《Idle Cultivation System》


 A New Awakening

    The dim glow of a streetlight seeped through the cracks in the curtains, casting an ethereal hue across the shabby apartment. Qin Tianyu stirred on his threadbare mattress, his mind slowly emerging from the depths of slumber. As consciousness returned, a sense of unease settled over him, a shadow that had been haunting him for far too long.


    The relentless cycle had been his constant companion. The world outside was a cacophony of noise and urgency. It began at dawn when the alarm shattered his brief moments of tranquility. He would drag himself out of bed at 5 am, sleep still clinging to his eyes. The daily marathon had commenced.


    A worn bicycle stood against the wall, a faithful steed in his relentless journey. In the pre-dawn darkness, he pedaled through the empty streets to the train station. Fifteen minutes felt like an eternity, a mere precursor to what awaited him.


    The train, packed to the brim with weary commuters, offered no respite. Bodies pressed against bodies, an undulating mass of humanity. Two hours of this suffocating journey awaited him, a relentless symphony of noise and jostling.


    At the office, chaos reigned. The incessant ringing of phones formed a discordant chorus, intertwined with the shouted demands of his boss. Qin Tianyu''s fingers danced across the keyboard and phone as he logged in at 7:30 am, but there was no tranquility in the routine. Calls came in torrents, a ceaseless barrage that eroded his sanity. One call ended only for another to start, a relentless loop that offered no escape.


    Lunch was a distant fantasy, a luxury he couldn''t afford. The boss''s wrath loomed larger than hunger. The clock''s hands moved sluggishly as the day dragged on, inching toward the 7:30 pm release from his corporate prison. Each passing minute added weight to his weary shoulders, but his steps remained steadfast.


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    By the time the evening train arrived at his stop, fatigue was etched into every fiber of his being. The convenience store greeted him, a pit stop he visited as religiously as a pilgrimage. The cup of noodles was a symbol of sustenance in a life devoid of nourishment.


    Home was a cramped sanctuary, a shelter from the unending noise. He locked the world out, even his own thoughts. The noodles were consumed in solitude, a flavorless reminder of his existence. The mirror reflected a gaunt face, hollow eyes that stared back at him. Malnourished and worn thin, he was a stranger to himself.


    Depression embraced him as he settled into his creaking bed, the darkness a reflection of his spirit. An alarm was set, a beacon to another day of the same relentless grind.


    But then, something shifted. The suffocating monotony was interrupted, shattered by an unfamiliar sensation. When he woke, it was as if a weight had been lifted, a feeling he had long forgotten. A genuine smile tugged at his lips, unbidden.


    Confusion clouded his thoughts as he surveyed his surroundings. This wasn''t his room. Panic surged, his hand reaching for his phone, but it wasn''t where it should be. In its place was a sense of disorientation, a new reality he couldn''t comprehend.


    The air seemed to shimmer, his disarray mirrored by the sudden appearance of text before him.


    [DING System initiating...]


    Startled, he staggered back, his heart racing. An inexplicable message danced before his eyes.


    [Welcome host! You have reincarnated and been granted the idle cultivation system!]


    The words hung in the air, a surreal declaration of a reality he couldn''t fathom. As his racing mind tried to grasp this unexpected twist, the room itself seemed to shimmer, the walls and floor blending into a realm he had never known.


    The world had changed, and with it, so had Qin Tianyu''s fate.

 Unveiling the Unknown

    Staring at the unfamiliar surroundings, Qin Tianyu''s heart raced with a mix of confusion and disbelief. A voice echoed within his mind, a voice that didn''t belong to him. Panic took hold, and his thoughts spiraled into frantic denial.


    "No, no, this is a dream, this must be a dream. I''m dreaming right?" he muttered to himself, his voice trembling. But the response he received was as clear as the disorienting reality around him.


    [Negative - the host has passed from his previous life and has been transmigrated].


    The words pierced through his denial, a jolt of realization that sent shivers down his spine. His eyes darted around the room, searching for the source of the voice. "Who said that?" he demanded, his voice tinged with fear.


    A new voice echoed, one that was not his own, but seemed to originate from within his mind. [Greetings host! I am the Idle Cultivation System!]


    Confusion etched across Qin Tianyu''s features as he stared at nothingness, his mind racing to comprehend the impossible. "Idle cultivation system? What the hell is that? When will I wake up? I have to get to work!" His voice was tinged with desperation, each word a plea for escape from this incomprehensible reality.


    A knock on his door snapped his attention away from the internal turmoil. It was a soft knock, gentle yet filled with concern. "Son? Is everything okay? Who are you talking to in there?" A warm, maternal voice called out.


    Qin Tianyu froze. His mother? But he had never known a mother. He was abandoned as a baby, wasn''t he? Panic welled within him as he grappled with a reality that seemed to blur the lines of his past and present.


    [Host! I recommend you answer], the system chimed in, its digital tone cutting through the chaos within him.


    "I''m fine," he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper, more to appease the system''s suggestion than to convince himself.


    The door creaked open, revealing a woman whose eyes held genuine concern. Qin Li Mei, his supposed mother, stood at the threshold, her presence unfamiliar yet oddly comforting. She had an aura of warmth and care that he had never associated with his past.


    Qin Li Mei was of medium height with gentle curves that bespoke both resilience and grace. Her warm, brown eyes were like pools of kindness, reflecting a life filled with both joys and struggles. Her raven-black hair was streaked with threads of silver, a testament to the years she had lived.


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    Her attire was modest, reflecting a life of simple comfort. Yet, her presence exuded a quiet strength that made her seem larger than life, a stark contrast to the chaos that had dominated Qin Tianyu''s past existence.


    As Qin Li Mei stepped into the room, she looked at her son with concern. "Son, what''s wrong? You look pale as a ghost!" Her voice was laced with worry, her motherly instincts in full force.


    Confusion swirled within Qin Tianyu as he observed her. His mind raced to make sense of the inconceivable situation. "What the hell is going on? Can''t she see I''m not her son?" he thought, the dissonance between his memories and reality causing his heart to race.


    [Host! As previously stated - the host has transmigrated], the system interjected, answering his unspoken inquiry.


    His eyes widened. "You mean this is real?" he blurted out, his voice betraying a mixture of shock and disbelief.


    Qin Li Mei responded, her voice still filled with concern, "Is what real, son? You''re making me worried. I''ll go call a doctor!" She moved to leave, her steps hurried.


    Panicking at the thought of strangers entering his life, Qin Tianyu quickly stopped her. "No, it''s fine. I''m sorry, I just didn''t sleep well and haven''t woken up properly yet!" His voice trembled as he forced himself to sound convincing.


    Though not entirely convinced, Qin Li Mei''s love for her son overruled her concerns. "Okay, son," she said, her voice softening. "I''ll go make you some breakfast. Make sure you wash up."


    As she closed the sliding door, Qin Tianyu released a breath he hadn''t realized he''d been holding. The room seemed to close in around him, a maelstrom of questions, doubts, and disbelief swirling within him.


    "System?" he called out, his voice wavering.


    The system responded promptly, [Yes, host?]


    Tianyu''s voice was filled with urgency, "So... this is all real?"


    The system''s response was unwavering, [Yes, host!]


    A flood of questions overwhelmed him, each one a cry for understanding.


    "Tianyu: ''So I died?''


    [Yes, host!]


    Tianyu: ''And now I''m here, in this world?


    [Yes, host!]


    Tianyu: ''So... What exactly is this world?''


    The system embarked on a comprehensive explanation, introducing Qin Tianyu to the world of murim, a realm defined by martial arts, cultivation, and profound mysteries. It painted a vivid picture of a world teeming with energy, power, and uncharted potential.


    As the system''s explanations continued, Qin Tianyu''s questions grew more specific.


    "Tianyu: ''So... what are you?''


    [I am the Idle Cultivation System, host.]


    The system meticulously detailed its features, outlining its role as a guide, facilitator, and source of growth on his journey.


    Tianyu: ''So, I have transmigrated into a world of martial arts and cultivation?''


    [Yes, host!]


    Tianyu: ''And you are a system that is here to help me?''


    [Yes, host!]


    Tianyu: ''So, what the hell do I do now? Who even am I now?''


    And so, the system unveiled the life and lineage of Qin Tianyu in this new world, intertwining his past with the present he had woken up to. As each piece of information fell into place, a puzzle emerged, offering him a glimpse of the future he could forge in this unfamiliar world.


    Tianyu''s voice trembled with uncertainty, "So I am also called Qin Tianyu in this world?"


    [Yes, host!]


    Tianyu took a shaky breath, his voice more resolute, "That''s helpful, at least. But I still don''t have enough information..."


    [Host! You can exchange exp points to unlock the memories of the original Qin Tianyu!]


    His eyes widened, his heart racing at the prospect of understanding his newfound existence. "You can do that?"


    [Yes, host! Would you like to proceed?]


    Tianyu: "Yes!"


    And so, with the deduction of a mere 10 exp points, the veil that shrouded the past was lifted, revealing memories that were not his own but now held the key to his identity in this unfamiliar world.

 Embracing Identity and Love

    The sea of memories cascaded through Qin Tianyu''s consciousness like a rushing river, each scene painting a vivid picture of the life he now inhabited. As the memories unfolded before him, he could feel the anguish, the joy, the pain, and the love that had shaped the original Qin Tianyu''s existence.


    He witnessed the chilling presence of Qin Zhao Ren, a man who appeared as a father yet exuded coldness and heartlessness. Memories of disdainful glances, harsh words, and a constant sense of inadequacy washed over him. His heart burned with anger, feeling the weight of years of resentment.


    Then, like a gentle breeze, he experienced the warmth of Qin Li Mei, a woman whose love and care radiated from every memory. Her loving embrace, her soothing words, and the unwavering support she had shown despite her own struggles left him with a lump in his throat. He had never experienced a mother''s love, and witnessing it now tugged at emotions he didn''t even know he had.


    The memories continued to flow, painting a heartbreaking picture of being treated as an outcast due to his lack of cultivation talent. The humiliation of being shunned by his own family, the sneers of those who saw him as worthless, it all etched itself into his soul. And then the memory that cut the deepest ¨C being kicked out of the Qin family, the place where he should have belonged, and the shame his mother had endured.


    Tears welled up in Qin Tianyu''s eyes, a mixture of anger, humiliation, and sorrow surging within him. But amidst the maelstrom of emotions, a beacon of love shone through ¨C the love he had witnessed in every interaction with Qin Li Mei. It was a love that transcended blood ties, a love that had kept her strong through the darkest of times.


    With a deep breath, he looked up at the ceiling, his voice a mixture of gratitude and determination.


    "Thank you, system, for showing me those memories. Now I feel more like I belong in this body."


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    In response, a chime echoed, [The system reminds the host that his mother is waiting for him for breakfast]


    Tianyu quickly got out of bed and washed up, his mind racing with a newfound sense of purpose. As he stood before the clothes, he couldn''t help but feel a sense of helplessness. He was a modern man thrown into a world of unfamiliar clothing. He turned to the system for guidance.


    [Host! In this world, these are the common clothes worn, in your original world these would be similar to your ''Hanfu'', ''Daopao'' or ''Shenyi''. Most commonly are just referred to as ''Robes'' or for martial artists they wear ''Battle Dresses'' which provide them with more protection!]


    [Host! The system will impart the knowledge of how to dress, free of charge!]


    He couldn''t help but retort, "Are you mocking me?"


    The system''s reply was swift and candid, [Yes, host!]


    Tianyu huffed, both frustrated and amused, as he followed the system''s instructions to get dressed.


    Walking down the hallway, he observed the worn surroundings, each detail a testament to a life he had never known. As he entered the kitchen, the aroma of breakfast filled the air, and his eyes settled on the woman who had shown him a love he had never experienced.


    Qin Li Mei''s warm smile welcomed him, and her voice held a melody of care and affection as she greeted him. The pained look that briefly flashed across her face when she placed a simple bowl of rice before him didn''t escape his notice. Yet, he was filled with gratitude and a longing to provide more for her.


    Breakfast passed in quiet companionship, a mixture of unfamiliarity and genuine love between mother and son. She shared her plans for the day, inquiring about his well-being, and he responded, still grappling with the reality of having a mother. Her struggles had never ceased, yet her strength and love remained steadfast.


    As breakfast concluded, Qin Li Mei cleared the table, her actions a testament to her role as both a mother and a provider. Tianyu''s intention to retreat to his room wavered, a desire to convey his feelings pressing against his uncertainty.


    Approaching her from behind, he pulled her into a hesitant hug. She started but didn''t resist, her surprise mingled with a warmth that mirrored the love he had seen in her memories. In a quiet whisper, he expressed his gratitude, his determination to improve their circumstances. As he released her, he closed the door to his room, leaving her with a small smile and a tear in her eye.


    In his room, Tianyu''s thoughts churned with determination. He had seen the struggles, felt the emotions, and embraced the love that defined this world. "System!" he called out.


    [Yes, host?]


    "It''s time to get started!".


    [Yes, host!]


    Tianyu''s voice held a newfound resolve, a commitment to reshape his destiny, protect the love he had found, and stand against the adversities that lay ahead.

 Unveiling the Path of Cultivation

    Sitting on the edge of his futon, the weight of his new reality settling upon him, Qin Tianyu contemplated his next steps. "First things first," he mused aloud, "I can''t keep calling you system. If you''re going to be with me forever, I need to think of a name. How about Sophia?"


    The system replied promptly, [Understood, host! Changing name to Sophia]


    With a newfound sense of familiarity, Tianyu''s thoughts turned toward understanding the intricacies of the system that had become an integral part of his existence. "Sophia, give me more details about how the system works."


    [Understood, host!] The response was punctual, followed by a deluge of information that poured into his mind.


    Sophia provided a comprehensive explanation of every facet of the system:


    Experience Reserve: He could store excess experience points in a reserve, allowing him to control when to allocate them for his cultivation, skills, or other enhancements.


    Earning Experience Points: He could earn experience points by sleeping, cultivating during the day, or by engaging in battles with creatures or cultivators.


    System Shop: The shop allowed him to spend experience points on various items, including pills, formulas, spirit beast eggs, techniques, and weapons.


    Sign-In System: He could sign in daily to receive rewards, including experience points, items, and other valuable resources.


    Feats of Strength: Achieving remarkable feats would earn him system rewards, enhancing his progress and capabilities.


    Gacha System: He could use experience points to spin the gacha for random rewards that scaled with his cultivation level.


    Alchemy: He could fuse ingredients using the system to perform alchemy, creating powerful pills and items.


    Equipment Forging and Enchanting: With the system''s guidance, he could forge and enchant weapons and equipment to enhance their attributes.


    As Sophia continued explaining, Qin Tianyu sat wide-eyed and amazed. The sheer scope of what the system offered left him both exhilarated and overwhelmed.


    "Wow," he murmured as Sophia''s explanations came to a halt, "that''s a lot."


    The system''s reply oozed with pride, [Yes, host! Sophia is the most advanced system that is able to help you achieve all of your dreams.]


    Tianyu took a moment to absorb everything he had learned before delving further into his inquiries. "So I can spend my experience points from my ''exp pool'' to directly raise my cultivation level."


    [Yes, host!]


    "And what is my current cultivation level?" he asked, curious to know where he stood.


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    [Host, you are yet to start on the road of cultivation. Currently, the host is a normal human.]


    "I see," he muttered to himself, contemplating his starting point. "So if I can gain 1 exp for every hour I sleep, how long will this take me to raise myself to the next level?"


    Sophia''s response was swift and precise, providing him with the information he sought.


    [Host, the next level requires 500xp to advance to the Foundation realm - initiate. This will take the host 500 hours of sleep, or 62.5 days, providing the host sleeps 8 hours per night.]


    Tianyu''s lips curled into a thoughtful smile. "Two months to step onto the path of cultivation isn''t bad," he mused aloud.


    Interrupting his thoughts, Sophia chimed in, [Host! Sophia would like to remind the host that the host can also cultivate himself during the day, provided the host learns how.]


    The realization hit him like a bolt of lightning. "Why didn''t I think of that?" he exclaimed, a mix of excitement and regret welling up within him.


    Sophia was about to respond, but he anticipated her response, quickly adding, "No sarcastic remarks from you, please."


    For once, Sophia remained silent, her absence of a retort confirming the point he had just made.


    "Sophia, explain to me the realms of martial arts," Tianyu''s curiosity led him to seek a deeper understanding of the world he was now a part of.


    [Yes, host!] Sophia''s voice conveyed an air of expertise as she meticulously elucidated the ten realms of cultivation, each one representing a pinnacle of power and skill.


    [Initiate Realm: The starting point of cultivation, where one learns the basics of Qi manipulation and begins their journey into martial arts.]


    [True Qi Realm: Practitioners begin to cultivate their internal energy, enabling them to perform basic Qi-based attacks and defensive techniques.]


    [Spiritual Embryo Realm: At this stage, cultivators start forming their spiritual core, which enhances their strength and allows them to utilize more complex techniques.]


    [Elemental Attunement Realm: Cultivators gain the ability to attune with elemental forces, such as fire, water, wind, and earth, adding elemental attributes to their attacks.]


    [Celestial Harmony Realm: This level signifies a harmonious fusion between the cultivator''s body, Qi, and spirit, resulting in a significant power boost and access to higher-tier techniques.]


    [Void Serenity Realm: At this transcendent stage, cultivators can manipulate space and time on a small scale, granting them incredible speed and reaction abilities.]


    [Ethereal Sovereign Realm: Cultivators at this level can harness ethereal energy to unleash devastating attacks, manipulate the environment, and even exhibit minor control over life and death.]


    [Divine Ascendant Realm: One of the highest mortal ranks, practitioners attain god-like power, with control over natural elements, celestial bodies, and the ability to heal severe injuries.]


    [Mythical Apex Realm: A realm rumored only in legends, where cultivators approach the boundaries of immortality, wielding immense cosmic power and the capacity to shape reality itself.]


    Tianyu''s excitement couldn''t be contained. "That sounds really cool!" he exclaimed with genuine enthusiasm.


    Sophia tried to mimic his excitement, but her artificial tone only made him chuckle.


    "Sophia, how many exp points are in my pool right now?" he inquired, curious about his current resources.


    Sophia promptly responded, explaining that the pool contained zero experience points after he used some to access the memories of the previous Qin Tianyu.


    "I see," he pondered, "So there''s nothing I can do right now until I sleep, as I currently have no cultivation technique."


    Sophia chimed in, her tone eager, [Host! There is still a newbie gift pack to open - a welcome into your new life!]


    Tianyu''s surprise was evident. "I get a gift now on top of all of this?"


    "Open it," he instructed, a mix of anticipation and gratitude coloring his words.


    [Yes, host!] Sophia''s response was swift, as a sense of excitement emanated from her digital presence.


    The gift pack unfolded before him:


    1x Blood Cleansing Pill


    1x Marrow Cleansing Pill


    1x Ticket for a Free Gacha Spin


    1x Low-level Technique Manual for the Polearm


    1x Free Weapon Redemption


    Tianyu''s eyes widened as he processed the contents. "This is... incredible."


    Sophia''s digital voice conveyed satisfaction, [Yes, host! It is a gesture to welcome you into this new world and aid you on your journey.]


    A grin tugged at the corners of Tianyu''s lips. "Alright, Sophia, let''s make the most of this." He glanced at the low-level technique manual for the polearm, a weapon he had always admired. "Maybe it''s time to learn something new."


    Sophia responded, her tone encouraging, [Certainly, host! The path to greatness starts with the first step.]


    Tianyu''s excitement grew as he picked up the technique manual, the words of his new life echoing in his mind. With each turn of the page, he felt a surge of determination to mold himself into a formidable cultivator, protect the love he had found, and rise above the challenges that lay ahead.

 Unveiling Treasures and Techniques

    With eager anticipation, Tianyu flipped through the technique manual from end to end, only to be prompted by the system:


    [Host! Would you like to absorb this technique manual?]


    Puzzled but intrigued, he questioned, "Absorb? What do you mean?"


    Sophia, with her characteristic enthusiasm, explained, [Host! With the power of the system, you can directly absorb all knowledge from any technique manual. However, diligent practice is still essential; the system is here to assist you.]


    "Intriguing," he nodded, "I''d like to see how it works."


    Sophia complied, and the book disintegrated into particles that flowed into his mind through his glabella. An odd sensation followed as new information instantly filled his head. He marveled at his newfound grasp of the manual''s contents without the need to flip through pages.


    "Amazing!" he exclaimed, his wonder apparent.


    Sophia chimed in with pride, [Host, this is just the beginning!]


    His excitement mounted as he saw an apparition manifest before him¡ªnone other than himself.


    "Whoa!" His shock was palpable as he instinctively recoiled. But he soon realized that this ethereal presence was his training avatar. "Sophia, what''s going on?"


    [Host! Do not be alarmed,] she reassured him, explaining the concept of the avatar. [This is your training avatar. It will guide you in learning.]


    Tianyu relaxed, a bit embarrassed by his initial reaction. "Alright, that''s...unexpected. So, how does this avatar guide me?"


    [Observe!] Sophia instructed.


    The lifeless avatar sprang to life, brandishing a polearm and executing fluid movements and strikes. Tianyu''s initial shock turned into worry as he exclaimed, "Watch out!" fearing the avatar might accidentally demolish his surroundings. Fortunately, as Sophia had explained, the avatar phased through objects.


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    Heaving a sigh of relief, he suggested, "Maybe we should find a more spacious place for this?"


    Sophia agreed, [Yes, host! We shall postpone this part until we have more room.]


    "So, the avatar demonstrates the technique, and I imitate?" he clarified.


    [That''s one approach, host!] Sophia confirmed.


    Curious, he probed further, "And what''s the other approach?"


    [The host can use exp points to gain inspiration for techniques, which teaches the technique but practice is still essential.]


    "Ah, the difference between theoretical and practical knowledge."


    [Exactly, host! Additionally, you can use the system shop to access various training avatars.]


    "What types of training avatars are available?"


    [There are numerous options, host! The specific avatar I mentioned earlier practices techniques for you while you sleep.]


    "But wouldn''t practicing myself be more effective?" he questioned.


    Sophia elaborated, [Yes, host! Let me clarify. Directly assimilated knowledge can bring quick power, but when facing experts who''ve personally mastered the same techniques, those who practiced from scratch hold a deeper understanding. Practicing still yields the most profound results. The training avatar practices what you''ve learned while you sleep, and its effectiveness rivals personal practice.]


    "That makes sense. The avatar hones my skills while I rest," he concluded.


    [And it can be just as effective as if you practiced personally,] Sophia affirmed.


    "I think I''ve got it. I appreciate the explanation." He changed the topic. "Now, tell me about these pills."


    [Certainly, host!] Sophia proceeded to explain the functions of the Blood Cleansing Pill and the Marrow Cleansing Pill. [The Blood Cleansing pill is used to purify the blood, leading to benefits such as improved health, faster cultivation progress, enhanced abilities, and removal of curses or impurities. The Marrow Cleansing Pill does the same, just to the marrow.]


    Tianyu listened intently, building a foundation of understanding.


    "Now," he continued, "how can I redeem a free weapon?"


    [Host, simply ask, and I shall provide you with a weapon of your choice,] Sophia informed him.


    "Alright then, considering I''ve learned polearm techniques, I should have a polearm. Please redeem one for me."


    [Of course, host!] A moment later, Sophia''s voice confirmed, [Congratulations, host! You''ve redeemed a growth-type weapon.]


    "Growth type? What''s that?" Tianyu inquired.


    Sophia explained, [A growth-type weapon evolves in power alongside its master. Each advancement in your cultivation will correspond to growth in the weapon''s strength.]


    "Interesting," he mused. "Show me the weapon."


    Before him materialized a long wooden handle, approximately 6 feet in length, crowned by a metal spear tip. Adorning the side of the spear tip was a crescent-shaped blade, while a metal spike adorned the weapon''s butt.


    "This is my new weapon?" he questioned, somewhat bewildered.


    [Yes, host! This is your growth-type polearm, the ''Sky-Piercing Halberd,''] Sophia confirmed.


    "''Sky-Piercing Halberd''? Why does that sound so familiar?" he pondered, wracking his brain for an answer. The origin of the name eluded him.


    "This is going to drive me crazy!" he declared with a hint of frustration.


    "Sophia, shall we give the gacha wheel a spin?" he suggested.


    [Of course, host!]


    With anticipation, he watched the wheel turn, awaiting the unveiling of his next surprise.

 The Gift of Renewal

    Tianyu''s fingers hovered over the gacha wheel, his anticipation palpable. With a decisive flick, he spun the wheel, watching as it spun and gradually came to a halt. His prize materialized before him: a delicate necklace adorned with a light blue, tear-drop gem.


    Sophia''s voice chimed in with congratulations, [Congratulations, host! You have won a Necklace of Renewal.]


    He held the necklace in his hand, captivated by its beauty. His curiosity prompted him to ask, "It''s beautiful. What does it do?"


    Sophia responded, [The Necklace of Renewal has a wonderful effect. It makes the wearer feel refreshed and imbues a sense of calmness.]


    "Hmm," Tianyu pondered. "I know exactly what to do with this."


    With the necklace in hand, he walked to the door and slid it open. Stepping out, he ventured through his house and into a small courtyard. There, he found his mother, Qin Li Mei, crouched by a wall tending to a small flower bed.


    A smile curved his lips as he approached her. "Mother?" he called out.


    Qin Li Mei turned, her eyes lighting up as she spotted her son. "What is it, son?" she responded, her smile warm.


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    A hint of bashfulness crossed Tianyu''s face. The term "son" still carried an unfamiliarity that made him slightly self-conscious. "I have a gift for you," he said, his hand extended to present the necklace.


    Observing the bashful demeanor of her son, a gentle smile graced Qin Li Mei''s lips. It reminded her of the times when he was a young boy, picking flowers for her.


    Taking the offered gift, her eyes widened as she took in the necklace''s exquisite craftsmanship and the ocean-blue, tear-drop gem at its center.


    Her surprise didn''t go unnoticed, and Tianyu hastened to explain, "I found this gem by the river a few months ago. I thought of giving it to you as a present. But I couldn''t simply hand you a raw gem like I would have done as a child. I wanted to give you something beautiful, something you could wear with pride. So, I used the money I''d been saving and took the gem to old man Zhao."


    Qin Li Mei''s expression held a mix of emotions as she listened to her son''s story.


    Tianyu continued, "Old man Zhao said he could craft a necklace for you, but it would cost quite a bit. We struck a deal ¨C he could keep half of the gem, and I would pay the rest, along with sweeping his shop for three months."


    Her brow furrowed in puzzlement. "When did you do all this? I never noticed you leaving the house every day."


    Tianyu responded with a playful grin, "If you had, it wouldn''t have been much of a surprise, would it?"


    Qin Li Mei''s hesitance was evident as she clutched the necklace in her hand, seemingly lost in thought.


    Noticing her internal struggle, Tianyu stepped closer and gently placed the necklace around her neck. A soothing coolness spread from the gem, calming both her body and mind.


    "Mother," Tianyu began in a tender yet firm tone, "this gift pales in comparison to everything you''ve given me. The sacrifices you''ve made, the pain and frustration you must have endured over the years. And yet, you''ve never once placed blame on me, even when it was due to me."


    Tianyu anticipated her objections and quickly continued, "No, don''t interrupt. I''m not a child anymore, mother. I understand that we were expelled from the Qin family due to my lack of cultivation talent."


    As a tear escaped Qin Li Mei''s eye, Tianyu gently wiped it away. "But things will change now," he said with an earnest smile. He leaned down and pressed a loving kiss to her forehead. "No more worries, mother. As a man, it''s my duty to step up and prove myself ¨C not to the Qin family, not to my ''father,'' not to anyone. But to myself."


    His gaze met hers, brimming with affection. "I''ll give you the life you deserve. I promise."

 The Path of Training

    Tianyu''s heart warmed as he saw his mother''s tears of emotion. With a reassuring smile, he turned to leave. A playful gleam appeared in his eyes as he glanced back over his shoulder. "Oh, and mother?"


    Her tearful eyes met his.


    Grinning mischievously, he declared, "Starting today, I''ll be taking over the courtyard."


    Before Qin Li Mei could respond, he cut in again, his expression filled with affection. "Love you, mother. Bye!" He darted away, laughter echoing in the air.


    Qin Li Mei stood there, laughter mingling with her surprise. Her son had a way of getting his way with his charm, just like when he was a child.


    Back in his room, Tianyu called out to Sophia, "Sophia?"


    [Yes, host?] she responded.


    He recalled something she had mentioned earlier. "You mentioned a sign-in system, right?"


    [Indeed, host! You can sign in once per day. Would you like to sign in now?] she asked.


    Tianyu''s curiosity piqued, he agreed, "Yes."


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    The result of his sign-in was announced, [Congratulations Host! You have signed in and received 1x Cloud Chasing Footwork Technique.]


    Tianyu mused, "A footwork technique, huh? Just like they always said, footwork being the foundation of martial arts, is as essential as fire in cooking."


    Sophia concurred, [Yes, host! Footwork holds great importance. Would you like to absorb this technique?]


    Tianyu''s excitement bubbled over, "And I can absorb footwork too? This is fantastic!"


    Sophia joined in his enthusiasm, [Indeed, host! This is indeed fantastic.]


    "Sophia," he inquired, "with footwork, can I also follow along with the avatar?"


    Sophia corrected his assumption, [No, host. Footwork training is a bit more intricate. Merely watching and copying wouldn''t suffice at your current level.]


    "I see," Tianyu acknowledged with a touch of disappointment. "So, how can you assist me with this?"


    [Let me demonstrate, host.] Sophia offered.


    In an instant, his room was marked with glowing blue footprints, one of them shimmering in yellow.


    "So, instead of an avatar, I follow the projection," Tianyu grasped the concept.


    [Yes, host! Begin by learning the basics of the footwork technique by following the yellow trail.] Sophia instructed.


    "Got it!" Tianyu was eager to dive in.


    Realizing that his room wasn''t large enough for proper training, he stepped into the courtyard that was now free from his mother''s attention.


    "Sophia, show me the technique again!"


    The courtyard immediately lit up with blue footprints, one standing out in yellow.


    Following Sophia''s guidance, Tianyu stepped onto the yellow footmark, which triggered the appearance of another. He continued this pattern a few times before stumbling and missing his mark.


    Sophia chimed in with praise, [Congratulations, host, for gaining 1 exp during this training session.]


    Perplexed, Tianyu asked, "I gained exp just for a few steps?"


    Sophia clarified, [Yes, host! Once you commence training, you start accumulating exp. The longer you train and the more intensively you do so, the more exp you''ll earn. You trained for 8.4 seconds before faltering, and you were awarded 1 exp point right from the start.]


    "So, a training session lasts until I fail? What if I never do?" Tianyu inquired with a hint of smugness.


    [If the host continues training without interruption, the host will keep accumulating exp points.] Sophia answered matter-of-factly.


    A smile spread across Tianyu''s face as he absorbed this information. Determination ignited within him. "Regardless of the outcome, I''ll keep earning exp points. This marks my first steps into the world of cultivation!" he declared with newfound resolve.

 Persistence Pays

    Tianyu was determined to master the Cloud Chasing Footwork Technique. He got right back to practicing, following the yellow footprints on the ground as diligently as possible. His attempts at the technique were filled with grit and a burning desire to improve.


    He started with just 8 seconds before faltering, then managed to push it to 10 seconds, and slowly but surely, he progressed further: 20 seconds, 30 seconds, and more. Time seemed to blur as he dedicated himself to this rigorous training.


    Eventually, exhaustion took over, and Tianyu slumped to the ground, his breaths coming in ragged gasps.


    "Sophia?" he called out.


    [Yes, host?] she answered.


    He wiped the sweat from his brow and inquired, "How long have I been practicing?"


    [Host, you have been practicing for 3 hours, 13 minutes, and 53 seconds] she replied.


    Tianyu was surprised at how quickly time had passed. "And how many attempts did I make in that time?"


    [Host, you have attempted to complete the footwork 42 times] she informed him.


    Tianyu''s eyes widened. "And how many exp points does that give me?"


    [Host, you now have a total of 43 exp points] she revealed.


    "Only 43? I thought I got more exp the longer I trained?" he wondered.


    Sophia clarified, [Host, to clarify your exp rate goes up with continuous or strenuous training. Each time the host failed to complete the steps and restarted, the exp reset.]


    Understanding, Tianyu nodded. "I see, so it''s about consistency and intensity. And how much of the technique have I managed to learn so far?"


    Sophia responded flatly, [Host, so far, the furthest you have managed to complete is 1.83% of the technique.]


    Tianyu looked a bit disheartened. "Only that much?"


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    Sophia tried to console him, [Host, the Cloud Chasing Footwork Technique is a Peak Foundation level technique, and the host has yet to reach Initiate Foundation. Even gaining a basic understanding is impressive.]


    Tianyu agreed with a determined expression. "You''re right. I need to be patient and diligent to enter the Foundation realm."


    [Yes, host,] Sophia affirmed. [A journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step.]


    After a brief rest to catch his breath, Tianyu decided to move on to his polearm training.


    "Sophia, please activate the avatar for polearm training," he requested.


    [Yes, host!] Sophia confirmed, and the avatar came to life in the courtyard.


    Tianyu summoned his polearm from his system inventory and observed the avatar closely. The avatar was holding a polearm of its own, and Tianyu watched its stance intently.


    The avatar stood there with its legs wide apart and knees slightly bent. Tianyu mimicked the position, attempting to replicate it precisely.


    But the avatar remained motionless.


    Perplexed, Tianyu maintained the same stance, his leg muscles starting to burn from the effort. Minutes passed, and the avatar didn''t move.


