《High On Exp》 Chapter 1 Alex''s skull felt like a jackhammer was having a personal grudge match with his brain. Pain pulsed through his head in waves so strong, he thought his eyeballs might pop out. He''d just clocked out of his soul-sucking convenience store gig and was rushing home to lose himself in his newly purchased game. To save time, he''d taken a shortcut through a creepy abandoned building. And then, darkness. Was he dead? His body screamed that he was. The last thing he felt was cold steel piercing his lungs, the wet warmth of blood soaking his clothes. But now, he was sitting on a cold, hard floor, surrounded by a bunch of weird kids in robes, all staring off into space like they were high on the world''s best weed. A soft, eerie glow was the only light in this strange place. "Ah, another one''s awake," a voice croaked. An old dude with a beard that looked like it had seen a thousand winters and a hair tied into bun that screamed ''I''m way too old for this'' was staring down at him. He was dressed in a blue robe that made him look like the old Immortal guy from monkey king. "This one has a strong dao heart, but a weak spirit root," the old man grumbled, like he''d just eaten a bad oyster. "A pity," another voice chimed in, sounding like a dude who''d spent too much time alone in a library. Alex''s brain was short-circuiting. Was he dead? In heaven? Hell? A really weird dream? He tried to stand up, but his legs felt like jelly. The old man just shook his head, looking like he was about to give a really long, boring lecture. "Relax, young one," the old man said, his voice like sandpaper on a chalkboard. "You are safe here." Safe? Safe? He''d just been crushed by a falling piece of metal! How the hell was that safe? And what was up with this place? Was he in some kind of kung fu school or something? A million questions were racing through his head, but the old man just sighed like he was dealing with a particularly stubborn toddler. "Your path will be difficult," the old man muttered, pulling a long, wooden stick out of nowhere. "But you must persevere. Perhaps one day, you will amount to something more than a speck of dust in this vast world." And with that, the old man turned and shuffled away, leaving Alex alone with his thoughts. Which, at the moment, were mostly along the lines of ''what the actual f*ck is going on?'' Then a flood of memories hit him like a truck. It was a memory of farm kid named Lin Hao? And not just any farm kid ¨C a cultivation world farm kid! He''d always thought those cultivation novels were trash. You know, the ones where the main character is a total loser but somehow ends up stronger than a god? Or the ones with young masters who act like they own the world, but are dumber than a box of rocks? He''d always wondered how people could even finish those things. Now, he was living in one. A wave of memories washed over him. Plowing fields. Chopping wood. Boring, boring, BORING! And don''t even get him started on the people. Everyone acted like they were the smartest person in the room, even though most of them couldn''t string a sentence together. Apparently, Lin Hao was an orphan who somehow managed to awaken a ''spirit root''. Like, who cares? It''s not like he was going to become a Immortal or anything. In this world, having a spirit root was like winning the lottery, but Lin Hao drew the short straw with a ''low-grade mundane'' one. Basically, the equivalent of winning a dollar in the lottery. Great. Just great. He was stuck in a world filled with idiots, where the only way to get respect was to be stronger than everyone else. And here he was, a weakling with a crappy spirit root. He could almost hear the laughter. ''Look at the loser! Too weak to even be a disciple!'' They''d probably call him trash, just like in those stupid novels. Alex groaned and rubbed his temples. He needed a plan. Fast. Because if he didn''t figure something out soon, he was going to end up as someone''s fertilizer. After what felt like forever, the other kids finally finished their ''meditation'' or whatever. They looked like they were about to burst with importance. Probably dreaming of becoming the next big-shot cultivator. Yeah, right. If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. An old guy, who looked like he''d been around longer than dirt, shuffled forward. He cleared his throat, and everyone shut up. Then came the moment of truth. The old guy called out a bunch of names. The lucky ones, the ones with good spirit roots. You could hear the cheers and the tears. But then there was the rest of them, the ones like Alex. The ones who got the short end of the stick. One kid totally freaked out. Started banging his head on the ground, blood and all. Like, dude, chill. It''s not the end of the world. Or maybe it was. For him, at least. The old guy just stared at the kid like he was an annoying bug. Then, without a second thought, he turned and left with his chosen few. Alex was left standing there, surrounded by the shattered dreams of other kids. He couldn''t help but feel a pang of sympathy. But at the same time, he was thinking, ''Great, now what?'' ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Alex followed the stream of children leaving the testing hall of the Heavenly Sword Sect. Outside the entrance, two elders of the Lin family stood waiting, their expressions a mix of anticipation and concern. The Fifth Elder, clad in a blue robe adorned with silver patterns, looked to be in his middle years. His long black hair flowed freely behind him, and his sharp eyes searched the crowd for any sign of news. He spotted Lin Hao and hurried over, his voice laced with worry. "Xiao Hao, what happened? Did you pass the test? And where is the young miss?" Alex''s response was a total awkward fumble. He''d never spoken so formally in his life¡ªor, well, in his *previous* life, since he was technically dead now, chillin'' in the body of some Lin family kid. "Sorry, Elders," he stammered, "This junior has disappointed you. I wasn''t selected for the Heavenly Sword Sect. As for the young miss, she was chosen. She''s now with the elder of the sect." The Seventh Elder, a chubby old man with a face lined deeply with age and hair as white as snow, burst into a wide smile. His wrinkled hands clapped together with excitement. "Good, good! Xiao Yue was selected. After so many years, someone from our Lin clan has finally entered the Heavenly Sword Sect. Now, nothing can stop our clan from rising!" Alex''s heart felt like it dropped straight into his stomach. The Seventh Elder''s over-the-top excitement was like a slap in the face. He''d failed, big time, and here was the old man acting like he''d won the lottery. Everyone knows joining a sect is like having xp boost in a game. It''s a total game-changer compared to being stuck in some backwater clan, especially in this world. Seeing the Seventh Elder''s cheerful face made Alex want to cry. He thought to himself, *Dude, can''t you see I''m feeling like a total loser right now? Instead of cheering me up, you''re acting like a kid who just got a new toy.* The Fifth Elder, sensing the awkwardness, cleared his throat gently. "Don''t be disheartened, Xiao Hao. Although it''s unfortunate you weren''t chosen by the Heavenly Sword Sect, there is still hope. If you remain within the family and focus on your cultivation, there are great achievements ahead of you." The Seventh Elder, finally calming down, nodded in agreement. "Yes, that''s right. Xiao Hao, focus on your cultivation here in the clan. With diligence, you might even breakthrough to Qi Refinement Realm." Great, now he was supposed to feel ecstatic about returning to some backwater clan. Looks like he won''t be going anywhere near a protagonist''s life. Lin Hao followed the Fifth and Seventh Elders back to their carriage, his mind racing with a whirlwind of emotions. The journey was deadly quiet, and the unfamiliar road only added to his growing anxiety. He desperately prayed to reach the Lin Family estate as soon as possible. As they traveled, they came across members of the Su Family, another cultivating family from River City. The Su Family, too, had a member who had entered the Heavenly Sword Sect, though he was ranked last, far behind the Lin Family''s young miss, Lin Yue. The Su Family''s First Elder, Su Peng, led his group with a scowl, urging his Spirit Horse to move faster. He seemed determined to avoid any further interaction with the Lin Family. River City was a small town near the Heavenly Sword Sect, with a population just over 100,000. The town was divided between the Lin Family and the Su Family, each controlling half of the city''s territory. These small cultivating families had their own power struggles and rivalries, and today''s encounter was a reminder of those tensions. After a day-long journey in the carriage, Alex returned to the Lin Family. Despite the ancient setting, the journey was remarkably smooth and pleasant. The original host of the body was a farmer from the Lin Family, living in a mud house on the family''s fields. His parents had perished in a beast wave when he was young, and he was raised by the family. However, at the age of thirteen, he was forced to work in the rice fields to contribute to the family, a common fate for orphaned protagonists. However upon his return, the family had prepared a courtyard within the main mansion for him and assigned a hot and thick maid to serve him. Alex possessed a Spiritual Root, indicating his potential for cultivation. As a cultivator, he would become a vital asset to the Lin Family, contributing significantly to their prosperity. Therefore, Alex was naturally treated with respect and care within the Lin Family. Chapter 2 The moon bathed the river city in a soft, ethereal glow, its light filtering through the shifting clouds. The carriage came to a halt at the grand entrance of the Lin Family Estate, and Alex was swiftly ushered into the main mansion. The Fifth and Seventh Elders barely acknowledged him, heading straight to the Patriarch''s courtyard with urgent steps. Alex, meanwhile, was left in the care of the family servants, who led him to a private courtyard of his own. It was clear the Elders couldn''t wait to report Lin Yue''s success to the Patriarch. After all, she was his only daughter, a gem of the Lin family. Unlike Alex, cursed with a trash-tier spirit root, Lin Yue had been blessed with a True mid-grade spirit root. With the sect''s resources, her path to greatness was all but assured. Now, Alex found himself soaking in a warm bath in his private bathhouse. Damn, this felt amazing¡ªespecially after the grueling journey he''d endured. The past two days had been nothing short of a nightmare. First, he''d died, and now, he was stuck in the body of some random kid from the Lin family, in a world of cultivation, no less. He closed his eyes and leaned back against the tub, his hands resting on the edges. Pure bliss. The water must have been infused with herbs because it felt incredibly soothing, easing his tension away. Just as he was about to drift off, a smooth, seductive voice broke the silence. "Young Master, may I wash your back?" Startled, Alex opened his eyes to see a silver-haired beauty approaching him, sponge and soap in hand. Wait, did this world actually have soap? The girl was a total bombshell. Her hair was tied up in a sleek bun, revealing a graceful, swan-like neck. Her eyes, a mesmerizing shade of blue, seemed to draw him in, and her lips, a luscious red, were almost too tempting to resist. Her porcelain skin was flawless. She wore a flowing green robe, even though it was loose, it barely concealed her massive weapons. A dark ribbon cinched her waist, emphasizing her hourglass figure. She was the sexy onee-chan type straight out of an anime. "With pleasure, my lady," Alex replied, flashing her a grin. She giggled softly. "Oh, young master, I''m no lady. I''m just a humble maid here to serve you. My name is Mei Ling, but if you prefer, you can call me Ling''er." "Sure, sure¡­ Ling''er," Alex responded, his tone playful. Mei Ling moved behind him and began to gently rub his back with a sponge. As she leaned in closer, a delicate jasmine fragrance filled the air, wrapping around him like a soft embrace. After she finished washing his back, her hands slid around to his chest. As she continued, Alex couldn''t help but feel the light pressure of her massive tits against his back, it was soft and comfy. Damn it, lady, you''re doing this on purpose. His blood surged, pooling in a single, unmistakable place. He leaned forward slightly, trying to calm himself. "Ling''er, that''s enough. I can take care of the rest," he said, his voice betraying his unease. "You can go now." "Why¡­ young master! Did I do something wrong?" she asked, her voice trembling, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. Damn it! She''s playing innocent now? Seriously? "No, no, Ling''er, it''s not that. I''m just exhausted from the long journey. I want to finish up quickly and get some rest. I''m really tired," he replied, his words spilling out in a rush. She rubbed her eyes and pouted, "Oh¡­ young master, then I''ll see you in the morning." "Or¡­ I could keep you company," she added with a teasing smile, playfully tracing her lips with her finger. "Right¡­ right¡­ I''ll see you in the morning. You can go now." "Good night, young master," she said, her hips swaying hypnotically as she walked away, her laughter echoing down the hallway. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Woman, we just met today, and you''re already teasing me like this? Alex shook his head as he stepped out of the tub, pouring a bucket of warm water over himself to rinse off. He quickly dried himself with a towel and made his way towards his room. As he walked into the main hall, he realized he was utterly lost. Holy shit, this courtyard is enormous! There must be at least twenty rooms here, and I have no idea which one is mine. His eyelids grew heavy with exhaustion, and he decided to enter the nearest room. Without a second thought, he flopped onto the soft, comfortable bed and immediately fell asleep. .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. The first light of dawn graced the horizon, pushing back the darkness. Morning had arrived. Birds chirped softly, and a light breeze drifted through the Lin Mansion, parting the curtains in a room within the western courtyard. A gentle ray of sunlight slipped through the opening, nudging Alex awake to a new day. He stretched his arms with a yawn, but as he opened his eyes, he found himself in an unfamiliar room. The architecture was foreign, reminiscent of an old Chinese drama. The ceiling had a wooden finish, and the walls were carved from what looked like jade. Paintings of mythical beasts adorned the walls¡ªwas that a whale? An eagle? Maybe it was something like a Kun...whatever it was. It wasn''t a dream; he really was in a cultivation world. He leaned back into the huge, soft pillows, thinking, *Damn, these pillows are really good. I could fall asleep again if I stay here too long.