruptly appeared on his hands.

Su Zhong was startled awake, feeling as if his hands were suddenly tied with ropes.

Resisting the urge to break free forcefully, Su Zhong carefully examined his hands, which were pressed together as if glued.

His eyes flashed with intense light, and a surge of joy filled his heart.

"Is it a seal technique?! I didn't expect to accidentally activate a seal technique and bind my hands?!" Su Zhong's heart raced with excitement.

It was truly a case of "searching high and low without finding, but unexpectedly obtaining it." He had been racking his brain to find a way to use Primordial Energy, but never thought that the seal techniques right in front of him were the best method.

Primordial Energy had no reaction to other ninjutsu, but he had accidentally used a seal technique?!

The superiority was clear!

Su Zhong was overjoyed and shouted, "Bai! Quickly bring me the seal technique materials!"

With a slight effort, Su Zhong freed his bound hands. This was just a simple binding seal. Su Zhong decided to thoroughly study the Uzumaki clan's seal techniques, which were the key!

He had initially gathered these materials to cultivate his hard qi technique, but never expected such an unexpected surprise.

Using Primordial Energy in seal techniques?

Su Zhong was filled with anticipation.

...

Outside the Konoha gates, Naruto looked at the towering gates with a complex expression.

The last time they left the gates, their Team 7 walked out together happily and then returned together.

But now, Sasuke had defected from Konoha, Sakura had entered the Konoha Hospital to focus on medical ninjutsu, and he himself was about to go on a training journey with Jiraiya.

The once harmonious Team 7 was about to fall apart. Even the carefree Naruto couldn't help but feel a deep sense of loss.

In the battle at the Valley of the End, he was completely outmatched by Sasuke. Even using the Nine-Tails' power, he still couldn't defeat Sasuke.

This huge gap did not make him despair; instead, it fueled his determination.

"When my strength improves, I will definitely bring Sasuke back! And I will also give that bastard brother of his a good beating!" Naruto's face was filled with determination.

Seeing Jiraiya, who was acting carelessly and couldn't take his eyes off the passing kunoichi's chests, Naruto's neck turned red with anger.

He pointed at Jiraiya and started yelling.

The two of them bickered and fought, gradually moving away from Konoha.

...

In a dark and spacious underground space.

At the bottom was a square as large as a soccer field, surrounded by high stone walls.

The stone walls were filled with numerous cave-like rooms, which were dug directly into the mountain.

The room entrances were secured with sturdy steel doors, and through the gaps, one could see the shadows inside, indicating that many people were imprisoned.

"Zabuza, this prison has five levels. To leave, you must fight your way up level by level. When you have freed everyone, you can leave." Orochimaru stood at the highest point of the rock wall, looking down at Zabuza.

After a month of intensive training, Orochimaru threw Zabuza into this prison.

Zabuza did not object. His combat experience was indeed insufficient.

Looking up at Orochimaru, Zabuza silently walked to a cell at the bottom level, where he would rest.

Unable to leave, he was no different from the other prisoners.

Even food had to be obtained through constant battles.

In this harsh environment, where it was almost a case of survival of the fittest, everyone fought desperately.

Some fought to leave, while others fought to prevent others from leaving.

In this harsh environment, in just half a month, the naivety on his face had faded.