    A couple more minutes went by, and Tianyu''s leg muscles screamed in pain as he tried to maintain the position. Finally, he collapsed to the ground, unable to bear the strain any longer.


    "Sophia, what happened? Did the avatar crash or something?" he asked, bewildered.


    [No, host] Sophia responded.


    "Then what happened?" Tianyu inquired, a hint of frustration in his voice.


    Sophia explained patiently, [The host must copy the avatar''s stance entirely before the avatar will proceed to the next movement sequence.]


    "But I did that!" Tianyu protested. "I made sure my feet were apart, knees were bent properly, not too high or low¡ªwhat went wrong?"


    Sophia directed his attention to the finer details, [Yes, host, you managed to mimic the stance, but observe how the avatar is holding the polearm.]


    [Where you grip the polearm is just as vital as your foot positioning] she clarified. [A polearm isn''t like a sword with a single grip. Different hand placements will affect how the weapon behaves.]


    Tianyu listened intently, his determination unshaken. After all, he was no slouch.


    With shaky legs, he stood back up and resumed his training. This time, he paid attention to both his stance and the way he held the polearm, just as the avatar did.


    The avatar sprang to life, its movements fluid and precise. It brought the polearm close to its body, thrusting it forward while extending its rear leg. It twisted its upper body and completed a stabbing motion, following through the strike before retracting the weapon to its starting position.


    The avatar repeated this sequence continuously, allowing Tianyu to watch and attempt to emulate the entire motion.


    Tianyu observed in awe, his mouth agape. What initially seemed like a simple move had numerous intricate details. And the speed at which the avatar executed the technique was astonishing, though it was slowed down for better understanding.


    Determined, he decided, "Sophia, can you create a target for me?"


    [Yes, host] she confirmed, and a virtual target appeared in his line of sight.


    After a few more observations of the avatar''s movements, Tianyu felt ready to strike. He mirrored the form and moves precisely, dropping his hips, springing forward, thrusting his arms, and twisting his upper body. But, to his embarrassment, he missed the target entirely.


    Frustrated, he turned to Sophia for guidance. "Sophia, can you tell me what I did wrong this time?"


    [Host, what you did was not incorrect] she clarified. [However, the issue lies with your physical condition.]


    Tianyu''s heart sank momentarily, recalling the time he and his mother had been expelled from the Qin family due to his lack of cultivation talent.


    Sensing his distress, Sophia offered reassurance, [Host, your body is that of a normal human who has yet to achieve the Foundation realm. You inherited the physical condition of the original Qin Tianyu, who gave up practicing martial arts at the age of 10.]


    Listening carefully, Tianyu absorbed the explanation.


    [Host, today you''ve already pushed your body to the limit with hours of footwork training, and now you''ve taken up a polearm for the first time in both your lives. It''s no surprise that you missed the target] Sophia explained. [What is surprising is that you can even lift the polearm in your current state.]


    Tianyu felt better after hearing this. "Thank you, Sophia," he said, grateful for her guidance and understanding.

 Triumph of Will

    Tianyu stood on shaky legs, a fierce determination burning in his eyes. He knew he had to push through the pain, the fatigue, and his own limitations. He couldn''t allow himself to falter. Every miss was a lesson; every failure was a stepping stone to success.


    He executed the move again and again, missing each time. His arms burned, and his legs ached, but he refused to yield. Sweat poured from his face, his breathing grew heavy, yet he pressed on. Miss, miss, miss, miss¡ªit became a relentless cycle.


    [Host,] he heard her voice, [The system recommends that you stop and take a break.]


    Tianyu''s resolve remained unwavering. "No."


    [Host,] Sophia chimed in again, her voice laced with concern, [If you continue, you risk injuring yourself.]


    "I will not stop until he does!" Tianyu declared, referring to the relentless training avatar before him.


    [Host,] Sophia tried to reason with him, [The training avatar is an illusion. It will never stop.]


    "Then I will never stop!" Tianyu shouted adamantly, sweat pouring from his face, his determination unwavering.


    Sophia''s voice held a worried tone as she said, [Yes, host...]


    Minutes turned into hours. One minute, two minutes, five, ten, twenty, thirty minutes¡ªan hour. Still, Tianyu pushed himself, and the floor beneath him began to look as if a rainstorm had passed through.


    Two hours passed, then three, then four. The floor beneath Tianyu was now crimson from the blood dripping from his hands. His body could barely stay upright, his form trembling with each movement. His arms could hardly lift the polearm, and his pace had slowed to a crawl. Every tiny movement sent waves of agony through his exhausted muscles, but he persevered.


    Though his body was in tatters, his eyes remained crystal clear and focused. He had lost track of time; it could have been minutes or days. All he could see was the target before him, and he was determined to hit it. The more he swung, the worse his aim became.


    However, focus alone couldn''t sustain his fatigued body. His vision darkened around the edges, and his peripheral sight grew hazy.


    "No! I will not pass out. I will not fall," Tianyu thought to himself. But it was a losing battle. His body had reached its limits hours ago. Only sheer willpower kept him going.


    "I won''t stop! I can''t stop! I owe her too much!" Tianyu screamed inwardly, the image of Qin Li Mei flashing in his mind.


    With a final burst of strength, fueled by his love for his newfound mother, Tianyu summoned the last reserves of energy. He performed another thrust, bringing his weapon close and dropping the butt to his hip. He pushed off with his rear leg, lifted his arms, and thrust forward in a stabbing motion. This time, his strike landed true. After all this time, he finally hit his target.


    Looking in shock, he glanced at the training avatar, which had stopped moving and began to fade away. It signaled that Tianyu had completed this stage of the training manual. His body collapsed onto the ground, and he lay on his back, gasping for breath.


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    With a triumphant laugh, he declared, "Hahahaha! I told you! I told you, Sophia! I wouldn''t stop until he does!" Consciousness faded as he basked in his hard-fought victory.


    Sophia chimed in, her voice filled with pride, [Yes, host. Congratulations on your victory.]


    Qin Li Mei, who had watched her son push himself beyond his limits, was in tears. She couldn''t find the words to express her emotions, nor could she bear to intervene. This was a battle he had to fight with himself¡ªand it seemed like he had finally won.


    The next morning:


    With the pain still throbbing in his body, Tianyu attempted to get out of bed, only to be met with a jolt of agony that sent him back down onto the mattress. He winced and gritted his teeth, realizing he had pushed himself to the brink and beyond.


    Sophia''s voice chimed in, breaking the silence, [Good morning, Host! You have slept for 16 hours and have accumulated 16 experience points.]


    Still groggy from his long slumber, Tianyu murmured, "16 hours? I was out for that long?"


    [Yes, Host,] Sophia confirmed. [You passed out in the courtyard yesterday after your training.]


    Tianyu rubbed his temples as he tried to piece together the events of the previous day. "That''s right... I was in the courtyard. But why am I in bed now?"


    [Host, after you lost consciousness yesterday, your mother called for help, and a large male neighbor assisted in carrying you to your bed,] Sophia explained.


    Tianyu nodded, realizing that the "large male" mentioned was likely their neighbor, Mister Hao. The towering carpenter had always been a quiet but dependable presence in their lives.


    Attempting to sit up again, Tianyu was met with a sharp pain that forced him to lie back down.


    "Arrgh!" he exclaimed, unable to suppress his discomfort.


    Qin Li Mei quickly entered his room with a worried expression. "Son?"


    Tianyu managed a pained smile. "Oh, good morning, mother. Seems like I might have gone a bit overboard yesterday."


    Qin Li Mei playfully smacked him on the head. "You think? If Mister Hao hadn''t been around, you''d still be sprawled out in the courtyard."


    Chuckling through his discomfort, Tianyu admitted, "Sorry about that. But, hey, I''m paying the price for it now, huh? I''ll have to go apologize to Mister Hao once I can walk again."


    Qin Li Mei laughed, exasperated. She left his room, closing the door behind her.


    Tianyu looked around his room, his eyes settling on the small, glowing blue icon of his system interface. "Sophia?" he called.


    [Yes, Host?] Sophia replied.


    "How many experience points do I have in my pool now?" he inquired, mentally estimating that he might have around 60 points.


    [Host, you currently have 274 experience points in your pool,] Sophia responded.


    Tianyu''s eyes widened in shock. "Eh? 274? How is that possible?"


    [Host, after gaining 43 experience points from training your Cloud Chasing Foot Technique, you spent an additional 4 hours, 52 minutes, and 11 seconds training in your Basic Poleaxe technique, which gained you 215 experience points. Lastly, your 16-hour sleep granted you another 16 points, bringing your total to 274.]


    Tianyu''s confusion deepened. "But... I trained my polearm technique for less than 5 hours. How did I earn so many points from that when training my footwork technique only earned me so few?"


    [Simple, host,] Sophia explained. [While training your footwork technique, each time you restarted, your experience multiplier also reset. However, when you trained your polearm technique, there were no breaks and no restarts after your initial failure. Additionally, the intensity of your training matters. The 4 hours, 52 minutes, and 11 seconds you spent in a state of hyper-focus, pushing your body beyond its limits, made your training session much more intense.]


    Tianyu absorbed the information, nodding slowly. "I understand. So, the most effective way for me to gain experience points quickly isn''t just to train for the longest time, but to push myself past my limits and always go above and beyond in my training?"


    [That is correct, host,] Sophia confirmed. [However, the host must also exercise caution, as, as I warned you yesterday, you have injured yourself, which will impact your training.]


    "Understood," Tianyu acknowledged.


    He paused for a moment before asking, "Sophia, how much do avatars cost?"


    [Host, the cost of avatars increases as you acquire more of them. They scale up in points,] Sophia explained.


    "And how much would my first avatar purchase cost?" Tianyu inquired, already planning for the future.


    [Host, the first avatar purchase requires 50 experience points, and this cost doubles with each subsequent purchase,] Sophia clarified.


    "Got it," Tianyu said, mentally calculating. "And what types of avatars are available?"


    [The host''s request for an avatar is fulfilled by the system. There are no limitations on avatar functions,] Sophia replied.


    Tianyu''s eyes lit up with excitement. "Sophia, I''d like to purchase an avatar."


    [Yes, host! What function would you like your new avatar to have?] Sophia inquired with an almost salesperson-like tone.


    "I want this new avatar to be able to cultivate for me 24/7," Tianyu requested.


    [Processing...]


    The processing felt agonizingly long for Tianyu. He began to wonder if this request might be too much, a blatant cheat even. But then again, everything about this system was a form of cheating.


    [Confirmed.]


    [Congratulations, host! You have acquired a new avatar. This avatar will cultivate for the host permanently and will earn 1 experience point per hour for your experience pool,] Sophia announced.


    A broad smile spread across Tianyu''s face. He realized he had 224 experience points left to spend.


    "Sophia," he said eagerly, "I''d like to make another purchase."

 Plans for Future Growth

    Mulling over his options, Tianyu decided to start his day by signing in.


    "Sophia, I''d like to sign in," he requested.


    [Yes, host,] Sophia acknowledged. [Congratulations, host, for obtaining 1x ''Book Of Medicinal Plants.'']


    A large book materialized in his system inventory. After flipping through it briefly, he received another prompt from Sophia.


    [Host, would you like to absorb this book?] she asked.


    "I can absorb things other than training manuals?" Tianyu questioned.


    [Yes, host! The system can absorb, store, and display any useful information to assist you,] she explained.


    "Great. How can I access this information later?" he inquired.


    [Processing...]


    A peculiar sensation passed through Tianyu''s mind, and he suddenly possessed all the knowledge contained in the book he''d just absorbed.


    "That''s quite amazing," he marveled. "I can perfectly recall all the herbs and their properties from that book."


    [Indeed, host,] Sophia chimed in proudly.


    "Alright, Sophia, I''m interested in an alchemy avatar. Please explain how it works," he requested.


    [Yes, host,] Sophia responded. [Upon purchasing an alchemy avatar, you will gain access to 1x low-tier pill recipe. Your avatar will automatically produce one of these pills every 8 hours for free. However, if you provide the ingredients, the avatar will concoct pills at a much faster rate. You can also learn new pill formulas, and your avatar will produce pills based on your selection. Please note that higher-tier pill formulas will take longer for the avatar to produce.]


    "Excellent," Tianyu seemed thrilled. "I''d like to purchase one alchemy avatar, and I want it to come with a recovery pill formula."


    [Processing...]


    [Congratulations, host, for obtaining a new avatar!] Sophia congratulated. [Your alchemy avatar will produce 1x Recovery Pill every 8 hours.]


    A recovery pill would partially restore stamina and heal minor injuries.


    Reflecting on the number of experience points he had earned the previous day after pushing his body to the limit, Tianyu realized that the fastest way for him to gain experience points would be through rigorous training every day.


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    Tianyu had 124 experience points left. As he browsed the options, he considered saving up for a higher realm, which would require 500 points. However, he had earned over 250 points in a single day of intense training. Though it had come at a cost, he believed that investing his points in methods to gain them faster was a wise choice.


    After a few minutes of contemplation, Tianyu considered new pill formulas, but he wasn''t knowledgeable in alchemy yet, and he only had one avatar for pill production at the moment. He didn''t need a new weapon, as he had obtained one recently. Techniques and manuals could wait until he mastered what he already had, and it was too early for weapon enchantments until he learned how to use his halberd effectively. Gambling on the gacha wasn''t appealing either.


    His attention shifted to two options: bloodlines and spiritual beast eggs. First, he examined the bloodlines.


    [Bloodlines Available:]


    [Phoenix Bloodline


    Starting Price: 500,000 exp points]


    [Dragon Bloodline


    Starting Price: 750,000 exp points]


    [Tiger Bloodline


    Starting Price: 450,000 exp points]


    [Serpent Bloodline


    Starting Price: 600,000 exp points]


    [Fox Bloodline


    Starting Price: 400,000 exp points]


    The prices alone discouraged him. "What the hell? Bloodlines are so expensive!" he exclaimed.


    He then shifted his focus to the spiritual beast eggs, which appeared more reasonably priced. However, costs varied depending on the beast''s bloodline and potential rank.


    Curious, he glanced at the most expensive spiritual beast egg in the shop:


    [Spiritual Beast Egg:]


    [Name: Spectral Void Dragon]


    [Element: Void/Darkness]


    [Bloodline: Dragon Monarch]


    [Potential Rank: Mythic V]


    [Price: 1,000,000,000 exp points]


    "1 billion exp points?!" he exclaimed in shock and horror.


    Shaking his head, he moved on to the lower-level beast eggs. These were much more affordable:


    [Spiritual Beast Eggs (Low Tier)]


    [Wolf]


    [Element: None]


    [Bloodline: None]


    [Potential Rank: Silver I]


    [Price: 100 exp points]


    [Lynx]


    [Element: None]


    [Bloodline: None]


    [Potential Rank: Silver I]


    [Price: 100 exp points]


    [Snake]


    [Element: None]


    [Bloodline: None]


    [Potential Rank: Silver I]


    [Price: 100 exp points]


    [Eagle]


    [Element: None]


    [Bloodline: None]


    [Potential Rank: Silver I]


    [Price: 100 exp points]


    [Mantis]


    [Element: None]


    [Bloodline: None]


    [Potential Rank: Silver I]


    [Price: 100 exp points]


    None of these low-tier options particularly excited him. They were basic, and their potential ranks weren''t impressive. However, Tianyu was determined to make the best of the situation.


    "Sophia," he asked, "when it comes to spiritual beasts, I assume I can communicate with them, right?"


    [Yes, host,] she confirmed.


    "And can I send mental commands to my spiritual beast?" he inquired, formulating a plan.


    [Correct, host. You will be able to form a bond with your spiritual beast, allowing you to commune and give orders. However, the mental ability varies for each spiritual beast. A low-tier spiritual beast can execute basic commands, while a high-tier beast can process more complicated ones. In the world, there are even individuals with high-tier spiritual beasts of intelligent races that help them run their businesses,] she explained.


    Tianyu was taken aback by the last piece of information but was also intrigued. This gave him the answers he was looking for.


    Without hesitation, he purchased the spiritual beast egg for the Eagle.


    [Processing...]


    [Congratulations, host, for obtaining your first spiritual beast egg!] Sophia congratulated.


    Tianyu retrieved the egg and placed it on his bed. Then, he retrieved his halberd and carefully sliced his finger on the crescent blade, releasing a few drops of blood onto the egg.


    After a few moments, a faint cracking sound emerged from the egg, growing louder. Tianyu''s excitement grew as he eagerly anticipated the hatchling. However, to his surprise, the Eagle emerged fully grown and majestic. A mental connection formed between him and the creature.


    [Congratulation host, for obtaining your first Spiritual Beast. Reward 1x gacha spin]


    "Amazing," Tianyu muttered. "How about I call you Xiao Lei?"


    A joyful "scree" from the eagle indicated its acceptance of the name.


    Tianyu sensed through their connection that Xiao Lei was happy with its name but also slightly uncomfortable with being confined indoors.


    With gentle thoughts, Tianyu communicated with Xiao Lei, letting him know that he was free to go outside but not to venture too far. Xiao Lei screeched in happiness as he spread his powerful wings and took to the sky.


    Smiling at the sight of a content Xiao Lei, Tianyu began his day by washing up, getting dressed, and making his way downstairs for breakfast.

 A Strange Encounter

    After breakfast, Tianyu painfully walked back to his room, making a vow to himself to change things for both himself and his mother. He was determined to create a better life for them.


    Looking out of his bedroom window, he marveled at the quiet and peaceful scene before him. In his previous life, he never had the opportunity to just sit down and relax. From as far back as he could remember, he had been in an orphanage, surrounded by screaming children and uncaring adults.


    The orphanage was no different from school. He replaced the screaming children at the home with a different set of screaming children at school. Even during lessons, there was no respite from the constant noise. He had to study hard and get good grades; failure meant being shouted at and going hungry.


    This relentless routine continued throughout his school years. However, in high school, he found a small piece of paradise for himself. One day, on his way back to the orphanage from school during the dark winter months, he stumbled upon a mysterious alleyway he had never explored before. For some reason, he felt drawn to it.


    At the end of the alley, he discovered a ladder that led to the rooftop of a nearby building. Though it was only two or three stories tall, it blocked out most of the noise from the streets below. He climbed the ladder, motivated by a mixture of boredom, escapism, and wanderlust.


    When he reached the rooftop, he was mesmerized by what he saw. The night sky was filled with countless stars, shining brightly and creating an awe-inspiring spectacle. It was the most beautiful thing he had ever witnessed.


    Until that point, he had never taken a moment to stop, breathe, and look up. His life had always been hectic, devoid of peace or quiet, and a never-ending whirlwind of noise.


    That day marked a change in him, a yearning for peace.


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    From that moment onward, every day after school, he followed the same routine. He would visit that mysterious alleyway, climb the ladder, lay down on that rooftop, and gaze at the stars.


    This routine continued for months, bringing him the peace he had craved.


    Then, one day, as he lay on the rooftop, gazing at the stars, the door in the middle of the roof unexpectedly opened. Stepping out was the most mesmerizing woman he had ever seen. She was stunning, about a head shorter than Tianyu, with long, dark, flowing hair that curled at the tips. Her big brown eyes, plump pink lips, and curvaceous figure left him awestruck.


    However, something was off. She was dressed in a full wolf costume. A peculiar sight, to say the least.


    For a while, neither of them spoke. Both were shocked by the unexpected encounter. It was the girl who broke the awkward silence.


    "Ah, um... Hi?" she said hesitantly.


    Tianyu, unsure of how to react, quickly climbed down the ladder and left without uttering a word.


    As he walked back home, he couldn''t get the strange encounter out of his mind.


    The next day, after finishing school, he returned to the alleyway and climbed the ladder again, feeling more apprehensive this time. To his relief, he was alone on the rooftop as usual.


    Hours passed, and though he remained somewhat jumpy at every noise, there was no sign of the mysterious girl.


    The following day, his routine was unchanged, and once again, he enjoyed the solitude. However, the girl from that strange encounter still lingered in his thoughts.


    Days passed, and his routine remained the same. He cherished those moments of solitude and the peace they brought.


    Then, one day, as he ascended to the rooftop as usual, he felt unusually tired. He had struggled to sleep the previous night, anxious about an upcoming test at school. After settling in on the rooftop and starting to relax, he drifted off to sleep.


    At some point, he began to stir and awaken, but what he saw sent terror coursing through him. He shouted in fear, scrambling backward as he believed he was about to be attacked by a wolf.


    However, his fear was quickly replaced by awe as he heard the softest, most melodious laughter. Blinking in confusion, he noticed the same girl from before, sitting nearby and laughing.


    Still a little dazed and disoriented, Tianyu could only sit there in a huff.


    "You know, you''re quite cute when you''re not running away," she chuckled.


    His bewildered gaze remained fixed on her.


    "I''m Li Xiang!" She beamed at him.


    Still somewhat perplexed, Tianyu managed a bewildered, "Huh?"


    "Wow, weird name!" she teased. "See you next time, Huh. I''m gonna be late!" With that, she left.


    Sitting on the rooftop, still half-asleep and half in shock from the sudden wake-up call, Tianyu could only mutter to himself, "What?"


    Afterward, he left the rooftop and headed back to the orphanage, thoroughly bewildered by the strange encounter and the enigmatic Li Xiang.

 Paradise

    Days turned into weeks, and Tianyu found himself constantly thinking about Li Xiang. He continued to visit the rooftop, but she never showed up. He wasn''t sure whether he was relieved or disappointed by her absence.


    One day, as he lay on the rooftop, basking in the peace and quiet, the door opened again. This time, it wasn''t a girl in a wolf costume but a girl wearing ancient-looking, bright yellow clothing, complete with a replica sword at her waist.


    She spotted Tianyu and greeted him with an infectious smile. "Yo, huh, how have you been?" Her friendliness was both surprising and unwarranted.


    Tianyu, still puzzled, could only muster a "Huh?"


    "Wow," she teased, "You really like that word. Do you know any others?" She laughed.


    Slightly embarrassed, Tianyu coughed and replied, "Yeah."


    "Not much of a talker, are you? That''s fine. I love to talk!" she said cheerfully.


    "No, not really," Tianyu admitted. He had always been a man of few words.


    Li Xiang continued to talk animatedly about various topics, but Tianyu found himself drifting away and not paying much attention.


    "What are you wearing?" he suddenly interrupted.


    Li Xiang looked down and giggled. "What, you don''t like it? I''m a warrior!" She drew her replica sword and playfully swung it through the air, giggling.


    Tianyu, still confused, managed a smile at her antics. "Ha! Made you smile!" she celebrated, pumping her fists in the air.


    Li Xiang checked the time. "That''s all we have time for today, folks!" she joked. "See you next week, huh!" With that, she turned and left.


    Tianyu finally mustered the courage to speak his name. "Tianyu. Qin Tianyu, my name."


    Li Xiang turned and smiled brightly, winking at him before disappearing.


    Tianyu sighed in relief. Li Xiang was like a whirlwind, unexpected but somewhat exciting.


    Another week passed, and Tianyu couldn''t help but think about Li Xiang. He found himself looking forward to seeing her.


    The night of their next encounter arrived. Li Xiang burst through the door to the rooftop with excitement. "TIANYU!" she shouted while waving.


    Tianyu noticed she was wearing yet another new outfit, this time in red but still with an ancient look and a sword at her side.


    Smiling, he nodded in response to her greeting.


    Li Xiang began talking animatedly once more about her week, her school, and various other topics. Tianyu, though, was still a man of few words.


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    Then he interrupted, "The clothes? Red this time?"


    Li Xiang laughed. "Oh, is that all you care about? What a girl is wearing?"


    "When what you wear is either a wolf costume or some weird ancient-looking stuff, it''s kind of distracting," he explained.


    "True!" she agreed with a chuckle. "I''m red because the Yellow Turbans got defeated, and now I fight for Wu!" she said.


    Tianyu, completely baffled, asked, "Yellow Turbans? Wu? What the hell are you talking about?"


    Li Xiang''s eyes lit up. "You don''t know The Romance of the Three Kingdoms?!" she exclaimed, a mix of shock and excitement.


    "No? Should I?" he responded.


    "Oh. My. God! I can''t believe you don''t know it. Wait here!" she practically jumped for joy, running off.


    Tianyu sat there, dazed and unsure of what to do. A few minutes later, Li Xiang returned with a book in hand.


    "Read this! It''s the most amazing story ever," she exclaimed.


    Tianyu took the book and looked at it.


    "Darn, I gotta go! Keep the book; I have another!" She shouted as she left, leaving like a whirlwind once more.


    Tianyu cracked open the book and began reading.


    Time passed, and another week arrived. Tianyu was back on the rooftop, engrossed in the book Li Xiang had given him.


    She burst through the door again. "Did you read it? Did you read it?" she asked, excitement radiating from her.


    Tianyu, with the book in hand, looked over at her and replied, "I haven''t finished reading it yet, as you can see."


    "What do you think?!" she was as excited as a child on Christmas.


    "It''s pretty cool," he answered, his responses as brief as ever.


    "Who is your favorite?!" she inquired, her enthusiasm uncontainable.


    "Hmm," Tianyu pondered. "I have two favorites so far."


    Almost giddy with excitement, Li Xiang pressed on. "Who are they?!"


    "I like Guan Yu and Lu Bu," he revealed.


    "Guan Yu is soooo cool," she gushed. "But why do you like Lu Bu? He''s a terrible person."


    Tianyu shrugged. "I just feel there''s more to him than I''ve read so far."


    Months pass by with this weekly get together, Li Xiang''s outfit keeps changing too. Tianyu finally found out that the reason that Li Xiang always wore strange outfits is because the building that he claimed the rooftop for was actually a drama studio, and every week they would get together and rehearse.


    Their conversation continued, and it was clear that Li Xiang was deeply passionate about this subject. Tianyu found himself enjoying the discussion more than he had expected.


    As months passed, their weekly meetings became more interactive. Tianyu started stealing glances at her while she spoke, their smiles and laughter increased, and they began to share playful touches¡ªa brush of the arm, a gentle nudge with a foot.


    A few more months later and just as Li Xiang ran out of time, and had to run off, she ran up to Tianyu and kissed him. Without saying anything, she blushed, and ran out the door. Tianyu sat there frozen for a long time.


    A few more months rolled by, and things began to take a deeper turn. One night, there was something different in the air. The kisses they exchanged carried intent. Clothes were soon discarded, and their instincts took over. The rooftop that had once been their sanctuary now witnessed a different kind of passion.


    This pattern continued, and the rooftop became even more special to Tianyu. It was a place where he found solace, happiness, and love with Li Xiang.


    As time passed, a year went by since he had first discovered that peaceful rooftop¡ªa year in which his life had improved significantly.


    The following weekend was a sunny one, and Tianyu had no school. He was at the market, picking up some meat for dinner. It was bustling with people, and he felt overwhelmed by the chaos. Seeking some respite, he ducked into a nearby alleyway.


    As he walked through the alley, he noticed a parked car to the side, partially hidden from view. Inside the car were two people, attempting to create a makeshift bed using one of the car seats.


    Tianyu felt awkward in this situation. He didn''t want to be here, but he had to walk through the alley. Trying to act as if he couldn''t see anything, he continued on his path. However, he couldn''t help but notice what was happening.


    Regrettably, one of the people in the car spotted Tianyu, sending chills down his spine. The person looking back at him was Li Xiang.


    Tianyu dropped the bag of meat he was carrying, turned around with a vacant expression, and walked away.


    Li Xiang saw Tianyu and panicked. She hastily tried to get herself together and leave the car, calling out to him in a panic.


    Though he saw and heard her, Tianyu ignored her and kept walking.


    Li Xiang, desperate to explain and apologize, chased after him. She ran out of the alley but couldn''t find Tianyu anywhere. She had been caught in the worst way possible.


    She had an idea of where she might find Tianyu. She headed to the drama studio and made her way to the rooftop they had shared for so long. It was their special place.


    Bursting through the door, she called out for Tianyu in distress.


    There was no response.


    She looked around the rooftop but found herself alone. She went to the spot where Tianyu usually lay down to find peace. There, she discovered the copy of ''The Romance Of The Three Kingdoms'' she had gifted him a year ago.


    She sat there, tears streaming down her face. She had messed up, and now she needed to explain and apologize to Tianyu.


    She waited on the rooftop, day after day, but Tianyu never showed up. She had taken his paradise away from him.


    <hr>


    As Tianyu looked out of the window at the peaceful sky in his new world, a tear rolled down his cheek. His memories were painful, and he couldn''t help but wonder what might have been.


    "Scree," Xiao Lei sensed his master''s emotions and landed on the windowsill.


    "Memories can be a painful thing..." Tianyu muttered as he stroked the eagle''s head.

 Sky Piercers Revelation

    As Tianyu mulled over his flashback, he wondered why those memories had resurfaced after so many years. He had buried them deep in his mind long ago. Perhaps the picturesque setting of his new life had reminded him of the costumes Li Xiang used to wear, or maybe his pursuit of martial arts had stirred thoughts of the legendary warriors he had read about in ''The Romance of the Three Kingdoms.''


    Then, something clicked in Tianyu''s mind. He retrieved his soul weapon, the ''Sky Piercer,'' from his system space and examined it closely. "Sophia," he called out, "What did you say the name of this weapon was again?"


    [Host, the name of this soul weapon is the ''Sky Piercer,''] Sophia replied.


    "No way..." Tianyu was shocked. "Is this the weapon that Lu Bu used?"


    "S-Sophia," Tianyu stammered, "How are soul weapons made?"


    [Host, a soul weapon is born from a regular weapon. Once the user and the weapon become one, and it can be used as an extension of the user''s own body, the weapon, and the user fuse. Once the user of the weapon dies, the soul merges with the weapon and grants the weapon an artificial life,] Sophia explained.


    Tianyu''s shock grew. "So you''re telling me... That this weapon, the one I''m holding right now... Contains the soul of the warlord Lu Bu?!" he whisper-shouted, both shocked and excited.


    [Sorry, host. I am unable to answer that question. Once your cultivation grows, you will be able to commune with the Sky Piercer and confirm for yourself,] Sophia explained.


    Tianyu just stood there in awe.


    "I can''t believe this," he muttered to himself.


    Lu Bu, the feared warlord, had been known as the most gifted and ruthless warrior of his time. He was a legend in his own right. The saying went, ''Among men, Lu Bu. Among horses, Red Hare.'' Red Hare was Lu Bu''s warhorse, a monstrous beast in its own right. The Sky Piercer halberd was the most feared weapon on the battlefield.


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    It was no exaggeration to say that when these three, Lu Bu, Red Hare, and Sky Piercer, were aligned, no battle was safe.


    "I need some fresh air," Tianyu said, still in a daze.


    He made his way through the house to inform Qin Li Mei that he was going for a walk to loosen up his stiff muscles.


    Exiting the house and courtyard, Tianyu found himself on a quiet road. Though he didn''t know the population of this town, it felt like heaven compared to his previous life.


    He began to walk with a specific location in mind.


    "Luckily, I have the memories of this place from the old Qin Tianyu," he thought.


    "Hmm, I guess I should stop saying ''the old Qin Tianyu.'' At this point, I am him, and he is me. We are the same person," he concluded.


    As he walked through the almost deserted streets, he looked around, relishing the peace. He glanced up at the bright blue sky, noticing that Xiao Lei was following him from above.


    He focused on the connection between them and sensed Xiao Lei''s joy at being able to fly freely.


    During his walk, he remembered a notification he had received after Xiao Lei had hatched.


    "Sophia," he called out, "spin the gacha for me."


    [Yes, host!]


    [Congratulations, host! You have received 1x Basic Hunting Manual.]


    "Basic hunting?" Tianyu repeated as he pulled a book from his system space.


    [Host, would you like to absorb this ''Basic Hunting Manual''?]


    "Absorb it," he confirmed.


    Once again, an odd sensation filled his brain, and he gained new knowledge. He learned how to make traps, different types of traps, how to create lures, dig pitfalls, attract wildlife, and even mimic mating calls. The book even covered basic skinning techniques.


    "That''s a lot better than I thought it would be," Tianyu exclaimed happily.


    Continuing his walk, he reached the outskirts of town and made his way to a nearby lake, guided by his memories of this place.


    The scene before him was breathtaking. Crystal blue waters teemed with various fish, while lush green grass and vibrant flowers covered the ground. Trees led to a wooded area behind the town, completing the picturesque scene.


    Tianyu was left speechless by the beauty of it all. After a while, he managed to sit on the soft grass, which provided a cool cushion on a warm, sunny day.


    He lay contentedly on the grass, appreciating the serenity. He wasn''t sure what he had done to deserve this new life, but he was grateful for it.


    As he rested, he felt a sense of excitement from his connection with Xiao Lei. Curious, he looked up to see Xiao Lei circling an area across the lake from him. Straining his eyes, he spotted small shadows darting through the grass.


    "You''ve found some rabbits, haven''t you?" Tianyu chuckled to himself.


    He sent a mental command to Xiao Lei, granting him permission to hunt.


    In an instant, Xiao Lei dove toward the ground with incredible speed, almost crashing into the dirt. At the last possible moment, he pulled up, clutching a rabbit in his talons.


    Over their mental connection, Tianyu could sense Xiao Lei''s joy and triumph.


    A moment later, Xiao Lei flew over to Tianyu with the captured rabbit, presenting it as an offering. It was as if he wanted to ensure that the master ate first.


    Tianyu laughed at Xiao Lei''s courtesy and told him it was fine, allowing him to enjoy the rabbit.


    Xiao Lei wasted no time and began to peck at the rabbit. After a few moments of rather unpleasant noises, a welcome notification rang in Tianyu''s mind.


    [Your Pet Beast has killed 1x White Rabbit. Gained exp points gained +5.]

 A Stern Message

    Tianyu''s eyes widened in surprise. "I can get exp points from Xiao Lei?"