* As he shifted to his left, he noticed a silver-haired girl on the bed beside him. Her head rested on her right hand while the other playfully twisted a lock of her glossy hair. A beautiful smile graced her oval face. "Huh... Ling''er! What are you doing in my room? In my bed?" Alex asked, surprised. Maybe he was still dreaming. "Good morning, Young Master! Your room? You''re in *my* room, Young Master¡ªmore precisely, *my* bed. My, my, I didn''t know you were this eager," she teased, her lips curling into a playful smile. Suddenly, Alex remembered last night. He had been so damn tired that he didn''t care to find his own room. He just picked one at random, walked in, and collapsed into bed. "Last night, I was so sleepy I didn''t know which room was mine, so I just entered a random one. I''m sorry, Ling''er! I didn''t know it was your room," he hurriedly explained. "It''s okay, Young Master! It was this servant''s fault for not guiding you to your room. Please punish this useless servant," she replied softly. "No, no, Ling''er! It was me who sent you away last night. It''s my fault." "So... Young Master won''t blame me?" she asked, her voice turning cheerful again. *Hmmm... women... stop acting so coy,* he thought. "Yes, yes, how can I blame you?" he replied with a grin. Just then, his stomach growled loudly. She giggled. "Ha...ha... Young Master, go freshen up. I''ll make you a warm, healthy breakfast," she said before leaving the room. Alex headed to the bathroom to freshen up. *This world even has toothbrushes and toothpaste,* he mused. After a warm bath, he returned to Mei Ling''s room, where she had already prepared a sumptuous breakfast with dishes ranging from lamb to rice. He sat down and dug in, savoring every bite. Once he was full, he noticed that she hadn''t eaten with him. "Ling''er! Why aren''t you eating? Aren''t you hungry?" "No, no, Young Master... I can''t eat with you." "Why not? Am I scary or something?" "No... a servant can''t eat at the same table as their master. Besides, this is spirit rice and meat from a tier-1 beast. They''re so expensive that if anyone knew a mortal like me had eaten them, I''d be beaten to death." Alex almost forgot¡ªstrength is everything in this world. The strong can do anything they want. A cultivator can kill, steal, or rob anyone, while mortals are left to be slaughtered and exploited. He had to be careful not to stand out while he was this weak. Maybe in the future, if he became stronger, he could change something¡ªunless this world changed him also. "I''ve already had my fill. You can eat the rest." "No, Young Master... these are so expensive that even if I were sold ten times over, I couldn''t afford them." "But it''ll go to waste if you don''t eat it, and no one will know if you don''t say anything." "No, Young Master... thank you for your kind offer, but this humble servant must refuse." Seeing her resolve, Alex didn''t press the issue further. He didn''t want to get her into trouble. Mei Ling sighed in relief as he finally stopped pestering her. "Young Master, the Third Elder has summoned you. He told me you should be at the clan library by noon. If you''re done here, let me guide you." Alex followed Ling''er to the clan library, noticing how massive the mansion was as they walked. After half an hour, they finally reached the gate of the library, situated on the south side of the mansion, about two miles from his courtyard. Ling''er turned to him. "Please, Young Master, go in. The Elder is waiting inside." Chapter 3 It was noon, and the sun blazed high in the sky as Alex stepped through the gate of the Lin Family''s library. The entrance was impressive, with imposing walls and ornate carvings that spoke of the clan''s rich history. As he ventured further, he found himself in a spacious reception hall, bathed in warm sunlight that filtered through large, arched windows on either side. Long, silky curtains swayed gently in the breeze, and the light played on the polished marble floors, making the entire hall gleam with an almost ethereal glow. In the center of the hall stood a sleek wooden counter. Behind it was a young girl, busying herself with some scrolls. She caught Alex''s eye immediately¡ªher appearance was striking, with silky black hair tied into two neat pigtails, bright green eyes that sparkled with curiosity, and a freckled face with rosy cheeks that looked irresistibly soft. Her long-sleeved blue robe contrasted beautifully with her fair skin. As Alex approached, she noticed him and quickly straightened up, her demeanor shifting from casual to professional in an instant. Her shy voice trembled slightly as she greeted him, "G-good morning, sir! How can I help you? Are you here to study? Please show me your ID token, sir." *Damn, she''s adorable,* Alex mused, a smile tugging at his lips. *This world really is full of beautiful women.* "Yes, I''m here to study," he replied, still smiling. "But I don''t have a token." The girl blinked, momentarily flustered. "I''m sorry, sir, but you cannot enter without an ID token," she said, trying to sound firm, though her small stature and the slight quiver in her voice made her more adorable than intimidating. "But I was told that the Third Elder called me to the library," Alex said, his brow furrowing in confusion. "Oh... the Third Elder summoned you?" Her eyes widened slightly, and her tone softened. "Please tell me your name, sir, and I''ll check the records for you." "My name is Ale... Lin Hao... right, Lin Hao," Alex said, catching himself just in time. *I really need to get used to this new identity,* he thought, mentally berating himself for the near slip-up. The girl''s eyes lit up with recognition, and she immediately looked flustered. "Lin Hao... are you the newly awakened Immortal of the Lin Family?" Her voice dropped to a whisper, disbelief evident in her tone. "Young Lord! Please forgive this useless servant for not recognizing you sooner," she stammered, her green eyes filling with tears, clearly distressed by her mistake. Alex''s smile softened. "It''s okay, miss. I only arrived yesterday, so it''s not surprising that you didn''t know me. Hardly anyone in this mansion does." "Really? Young Master won''t blame me?" she asked, her voice suddenly cheerful, her eyes brightening like the sun breaking through clouds. "Yes, yes," Alex nodded, amused by how quickly her mood shifted. *Damn, this girl can flip like a switch.* "Thank you, Young Master!" she said with renewed energy. "You should go inside quickly; the Elder is waiting for you. It wouldn''t be wise to keep him waiting." She motioned for him to proceed, her earlier nervousness replaced with an eager desire to assist. "Thank you," Alex replied with a nod before heading deeper into the building. As Alex walked past the counter and into the corridor beyond, he found himself in a passageway leading into the heart of the library. The walls were lined with intricate carvings, depicting epic battles and legendary cultivators, each figure seemingly alive within the stone. The air grew cooler as he walked deeper in the corridor, and the scent of old paper and ink filled his senses¡ªa comforting, nostalgic aroma that reminded him of the libraries back home, but with an ancient, mystical twist. At the end of the corridor stood a set of massive, double wooden doors, intricately carved with ancient symbols that pulsed with a faint, golden light. As Alex pushed the doors open, they creaked slightly, revealing the vast expanse of the Lin Clan''s library. The library was a grand, multi-story hall filled with endless rows of bookshelves, each packed with scrolls, tomes, and manuscripts. The shelves reached all the way to the high, vaulted ceiling, where lanterns hung, casting a warm, inviting light. Ladders were placed at intervals along the walls, allowing access to the upper shelves. In the center of the library was an open area with tables and chairs, where a few people were already seated, silently engrossed in their studies. The quiet hum of concentrated energy filled the air, mixing with the faint rustle of pages being turned. To his left, Alex noticed a large circular window that offered a breathtaking view of distant mountains, their peaks shrouded in mist. The sunlight streaming through the window created a spotlight effect on the floor, illuminating the grand statue in the center of the library. The statue''s eyes seemed to follow Alex as he walked, an unnerving detail that sent a shiver down his spine. *Shit! This place is creepy.* At the far end of the library, seated at a long, polished wooden table, was an old man¡ªlikely the Third Elder. His presence was commanding, with an aura that radiated calm power. He wore a simple yet elegant robe, his long white hair cascading down his back like a waterfall of silk, and his sharp eyes missed nothing as they observed Alex''s approach. The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. Alex took a deep breath as he stepped forward, trying to steady his nerves for the conversation ahead. The Elder looked up from the scroll he was reading, a slight smile playing on his lips. "Come here, child," the Elder said, his voice steady and clear, carrying the weight of authority. "Take a seat. You''ve made me wait for quite some time." Alex bowed respectfully before taking a seat across from the Elder. "Elder, please forgive this junior! I couldn''t get here fast enough; I didn''t realize the distance would be this far." Fuck, I really hate this world. I have to be polite all the time. ''This junior'' this, ''this junior'' that. Can''t I just talk normally? Alex''s thoughts fumed internally, but on the outside, he maintained a respectful posture, not daring to even breathe too loudly. The Elder''s smile deepened, and he nodded slowly. "I''ll let it slide this once, but make sure it doesn''t happen again. Now, let us begin." The Elder leaned back slightly, his gaze piercing into Alex''s. "I will explain the fundamentals of cultivation and the world of cultivators. Listen well, child. I will not repeat myself." Alex straightened his back, adopting a serious expression as he prepared to absorb every word. The Elder looked directly into his eyes, his tone shifting to one of gravity. "Now tell me, child, what do you think cultivation is?" Alex, having read countless cultivation novels in his previous life, quickly responded, "Elder, cultivation is the path to becoming stronger, to defy the heavens, and to achieve immortality." The Elder chuckled, his laughter echoing through the silent library. "Defy the heavens? Quite the imagination you have, child. But you are mistaken. How can one cultivate if not blessed by the heavens? Cultivators are the children of the heavens, bestowed the gift of a spirit root." "Immortality¡­ that''s a grand word," the Elder mused, his gaze growing distant as if remembering something from a time long past. Alex frowned. *Wait, isn''t cultivation supposed to be about defying the heavens and seizing fortune? Did those novels get it wrong?* The Elder''s expression turned serious again as he continued. "Cultivation is a journey of transcendence, the transformation of one''s soul, body, and mind¡ªto know oneself truly. How far one can go depends on talent and diligence. There are many paths to cultivation, but they all lead to the same peak. However, on the Divine Spirit Continent, there are three main methods: Qi cultivation, body cultivation, and soul cultivation. Those blessed with a spirit root can cultivate Qi; those with a strong divine sense can cultivate the soul. Body cultivation, even a mortal can cultivate, but demands immense resources¡ªso much so that even a sect as powerful as the Heavenly Sword Sect can only nurture a handful of body cultivators." "Our Lin Family''s inheritance primarily focuses on Qi cultivation, with a few body cultivation manuals. So, I will explain Qi cultivation in detail. To cultivate Qi, one must possess a spirit root. There are three types: mundane, true, and the legendary profound spirit root. Only one in a million is blessed with even a mundane spirit root; those with a true spirit root are rarer still. As for the profound spirit root, in the hundred-millennium history of the Divine Spirit Continent, there have only been about a thousand cultivators with it. These roots are further divided into four grades: low, mid, high, and peak. The rarer the spirit root, the faster it can absorb spiritual Qi from the environment, allowing for prolonged cultivation sessions. The spirit root is an organ connected to the lungs, absorbing spiritual Qi with each breath. Passive cultivation is possible, but it will take a very long time to even open the first prime meridian. Therefore, one must meditate and actively absorb spiritual Qi to gain the maximum benefit. The duration one can cultivate depends on the type and grade of the spirit root; higher grades offer 20, 40, or even 80% more efficiency. Spirit roots also have attributes like fire, water, earth, wood, metal, thunder, ice, and others." Alex''s thoughts spiraled. *Great, my spirit root isn''t just trash; it''s legendary trash. I got screwed big time.* The Elder continued, "Qi cultivation is divided into nine realms: Meridian Opening Realm, Qi Refinement Realm, Foundation Establishment Realm, Core Formation Realm, Golden Core Realm, Nascent Soul Realm, and the rest you need not concern yourself with for now. Each realm is divided into nine layers, and each layer into three levels: low, mid, and peak. In the Meridian Opening Realm, one first cleanse the nine prime meridians and then create 99 new pathways in the body for Qi to travel. Prime meridians are like storage spaces for spiritual Qi. As for the later realms, they are beyond your current understanding." "Now, child! Tell me the grade and attribute of your spirit root." Alex hesitated for a moment before replying with a hint of embarrassment, "Elder, I have only a low-grade mundane spirit root, and as for my attribute, I think they mentioned something like ''pure.''" The Elder raised an eyebrow. "Pure? That is a rare attribute. It''s a pity that your spirit root''s grade is low. But do not lose hope¡ªif you cultivate diligently, you may still reach the Qi Refinement Realm. The pure attribute means your spiritual Qi will be in its primal and natural state. With pure Qi, you can use any kind of martial technique, regardless of its attribute." The Elder stroked his long white beard before continuing. "There are three types of techniques: cultivation, martial, and utility techniques. Cultivation techniques are used to gather Qi and empower one''s body, soul, and self. Martial techniques allow you to manifest Qi outside the body for attack and defense. Utility techniques are, as the name suggests, for various other purposes." The Third Elder then reached into his robe and tossed a small steel plate to Alex. "Take this and go to the second floor. Show this token to the guards, and they will allow you entry into the Divine Scripture Hall. There, you may select one cultivation and one martial technique. Although your attribute is rare, the foundation of our Lin Family is deep. With half a millennium of history, our family has collected all kinds of different techniques. There are likely ten manuals suited for your attribute alone. In our glory days, our family boasted Golden Core cultivators and thousands of Foundation Establishment cultivators. Now, we do not even have a single Foundation cultivator¡­" The Elder sighed deeply, his voice tinged with regret. "It is said that our first ancestor had a low-grade profound spirit root and reached half a step into the Nascent Soul Realm¡­" As the Third Elder began recounting the clan''s glorious past, Alex quietly slipped away and headed for the second floor. Chapter 4 Alex made his way up to the second floor, stopping in front of a set of massive, arched double doors. These doors, forged from dark metal and etched with ancient symbols, pulsed with a faint, mysterious energy. On either side of the doors stood two guards, like statues brought to life, each holding a long, deadly spear. Their armor was seriously cool¡ªfull-body, with shoulder guards shaped like the open jaws of dragons frozen mid-roar. Their helmets covered their faces completely, leaving only a narrow slit for their eyes, giving them an air of silent menace. From the back of each helmet trailed a long, blood-red ponytail, adding a touch of flair to their cool appearance. *Damn, these guys look badass. I need armor like that,* Alex thought, his eyes gleaming with envy. As he approached, the guards moved in unison, crossing their spears to block his path. The air around them seemed to thrum with tension. Without missing a beat, Alex pulled out the token the Third Elder had given him. "The Third Elder gave me this token and said I could enter to pick techniques." The guards inspected the token briefly before straightening their spears and stepping aside. The heavy metal doors creaked open, revealing the Divine Scripture Hall beyond. *I get it, you guys are badass, but do you really have to be such edgelords?