Of course, strengthening the spiritual attributes to this extent, experiencing some truly extraordinary aspects seems quite normal. It's as if he is currently separated by a thin paper window, perhaps so thin that he can already see the light shining through from the other side, yet still hasn't genuinely pierced through.

"The material world obviously still prioritizes materialism..."

Gu Mo pondered. If what was strengthened was power or agility attributes, reaching this level, the extraordinary aspects presented would be straightforward and clear.

Opening his skill bar again, he adjusted his skill configuration while unable to resist furrowing his brow. Compared to the steady, favorable growth of basic attributes, skill slots have gradually become the most troubling and perplexing problem for him at present.

There are only ten slots, which can only equip ten skill badges, and there's currently no method found to increase the slots.

Even though the presence of guardian spirits somewhat alleviates the issue, considering that guardian spirits can only carry skills like Demon Ghost Soul Core, this ultimately is merely a palliative measure... Gu Mo considered this problem a long time ago, but now he feels the pressure more acutely.

"Life Potential is essential; although it's rarely needed under normal circumstances, in a critical moment, as long as I'm not instantly killed, there'll be a chance to suddenly make a comeback..."

"In Yin Yang techniques, the talisman skills include Summoning Fire Talisman, Purification Talisman, Fire Bomb Talisman, Barrier Talisman, Nourishing Body Talisman, Communication Talisman... that's already six skill slots occupied..."

Gu Mo watched the skill slots unknowingly filled with some headache, over half originating from the Yin Yang Daoist skills he learned. Even though he hasn't been intensively studying Yin Yang techniques recently, and hasn't mastered new Yin Yang Daoist skills, there are still as many as six.

Although the Communication Talisman could technically be removed, as long as there are enough prep Curse Talismans, this skill generally isn't needed in critical moments... but the essence of the issue isn't about choosing which skill to equip or unload, nor because of this reason.

The remaining three slots are occupied by "Swordsmanship Stance LV0", "Taekwondo LV1", and "Archery LV2" —

The former is the Martial Arts Introduction crystallized by Master Minamoto no Yoshiie's patient teachings; the latter two are skill badges dropped by monsters during this time, likely due to their pre-monster lives as Taekwondo enthusiasts or senior members of the archery club...

They don't have special uses, they were just equipped as convenient placeholders, and Gu Mo is considering whether to replace one with the recently drawn "Projection Magic".

It seems there's still room for choices, even some spare slots to casually place skills for the sake of completion. However, he clearly understands this is merely an illusion, and soon he will be stretched thin... Furrowing his brow tightly, staring at his skill slots, Gu Mo feels this is somewhat unreasonable.

Could it be — the reason lies in not having chosen a profession yet? Once a profession is opened, more slots can be unlocked, and at least professional-related skills can be equipped there?

He made this seemingly reasonable speculation, but with no evidence to support it, he could only sigh and reshuffle the skills.

Once prepared, he checked the items in his inventory. During this period, there have been some increases. Overall, the Yellow Springs Water has almost been consumed in frequent fast-clearing, and the Divine Water reserves have reduced by over half —

Primarily because Zhao Ma and the others are continuously engaging in high-intensity liver services, repeatedly helping him clear monsters, yet inevitably eroded by the power of demon aura. Using ordinary Shrine Purified Water isn't very effective and requires more time, so he generously added investment.

Moreover, the talismans have steadily increased; after all, every day he finds time and energy to make a variety, and consumption is relatively slow, naturally accumulating more and more.

But these things probably won't have much use in the future...

Gu Mo contemplated, ultimately relying on the guardian spirit's prowess and —

His gaze turned to the item placed in the first slot of the inventory, the green wood grain mask.

Knowing what it is, he recalled some impressions. If the assumption is correct, this thing might replace the guardian spirit in an instant, becoming his strongest playing card at hand presently. Whether based on the impression left by the movie "The Mask" or the described attribute effect annotation by the system, both seem to substantiate this.

— Emotional influence, lies come true, exaggerated style...

— Magic-like deception, whimsical pranks, casual special effects...

It seems there are many different abilities, many additional effects, but essentially all revolve around a core of unreasonable distortion or deception.

Distorting others' cognition, deceiving world rules?

Moreover, apart from only functioning at night, using this mask doesn't require any cost... No, it can't be cost-free, Gu Mo first denied this idea internally, ultimately staring at the system annotation note for quite some time.

Who knows how much time has passed, suddenly his room door was knocked, pulling him back from contemplation.

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