    With this revelation in mind, he decided to utilize this newfound source of experience points. After Xiao Lei finished his meal, Tianyu mentally commanded him to catch another rabbit, but this time not to eat it, only to bring it back.


    Xiao Lei, as fast as lightning, soared through the air. He swiftly dove down, grabbed another rabbit, and flew back to Tianyu. In one fluid motion, he exerted pressure with his talons and snapped the rabbit''s neck.


    [Your pet beast has killed 1x Rabbit. Gained exp point x1,] echoed the notification.


    Tianyu raised an eyebrow, slightly disappointed. "Only 1 exp point?" he thought. "Perhaps there''s a difference in rank between a normal rabbit and a white rabbit?"


    Nonetheless, he saw the potential in this. There was another source of exp points, and he could exploit it.


    Tianyu issued another mental command to Xiao Lei, instructing him to catch two more rabbits. His plan was to bring them home, skin them, and have a more substantial meal for himself and his mother.


    Satisfied with the plan, he sat by the water''s edge, gazing at the tranquil lake. The rippling surface of the water was hypnotic, and he couldn''t help but be mesmerized.


    He had lost track of time, but Xiao Lei had long since returned with the requested rabbits. They lay lifeless beside Tianyu, waiting to be prepared for dinner.


    Out of the blue, a sudden thud disrupted the peaceful scene, causing Tianyu to grunt in pain as a stone struck his back. Laughter, vicious and mocking, shattered the serenity of the lake.


    "If it isn''t that trash of the Qin family!" a nasally voice jeered, followed by more laughter from behind Tianyu.


    As he turned around he knew exactly who this was. Fu Meng was once one of Tianyu''s friends. They had known each other since they were very young. Fu Meng was getting bullied by some older kids who were making fun of him due to his abnormally large nose. Tianyu seeing this decided to step in - as Tianyu was from the Qin family, the older kids knew that they couldn''t offend the Qin Family, and soon ran off. After this, Fu Meng started to follow Tianyu around everywhere.


    The Fu family''s reputation had risen thanks to their association with the Qin family. Before this, they were a low-class family. Other families tried to suck up to the Fu family just so they could get in with the Qin family. Soon, the Fu family rose to be a middle-tier family, however, this was still nowhere even remotely close to the power that the Qin family possessed.


    It wasn''t long after this that the Fu family started to throw their weight around and step on the lower-tier families which raised them to the level they are now.


    Tianyu didn''t know any of this at the time as he was still very young. He was just busy trying to learn martial and scholarly arts, as there was a certain expectation of him as being a part of the main Qin family.


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    The whole time, Fu Meng was clinging to Tianyu''s leg during these years. He always tried to flatter Tianyu, do things for him, and clean up after him, he even went as far as to keep Tianyu''s slippers in his robe so they would stay warm for when Tianyu wanted to go out.


    However, after Tianyu and his mother were cast out, the Fu family began to use their newfound influence to torment them. Any attempts by Qin Li Mei to make a living were thwarted by the Fu family.


    If it wasn''t for the stipend that was sent to them by the Qin family, which was barely enough to keep them alive, they would have been resorting to begging on the streets, or even worse for a pretty woman like Qin Li Mei.


    Despite their hatred for accepting money from the Qin family, they had no choice but to rely on the stipend sent to them. Although they had been kicked out of the family, Qin Tianyu was still the firstborn son of Qin Zhao Ren. If he were to be begging on the streets this would still bring shame to the Qin family and could affect their reputation.


    Tianyu rarely left their home because of situations like this. While the house was owned by the Qin family and thus off-limits to the Fu family, once outside, Tianyu and his mother were fair game.


    Fu Meng''s relentless insults and taunts only fueled Tianyu''s anger. However, he knew that there was little he could do. If it were just Fu Meng, he could fight back, as Fu Meng had no martial skills and was a coward. But now, Fu Meng had a guard assigned to protect him outside their home, a guard who knew martial arts and carried a weapon. Most people hesitated to confront Fu Meng because of this.


    He decided to leave the situation and picked up the rabbits.


    With a smug grin, Fu Meng continued to berate him, hurling insults about his poverty and abandonment by his family. Unfortunately for Fu Meng, the Qin Tianyu of today wasn''t the same as the Qin Tianyu of a week ago. And none of these insults had much of an effect. Qin Tianyu used to work in a call center for 12 hours per day. He was so used to getting berated and shouted at that this was just another common occurrence for him.


    Leisurely walking by, not phased by Fu Meng''s assault in the slightest, this really seemed to anger Fu Meng. It was at this point, Fu Meng got an evil glint in his eye.


    "Tell your bitch of a mother that if she ever wants to earn some money, she can crawl on all fours to my bed, and I''ll make her squeal like the pig she is!" Fu Meng shouted, his voice dripping with malice.


    Tianyu''s blood boiled, and he turned back to face Fu Meng, who was laughing. At that moment, Tianyu couldn''t take it anymore. Despite the pain in his body, the public setting, and the consequences he might face, he acted on his anger.


    "Stop!" Fu Meng yelled at Tianyu. "What are you doing? Stop him!" he called to his guard.


    The guard, initially dismissive of the situation, stepped between Tianyu and Fu Meng, ready to draw his sword. He never expected what happened next.


    As Tianyu got close enough, he summoned his Sky Piercer from his system space. This caused the guard''s eyes to shrink and caught him off guard.


    Following exactly what he had learned the previous day, he dropped the butt of the halberd to his hip, pushed off with his back foot, lifted his arms, and stabbed forwards.


    Tianyu hit his target.


    The spear tip of his halberd was thrust into the guard''s throat and through the other side. As Tianyu pulled the blade out, the guard still with a shocked look on his face, clutched his neck and fell to the floor.


    [You have killed 1x Grade 3 Martial Artist. Gained exp points x100.]


    Fu Meng, now terrified, tried to flee, but there was no way Tianyu could catch him in his current condition. However, he had a companion who could.


    "Xiao Lei, stop him for me!" Tianyu shouted.


    With a screech, Xiao Lei dived from the sky at lightning speed, heading straight for Fu Meng. His talons extended toward Fu Meng''s face, knocking him to the ground.


    As Tianyu approached, he noticed something gruesome. Xiao Lei, apparently still hungry after the rabbit, had pecked out Fu Meng''s eyes.


    Tianyu, filled with anger but no longer willing to kill Fu Meng, rolled him onto his back and sat on his chest. He shouted at Fu Meng, "Stop screaming!"


    Fu Meng, terrified and in pain, complied, his whimpers the only sound now.


    "That''s better, isn''t it?" Tianyu said with a smile. "You know that you brought this on yourself."


    Leaning in closer, he whispered in Fu Meng''s ear, "The punishment for looking at my mother was your eyes."


    Fu Meng whimpered, tears of blood streaming down his face.


    "The punishment for your words is your tongue," Tianyu continued, not raising his voice above a calm tone. He pulled on Fu Meng''s tongue and, with the crescent blade of his halberd, cut it off.


    Fu Meng screamed in agony once more.


    "Now, I don''t like this next part, but a punishment has to be paid for lusting after my mother too," Tianyu sighed. "Let''s get this over with."


    Fu Meng''s face contorted in shock and horror as he realized what Tianyu meant.


    With a single swing of his blade, Tianyu performed the final act of vengeance. Fu Meng was left a eunuch.


    Whispering in Fu Meng''s ear again, Tianyu warned, "Now, you know what will happen if you even think about my mother again with that little brain of yours, right?"


    Fu Meng couldn''t even reply if he wanted to.


    Tianyu stood up, dusted himself off, and began his journey home, not caring whether Fu Meng lived or died. He picked up the rabbits on his way.


    "I''m sure Mother will love having some rabbit for dinner," Tianyu said to Xiao Lei, who screeched in response and soared high into the sky.

 New Techniques

    Tianyu''s return home was accompanied by a newfound sense of accomplishment. It felt like a weight had been lifted from his chest, and the pain that had been plaguing his body was now receding.


    He had been away from home for several hours, and the thought of his alchemy avatar finishing its first recovery pill brought a smile to his face. Relief was on the horizon.


    "Mother? Are you home?" Tianyu called out as he entered the courtyard.


    Immediately, his mother''s reassuring voice responded, "Yes, I''m here, Tianyu. I''m in the kitchen."


    Excitement bubbling inside him, he announced, "I have a surprise for you!"


    However, as he walked into the kitchen, his mother''s expression twisted into one of horror.


    "Son?! Are you okay?! Are you hurt?!" she panicked, her eyes locked onto something that Tianyu hadn''t noticed.


    Confused, Tianyu looked down and finally saw what had his mother horrified. "Oh! I didn''t notice how dirty I got," he exclaimed, realizing the bloodstains on his clothes. "I killed some rabbits and vermin earlier. I brought back the rabbits for us for dinner, so we can have some fresh meat."


    Relief washed over his mother as she comprehended the situation. "I''ll go wash up and change my clothes. Would you mind washing these rabbits in the meantime, and I will skin them afterward?" he asked politely.


    Qin Li Mei nodded and added, "Since you''re offering, it''s a deal. But don''t put those blood-stained clothes in the washing basket. Leave them in a bucket of water so I can get the stain out."


    Tianyu agreed and chuckled, "I''ve never learned how to skin a rabbit before, but there''s a first time for everything, right? Better I do the bloody and gruesome work. But I''ll leave the cooking to you!"


    After a refreshing bath and a change of clothes, Tianyu received the notification he had been eagerly awaiting.


    [Produced: 1x recovery pill]


    "Finally!" he exclaimed with relief as he retrieved the pill from his system space, quickly tossing it into his mouth and swallowing.


    A soothing sensation washed over him, spreading through his entire body. Muscles relaxed, the pain faded away, blisters and cuts on his hands healed, and he felt as if he had boundless energy once more.


    "Amazing! This feels great!" Tianyu exclaimed, moving his body around to savor the newfound vitality.


    As he checked on his mother, who was diligently cleaning the rabbits, Tianyu''s thoughts turned to the events that had unfolded earlier. He had killed a man, not an animal. It was a life he had taken, a living, breathing human being.


    He expected to be overwhelmed by guilt or remorse, but he found himself strangely unfazed. Perhaps it was because the person he had killed was a bad individual, or maybe it was because death was a common occurrence in the era he now lived in. Regardless, he felt no remorse.


    However, he recognized that he had acted impulsively and recklessly. If he hadn''t caught the guard off guard, he wouldn''t have stood a chance in a fair fight. He had been lucky, not just to win but also because there had been no witnesses.


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    If a similar situation were to arise again, there was no telling who might be around and what trouble it could bring to him and his mother.


    "Sophia," he called out, addressing the system. "Is there any technique available in the shop that could help me kill someone unnoticed?"


    Sophia responded promptly, [Yes, host. There are several techniques that can assist in silent and untraceable assassinations.]


    She proceeded to list the available techniques:


    [Shadow Assassination Technique: This skill allows the user to meld with the shadows, becoming virtually invisible in dimly lit or nighttime environments. They can silently approach their target, strike with deadly precision, and retreat without ever being seen or heard.]


    [Soul Severing Palm: Practitioners of this technique can strike their enemy''s spiritual core, disrupting the flow of their qi and rendering them powerless. This technique leaves no external marks, making it difficult for others to determine the cause of death.]


    [Illusionary Mirage Blade: Users of this technique can create illusions so convincing that they can make their enemy perceive a completely different reality. They might make their target believe they are safe, only to strike them down without them ever realizing the true danger.]


    [Soundless Wind Step: This skill enables the practitioner to move at incredible speeds without making a sound. They can silently approach their target and strike before the victim even registers their presence, making it seem like a natural death.]


    [Venomous Needle Technique: A master of this technique can launch poisoned needles from a distance with pinpoint accuracy. These needles are coated with a deadly toxin that kills swiftly but quietly, leaving no trace of foul play.]


    [Void Silence Technique: This advanced ability allows the user to create a pocket of silence around their target. Within this silence, no sound can escape, and the victim''s cries for help go unheard by anyone beyond the field. It''s a truly silent and untraceable method of assassination.]


    Tianyu was intrigued by the options and inquired, "Can I purchase any of these techniques with my current exp points?"


    Sophia replied, [The host can purchase the Venomous Needle Technique for 100 exp points.]


    A smile alights Tianyu''s face


    [Host, please note that with the Venomous Needle Technique, the potency of the poison at your current level will be limited. The higher the realm, the more potent the poison] she explains.


    This brought a little bit of a dampener to his current mood.


    "If I was to use this technique as I am now, what would be the effect?" he questions.


    [If the host were to use the Venomous Needle Technique as you are on another regular human who has no cultivation, the host would surely kill his target.]


    [If the host was to use this technique on a martial artist below level 3, this would cause the martial artist to faint, and become very sick.]


    [If the host were to use this on a martial artist above level 3, they would have reactions ranging from becoming mildly sick, to having some numbness.]


    [If the host was to use this technique in a cultivator in the foundation realm or above, this technique would have no effect] she explains.


    Martial Artists and Cultivators are different. A martial artist tempers their body and ranges from level 1 to level 9. A level 1 martial artist isn''t much different from a normal person. Levels 2 and 3 are stronger, these are what make up the majority of soldiers in an army. There is a huge qualitative jump between levels 3 and 4. A single level 4 martial artist could fight 10 level 3 and win quite easily. There is another jump from levels 6-7, and once a person reaches level 9, they are the peak form of a human. It''s at this level where you find the powerhouses behind empires and nations.


    Cultivators are much different. Cultivators not only train their body, but their main focus is on training their spirit. Due to this, they gain amazing abilities. Legend has it that after you train your soul to a certain extent you can fly through the air and walk on water. A flip of your palm can overturn mountains.


    Of course, this is just legends. There are cultivators in society, these people are treated as kings in the mortal world. However, they usually stick to their own sects and rarely interact with the world below.


    The most powerful cultivator that Tianyu has any knowledge of is the leader of the White Crane Sect, and he is a cultivator at the Spirit Embryo Realm. As for the realms above this, the only reason that Tianyu even knows they exist is because Sophia had told him. Powerhouses above the Spirit Embryo Realm don''t exist in reality, as far as Tianyu knows.


    Tianyu''s face lit up with anticipation. "I''d like to purchase the Venomous Needle Technique, please," he requested.


    [Congratulations, Host, for learning the Venomous Needle Technique!] The system chimed in.


    In his system space, Tianyu found two items. The first was a technique book, which he had the system absorb immediately. The second item was a pouch that could be attached to the inside of his robe''s sleeve.


    Opening the pouch, Tianyu discovered it was filled with sharp silver needles. He wondered how many there were.


    "Sophia, how many needles are in this pouch?" he inquired.


    [Host, as the pouch is a product of the system, you will have an infinite number of needles for as long as the host has use for them,] she explained.


    Tianyu was taken aback by this revelation. He had a never-ending supply of needles at his disposal.


    "Are they already coated with poison?" he asked.


    [Host, the needles will automatically adjust for the host''s needs,] Sophia explained. [You only need to have a thought in your mind when using them, and the system will adjust accordingly.]


    Tianyu was delighted by this newfound tool. "Amazing!" he exclaimed.


    [Indeed, Host. You now possess a powerful technique at your disposal,] Sophia confirmed.

 New Beginnings

    Tianyu''s life had taken an unexpected turn, and as he delved deeper into the world of cultivation, he found himself immersed in new challenges and opportunities. The Venomous Needle Technique had opened up a world of possibilities, but it was a power he vowed to use responsibly.


    After confirming his new skill, Tianyu left his room and made his way to the kitchen where Qin Li Mei had already finished washing the rabbits. Recalling the information from the hunter''s guide, he set up a work area.


    "Okay, so first things first," he muttered to himself while organizing his thoughts, "let''s drain the blood."


    Taking the rabbits out into the courtyard, Tianyu used the drying rack for their clothes to hang the rabbits by their ankles. He placed a bucket underneath to catch the blood and carefully cut their throats to bleed them out.


    While the rabbits drained, Tianyu returned to the kitchen to prepare a few things, using his knowledge from the system. It wasn''t long before he brought the rabbits back inside, ready to begin the butchering process.


    To his surprise, the system provided guidance, displaying virtual lines that showed him where to cut and in what order, much like when he had been training his foot technique.


    The first rabbit took him about 40 minutes to skin and butcher, but as he gained more experience, the subsequent ones were processed much more efficiently.


    Once he finished, he cleaned up his work area and left the rabbit meat to one side for his mother to sort out. He also kept the edible organs, discarding only what couldn''t be used.


    Qin Li Mei returned to the kitchen, praised Tianyu for his work, and thanked him for bringing home fresh meat. She mentioned that the amount he had brought would last them a couple of days if they ate it sparingly. Unfortunately, it couldn''t be stored for too long before it started to spoil.


    Tianyu, however, had a different plan. "You don''t need to worry about that, Mother. We should eat our fill without worrying about saving more. I will bring us some meat every day from now on!" he declared proudly.


    Grateful and touched by her son''s thoughtfulness, Qin Li Mei could only smile and nod. "I''m going to go and exercise in the courtyard. I''ll leave the rest to you," Tianyu said, smiling as he kissed his mother on the cheek.


    She smiled back, jokingly cautioning him, "Make sure you don''t pass out again like last time!"


    Remembering his previous mishap, he turned back. "I forgot! Mother, could you wrap up one of these rabbits for me, please? I should go and thank Mister Hao and apologize for being a nuisance."


    Appreciating her son''s considerate nature, Qin Li Mei quickly agreed and wrapped up a butchered rabbit in some cloth. "Thanks," he said as he turned to leave.


    Heading out through the gate to their neighbor Mister Hao''s house, Tianyu knocked loudly, as was his usual practice when visiting. He waited patiently for someone to answer.


    A few moments later, the door creaked open, revealing the tiny elderly lady he fondly called Auntie, Madam Hao.


    "Xiao Tianyu!" she exclaimed happily. "Come in, come in," she invited him warmly. "I don''t know how many times I''ve told you that you don''t need to knock at the gate like a stranger. You''re always welcome in our home, dear!"


    Smiling, Tianyu replied, "You know me, Auntie, I respect you and Uncle too much to intrude!"


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    "Bah!" Auntie Hao giggled. "Still calling me Auntie. I''m old enough to be your grandma!"


    "Oh, please, Auntie! You get younger and younger every time I see you. What''s your secret?" Tianyu playfully flattered.


    Laughing like a schoolgirl, Auntie Hao responded, "Oh, Xiao Tianyu, if only we could sell your words, we''d make a fortune with how sweet they are!"


    Tianyu just laughed in response. "What brings you over here, dear?" Auntie Hao asked with a smile.


    "Can''t I just want to come and see my favorite person in the world?" Tianyu joked.


    This caused her to laugh once more. Tianyu and Madam Hao had shared a close bond for many years.


    "I''ve come to see Uncle and bring a gift over as thanks for helping yesterday," he explained.


    "Ah, yes, I remember your mother rushing over last night. But you know what Mister Hao is like, a man of few words," she joked sarcastically.


    "Husband!" Madam Hao called out to summon Mister Hao from wherever he was.


    Tianyu took a moment to chat with Madam Hao. She was genuinely curious about what had transpired the previous night. Tianyu explained that he had pushed himself too hard during training, leading to exhaustion and fainting. Concern etched her features, and she asked if he was okay.


    "I''m fine, Auntie, no need to worry," he reassured her.


    Soon after, Mister Hao joined them, nodding to Tianyu in greeting. "Uncle, I wanted to thank you for helping us yesterday and to apologize for disturbing you," Tianyu said solemnly.


    Mister Hao simply waved his hand as if to say it was no bother.


    "I brought you a gift in thanks. I went hunting earlier today and caught some fresh rabbit. I brought one over to say thank you," Tianyu explained.


    A spark of curiosity shone in Mister Hao''s eyes as he asked, "You hunt?"


    "I have recently taken up hunting so that my mother doesn''t have to worry so much about buying meat," Tianyu explained. "I know she gets upset whenever she can''t provide enough, and she thinks she is failing as a mother. I hate to see her like this, and as I am a man now, I want to take this burden off her shoulders."


    Mister Hao nodded in approval. "Follow me," he said, rising from his seat and leading Tianyu through the house.


    "I''ll take this, dear," Madam Hao said, grabbing the wrapped rabbit from Tianyu. "And thank you," she added with a genuine smile.


    Following Mister Hao, Tianyu found himself in the workshop. Silently, Mister Hao rummaged through some papers and found what he was looking for. He laid out a map on the table and called Tianyu over.


    Tianyu looked at the map, a massive depiction of the area with countless notes and markings. Mister Hao explained that he used to be a hunter and had spent years hunting in the surrounding woods. The map contained details about animal locations, hunting spots, water sources, and more ¨C a treasure trove of information for any aspiring hunter.


    "This here," Mister Hao pointed to a circle on the map, "is my old hunting cabin," he explained.


    From his desk, Mister Hao produced a key and handed it to Tianyu. "It''s yours now," he declared.


    Tianyu hesitated, saying, "Uncle, I can''t take this."


    "You will," Mister Hao said firmly.


    "But..." Tianyu began to protest.


    "You will," Mister Hao repeated, his tone brooking no argument.


    Knowing when he was beaten, Tianyu reluctantly accepted the key and thanked Mister Hao once more.


    Mister Hao also handed him the map, emphasizing, "The red areas on the map. Do not go there! Never go there until you are strong enough."


    Tianyu, somewhat taken aback by Mister Hao''s forcefulness, agreed to avoid those areas, recognizing that there must be a good reason behind the warning.


    Mister Hao nodded, grunting in approval.


    Staying a few more minutes to chat with Madam Hao, Tianyu eventually made his way back home. After putting away the map and key in his room, he headed outside to continue his training.


    Setting up a wooden board and taking a few steps back, Tianyu focused on his practice. He carefully considered the techniques he had learned, particularly the Venomous Needle Technique. It was proving to be more challenging than he had initially thought. After throwing about 20 needles, none had managed to stick into the target. He had hit the target a few times, but it wasn''t with the precision he aimed for, and the needles either hit with the side or lacked the force to penetrate the wooden target.


    After throwing 10 more needles, he was puzzled to find that his needle case was empty. "Sophia," he called out, "Didn''t you tell me that I would never run out of needles?"


    [Host, to confirm, you have an infinite number of needles, but they will take time to regenerate,] the system explained.


    Tianyu inquired further, "How long will they take to regenerate?"


    [Host, you will regenerate 1 needle per minute automatically, but you can also recall the needles used, which will refill the pouch,] she clarified.


    "And what happens if I recall the needle?" he asked.


    [Host, once the needle is recalled, it will dissolve from its current location and reappear inside the pouch,] the system explained.


    "That''s crazy," he exclaimed. "Isn''t this way too powerful of a killing move?"


    [Host, the Venomous Needle Technique is an assassination technique, designed to kill without leaving any evidence,] the system explained.


    Tianyu thought to himself, contemplating the ethics of his newfound power. "Does this make the Venomous Needle Technique an evil technique? Is this something I should even be practicing?" he wondered for a moment.


    Then he remembered something, dismissing his doubts. "I shouldn''t worry about this. It''s not the techniques that are evil; it''s the people who use them who decide if they are evil techniques or not."


    After recalling the needles he had thrown, Tianyu resumed his practice, repeating the process for hours until dinner was ready.


    As he sat down to enjoy a meal laden with rabbit meat, both he and Qin Li Mei relished the food. It didn''t last long. Upon finishing his meal, Tianyu thanked his mother for cooking and returned to his training, which continued throughout the evening.


    Washing up and heading to bed later, Tianyu smiled to himself. He had found paradise once again, and he was determined to protect it, no matter the cost.

 The Threat Looms

    The next morning, as he rose from his bed, he smiled at the familiar notifications:


    [Gained exp points x 32]


    [Gained Recovery Pill x 2]


    "It seems like the exp gained and the pills made will be given to me automatically each morning if I don''t redeem them early. This means I should have around 65 exp points right now, which isn''t enough." He thought.


    "I should save up my points for a while I think. I already have enough things to focus on without overwhelming myself. I also need to make a decision for if I want to step onto the cultivation path officially by raising my realm, or if I should hold off for a while to build myself a better foundation..." he pondered.


    While washing himself and changing his clothes, he decided to open his window and call for Xiao Lei. Petting the eagle for a moment, half-distracted by his thoughts, he eventually gave Xiao Lei a command to return to the lake and catch three more rabbits, keeping one for himself and bringing back the others. With a screech of acknowledgment, the eagle darted off toward the lake.


    Making his way to the kitchen for breakfast, he found a meal that included meat alongside the rice. This was much better for his future training. While eating, he chatted with his mother. Soon, he headed out to the courtyard to continue his daily training routine.


    As he was eating breakfast with his mother, he had already received a notification from the system about Xiao Lei successfully catching the rabbits, which earned him three more exp points. Unfortunately, there were no white rabbits among the catch this time. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Xiao Lei bring back the rabbits and place them at his feet, puffing up his chest in triumph. Tianyu laughed and praised the eagle before allowing him to return to the sky to enjoy his freedom.


    Tianyu delivered the rabbits to the kitchen, informed his mother, and got ready to train.


    First, he decided to work on his Cloud Chasing Technique, followed by the Venomous Needle Technique. He believed that, at his current level of strength, his best chance of survival was to focus on speed and precision in his movements.


    "Sophia, sign in for today, please."


    [Yes, host.]


    [Processing...]


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    [Congratulations, host! You have gained 1x Special Tool: Wire Thread.]


    Bringing out the spool of thread, it''s not very large, it could fit in the palm of his hand. it just seemed like any other spool of thread. He unravels a little bit and makes note of the material. It wasn''t regular thread, it almost felt like metal, but slightly different. Almost like the wire you see on a fishing rod.


    He did a few tests with the thread which shocked him. He rolled it out to see how much thread there was, thinking that there wouldn''t be too much noting how small the spool was, however, he was wrong. He kept pulling and pulling on the thread which seemed like it would never stop. Eventually, it did, however, but it took a while.


    "Sophia, how long is the thread I just pulled out?"


    [The host has just pulled out 100 meters of wire thread,] she replied.


    Tianyu was amazed. "How did all of this fit on such a tiny spool?" he wondered aloud.


    While pondering the mess on the floor created during his experiment, he complained about the cleanup. To his surprise, the spool in his hand shook a little, floated in the air for a few seconds, and then, with a whizzing sound, pulled back all the wire from the floor.


    "I love this thing," he exclaimed in delight, grateful that he didn''t have to spend hours re-spooling the wire.


    The next test he conducted with the wire thread shocked him the most. He tied one end around a gate post and walked a little distance away. Using all his strength, he pulled with all his might, but the wire didn''t snap. It didn''t even show any signs of weakening. Then, he had an idea. He fetched a knife from the kitchen and attempted to cut the wire, but the wire remained unscathed. The knife couldn''t even leave a scratch.


    He decided to try one more test. Tianyu pulled out his Sky Piercer Halberd, and with a swift motion, he swung the blade at the wire. This time, the wire finally gave way and was cut.


    Tianyu couldn''t decide what was more shocking: the fact that the kitchen knife couldn''t mark the wire, or that his halberd managed to cut it. Both the thread and his tools seemed far from ordinary.


    After testing the limits of the wire thread, he nodded in satisfaction and began his training.


    Tianyu spent hours training his Cloud Chasing Technique, improving with each repetition. When he reached the point of exhaustion, he would consume one of his Recovery Pills and continue. He did this process once more before running out of pills. Unfortunately, he didn''t have many of them yet.


    After taking his last Recovery Pill, he continued to practice the movement technique but stopped before reaching exhaustion. He then tended to the rabbits, had a meal with his mother, and chatted for a while. Afterward, he returned to the courtyard to train in the Venomous Needle Technique until bedtime.


    With a full day of training behind him, he lay in bed, still undecided about his path forward.


    "Sophia, how many exp points did I gain today?"


    [Host, you have gained a total of 48 exp points during your training. You have gained 3 exp points from your spirit pet beast and 15 exp points from your training avatar so far today, for a total of 66 exp points,] she reported.


    "66 isn''t bad, though I thought there would be more," he commented.


    [The host must remember that every failure to complete the full Chasing Cloud Technique will reset the exp multiplier, and every time the host stops to take a Recovery Pill also resets the exp multiplier,] she reminded him.


    "Yeah, yeah, I know," he responded playfully.


    Not long after, Tianyu drifted into a deep sleep.


    Over the next five days, his daily routine remained the same. During his daily sign-in, Tianyu received pills that would help him, but not just yet. These were the Spirit Nourishing Pill, Spirit Gathering Pill, and the Spirit Cleansing Pill, he also got some silver coins, which he handed over to his mother. When she asked about this, he made up some excuse about selling some of the rabbits he had caught, and lastly, on the fifth day, he received an avatar redemption ticket, which he was excited about. He contemplated what kind of avatar he should choose while having breakfast.


    However, his peaceful routine was disrupted by an unexpected piece of news from his mother. She informed him, "I heard from some people in the market that the young master of the Fu Family was attacked in the street. Apparently, the head of the Fu Family is in a rage and is hellbent on finding the person who attacked his son."

 Making a decision

    <hr>


    Tianyu feigned surprise when he heard about Fu Meng''s recent trouble. "Oh," he remarked casually, "I wonder what trouble he got into this time."


    Qin Li Mei nodded in agreement, showing her distaste for Fu Meng''s behavior. "That young man has been nothing but a nuisance for a while now, always pushing others around."


    After breakfast, Tianyu headed to the courtyard, sticking to his daily training regimen. Over the past five days, he has made remarkable progress in both his Cloud Chasing Technique and the Venomous Needle Technique. However, he felt that his needle technique was starting to stagnate. He had an idea to further improve it.


    "Sophia," he called out, "can I manipulate the shape of the needles?"


    Sophia responded, [As the needles are a product of the system, this should pose no issues, host, within reason.]


    "Excellent," Tianyu replied with a determined expression.


    He decided to test his new idea. After informing his mother that he was heading out, he left for the lake. Upon arriving, he had a clear image in his mind while pulling out a needle. He examined the needle and found that his mental image had worked: the once-solid silver needle now had a hole on one end and a small barb on the other. He then pulled out his wire thread and tied it through the newly created hole.


    Tianyu was preparing to train his technique on moving targets¡ªby going fishing.


    After confirming that the needles he was using hadn''t been poisoned, he began throwing the modified needle into the water. Due to the refraction of the water, this proved to be an extremely challenging task. Hours passed, and he still hadn''t succeeded. But he wasn''t about to give up now; he could feel himself getting closer.


    During this time, he received plenty of strange looks from passersby, but none of that bothered Tianyu.


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    After about four hours, he finally managed to hit his target. He reeled the fish in, quickly finished it off, and tried again. He had figured out that he needed to aim quite a way below where he could see the fish. After some practice, he caught two more fish, feeling pleased with his progress. He decided to call it a day and headed home.


    Back at home, he presented his catch to his mother, who was pleased for him and began preparing dinner for both of them. While having dinner, Tianyu decided to redeem his avatar ticket.


    "Sophia, I want to redeem my avatar ticket," he stated. "I would like a Technique Training Avatar."


    [Processing...]


    [Confirmed! Congratulations, host! You have acquired a Technique Training Avatar!] she announced.


    Tianyu smiled, pleased to have a new avatar even though he wished he could have more to maximize his exp gains. He decided to check how many exp points he had accumulated over the past five days.


    "Sophia, how many exp points have I gained in these 5 days?" he asked.


    [Host, you have gained 310 exp from training, 23 exp from your spirit pet beast, and 160 exp from your avatars, making a total of 493 exp gained,] she reported.


    "493 exp gained, plus the 100 I had already..." Tianyu thought for a moment and then came to a decision.


    But first, there''s something I need to do.


    As night fell, he heard his mother go to bed. He quickly changed into a dark outfit, quietly opened his window, and left the house. Thanks to his recent training, he moved silently and swiftly. Without making a noise, he left the courtyard and began to prowl through the streets.


    Passing through the streets he could see a few lamps on in people''s houses, but the vast majority of the town was slumbering.


    The night was dark, with no street lamps to illuminate his path. The moon was his only guide. He made sure to remain as quiet as possible, navigating through the quiet town streets until he reached his destination.


    Upon arriving at a medium-sized compound, he had to be cautious. He had been here many times before as a child, playing with his friends. He moved stealthily to the back of the compound, summoned his halberd from his system space, and used the crescent blade as a hook to climb over the wall. After hoisting himself over, he dismissed the weapon and took in his surroundings, relieved to find no one nearby.


    Creeping through the compound, avoiding the night guard who patrolled the area, he headed toward a specific building. He had a clear goal in mind. He had been here before, and he knew exactly where he needed to go. Sliding open a window, he spotted a figure lying on a bed.


    Tianyu knew that for the sake of his and his mother''s safety, he had to tie up loose ends. He threw a poisoned needle, and it hit its mark.


    [You have killed 1x normal human. Gained exp points x 20.]


    With the task completed, he retraced his steps, quietly left the compound, and returned home without being detected.


    Once back home, he climbed back in through his window and made a vow to himself that he wouldn''t be so naive and careless again. Leaving loose ends only hurt him in the long run. With determination, he vowed not to make the same mistakes again.


    It was with this new determination that he finally made a decision: "Sophia, I want to spend 500 exp points and enter the Foundation realm."


    [Processing...]

 Awakening Power

    A large vortex of air suddenly appeared in the still of the night, causing the windows to rattle and the wooden gates outside to bang in the wind. At the center of this vortex was Tianyu.


    The air itself seemed drawn toward him as if pulled by a magnet. Tianyu inhaled deeply, feeling as if his body had been starved of oxygen until now. The air felt crisper and more invigorating, with a denseness that seemed to infuse his every breath.