* Alex thought, rolling his eyes internally. *You could at least say something like ''Oh, you have a token,'' or ''You may enter,'' instead of just silently flexing your coolness.* Pushing the thought aside, Alex stepped into the hall, his excitement growing as he crossed the threshold. The air inside was cool, carrying the scent of old paper and ink. The Divine Scripture Hall was vast, with ceilings so high they seemed to fade into the shadows. The walls, carved from jade, seemed to curve inwards, and despite the lack of windows, the air was crisp and fresh. Warm, soft light filtered down from ornate chandeliers, casting a gentle glow over the entire space. The hall was divided into three distinct rooms, each marked by a large wooden board hanging at the entrance. Bold characters were inscribed on the boards, possibly in Chinese: *Cultivation Techniques,* *Martial Techniques,* and *Utility Techniques.* *How am I even reading this?* Alex wondered, before realizing it was thanks to the memories and experiences he''d inherited from Lin Hao. Even though the original host was just a farmer, his parents had taught him how to read and write. Driven by curiosity, Alex headed toward the Cultivation Technique section first. The room was smaller than he expected. Twelve rows of bookshelves stretched from floor to ceiling, but to his surprise, most of the shelves were nearly empty, with large gaps where books should have been. The sparse selection was a stark contrast to the grandeur of the hall itself, hinting either at the loss of many techniques over time or their extreme rarity. Each bookshelf had a small plaque on the side, engraved with the attributes of the cultivation techniques it held. *Fire, Water, Earth, Wood, Metal, Pure, Ice,* and other elements were listed. One shelf stood apart, labeled *Body Cultivation Techniques* instead of an attribute. *Those must be the few of body cultivation manuals the Third Elder mentioned,* Alex thought. He walked over to the *Pure* attribute section and picked up a book. The title read *Tenfold Burst Manual.* Intrigued, Alex opened it and read the introduction. The technique allowed the user to compress spiritual Qi in the meridians, increasing its potency. When mastered, it could unleash a tenfold burst in power. *Holy crap, this technique is OP! It''s like having a permanent ten-times damage multiplier,* Alex thought, excitement bubbling up inside him. But he didn''t rush to make a decision and continued browsing through the other techniques. After reading through all ten of the pure attribute techniques, two caught his attention. The first was the *Meridian Forging Manual,* which involved blasting the meridians with Qi until they started to rupture, then allowing them to heal and be nourished by pure Qi. The result? Stronger, wider meridian pathways capable of storing eight times more spiritual Qi. *Sounds painful as hell, but the payoff is worth it.* The second technique was in a book so old it looked like it could crumble to dust at any moment. The ink was fading, and only the first twenty pages were intact¡ªthe rest were torn away. The title read *Pure Chaos Sutra.* According to the manual, the technique involved engraving runes into the meridians, allowing the user to convert pure Qi into any attributed Qi. While pure Qi could power any attributed martial technique, it wasn''t as potent as using the corresponding attribute''s Qi. *This must be one of those crazy powerful techniques that end up being the protagonist''s trump card in all those novels,* Alex thought with a grin. A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. After a lot of consideration, Alex decided to pick the *Pure Chaos Sutra.* He then made his way to the Martial Technique room. After searching for about half an hour, he settled on a water-attributed martial technique called *Gentle Palm.* It was designed to absorb the force of an enemy''s attack and redirect it back with the same force¡ªbasically a redistribution of force. *Damn, some real Kung Fu stuff right here.* As Alex browsed through the countless manuals in the Divine Scripture Hall, he quickly grasped how the martial techniques were categorized. They were divided into three main types: Mortal, Mystic, and True techniques, each further split into four grades¡ªLow, Mid, High, and Peak. Mortal techniques were useful up to the peak of the 9th layer of the Qi Refinement Realm, but beyond that, their effectiveness dropped off sharply. At that point, even a basic Qi-infused punch would outperform a Mortal technique. Mystic techniques were designed for the Foundation Establishment Realm, while True techniques were meant for the Core Formation Realm. The higher the grade of the technique, the more potent and Qi-efficient it became within its type. The cultivation techniques followed a similar structure, divided into Mortal, Yellow, Mystic, and True types, with each type also split into four grades. A Mortal cultivation technique could only take a cultivator to the peak of the Qi Refinement Realm, while True techniques could be cultivated up to the peak of the Core Formation Realm. The grades¡ªLow, Mid, High, and Peak¡ªdetermined how far one could go within a cultivation realm, from the 1st to 2nd layer for Low grade, all the way up from the 7th to 9th layer for Peak grade techniques. Alex''s experience with cultivation novels clued him in that there were likely even higher types of techniques for the later realms¡ªtypes that weren''t available in the Divine Scripture Hall. *Not surprising,* Alex mused. *This is just a small clan in a backwater region, after all.* Despite the limitations, Alex reminded himself that he should be grateful the clan even had such a rich inheritance. But the thought also raised a nagging question: *How is this clan still standing?* With so many high-level technique manuals, any other clan would''ve been wiped out and looted ages ago. *Maybe the clan has some big secret...* Shaking off the speculation for now, Alex headed back down to the first floor and made his way toward the Third Elder. The Third Elder set down his quill as Alex approached, his sharp eyes immediately focusing on the books in Alex''s hands. "Show me the techniques you''ve chosen, child." Alex placed the technique books on the table in front of the Elder. "Hmm, *Gentle Palm,*" the Elder nodded in approval, stroking his long beard. "A good choice. Absorbing the force of an attacker and striking back with the same power." But when the Elder noticed the torn, ancient manual, his expression darkened into a frown. "The *Pure Chaos Sutra,*" he said, his tone serious. "Not only is the technique incomplete, but it''s also incredibly difficult to comprehend even a single rune. Most of the runes are lost, leaving only the basic five elemental runes. Child, do not be greedy. Choose a different technique." "Thank you for your guidance, Elder," Alex replied respectfully, "but this junior believes he can cultivate this technique." The Elder''s eyes narrowed. "Confidence is admirable, but one must also know their limits. Very well, you may attempt to cultivate this technique. But if you fail to comprehend even a single rune within a week, you must return and choose another." "Thank you for your understanding, Elder," Alex said, bowing deeply before making his way back through the long corridor. As he approached the reception hall, he noticed the same girl from before, her head resting on her hand as she read a scroll, completely absorbed. *Last time, I was in such a rush that I didn''t even get this cutie''s name,* Alex thought. He lightly tapped on the table to get her attention. She looked up, a bit startled, and for a moment, her expression was annoyed. But when she recognized him, her face softened into a warm smile. "Oh, Young Master, you''re back. Did you meet with the Third Elder?" "Yes, I did," Alex replied with a grin. "By the way, I realized I didn''t catch your name earlier. Mind sharing it with me, Miss?" Her cheeks flushed a soft pink. "Oh¡­ my name is Xiao Mei, Young Master." "Xiao Mei¡ªwhat a lovely name," Alex said, his smile widening. "So, what are you reading, Miss Mei?" "Young Master, you''re making me embarrassed," she said, her cheeks still pink. "I''m just reading about the history of the Red Dawn Kingdom." *She''s cute,* Alex thought, appreciating her shy demeanor. She wasn''t as voluptuous as some, almost flat as a board, but Alex wasn''t one to judge. He had a soft spot for all kinds of beauty¡ªbig watermelons or sweet cherries, they all had their charms. "That''s interesting! So, Miss Mei enjoys reading?" Alex teased lightly. Xiao Mei shook her head slightly, clearly flustered. "It''s not like that¡­ I''m just curious about our kingdom''s history." "Hey, nothing wrong with that," Alex said, noticing her embarrassment. "Sorry if I jumped to conclusions." "It''s okay, Young Master," she replied, her smile returning. Then, noticing the books in his hand, she asked, "Are you here to register the technique manuals?" "Oh, right," Alex said, almost having forgotten. He handed the books over. "Yes, please." Xiao Mei nodded, taking the books and carefully registering them. After a few more moments of light conversation, Alex finally left the library, feeling satisfied with his choices¡ªand even more pleased that he''d taken the time to chat with Xiao Mei. Chapter 5 The moon cast a gentle, silver light upon River City, its reflection dancing softly on the surface of the slow-moving river that wound through the heart of the city. The cool night breeze swept away the last remnants of clouds, leaving the sky a canvas of twinkling stars, each one flickering as if playing hide and seek with the full moon. At the Lin Mansion, servants were busy hanging lanterns along the hallways and outer edges, their soft light flickering in the night. The street lamps, powered by glowing spirit stones, lit up the gravel roads, casting a warm, golden glow that blended with the lanterns, bathing the entire estate in a serene, magical atmosphere. After walking for half an hour, Alex finally arrived at his courtyard. The evening air was cool, and the distant sound of rustling leaves added to the serene atmosphere. As he stepped inside, he was greeted by his maid, Mei Ling. Her delicate features were framed by the soft glow of the lanterns, but Alex barely noticed in his rush to begin his cultivation. Without wasting any time, he instructed her to take him to his room and not to disturb him until morning. Mei Ling led him down the long, bright hallway. At the far end, opposite the gate, stood the master bedroom. The massive, arched double doors were made from the finest ironwood, their surface polished to a deep, rich sheen. The room itself was a masterpiece, exuding both elegance and power. The centerpiece was the massive king-size bed, framed by four sturdy wooden poles that reached up to the high ceiling. Each pole was intricately carved with coiling dragons and phoenixes and connected by beautifully crafted railings. Rich, red silk curtains, embroidered with golden thread in the shapes of blooming peonies and lotus flowers, were tied back to the poles. The bedspread was made of the finest silk, dyed in deep shades of crimson and gold, and embroidered with patterns of clouds and cranes. A thick, plush rug lay at the foot of the bed, its surface woven with soft furs. Against the far wall, a tall, lacquered wardrobe stood with doors inlaid with mother-of-pearl. Above the bed hung a stunning crystal chandelier, casting a gentle, ambient light across the room. The walls were adorned with scrolls, each bearing a different verse of calligraphy. In the corner, a small altar held a bronze incense burner shaped like a crouching tiger, with sandalwood smoke rising gently, filling the room with its calming scent. On either side of the bed were small wooden tables, each with a single porcelain lamp, their bases painted with scenes of koi fish swimming in a pond. Alex climbed onto his bed, pulling out the technique manuals he had picked. Settling in, he opened the Pure Chaos Sutra and began to read. Meridian Opening Realm is the first step of Qi cultivation. After the awakening of the spirit root, one can absorb the spiritual Qi present in the environment. In the first layer of the Meridian Opening Realm, one cleanses the nine prime meridians. From the 2nd to the 9th layer, one creates 99 meridian pathways throughout the body for Qi to flow. Every human is born with nine prime meridians, but only those with a spirit root can feel them. These meridians extend from the spirit root and attach to the dantian. However, the dantian is initially sealed, and only by accumulating liquid Qi can one break through and access it. Alex straightened his back, crossed his legs, and closed his eyes. He took a deep breath, feeling the air fill his lungs as his spirit root warmed up. Slowly, he became aware of the nine prime meridians branching out from his spirit root. With each breath, the spirit root absorbed the Qi in his lungs, and he guided it toward the least clogged meridian. In the first layer of the Meridian Opening Realm, the order in which the meridians were cleansed didn¡¯t matter, but it was preferred to start with the least obstructed one for faster results. He adjusted his breathing rhythm according to the manual, increasing his Qi absorption rate. It felt like moving through thick mud¡ªslow and arduous¡ªbut bit by bit, he began to cleanse the impurities in the meridian. Morning arrived, and sunlight peeked through the window, filling the room with a warm glow. Alex opened his eyes, feeling a sense of accomplishment. He had just completed the cleansing of his first prime meridian. During his cultivation, the warmth from his spirit root had intensified, becoming almost unbearably hot after two hours, forcing him to stop. He had fallen asleep shortly afterward and woke up just before dawn, resuming his cultivation until he finally broke through to the first layer of the Meridian Opening Realm. From this point on, I¡¯m no longer just a mortal¡ªI¡¯m a cultivator, Alex thought, a mix of excitement and disbelief flooding him. "That was easy," he muttered. "At this rate, I¡¯ll reach mid-level in a week. Is it normal for a low-grade mundane spirit root to breakthrough in a day? If so, what about those with a peak-grade root? Lin Yue could probably reach mid-level in three days." As he basked in the warmth of the Qi now flowing through his meridian, he noticed his senses sharpening. His vision became clearer, as if he were seeing in high definition; he could make out every detail in the room. His hearing improved, and even his sense of smell became more acute¡ªhe could catch the fragrance of flowers from the garden outside his room. His body felt a bit stronger too, though not drastically so¡ªstill within the realm of ordinary humans. As Alex was busy examining his new abilities, a light blue window suddenly appeared in his field of vision. At first, he thought he was hallucinating, but as he read the words, excitement surged through him.