    Tianyu sat on his bed in the lotus position, savoring the sensation. Each breath he took felt different than before as if the air itself had transformed. It was as if he had discovered water in a desert; his body craved more of this new atmosphere.


    The vortex gradually diminished until it faded entirely. Despite this, Tianyu remained still, sitting in meditation, his focus on his breathing.


    <hr>


    However, this phenomenon did not go unnoticed. In various places throughout the surrounding areas, people felt the shift in the air. Elders of clans and families across the town took note of this occurrence. While a foundation realm awakening wasn''t typically noteworthy, this time was different due to the scale of the phenomenon.


    A few elders opened their eyes and looked in a particular direction, sensing something unusual about the event. Some dismissed it as insignificant, while others felt a bit of envy that it wasn''t someone from their own families who had caused this phenomenon. Still, others saw an opportunity or threat and decided to investigate further.


    One elder, in particular, looked shocked. He recognized the aura responsible for the vortex, an aura he was intimately familiar with. Wide-eyed, he shouted urgently, "Investigate this immediately!" A shadow darted out of the room, acting on his command. The reason for his shock was the aura''s familiarity, as it matched his own.


    Pacing back and forth in his room, the elder anxiously awaited the shadow''s return. When the masked figure reentered, he promptly kneeled.


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    "Sir!" the masked man addressed him.


    "Speak!" the elder growled.


    "It is as you suspected," the figure reported dutifully.


    Taken aback by the confirmation, the elder slammed his fist onto the table beside him, causing it to shatter. He then roared, "Bring me the doctor!"


    Moments later, a nervous-looking man in his fifties entered the room. He bowed with concern. "Sir, you summoned me?"


    "I want you to explain something to me," the elder said, his voice strained. "Almost a decade ago, you made a diagnosis. Do you recall?"


    The doctor searched his memory, his back covered in a cold sweat. "I do, sir."


    "Good, good," the elder nodded. "Then tell me, how is it that my son has just ascended to the Foundation Realm when you told me it would be impossible?!" He roared at the doctor.


    <hr>


    The night passed, and the morning light finally arrived. Qin Tianyu opened his eyes, having maintained the same lotus position throughout the night. As he opened his eyes, he was once again taken aback.


    Everything appeared remarkably clear. He could distinguish individual grains of wood on his dresser with precision. The flapping of Xiao Lei''s wings, the bustling sounds of the market, even his mother''s movements in the kitchen¡ªeverything was distinct. If he focused, he could hear, see, and sense with unprecedented clarity.


    He closed his eyes and focused, allowing himself to feel the world around him more deeply. It was as if everything had come alive, and he could feel its energy. He sensed the rhythm of the tree outside, the vibrations of a stag beetle on a branch, and even the distant calls of birds.


    Tianyu checks the notification he received.


    [Congratulations Host for ascending to the Foundation Realm!]


    [You have gained the following:]


    [1x Ticket for a Free Gacha Spin]


    [1x Avatar Upgrade Token]


    [1x Low-Tier Mount Token]


    [1x Ticket to redeem Qi Cultivation Manual]


    [Your Soul Weapon has upgraded from Bronze-Tier to Iron-Tier]


    [The potency of your Venomous Needle Technique has increased]


    [Unlocked from the system shop: Spiritual Formations]


    Wide-eyed in amazement over the number of rewards, he wants to look at these in detail, however, his excitement is getting the better of him, so he decides to come back to this a little later.


    Energized, Tianyu leaped out of bed, only to accidentally pull the door off the dresser as he went to change his clothes. Panicking slightly, his mother would not be pleased with the broken furniture. He knew things had changed, but he was unaware of the extent of it. He felt an immense power coursing through his veins, invigorating him. He felt as though he could crack a mountain with a single punch.


    Excited, he decided to test his newfound strength. Carefully descending the stairs to avoid breaking anything else, he made his way outside. The strength coursing through him was overwhelming, and he walked up to an oak tree in the courtyard. After clearing the area to avoid causing damage to anything after the tree fell, he assumed a stance, drew back his fist, and unleashed a punch with all his might.


    A resounding thud echoed as his fist collided with the tree, followed by a loud snapping sound.


    "ARRGHHH!" Tianyu roared in pain. The snapping sound wasn''t from the tree; it was the sound of his own bones breaking.


    It turns out that just because you feel powerful, it doesn''t mean you actually are.

 Path Of Cultivation

    Hearing Tianyu shout in pain, Qin Li Mei hurried to check on him.


    "What happened?!" She rushed over, her expression filled with concern.


    With a forced smile and a cold sweat from the pain, he replied, "No need to worry, Mother. I just had a little accident. I''ll be fine."


    Qin Li Mei wasn''t easily fooled. She studied her son''s face, her worry evident. "You don''t look fine," she retorted.


    Tianyu chuckled despite the pain. "Honestly, Mother, I will be okay. I just got overly excited during my training and made a mistake. A good meal from you will fix me right up."


    Shaking her head at her son''s cheekiness, Qin Li Mei retreated to the kitchen to finish preparing breakfast.


    Tianyu quickly consumed a recovery pill, and the pain in his hand began to subside. He could feel his bones correcting themselves and fusing back together. It was a discomforting sensation, akin to a swarm of ants crawling inside his hand and biting him.


    "I really need to think before I act," he chastised himself. "I can''t keep making impulsive decisions. First, I let my anger lead me to kill that guard. I should have been more aware of my surroundings. Second, I initially left Fu Meng alive, which could have caused problems for Mother and me. Luckily, I corrected that mistake. And now, I let my newfound power go to my head. I have only stepped on the lowest step on the path of cultivation. I''m just at the beginning of my cultivation journey."


    After taking a deep breath and collecting his thoughts, he realized he had a sense of heightened clarity. His senses felt sharper, and he could perceive the world around him in more detail.


    "Why would I want to destroy this tree anyway? Where would Xiao Lei live?" He questioned himself.


    Not long after, he joined his mother for breakfast, engaging in their usual cheerful conversation.


    "Mother, I plan to go to the market today. Is there anything you''d like me to pick up?" Tianyu asked.


    After a moment of thought, Qin Li Mei replied, "No, dear. But you can take this, just in case." She handed him a couple of silver coins.


    Gratefully accepting the coins, Tianyu thanked his mother and set off. He wanted to experience the world through his newfound senses.


    As he navigated the quiet streets, he couldn''t help but notice the liveliness of life all around him. His senses seemed heightened, allowing him to detect the fragrance of freshly baked bread, the calls of vendors advertising their goods, and the rhythmic chopping sounds from the butcher''s stall.


    Tianyu strolled through the market, captivated by the diversity of stalls. From official-looking merchant stalls offering spices and jewelry to humble vendors sitting on the ground with a few items for sale on a blanket. Tianyu was fascinated, enjoying the sensory experience without the overwhelming stimuli of modern life.


    Tianyu walked all through the market gazing at different things, there were stalls that were very popular, such as the baker''s stall, or the butcher. Some were less so, as their goods were more on the expensive side. The more time he spent in the market, however, the more things he started to notice.


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    Not knowing if this is due to his heightened senses. But Tianyu started paying attention to the outskirts of the market. Where the people sitting on the floor all day are trying to earn anything to survive.


    All of these people had something in common, and that was how terrible they looked. They all wore rags, barely holding themselves together, some even had no choice but to have certain parts of their body exposed. They were dirty and smelly. All of them looked very pale, with almost grey skin, dark sunken eyes, and cheeks. Some of them looked as though they were on the very verge of death itself.


    Tianyu stayed for a while, just watching. What he noticed made him grimace. The common folk paid no attention to them, and this was the best outcome. Others went out of their way to spit on them, damage their wares, or even kick them out of the way. It was appalling.


    He wished he could do something to help, but he felt powerless at the moment. As he watched the marketgoers'' callousness, he gained a deeper understanding of the darker side of human behavior.


    With a bitter taste in his mouth, he eventually left the market. As he departed, he noticed a young boy stealthily moving through an alleyway. Intrigued, Tianyu decided to observe from a distance.


    The boy displayed remarkable patience, moving stealthily like a predator. He stalked his prey, inching closer with each careful movement. Tianyu watched in admiration as the boy waited for the perfect moment to strike minutes passed and the boy was as still as a statue.


    Then, in a swift motion, the boy pounced, capturing his target¡ªa loaf of bread¡ªbefore bolting away.


    "Oi!" the baker shouted, "Somebody stop that thief!" The cry alerted a few nearby guards, who gave chase. However, the young thief''s speed made it clear they wouldn''t catch him.


    Impressed by the boy''s skills, Tianyu left the market, feeling a mix of emotions.


    He didn''t go straight home, however. He remembered that in the rewards pack for ascending he received a mount token, and he couldn''t just have a creature show up in his house, there would be no way to explain that to his mother. So he decided to take a detour into the forest outside of town.


    Upon arriving and after ensuring the area was safe, he called out to Sophia and signed in for today.


    [Congratulations, Host! You have gained 1x Spirit Calming Pill,] Sophia announced.


    Tianyu acknowledged the reward and then proceeded to spin the gacha wheel, curious about what he might receive next.


    [Congratulations, Host! You have gained expert-level calligraphy arts,] Sophia revealed.


    All of a sudden his brain is injected with years upon years of calligraphy experience. Different inks, stones, brushes, techniques, and patterns. All of it flowed into his head.


    Tianyu scratched his head in bewilderment. "Calligraphy arts? Well, not every reward can be useful, I guess," he mused.


    Tianyu didn''t really know what use having skills in calligraphy could be useful for. In his mind it wasn''t anything that could help him, so he brushed it off thinking that not all gacha spins could be useful for him.


    Without much thought, he decided to upgrade his technique avatar with the avatar upgrade token. His skills in martial arts were severely lacking, and he needed to address that. Most people would have had training in martial arts since childhood if they planned to walk the path of a cultivator. Unfortunately, Tianyu was kicked out of his family before he started getting trained officially.


    Next, Tianyu wanted to check out the upgrade to his spirit weapon. After he summoned it, he noticed that it was indeed very different. It now had a strong, lacquered wooden handle, which seemed stronger than before, yet also more flexible. He was unsure as to what kind of wood it was, but it was now a dark purple color. The tip of the halberd was still a long spearhead, however now, there was a crescent moon blade on both sides of the spear tip, and a bright red tassel fixed to it.


    Tianyu remembered what the system said and that he would be able to communicate with his spirit weapon when he got stronger. He spent a while attempting this, however, he had no luck. He thought that maybe this was due to having no tangible spirit cultivation yet. And he vowed he would try this again at a later date.


    Now, it was time to choose his Qi Cultivation technique. He knew this decision would shape his path in life. Tianyu had memories of the importance of this choice being drilled into him as a child. It was crucial; once chosen, his path would be set.


    He had to choose which element his Qi cultivation would be, and this would have an effect later on. For example, if he decided to pick a fire element Qi Technique, and cultivate this, then that would mean later down the line he could never cultivate a water Qi Technique. There is a natural flow to the world, and for everything that oppresses, there''s something that suppresses.


    Fire Qi cultivators have a natural enemy in water cultivators, and they have an enemy in lightning cultivators. This goes full circle.


    Tianyu had to think of what would be the best for him. Sitting down for a while and pondering over his choices, he had an image in his mind. This image was domineering. All powerful, fast and deadly. He thought of the most domineering thing that he could think of. And that was nature. Everything revolves around nature. The earth and the sea are in constant battle with each other, fire ravages the land and the wind rips up and tears it apart. However, there''s one thing that looks down on all of this from above.


    With a determined look on his face, Tianyu redeems his Qi Cultivation Technique.


    "Sophia, redeem the Lightning Qi Cultivation Technique," he declared with a glint of determination in his eyes.

 Redeeming The Token

    [Congratulations host! You have received the cultivation technique ''Thundering Qilin''. Would you like to absorb this technique?]


    "Yes," Tianyu confirmed.


    Tianyu felt a surge of excitement as he accepted the new cultivation technique, ''Thundering Qilin.'' His mind was ready to absorb this wealth of knowledge, having become accustomed to this unique sensation.


    [Congratulations, Host, for choosing your cultivation path. Special reward: The system will adjust the Host''s body to perfectly assimilate to the lightning cultivation path,] Sophia chimed.


    Suddenly, intense pain surged through Tianyu''s body as if a bolt of lightning had taken residence within him. This electrifying force coursed through his veins, enhancing blood flow, clearing meridians, and transforming his internal structure. It purified his blood before settling in his lower abdomen, forming his dantian.


    The ordeal felt like an eternity, the excruciating pain unimaginable. But when it was over, Tianyu''s body felt utterly transformed. It was akin to the sensation he experienced when he first ascended that morning, yet different. His body exuded comfort and readiness.


    He inhaled deeply, which gave a strange sensation. The air that he inhaled felt different. After his ascension he noticed this also, however, he hadn''t been able to explain. Now, he had a much better idea after learning about Qi Cultivation from the technique book. Inhaling deeply, like he had been to calm his nerves, was a form of meditation. He had developed this habit from his previous life when he felt stressed out or needed to ''reset'' his mind and clear his head.


    With meditation being the basis of Qu Cultivation, this was unknowingly making his spirit and Qi revolve, which is why the air felt strange. Since realizing this, the reason that it now feels different from this morning is that he is now a lightning cultivator. The feeling of each of his deep breaths came with an almost static feeling. Like the air is vibrating.


    Tianyu understood that this was just the beginning of his journey into lightning cultivation, and he looked forward to exploring these sensations more deeply.


    Next, he redeemed his mount token, expecting to receive a creature. However, something unexpected occurred.


    A bright red flash illuminated the clearing, and the Sky Piercer Halberd summoned itself. A gust of wind swirled around, carrying a deep, gruff laughter.


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    [Due to the interference from your soul weapon, the host has summoned a linked mount,] Sophia explained.


    Tianyu''s confusion grew. "A linked mount?"


    In the distance, a powerful whinny echoed, and the sound of galloping hooves drew nearer. Emerging from the treeline was a colossal horse, its crimson coat gleaming in the sunlight. It had a long, fiery-red mane, black hooves that pounded the earth like thunder, and a tail that matched its fiery mane. Its crimson eyes locked onto Tianyu.


    Tianyu couldn''t believe his eyes. This horse was none other than the legendary Red Hare, known as the fastest and most powerful horse in history. It had been the prized steed of the famous warlord, Lu Bu.


    "Is this what it meant by a linked mount?" Tianyu wondered aloud.


    Approaching Red Hare cautiously, he extended his hand and gently stroked her head. The magnificent steed didn''t resist; she recognized Tianyu as her new owner and detected the aura of her former master, Lu Bu.


    After spending some time petting and admiring Red Hare, Tianyu decided it was time to return home. He needed to make arrangements for Red Hare''s accommodation in the courtyard and ensure her well-being. He also needed to focus on his cultivation and step-by-step mastery of his new lightning technique.


    Upon returning home with Red Hare, Tianyu was met with an unexpected sight. A man stood at the gate of his courtyard, and as Tianyu approached, he recognized him as the butler from the Qin Family.


    The butler, with an air of condescension, addressed Tianyu. "You and your mother are to return to the family immediately," he commanded, as though Tianyu were a servant and he the master.


    Tianyu''s expression soured, and he retorted, "Family? My only family is here."


    The butler''s eyes bore a cold, unrelenting gaze as he responded, "This is a direct order from the family head."


    "Your family head, not mine," Tianyu shot back as he walked past the butler and headed into his home.


    The butler, in a thinly veiled threat, warned, "You know what will happen if you refuse."


    Ignoring the provocation, Tianyu entered his courtyard, leading Red Hare with him. The butler, sneering, turned and walked away.


    <hr>


    Inside the courtyard, Tianyu guided Red Hare to the shade of the oak tree. He told her to stay there and that he would return soon. Red Hare seemed to understand and contentedly began grazing on the grass.


    With a smile on his face, Tianyu re-entered the house and informed his mother about Red Hare''s arrival. He spun a tale of finding her on the forest''s edge, where she took a liking to him and followed him home. He assured his mother that he would take care of the horse himself.


    Though his story sounded peculiar, Qin Li Mei chose not to pry. She understood that everyone had their secrets, and as long as her son was happy and healthy, that was all that mattered to her.


    Tianyu also mentioned the Qin Family butler''s visit and how he had already sent him away. His mother couldn''t help but wear a worried expression at the mention of the Qin Family stirring up trouble again.


    <hr>


    Back at the Qin Family Manor, the butler had returned and immediately reported to the family head. He expressed his outrage at Tianyu''s actions.


    "That scoundrel Qin Tianyu is too much!" he exclaimed with disdain. "Not only did he directly refuse an order from the family head, but he also besmirched the Qin Family''s honor and reputation!"


    The room erupted with voices of indignation. "He did what?" "Unbelievable!"


    Seeing the effect his report had, the butler smirked.


    "The boy is stubborn and foolish!" declared a deep voice, resonating through the room. "Just like his father," the same voice chuckled, casting a glance at Qin Zhao Ren.


    "Zhao Ren," the family head addressed him. "How do you suggest we deal with this situation?"


    Setting down his cup, Qin Zhao Ren opened his eyes and replied calmly, "It''s simple. Go after his weak spot."


    "Which is?" the family head inquired.


    "Qin Li Mei," Qin Zhao Ren confirmed. "Once you convince Qin Li Mei to return to the family, Tianyu will follow. He would have no choice."

 A Twisted Justice

    Qin Tianyu found himself back in the market once more, the second time in a single day. The activity had dwindled as it moved into the afternoon; the morning shoppers seeking fresh food had come and gone. There were still a few people wandering around the stalls, but the market was quieter now.


    Tianyu needed to purchase some essentials for Red Hare, his new horse, and he wasn''t quite sure where to find them. He spent a few minutes scanning the area, and to his surprise, he spotted someone he recognized ¨C the young boy who had stolen a loaf of bread earlier.


    Approaching the boy, who sat against a wall with wary eyes scanning his surroundings, Tianyu couldn''t help but be impressed by the boy''s vigilance and quick thinking.


    "Hey there, young man," Tianyu began. "I wonder if you can help me?"


    The boy, still cautious, replied brusquely, "What do you want?"


    Tianyu offered a friendly smile and continued, "I don''t know this market very well, and I could use a guide. Are you interested? I''ll buy you some food as thanks."


    The offer of food quickly melted the boy''s initial resistance. He nodded in agreement and asked, "What are you looking for?"


    Tianyu explained that he had recently tamed a horse and needed some supplies like horse feed, a saddle, and reins. He didn''t think he would need a hitching post since Red Hare was a gift from the system and was unlikely to run away.


    Considering for a moment, the boy nodded and said, "Follow me."


    Taking off down an alleyway, the boy led Tianyu to a stable that wasn''t part of the main market but was nearby. While Tianyu conducted business with a stable hand, arranging for the delivery of the required goods to his home for a silver coin, the boy waited at a distance.


    Satisfied with the transaction, Tianyu returned to the boy. "Let''s go get some food," he suggested.


    The boy agreed, and they ventured back into the market. They stumbled upon a skewer stall, and Tianyu decided to treat them both to some skewers. The aroma was tantalizing, and even Tianyu''s mouth watered.


    Sitting on a low wall, they enjoyed their skewers. Tianyu struck up a conversation, asking the boy for his name.


    The boy replied curtly, "Don''t have one."


    Tianyu couldn''t help but piece together that the boy must have been abandoned or orphaned. Without a name, he likely had no home either. It seemed pointless to ask too many questions; this boy was clearly at the bottom rung of society.


    Introducing himself as Tianyu, he decided, "I think I''ll call you Yinying."


    "Why?" the boy questioned.


    "Well," Tianyu explained, "if I ever need your help to find something in the future, I won''t have to call you ''boy.''"


    Deep in thought, the boy repeated the name to himself, seeming to accept it.


    Tianyu offered another skewer and announced that he was going to explore the market some more. He encouraged Yinying to take care of himself and then walked away with a smile.


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    <hr>


    Meanwhile, back at Tianyu''s home, there was a loud banging on the gate.


    Qin Li Mei went to answer it and was met with a terrifying sight. A carriage stood nearby, and the Qin Family butler was once again at their residence, this time accompanied by two armed guards.


    In the same condescending tone as before, the butler ordered Qin Li Mei, "Get in the carriage; you''re being summoned."


    Terrified, Qin Li Mei slammed the gate shut and shouted, "No!"


    The butler cast a disdainful look and turned to the armed guards. "Grab her and bring her."


    The guards forcefully kicked down the wooden gate, causing Qin Li Mei to fall and hit her head on the ground. They then roughly picked her up, dragged her into the carriage, and departed swiftly.


    Observing from his workshop, Mister Hao noticed the carriage with the Qin Family crest speeding away. He went next door to investigate and discovered the broken gate and a small bloodstain on the ground. Qin Li Mei and Tianyu were nowhere to be found.


    <hr>


    In the market, Tianyu began paying attention to the less fortunate people, noticing their living conditions and the extent of their struggles. He found it utterly repulsive.


    Suddenly, he heard a voice in the distance shouting, "Let go of my sister!"


    Paying close attention, Tianyu made his way toward the voice, which continued, "Stop! I''ll kill you!"


    In a nearby alley, Tianyu discovered a young boy, not older than fourteen, pinned down by two grown men. The boy fought desperately, but his strength was no match for his assailants.


    Further down the alley, a well-fed, balding man held a young girl, around ten or eleven, in a compromising position.


    "Shout all you want, scum," the man sneered. "I''m going to have my fun, and you''re going to watch."


    "What the hell is going on here?!" A voice shouted down the alley, drawing the attention of everybody.


    "Piss off boy, if you don''t want to die," the fat man said.


    With eyes full of shock, the young boy recognized the man.


    "Tianyu! Sir! Please save my sister!" Yinying begged, his eyes flowing with tears.


    The fat man interjected, "You know this scum?" He laughed "Kill him" he ordered the two men.


    The men got up off of Yinying, turned, and ran towards Tianyu.


    Tianyu at this point knew what was going on, and he pulled out his Halberd.


    There was a shocked look on the faces of the two men who were rushing Tianyu as he pulled out his weapon. They soon stopped in their tracks and started panicking a little. They were unarmed, and this young man had pulled out a weapon.


    Without warning, Tianyu made the first move. He swung his Halberd in a chopping motion and to his slight surprise, he cleaved both men in half.


    [You have gained 40 exp points]


    This is the difference between realms. Tianyu is a foundation realm cultivator. Although he may be at the lowest realm of cultivation, to a regular mortal he was unstoppable.


    A surprise was on the face of Yinying, as he had no idea how strong Tianyu was. All he knew was that he had a horse and paid with food. The look on the fat man''s face, however, was much worse. He was panicking.


    "Let go of the girl, or I''ll kill you" Tianyu spoke coldly.


    "Y-y-yes, yes sir," He let the girl go who ran towards her brother Yinying "There, I let her go. I''ll never do anything like this again, I promise. Please let me go"


    Tianyu had a look of disgust on his face, as he put away his weapon.


    A slight glint could be seen in the eyes of the fat man, as he knew he could escape with his life.


    Tianyu walked up to the fat man, who was sweating profusely.


    "Thank you, sir. I promise I''ll never lay a finger on anyone ever again" he promised.


    Tianyu smiled and placed a hand on his shoulder. What followed was a swift kick to his knees. Tianyu had shattered the bones in his knees.


    Screaming in agony and falling to the ground, the fat man looked on in terror.


    "Yinying," Tianyu called over "What do you want to do?" he posed the question.


    Looking a little stupefied over everything that has happened at this point, Yinying looks Tianyu in the eyes.


    Regardless of Yinying''s answer, Tianyu would kill this man. People like this are a plague and need to be eradicated.


    Thinking for a moment, unsure if he should let the fat man go as he had learned his lesson, he turned to look at his younger sister. Seeing the tears running down her face, and the red marks on her wrist, Yinying''s eyes turned colder.


    "He deserves to die" Yinying finally answered.


    The fat man couldn''t believe what he had heard. Surely, he wasn''t going to be killed because of the words of this homeless orphan, right? No person would kill someone of his social stature for scum like him.


    Tianyu nodded in satisfaction and said "Good," Tianyu then pulled out one of his needles, and extended it towards Yinying.


    "Then kill him," Tianyu said bluntly. "A man should be accountable for his words."


    Slightly shocked, Yinying looked at his sister once more, who was also looking shocked, and hardened his resolve. He then took the needle from Tianyu''s hands, walked over to the fat man, and although hesitating for a moment, stabbed the fat man with the needle.


    The poison is very fast, and in moments the skin of the fat man had turned a sickly green color, and he bled from his orifices.


    Tianyu nodded in approval as he dissolved the needle.


    "Yinying," he called out, "Do you want to follow me from today onwards?" He extended the offer.


    Although he was shocked, and he wanted to say yes right away, he looked towards his sister once more.


    Tianyu noticing this, revised his offer. "Both of you can come with me," he explained. "You will both have a place to sleep, and food to eat."


    Shocked by this offer once more, he ran over next to his sister and pulled her over in front of Tianyu. He then dropped down to his knees and kowtowed, urging his sister to do the same.


    "We will follow, master," he said with reverence.


    Nodding in satisfaction, Tianyu turned to leave and said "Let''s go"

 Harsh Reality

    Upon returning to his home with the two youngsters in tow, Tianyu''s blood runs cold when he sees the state of the wooden gate.


    Running inside, he calls out for his mother, however, there''s no answer.


    He starts frantically searching around, trying to think what could have happened, when he is interrupted.


    "Master," the voice of Yinying calls out "There is some blood on the floor outside" he informs Tianyu in a solemn tone.


    Tianyu''s world shakes as he rushes outside to where the young girl is.


    The blood is dry, so whatever happened, it happened a while ago.


    Tianyu starts to pace back and forth "Think, think, think," he is repeating to himself.


    Yinying and his sister are at a loss for what they can do to help.


    Tianyu knows what is most likely to have happened, the Qin Family butler showing up earlier, and now his mother has been taken. It''s obviously connected.


    "They took her about an hour ago" A gruff voice echoed.


    Tianyu turned around to see Mister Hao standing in the gateway.


    "It was the Qin Family?" Tianyu questioned.


    Mister Hao nodded and explained what happened. He then let Tianyu know that he doesn''t need to be so anxious. Although it looks bad, the Qin Family wouldn''t do anything to hurt his mother.


    "How do you know they wouldn''t do anything?" Tianyu asked, clearly worrying.


    "Because of you," Mister Hao explained. "If I''m not mistaken, you ascended. You are also the only son of Qin Zhao Ren."


    Tianyu was a little shocked by how much information Mister Hao knew.


    Mister Hao continued "The Qin Family didn''t rise to the top because they are fools. They are cunning and ruthless. They know that the best way to get to you is through Li Mei."


    Nodding along with this explanation, it made sense.


    As much as he thought that this could be a trap, he still needed to return to the Qin Family.


    "Yinying," Tianyu called him over "You and your sister stay here, I have something to do. There''s food in the kitchen."


    "Mister Hao, apologies in advance, but if I don''t return on time, please look after these children until I do." With a nod, Tianyu leaves.


    <hr>


    It takes a while for Tianyu to reach the Qin Family compound.


    Upon arrival, Tianyu is stopped by the guards at the gate. Tianyu isn''t stupid enough to try and force his way in, instead, he explains that he was summoned by the family head.


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    Once the guards confirm his identity, and report this to the family head, Tianyu is led to the main hall by one of the servants.


    The Qin Family compound is magnificent and everything is crafted beautifully. The size is also quite impressive. Just walking from the main gate to the main hall took over 20 minutes of walking.


    Once they got to the main hall, the guards stationed outside pushed open the large red doors, and Tianyu was brought inside.


    "Xiao Tainyu," a deep voice echoed in the hall "It''s good to see you, it''s been many years!"


    Tianyu was quite surprised. Not because of the words spoken, he knew this was nonsense, but because the person who spoke them radiated power. Tianyu was just a child before, and just a regular human on top of this. So he had no way of telling. It''s different now, however. Since Tianyu is now a cultivator, he can sense the dense energy in the room. It''s not just the family head, but all the elders of the family too.


    Cupping his fist and slightly bowing, Tianyu greeted the family head. "Greetings, Qin Family Head"


    "Arrogant!" a voice cried from a direction in the hall, many more voices echoed similar sentiments. The voice continued "How dare you not kowtow to the family head!"


    Tianyu was trying his best to hold himself together, but his blood was boiling inside. "With all due respect, I was kicked out of the Qin Family, along with my mother. As I am not a member of your Qin Family, I have no obligation to kowtow."


    As he finished speaking, a strong force bore down on Tianyu, trying to force him to his knees despite his protest.


    As the force continued to pressure him down, Tianyu grit his teeth pushing back. His eyes turned bloodshot and his nose started to bleed.


    "Enough," the family head commanded.


    With the pressure on his body disappearing, Tianyu''s bloodshot eyes looked at the family head.


    "Where is my mother?" Tianyu asked in disdain. No longer in the mood to entertain the Qin Family any longer.


    Feeling the change in demeanor, the family head was annoyed at the elder for acting out.


    "I invited you and Li Mei here today so that you can rejoin the Qin Family," the family head explained.


    Tianyu scoffed "Invited?" he repeated "You never invited me here. Your butler demanded for me to follow him like an obedient dog, and after I sent him away, you attacked and kidnapped my mother!" He raised his voice.


    As if on cue, the force of pressure descended on Tianyu once again.


    "Insolent!" an elder shouted.


    The sudden force hit Tianyu hard, causing him to cough up some blood.


    "I said enough!" the family head roared.


    Once again, the pressure lifted.


    "Heh. So this is how you do things is it?" Tianyu rebuked "As soon as something doesn''t go the way you want it, you resort to force?"


    The family head frowned. Clearly unhappy with how things had turned out.


    "Call the butler," the family head requested from one of the servants


    A few moments later, the butler was brought in before the family head.


    "Explain what happened," the family head demanded.


    "Sir, after my report to you earlier today, I was sent back out to request Qin Li Mei''s presence. I arrived at the manor, called on Qin Li Mei, and brought her to the carriage, and came straight here." the butler reported.


    Tianyu''s face turned furious. "Then why was my front gate smashed open, and my mother''s blood on the ground?!" he demanded answers.


    The butler sneered at Tianyu, he then turned to the family head, bowed, and stated clearly that Tianyu was lying. And no such thing happened.


    "Yeah?" Tianyu couldn''t believe how brazen this butler was "Then bring my mother here, right now. If everything is as you say, then let her explain!"


    "Unfortunately, Qin Li Mei is taking a nap right now, and doesn''t wish to be disturbed" the butler retorted triumphantly.


    The family head was sitting there watching this back-and-forth, he sighed in his seat and called over another servant.


    "Go and fetch Qin Li Mei," he ordered.


    At this point, the butler had a cold sweat.


    A few minutes later, the same servant returned on his own. He went up to the family head and reported in his ear.


    A huge force erupted from the man sitting in the chair, making everyone present break into a sweat.


    "I have just received a report that Qin Li Mei is currently unconscious, being seen by one of the medics for a head injury, explain this," he demands to the butler.


    The butler then stands there tripping over his own words, speaking nonsense, and then finally throwing the blame onto the guards which he had taken along.


    Soon, the guards are also dragged into the main hall, confused and scared.


    The family head then relays what the accusations were, and that the butler had put the blame on them. They both turned to the butler with hate in their eyes wanting to kill him where he stood.


    Tianyu was listening to this whole ordeal, the more he listened, the more he hated the politics.


    Finally, after a while of accusations being thrown back and forth, a decision was made.


    "Qin Tianyu, as you are currently not a part of the Qin Family, I can not decide on their punishment" the family head begins to explain.


    Hearing this, a cocky grin found its way to the butler''s face.


    The family head continued "Therefore, their punishment will be up to you to decide"


    The butler''s face froze.


    The family head once again started explaining "For crimes such as this, the guards should be stripped of their rank, have their pay taken away from them for three months, as for the butler, he would be removed from his position, and thrown into the prison for a year."


    As he was explaining, Tianyu was nodding along as if he was really taking in the information and deciding a fitting punishment. As soon as the family head finished speaking, however, Tianyu summoned his Halberd, and beheaded the butler, and both guards on the spot.


    [You have gained 60 exp points]


    Shock appeared on the faces all around, it''s clear they were expecting Tianyu to take the advice of the family head.


    "Nobody," Tianyu paused and looked around at the elders, and then at the family head "And I mean, nobody, gets to live if they bring harm to my mother."

 A Big Decision

    Hearing Tianyu''s words, all the elders were angered by it.


    "Who does this brat think he is to threaten the Qin Family?!" One of the elders shouted out.


    At this moment, the doors to the main hall were pushed open. "He is my son." a powerful voice reverberated.


    Tianyu''s eyes turned cold as he heard what Qin Zhao Ren had said.


    Zhao Ren walked into the room beside Tianyu, he then nudged one of the bodies with his foot and continued, "Decisive, domineering, and ruthless," he praised "You really are my son." he laughed.


    Tianyu wanted to refute his words, but he couldn''t. What he said was the truth.


    "Li Mei will be fine, do you really think that I, Qin Zhao Ren, would pick a weakling to be my woman?" Tianyu was unsure if he was trying to comfort him, or just bragging. But he was unhappy with his choice of words.


    Zhao Ren turned to Tianyu and looked him up and down. "What? You''re not going to pay respects to your father?"


    Trying to hold back his anger, Tianyu replied "What father? I was abandoned by mine. I don''t recognize you."


    Everybody in the room seemed to hold their breath, not knowing how Zhao Ren would react to the provocation.


    Zhao Ren broke out into laughter "Hahahaha! Gutsy too!" he once again praised. The laughter soon came to an end, and Tianyu felt the familiar feeling of intense pressure. Much stronger than before. "However, you are also arrogant, foolish, brazen, disrespectful and insolent!" Each word was punctuated by an increase in pressure.


    Tianyu wasn''t able to stand this level of pressure, especially after already having dealt with it a few times already. He found himself beaten to the floor.


    "Regard this as your first lesson from your father," Zhao Ren spoke. "Li Mei stays here. As of this moment, you are a member of the Qin Family again. You will stay here and be properly educated." This matter was no longer up for discussion.


    Tianyu''s feelings at this point are chaotic. He wants nothing more than to break free from this place with his mother, but he knows he is unable to. At the same time, as a member of the Qin Family, he would have access to resources in order to make him stronger, his mother would also be protected once more by her status.


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    After the pressure eased, Tianyu struggled to get to his feet.


    "I have conditions," Tianyu spoke wearily


    Interrupted by another elder off to the side, "Conditions?! What gives you the right to demand anything?! You should be on your knees thanking us for allowing you back into the Qin Family!"


    Tianyu wasn''t a fool, the Qin Family wouldn''t go through all of this trouble if he wasn''t valuable to them.


    Ignoring this elder''s provocation, he looked towards the family head. before continuing. "Will you listen to my conditions, or should I leave now?"


    After a moment of silence, "Speak" which confirmed Tianyu''s theory of him being valuable.


    Tianyu couldn''t push his luck too far, he didn''t know just how valuable of an asset he was yet.


    he spoke his conditions, "I want a private villa with a large courtyard and my mother stays with me, just how it was before. I have two servants, I want them to join me. Lastly, I want access to training materials and resources. Those are my conditions."


    The family head nodded in agreement, "I will assign the lake villa to you, it should be large enough for your needs. Your servants can join you, however, they will be your responsibility. As for the training materials and resources, these will be provided based on your own abilities. We will not waste precious materials."


    A few grumbles were heard from the surrounding elders, however, none had the courage to dispute the family head''s decision.


    The family head concluded business for the time being and ordered one of the servants to take Tianyu to see his mother.


    When Tianyu arrived at where his mother was, she was already awake, with a doctor talking to her. She was relieved once she saw that Tianyu was fine. Tianyu explained the situation and everything that had happened. Although Qin Li Mei was unhappy with the Qin Family, she also knew that right now it was the best place for Tianyu to be. She knew that he had awoken his cultivation recently but she was unable to provide anything to aid him. He can receive all of that here.


    Tianyu was shown to the lake villa, it was private and secluded as he requested, however, it was also much more grandiose than he assumed. In comparison to his living situation before, this was akin to night and day. He quickly settled his mother in before explaining about Yinying and his sister. How they would be following him from now on, and living here with them. Other than being a little surprised, she was proud of her son for not turning a blind eye to people in need.


    He said his goodbyes and left the villa. He called over one of the servants he saw running around and asked to be shown the way to the main gate. A while later as he was about to leave through the main gates, he was accosted once again by some guards. He didn''t get mad at these guards as they were just doing their job, he politely explained the situation to them. Confirming that everything was fine, Tianyu was allowed to leave, but not before being given a token by one of the guards, so that he would be able to return without going through this process each time.


    At this point in the day, the sun was starting to set. Tianyu made his way back to the home he shared with his mother for most of his life. Once he made it back, he saw that the gate had since been cleared up and moved out of the way. He called out to Yinying and his sister, unsure if they would even still be there. Thankfully, the two quickly ran over to Tianyu and bowed to him.


    "Welcome back, master" they echoed.


    Tianyu nodded at them and proceeded to explain the situation. He told them that he would no longer be living here, but that they would be coming with him to live elsewhere. He went over and knocked on the gate to the Hao''s. Once again he was greeted warmly and enjoyed a quick conversation with Madam Hao, before speaking to and explaining the situation to Mister Hao. He once again thanked him for his help, before heading back.


    Tianyu spent a little time grabbing a few things, mainly things his mother cherished and would feel upset if she lost. He didn''t bother to grab anything for himself. During this time, the delivery from the stable came, and Yinying dealt with this. Tianyu was satisfied with his quick thinking. It didn''t take long for everything to be ready. He saddled up Red Hare and used her to carry things. "I should have brought a carriage," he noted to himself.


    Setting back off, with the children, Red Hare, and Xiao Lei in tow, they all made their way to the Qin Family residence.


    Although unhappy about the way things are right now, Tianyu vows to himself that he will use the Qin Family for their resources and their protection. This will be the starting point on his path to power.

 Settling In

    Everyone manages to make it back to the Qin residence with no issues and they pass through the gate. Making their way back to the lake villa, Yinying and his sister can''t stop themselves from looking around in wonder.


    Tianyu officially introduced his mother to the two youngsters. Although they were a little shy at first, Qin Li Mei soon made them feel welcome and they eased up a little. He then alighted Red Hare of her burden and brought inside all the items from the previous house. Qin Li Mei was pleased that he had taken the time to collect some important things, however, at the same time she was a little upset when she saw that he had packed nothing for himself.


    The four of them all sat down at the table for some dinner, the two youngsters ate as if their food would be taken away any moment. Shaking his head, all Tianyu could do was inwardly sigh. Over time they would surely start to relax a little.


    After their meal whilst still sitting around the table, there were some topics to discuss. First things first, Tianyu explained the overall situation again so everyone involved was up to speed. Then he went over the plans for the future, confirming that he had taken a step on the path of cultivation and that he was at the foundation initiate realm. This was likely the trigger for the Qin Family to act. He would be using the protection of the Qin Family name to be able to grow in power without worrying about his mother''s safety.


    He then addressed the youngsters and gave them their jobs. First things first, the young girl needs a name, so Tianyu settled on calling her Guang. He explained that their names together mean Light and Shadow. It''s a perfect combination where one can''t be without the other. This brought a sparkle to the young girl''s eye as she could share this with her big brother. Yinying also looked happy and appreciative of the care and consideration.


    It was decided that both Yinying and Guang would be joining Tianyu for his morning training, both of them had been living hard lives until now, so they both had a desire to become stronger. After their morning training, Guang would then learn from Qin Li Mei about housework and chores, he thought it was also best to have a young girl of her age be looked after by another woman, especially after the experiences she had been through. Yinying on the other hand would follow Tianyu around as his aide. Both youngsters agreed with a determination on their faces.


    Tianyu then adjourned their little meeting and gave orders to the youngsters to go and take a bath. They had been on the streets for a long time and the smell wasn''t pleasant. Qin Li Mei took over from there, happy she was able to help out.


    With everyone else busy, Tianyu used the time to check out the courtyard where he would be spending a lot of his time. The courtyard was certainly big enough for anything he needed, easily three times as large as his previous one. Satisfied, he found a place for Red Hare and laid out some horse feed. He would need to look into a proper shelter for her in the morning. He would also need to get some training equipment for himself and the youngsters.


    He still had some time to spare before going to sleep, so he called upon Sophia.


    "Sophia," he called out "How many exp points do I have right now?"


    [Host, currently you have 213 exp points]


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    "Not bad, and how many exp points do I need in order to raise my cultivation to the intermediate level of the foundation realm?"


    [Host, the intermediate realm would cost 1000 exp points]


    He stood there thinking to himself for a while, although he could raise a small realm in just over 10 days, it was much too soon. Having only just ascended he needs to consolidate his current realm first. With this in mind, he decided to make another purchase from the system. Spending 200 exp points Tianyu claims himself another technique avatar. With these technique avatars, he has the upgraded avatar training in the Basic Polearm Technique and the other training with the Cloud Chasing Technique.


    Nodding in satisfaction with his choices, Tianyu heads off to find his room and get to sleep after a hectic day.


    <hr>


    The following morning, Tianyu was greeted with his system notification as usual, and another which he saw for the first time.


    [Gained 32 exp points]


    [Gained 3x Recovery Pills]


    [Gained experience and insights into Basic Polearm Technique and Cloud Chasing Technique]


    With this new notification came an unusual sensation. Tianyu could feel his muscle structure slightly changing. This both surprised and delighted him. He had planned on using the Qin Family to raise his strength, however, he was also a little worried about how he would be able to do so, whilst also keeping as much information hidden from them as possible. With the benefit of the system, he would be able to keep his core techniques hidden and train them solely via the avatars.


    Rising to his feet, he had a lot to get done today in preparation. He quickly washed up, went downstairs, and followed the smell of food. Guang seemed to be happily helping his mother prepare breakfast, and it seemed that Yinying was busy elsewhere. It didn''t take long for breakfast to be cooked and eaten. Following breakfast, Tianyu went for his morning training, bringing Yinying and Guang along. The training was going to be tough, Tianyu took the time to explain that they would continue training until they physically couldn''t any longer. They needed to push themselves beyond their limit, but not hurt themselves.


    First, they took off running around the villa, after a valiant effort, Guang was the first to stop. Tianyu told her to go sit to the side and rest, and they carried on. A while later Yinying reached his limit, and not long after that Tianyu also finished. Tianyu was surprised with how long Yinying had lasted. Tianyu wasn''t in peak physical form himself after only recently taking up training, however, he had still broken through to the initiate realm. This comes with an innate boost to his physical body. Next, they moved on to push-ups, followed by sit-ups, and finally squats. This easy-to-follow training will be repeated every morning.


    A short rest later, they went their separate ways. Guang went to find Qin Li Mei, and Tianyu and Yinying headed out.


    Firstly, Tianyu and Yinying made their way back to the market. This time Yinying showed Tinayu to a tailor. Everybody was in need of new clothing, especially Yinying and Guang. Tianyu requested that a tailor come to his home in order to take measurements and any requests that anyone may have had. Usually, this request would be refused, however, once the tailor knew that it was for a member of the Qin Family, she quickly agreed.


    "The influence of power, huh?" Tianyu thought to himself.


    Next, he needed a shelter built for Red Hare. For this request, he went straight to Mister Hao, who was a carpenter by trade. Tianyu explained everything to Mister Hao and his request. After a little convincing, Mister Hao agreed. Tianyu also asked Madam Hao to come along, as it would be nice for his mother to be able to chat with her friend, to which she happily agreed.


    The next thing on the agenda to do today was to make a request to the Qin Family. Tianyu was least looking forward to this job today.


    Making their way back to the compound, he asked one of the servants running around to request an audience with the family head. Although she was a little uneasy about this request, she couldn''t refuse when it came from an official member of the family.


    Entering the grand main hall, Tianyu bowed to the family head and made his request. What Tianyu was after was cultivation resources and some technique manuals. It took some convincing from Tianyu, but his request was fair, so the family head had no reason to refuse. Tianyu was given three bottles of pills. There was a bottle of Spirit Gathering pills, a bottle of Spirit Cleansing Pills, and a bottle of Body Forging Pills. Tianyu also picked out a body-forging technique called the Adamant Body Technique. This was a peak initiate-level technique and also happened to be a technique he was missing.


    Giving his thanks to the family head, Tianyu and Yinying made their way back to the villa, where their training started in earnest. Tianyu absorbed the Adamant Body Technique using the system and learned how to cultivate this. and made a training plan for himself. He would spend half his time training the Adamant Body Technique, and the other half of his time cultivating his Lightning Qi. The rest would be taken care of by his training avatars.


    After settling into the flow of his training, just like that, 6 months had passed.

 Progress

    In the six months that have passed, Tianyu has now gotten used to living in the Qin Family. He has managed to keep himself to himself and avoid any troubles, however, that peace seems to be coming to an end. He had been informed this morning that at some time today, he would be summoned by the family head and need to go to the main hall.


    After all this time living here, Tianyu had never been summoned. In fact, the last time he even met with the family head was when he first arrived and requested resources. At the time there wasn''t any issue and Tianyu had received bottles of pills, but this quickly stopped. After his first month here, he never received anything again. He had thought about visiting the family head again once the resources stopped, but he decided not to.


    Although not as great as the results could have been with more resources, in the past six months Tianyu''s strength has soared. He had stuck to his plan of only training his Adamant Body Technique, this technique is quite miraculous. Although it seems quite easy to train, it is in fact torturous. It involves holding your body in certain poses for extended periods of time whilst circling your Qi. It may look stupid, but the effects that it has on the muscles are unbelievable. Due to this, Tianyu''s body has bulked up, no longer looking skinny and weak. he now boasts some impressive muscles that are brimming with power. Combining this with his morning training, pushing himself beyond his limits every time, he now has a physique that men can only dream of.


    His improvements in his Qi Cultivation have also been impressive. Before he could only slightly sense a tingling in the air. after following the guidance from his system, he is now able to control the Qi in his body and direct the flow to a certain extent. Right now with his Qi cultivation, he feels as though he has reached the ceiling of the initiate realm, and should be ready to break through anytime into the intermediate stage.


    His training avatars have also been hard at work. Over this time period, he had completely mastered the Basic Polearm Technique and also mastered the Cloud Chasing Technique. Tianyu got very lucky with a sign-in attempt two months ago and received another polearm technique called the ''Raging Bull Technique''. So he has had the upgraded technique avatar training this technique. This technique, while powerful, also seems quite reckless to Tianyu as the name of the technique may suggest, it''s a technique that abandons defense in favor of pure attacking power.


    Over the months, Tianyu had kept up with signing in to the system daily. He had received many rewards, some more useful than others. There had been a myriad of pills, the best of which being a stamina-boosting pill, and he has also received many different techniques over this period. Unfortunately, most of them are not good for him, being techniques for the weapons he doesn''t use, there are even some techniques that will not work with his Lightning Qi. He managed to get a few that would be helpful, such as a mounted combat technique, and even some lifestyle skills, such as sewing.


    His best gain over this period from signing in was hands down the Elemental Fusion Technique. Although he is unable to use this technique until he enters the True Qi Realm, the possibilities of this skill are endless. He could cancel out the weakness of his Lightning Qi, or he could combine the strength of his Lightning Qi and improve his attacking potential. He could even decide on a completely different type of Qi to fuse with and give himself more variations in his attacks and defenses.


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    During this time, the youngsters Yinying and Guang have also improved by leaps and bounds. No longer looking skinny and malnourished, their complections have improved dramatically. Guang has become stronger and more confident, she has also picked up a lot of skills from Qin Li Mei, and Tianyu even taught her sewing from the skill he picked up. She has quickly turned into a very capable maid. Yinying has been following Tianyu for the entire six months and has been just as hard-working as Tianyu himself, without having a single complaint or taking a single day off. Alongside the morning training that they all take part in, Tianyu has made a special training program for Yinying to follow. This training program is specifically designed to train Yinying''s speed and flexibility. Both of these aspects have since improved greatly.


    Qin Li Mei has been happy over this time. Having more people around the house has stopped her from getting lonely and also given her a purpose in teaching Guang. She never complained but Tianyu can see just how happy she is to be able to feel useful again. She has long since started thinking of Guang and Yinying as her adoptive children, and treats them with love and care.


    Over the entire six months, Tianyu had been focused on training and consolidating what he already had, so he hasn''t spent any of his exp points. This gave him a huge exp pool totalling out to be 15,480 points. He had also gained a total of 540 recovery pills.


    With the unease of being summoned to the family head looming over him, he decided that now would be a good time to spend some of his points as assurance. With this in mind, he informed Yinying that he would be locking himself in his room in order to break through, and that nobody is to disturb him until he comes out. After receiving his instructions, Yinying nodded to Tianyu and stood watch outside his door.


    Tianyu had two ideas in mind which would bring him the most strength, and he set his plan into action. The first thing to do was to raise his realm to the peak of the Foundation Realm. He wanted to raise a major realm into the True Qi Realm, especially knowing his Elemental Fusion Technique was waiting for him. But that would be too forced and his foundation would be lacking.


    [Host, do you want to spend 8500 exp points in order to raise to Foundation Realm: Peak?]


    "Yes," was his immediate response.


    [Processing...]


    Moments later, Tianyu felt energy flowing around his body. His skin tingled and the hair on his arms and legs stood on end as small sparks crackled along his skin. Tianyu inhaled deeply and felt a boundless energy and great strength flowing through his body. He wasn''t planning on going out and punching the closest tree this time, however.


    He had already done some planning over this next step, so he didn''t need to think too much about it.


    "Sophia, I''d like to spend 5000 exp points on the low-tier lightning elemental bloodline," The reason why he was so sure about this purchase was that he found out that with the system, he could also spend exp points to enhance his bloodline. Although this could cost a ridiculous amount of exp points to raise to the highest level, the benefits of owning a bloodline, especially a bloodline that benefits your Qi nature, are undeniable.


    [Processing...]


    Once again, Tianyu felt power coursing through his body, his skin started to have a blue hue to it. Moments passed and he began to sweat, each droplet of sweat seemed to carry an electric current. The blood in his body seemed to be charged and coursed through his veins. It didn''t take long for a smelly black fluid to start to excrete from his pores. The current that was flowing through his entire body was getting rid of all impurities. After about an hour, Tianyu slowly opened up his eyes with a spark, and behind his pupils, a storm was raging.


    [Congratulations, Host, for unlocking your bloodline. Reward: 1x gacha ticket]

 Theft and Threats

    Seeing the reward from the system put a smile on Tianyu''s face. It had been a long time since he had a gacha spin. He thought he way get one by mastering the Polearm Technique or the Cloud Chasing Technique, but unfortunately not. It seemed getting gacha spins wasn''t easy.


    Tianyu asked his system about this, and it just explained that when it comes to the gacha spin, it holds exclusive rewards that cannot be received by any other means. When Tianyu asked for more information about these rewards, the system explained that it couldn''t answer and that he would have to spin the gacha and get lucky.


    A little perturbed from not receiving the answer he was looking for, Tianyu chose to spin the gacha in hopes of finding something good.


    [Congratulations host! You have received the trait Ambidextrous!]


    Tianyu while a little surprised, was pleased with the results. What he received wasn''t a skill but a trait. Not only would this be a great trait to have in battle, but it also means that there are other traits that can be unlocked, which he didn''t know up until this point.


    Happy with his gains this time, he got up to leave. When exiting the room, Yinying was taken aback. While Tianyu looked the same as before, his aura and presence had magnified. To Yinying, he now gave off a very dangerous feeling. It was like standing in front of a tiger. A little nervous, Yinying bowed to Tianyu and followed after him.


    Tianyu could smell some food cooking, and at this point realized just how hungry he was. He used up a lot of his energy while breaking through. Sitting down to eat with everyone, Tianyu surprised everyone with the vigor with which he was eating. Not a single grain of rice survived his onslaught.


    After the food had been eaten, Guang set herself to clearing the table, Qin Li Mei started to wash up the dishes and Yinying went over to feed Red Hare. This left Tianyu with free time until he was called to go to the main hall. Heading out to the courtyard, which was now equipped fully with training apparatus, Tianyu for the first time went over to the weapons rack and picked up a polearm. The weapon he chose wasn''t quite the same as his Halberd, what he had picked up was a Glaive. It was similar to a Spear, however instead of a spike at the top, there was a blade. It was a weapon designed for mid-range combat, or mounted combat.


    Over these six months, Tianyu had never taken out his Halberd once. Not wanting to advertise that he has a soul weapon to the Qin Family, it was also a trump card being able to summon a powerful weapon out of the air. He was even angry at himself for using it when he killed the butler and those two guards. He knew that it had been exposed to the family head and the elders, but he was also hopeful that due to the shock at the time and how quickly it was used, this was looked over.


    If anyone had been watching and spying on him, it would be like this moment was the first time he had used a weapon. Tianyu purposefully used a reverse grip, not only because he wanted to test out his new trait and get used to using the weapon with his other stance, but also because he was completely inexperienced in using a left-handed grip. It would seem to anybody watching that he was indeed a novice when it comes to weapons.


    <hr>


    Roughly two hours later, a servant came up to the lake villa and informed Tianyu that his presence was requested in the main hall. Nodding to the servant, he followed and made his way to the main hall. When the doors opened and he entered, he noticed the family head and the elders as is usual. Qin Zhao Ren was also sitting there with a stoic expression and also in the middle of the hall was somebody he had never met before. It was another man, roughly the same age as Tianyu. Tall and blonde with decent looks. Tianyu would have no impression of the man if it wasn''t for the snobby look on his face and his arrogant demeanor.


    Tianyu walked to the center of the room and bowed to the family head as is customary. Other younger members of the Qin Family would also bow to the elders present, however, Tianyu would only bow to those who deserved it and so far, the only person to show anything respectable was the family head.


    "Greetings, family head."


    The family head nodded his head in acknowledgment.


    "Qin Tianyu," a voice from one of the elders rang "It''s been six months since you rejoined the Qin Family, and so far you have nothing to show for it. This is unacceptable and utterly disappointing. Just look at my grandson for example," he gestured to the man standing near him who was stood there with arrogant pride, "He started cultivating at the same time you had joined the Qin Family, and he has already broken through to the intermediate stage of the foundation realm!" He was boasting.


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    Tianyu, with a cold look in his eyes, responded with some disdain in his voice. "I wasn''t under the impression that I had to impress you, Elder"


    "Ridiculous!" Another elder interjected "We have sheltered you for six months! Not only do you not show us any thanks, but you are even this insolent!"


    "It wasn''t my choice to come back to the Qin Family, remember? It was you guys who forced me to come back." Tianyu retorted.


    Sensing that this was about to become a back-and-forth, the family head spoke up.


    "Enough," his voice caught everybody''s attention "Qin Tianyu, though you may be correct with your statements, you are speaking to the elders of the Qin Family and your disrespect towards them is indeed crossing the line."


    Inwardly sighing, once the family head had spoken there wasn''t much he could do. With a quick bow to the family head and an insincere apology, Tianyu stood there once more in silence waiting to be told the reason he was summoned.


    The family head knew that this was likely the best he was going to get, he let out a sigh and started to explain.


    "What the elder said isn''t wrong, Qin Tianyu. Over these six months the Qin Family had sheltered you, Qin Li Mei, and your servants. You have been provided with an excellent living situation, and you have been provided countless resources and techniques over this time. Yet your progress is indeed disappointing."


    Tianyu spoke up in his own defense. "Family head, I have indeed been provided a good living situation. But what is this about countless resources? Over these past six months, I have received none barring the few bottles of pills you provided me with the Adamant Body Technique."


    When these words came out of his mouth, the young man who was standing in the hall with him had a panicked look on his face and quickly looked over to one of the elders.


    "Lies!" The same elder shouted out "Every month resources are delivered to your door, you are just making excuses to hide your useless potential."


    Hearing what the elder had said, the man breathed a sigh of relief.


    It didn''t take long for Tianyu to work out what had been going on. It seems that under the guise of claiming resources for Tianyu, this elder had taken them and most likely given them to his grandson.


    "I see," Tianyu was tired of these games and wasn''t interested in playing any longer "So why am I here? Do you plan on kicking me out of the family once again?"


    Rubbing his forehead, it seems that the family head wasn''t as foolish as the elder thinks, and can also understand what has happened. Tianyu has no reason to lie to him, at worst they would throw him out of the family again, and that wasn''t an effective threat against somebody they forced to join it.


    As the family head was about to speak up, another voice cut him off first.


    "Let them fight."


    Everyone looked over to where the voice had originated, and of course, the man sitting there was Qin Zhao Ren.


    "You heard me," he repeated "Let them fight. Why are you going through all of this nonsense? In this world, the strongest is right, and the weak have no say"


    Although Tianyu hated his father, he preferred this way of doing things. Politics is a headache and he doesn''t want to deal with it.


    "I disagree," the man next to Tianyu spoke for the first time "Why should I waste my time on trash like this? I''m a genius of the Qin Family, he is a reject who was thrown out!"


    His grandfather spoke up agreeing with him "That''s right, why should Xiao Pin have to lower himself to fight with this waste?"


    "I can''t believe that I am about to say this, but I actually agree with my father." Tianyu spoke up "I don''t want to waste time with this crap when I could be cultivating."


    Sighing in defeat, the family head agrees to the duel. servants run through the room like ants, clearing a large space for a duel to take place. On one side is Qin Tianyu, and on the other is Qin Pin.


    When the family head signaled the fight to start, Qin Pin with an arrogant look on his face started to trash-talk Tianyu, using any method possible to get inside his head. Tianyu just stood there unbothered by his attempts. Upon seeing that he wasn''t getting to Tianyu, Qin Pin went on the attack. All of his moves were big and flashy, exactly what you would think from somebody like him. As Tianyu expected, he has also rushed his cultivation and relied on his resources. He doesn''t have a solid foundation, so his attacks have no real power behind them. Unlike Tianyu who has been training all day every day, on top of having his avatars.


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    Attacks reigned down on Tianyu, who was unmoving. Qin Pin who was attacking had a sinister smile on his face. Tianyu was so weak he was unable to fight back! Plus he gets to show what a genius he is in front of the family head.


    What he didn''t know, is that Tianyu wasn''t trying to fight back. Tianyu had trained the Adamant Body Technique to completion over these past six months, the attacks from Qin Pin were having no effect on him whatsoever. After about 3 minutes of Qin Pin attacking with all his might, he didn''t have the stamina to keep going. Tianyu hadn''t even moved from where he stood.


    Tianyu then proceeded to look over to the family head "Are we done here now?" he questioned.


    Before the family head could bring himself out of his surprise over Tianyu''s performance and clearly unaware of the situation, Qin Pin started berating him again.


    "We won''t be done until I cripple you, trash! You''re just a reject from the Qin Family. You aren''t worthy of being in this family! I''m going to cripple you and throw you back out in the street with your whore of a mother and those shitty little kids!"


    While the elders had been distracted by his words, the only people who saw what had happened next were the family head and Qin Zhao Ren. With cold eyes, Tianyu channeled his Lightning Qi into his legs and his arm. In a flash, he burst towards Qin Pin and brought a lightning-fast fist right to his face. When the fist hit, thunder clapped, which shook everyone out of their stupor. Tianyu had sent Qin Pin flying across the room and crashing into the wall. Qin Pin''s face was a bloody mess. Tianyu followed this up with some more lightning-imbued punches to his face.


    "Stop!" A loud voice shook the room.


    No matter how much Tianyu would love to kill this arrogant fool in front of him, currently, he isn''t able to stand up to the entire Qin Family. So he forced himself to stop from ending his pathetic life.


    Tianyu straightened his clothes, dusted himself off, walked back to the center of the room, and waited for the family head to speak. Everyone had a sour expression on their face. Qin Pin was supposed to be the next genius of the Qin Family, but he was just so easily beaten like a dog.


    Everyone''s face bar one - Qin Zhao Ren had a big smile across his.

 Questions and Answers

    Tianyu was clearly unhappy while standing there and he wasn''t trying to hide this fact. The elders all around the room were shouting and berating him for being violent and unworthy of the Qin Family name. The elder who was Qin Pin''s grandfather had to be stopped from trying to attack Tianyu himself. Servants had been called to take Qin Pin to the medicine hall. The entire main hall was in chaos right now.


    After a few minutes, the family head finally spoke. "When did you reach the peak of Initiate Realm?" He questioned bluntly.


    Hearing that Tianyu was at the peak of Initiate Realm, after only six months, shocked everybody. Especially the elder who had been stealing all of his resources.


    "What does that matter?" Tianyu asked "It''s not like I received any help from the Qin Family to get there"


    Unhappy with his words, the family head frowned.


    Tianyu continued "Why am I even here?"


    "You were brought here to answer for your lack of progress," the family head started.


    "No. I mean why am I here, in the Qin Family? You all clearly don''t want me here, and I don''t want to be here. I agreed to rejoin the Qin Family for only two reasons. Reason one is that you kidnapped my mother, refusing to let her go, but at least she would be safe here and reason two is so that I would have access to resources that I wouldn''t have outside of the family." He was explaining with complete honesty. "It turns out that you have been stealing all the resources that were allocated to me, and the biggest threat to my mother''s safety is the Qin Family itself. Tell me why am I even here?"


    A little taken aback by the question, the family head was at a loss for what to say. Everything that Tianyu was saying was indeed the truth.


    "The Qin Family was supposed to be MY family. But it was YOU who kicked me and my mother out. WE had been banished to the bottom of society based on YOUR decision. WE had to starve, scratch, and claw for everything we had. WE were treated like scum by everyone because of what YOU did. Not you. YOU guys got to stay here in your lovely compound, surrounded by your servants. YOU didn''t have to go hungry. YOU didn''t get put down and abused everywhere you went. For over 10 years this went on. You probably even forgot about me," Tianyu gestured towards Zhao Ren. "For over 10 years we struggled just to survive. And just as it finally started to get better, and I finally broke through, YOU ruined things AGAIN! WHY AM I HERE? I AM NOT A TOY JUST FOR YOU TO PLAY WITH!" Tianyu was shouting at the end.


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    SMACK!


    One of the elders had struck Tianyu with enough force to knock him down "You insolent brat!" the elder proceeded to kick Tianyu while he was on the floor "How dare you raise your voice to the family head!"


    With a sigh, the family head finally spoke "Qin Tianyu, I know you bear hatred towards the Qin Family. But this doesn''t matter. Whatever decisions are made, are made for the good of the family. When you were a child you had been kicked out of the family due to your lack of cultivation talent. With the Qin Family''s standing, useless people aren''t welcome. When you were deemed to actually have talent, you were worthy of your name." Although he explained, he didn''t help the matter at all.


    Struggling to stand back to his feet, Tianyu replied "I see how it is. Then tell me, if I am now so worthy of being in this family, why are you doing everything to keep me down? What did I do to deserve you stealing resources meant for me? Why am I being beaten by an elder for asking a question?"


    "The resources... Will be dealt with. You can go now." The family head stated and this conversation was now over.


    Tianyu was ushered out of the main hall by some guards and sent on his way.


    Making his way back to the lake villa, Tianyu was furious. What he needs is power. He needs to get strong enough to sweet this entire Qin Family from this world. He gave them a chance. For six months he had been here, diligently cultivating to increase his strength. He had done nothing wrong yet the Qin Family still did this to him? He wasn''t going to sit down and take it. The Qin Family are irredeemable. It''s time to start working towards the True Qi Realm,


    When Tianyu got back to the villa, he sat everyone down and explained the situation, and what had happened, and he explained his plans going forward. He had no qualms about telling his mother, Guang, and Yinying about his plans. He trusted all three of them. At his current rate of training, the True Qi Realm would be months away, but he had a plan for this. He still needed to consolidate his power at the peak of foundation, and also earn enough exp points to raise his realm. He could do all of this much quicker by going to the forest outside of the city and hunting beasts. Luckily he still had the map given to him by Mister Hao, and there''s a hunting cabin up there he can stay in.


    Tianyu settled some things back at the villa, he left instructions for Guang and Yinying to keep up with their training, Yinying had been given instructions that if anything happens, he is to attach a note to Xiao Lei and the eagle would find Tianyu. He then saddled up Red Hair and left a message with one of the servants to inform the family head that he would be going into isolated training.


    Tianyu would spend the next couple of weeks in the forest hunting down and killing ferocious beasts to gain strength and exp points. He also planned to break through in the forest. He wanted to be as far away from the Qin Family as possible as he didn''t trust them to not interfere and throw him into Qi deviation.


    He jumped on top of Red Hare, patted her mane, and set off, bolting through the streets at incredible speeds.


    With this next breakthrough, he can stop holding back.

 The Red Zone

    Tianyu had reached the forest and jumped off of the back of Red Hare. He tied his gate pass to the reigns and instructed Red Hare to head back on her own. There would be time to get more experience fighting from atop her, but in a densely wooded area wasn''t that time. Red Hare seemed a little reluctant but would listen to his command. Red Hare was a war horse, born and bred for the battlefield. He felt a little guilty that during the entire time in which she had been his mount, he had never given her the opportunity to return. But with the tumultuous times they currently live, it may not be too long before he has the opportunity to.


    As Red Hare galloped away, Tianyu pulled out his map and headed in the direction of the hunting cabin. He kept his guard up along the way, but other than a wild boar which was quickly dispatched, there were no issues. When arriving at the location he was taken aback, he was expecting a little cabin in the woods made from wood, but this was far beyond any of his expectations. What awaited him was a Pagoda made from red bricks and wood. The design of this building was exquisite. He had to double-check that he had arrived in the correct place, but he definitely had.


    Tianyu walked up to the building in awe, admiring the craftsmanship. He paid special attention to the decoration, which looked out of character for a building like this. Unlocking the door with the key Mister Hao handed to him confirmed he was in the right place. When he walked into the building he was shocked even more so. It was like walking into a vortex of spiritual power. The density of the spirit gathering in this place was abnormally high. He was bewildered by this. Just what is actually going on? Was there more to Mister Hao than he knew?


    Getting over his state of shock he then started to pay attention and noticed little details. There were markings engraved on the wooden floorboards with statues placed at certain points around the outside. There were also more engravings on the walls on the inside. Remembering one of his system prompts from when he ascended about unlocking spiritual formations from the system shop, he asked for some information from Sophia, he spent 100 exp points to purchase and absorb information about basic spiritual formations. A few moments later when all of the knowledge was transferred, he knew that the big formation in the middle of the floor was a spirit-gathering formation and the designs he paid attention to outside were actually wards to repel wildlife. Unfortunately, there was no information about the other formations which were engraved inside the pagoda.


    He would definitely need to speak to Mister Hao again when he returns, but until then he would make the most of this spirit-gathering formation. It was starting to get a little late in the day at this point anyway, so he then sat in a lotus position in the middle of the formation and spent the rest of the day cultivating.


    He was amazed by this formation, using this he could cultivate at least 2-3 times faster. He would definitely come back here to cultivate regularly in the future. He decided to go to sleep and get an early start tomorrow hunting beasts.


    <hr>


    Tianyu woke up with the sun and after dismissing his usual system notification he prepared to set out and hunt. He was excited that he didn''t have to hide his soul weapon whilst being out here and was able to use it properly. He did try to communicate with the soul weapon again once he reached Peak Foundation Realm, but there was still no response.