Status Window
Host: Lin Hao (Alex Mercer)
Cultivation: Realm: Meridian Opening Realm
Layer: 1st layer
Level: Low level
Cultivation Techniques: Pure Chaos Sutra (0/500)
Martial Techniques: [None]
Utility Techniques: [None]
Ability: Enlightenment[+]
The appearance of the system window didn¡¯t seem strange to him anymore¡ªafter all, he was already living in this world. Even if someone was behind this, he didn¡¯t care, as long as it made him stronger.
Ability Name Enlightenment
Description A divine spark ignites within your soul, granting you a momentary glimpse into the grand dao. Your mind, now sharpened to a razor''s edge, can pierce through the veils of ignorance and comprehend the most profound truths. As time seems to stand still, your thoughts flow like a river, carrying with them the wisdom of the ages.
Duration 30 minutes
Cooldown Time 23 hours 30 minutes
Comprehension Boost 10x
This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. "Damn, a 10x comprehension boost! With this, I can breeze through those runes. But how do I level up¡ªis it pure grinding, or do I have to kill enemies?" he mused. After playing around with the status page for a bit, Alex decided to get cleaned up. He headed to the bathroom attached to his chamber, where he brushed his teeth and then moved to the wooden tub. The tap had no visible pipe connection, yet when he turned it, water poured out. *Magic, I guess,* he thought, shaking his head with a smile. After a quick soak, Alex stepped out of the tub and wrapped a towel around his waist. He caught his reflection in the large mirror and took a moment to study it. He didn¡¯t have the sharp, sword-like brows or eyes that sparkled like stars often described in the novels. His eyes were just dull gray, plain and unremarkable. His skin wasn¡¯t pale and flawless like jade either¡ªinstead, it was sun-kissed, the result of countless hours spent toiling in the fields. His hands were calloused from manual labor, a clear sign of the hard work he had endured over the years. He wasn¡¯t overly muscular, but his body was toned, athletic from years of farm work. His long, dark hair was tied into a simple ponytail. Satisfied, Alex returned to his room and began searching for clothes in the wardrobe. Just as he was about to get dressed, a knock came at his door, followed by a sweet voice. "Young Master, have you awakened? This servant has brought warm breakfast for you." Chapter 6 In the dead of night, a band of bloodthirsty bandits slithered out of their hidden lair, cloaked in the thick veil of darkness. Their movements were silent, their intentions murderous. Like venomous vipers, they struck without warning, their cold blades slicing through the throats of the drunken guards, leaving headless corpses to crumple to the ground. The bandits moved swiftly into the homes, slaughtering the sleeping villagers with a cruel efficiency, their blades plunging into flesh, silencing muffled gasps forever. But even the most meticulous predators can''t escape the inevitable misstep. As they crept from one blood-soaked house to the next,a lone villager, unable to sleep, awoke to the nightmare unfolding around him. His scream of terror pierced the night, shattering the silence and rousing the villagers. But his cry was cut short as a bandit''s sword cleaved through his neck, his severed head thudding to the floor, eyes still wide in horror. Blood pooled around his lifeless body, soaking into the cold floor. Instead of retreating, the bandits reveled in the chaos. The scent of fear had awakened the bloodlust within them. They no longer cared to conceal their presence. With wild, unrestrained fury, they split up¡ªsome hunted down the terrified villagers who had awakened to the nightmare, cutting them down as they fled in desperation. Others pillaged the homes, tearing through belongings, setting fire to anything they couldn''t carry. And some indulged their lust, forcing themselves upon the helpless women. One girl, shivering in terror, tried to flee, but a bandit caught up to her, shoving her to the ground. He pinned her wrists with one hand, while his other hand tore away her clothing. Her screams and pleas for mercy only fueled his vile excitement. Ripping away the last of her garments, he gagged her with his hand to muffle her cries, his other hand pawing at her breast. With a sadistic grin, he thrust himself inside her, indifferent to her pain as blood began to seep from her privates. In agony, she bit down on his hand. "You filthy bitch!" the bandit snarled, his voice dripping with rage. Without hesitation, he slit her throat with a vicious swipe of his blade, continuing to violate her even as she choked on her own blood, her life slipping away. "Oi, Old Third! The chief told us not to damage the goods," another bandit called out, a sneer in his voice. "You''re gonna get your ass beat, and he''ll dock the cost from your share." "She should be grateful I even bothered with her," Old Third spat, wiping his blade on her lifeless body. "Little bitch deserved it for biting me." At the northern corner of the village, a tall, well-built man stood in tense argument with a scrawny villager, both gripping a hoe and pickaxe, their faces set with grim determination. "The bandits have already taken most of the village," the tall man growled, his eyes fixed on the chaos unfolding in the distance. "You think running will save you? They''ll hunt you down like wild animals and butcher you where you stand." "But facing them head-on is suicide!" the skinny man retorted, fear seeping into his voice. "They''ll carve us up like meat!" "At least we stand a chance if we fight together," the tall man sighed, his resolve unshaken. Raising his voice, he called out to the others, "Hide your women and children! Prepare yourselves¡ªthey''ll be here any moment!" He then turned to a young girl, no older than seventeen. "Ling''er, go hide with your mother and aunt. Father and Uncle Wu will face those bandits." Tears filled the girl''s eyes as she hugged her father tightly. "Father, please come back to us," she whispered, her voice trembling with fear. A woman approached, her face pale but determined. She wrapped her arms around them both, her voice soft but pleading. "Dear, please come back safe." Before the man could respond, slow, mocking applause cut through the night. A figure in leather armor emerged from the shadows, a twisted grin on his face, a sword hanging at his side. More bandits followed, their eyes gleaming with cruel anticipation. "Well, isn''t this a touching little scene?" the bandit chief sneered, his voice dripping with mockery. "Too bad it''s the last time you''ll ever see each other." "Chief, let''s gut them all! My blade''s thirsty for blood!" one of the bandits shouted, his face contorted with eager anticipation. The chief''s grin widened. "Kill the men. Capture the women and children. And don''t you fucking dare to damage the goods!" "Got it, Chief!" the bandits roared in unison, charging at the villagers with wild fury. The tall man and the other villagers braced themselves, clutching their makeshift weapons. But their resolve was no match for the bloodthirsty bandits. The villagers were slaughtered, their bodies falling in heaps, hacked apart like livestock at a butcher''s block. This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. The tall man managed to block the bandit chief''s initial strike with his hoe, gritting his teeth as he pushed back with all his might. But the chief only chuckled, his eyes glinting with sadistic pleasure. With a single, brutal swing, the chief''s sword cleaved through the hoe, splitting the man''s skull in two. His head rolled to the ground, blood spurting from the stump as his body crumpled beside it. "No! Father!" Ling''er screamed, running to her father''s lifeless body. Her cries merged with her mother''s anguished wails as they fell to the ground, clutching the blood-soaked corpse. "Dear, no! Please, no!" the woman sobbed, her hands shaking as she tried to hold onto her husband''s remains. The bandits finished off the remaining men, their laughter echoing in the night as they corralled the terrified women and children into a tight group. "Today''s haul is pretty damn good," one bandit remarked, wiping blood from his blade. He eyed the trembling captives with a wicked grin. "We''ve hit the jackpot." "Especially this little one," another bandit added, leering at Ling''er. "She''s top quality. Could fetch ten gold, easy. Hell, I''d love to break her myself." "Touch her and you''re dead," a third bandit sneered. "Chief will have your head if you mess with the merchandise." Suddenly, one of the women broke free, her eyes wild with desperation. She grabbed a fallen sword and pointed it at the nearest bandit. "Let my daughter go, or I''ll kill you!" she screamed, her voice cracking with fear and fury. The bandit laughed, a cold, cruel sound. "Give me that sword, you stupid bitch, or I''ll gut you right here," he snarled, pulling a dagger from his sleeve. Tears streamed down the woman''s face as she begged, "Please, let my daughter go. I''ll do anything¡ªjust don''t hurt her!" The bandit''s smile twisted into something even darker. "Anything, huh? We''re gonna take turns fucking your little daughter. And when we''re done, we''ll sell her to a brothel where she''ll be a whore... forever." The woman''s eyes filled with a desperate, fiery resolve. "Don''t you dare touch my daughter!" she screamed, lunging at the bandit with the sword. "You fucking bitch!" the bandit roared, easily deflecting her attack with his dagger. He shoved her to the ground and began stabbing her over and over, his blade plunging into her flesh again and again. Blood sprayed across the dirt, her screams turning to wet, gurgling gasps as she fought for breath. Mei Ling jolted awake, gasping for breath, her heart pounding in her chest. Beads of sweat dripped from her forehead. "That nightmare again..." For years, the same twisted dream haunted her, forcing her to relive the brutal slaughter of her parents over and over. Their faces, twisted in agony, refused to fade. After they were gone, she was sold to a slave trader, eventually ending up in the Lin family''s possession. She had been working in the Lin Mansion for a year now, biding her time, waiting for the perfect opportunity to exact her revenge. That chance had finally come. She had been assigned as a maid to a newly awakened cultivator. The first time she met him, he looked young and naive¡ªperfect for her plans. If she could seduce him, make him fall for her, she might finally have her revenge on those bandits. The thought of seeing them drown in their own blood was the only thing that brought her any peace. Her first opportunity presented itself when he asked her to wash his back. As she slowly moved her hands from his back to his chest, she deliberately brushed her breasts against him. But instead of succumbing to her advances, he leaned forward, pulling away from her touch, and dismissed her. Later, when she returned from the clan''s resource hall with their daily supplies, she found him sprawled out on her bed. A smirk tugged at her lips. "If you''re this eager," she thought, "you should''ve just said so." But when he woke up, he acted as if he were in his own room, making a half-hearted excuse about being too sleepy to know where he was and not knowing which room was his. "Really?" she thought, irritation simmering beneath her calm exterior. "Even a child could tell it''s the master bedroom at the opposite end of the hallway." The next morning, after she brought him breakfast, he barely ate half of it, leaving the rest untouched. Her anger flared. How could he waste such expensive food like this? But then he told her to eat the leftovers¡ªspirit rice and Tier 1 beast meat. Even if she were sold ten times over, she still couldn''t afford it. So she refused, knowing that if anyone caught a mortal like her eating such luxury, it would mean a severe beating, if not worse. He didn''t press her further, instead asking her to lead him to the clan''s library. He returned from the library late in the evening, heading straight to his chamber without giving her a chance to speak. "Don''t disturb me until morning," he ordered, closing the door behind him. Frustrated, Mei Ling got out of bed, pushed the window open, and tied the curtains back. A fresh gust of wind brushed against her face, her silver hair rustling in the breeze. The sun was beginning to rise, so she hurried to the bathroom for a warm bath. After drying her hair, she selected a long-sleeved blue robe and a matching skirt from her wardrobe. She tied a dark leather belt around her waist and pinned her hair into a bun with a simple hairpin. Once dressed, she went to the kitchen to prepare the young master''s breakfast. An hour later, with the meal ready, she arranged everything neatly on a tray and made her way to his room. She knocked softly on the door, her voice gentle, "Young Master, are you awake? This servant has brought your breakfast." She heard footsteps approaching, and soon the door swung open to reveal him standing there, damp hair clinging to his forehead, a towel slung low around his hips, his bare chest glistening with water. His abs looked like they were carved from stone. "Good morning, Young Master," she greeted him with a warm smile. "Shall I help you get dressed?" He returned her smile, shaking his head. "No need, I can manage." Mei Ling mentally steeled herself. You need to be bold, or this won''t go anywhere. "No, young master, let this servant assist you," she insisted, her tone firm yet respectful. He hesitated for a moment before relenting. "Well, if you insist." She walked to his wardrobe and selected a black robe with gold patterns. As she helped him dress, she didn''t miss the opportunity to press her body against his, brushing her breasts against his back and hands as she smoothed out the creases in the fabric. Chapter 7 The library was serene and quiet; the only sound was the soft rustling of pages being turned and the faint creak of old wooden chairs. The air was thick with the scent of aged paper and fresh ink. Alex moved with light, careful steps across the polished marble floor, his footfalls barely making a sound in the vast hall. He had come here directly after breakfast, he want to know about this unfamiliar world and it¡¯ power structure. He also hoped to find the third elder and ask a few burning questions. But beyond this, he also hoped to see the girl he from before, the one with the freckled, rosy cheeks and that captivating smile. She had been at the reception desk during his last visit, but today, to his dismay, she was gone. A different girl now sat behind the desk, her eyes absorbed in the pages of a thick ledger. Shaking off his disappointment, Alex headed toward the far end of the library, where the third elder¡¯s study was tucked away in a secluded corner, surrounded by shelves of thick, leather-bound books. As he approached, he found the room empty. The elder''s chair was pushed back, and a small stack of open books lay scattered on the desk, as if he had left in a hurry. A flicker of disappointment crossed Alex''s face, but he brushed it aside. Not willing to waste his time, he climbed the spiral staircase to the second story of the hall, where the geography section was situated, right beside the history section. Rows of meticulously organized books greeted him, their spines labeled with bold text. He reached out and selected a few volumes about the geography and history of the Divine Spirit Continent and the Five Great Sects. As he entered the open reading area, Alex noticed rows of sturdy oak desks and long benches, each occupied by people deeply engaged in their studies. In a far corner, he spotted a girl with twin pigtails, her head resting gently on her left hand while her right hand turned the pages of a large, old tome. She seemed entirely absorbed in her reading, her brow furrowed in concentration. He approached quietly, tapping the edge of the table to get her attention. The girl looked up abruptly, her expression shifting from intense focus to mild surprise at the interruption. Her dark eyes widened slightly before she quickly composed herself, offering a warm smile. ¡°Oh...Young master, How are you?¡± she said with a gentle smile, her tone respectful and soft. Alex returned her smile. ¡°I¡¯m well, Miss Mei. I hope I¡¯m not intruding. I saw you here and wanted to say hello.¡± ¡°Not at all, young master. Your presence is always welcome,¡± she replied with a slight nod. ¡°So, you¡¯re not at the reception hall today?¡± Alex asked, noticing the tome in her hands. ¡°No, young master. I was fortunate to have the day off,¡± she explained, setting the tome aside carefully. ¡°I thought I would spend the day reading. May I ask if you are here to study as well?¡± ¡°Yes, just brushing up on some geography and history,¡± Alex said, taking a seat beside her. ¡°May I ask what you¡¯re reading?¡± ¡°Oh, it¡¯s the same tome I¡¯ve been reading, *The History of the Red Dawn Kingdom,*¡± she replied, glancing at the books he was carrying. ¡°And what might you be studying, young master?¡± ¡°A few geography and history books,¡± he answered, opening one of them. ¡°I¡¯m trying to learn more about the surrounding regions.¡± ¡°That¡¯s wonderful, young master,¡± she said, nodding approvingly. ¡°It¡¯s always good to broaden one¡¯s knowledge of the world.¡± ¡°Indeed,¡± Alex agreed with a polite chuckle as he settled into his chair and began reading. The Divine Spirit Continent was divided into five regions: Eastern, Western, Northern, Southern, and Central Spirit. The central region had a landmass a hundred times larger than the other four regions combined. The Red Dawn Kingdom, situated in the Eastern Spirit region of the continent, was ruled by five great sects, led by the Heavenly Sword Sect. They had hundreds of Golden Core cultivators and a handful of Nascent Soul cultivators, making them the overlords of the kingdom, while the other sects barely had a single Nascent Soul cultivator. The Heavenly Sword Sect was based on the Hundred Sword Peaks of Broken Sword City, where the sect¡¯s disciple recruitment test took place. The city was just a day''s journey from River City. At its peak, the Lin family had ten Golden Core cultivators and a half-step Nascent Soul ancestor. However, all of them perished on the ancient battlefield, about which no information was available. To survive, the Lin family offered their 5th-tier peak spirit vein and a copy of all their techniques to the Heavenly Sword Sect, securing the sect¡¯s protection and preventing the clan''s annihilation. But after losing their 5th-tier spirit vein, the clan declined so drastically that they didn¡¯t even have a single Foundation Establishment cultivator. Over generations, their power waned, and after a hundred years, only Lin Yue managed to pass the Heavenly Sword Sect''s disciple recruitment test. As Alex was engrossed in his reading, the day slipped away, and before he knew it, evening had arrived. Xiao Mei gently tapped on his shoulder, pulling him from his thoughts. "Young Master, are you done reading? It¡¯s evening now, and the library will be closing soon. Also, it¡¯s getting late, so I should leave," she said, closing her old tome. "Yes, I¡¯m almost done. Let¡¯s head out," Alex replied, closing his books and standing up alongside Xiao Mei. He gathered the books to put them back in their places. She was petite, only reaching up to his chest. As Xiao Mei walked ahead of him, Alex¡¯s eyes were irresistibly drawn to her figure. Even though her loose skirt tried to hide it, the way her hips swayed with each step and the full, rounded shape of her thighs made it clear just how curvy she was And HER... *HOLYSHIT...that¡¯s THicccccK...* he thought, swallowing hard as he watched her. He¡¯d seen his fair share of "cakes" in his previous life, but her¡¯s were on a whole other level¡ªlike an entire bakery, with cakes that made his pulse quicken.*No wonder she¡¯s so flat up top¡ªeverything went to her ass.*he mused, trying to keep his thoughts in check. After returning the books to their places, Alex and Xiao Mei left the library together. This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. "So, Miss Mei, where do you live?" Alex asked casually as they walked. "Young Master, I currently stay in the Lin family accommodations, in the staff quarters," she replied. "Oh, the staff quarters? That¡¯s on the way to my courtyard. If you don¡¯t mind, I¡¯ll walk you there," Alex offered. "Oh¡­ really, Young Master? I¡­ it¡­ would be my pleasure," she stammered, her cheeks flushing a deeper shade of red. "The pleasure is all mine, Miss Mei. So, do you often get days off?" Alex asked, trying to keep the conversation light. "No, no, Young Master. I only get two days off a week. Usually, I spend my time reading books or visiting my parents," Xiao Mei answered. "Oh, are you from River City? You¡¯ll have to show me around . I haven¡¯t got the chance to explore the city since I came," Alex said. "No, no, Young Master, I¡¯m not from River City, but I¡¯d be happy to show you around," she replied, her voice tinged with excitement. "Thank you in advance, Miss Mei. So, where are you originally from?" Alex asked, genuinely curious. "It¡¯s a village far east of River City, near the Thousand Beast Mountain Range. Most people there are hunters," she explained. "Thousand Beast Mountain Range? That¡¯s a dangerous place," Alex remarked, surprised. "Yes, but the hunters mostly stay on the outskirts of the forest, far from the valley. It¡¯s rich in game, and when the beast waves form, River City sends cultivators to quell them, so the people don¡¯t suffer too much," Xiao Mei replied. "That¡¯s good to hear. I¡¯m from a village in the west, where most people are farmers. I was a farmer too, but this year during the Lin family¡¯s spirit root test, they found I had a spirit root, so here I am," Alex said, sharing a bit of his own background. "Oh, that¡¯s why Young Master looks so¡­" Xiao Mei started but then hesitated, panicking mid-sentence. "Different?" Alex finished for her, smiling. "No need to panic, Miss Mei. I know I don¡¯t look like those rich, pampered brats from the clan." "No, no, Young Master, I didn¡¯t mean it like that!" she said quickly, still flustered. "It¡¯s okay, Miss Mei! You look really cute right now," Alex teased, trying to calm her down. "Cu-cute¡­ me?" Xiao Mei¡¯s face turned as red as a tomato, and Alex swore he could almost see steam coming out of her ears, just like in an anime. He walked her to the staff quarters and then headed back to his own courtyard.Once inside his chamber, Alex sat cross-legged on his large bed, eager to test out his new ability. He pulled out the *Pure Chaos Sutra* and said, "Enlightenment." Nothing happened. Frowning, he tried again, this time a bit louder. "Enlightenment!" Still nothing. Frustration began to bubble up as Alex opened his status window and clicked on "Enlightenment." Again, no reaction. "Why the hell isn¡¯t this working?" Alex cursed inwardly. *Do I need to pose like a Power Ranger?* He glanced back at the ability description, but there were no instructions on how to activate it. After an hour of fruitless attempts, Alex gave up and returned to the half-torn book. As he studied the first rune, the water rune, he quickly realized how complex it was. The rune¡¯s structure was so intricate that it felt like he was a caveman trying to read a quantum physics textbook. The rune was multilayered, with ten distinct layers, each more complicated than the last. Meanwhile, outside his chamber, a silver-haired girl, was cleaning the hallway. She suddenly heard a loud voice coming from within. "ENLIGHTENMENT!" Curious, she peeked inside, as the double doors were slightly ajar. Inside, she saw Alex seated on the large bed, shouting and waving his hands at the air. Then, he began to poke at the air with his index finger, muttering curses under his breath. After a while, he stood up on the bed, striking a bizarre pose¡ªright leg bent, left leg pulled back, one arm bent vertically, the other horizontally¡ªand shouted "ENLIGHTENMENT!" again. Ling¡¯er couldn¡¯t help but wonder if her young master was losing his mind or if Immortal cultivation really involved such strange rituals. She watched in bemusement as he cursed a few more times, then took out a half-torn book and started reading. Satisfied that he wasn¡¯t completely unhinged, Ling¡¯er quietly left before she got caught peeking. Back in his chamber, Alex muttered, "No wonder the Third Elder suggested switching to another technique. At this rate, even if I stared at this rune for a month, I wouldn¡¯t be able to comprehend the first layer. If not for my cheat ability, I¡¯d make a fool of myself. But how do I activate it?" Just as Alex focused intensely on the rune, something strange began to happen. His heart started pounding faster, so loudly that it echoed in his ears. The world around him slowed down, and his surroundings began to fade away until only he and the rune remained, floating in a vast, dark space. The rune hovered before him, glowing softly in a blue light, each of its ten layers separating and illuminating the void. *So this is what it means to catch a glimpse of the Grand Dao,* Alex thought, awe-struck. *Just this brief glimpse is enough to guide me in comprehending the rune¡ªit¡¯s like being taught by the Heavenly Dao itself.* The rune, which had once seemed incomprehensible, now began to make sense. He fell into a trance as he absorbed its secrets, only to wake up half an hour later. *Thirty minutes already? But I only managed to grasp up to the third layer of the rune.* Alex realized. *So this is what a 10x comprehension boost mean. Even with it, I barely understood three layers. My innate comprehension ability must be really low. If I could somehow increase it, the boost would be even more effective. If just glimpsing the Grand Dao is this powerful, imagine if I could study it longer¡ªI could understand anything.