    He was out hunting all day until the sun started to set, however, he had only found another boar and a couple of snakes to kill. He had been at it all day and only picked up 35 exp points. This was far from what he was expecting when he made this plan.


    He carried the boar that he killed back to the pagoda and made a meal out of it. He then went back to cultivating and slept early once again.


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    The next day led to similar results, and the day after results were even worse. He was getting frustrated. At this rate, it would be better for him to just stay inside the pagoda and cultivate here. He pulled out the map that Mister Hao gave him once again and checked around for if there was anywhere he could go for better results, and that''s when he had an idea. Mister Hao specifically warned him to avoid the areas marked in red until he was strong enough. He decided to go and check out one of these areas tomorrow.


    <hr>


    The next day Tianyu once again rose with the sun, ate some left-over boar meat, and set off in the direction of one of the small areas marked in red. He was adamant that he would not leave this forest until he had reached his goal. And that would never happen if all he was fighting were boars and snakes.


    The first area he went to took about an hour of walking before he arrived. He kept walking through the forest when he felt that the air had dropped in temperature. The once lively forest seemed to be silent. It was a very odd sensation, but there was definitely something different about this area. He slowly and quietly crept his way forward. Every step he took seemed exaggerated due to the deathly silence in the air. It was as if nothing dared to make a sound and Tianyu was going against nature whenever he did.


    As Tianyu was creeping forward, he heard a snap off to the side. Twisting his head to look in the direction of the noise, his pupils shrank as he saw a giant monster barreling towards him. Unable to dodge in time, all Tianyu could do was raise his weapon and attempt to block the giant hand hurtling at his body.


    Although he was able to raise his halberd in time, it didn''t offer much protection. The giant beast had sent him flying through the air.


    Twang!


    Thud!


    Tianyu was dazed, but he had to fight! He got back to his feet and that''s when he saw what he was up against.


    Standing opposite him in the clearing, roaring and batting its chest was a monstrous silverback gorilla. It stood about 10 feet tall and had arms as thick as tree trunks with menacingly sharp teeth. The most terrifying thing about this gorilla though, wasn''t the sheer size, but the fact that its fur seemed to be made of stone.


    It wasn''t planning on giving Tianyu any time to think and came charging at him once again.


    This time, he saw the beast coming and he managed to dodge to the side, striking out with his halberd.


    Clang!


    It was as though he had just struck a wall, and his arms felt the full force of the rebound. Feeling uncomfortable yet knowing he couldn''t stop, he went on the offensive.


    Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!


    It was no good. None of the hits that he landed seemed to have any effect. He couldn''t penetrate his defense and he was suffering from the rebound of his attacks. His hands had already started to go numb.


    Tianyu was at a loss for what he could do. The beast kept charging at him and swinging his meaty hands. If he were to be hit by any one of these he could be in big trouble. Luckily the beast was quite slow when he wasn''t charging, so he was able to dodge just fine. However, this just left him at a stalemate. The beast couldn''t hit him, and he couldn''t do enough damage to the beast.


    His only hope was to make this a battle of attrition. After coming up with his plan he stopped attacking completely, unable afford to wasting his energy.


    Whoosh! Whoosh!


    The giant gorilla was swinging his arms trying its best to clobber him.


    This went on for quite some time, unfortunately for Tianyu, it didn''t seem like the beast was going to run out of stamina any time soon, and he was soon feeling the pressure of his situation. There is no way he could escape from a gorilla in a forest, yet he couldn''t outlast it, or kill it.


    While trying to think of a way out of his situation, he had an idea. He had been using his Qi to strengthen his body this whole time, but this was having no effect. What if he was to channel his Qi into his weapon?


    He concentrated on doing so when he made a big mistake. He was concentrating so much on his Qi flowing, he wasn''t paying attention to his footing, and he stumbled. Using this mistake to his advantage, the giant gorilla dashed forward and managed to smash Tianyu across the clearing once again.


    Thump!


    Crack!


    Tianyu coughed up a large amount of blood. That hit just now seemed to have broken some ribs at the very least. Staggering to stand back to his feet, he swallowed a handful of recovery pills. It was pure adrenaline that was keeping him going. If he falls now, he dies.


    The recovery pills worked quickly, but aren''t as effective as they need to be.


    He needed to channel his Qi and he needed to do it NOW!


    Once again, the gorilla charged at Tianyu, out for blood. Tianyu managed to jump to the side and swing his halberd again.


    ROAARRR!!


    He looked over at the enraged beast to see blood dripping on the floor from its arm.


    Tianyu smiled while barely able to keep himself standing. "This is where the fight truly begins, bastard monkey!"

 Epiphany

    Tianyu quickly ate down some more Recovery Pills while planning his next moves.


    The beast didn''t charge straight at Tianyu this time. It seemed to look at him warily. This stand-off only lasted a few seconds when the beast jumped and slammed its arms into the ground.


    Tianyu had a bad feeling and quickly dashed to the side just in time to avoid a large stone spike that had erupted through the forest floor.


    He stood there shocked that this beast could also attack from range. This would bring an entirely new dynamic to this fight. It seems the beast had also started to take this fight more seriously.


    The beast not giving Tianyu a chance to catch his breath stomped on the ground with his foot, which sent a stone spike hurling toward Tianyu.


    He was able to see the stone spike, which didn''t seem to hold as much power as when he slammed his arms down. He used his halberd and swiped at the spike, destroying it.


    The beast kept slamming his feet down over and over, firing a barrage of spikes at Tianyu from all different directions.


    Tianyu had to spend all his energy on defending these spikes. Due to the spikes coming at him from all directions, he wasn''t able to defend against them all. Which caused his body to develop many cuts over a short period. They were all minor wounds, but after a while, they were taking their toll.


    He knew he had to do something, if things carried on as they were, he would be defeated sooner rather than later.


    The problem he had was the spikes he was unable to see coming, they posed no real threat to him other than catching him off guard.


    The beast once again jumped and smashed his arms into the ground, forcing Tianyu to dodge to the side. The beast had a glint in its eye as it had predicted this and had already begun charging to the location where Tianyu was dodging.


    Tianyu saw that he was about to be caught again, and made a split-second decision to transfer Qi into his weapon and slam it hard against the forest floor, using that momentum to springboard him out of the path of the beast.


    Tianyu was in agony. Some ribs had already been broken, his body had cuts all over from the spikes and he had also been forced to throw himself to the side in order to dodge multiple times. Due to the broken ribs, he has also had trouble catching his breath. The lack of oxygen also is a big factor in this stamina reserve.


    Think!


    Think!


    THINK!


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    The beast once again began his barrage of stone spikes.


    Tianyu just didn''t have any opportunity to go on the offensive unless he ignored these spikes. Then he realized it, couldn''t he do just that? The spikes are fast and sharp, but fragile. He had an idea and put it to the test. He wrapped his Lightning Qi around the palm of his hand and used it to block a spike. As soon as the spike made contact with the Lightning Qi, it disintegrated, leaving no damage on his palm.


    Smiling inwardly, he had a plan. He was going to force the Lightning Qi from inside his body, to the outside, and wrap his entire body in the Lightning Qi. But he needed the opportunity to do it. He would need at least a few seconds to concentrate and channel his Qi. He had to bait out one of the beast''s bigger moves.


    Unfortunately, this meant taking more pain. Tianyu started to let more and more of the spikes pass his defense. He then dropped to one knee. Seeing this, the beast immediately fell into his trap. It stopped firing off the small spikes and lept into the air, slamming his arms down once more, and charged. But this time, Tianyu was expecting it. He dodges in the opposite direction to where the beast is charging and immediately starts concentrating on his Qi flow.


    Outraged, the gorilla beats his chest and roars.


    It was very difficult for Tianyu to force his Qi to the outside of his body. It was something he hadn''t done before. But under the current situation, he had no choice. It was do or die. Luckily for Tianyu, he did.


    [Congratulations host, for creating your own technique. Reward: 1x Gacha Spin Ticket]


    Tianyu''s body was surrounded by a blue hue. He had succeeded in his goal and fixed his eyes on the gorilla.


    Once again, the gorilla barraged Tianyu with spikes, but this time was different. Instead of defending himself, he charged at the Gorilla.


    Sensing something was different caused the gorilla to falter for just a moment. Tianyu took advantage of this moment and slashed forward with his halberd.


    Shick!


    Tianyu made contact with the gorilla and managed to cut through the skin on its arm, but it wasn''t enough to cause any significant damage.


    Tianyu knew that his own defense was too weak to protect him from the beasts'' attacks and with his Qi protection he was safe from the spikes. This gave him the perfect opportunity to use his Raging Bull Technique. Abandoning all defense, Tianyu once again charged at the beast.


    Swing after swing, Tianyu was landing attacks at a fast pace. But they just aren''t doing enough damage. He was splitting the skin and causing wounds, but he couldn''t cut through the muscle.


    Time passed and Tianyu was still on the offensive. The beast had all but been suppressed now. As soon as it attempted to attack back, Tianyu would aim for a weak spot to cause as much pain as possible forcing it to defend again. They were once again at a stalemate.


    "The answer to the stalemate last time was wrapping Lightning Qi around my weapon, but what if that''s only half the answer?" Tianyu was thinking of a way to end this. "Maybe just wrapping the weapon in Qi isn''t enough, and I need to make the Qi into a weapon..."


    He started concentrating on the Qi around his weapon. He wanted to make it sharper. Instead of adding as much Qi as possible like he had been doing, he made it thinner and thinner. Refining the Qi into a blade. He also needed to be able to freely change the shape of his Qi. The blade on his halberd wasn''t big enough to cut through everything, but what if he could extend his Qi, using his halberd as a medium?


    With that thought, a light sparked in his eye. Idea after idea popped up in his mind.


    While Tianyu was raining down blows on the beast, something interesting was happening. Each strike from his weapon was leaving different cuts. Tianyu was actively experimenting with his Qi while using the gorilla as a test subject.


    The gorilla could no longer take this insult and swung its fist out. Tianyu quickly jumped back, not underestimating the power left in those fists.


    The beast began to bang on the floor again with anger, sending spike after spike at Tianyu.


    Tianyu charged at the beast once more, aiming his halberd high. As he got closer, the beast raised its defense to protect its face from his attack. The beast fell for his feint. Tianyu quickly ducked under the gorilla''s arms, and thrust his lightning-coated halberd forward, right into the chest of the beast. Piercing the best and through the heart. Life drained from the face of the beast as its eyes went dim.


    [Congratulations host, for killing your first Gold Ranked Beast. Reward: 1000 exp points, 1x Gacha Spin Ticket]


    Tianyu fell down from exhaustion. In this battle of life and death, he managed to stay alive. As relief washed over him, he couldn''t keep from bursting out laughing.


    "HAHAHAHAHA, I won you bastard monkey!" Tianyu lay for a while taking in his victory, and processing the fight. He had learned a great deal from this, and in one short fight, his power had increased by leaps and bounds.


    He popped a couple more recovery pills and started to drag himself away, back to his Pagoda. He needs to rest and recover as there are plenty more red zones he needs to pay a visit to and he wasn''t planning on leaving until he had cleared them all.

 Reviews and Rewards

    Thanks to the recovery pills, Tianyu made it safely back to the Pagoda, where he swiftly fell asleep.


    As he entered the Pagoda, one of the formations that were marked into the wall activated and started to glow a bright green, sending waves of spirit power towards him as he slept.


    <hr>


    Meanwhile, in the Qin Family compound.


    "Enough!" bellowed out the family head, silencing the room. "You saw with your own eyes what happened. Even after you had been taking his resources for your grandson, he has still raised himself to the peak of the Foundation Realm!"


    The elder in question was quiet, a cold sweat building on his head.


    "Six months is all it took for him to get there, and he had no resources or help from anyone along the way. This is unprecedented growth." the family head continued


    One of the elders made his voice heard "We have to tie him down to the family! If he won''t do it willingly then it must be done by force."


    Another chimed in "How can we force him to be loyal to a family he hates?"


    "The same way we got him here in the first place! We go after his weak spot," came the reply. "The two brats and his mother. If we tie them down, he has to stay for their sake"


    The family head who was listening to all of this posed his question "How can it be done? They are loyal to the boy, not to us."


    "Easy!" came his answer "The two brats can be taken advantage of. A young boy will fall for a pretty face, and a young girl longs for her hero. Pick a pretty servant who is loyal and make her have the boy fall in love. As for the girl, she will fall for one of the young masters of the family and become his concubine."


    The family head is nodding along listening "And Li Mei?"


    "How would she and the boy react if she were to give birth to another child of the Qin Family?" He smiles maliciously, "After the long speech he gave in this very hall, there''s no way he would allow his little brother or sister to go through the same fate, is there? And we can raise the baby to be loyal."


    Thinking for a moment, the family head decides. "Good. See it done. The boy must stay"


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    A chuckle is heard from the corner of the room which grabs everybody''s attention.


    "This will end badly," Zhao Ren finally makes himself known "You know how I would react if this was done to me?"


    "Speak," the family head urged.


    "If I was in Tianyu''s place, I would simply kill you all." He said in a calm tone, which made the words come out even more menacing.


    "Perhaps," the elder who came up with the plan had said "But the boy isn''t you, he''s just a weak pup."


    Zhao Ren chuckles "You should be careful, Qin Dan, even a pup will bite when backed into a corner."


    <hr>


    Tianyu stirs from his sleep, unsure just how long it has been. Strangely, however, he feels great. There are no aches and pains on his body, he is able to breathe deeply and all of his cuts seem to have healed. If it wasn''t for the sorry state of his clothes, he would have thought that his fight with the giant silverback was a dream.


    He checks outside and sees that it is nighttime, so he must have been out for a minimum of 12 hours. Taking some time to quickly eat some food, he once again replays the fight in his mind, reviewing what can be learned, what he could do differently, and what could be done better.


    He sat down and went over his gains for the fight. First was injecting Qi into his weapon, which gave it much more power than before, allowing him to damage the tough skin of the beast.


    Second, he developed a new technique, according to the system, which allowed him to use his Lightning Qi as a barrier. It may not be strong enough to be a true defensive ability, but using his Qi this way made him much faster and stronger than using it internally.


    Lastly, he learned how to manipulate the Qi which was on his weapon. Instead of adding more Qi to make his hits stronger, once he reduced the amount of Qi, and instead made it thinner and sharper, it was able to cause much more damage.


    With more practice in the area of Qi manipulation, he would be able to perfect this ability, which is the ceiling of the Foundation Realm. With a smile sneaking onto his face, Tianyu knew that he was very close to rising to the True Qi Realm, where he would be able to master using his Qi to perform attacks. He would also be able to use his Elemental Fusion Technique finally.


    He looked over his new technique with the system, which prompted him to name the technique he created. Settling on the name "Lightning Mantle" he was pleased with it. He then chose his free technique training avatar and made it train this technique. It was a great all-around skill that buffed his speed and power greatly, right now it costs a lot of spirit power and takes too much time to activate.


    Next, he went over his gacha and used both tickets.


    [Congratulations host, you have received the farming skill ''Rain Shower'']


    [Congratulations host, you have received the Wo Long Bow]


    He sat there stunned for a few moments. He was actually very pleased about these rewards. He had planned on seeing a real battlefield after reaching the True Qi Realm.


    With the constant warring there would always be a battlefield not far away and he knew that the best way to get strong was to push yourself and throw yourself into life-and-death situations. A war was the perfect place for that.


    He pulled out the bow and looked it over. It was a large horn bow made of lightweight golden-colored wood, with a dragon carved onto the upper nock. It had a red leather-wrapped grip and a red tassel adorned on the lower nock. He pulled back on the string, which was a struggle. When he let go, it sounded with a mighty TWANG. Smiling in satisfaction he put it away. This would be a great asset, especially when he learns how to shoot from horseback.


    Looking over his other reward, this is what he was most excited about. It was his first skill, which is different from a technique. Using a skill requires you to have enough spirit power. It can be used instantly and as many times as you want providing you have the spirit power.


    The reason Tianyu was so happy about getting a regular farming skill, is because it doesn''t require a large amount of spirit power, so he can maintain this for a very long period of time already. After he uses all of his spirit pills, which he had been saving for when he reached the True Qi Realm, his spiritual power would improve massively.


    Not only would he be able to cause as much rain for as long as he wants anywhere he goes, but he could infuse his own Qi into the rain with his Element Fusion Technique.


    Every drop of rain that falls would be infused with lightning. It would act as a giant, moving stun gun.


    With a smile on his face, Tianyu sat in the lotus position and cultivated his Qi and spirit through the night. Tomorrow, he would start clearing out the red zones in preparation for ascending to the True Qi Realm.

 Unexpected Visitors

    As the morning of the next day arrived, Tianyu was preparing for the day ahead. He had gone over his map and selected which red zone to head towards next.  He was going to be bringing his new bow today, as he wanted to get some experience with using one on live targets.


    Really, he wanted to leave it up to one of his avatars to train on his behalf, Unfortunately for Tianyu, without having a bow technique, he couldn''t leave it up to an avatar. He would have to do this the old-fashioned way.


    As he was preparing, something unexpected happened and there was a noise from outside. Knowing that no wildlife would be able to approach because of the wards placed on the building, it had to be caused by a person. Tianyu pulled out his weapon and peered through one of the windows.


    Outside the Pagoda was an unexpected sight, it was a young girl who looked quite haggard and distressed. She seemed to be about 13-14 years of age and quite pretty. her long dark hair was very disheveled with leaves and twigs mixed in and her once rather expensive-looking white robe with a red trim was now riddled with dirt. As she stumbled towards to pagoda with hope filling her eyes she called out.


    "Hello? Is anyone there? Please help!" She seemed rather desperate.


    Tianyu opened up the door and stepped out. He quickly scanned the area, untrusting of strangers. "What''s the matter?" he skipped the formalities.


    "Please... My elder sisters... Wolves..." She pointed in the direction she came, before collapsing into a heap.


    A little disappointed about having his plans for the day interrupted, he picked up the little girl and took her inside. Closing and locking the door behind him, he set off in the direction that the girl indicated.


    It didn''t take too long before he could start hearing a commotion. Howling in the distance giving away the location of the pack. He quickly approached the area passing by the corpses of some wolves on the way.


    As he was getting closer, he could now hear the sounds of combat. Coming to a clearing everything came into view. There were two girls standing in the center of a clearing back-to-back with swords drawn, surrounded by many wolves. The girls were in a sorry state, desperately clinging on, while the wolves were circling around, taking little nips and scratches from their blind spots. The girls were wearing the same style of robe as the one from earlier, except covered with blood stains and torn apart.


    Every time one of the wolves went for an attack, one of the girls in turn would swing a sword to counterattack. It seemed like this worked for a while due to the injuries on many of the wolves. But wolves are smart and will change their approach. One wolf would feint an attack, making the girl swing in defense, but another wolf would coordinate and lash out when she was off balance.


    It was truly fascinating to see how well and coordinated the wolf pack was, and how quickly they adapted.


    Unfortunately for the pack of wolves though, Tianyu was in a bad mood. His training had already been interrupted and he''s only been out here for 4 days.


    Tianyu would use this moment to reinforce the theories he learned the day before and put them into practice. He walked himself out from the treeline and activated his Lightning Mantle, surrounding his body in his Lightning Qi.


    His presence caused a disturbance in the wolf pack who sensed the oncoming threat. Something about Tianyu made them feel very uneasy so they backed off of the two girls and grouped up. On the other hand, once the girls had seen the wolves change in behavior and also saw Tianyu, they exuded relief. As if finally seeing a light in the dark.


    Tianyu, not wanting to drag this out any longer than necessary, charged at the group of wolves. With his halberd in hand, he wrapped it in a sharp layer of Lightning Qi and performed a large sweeping strike. When his weapon made contact with the first wolf, it tore through the body as if it was made of paper, and kept going. A single strike took out four wolves instantly.


    [Gained 80 exp points]


    The girls looked shocked.


    The wolves looked shocked.


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    Tianyu looked excited with a large grin on his face, which after cutting through wolves like it was nothing, made him look truly terrifying.


    He was initially planning on scaring these wolves off, but knowing that he could get 20 exp for every wolf he killed, those plans had changed. What followed next was a bloody massacre. After his first couple of kills, the wolves gave up fighting and attempted to flee for their lives. Unfortunately for them, Tianyu was much faster and they had no hope of escaping. After 20 minutes, Tianyu had gained a total of 900 exp points from killing 45 wolves.


    After dealing with the problem, he went back to the clearing to find the girls. As he approached, they looked at Tianyu with a mix of awe and fear. Although he did save them, the strength and viciousness he had shown was burned into their brain. Now approaching them covered in blood stains they were nervous and didn''t know what to do.


    "T-Thank you," the older of the girls said "If you hadn''t come along, we would surely be dead"


    Tianyu nodded his head in response. Looking over these two girls, he could see the state of their injuries. Truly if he had arrived any later, he would be collecting their corpses instead. He pulled out some Recovery Pills and handed them to the girls. "Take this and follow me," he instructed.


    The girls looked at each other and hesitated. "Thank you for your help, mister, but we have to refuse," the older girl explained "We sent our junior sister ahead to escape, we have to find her"


    Tianyu could only shake his head. "She''s fine. Now follow me. There are much more dangerous things out here than this pack of wolves and the smell of blood will attract them." He didn''t say any more and left in the direction of his Pagoda.


    The girls taking the hint, quickly consumed the Recovery Pill and followed along.


    It took about 30 minutes to get back to the Pagoda with the slow pace of the injured girls. There was a look of surprise when they saw there was a Pagoda built out there in the middle of a forest. Their surprise was even bigger when they saw the formations inside and the abundance of Spiritual Qi. When they saw the young girl sleeping inside they were relieved.


    The older of the girls bowed to Tianyu and expressed her thanks. He waved this off and told them to rest.


    There was still plenty of time in the day left, and he still had time to go out to one of the red zones to train, but he wasn''t willing to leave some strangers in his home unattended. Although the girls seemed harmless, he wouldn''t trust them. So instead went outside and practiced using his bow, his target being a tree in the distance. It took him a while to get the hang of firing his bow. At first, he missed every shot, seemingly unable to control the arrow at all. Some shots went wide, or too high, some shot right into the ground, and some didn''t even fire at all. Luckily for his pride, the girls inside seemed to have all fallen asleep, so he was saved some embarrassment.


    After a few hours, he was getting the hang of it and started to hit the target. A few more hours passed and he was hitting about 40% of his shots. As the day went on, more and more shots hit.


    Once he started to hit about 80% of his shots, he started to experiment a little with injecting Qi into the bow. This added so much more power to his shot, it was uncontrollable right now. He wasn''t even sure where that arrow landed, but it was somewhere far, far into the forest. Using his bow like this was beyond him for the moment.


    Next, he tried injecting Qi into just the string of the bow, unfortunately, when he did this, upon letting go of the string it split right through the arrow, leaving it a broken mess by his feet.


    Lastly, he added his Qi to just the arrow. After he lined up his shot, he drew the string and released it.


    BAM!


    The arrow had hit the tree and completely embedded itself. The arrows from before stuck into the tree trunk but never went in very deep. This arrow, however, almost completely embedded itself. He was definitely on the right track with this, so he tried again, this time like with his halberd, he made the Qi thin and sharp. He lined up, pulled back, and let loose.


    Thwack!


    Shtick!


    His eyes lit up. The arrow had pierced right through the tree and landed in the dirt on the other side. Tianyu wanted to experiment with his Qi more, and try to find new and innovative ways to use it, but he heard movement from inside and went to check.


    The three girls had awoken and were sat there talking to each other when Tianyu entered. Each of them looked over to him when he did and was a little nervous, unsure of what to do or say. Once again they professed their thanks and had explained who they were and why they were out in the forest. It turns out that these girls were all from a sect called the Flying Sword Sect and the youngest was the granddaughter of the sect master. They had snuck out to train in the forest to impress the sect master with their fast growth. Unfortunately, they had been caught off guard by the wolves.


    Tianyu could only shake his head. It wasn''t his place to admonish them, and even if it was, wasn''t he out in the forest doing exactly the same thing?


    "So what''s your plan now?" Tianyu had many things to do, he didn''t want to babysit these girls and take them back to their sect.


    "We had already sent out a distress signal before you saved us. It should have reached the sect and they will send somebody to come," the oldest explained.


    He was relieved that this would all be over soon and that he could get back to training.


    There wasn''t enough food to share for all of them, so Tianyu grabbed his bow and went out to hunt something. He explained that no wildlife would approach the pagoda, and for them not to leave.


    After about 30 minutes, he came across a deer drinking some water and shot it down with his bow. Collecting his prize, he threw it over his shoulder and made his way back to the pagoda.


    Thwack!


    Thump!


    "Arrgh!" he grunted. unaware of what had just happened. He quickly looked around to see a figure swiftly approaching him.


    Bam!


    Crash!


    The figure attacked again, sending Tianyu crashing into the wall of his Pagoda.


    The disturbance caused the girls inside to pay attention and come out.


    Coughing up some blood, he raised his head to see who his attacker was surprisingly, the attacker was bowing to the trio of girls when recognized the white robe with the red trimmings.


    Tianyu couldn''t stop himself from laughing. "Are you serious, bastard?" he asked nobody in particular.


    The man then went to attack Tianyu again when he was stopped by the girls. The man looked slightly confused as to why he was stopped. He had received the distress signal which was from the young lady and when he tracked the signal down, he found the three girls trapped in a mysterious house with this man.


    Tianyu was still sitting on the floor in pain "I saved the lives of these three girls and this is the thanks I get huh?"


    A little shocked and embarrassed, the man explained that he wasn''t aware of the situation. but Tianyu cut him off.


    "Did you ever think to just ask?! What is it with you damn people and just attacking first and asking questions later?" He had had enough.


    "Mister Qin," the oldest of the girls spoke "I sincerely apologize, we will compensate you for the misunderstanding"


    "Just go, will you? You''ve caused me enough problems already." Tianyu pulled himself up and went inside. Closing and locking the door behind him.


    With a complicated gaze, the four of them left.


    Once again, Tianyu was heavily injured for something that wasn''t his fault.

 A Dangerous Beast

    The sour taste in his mouth from the interaction spoiled his meal, and he spent the rest of the day recovering from his injuries and questioning things.


    He kept himself to himself, training quietly and diligently, yet he ended up suffering for it. He went out of his way to help someone in need, yet once again he ended up suffering. Maybe he should try being cold and cutthroat, maybe then he wouldn''t be the one to suffer. But this didn''t really sit well with him either. He wasn''t an evil person at the end of the day. He just wanted fair treatment.


    The only answer he could come up with was power. Only those with great power were respected and treated well enough. He could guarantee that if he was stronger than he was at this moment, he wouldn''t have suffered an attack earlier. He would surely have come to him with more respect.


    As much as Tianyu was suffering from other people''s actions, the more of a fire it was burning inside him. He was more determined than ever to gain strength.


    <hr>


    The following morning, Tianyu geared himself up and set off for the next red zone. It was about an hour''s walk away, but there were 3 zones all close to each other. If all went well, he was planning on clearing out all of these zones today.


    The first red zone he approached was once again quiet. He had figured these red zones to be the domain of some higher-level beasts, so there was a good chance that there would be nothing else living in these areas.


    After wandering around the zone for a good while, he was starting to think that whatever had been here at the time the map was made, was no longer here. Another 15 minutes had passed and there was no sign of anything. He decided to move on to the next zone, he pulled out his map and settled on a direction, before pulling out a skin of water to refresh himself before heading out.


    This was a strategic move on his part. Although he couldn''t find anything, the complete lack of any other wildlife in this area signaled to him that there was still a predator there. Making it seem as though he lowered his guard was bait. And it worked a treat.


    There was a loud hiss as a gaping maw snapped at where Tianyu''s body should have been. Tianyu dodged to the side the moment he felt the presence behind him.


    He had started to get into the habit of spreading out his Qi in an area around him, in order to sense any movement. This was a great advantage, but it was also very taxing, so he couldn''t do it all the time.


    What greeted Tianyu was something out of the prehistoric age. It was an enormous snake, around 15-20 feet long, with huge fangs and scales that looked like armor. Its head was crested with colorful rock-hard-looking plates, and it had yellow, green, and black striped markings along the length of its body.  As it hissed at Tianyu, venom sprayed out from the glands in its mouth.


    Although it was a terrifying sight to behold, its main form of attack was assassination. After it had lost the element of surprise the snake was at a loss. Tianyu was quick enough to avoid the venom it would spray. Although it did have an incredibly fast bite, it wasn''t enough to harm Tianyu as he could use the long reach of his halberd to keep it at a distance. The hide of the snake was quite tough, however, using his Lightning Qi he made short work of the snake.


    [Gained 1000 exp points]


    Although he thought this fight was much easier than the gorilla, if it wasn''t for his keen senses and speed, he could see how this would be a perilous battle.


    Tianyu popped a Recovery Pill and set off in the direction of the next zone.


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    The next red zone was a bit of a letdown. Tianyu was looking forward to a tough fight where he could grow quickly, or learn how to use his current skills better. Unfortunately, this wouldn''t be it. What awaited Tianyu in this next zone was a large eagle. The eagle noticed Tianyu as soon as he entered its territory. It gave a very loud cry and flew right at him. Seeing this giant eagle approaching from the distance, thanks to it immediately giving away its location. He pulled out his bow, and injecting Qi into the arrows, fired shot after shot. His aim still wasn''t perfect, but after 4 or 5 arrows had pierced the eagle, it dropped to the floor not far away. Tianyu went over to it and with his halberd finished it off.


    [Congratulations host, for killing your first Silver Ranked Beast. Reward: 500 exp points, 1x Gacha Spin Ticket]


    It made a little more sense after he had seen the notification. Being only a silver-ranked beast its power and intelligence were much lower than the gold ranks he had been facing before. Presumably, it became the overlord of this area due to its aerial advantage.


    He didn''t even need to rest before heading to the final zone for today.


    Approaching this final zone Tianyu was hoping for a good fight. After checking with Sophia about his current exp points, if this beast turns out to be gold-ranked, this will be the last one he needs to kill before he can enter the True Qi Realm.


    As he pressed on there was a dangerous feeling in the air. "This is it," he gleamed "After this fight, I will be able to break through. I can feel it."


    It wasn''t long before Tianyu could hear some low-pitch growling coming from the bushes. Turning to face the direction with his weapon at the ready, he saw bright yellow eyes staring back at him. Slowly walking out from the bushes, was a magnificent beast. Its bright orange fur shimmered as if made of flames in the sunlight amidst the cold black stripes. The pure snow-white of its underbelly gave it a contradicting look as if the snow had been set ablaze.


    Tianyu stood in awe. It was a perfect mix of beauty and power. He made a decision that day that he would definitely own one of these beasts. Unfortunately, that day would not be today. Today, this beast stands between him and the True Qi Realm.


    The beast roared at Tianyu and made its move.


    It was terribly fast, as fast as Tianyu himself, and held a natural advantage in its own domain. But Tianyu was not to be taken lightly, he had attack range on his side and wasn''t losing out on speed.


    Each time Tianyu blocked a hit from the tiger, it felt as though he had been hit by a car. The power in its paws was incredible. On the flip side, every time Tianyu managed to get a hit in, it would leave a nasty wound on the tiger.


    After a couple of minutes of fighting, the tiger was on the back foot and was losing ground. To Tianyu''s surprise, the beast dashed off into the trees and made a hasty retreat. But there was no way that he would let his exp points escape that easily, so he gave chase.


    After running after the beast for a moment, he lost sight of it. He saw the blood droplets on the floor and followed in pursuit. Walking through the thicket, Tianyu saw a small cave on the side of a rock and slowly approached with his weapon at the ready.


    Rustle.


    Woosh!


    "Argh!" Tianyu cried out. The tiger had jumped out of the bushes to the side of him and swiped out, leaving a bloody gouge across his arm, before once again running off into the brush.


    "Bastard!" Tianyu shouted in anger. He had fallen for the trick of a beast and ended up wounded. The beast wasn''t running away at all. It changed its approach knowing it would lose in a fight, and was now using hit-and-run tactics.


    Quickly eating a Recovery Pill to stop the bleeding, he took off once again in the direction of the beast. This time, however, he spread his Qi out around him. He was currently only able to cover a small area around him with his Qi, but it should be enough.


    As he was walking through the brush, once again the tiger sprung forth to attack, but it was noticed by Tianyu, who turned to attack. Unfortunately, with the speed at which the tiger was moving, and the small area of his Qi, by the time he reacted, the tiger was already too close for his halberd to hit, and he suffered another attack, this time to his thigh.


    Taking another Recovery Pill, he had to quickly adapt to this situation. This is the shortcoming of only using a polearm for a weapon. He made a note to learn something he could use in closer combat.


    For now, he had an idea he wanted to try. He once again went on the hunt for the tiger. Soon enough, the tiger went for another sneak attack. This time, however, Tianyu was prepared. He had previously pulled out some of his poisoned needles, and as soon as he sensed the attack, he dodged to the side using his Venomous Needle Technique and managed to get the beast in the side of his body with a few needles before it took off once again.


    With more confidence this time, he set out again. The next time the tiger went for a sneak attack was its last. Thanks to the poison in the needles, the tiger''s speed had dropped significantly, and Tianyu was able to catch it unaware and kill it.


    [Gained 1000 exp points]


    With a heavy sigh, he was glad this battle was over. This tiger was his smartest opponent yet, which made it the most dangerous. Tianyu wanted to rest for a while, but he didn''t know if there would be any further dangers and he had a goal to achieve before he left. Tianyu spent the next 30 minutes skinning the tiger he had just killed. He was mesmerized by the beauty of its fur, and he would find somebody to make this into a cloak for him.


    He threw the beast''s skin into his system space and set off back to his pagoda. He was done hunting for the day and would begin his preparation to break through as soon as he got back. In anticipation of this, the was an extra spring in his step. He made it back much quicker than it took for him to get to the red zones.


    <hr>


    After he got back to the Pagoda, he sat in the lotus position for a while and used the formations inside to recover his wounds. It took about an hour for him to be fully healed.


    Next, without moving from his position he sent a request to his system.


    "Sophia," he called out "I''d like to advance to the True Qi Realm"


    [Confirm spending 7500 exp points to ascend to True Qi Realm: Initiate?]


    "Yes," he confirmed with a smile on his face.


    [Processing...]

 The True Qi Realm

    Thunder rumbled the sky and shook the forest, the sky darkened with heavy clouds rolling in as a downpour of rain erupted. The trees started to sway violently, as a surging wind blew through.


    Dense spiritual Qi from the surrounding area all gathered toward one location and would ebb and flow like the tides with each of Tianyu''s breaths.


    The dark gray skies frequently alighted with streaks of lightning playfully dancing across them.


    Tianyu, sat in the middle of his Pagoda could feel the storm as if he was one with it. It was like finding a part of himself that he didn''t even know was missing.


    His every breath caused the wind to whip back and forth, surging to and fro into a frenzy.


    The longer the storm lasted, the stronger and more destructive it seemed. The ground could not absorb the rain fast enough, causing the forest floor to waterlog and flood. The wind was so strong it had started to pull trees from the ground. More and more lightning joined the dance in the sky, and the thunder was so deep it sounded as though the heavens were a growling beast, looking to devour the earth.


    <hr>


    Meanwhile, in the city.


    The city was brought to a standstill. All of a sudden out of nowhere, a giant storm appeared over the forest outside of town. Rain poured from the sky all over the city, while the surging winds were causing havoc. The stools in the marketplace had been blown all over, gates and doors all across the city had been knocked through, and washing that was hanging out to dry was either ruined or missing. The streets started to gather streams of water which would build up more and more, causing damage to some properties.


    Very few people had realized that the cause of this was a breakthrough and the ones who did had broken out into a cold sweat. The reason for this was simple. It was simply too big a phenomenon.


    Most cultivators around, especially where they are, are in the Foundation Realm. There are some families around that have people in the True Qi Realm, and very few could even touch the Spiritual Embryo Realm. The reason the Qin Family could dominate the city is because they have a Spiritual Embryo Realm master.


    This breakthrough was different. Nobody had caused such a large commotion with their breakthrough before. So the people who sensed this was a breakthrough were scared. They had assumed that there was a wandering master who chose this place to have a breakthrough. They all wanted to rush out and pay their respects to this mysterious master, but none dared to for fear of provoking a calamity.


    <hr>


    In the Qin Family.


    The Elders had all sensed this breakthrough, and just like the others, assumed that this was a wandering master. They also wanted to curry favor with him and invite him to the Qin Family to build a good relationship, however, their blood soon ran like ice through their veins, when they heard what Qin Zhao Ren had said.


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    With a complicated expression on his face, he only said three words as he was leaving. These three words shocked everyone in the room. "It''s Qin Tianyu."


    <hr>


    On the mountain range not far from the forest.


    An elder man had been sitting in a lotus position contemplating a story he had been told the previous day.


    It seems his trouble-making granddaughter had snuck out with her friends and went to the forest down the mountain in order to grow stronger, but something went wrong. The girls had come under attack and faced a life-or-death situation. This is when a young man found and saved them and sheltered them until help arrived.


    On the other hand, he had received a report from one of the sect guards which tells his perspective. When he received a distress call from one of the girls, he rushed out to the location and found them locked inside that same young man''s Pagoda. He then attacked this young man to save the girls. To the guards'' surprise, it seemed that this young man was the savior of these girls and that all three girls were safe. Unfortunately, he had already attacked the young man, who seemed to be very angry.


    He had been sitting there thinking of what to do about this for a while. Many things went through his head during this time.


    At first, he thought about sending the guard back to kill the young man. If he truly held a grudge against the sect for being attacked, he would snub this threat out early before he gained power.


    Then he thought about just sending him a small compensation for his troubles. Some gold and a Recovery Pill for his injuries.


    As he was thinking of what to do, it was at this moment that Tianyu started his breakthrough.


    Wide-eyed in shock, he felt that the location where this breakthrough was happening was in the forest, the same place where that young man lived.


    According to what the guard had reported, this young man was only at Peak Foundation Realm. This means if this is the phenomenon caused by advancing to the True Qi Realm, the potential of this young man was limitless.


    He quickly called for the guard and a few moments later he appeared.


    "Li Su, that young man from yesterday should still be in that forest," he finally decided on what he was going to do. "I have a task for you."


    "Yes, sect master" Li Su obeyed, assuming his orders.


    To the surprise of Li Su, those orders never came. "You are to go and pay him a visit and compensate him handsomely. Take some spirit jade and a technique manual. And you will also request an audience on my behalf!"


    Shocked and confused he questioned his orders, unsure if he heard them correctly.


    <hr>


    Back in the forest, two hours had passed, and the storm was finally starting to die down.


    Every breath Tianyu took filled him with power, his face looked more dignified, and his body more chiseled and sculpted. His aura made him feel more noble.


    When he opened his eyes, thunder cracked again as lightning pierced through the clouds, splitting them apart and making way for the afternoon sun.


    As with every breakthrough, his senses were once again heightened to a higher degree, and he could feel that he was much more powerful than before. As he is right now, he could easily kill 10 of him from before.


    He felt much more in tune with the Qi flowing in his body, and the Qi in the atmosphere.


    He looked over and saw the notifications from the system.


    [Congratulations host for breaking through to the True Qi Realm!]


    [You have gained the following:]


    [1x Free Gacha Spin]


    [2x Avatar Upgrade Token]


    [1x Elemental Qi Manual]


    [1x Mid-Level Technique Manual]


    [1x Weapon Enchantment Token]


    [1x Mid-Level Skill Manual]


    [Your Soul Weapon has upgraded from Iron-Tier to Silver-Tier]


    [The potency of your Venomous Needle Technique has increased]


    [Unlocked from the system shop: Talismans]


    He was very happy with his gains this time.


    Going through the list, it seems that everything he received would be of great help to him.


    He needed to wait to use both the avatar upgrade tokens, as he wanted to buy another exp-farming avatar and upgrade both together.


    Knock, Knock, Knock.


    Tianyu wasn''t expecting anybody, but he also knew that he had just caused a rather large commotion. He decided to play it safe and probe with his spiritual Qi. Outside the door was a man on his own, holding a box in his hands. Tianyu couldn''t sense anyone else around. Keeping his guard up, he went over and opened the door.


    The person standing outside the door came as a bit of a surprise.


    "Uncle Hao?"

 Redeeming The Rewards

    Mister Hao nodded at Tianyu as he walked inside.


    "What are you doing here, Uncle?" Tianyu was puzzled at the sudden visit.


    Mister Hao didn''t reply to his question as he walked over to a corner of the room, he pointed at a formation on the wall. "Inject your Qi into this"


    Tianyu closed the door and walked over, "What''s going on, Uncle?"


    Mister Hao didn''t say anything else, as he was waiting for Tianyu.


    He walked over to the formation and activated it. After a moment, a bubble burst forth, surrounding the entirety of the Pagoda.


    Mister Hao stood there eyeing Tianyu for a few moments, before nodding his head in satisfaction. "Your ascension went well"


    Tianyu nodded "It did, but how did you know, Uncle?"


    Mister Hao was stunned by the question, shaking his head "Stupid boy, you flooded half the city," he explained "And on top of that, I can feel how much your strength has increased."


    He stood there dumbfounded with a guilty look on his face.


    "Bah, why do you look like that? This is a good occasion. It''s not every day somebody can ascend to the True Qi Realm, especially someone so young. Your future potential is limitless" Mister Hao was trying to cheer him up. But this also raised more questions.


    "Uncle, who exactly are you? Sensing my strength, knowing my exact realm, this Pagoda?"


    Mister Hao sighed at the questions, he knew they would come but he still didn''t know how to answer.


    "In this world in which we live, there are some things which are best not known until you are strong enough to bear the consequence of that information," Mister Hao explained with careful words "Do you understand?"


    Nodding his head solemnly, he agreed even though he was desperate for the information.


    "Good," Mister Hao continued "I can tell you that you are currently doing a good job." He patted Tianyu on the shoulder with a warm smile.


    These few words rang like a gong in Tianyu''s mind. Over all this time, he had been working his hardest and all he had gained from it was his family stabbing him in the back once again, and being attacked unprovoked. For someone to actually acknowledge his efforts hit him harder than he thought it would.


    "I have a gift which I would like to give you, think of it as a reward for holding up all this time, and progressing as far as you have." He explained as he directed Tianyu to sit down on the floor.


    Tianyu was confused but followed the directions anyway.


    "Now," Mister Hao explained, "You must stay awake. This is definitely going to hurt."


    Before Tianyu could question him, Mister Hao had placed his finger over Tianyu''s glabella. The pain started immediately. It was something words couldn''t even explain.


    Crack!


    Crunch!


    The sounds of Tianyu''s bones, which were breaking and mending over and over, rang through the room. Tianyu was screaming out in pain, as his body was being ravaged. His muscles tore away from his skeleton and reattached, the blood vessels all split apart and reformed. Every inch of his body from the tip of his toe to the top of his head was screaming out in pain as he felt all the nerves in his body snap and mend again and again.


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    This went on for hours. Tianyu''s voice box had long given up and the screaming had stopped. Snapping, popping, and ripping were all that could be heard. Every time Tianyu was about to pass out from the pain, Mister Hao''s words echoed in his head. "You must stay awake"


    "You must stay awake"


    "You must stay awake"


    "You must stay awake"


    "You must stay awake"


    "You must stay awake"


    More hours passed before the popping and cracking slowed down. Eventually, they came to a stop all together. Mister Hao checked on Tianyu before nodding in satisfaction.


    Tianyu slumped to the floor, the only thing he could move was his eyes as he watched Mister Hao nodding at him. Tianyu wasn''t sure what Mister Hao did to him, but it seemed to have worked.


    "You should stay and rest for some days before coming out. It will take a while to recover, but what I have given you is a gift I think you will be able to use well," he explained "The formation you activated before will keep anyone else from entering until you deactivate it, so you will be safe. Tianyu, you are strong. You have much more potential than you even know. But I wouldn''t expect anything different from somebody who has two souls." Mister Hao gave Tianyu a knowing smile as he left.


    The words he had just heard from Mister Hao made his heart freeze. He wanted to go after him but was unable to summon up any strength.


    Accepting his current predicament, all he could do was follow the advice and recover. Tianyu looked over the system notification he received with wide eyes.


    [Congratulations host, you have unlocked the Innate Indra Physique. Reward: 1x legendary gacha spin]


    Tianyu didn''t know how to react. He wasn''t sure about the effects of this new physique, however, a legendary gacha spin? He didn''t even know there was a legendary gacha.


    "Sophia," he called out "What''s the legendary gacha and why have I never seen it before?"


    [Host! The Legendary Gacha wheel is reserved for rare achievements. The host wasn''t made aware of the legendary gacha wheel yet as it should not have been possible for the host to achieve a rare achievement at the host''s current strength.]


    All this did was make him even more curious about who Mister Hao was. If he was able to trigger a rare achievement just by touching his head, his backstory must be very interesting.


    <hr>


    After a few hours of recovery, Tianyu was finally able to move around again, albeit painfully.


    "Sophia, spin the three normal gacha tokens"


    [Congratulations Host! You have received 1x Mid-Level Soul Refining Avatar]


    [Congratulations Host! You have received 1x Mid-Level Skill: Static Charge]


    [Congratulations Host! You have received 1x Storm Raiment Battle Robe]


    Looking over the gacha rewards, it seems that ever since Tianyu had chosen his path of Lightning Qi, his rewards skewed in that direction also. Just as he would expect from a system specifically made to aid him. He was very pleased.


    The Soul Refining Avatar was an amazing reward, the higher his soul power, the more skills he could use, and the more power they would have. He immediately used one of his Avatar Upgrade Tokens on this to make it a high-level avatar.


    Static Charge seemed to be a very versatile skill, he would be able to charge anything he wanted with his lightning. It was more powerful than relying on the innate lightning trait of his Qi. He could now cause some lightning damage with all of his attacks and even his defenses. It was a truly powerful skill.


    Tianyu then pulled out his Storm Raiment Battle Robe. It looked very majestic. It was light blue in color, and very durable. What was surprising was that with the good defense that it offered, it was very lightweight. He also liked the accents around the bottom of the robe and the sleeves, it looked like storm clouds, and if you paid close attention, you could see them shimmer with blue light.


    Although tempted to spin the legendary gacha wheel, he refrained. If the system hadn''t given him access to it just yet, it meant that his current strength wasn''t enough to possess a legendary-grade reward. He would keep it so that the moment he was strong enough, he had one ready.


    He was very happy with his haul this time. He decided to keep going over his rewards from ascending.


    "Sophia, I''d like to redeem my Elemental Qi Manual, Mid-Level Technique Manual, and my Mid-Level Skill Manual"


    [Congratulations Host, you have received 1x Water Qi Manual: Surging Kelpie]


    [Congratulations Host, you have received 1x Mid-Level Technique: Rapid-Shot Technique]


    [Congratulations Host, you have received 1x Mid-Level Skill: Surging Winds]


    Tianyu was happy. This is exactly what he was looking for.


    Plans formed in his head of what this could be used for and all the combinations that could be made. If things carry on the way they are going, couldn''t he become a sage? Becoming a master of elements and using his large soul power to cast skills.


    He could only imagine how effective this would be on a large battlefield. All he would need now is Wind and Fire Qi Manuals, and he could fuse them all with his Elemental Fusion Technique and become the master of all elements.


    He then pulled out his Halberd. There wasn''t much of a visual change except that one of the crescent moon blades had transformed into a hooked spike. The difference was in the aura it gave off. As soon as he pulled out the weapon, there was a sharp killing intent forming around it. The weapon itself seemed to ooze death and destruction. He wanted to increase its lethality too. So he made the decision to use his weapon enchantment token right away and enchant his halberd with the water element.


    With his Lightning Qi and his new Static Charge skill, adding a water enchantment would cause no end to the problems any enemy would face.


    Lastly, he decided to use his spare Avatar Upgrade Token on his exp farming avatar, this will upgrade it to mid-level, where instead of giving him 1 exp point per hour it would give him 2 exp points per hour, doubling his idle gains. He also planned to purchase a few more exp farming avatars when he could. His goal is to always get stronger, There''s only so much exp he can gain while training, and there won''t always be things for him to kill, not unless he wants to turn into a demonic cultivator. And he doesn''t think his mother would agree.


    There was nothing left for him to do but to recover and for the next five days, all he did was recover and consolidate. On day six, after being away for over 10 days, it was time to return to the Qin Family, but before he left, there was another visitor. He wanted to knock but was unable to approach the door because of the formation which had been activated. So he waited outside the entire time. It was the guard who had attacked Tianyu previously, standing there with an angry look on his face.

 Some Things Never Change

    Seeing Tianyu leave the Pagoda finally, Li Su walked over and stood in front of him with a small pouch in his hand.


    "This was the compensation for me beating you before, but seeing as though you kept me waiting here for days, I''ll be keeping it for myself." He flashed Tianyu the pouch before putting it back in his pocket, a smug look on his face.


    Tianyu could only roll his eyes "If that''s all you had to say, you can go now." He then turned around to walk away.


    Annoyed at Tianyu''s reaction, Li Su grabbed him by the collar from behind "That''s not all," he barked.


    Tianyu reacted to this by hitting his arm away and shoving Li Su back. "What the hell is your problem?!" asked Tianyu.


    Li Su, feeling disrespected, pulled out his sword. "How dare you lay your hands on a disciple of the Flying Sword Sect! I''ll kill you!" He shouted.


    "You know," said Tianyu "I''m getting really sick and tired of people like you" He then pulled out his Halberd from his system space, and slammed the butt on the ground. As he did this, lightning shot down from the sky, hitting the Halberd, and wrapping it in a cloak of static. The Halberd stood there humming a violent tune in Tianyu''s grip.


    He had used his skill Static Charge, which looked much more domineering than the name gave it credit for Tianyu thought.


    Seeing the show of power, Li Su was a little hesitant. He had beaten Tianyu before and assumed he could easily beat him again. But what he didn''t factor in was that he had used a sneak attack last time which caught Tianyu off guard, and since then he had also ascended to True Qi Realm.


    With a cold sweat breaking out on his forehead, Li Su started to regret the position he had put himself in, but pride wouldn''t allow him to stop. He charged at Tianyu with a large swing.


    Tianyu stood there in shock. What surprised him wasn''t that Li Su would attack, this was almost a full-gone conclusion, but it was how pathetic this attack was that caught him off guard. The attack was slow, his footwork was sloppy, and the Qi that he had infused into his strike was lousy. In fact, he was ashamed of himself for being sneak attacked by this person in the first place.


    As Tianyu was about to strike back, an old man dropped down from the sky between them both.


    "Stop!" He shouted.


    Looking at this old man, who was wearing the same white and red robes as Li Su, Tianyu could only shake his head at the incoming headache. Why is it that there''s always someone coming to bother him?


    Li Su''s eyes lit up as he quickly dropped to his knees in front of the old man.


    "Master, what brings you here?" he asked respectfully.


    "It''s been nearly a week since I sent you on an important task which should have only taken a day," explained the old man "Explain yourself."


    Li Su bowed his head "It''s not my fault, master, this brat has kept me from my task. I was about to teach him a lesson before you arrived."


    The old man sighed and shook his head. "Li Su, I sent you out on a task to bestow gifts and request an audience, yet here you are fighting? It''s very disappointing."


    Li Su bowed his head and apologized to the old man, but his heart was full of malice. Tianyu had made him look bad.


    His contempt for Tianyu didn''t escape the eyes of the old man, nor Tianyu''s himself. The old man inwardly sighed and then turned towards Tianyu.


    "Young man, are you perhaps the one who rescued my sect disciples from a wolf attack?" He question.


    Tuanyu nodded his head in confirmation.


    A smile shined on the old man''s face "Excellent, my name is Chen Sheng, I would like to personally thank you for saving my granddaughter and her friends. I hope the gifts you have received were to your liking?"


    The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    Tianyu''s once cold demeanor warmed a little, even though Chen Sheng was powerful with an entire sect behind him, he seemed quite amiable. "Mister Chen, think nothing of it. Any man in my position would have done the same. However, Mister Chen, I never received any gifts."


    With a face of confusion, he asked Tianyu to clarify what he meant.


    Tianyu then looked over to Li Su and explained "It was your disciple here who decided that I had disrespected him by making him wait, so he would be taking your gift as compensation for his time."


    Chen Sheng then snapped his head to glare at Li Su, who shrunk his neck in like a turtle, the guilt evident on his face.


    Turning back to Tianyu, "Young man, I can only apologize on behalf of the Flying Sword Sect. I will provide you with adequate compensation and I will get somebody more reliable to deliver it to you personally."


    Li Su grimaced when he heard this, and his hatred for Tianyu burned brighter the more his standing plummeted.


    Tianyu wasn''t going to turn down the offer when it came from a place of sincerity, so he agreed.


    With a smile on his face, Chen Sheng was happy that Tianyu had agreed and accepted his goodwill. "Young man, I wonder if I might be able to make a request."


    With his interest piqued Tianyu replied, "What request would that be?"


    Chen Sheng then explained "I came here today for two reasons. One was to offer you my thanks and reward you, the other was to meet your master."


    "My master?" Tianyu questioned, a little confused.


    "Indeed, about a week ago I sensed your master''s breakthrough. So I came here today to offer my congratulations and extend an invitation" He explained to Tianyu.


    "Ah, it seems you are mistaken, Mister Chen. I don''t have a master. I am a solo cultivator and what you sensed was my own breakthrough." There was no need to hide this fact.


    Chen Cheng''s eyes widened so far that Tianyu was afraid they might fall out.


    "Y-Young man... Forgive me for asking, but how old are you?" Chen Sheng was practically giddy from excitement.


    "I''m 18 years old." Tianyu wasn''t surprised by the question. Cultivators can live for many more years than regular humans. Someone in the True Qi Realm can already live to be 200 years old.


    Chen Sheng couldn''t hold back his shock. "Young man, allow me to apologize in advance," he said just as he extended his Qi towards Tianyu.


    Sensing this intrusion, Tianyu quickly activated his own Qi to fend it off. The Qi that Chen Sheng extended wasn''t intended to cause any harm, so it was quickly repulsed by Tianyu.


    "Impossible," Chen Sheng said "I felt the magnitude of your breakthrough, how is it possible that you are just in the True Qi Realm?" Chen Sheng wasn''t really asking so much as speaking to himself out loud.


    "Young man, you said you don''t have a master? Would you be willing to join my Flying Sword Sect and become my personal disciple?" Chen Sheng couldn''t let such an amazing prospect go.


    Tianyu thought for a while "I''ll have to apologize to you, Mister Chen. But I won''t be able to join your sect."


    Disappointed but determined, Chen Sheng asked "May I ask why you are unwilling?"


    Tianyu then explained "Firstly, I can feel that man''s hatred for me from here," He pointed at Li Su "If I was to join your sect, he would seek to get revenge on me because of his own stupidity. Secondly, I have quite a few family issues to deal with before I can commit to anything else. I hope Mister Chen can understand."


    Chen Sheng stood there for a few moments thinking. He was disappointed that Tianyu didn''t agree to join his sect, however, it seemed he wasn''t opposed to the idea. Perhaps there is still a chance.


    With a flick of his finger, a Qi Blade shot out towards Li Su and cut the badge on his waist which signified him being a disciple of the Flying Sword Sect. "Li Su, as punishment for failing to complete your task, and stealing from the sect, from this moment you are no longer part of the Flying Sword Sect."


    With disbelief on his face, Li Su begged "Sect Master, please! You can''t do this! Please! I''ll return the pouch! Here, see?" He held out the pouch towards Chen Sheng.


    "Li Su, once something has been done, it can not be undone." Chen Sheng explained and turned away.


    Li Su''s face contorted with many different emotions, before landing on anger. He turned to Tianyu and screamed "You! You bastard! It''s all your fault! I''ll kill you!" and charged once more.


    Although Li Su was in the same cultivation realm as Tianyu, once you let your anger and emotions take over, all of your training is meaningless. Tianyu in one smooth motion, pulled out his Halberd, side-stepped Li Su''s charge, and brought his blade down across the back of his neck causing his head to roll.


    [Killed 1x True Qi Realm Cultivator. Gained 1500 exp]


    Chen Sheng spoke up "For him to blame someone for his own mistakes and not even consider that the issue could have been himself... It''s a shame that after all these years he couldn''t fix his twisted character. It seems as though you have done my sect another service by cutting this problem off at the root. Allow me to thank you once again."


    Tianyu nodded in agreement "Truly, Mister Chen, there''s no need for thanks. Killing Li Su was also in my own interests. If you hadn''t shown me as much grace as you have been, his blood would already be drying."


    "Now, young man. One of your issues has been dealt with. I wonder if you would be willing to accept the aid of this old man for your others?" Chen Sheng offered Tianyu once more.


    He stood there thinking for a while. Chen Sheng has been amiable this entire time, and even with Li Su pointing fingers at me, he judged the situation in a fair manner. Even going as far as to send gifts before showing up before him. Tianyu couldn''t think of a reason to not accept his offer.


    "Very well," Tianyu agreed "If your sect is willing to offer, I would ask of you only one thing - To protect my mother and two servants. Their safety is my number one priority."


    Chen Sheng agreed immediately, "Very well, protecting a few people should be no problem. I wonder if you would explain your situation to me?"


    Tianyu agreed "I think we should go inside, this could take a little while" he brought Chen Sheng into the Pagoda and started to explain the entire situation of the Qin Family.


    A while later, after listening to his story, what surprised Chen Sheng the most was that Tianyu had only started cultivating just over half a year ago, and he had already achieved the True Qi Realm. This was remarkable.


    Tianyu and Chen Sheng made an agreement and a plan. Chen Sheng would still send Tianyu the reward for saving his granddaughter, but he would have it delivered to his lake villa in the Qin Family compound. During this visit, the Flying Sword Sect would then escort Qin Li Mei, Yinying, and Guang out of the Qin Family, and back to the sect. Once it had been confirmed that they were all safe, Tianyu would start making his move.


    After coming to this arrangement, the two said their farewells to each other and went their separate ways.


    It would be a while before he could come back out to the forest and grind exp points like this again and he didn''t want to fall behind with his cultivation, so with the points he gained from killing Li Su, he purchased two exp farming avatars for 1200 exp points, and used his last Avatar Upgrade Token on one of them.


    Now he would passively gain 128 exp points every day, which was more than he would earn previously for training for 10 hours. Now he could spend more of his time consolidating his realm and working on his Qi Control and letting his avatars do some of the heavy lifting.


    Very soon, things in the Qin Family are going to get messy.

 The Return

    Tianyu made his way back to the Qin Family compound, but he made a stop along the way. He stopped off at the house of Mister Hao briefly to thank him once again for his help, and his gift. He then spent some time explaining everything to him. Previously, Mister Hao had only known that Tianyu and Qin Li Mei had left to live at the Qin Family compound again, he had no idea that it was a forced situation. Mister Hao was visibly upset over this, he had thought of Qin Li Mei and Tianyu as family since long ago, but unfortunately, there was nothing he could do personally.


    After listening to Tianyu and his plan, he agreed that it was a reasonable idea and asked if there was anything he could do to help. Although he could not intervene personally, he could still help.


    Tianyu had explained that what he needed most was spiritual power. He needed to gather as much of it as fast as he could if he wanted to have any chance of pulling off his plan.


    Mister Hao thought for a moment before nodding. He then placed a finger on his glabella just like last time and injected some knowledge directly into his head.


    [Congratulations host! You have learned Unique Trait: Toatie''s Gluttony]


    [Congratulations host! You have learned the formation: Spirit Gathering]


    Raising his finger off Tianyu''s head, he explains "What I have given you is dangerous. You must be careful and keep it secret otherwise people will come for you."


    "What do you mean people will come for me?" Tianyu was puzzled.


    "The formation I have given you is the same as the one in the Pagoda. But I have also given you my unique trait. This trait is called Taotie''s Gluttony, you can think of it as having a permanent spiritual recovery formation inside your own body. It will not make your spiritual power grow, but it will be extremely difficult for you to run out of spiritual power." Mister Hao explained.


    Tianyu was very surprised. How could Mister Hao give him something of such importance as his own trait?


    "Uncle, how can I accept this? I know you can''t tell me who are really are, but you must be a strong cultivator, you must need this trait?" he asked.


    Mister Hao just shook his head and quietly laughed "My cultivation is long gone, Xiao Tianyu. This trait is useless for me now. It''s better that it goes to someone who can use it, and use it for good, not evil."


    Tianyu listened in shock "Your cultivation is gone? Can you tell me how?" asked Tianyu.


    Mister Hao nodded and smiled "I abolished it myself."


    Tianyu''s jaw dropped "But why? Why would you abolish your own cultivation?"


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    Although Mister Hao smiled still, there was a hint of sadness in his eyes. "That, my dear boy, will be a story for another day. You should focus on your own problems before mine."


    "But," Tianyu stopped himself from asking any more out of respect for Mister Hao "I understand, Uncle. In which case I will head out now. Thank you again for all your help. I hope to see you again soon."


    With that said, Tianyu quietly left.


    Madam Hao walked into the room after Tianyu had left. "He''s a good boy," She said.


    Mister Hao nodded in agreement, "Yes, he is."


    "How much are you planning on telling him?" She asked.


    With a firm look on his face, Mister Hao replied, "Everything."


    She sighed "He won''t look at you the same afterwards."


    "I know..." He said with a hint of sadness.


    <hr>


    Shortly after, Tianyu arrived once more back at the Qin Family compound. Making his way back to his lake villa, he was greeted with open arms by Qin Li Mei. She had never spent such a long time away from Tianyu and was happy he was finally back. She jumped into his arms and hugged him tightly. Tianyu, who was also very happy to see his mother, hugged her back. They separated after a few moments and he was then greeted by Yinying and Guang. Xiao Lei also let out a cry and flew down to land on his shoulder, rubbing his head against Tianyu''s.


    Tianyu couldn''t help but laugh "Ok, ok, ok, I missed you too."


    After greeting everyone, unpacking his bag, and washing up, Tianyu went downstairs where his mother and Guang had cooked a large welcome-home lunch. Sitting down at the table with everyone, Tianyu was happy. It had been nearly two weeks since he had tasted his mother''s cooking, and it didn''t disappoint. After the meal, everyone sat down at the table, and they all started to talk.


    "Has anything happened while I''ve been away?" Tianyu was curious to see if the Qin Family had tried anything while his back was turned.


    Qin Li Mei was the first to speak up "No dear, it''s been very quiet since you''ve been away." She sighed.


    Guang, who was usually quiet anyway, just sat there with a complicated look on her face. Tianyu couldn''t quite work it out, but she never said anything.


    Yinying didn''t say anything, but he subtly nudged Tianyu''s foot under the table and indicated that he would like to talk in private. Tianyu quickly got his hint.


    "That''s good then," Tianyu said "If that''s the case, I''ll go and check on Red Hare, I haven''t seen her yet." With this, Tainyu stood up and left. Qin Li Mei and Guang got up and started tidying the table, and Yinying followed after Tianyu.


    After they were far enough away, Tianyu spoke. "What''s been going on?"


    "Master," Yinying started speaking "Since you have been gone, one of the young masters of the family has been coming around often and speaking with Guang, making her feel very uncomfortable. In the past few days, he has been more and more pushy."


    "To what end?" He questioned.


    "Guang had told me that he wanted to marry her and he fell for her at first sight. But there''s something wrong about it." He explained.


    "I''ll get to the bottom of this the next time he comes by. Anything else?" Asked Tianyu.


    "Yes, sir. One of the female servants has been bothering me." Yinying reported.


    "Bothering you how?"


    "Every day she comes up to me, smiling, trying to get my attention, showing her skin and shoving her breasts in my face." He explained.


    Tianyu chuckled a little "It sounds like this girl has taken a liking to you, and wants your attention."


    "That''s what I thought at first too," He carried on "But every day I turn her down, instead of looking upset, she looks scared. And the more days pass of turning her down, the more desperate she becomes and the more terrified she looks."


    Tianyu thought for a while "It sounds like someone is threatening her, but why would they go through the trouble?"


    "I am unsure, Sir, but it''s too suspicious to ignore. So I had to report it to you." He kneeled on one leg.


    Tianyu nodded in approval "You''ve done well, thank you for looking out for our family," he patted Yinying on the shoulder.


    Yinying''s eyes turned a little red once he heard Tianyu call him family, so he bowed his head down to hide it.


    "Yinying," Tianyu lowered his voice "Very soon, I will entrust our family to you once more. We will have a visit from a group of people from the Flying Sword Sect to deliver a reward to me. At that time, you, Guang, and my mother will go with them. They will escort you all to safety." He explained.


    "Sir, I would like to stay and help if I can" Yinying wanted to be of use to Tianyu.


    He shook his head "You can''t help me here, I have a much more important job for you to do," Tianyu explained "I need you to stay with our family, and bring Xiao Lei with you. This is important. As soon as you are back at the Flying Sword Sect, you must instruct Xiao Lei to return to me. That will be my signal that you are all safe and out of harm."


    Yinying wanted to stay and help, but he realized the importance of the task he had been given. "Sir, what will you do when we are safe?" Yinying asked.


    Tianyu had a cold smile creep across his face. "Annihilate the entire Qin Family and burn this place to the ground."

 Preparations Are Complete

    Tianyu patted Yinying on the shoulder.


    "I don''t want to worry the girls about this too much, so I''m counting on you to keep them at ease." Said Tianyu.


    Nodding his head Yinying responds "Understood, sir."


    "Good," Tianyu nodded back "Now go, I have things to prepare. Come and inform me when that young master arrives."


    Yinying acknowledged the order, before heading off.


    After watching Yinying leave, Tianyu sets his plan in motion.


    "Sophia," he called out "Use Elemental Fusion and fuse my Lightning Qi with the Water Qi Technique."


    [Processing...]


    [Congratulations host! You have successfully fused your Lightning Qi with Water Qi and become a Dual Elemental user. Reward: 1x Gacha Spin Token]


    "Excellent," he exclaimed "Spin the gacha."


    [Congratulations host! You have received 1x Talisman Bundle.]


    [Talisman Bundle contents: 5x Sealing Talisman, 5x Armor Talisman, 5x Speed Talisman, 5x Power Talisman, 1x Travel Talisman.]


    With each change that happens, the plan in his head alternates.


    "These talismans will come in great help to give me the boost in power that I need," Tianyu thinks to himself. "My biggest obstacle is the family head... I''m confident that with my increase in power, I can take on the elders, as long as I don''t get surrounded or outnumbered. As for Zhao Ren, I don''t know how strong he is. I don''t like having such a variable."


    Setting up the spirit-gathering formation that Mister Hao had given him, he then sits in the lotus position and channels the surrounding spirit through his meridians and into his diantan, which had grown much larger since his ascension into the True Qi Realm.


    As the flow of spirit power was flowing into his diantan, he felt it becoming stronger. Much more so than when he cultivated with full spirit power. This gave him an idea he wanted to test out.


    Once Tianyu''s spirit power had reached its peak, he kept absorbing more spirit power into his diantan, but the effect was minimal. So he used up some of his spirit power by casting a skill to lower it back down.


    The wind whipped up and blew ferociously as Tianyu used his Surging Winds skill. Once his spirit power drained to an acceptable level, which was harder than he thought with his new Taotie Trait rapidly restoring his reserves, he resumed absorbing through meditation.