* As he pondered this, a knock came at the door. "Young Master, may this servant come in?" Ling¡¯er asked in a respectful tone. "Oh, come in, Ling¡¯er." The silver-haired girl entered the room with a soft smile. "Young Master, did you have lunch? Are you hungry? Shall I bring you some food?" Alex¡¯s stomach growled at the mention of food. "Now that you mention it, I am kind of hungry. Some food would be great. But first, I¡¯d like a warm bath. Ling¡¯er, can you prepare a herbal bath for me?" "This servant will prepare it right away, Young Master. Please wait a few moments," Ling¡¯er said as she headed into his bathroom. "Young Master, it¡¯s ready," she called out after a short while. Alex walked into the bathroom and immediately sank into the herbal bath, feeling his muscles relax as soon as he hit the water. "Young Master, may I wash your back?" Ling¡¯er asked, her voice taking on a subtly seductive tone as her fingers traced along his back. "Sure, go ahead, Ling¡¯er," Alex replied, curious about where this was going. As Ling''er began to wash his back, her hands started to wander, drifting from his shoulders to his chest. Her soft breasts brushed against him, teasingly close. Alex didn''t stop her; he was curious to see how far she would dare to go. When she failed to provoke a reaction, she moved to his side, her touch shifting to his arm. *If you''re going to play with fire, don''t blame me if you get burned,*Alex thought, a mischievous grin curving his lips. As she ran the cloth over his arm, he suddenly seized her wrist and pulled her close. He could feel the warmth of her breath against his neck, her jasmine like scent filling his senses. Her face was mere inch away, her eyes wide with surprise, her lips slightly parted. Without a moment¡¯s hesitation, Alex kissed her deeply, his tongue slipping into her mouth, teasing, exploring. His other hand traveled to the back of her neck, his fingers threading through her long, silky silver hair. Ling''er''s face flushed a deep crimson, her breath quickening as she surrendered to his kiss. But then, she abruptly pulled back, her voice laced with panic. "Young Master, I¡­ I should go¡­You must be hungry, right? I need to prepare food for you," she stammered, bolting from the room before Alex could respond. *Woman, you were acting all provocative, and now you run away like a scared kitten when I give in?* Alex mused, amused by the sudden turn of events. Chapter 8 It was a cold night, the kind of cold that crept into your bones and refused to leave. The howls of wolves echoed through the dense forest, their cries piercing the heavy darkness like the mournful wails of lost souls. The moon hung high in the sky, a pale, ghostly orb casting its eerie light over the landscape. Its cold glow reflected off the lake''s surface, turning the water into a shimmering mirror, disturbed only by the occasional ripples from unseen fish darting just beneath. Tall trees surrounded the lake, their twisted branches stretching skyward like skeletal fingers clawing at the heavens. The dense canopies above were a tangled mass, blocking out all but the faintest slivers of moonlight, which filtered through in eerie, fragmented beams. Shadows danced between the trunks, shapeless and unsettling, as if the forest itself were alive and watching. The wind picked up, a frigid, invisible force that whispered through the trees with a sinister hiss, rustling the leaves and causing the canopies to sway ominously. The cold air carried the scent of damp earth and decaying. An occasional crack echoed from the depths of the woods¡ªthe sound of a branch breaking or something moving just out of view¡ªadding to the growing sense of unease. Each gust of wind seemed to penetrate deeper than the last, sending shivers through the night and disturbing the eerie stillness. The moon''s reflection on the lake rippled and distorted, resembling a pale, ghostly face in a shattered mirror, as if something beneath the surface was stirring, watching, waiting. By the edge of the lake, two men stood in the shadows, their voices barely audible above the howling wind. "Have you prepared the sacrifices?" demanded the tall man, his voice thick with urgency. Cloaked in a long, hooded dark cape, his entire body was hidden from view. From his head to his feet, every inch was concealed beneath the heavy fabric, except for the demon mask that concealed his face. He loomed like a shadow, his massive form outlined beneath the cloak, exuding a menacing presence. "Y-Yes, but... we''re still short two sacrifices," stammered the other man, dressed in the same attire. He was shorter, his voice quivering with panic. "Then take some from the village nearby," the tall man replied, as if the solution were obvious, his tone cold and dismissive. "No... no, it¡¯s the Lin Family¡¯s village," the short man whispered, his voice breaking. "Last time, we took too many, and the Lin Family sent their immortals to investigate. We only survived because the Master intervened." "But the Master already dealt with those Lin Family immortals," the tall man retorted, dismissing the concern with a wave of his hand. "What if they send more?" the short man asked, his fear palpable. "Stronger than the Master..." "If we don''t bring enough sacrifices, we¡¯re dead anyway," the tall man snapped. "We¡¯re damned either way, so I¡¯d rather take my chances with the Lin Family¡¯s village than face our Master¡¯s wrath." "Fine, then," the short man muttered, resigning to the grim reality. But before he could take a step, the tall figure before him was suddenly severed in half at the waist, his upper body sliding off in a grotesque, slow-motion collapse. Blood sprayed into the air, splattering the short man¡¯s face in warm, sticky droplets. The tall man¡¯s torso hit the cold ground with a sickening thud, his blood pooling and spreading like ink, staining the dirt a deep crimson. The short man stood paralyzed, the sight was so sudden, so violent, that it took a moment for the his¡¯s mind to process what had happened. A chill gripped him as he stared at the grotesque scene, his heart hammering in his chest. His legs gave out, and he felt the warmth of his own urine trickling down, soaking his trousers. His eyes, wide with terror, finally lifted to see an old man standing just a few paces away. Long white hair and a flowing beard whipped in the cold wind, and in his hand, he held a bloodstained sword that gleamed in the moonlight. The old man casually flicked the blade, sending droplets of blood scattering to the ground. Those cold, unfeeling eyes bore into the short man, making him shiver. Each step the old man took echoed in the unnerving silence, his light footfalls sounding unnaturally loud, as though the forest itself was holding its breath. As he closed the distance, the short man¡¯s heartbeat quickened, hammering so fiercely it felt like it would burst from his chest. "Take me to your Master," the old man commanded in a voice that could freeze fire, his gaze locking onto the shorter man with the disdain of a god looking at an insect. "Y-yes, Great Immortal, but... if the Master knows I betrayed him, he¡¯ll kill me," the short man stammered, his voice trembling as he pleaded for his life, though he knew deep down there was no escape. "Do what I say, or the next time you open your mouth, I''ll slice you into pieces," the old man replied coldly, leaving no room for argument. The short man nodded frantically, leading the old man deeper into the forest to a hidden cave. The entrance was almost invisible, concealed by overgrown vines and jagged rocks, but once inside, it opened into a vast underground passageway. As they descended, the air grew thick with the putrid stench of blood and decaying flesh, a nauseating blend that clung to the back of the throat. "This is it, Great Immortal. The Master is inside," the short man whispered, his voice cracking. He dropped to his knees, hands clasped together, begging. "Please¡­ let me go, Great Immortal." "Piss off," the old man snapped, his voice dripping with disdain. The short man scrambled to his feet, bowing repeatedly, tears streaming down his face. "Thank you... Thank you, Immortal," he sobbed before darting out of the cave. Bursting into the open air, he looked up at the sky, his heart flooding with relief. "Thank the heavens, I¡¯m alive!...I swear, I¡¯ll stay away from those immortals...forever!" But before he could finish his thoughts, his vision blurred, and his skin split open. Blood spurted from every inch of his body as if a thousand invisible blades had sliced him into tiny pieces. He crumpled to the ground, his body disintegrating into a pile of mangled flesh and scattered bones, the earth beneath him soaked in a fresh coat of crimson. Deeper inside the passage, the old man moved forward, his footsteps echoing in the cold silence. The stone floor beneath him was littered with the remains of a twisted nightmare. Rows of corpses lay scattered, abandoned like broken dolls in a forgotten playroom. The bodies of pregnant women lay lifeless, their eyes wide with terror, frozen in the final moments of their agony. Their mouths were stretched open in silent screams, twisted in expressions of unimaginable pain and fear. Their nails, splintered and soaked in blood, had been driven deep into the earth, as if they had desperately clawed for a salvation that never came. Gaping holes marred their abdomens, jagged and raw as if something monstrous had ripped them apart with razor-sharp claws. The flesh around the wounds was torn and ragged, the umbilical cords hanging limply, dripping with clotted blood that formed dark, sticky pools beneath them. The cords swayed gently, like grotesque vines in the stale air. Worse still were the bodies of the babies¡ªtiny, innocent lives brutally snuffed out before they had even begun. Their small forms were twisted and deformed, their limbs bent at unnatural angles, heads crushed beyond recognition. The fragile bones had been shattered, and the soft skin was torn and bruised, showing how violently they had been dugout from their mothers¡¯ wombs. Their lifeless bodies were scattered across the floor like discarded refuse. The air was thick, almost choking, with the stench of death and decay. The scent was overwhelming, a nauseating blend of rotting flesh and old blood that clung to everything, lingering like a dark, suffocating cloud. Every breath felt tainted, as if the very air itself was steeped in the suffering and torment that had occurred within these walls. Suddenly, a soul-piercing scream echoed through the passageway, tearing through the silence like a knife. The old man rushed forward, drawn by the chilling sound, until he reached the end of the tunnel. There, in a circular stone chamber lit by flickering torches, he saw the source of the screams¡ªa young woman, bound to a stone table, her abdomen sliced open and her flesh splayed. She writhed in pain, her nails digging into her own palms, blood gushing from her gaping hole in rivers that cascaded off the table. Beside her stood a man in tattered dark robes, His disheveled hair hung in greasy strands over his face, which was twisted into a maniacal grin. His nails were long and sharp, more like claws than human fingernails, caked with blood as he dug them into the woman¡¯s torn abdomen. With a sickening squelch, he pulled out a tiny, blood-soaked form¡ªthe newborn baby, still attached to its mother by the umbilical cord. The baby¡¯s first cries filled the chamber, mingling with the echoes of the woman''s dying screams. The man¡¯s twisted grin widened as he severed the umbilical cord with a single swipe of his claw-like nails, holding the baby up as if it were a prize. His laughter rang out, a maniacal cackle that reverberated off the stone walls. "Ha... ha... with this baby, I can finally break through to the Origin Refinement Realm!" he crowed, his voice filled with madness. The man leaned in closer to the crying infant, his eyes gleaming with sadistic pleasure. "Oh, don¡¯t cry," he cooed mockingly, "you¡¯ll feel nothing when I devour your soul... ha... ha..." His fingers tightened around the baby''s fragile skull, ready to crush it in an instant. But just as he moved to strike, the baby vanished from his grasp, slipping through his fingers like smoke. This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. "What¡ª?!" The man staggered back, eyes wild, scanning the shadowy chamber. His gaze snapped to the figure now standing before him¡ªthe old man, silent and grim, the baby cradled in one arm, and a blood-smeared sword gleaming in the other. "Who the hell are you?!" the man in dark robes shouted, voice cracking with a mix of rage and fear. His bravado wavered as his eyes locked onto the old man¡¯s, a sharp glare sending shiver to his spine. The old man¡¯s expression was cold, unreadable. "Who I am is irrelevant," he said , his voice calm but carrying a chilling edge, like steel drawn across ice. The dark-robed man¡¯s sneer faltered. "Why are you here? What do you want?!" he demanded, though his voice was already tinged with desperation. The old man didn¡¯t respond, his silence more damning than any insult. The oppressive aura he exuded weighed on the dark-robed man, suffocating, like being dragged beneath a crushing tide. The man in dark robes took a shaky step back, his breath hitching as the old man¡¯s overwhelming presence bore down on him, each second stretching into an eternity. ¡°L-Listen, old man,¡± he stammered, his voice breaking as terror sank its claws deep into his heart. ¡°We don¡¯t have to do this. I don¡¯t want trouble¡ªI just¡­ I just want to live! Let me go, and I swear you¡¯ll never see me again! Just¡ªjust let me go!¡± He felt his chest tighten, his breath quickening as the walls of the chamber seemed to close in on him. He was trapped, and he knew it. His eyes darted around frantically, searching for any escape, but the oppressive atmosphere left no openings¡ªonly the creeping dread of his impending death. Summoning the last of his courage, he snarled, forcing bravado into his voice. "Old man, don¡¯t push me! I¡¯m not as helpless as you think! If I¡¯m going down, I¡¯ll take you with me!" The old man didn¡¯t flinch. He stepped forward, each footfall deliberate and measured, his sword glinting ominously in the dim light. The baby in his arm was now covered in a barrier of shimmering white light, a protective aura that pulsed with a soft, serene energy, shielding from any harm. "You talk too much for a dead man," the old man said, his voice a low, guttural growl, every word dripping with lethal intent. The demonic cultivator¡¯s eyes widened, then narrowed, glowing a sickly red as fury overtook him. "You forced me!" he hissed, his voice twisted with rage. His hands shot up, fingers twitching as his power surged. The room quaked as swords, knives, and jagged shards of metal were ripped from their places, hovering in the air, their sharp tips aimed directly at the old man. With a furious wave of his hand, the weapons shot forward, slicing through the air with a deafening screech. The old man¡¯s expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent. As the first blade neared his face, he deflected it with a casual flick of his wrist, his sword ringing out in a sharp, metallic *clang*. More weapons followed, a deadly barrage of steel aimed to impale him, but his movements were a blur¡ªhis sword slashing and spinning like a whirlwind. Each strike sent sparks flying, metal clashing against metal as he deflected every assault with a practiced, ruthless efficiency. The chamber echoed with the cacophony of clashing steel, the old man¡¯s blade moving faster than the eye could follow. His feet danced across the floor as if in a ballet, each step precise and controlled. As the last sword hurled towards him, he leapt into the air, planting his foot on the flat of the blade to propel himself forward. In one fluid motion, he spun, bringing his sword down in an arc aimed at the neck of the demonic cultivator. The man in dark robes barely had time to react. Panicking, he clapped his hands together, and the scattered weapons converged, forming a jagged wall of steel in front of him. The old man¡¯s sword collided with the barrier in a resounding crash, the force sending the demonic cultivator sprawling backward. He slammed into the stone wall with a sickening thud, blood spraying from his mouth as the impact rattled his bones. The makeshift shield shattered, blades scattering across the floor in a chaotic mess. The old man landed lightly, his gaze unwavering. He tilted his head, assessing his opponent with cold disdain. "If this is all," he said, his voice dripping with scorn, "then you can die." The old man¡¯s sword began to glow, a brilliant white light enveloping the blade. The air around it churned, whipping into a violent gale that tore through the chamber, snuffing out the torches and plunging the room into a flickering, chaotic darkness. The wind roared, pulling dust and debris into the air, as if nature itself was bending to the old man¡¯s will. "Now, die!" he snarled, his voice a command that cut through the storm. He slashed the blade downward, releasing an arc of wind that screamed through the air, a crescent of razor-sharp energy hurtling toward the demonic cultivator. The man in dark robes, still slumped against the wall, tried to raise his hands in a feeble attempt to defend himself, but it was too late. The wind struck with the force of a hurricane, tearing through his flesh with a grotesque ripping sound. The arc of energy sliced through the demonic cultivator¡¯s torso, splitting him cleanly in half. Blood sprayed across the chamber in a violent explosion, painting the stone walls in a slick, crimson sheen. The man¡¯s scream was cut short, his mouth frozen in a twisted expression of horror as his body fell apart in a sickening, wet thud. His eyes, still glowing faintly red, rolled lifelessly in their sockets as his remains slumped to the floor in a pool of blood and viscera. The arc of wind did not stop, tearing into the stone wall behind him, carving a deep, jagged gash that cut several inches into the rock wall. The force of the attack shook the chamber, dust and chunks of debris raining down from above. Finally, the deadly wind dissipated, its energy spent, leaving only silence and the stench of blood hanging heavy in the air. The old man carefully examined the baby in his arms. It had been quiet during the battle, remarkably calm. Now, it slept soundly against his chest, its tiny body still covered in blood. With a gentle hand, he pulled out a cloth from his storage ring, cleaned the baby, and wrapped it in a soft white blanket. The movement stirred the baby, causing it to wake up. But instead of crying, it giggled, reaching up to tug playfully at the old man¡¯s beard. ¡°Aren¡¯t you a lively one,¡± the old man said with a smile, his weathered face softening as he looked down at the child. The baby, seemingly satisfied with its play, soon drifted back to sleep. With the child safely asleep in his arms, the old man turned his attention to the remains of the demonic cultivator. The rock wall behind the demonic cultivator was a grisly scene, littered with blood and gore. All that was left of his foe was a body cleaved cleanly in two, lying in a pool of its own blood, and an old, tarnished ring that had rolled a short distance away. The old man bent down and picked up the ring, feeling its cold, metallic surface against his fingers. He channeled his spiritual Qi into it, causing the ring to hum faintly as its hidden contents were revealed to him. Inside, he discovered few ancient scrolls, their edges frayed and yellowed with age, a small diary bound in cracked leather, and a few other miscellaneous items¡ªsome vials of unknown liquid, a handful of rare herbs, and a small pouch of spirit stones The first scroll caught the old man¡¯s eye¡ª*Soul Devouring Manual*, a forbidden soul cultivation technique. Sensing the malevolent energy emanating from it, he set the scroll aside for now. Instead, he reached for the diary, its leather cover cracked and worn from age. As he opened it, the yellowed pages crackled softly, releasing a faint, musty scent. The diary told the tale of the demonic cultivator¡¯s descent into madness. The entries began innocuously enough, describing how he had once been a simple hunter, living a quiet life in a remote village. But his life took a turn when he stumbled upon a hidden cave deep within the forest. Inside, he discovered a concealed passageway leading to an ancient stone hall. At the center of the hall was a stone platform, and atop it sat a skeletal figure, cross-legged in eternal meditation. The skeleton¡¯s tattered clothes hung loosely on its bones, but what truly caught the hunter¡¯s eye was the ring on its bony finger. The ring glowed with a sinister red light, almost as if it were beckoning him to take it. From birth, the demonic cultivator had been gifted with an innate awareness of his surroundings, perceiving the world even without his eyes. He instinctively knew that this ring was no ordinary trinket. Overcome with curiosity¡ªand perhaps something more¡ªthe hunter slipped the ring onto his finger. The moment he did, he felt a strange sensation, as if a new dimension had opened up inside his mind. He could feel the space within the ring, and the treasures inside. Among them were few scrolls, one of which had an aura filled with dark, enticing power. He picked that scroll, it contained the *Soul Devouring Manual*, a cultivation technique that can strengthen one¡¯s soul by devouring it again and again. But the process was excruciatingly painful, far beyond what he could endure. Driven by desperation and a growing thirst for power, he began to experiment, seeking a way to bypass the pain. His early attempts were crude¡ªhe tried devouring the souls of chickens, but while he was successful, the experience was not so pleasant. For a full week, he believed he was a chicken, losing all sense of self until the effects gradually wore off. Undeterred, his experiments grew bolder. He moved on to larger animals, but even these proved insufficient for his ambitions. It wasn¡¯t long before he set his sights on human souls. Through his research, he discovered that the souls of unborn babies were ideal for his needs¡ªpure and untainted, without a sense of self. Consuming these souls would grant him power without the side effects he had experienced before. The diary¡¯s tone grew heavier as it recounted how the demonic cultivator began kidnapping pregnant women from his village. At first, he acted with caution, but his growing power made him reckless. One day, he was caught in the act, forcing him to flee. Eventually, he found refuge in a village under the Lin family¡¯s protection, far from his old home. There, with the help of two loyal minions, he resumed his usual deeds, abducting more women and feasting on their unborn children¡¯s souls. The diary¡¯s final entries detailed how the Lin family sent cultivators to investigate the mysterious disappearances of women. By this time, the demonic cultivator had grown incredibly powerful, his soul strengthened by the countless souls he had devoured. When the cultivators of Lin family arrived, he ambushed and slaughtered them. The old man¡¯s expression grew grim as he read the last page of the diary. He closed it with a heavy heart and held the diary over the torch¡¯s flame, watching silently as it caught fire and burned to ash, ensuring that no trace of it would remain. He then picked up the second scroll, and as he read the title, his hands began to tremble. His eyes widened, filling with tears, and his voice quivered as he spoke, "A...after so many years... finally, I can break through." Tears streamed down his face as he clutched the scroll titled Dantian Nourishing Manual. In his youth, the old man had been a genius, the pride of his clan. But an injury to his dantian had halted his progress, leaving him stuck at the half-step Foundation Establishment Realm. He had tried every method, every technique, but nothing had worked. Decades of frustration and despair had worn him down, but now, he had some hope. After collecting the remains of the Lin family¡¯s fallen cultivators, the old man returned to the Mansion, carefully handing the baby to a maid to care for. The old man then made his way to the far end of the library hall, where a secluded room lay nestled among shelves of thick, leather-bound books. The room was empty, just as he had left it. His chair was pushed back, and a small stack of open books lay scattered on the desk. He took a seat, intending to pick up where he had left off before the earlier commotion. But just as he reached for his book, he heard the light sound of footsteps approaching his door, followed by a knock. ¡°Third Elder, may I come in?¡± a voice called from outside, respectful and hesitant. Chapter 9 Alex walked lightly across the marble floor of the Library Hall, heading towards the far end where the Third Elder¡¯s study was located. For four days, he had tried to find the old man, only to find the room empty each time, the door slightly open, and the desk inside cluttered with books and scrolls. Over the past four days, Alex had been deeply engrossed in comprehending the Water Rune from the *Pure Chaos Sutra*, managing to grasp up to the eighth layer. However, as he progressed, each layer became more difficult, and his progress slowed significantly. What had taken one use of *Enlightenment* to comprehend the first three layers now allowed him to understand only a quarter of the ninth layer. At this rate, it would take him another week to fully comprehend all ten layers. Even with his cheat-like ability, it was this difficult, and Alex could only imagine how much harder it would be for others. He had also attempted to practice the *Gentle Palm* martial technique, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn¡¯t even perform the first stance. It felt like trying to drive a car without gas¡ªno matter how much effort he put in, the technique refused to manifest. It was like trying to push a massive truck uphill with nothing but his own strength, and the truck wouldn¡¯t budge. But today was different. As he approached the study, he noticed the door was closed. He stood before it and knocked lightly. ¡°Third Elder, may I come in?¡± An aged, tired voice responded from within. ¡°You may come in.¡± Alex gently pushed the door open and stepped inside. The Third Elder was seated behind his cluttered wooden desk, looking tired but with a bright, almost rejuvenated gleam in his eyes. Alex bowed respectfully. ¡°This junior greets the Third Elder. I hope you are in good health.