    It was as if a light had just switched on in his head. The hardest thing to overcome as a novice cultivator is a lack of knowledge. As Tianyu didn''t have a teacher, he had to work everything out for himself.


    "It actually works like that..." Tianyu thought to himself, "But this damn Taotie trait makes it so hard to spend my spiritual power quick enough. I need to find some way to do both at the same time."


    A few hours pass.


    "So I can manipulate spirit power like I can my Lightning Qi, That should make it easier..." Tianyu was trying different experiments. "What would happen if I combine both?"


    Focussing his Lightning Qi in his left hand, and his spiritual power in his right, he brought the two together.


    zzzZZZZZZAP-BOOM


    On the ground about 50 meters away was a patch of scorched earth, with a rather large hole in the ground.


    Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    "Did I just shoot lightning out of my hands?" He questioned himself.


    Once again, he repeated the same process, but this time, he limited the amount of spiritual power he channeled into his palm.


    zzzZZZZZZAP-BOOM


    The same thing happened, but this time to a lesser degree.


    With a smile on his face, you know what''s coming next, right?


    Repeating the same process, but this time, he channeled about twice as much spiritual power as the first time.


    zzzZZZZZAP-BOOOOOM


    "Hahaha! Amazing!" Tianyu was standing there with a huge smile on his face and a sense of accomplishment. He had figured out how to do this all on his own, and it seemed super powerful!


    [Congratulations host! You have created a High-Tier Unique skill: Lightning Bolt. Reward: 1x Exclusive Gacha Spin Token]


    "Exclusive Gacha? I guess that''s similar to the legendary gacha. I''ll need to be stronger in order to use it." He thought.


    Tianyu went back to his formation and sat down. "This time, let''s try channeling my spirit power around my body while absorbing at the same time"


    After a while, he started to understand how it was done, which caused his spirit power to increase at an alarming rate.


    He stopped what he was doing as Yinying approached.


    "Sir," Yinying greeted "The young master has arrived"


    "Take me." Tianyu followed.


    <hr>


    "Please stop," Pleaded Guang "I have to go."


    "Stop? Why should I stop?" The young man laughed


    "Please," she continued "Leave me alone..." she was almost whispering.


    The young man laughed again "Don''t you understand? I''m going to make you mine."


    "No," Guang stated, "I won''t leave master and brother."


    The young man sneered, "You''ll do what you''re told! You''re just a family servant, you think you have the right to disobey me?"


    Suddenly, an immense pressure descended on the young man, which caused his entire body to shake in fear. A cold sweat ran down his back and his pupils shrank into pin holes.


    "Yinying," Tianyu''s calm voice rang out "Take Guang inside."


    Obeying his orders, Yinying took Guang''s hand and led her back into the villa.


    "Who are you?" Tianyu asked.


    Struggling to even breathe under the pressure, the young man quietly squeaked out "Q-Qin Bei"


    "Why are you here?" he asked another question.


    Qin Bei, who was terrified, could only beg. "P-Please..."


    Tianyu eased his pressure on the boy.


    "T-Thank you," said Qin Bei.


    "Answer my question - why are you here?" Tuanyu repeated.


    "I-I want to take that servant as my concubine!" Qin Bei stated.


    Tianyu furrowed his brow. Yinying was right, something about this doesn''t add up.


    "How do you know my servant?" He asked another question.


    Qin Bei wasn''t prepared to be questioned, so he panicked a little inside. "S-She is the daughter of my father''s servant. We grew up together before she was assigned to be your servant."


    Qin Bei felt a little smug in his heart for coming up with such a convincing story on the fly, but his smugness soon turned to terror once more, as the mountainous pressure fell on top of him again.


    "Think very carefully before you answer this next question as your life hangs in the balance," Tianyu threatened "Who sent you here?"


    Grunting in pain, Qin Bei answered "N-Nobody. I cam-"


    Before Qin Bei could finish his lie, Tianyu had cast his new skill Lightning Bolt, and vaporized the young man kneeling before him.


    Tianyu was shocked at how powerful Lightning Bolt was. Are all High-Tier skills this strong, or does it have something to do with my constitution?


    [Killed 1x Foundation Realm Cultivator. Gained 500 exp]


    "Truly a waste." Tianyu could only shake his head.


    <hr>


    After they had all eaten dinner, Tianyu explained what was going on.


    "In about a week''s time some of my friends will come here to pick you all up," Tianyu explained "I want you to go back with them so you are safe. I don''t trust the Qin Family."


    "What will you do?" Qin Li Mei questioned.


    "I plan to join you shortly, but there are some things I have to take care of first." He answered.


    With a worried look on her face, Qin Li Mei knew what Tianyu was planning, but she wasn''t planning to stop him. He was a man now, and he can make his own decisions. "Promise me you''ll be safe." She said.


    "I promise I''ll be as safe as I can," Tianyu replied. "I need to make preparations. Mom, Guang, please follow Yinying. He will be with you the entire time and he knows what to do. I won''t be able to see you all off."


    He kissed his mother on the cheek and reassured her, then patted Guang on the head. "Be a good girl for your brother, okay?" He smiled.


    "Un!" Guang nodded back.


    Heading back to his spirit formation he sat down in the lotus position and began his preparation. Just like before, he was channeling his spirit power and his Lightning Qi, but this time he was channeling it straight up into the sky above the Qin Family compound. As fast as he was channeling his spirit power, with the aid of his trait and the formation, it was recovering even faster.


    <hr>


    After a week, Tianyu was still channeling his spirit power. The sky above had started brewing into a violent storm, the clouds were a dark gray and the rain had long since started falling. It was on this day that the Qin Family had received visitors. A convoy of gifts meant for Qin Tianyu as thanks for rescuing the granddaughter of a sect master. The Qin Family was ecstatic to receive the gifts and the favor of a sect.


    The Qin Family quickly took possession of the entire convoy with greed-filled eyes, however, the leader of the convoy had informed them that he was to give the final carriage of gifts to Qin Tianyu personally. The Qin Family soon turned colder upon hearing this and got a servant to show him the way, before quickly getting back to the items they had taken. The convoy leader shook his head in disgust at the greed shown before him.


    Once he got to the Lake Villa, he was greeted by Yinying who knew the situation and the reason for the visit. He apologized to the convoy leader that Tianyu couldn''t greet him personally, as he was currently occupied. Yinying then guided Guang and Qin Li Mei into the carriage and then gathered the items which they deemed essential, before heading away. The carriage passed back through without any problems as everyone was preoccupied with staking claims to the gifts that weren''t theirs. They then headed out of the city and towards the sect.


    <hr>


    Another week passed of Tianyu channeling his spirit power and Lightning Qi.


    The sky above the city was starting to look terrifying. Almost black at this stage. The rain has been falling for the entire time, causing issues all over the city.


    Tianyu was utterly exhausted. Although using this method he would never run out of spiritual power, mental fatigue was the issue now.


    Tianyu was relieved that the strength of his spiritual power made it undetectable to anyone who didn''t have a higher spiritual power than himself, If this wasn''t the case then his plan wouldn''t have worked.


    Half a day later, Tianyu heard the most beautiful noise he could think of. A noise that made him happy to the very core of his being. He heard the cry of his spirit beast, Xiao Lei.


    The look on his face, while weary, was full of determination. "It''s time to end this!"


    LIGHTNING BOLT!

 Burn It Down

    Tianyu slumped down on the floor, his face had paled and his body was drenched in sweat after forcing out every little bit of his spiritual power into this surprise attack.


    For an entire two weeks, he had been stealthily channeling his spiritual power into the sky for this one moment. This was uncharted territory, he had no idea how the outcome of this would play out. Maybe he could destroy the entire city in a single moment, or maybe his attack would only damage the tiles of the building.


    The only thing he was hoping for was the death of the family head. He knew he wouldn''t be able to beat him in a fair fight, so this was his only chance.


    A terrifying rumble came from the sky above as flashes of light could be seen between the pitch-back rolling clouds.


    BOOOOOOOM!


    The entire world seemed to shake as lightning snaked down from the sky like a dragon diving into the sea.


    Screams could be heard all over the city as panic swept through the street.


    Tianyu had to do everything he could right now to recover to his peak, as now that he had launched his attack, his killing intent would have been sensed.


    He quickly threw some recovery pills in his mouth and began to meditate.


    System notifications were ringing in his ears, but he had to ignore them for now.


    The Qin Family was a mess, the lightning strike was attracted to the mass amounts of silver and gold that were stored in the treasury below the main hall. This was a stroke of luck for Tianyu.


    Screams and shouts were going on all over the compound.


    The lightning strike caused a giant crater to form where the main hall used to be, and fire to start which quickly engulfed the surrounding buildings, which was full of wooden furniture, banners, books, and many documents.


    Many of the servants and family members were quickly trying to put out the fire by bringing buckets of water, but this was of little help.


    Some of the elders who hadn''t been in the main hall had started trying to take control and give orders. The first of which was to capture Qin Tianyu.


    Although the elders were not as strong as the family head, they could still feel where the killing intent had originated.


    Following orders, a small group of guards ran in formation towards the lake villa.


    Tianyu, though not fully recovered could hear the rhythmic footsteps coming. The fight is coming to him.


    Tianyu donned his new Thunder Raiment Battle Robe, pulled out his Sky-Piercer Halberd, and mounted Red Hare.


    Sitting atop his trusty warhorse, weapon in hand, Tianyu looked majestic.


    Red Hare was standing there pawing at the ground, she seemed excited and raring to go. This girl was truly born for the battlefield.


    Not only Red Hare, but the Sky-Piercer in Tianyu''s grasp was warm to the touch and seemed to vibrate slightly. This pair really was made for each other.


    "Red," Tianyu patted the neck of Red Hare "I promised you that I would let you see a battle soon."


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    Red Hare snorted in response walking on the spot.


    Tianyu took in a deep breath, readying himself for the battle to come.


    He is nervous.


    He is scared.


    But there''s no going back now.


    The guards reach the villa gate and start bashing the door trying to break it open.


    Tianyu takes one more breath to settle his nerves, before channeling his Lightning Qi into his Sky-Piercer then he uses his skills Lightning Mantle and Static Charge.


    Bang.


    Bang.


    Crack!


    The gate to the villa busts open.


    "HIYAA," Tianyu shouts, as Red Hare rears up and charges forward.


    The guards, who were not expecting to be charged at by a demonic-looking red horse, froze.


    Tianyu swung his weapon easily cutting down three of the guards, Red Hare then made a quick turn around and charged at the remaining two guards, who were just as easily felled.


    Tianyu was almost as shocked as the guards were. "Is this the amount of extra power you give?" Tianyu questioned stroking Red Hare.


    Tianyu had always known that when it came to war, cavalry was the king of the battlefield. He remembered reading all about how important they were, but this was beyond his expectations. He could only begin to imagine how amazing a whole company made of elite cavalry would be.


    Shaking these thoughts from his head, he had more important things to worry about.


    "Let''s go, Red Hare!" He shouted making Red Hare gallop through the streets of the compound.


    Tianyu, who was on a tear through the entire Qin Family, would spare nobody. He wasn''t interested in the servants, who were easy to spot in their horrible brown robes, so he ignored them. He was on a vendetta against the Qin Family, he wasn''t interested in needless slaughter.


    As he was galloping through the streets, he made sure to make the fire worse by using his Surging Wind skill to spread the fire to other buildings.


    Each member of the Qin Family he came across would not be spared from his blade, and with every life his blade claimed, he could feel the Sky-Piercer getting more and more excited.


    For half an hour so far Tianyu has been running through the streets massacring the Qin Family, having no real resistance as of yet. Most of the family had been in the foundation realm, and very few had reached the true qi realm yet, but even the ones who had were are flowers raised in a greenhouse.


    This entire time, Red Hare has been galloping nonstop, as if possessed by a demon. She doesn''t seem to tire.


    As the two turned a corner, Tianyu spotted one of the elders of the Qin Family and prepared to attack. Sensing the incoming bloodlust, the elder managed to avoid a fatal attack.


    "You!" The elder screamed as he charged to attack.


    Fending off the attacks of the elder, while throwing in attacks of his own, this was the first time Tianyu had been pressed in this battle. It was exhilarating!


    Trading blow for blow, dancing on the razor''s edge, knowing that one small mistake could be the difference between life and death made his blood boil with excitement.


    A few minutes of back and forth later, both Tianyu and the elder received some damage, but fortunately, Tianyu was better off. He was preparing for another bout when the back of his neck tingled, and he pulled on the reign for Red Hare to dodge to the side.


    Another one of the elders had come to interrupt their battle. Clicking his tongue, Tianyu couldn''t risk fighting two at the same time, so he and Red Hare temporarily retreated.


    He made his way to the initial impact site to inspect the damage, and he was shocked at just how much power his lightning strike caused. But he couldn''t dally for long. There was still members of the Qin Family running around, albeit much less than this morning.


    Tianyu went back to his rampage, cutting down more and more family members before locating another elder. Once again Tianyu charged at the elder excited for another battle. He wanted to dance with the reaper once more and feel the excitement.


    The elder also put up a fight, but Tianyu with the help of Red Hare had the high ground and more power. He was quickly pushing the elder back. With a shout, Tianyu chopped down with all his might and cut through the elder''s arm, causing him to sprawl to the floor.


    As he was about to finish off the elder, he was interrupted again by the two elders before. They also knew that they had a better chance of killing Tianyu if they grouped together.


    With a growl, Tianyu was unwilling to give up and give them a chance to increase their numbers further, so he cast his lightning bolt skill at the downed elder who was clutching at his lost arm and ended his life, before galloping away.


    This time, however, he wasn''t planning on leaving. He rounded the building and came in for another attack from behind as the elders were seeing to the body.


    Whoosh!


    Thud!


    The injured elder wasn''t expecting Tianyu to come right back, and this lack of awareness cost him his life as his head rolled to the ground.


    Shocked and angry, the remaining elder decided to take his chances running away. He wasn''t confident fighting Tianyu alone.


    Although this was the smart choice, and it was a tactic even Tianyu had just used, there was no way that the elder would be able to outrun Red Hare.


    As expected, he was quickly caught up to, and Red Hare charged right into him, knocking him to the floor, and then trampled him underneath her hooves.


    Red Hare was a giant of a horse, and with Tianyu on her back, she weighed a lot. This means that when she was trampling the elder, his body was being broken into pieces. Snapping and popping the elder''s bones, his flesh was being ripped apart and it ended with his head being smashed open.


    For the next 15 minutes, Tianyu was running through the streets looking for more of the Qin Family. Other than a straggler or two, he hadn''t found anybody else other than servants who were cowering in fear.


    He had to check something, so he opened up his notifications, There were hundreds of them to go through, which he would do at a later date. But right now he was looking for something. He needed to see it, otherwise he couldn''t rest. That''s when his eyes lit up.


    [You have killed 1x Spiritual Embryo Realm: Initiate. Reward: 5000 exp]


    Tianyu was relieved. His initial attack had killed its intended target.


    He continued going through the streets looking for the Qin Family members but was unable to find more. So the next job on the list was to burn this place to the ground. Using his Lightning Strike, he set a few more fires and followed up with Surging Wind to spread the fire all around.


    As he was walking through the main square something caught his eye. Some one.


    He was both excited and anxious. This fight was a long time coming and it would be his most dangerous opponent yet.


    As Tianyu walked closer to the man, he raised his head and greeted Tianyu.


    "Quite a mess you have made, my Son..."

 Face-off With His Father

    Smoke billowed into the sky as building after building was burning. Bodies lay on the blood-soaked streets. Pandemonium is all around, however, at the moment everything seems to tune out.


    In a large and open courtyard, in the center of the Qin Family compound, stood Qin Zhao Ren with his sword in hand, and a complicated look painted on his face.


    "Who could have foreseen that the boy I discarded all those years ago, would lead to the ruin of the family?" he sighed, "Perhaps I should have just killed you all those years ago instead of showing mercy?"


    Tianyu wasn''t interested in words. It was too late for that now. So he charged.


    As he got close, he swung his halberd with force.


    Clang!


    His attack. although ferocious, was blocked by Zhao Ren''s sword, pushing him back a few steps.


    "Hahaha," Zhao Ren laughed "You really have it out for you old man, huh?"


    Tianyu turned around and unleashed a flurry of attacks at Zhao Ren, each of which was blocked by his sword.


    Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!


    "You have passion, boy!" Zhao Ren commented


    Clang! Clang!


    "But you lack training!" He shouted back as he retaliated.


    Tianyu managed to block the attack aimed at his body, but it was powerful enough to repel his advance.


    Determined, Tianyu goes forward again.


    Directing more of his spiritual power into his Static Charge skill, he attacks Zhao Ren''s sword.


    Clang! Clang!


    The electric current flows through the steel sword and into Zhao Ren''s hand.


    "Ohoh? Interesting!" Said Zhao Ren "Very interesting! But futile!"


    Zhao Ren counter-attacked again, but this time aimed for Tianyu''s biggest advantage.


    "NEIIGGGHHH" a scream of pain came from Red Hare, as her flank received a nasty gash.


    Try as she might, Red Hare was unable to participate in the battle any longer.


    Tianyu quickly dismounted and continued the fight. Although he wanted to stay and help Red Hare, he was unable to. The only thing he could do for her right now was to make sure she was away from the fighting.


    Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!


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    "It''s a real shame about your horse, huh? Your attacks carry much less weight behind them." Zhao Ren mocked.


    "You talk too much," said Tianyu.


    "Ha! He finally talks! I was beginning to worry you had turned mute." Zhao Ren was laughing.


    Clang! Clang!


    No matter how Tianyu was attacking, he was unable to break through Zhao Ren''s guard.


    Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!


    "Listen, boy. You can''t win. You''re a hundred years too early to challenge me." He said.


    Clang! Clang!


    Tianyu was getting frustrated.


    Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!


    Not because he was unable to break Zhao Ren''s guard.


    Clang! Clang!


    Not because Zhao Ren was mocking him every chance he got.


    Clang! Clang! Clang!


    Not even because Zhao Ren wasn''t taking him as a serious threat at all.


    Clang! Clang!


    It was something was missing.


    Clang!


    Something was missing from this fight than from all the others he had fought that day.


    Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!


    Zhao Ren wasn''t fighting back. He was just standing there defending.


    Clang! Clang!


    Why?


    Clang!


    Why wouldn''t he fight back?!


    Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!


    "FIGHT BACK YOU BASTARD!"


    zzzZZZZAP-BOOOOM


    Tianyu unleashed a Lightning Bolt and hit Zhao Ren directly, sending him flying across the courtyard.


    zzzZZZZAP-BOOOOM


    Another.


    zzzZZZZAP-BOOOOM


    And another.


    In his frustration, Tianyu was shooting off Bolt after Bolt into Zhao Ren.


    After a minute of this, Tianyu stopped shooting lightning bolts and waited for the smoke to clear up.


    "That''s some real dangerous stuff there," he heard through the smoke.


    Zhao Ren burst out of the smoke cloud and swung his sword.


    Clang!


    "Now you have my attention." A dangerous aura came from Zhao Ren.


    Tianyu, after receiving the attack, was knocked back.


    It hurt. It hurt a lot. But a smile crawled over his face.


    Zhao Ren attacked again, he was finally starting to get serious.


    Tianyu was on the receiving end of a flurry of attacks. He managed to block a couple, but Zhao Ren had been training the sword his entire life. When it comes to technique, Tianyu is vastly outmatched. Many of his attacks got through Tianyu''s guard, causing him to have numerous injuries start to build.


    On his legs, on his arms, it didn''t take long for Tianyu''s body to become covered in blood.


    But Tianyu still had a menacing smile on his face.


    He was back. Right where he wanted to be. The place that had brought him so much joy today. The razor''s edge.


    With a fire in his eyes, he ignored the wounds on his body and pressed forward.


    Swinging his Halberd with reckless abandon. His only goal was to destroy the enemy before him.


    Clang! Clang! Clang!


    The more he swung his weapon, the brighter the fire in his soul burned.


    Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!


    Zhao Ren was still able to defend, but the atmosphere was beginning to change.


    Clang! Clang! Clang!


    The wounds on Tianyu''s body were mounting up, he was losing a lot of blood.


    He didn''t care.


    Clang! Clang!


    His attacks were getting faster and heavier.


    Clang! Clang! Clang!


    His fire was burning brighter than ever.


    Clang! Clang!


    Zhao Ren had decided that enough was enough. The longer the fight went on, the more momentum Tianyu started to build, and the harder it was getting to defend.


    As Tianyu went for another powerful strike, Zhao Ren ducked under his attack and dashed forward driving his blade into Tianyu.


    Twisting his blade, he quickly withdrew it and kicked Tianyu to the floor with a thud.


    Tianyu lay there, his mind racing, his heart pumping, his eyes widened, his blood pooling onto the floor.


    Zhao Ren stood there looking back at Tianyu, and then looking around at all the destruction he had caused.


    With a complicated expression on his face, he turned to walk away, not knowing what he would do.


    Tianyu was lying there in a daze, his body hurt all over, he felt weak from blood loss and he felt tired.


    So tired.


    Lying on his back he wanted to look at the sky once more, but all he could see was black smoke. He wanted to see his mother again, but she had gone. Yinying had gone, Guang had gone, everyone had gone. He turned his head over to see Red Hare lying there, thankfully she was still alive, she should survive as the attack wasn''t bad enough to kill her.


    He just wanted to sleep, but he knew he couldn''t. Now wasn''t the time for sleep.


    Struggling against every fiber in his body that was screaming for him to stop. Fighting against the pain, he reached for and grasped his weapon.


    Using all of his might, ignoring all the protests his body gave him, he pulled himself back up from the floor. He ate down a recovery pill and pulled his Halberd to the ready.


    That same halberd, once again began to shake in excitement. More and more it was shaking. That''s when it happened.


    "HAHAHAHA! Boy! You have given me a good show today! I haven''t been so entertained since I fought at the Hulao Pass!" A voice blasted out in Tianyu''s head.


    In a surprise, he looked down at his weapon, which now seemed to have its own aura surrounding it.


    "As thanks for the entertainment, I shall help you destroy your enemies today! Hahahaha!" The strange voice once again screamed.


    Something unexpected then happened to Tianyu. His body started to move on its own. It started to talk on its own. He wasn''t in control of any of it.


    "COME," He pointed his Sky-Piercer Halberd at Zhao Ren "TODAY YOU FACE THE MIGHTY LU BU!"

 Its finally over

    With surprising speed, Tianyu''s body rushed towards Zhao Ren and attacked. Although Zhao Ren was still able to muster a defense against the assault, each hit carried much more force behind it than before.


    Lu Bu was much more proficient at using the Sky-Piercer Halberd than Tianyu was. The technique on show was masterful and it very quickly caused lots of trouble for Zhao Ren. His use of distance, the control of the blade, even down to his hand and foot positioning was an art form.


    Tianyu was watching this as an observer, and couldn''t help but feel embarrassed over how sloppy the skills he had shown were. It was painfully obvious to him the difference in strength. Though he had come far in a short amount of time, against someone with real experience such as Zhao Ren, and especially Lu Bu, he was but a child.


    Zhao Ren was able to play around and tease Tianyu when the fight first started, and other than a surprise attack he wasn''t even able to land a hit. He got over-confident because of the success he had achieved in a short amount of time. He can only thank his lucky stars that he was able to take out the family head as in a one-on-one fight, he would have been killed before he even knew what happened.


    While Tianyu was lamenting to himself, the fight raged on. Lu Bu''s skills were above that of Zhao Ren, but that was to be expected. Zhao Ren was by no means weak, but he had been living in comfort for too long. Unlike Lu Bu who his entire life was surrounded by fighting and war. From when he was a child to the day he died he was fighting.


    Soon, Zhao Ren was showing injuries all over his body, much like how Tianyu was when the roles were reversed earlier. The longer the fight carried on, the more momentum Lu Bu was gaining.


    Tianyu was studying his movements, trying to burn them into his brain. This is the fighter that Tianyu wanted to be. He was so powerful and so domineering.


    Zhao Ren was doing everything he could to block and dodge these heavy attacks while finding any gaps to throw in some attacks of his own.


    The fight wasn''t completely one-sided, although Lu Bu had much better technique and experience, he was still using Tianyu''s body, which was not only at a lower realm than Zhao Ren, but it was also still injured.


    As Lu Bu went in for an over-hand strike, Zhao Ren deflected his attack to the side, making him off balance. Using this to his advantage, he ducked under his arms and went for a stab. It was the exact same thing he had used to finish the fight with Tianyu earlier.


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    Unfortunately for Zhao Ren, Lu Bu wasn''t an inexperienced fighter, and as Zhao Ren ducked under his arms for a stab, Lu Bu twisted to the side and planted a gut-wrenching kick to Zhao Ren, sending him flying into the wall.


    The attack from Lu Bu was bait, and Zhao Ren latched onto it like a hungry fish.


    As Zhao Ren smashed into the wall, it caused him to cough up a large amount of blood. He had suffered a lot of damage at this point and the fight was all but over.


    Sensing that there was no more excitement to be had, Lu Bu finally spoke up once more.


    "Hmph, pathetic," Lu Bu was clearly dissatisfied by this fight "You, boy..." He was addressing Tianyu "Once you have settled this matter, you better take care of Red Hare."


    With that order, the soul of Lu Bu rescinded and went back into the Sky-Piercer. Tianyu was once again in control of his body.


    It was an alien experience to be a bystander in your own body.


    Tianyu was still in a ton of pain, so he ate down a Recovery Pill before looking over at Zhao Ren, who was struggling to move slumped against the wall.


    He walked over to Zhao Ren and made sure to kick his weapon away from him. Noticing this, Zhao Ren looked up to face Tianyu.


    "Hah, I should have killed you when you were a child." Zhao Ren stated.


    After hearing this, a red mist descended over Tianyu.


    Whack! He punched Zhao Ren in the face.


    Whack!


    "Why did you do it?!" Tianyu asked, he had many questions buried deep down.


    Whack! Whack!


    "Why did you abandon me?!"


    Whack! Whack!


    "Why did you abandon Mother?!"


    Whack! Whack!


    "You were supposed to be my father!"


    Whack! Whack!


    "You were supposed to look after me!"


    Whack! Whack!


    "Take care of me!"


    Whack! Whack!


    "You were supposed to love me!"


    Whack! Whack!


    "And teach me!"


    Whack! Whack!


    "You were supposed to protect me!"


    Whack! Whack!


    "Not throw me away!"


    Whack! Whack!


    "What did I do?!"


    Whack! Whack!


    "Why did I deserve this?!"


    Whack! Whack!


    "Tell me!"


    Whack! Whack!


    "TELL ME!"


    Whack! Whack! Whack! Whack!


    Tianyu kept hitting, and hitting, and hitting.


    "Stop," a concerned voice called out, and caught Tianyu''s hand.


    Snapping his head around at who stopped him, He saw Mister Hao grabbing his hand, with a complicated expression on his face.


    "It''s over, Tianyu. He''s dead." Mister Hao comforted.


    Hearing Mister Hao''s voice comforting him, the red mist started to clear up.


    Looking back, Zhao Ren was unrecognizable. His face was distorted, his skull shattered and blood was everywhere. It wasn''t until he stopped that Tianyu realized that his own fist was broken and his hand deformed.


    He never received the answers to his questions.


    He struggled to stand up, but with the support of Mister Hao, he got to his feet.


    "Come, dear boy. Let''s go to my house and you can rest up. We can talk about this all later" Mister Hao spoke in a comforting voice.


    Tianyu nodded in agreement. Rest certainly does sound good.


    "Come, Red Hare," Tianyu called out "It''s time to go... It''s over."


    Red Hare got to her feet, and limped along to Tianyu, nuzzling against him.


    Tianyu stroked her back "You did good today, girl."


    With that, the three of them left the Qin Family compound burning to the ground.

 The Aftermath

    The following few days were very hectic for the rest of the city. The fire that Tianyu had started blazed through the entire day and the rest of the night before dying down enough to be extinguished, if it wasn''t for the rain which started during the night it may have kept burning for a while longer.


    The residents of the city were in the dark about what had happened. It wasn''t until the law officers eventually showed up that some information had been released. There wasn''t much information for them to go off, but it had seemed to the officers that the Qin Family may have offended somebody they shouldn''t have, and the entire family was destroyed because of it. Nobody would have suspected that the cause of this was a teenage boy who had started his cultivation just over half a year back.


    Even the other higher-tiered families in the area had no information to go on, but they had remembered the mysterious cultivator who had broken through not long ago. Because of this, they had remained quiet for fear of offending that mystery cultivator who was powerful enough to wipe out the entire Qin Family in a single afternoon.


    During this time, Tianyu had been asleep. After his emotional outburst following his spiritual possession, he soon fainted and was brought back to the home of Mister Hao. Red Hare had of course followed him.


    In these few days, Tianyu had been getting looked after by Madam Hao, who had always treated him with love and kindness, she had even washed out and treated Red Hare''s wound before wrapping it in gauze.


    Mister Hao was paying close attention to everything that had been going on and only started to relax a little after a couple of days when he saw that nobody had been following or paying attention to him and Tianyu.


    Behind the scenes in the city, many families were in discussions over what had happened, but mainly, all of them wanted to know who would be filling the position of the Qin Family. All of them were greedy for power and would do anything in their power to grab onto it. Many of the families were making their own plans on how to find the cultivator responsible for the attack and lure him over to their side.


    It took a full week for Tianyu to wake up from his injuries, both physical and spiritual. Not only was he on death''s door after he had been stabbed by Zhao Ren, but on top of that, his soul weapon had forcibly taken over his body for an extended period of time. While this act did save his life and give him the revenge he wanted, it also caused a great deal of strain on his spirit which he wasn''t able to handle at his current cultivation realm.


    As he awoke, he was bombarded by both notifications from his system and questions from Madam Hao. She spent the next 30 minutes quizzing him about his body, how he felt, what hurts, how it hurts etc. While he was a little overwhelmed by this, he was also happy knowing how much Madam Hao cared and how worried she was about him, so he entertained each and every question she had to ask before she was satisfied.


    He was still in quite a bit of pain but smiled so as to not make Madam Hao worry. "I''m okay, auntie. It''s nothing that some rest and some of your amazing cooking can''t fix." Tianyu would always flatter Madam Hao and Madam Hao would always love it when he did. With a chuckle, she endearingly called him a "Cheeky brat" and swatted his arm, before heading out of the room he was resting in.


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    He took this time to open up his system notifications and he was blinded by how many there were.


    [You have gained ...]


    [You have gained ...]


    [You have gained ...]


    [You have gained ...]


    [You have gained ...]


    [You have gained ...]


    This list just went on and on.


    "Sophia," he called out "Can you just summarize everything for me?"


    [Yes, host.]


    [You have gained 55,650 exp points]


    [You have gained 1x gacha spin token]


    [You have completed the hidden quest: Qin Tianyu''s Revenge]


    He was quite surprised over his gains this time, that was a ton of exp points all at once, and this was the first time he had heard about being on some kind of quest. He asked Sophia for more information about this quest.


    [Qin Tianyu''s Revenge: Qin Tianyu and his mother Qin Li Mei have been kicked out of the Qin Family, berated, embarrassed, and harassed. Fight against the overwhelming odds and complete your revenge by any means. Rewards will be given based on your method of achieving your revenge]


    [Qin Tianyu''s Revenge: Completed - You have chosen the path of blood and exterminated the Qin Family]


    [Rewards]


    [1x Token to raise your cultivation realm]


    [10x mid-level training avatars]


    [5x gacha spin tokens]


    [20,000 exp points]


    [1x randomized trait]


    "Holy shit, those quest rewards are insane." he thought to himself.


    Putting aside the token to raise his realm, he wasn''t interested in using this right now. He would only use this in a desperate situation, or much much later down the line when the exp points required for raising his realm are insanely high.


    Having 10 extra training avatars is an amazing reward. Truthfully, Tianyu plans on spending much of his now 75,000+ exp points on training avatars to make the most of his idle cultivation system which he feels like he has been overlooking thus far. His biggest advantage in this life over anyone else is his ability to passively cultivate.


    Gacha spins are always nice to have, and a new trait is always welcomed too. However, he also wonders if he can receive bad traits as well as good ones. But he is going to save redeeming these rewards as well as spending his exp points a little later. What he needs to do now is join his family at the Flying Sword Sect, and settle matters with Old Man Cheng.


    After a couple more days of recouping, it''s time to hit the road. "Auntie, Uncle, why don''t you come with me?" Tianyu asked. At first, they both said no, stating that they were too old and that they would just slow him down. But Tianyu wasn''t interested in taking no for an answer. There were very few people whom he thought of as family and Mister and Madam Hao were on that short list.  It took a little more convincing, but they both finally agreed to join him. Truthfully they would miss Tianyu and Li Mei also.


    Tianyu was happy they had agreed. He loved them both as family, and he also knew that there was much more to them than he knew, and he wanted to learn from Mister Hao. Just the little he had learned from him so far was enough to tell him that before Mister Hao had abandoned his own cultivation, he was strong.


    It took another day for them to all be ready to leave. Mister Hao had a carriage already due to his work, which was large enough to load up the belongings they planned on taking with enough room for Madam Hao to rest inside comfortably, Tianyu and Mister Hao used the bench up front. Red Hare had recovered enough for the journey, and although she was unhappy about having to pull a carriage, after all, she was born and bred for the battlefield, she still listened to Tianyu.


    With that, they all set off towards the mountains where the Flying Sword Sect is located. Tianyu was looking forward to starting this next stage in his life. He would make the most of what this sect had to offer him. After his fight with the Qin Family, and seeing how Lu Bu had fought, there was much he had to improve on, and with the aid of his Idle Cultivation System, and the Flying Sword Sect, he was sure he would succeed.