¡± The old man¡¯s face broke into a warm smile. ¡°Ah, it¡¯s you, child! Ha¡­ ha¡­ I¡¯m well¡ªbetter than well, in fact¡­ ha¡­ ha,¡± the Elder said, his mood clearly uplifted. He motioned for Alex to take a seat. ¡°This junior is glad to see the Third Elder in such good spirits,¡± Alex said, taking a seat across from him. ¡°Well then, child. What brings you here?¡± ¡°This junior has some questions about martial techniques. I¡¯ve been trying to practice *Gentle Palm*, but I can¡¯t even manage the first form. When I try to push the spiritual Qi from my meridians to my hands, it just doesn¡¯t move.¡± The Elder chuckled softly. ¡°That¡¯s perfectly normal, child. Before you can circulate Qi to your hands, you need to create meridian pathways in your body, just like how blood flows through veins. Once you¡¯ve established pathways in your hands, you¡¯ll be able to start practicing the first form of *Gentle Palm*. The reason the clan provides martial techniques at this stage is so you can familiarize yourself with the forms, not necessarily master them right away.¡± *Damn it! Old man, couldn''t you have said that during the lecture? *Alex thought, cringing internally as he recalled how he had made a fool of himself in front of Ling''er. I wanted to bury my head in the sand like an ostrich. ¡°Oh¡­ I see. This junior is enlightened. Does the technique have different stages of mastery?¡± Alex asked. ¡°Yes, indeed,¡± the Elder replied, stroking his beard. ¡°Every technique has five mastery stages: Beginner, Proficient, Master, Grandmaster, and Pinnacle. Most people only manage to reach the Proficient stage, and few ever break through to Master, even if they dedicate their entire lives to it. Of course, unless you¡¯re a genius blessed by the Heavenly Dao¡­ ha¡­ ha,¡± the Elder finished with a laugh. ¡°This junior also wanted to ask how long it typically takes for someone with a mundane spirit root to reach the peak of the Meridian Opening Realm.¡± ¡°Usually, it would take about four years for someone with a low-grade mundane spirit root. But with the help of resources like pills and spirit stones, the time can be shortened. However, such resources are costly, and the clan¡¯s ability to provide them is limited.¡± ¡°Then why did the Elder say that this junior only have a slight chance to break through to the Qi Refinement Realm?¡± The Elder¡¯s expression grew more serious. ¡°After you create meridian pathways, maintaining them requires a constant flow of spiritual Qi, just like how your body needs food to function. A low-grade mundane spirit root already struggles to absorb Qi, and its active absorption time is limited. In the Qi Refinement Realm, you move Qi from the prime meridians to the release meridians and back in a cycle, refining it and compressing it into a liquid form. For someone with a low-grade spirit root, gathering the necessary Qi is very challenging. Now that you mention it, how far have you progressed in the past four days?Child!!¡± ¡°This junior has only managed to cleanse about two-fourths of the third prime meridian,¡± Alex said, his voice tinged with disappointment. ¡°Good¡­ good, child! At this rate, you can break through to the mid-level in this week, just two more days go. And don¡¯t be disheartened; nothing is set in stone. Just keep cultivating diligently,¡± the Elder advised with a reassuring nod. ¡°This junior thanks the Elder for his guidance,¡± Alex replied with a polite smile. The Elder leaned back, his gaze thoughtful. ¡°Cultivation is difficult, child, but with the right resources, it can become much smoother. However, the clan¡¯s resources are limited, so it¡¯s important for every cultivator to find a profession to support themselves. That way, your journey can be a little easier. You should find a good profession, Xiao Hao. Your journey will be long, but don¡¯t give up. The technique you¡¯ve chosen will take a long time to engrave on every release meridian, but first, you must comprehend it fully. So, how far have you managed to comprehend it?¡± the Elder asked, his tone suddenly lighter, as if teasing. ¡°This junior has disappointed the Elder. With my poor comprehension ability, I¡¯ve only managed to comprehend half of the first layer of the Water Rune,¡± Alex said, sounding respectful but inwardly smug. *Let¡¯s see how you react to this, old man,* he thought, deliberately downplaying his progress. The Elder¡¯s reaction was immediate. His eyes widened in surprise, and before Alex knew it, the Elder had moved from his seat to stand beside him in a blink. ¡°You¡¯ve comprehended half of it?! Show me!¡± the Elder demanded, thrusting a scroll towards Alex. Stolen story; please report. Alex swiftly drew out half of the first layer on the scroll. The Elder snatched the scroll and studied it closely. ¡°Only five days, and you¡¯ve already comprehended half of it? Impressive¡­ very impressive. Your innate comprehension ability is exceptional, though it¡¯s unfortunate that your spiritual roots are lacking. What was your name again, child?¡± ¡°Elder flatters me. This junior¡¯s name is Lin Hao,¡± Alex replied, grateful that he had chosen to understate his progress.*Half a layer is nothing; if the old man knew I¡¯d already mastered most of it, he¡¯d lose his mind. But I¡¯d rather not be seen as some kind of prodigy * ¡°Xiao Hao, you may keep that cultivation technique for six months, but return it after you¡¯ve comprehended the entire Water Rune. Engraving even one rune will take a long time, so don¡¯t waste time on the others.¡± ¡°And, it would be a waste if you didn¡¯t have a good profession with your comprehension ability. Take this token,¡± the Elder said, handing Alex a small, intricately engraved token. ¡°Go to the Alchemist Hall and show it to the Second Elder. Tell him I sent you.¡± ¡°This junior thanks the Elder and will always remember your kindness,¡± Alex said, accepting the token with gratitude. But he hesitated, a final question on his mind. ¡°This junior still has one more question.¡± ¡°Go ahead, Xiao Hao,¡± the Elder said, stroking his beard thoughtfully. ¡°Elder, will I also be eligible to receive resources from the clan?¡± Lin Hao asked in a hopeful voice. The Elder nodded. ¡°Yes, all cultivators in the clan receive a monthly quota. At your current level in the low-stage Meridian Opening Realm, you cann receive one hundred low-grade spirit stones and a Qi Burst Pill each month. You can collect them from the Resource Hall. But be careful¡ªdon¡¯t take the pill until you¡¯ve formed the absorption meridians, or its Qi will be wasted. Save them until you break through to the third layer.¡± ¡°This junior thanks the Elder for his advice. That¡¯s all the questions I had. If you¡¯ll excuse me, I¡¯ll take my leave now.¡± The Elder gestured for him to go. Once outside the study room, Alex wiped the sweat from his forehead. *It¡¯s so stressful talking to someone like the Third Elder. You have to be polite all the time, and sometimes it¡¯s hard to keep up with the way he talks,* Alex thought, relieved to have finished the conversation. After chatting briefly with Xiao Mei, Alex returned to his courtyard. At the gate, his maid Ling''er sat on a stone step, her elbow resting on her knee and her head propped on her hand as she waited for him. Seeing him return, her face bloomed into a smile. "Young Master, you''re back. Are you hungry? Shall I prepare some food for you?" she asked warmly. "Yes, Ling''er, I¡¯m starving. Please, make me something to eat," Alex replied. After finishing his meal, Alex requested a herbal bath. He sank into the warm water, leaning back as the soothing heat relaxed his muscles. A gentle touch brushed against his back¡ªLing''er was washing him with a soft sponge, her hands moving in gentle, deliberate strokes. *She didn¡¯t even ask this time. She¡¯s certainly getting bolder,* he thought. In recent days, she had become more comfortable around him, no longer flinching or pulling away when he kissed her. After washing his back, Ling''er moved to his side to clean his hands. Alex pulled her closer by the waist, pressing her against him. He captured her lips in a deep kiss, his tongue slipping into her mouth as she playfully resisted. His other hand traveled to the back of her neck, his fingers threading through her long, silky silver hair. He released her wrist and pulled her into the tub by her hips, their bodies pressing against each other in the warm water. His hands roamed from her neck to her back, undoing the strings of her robe, while his other hand groped her firm, round ass cheeks, they were so soft he felt like his fingers on clouds. Ling''er moaned softly into his mouth as his hands explored her, but he didn''t stop kissing her. When they finally pulled apart, their breaths were heavy, and a thin strand of saliva connected their lips. Alex slowly removed her robe, pulling at the strings of her bra until it slipped off. Her breasts bounced free, round and firm, her pink nipples standing erect. Unable to resist, Alex kissed her right breast, tracing his lips from its base to the erect nipple, sucking gently before nibbling softly. "Ah¡­ Young Master¡­" Ling''er gasped as his tongue teased her, circling around her nipple. His left hand squeezed her other breast, kneading it softly as though it were dough. He pinched her nipple, making her moan louder, her back arching against the tub. He pulled her pointy peak gently, swirling it making her go crazy. Alex''s other hand slipped under her skirt and into her panties, his fingers teasing her sensitive pussy lips. He flipped her over, guiding her to lean on the edge of the tub with her hands bracing against the rim. Her ass was lifted in front of him, her knees bent. Her breathing was ragged, her body trembling in anticipation. He pulled down her wet panties, exposing her big ass in full glory. His both hands move on it''s own and squeezed those sweet cakes, kneading them into different shapes. His thumb went in her crack while the rest on her sweet cake and spreading those cheeks, revealing her pink, delicate flower and down, her pink puffy pussy lips. He leaned in ,his face just before her wet pink folds, as he inhaled the fragrance of her sex, his already erect dick become more rock solid. His lips kissed her cake and softly nibble on it. His tounge move down from her cheeks to her puffy lips leaving trail of saliva. He licked her labia, savoring the taste of her, sweet and tangy juice. He sucked her deeply ,like every drop of her necter was a drug he couldn¡¯t get enough of, his mouth sucking eagerly against her, drawing out the rich, sweet flavors of her juice. Ling''er whimpered as Alex sucked her pussy lips, his tongue exploring every inch and his fingers played with her clitoris, pinching it."Ah¡­ Young Master¡­ I feel like¡­ I''m going to¡­" she moaned, her body trembling as she cummed on his face, her legs shaking uncontrollably. Alex held her long thick thighs firmly, as he drinked every drop of her juice from wet cunt, licking it clean. Rising to his feet, he moved behind her, giving her soft, round cheeks a playful slap that left them jiggling and tinged with a hint of red, eliciting another moan. He positioned his dick in her pussy entrance and sliding it in-between her wet lips, rubbing it slowly as she leak on his dick, covering it with her hot juices. After feeling that she was ready he pushed his dick in a single thrust. Blood started dripping in the tub as her hyman broke. ¡°It''s painful, Young Master, please¡­ stop,¡± Ling¡¯er whimpered when he entered her, her voice a mix of pleasure and pain. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Ling¡¯er, it will feel good soon,¡± Alex assured her, pressing gently and kissing her softly. He paused to let her adjust, her tears mixing with the water around them. He then began to pump lightly. Slowly, she began to relax, her hips moving on it''s own. Ling¡¯er¡¯s soft moans filled the room as Alex increased his pace, the water rippled around them as he was pounding her hard, her pink pussy folds clung tightly on his dick squeezing it, with every thirst he felt like it was pulling him inside. Her fleshy walls were warm, his dick felt like it was melting. As he was about to cum ,with one final, powerful thrust, Alex shot his load deep inside her, filling her womb with his thick seed, she also cummed on his dick, her body trembling in his arms. Leting her rest for a moment, he began to pump in her moist cunt again, fucking her till his balls were emptied. But after such a hard exercise he did not feel tired, instead he was energetic, his mind felt clear , a good time to comprehend those rune.*This must be the post nut clarity. Dammm!!!This really hit different in this world.* He looked at the Ling''er sleeping exhausted, resting her head on the edge of the tub, on the last round she cummed so hard that she passed out. He gently lifted her from the tub, wrapped her in a towel, and carried her to his bed. After covering her with a soft silk sheet, he sat beside her, in a meditative stance and take out the Pure Chaos Sutra and continued to study the rest of the 9th layer. Gradually, he slipped into a trance, his comprehension deepening as the ability¡¯s effect took hold.