《Reality Reset: The Cultivator’s Virtual Haven》 Respawned in a Cultivation World Wu Ji Tian never expected much from life. At thirty-five, he had long abandoned the dreams of his youth, settling instead for the dull routine of an uninspiring job. He spent his days working as a night-shift convenience store clerk, scanning items for impatient customers, mopping sticky floors, and listening to the hum of refrigerators under fluorescent lights that never turned off. It wasn¡¯t the worst job in the world, but it wasn¡¯t much of a life either. His meager salary barely covered rent for his tiny apartment, let alone any luxuries. Still, he had one source of happiness. Gaming At the end of each grueling shift, he would collapse into his rickety chair, fire up his aging PC, and disappear into fantasy worlds where he wasn¡¯t a forgettable wage slave. Here, he could be a warrior, a strategist, a king. He could fight, win, and, most importantly, escape. But reality always found a way to remind him of his place. The rise of full-dive VR had been the next big thing. Virtual helmets and capsules allowed players to step into breathtakingly real worlds, a dream come true for gamers. Wu Ji Tian had watched in envy as streamers and influencers showed off their experiences¡ªexploring endless lands, wielding mystical powers, and living adventures beyond imagination. Unfortunately, for someone like him, the VR technology was nothing more than a distant fantasy. The cheapest helmet alone cost more than three months of his wages, and capsules? Those were reserved for the rich. ¡°Maybe next year¡­¡± he told himself every time a new model launched. But every year, his bank account reminded him of his reality. Then, one night, his routine came to an abrupt end. It had been raining when his shift ended. He pulled his jacket tighter, walking home under the glow of streetlights, exhausted but eager to squeeze in a few hours of gaming before sleeping through the afternoon. This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. The last thing he saw was the glare of headlights. The last thing he felt was pain. And then¡­ darkness. ======= When Wu Ji Tian opened his eyes again, the world had changed. Gone were the cold city streets, the distant hum of traffic, and the looming skyscrapers. Instead, he found himself standing in a vast expanse of nature¡ªtowering mountains in the distance, rivers winding like silver threads through lush valleys. The air was fresh, carrying the scent of blooming flowers and damp earth. ¡°What¡­?¡± His voice sounded different. Younger. He looked down. His calloused hands were gone, replaced by smoother, youthful ones. He touched his face, tracing sharper, unblemished features. His body felt stronger, more flexible. Had he been reborn? Before he could process it, a flood of memories that weren¡¯t his own surged into his mind. They belonged to another Wu Ji Tian¡ªone born into this world of cultivation, where martial prowess and spiritual energy dictated one¡¯s fate. Unlike the protagonists of the novels he had read, this Wu Ji Tian was neither a genius nor a hidden dragon. His talent for cultivation was painfully ordinary. And yet, despite his mediocrity, he had been given a chance. Encouraged by his grandfather, the only family he had in this world, he had joined a sect, hoping to carve out a future through dedication and effort. But cultivation was unforgiving, and reality had been cruel. For two years, he trained alongside young talents whose abilities left him in the dust. While they broke through realms with ease, he struggled to make even the slightest progress. It wasn¡¯t for lack of trying. He pushed himself, trained harder, meditated longer¡ªbut it made no difference. The sect had no place for those who couldn''t keep up. The day of reckoning came in a grand hall, where the elders sat in judgment. He already knew the verdict before they even spoke. A failure. A disappointment. Not worth the sect¡¯s resources. Without ceremony, without fanfare, they expelled him. Now, he stood at the sect¡¯s gates, a sack of his meager belongings slung over his shoulder. Alone. The weight of reality sank in. He had been given a second life, but instead of a golden cheat or unrivaled talent, he was as powerless here as he had been in his previous world. For a long moment, he simply stood there, staring at the empty path ahead. Then, with a bitter chuckle, he muttered to himself, ¡°¡­What do I do now?¡± Ding! Wu Ji Tian stepped through the massive sect gates, his heart weighed down by the reality of his situation. The path before him stretched endlessly, leading toward a city nestled in the distance. It wasn¡¯t a grand metropolis with towering structures, nor was it a crumbling ruin of poverty¡ªit was an average city, a place where merchants traded, laborers toiled, and cultivators of varying strengths walked the streets. The familiar stone roads beneath his feet had been traveled by countless before him, yet they felt strangely foreign now. The city¡¯s heartbeat was steady, filled with the sounds of clinking coins, street vendors hawking their goods, and the occasional heated argument. The aroma of grilled meats and fresh bread drifted from the marketplace, momentarily reminding him of the simple pleasures he could no longer afford. Wu Ji Tian barely spared the bustling center a glance. His goal lay elsewhere. Navigating through side streets, he arrived at a quieter part of the city. Here, the buildings were modest but well-maintained, their wooden exteriors showing signs of age but not neglect. His destination stood at the end of a slightly worn street¡ªa small shop, one he had not stepped into for two years. The sign above had long since faded, its name erased by time. With a deep breath, he pushed the door open. Inside, dust clung to the air, swirling in the dim sunlight filtering through the windows. The wooden floor was stained, cracked in some places, a testament to years of wear and neglect. Unsteady wooden shelves lined the walls, mostly empty except for a few forgotten trinkets. The counter remained untouched, a silent reminder of the man who once stood behind it. Wu Ji Tian moved deeper into the shop, his steps slow, almost hesitant. Then, he turned toward the back, where a door led to a small living space. His grandfather¡¯s room. Wu Shun had never been a great cultivator, nor was he particularly wealthy, but he had provided Wu Ji Tian with warmth and wisdom. He had lived humbly, never complaining about the hardships of life. His death had not been sudden¡ªold age had simply caught up with him¡ªbut Wu Ji Tian had been away, too preoccupied with the sect to be by his side in his final moments. Regret gnawed at him as he scanned the sparse room. A wooden bed, a single chair, and a small table. On the table, a folded piece of parchment rested, untouched by dust. With trembling fingers, he picked it up and unfolded it. **"Ji Tian, if you''re reading this, it means you''ve come home. Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. I never had great expectations for you, nor did I want you to be a hero. I only ever wanted you to find your own path, one that makes you happy. You don¡¯t need to be the strongest cultivator. You don¡¯t need to prove anything to anyone. You only need to live well. This old shop may not be much, but it is still a place you can call your own. Take care of yourself, my boy. That is enough for me."** Wu Ji Tian¡¯s hands clenched around the letter. The weight of failure pressed heavily on him. He had lost his chance at the sect, and now, he had nothing left. His eyes drifted across the room, dull and unfocused. What do I do now? Then¡ª [Ding!] A crisp chime echoed in his mind. His body jerked in shock. [System Activating¡­] A translucent screen materialized before his eyes, its glowing text shimmering. [10%¡­] [30%¡­] [50%¡­] [69%¡­] (¡­Nice.) [80%¡­] [99%¡­] [100% - Activation Complete.] [Welcome, Host, to the Cultivator¡¯s Virtual Haven System.] Wu Ji Tian staggered back, his breath catching in his throat. A system?! Before he could even process the absurdity of the situation, the interface flickered again. [Binding Host to Registered Establishment¡­] [Shop Located. Status: Abandoned.][Renovation in Progress¡­] A sudden tremor shook the building. Wu Ji Tian turned sharply as the unsteady wooden shelves rattled, the cracked wooden floor groaning beneath him. His pulse quickened. Was the shop collapsing?! But instead of destruction, transformation took place. The dust vanished. The faded walls regained their luster, shifting into polished wood and smooth surfaces. The old counter, once chipped and worn, reshaped itself into a sleek, modern design. The damaged floorboards gave way to pristine, polished tiles that reflected the warm glow of ceiling lights. Wu Ji Tian rushed out, only to see the shop¡¯s exterior undergoing the same miraculous change. The faded, nameless sign above the entrance disappeared, leaving a blank slate. The windows cleared, gleaming as if freshly cleaned. Even the door, once creaky and unreliable, now stood firm, exuding an air of quiet dignity. [Renovation Complete.] Wu Ji Tian exhaled slowly, his mind struggling to keep up. This was real. [Congratulations, Host. Your shop has been restored. To proceed, please complete your first task.] [Mission: Name Your Shop] Wu Ji Tian blinked. A name? He looked at the empty sign above the entrance. This was the first step. The beginning of something new. And for the first time in a long while, Wu Ji Tian felt a flicker of something unfamiliar. Hope. A Shop, A System, and Two Years Late Wu Ji Tian¡¯s lips slowly curled into a smile. He stood at the entrance of the shop, staring in awe at the transformation before him. The stained, dusty wooden floors, once covered in years of wear, were now replaced by smooth, polished tiles that gleamed under bright ceiling lights. The unsteady wooden shelves that used to line the walls were gone, making the space feel open and modern. Even the air smelled different¡ªfresh, crisp, and cool, courtesy of the air conditioning humming softly in the background. Yes. A fully functional air conditioning. He let out a disbelieving chuckle. In his past life, he barely had a fan in his tiny apartment, and now he had a shop with AC? ¡°System, you sure know how to treat a guy right,¡± he muttered, running a hand through his hair as he stepped inside. The place wasn¡¯t just clean¡ªit was sleek. The smooth walls, the minimalist lighting, the faint glow of embedded energy lines tracing the edges of the floor¡ªit all screamed high-end and futuristic. And yet¡­ His smile faltered as he took in one undeniable fact. It was empty. No decorations, no furniture, and aside from the spotless counter near the entrance, there was nothing. Not a single chair, table, or piece of equipment in sight. It was like a perfectly renovated house that hadn¡¯t been lived in. A low huff of amusement escaped him. ¡°This feels like one of those real estate ads¡ª¡®newly renovated space, endless possibilities,¡¯¡± he joked to himself. His gaze flickered to the empty counter, and for a second, his excitement dipped. This wasn¡¯t just a lack of items¡ªthis was a blank slate. Would he really be able to build something from this? The doubt was brief but instinctual. He had spent years feeling stuck. Whether it was in a tiny convenience store or a cultivation sect, he had always been at the bottom, struggling just to keep up. His mind flickered back to long nights of standing behind a register, watching customers tap their cards without hesitation while he counted every last coin to afford a simple meal. To all the times he stared at streamers playing full-dive VR, wishing¡ªjust wishing¡ªhe could experience even a fraction of what they had. But now¡­ He wasn¡¯t stuck anymore. A slow grin spread across his face. Because this time, he had something they didn¡¯t. A system. His system. And as if responding to his thoughts, a soft chime echoed in his mind. If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. [New Mission: Name Your Shop] Wu Ji Tian blinked. Then, he burst into laughter. Of course. Of course. He should¡¯ve expected this. "A futuristic shop, and my first mission is... giving it a name?" Wu Ji Tian chuckled, shaking his head in amusement. Still, he wasn¡¯t complaining. Compared to the life-or-death trials that most protagonists faced after getting a system, this was practically a gift. He leaned against the counter, tapping his fingers on the smooth surface as he thought. A name, huh? His eyes wandered around the empty yet impossibly advanced shop. A place beyond this world¡¯s standards. A place that could change everything. A place that only he¡ªand he alone¡ªcould own. There was only one name that made sense. "Virtual Haven," he declared. [Shop Name Confirmed: Virtual Haven] [Mission Complete!] [System Fully Activating¡­] The air hummed. A rush of energy swept through the shop, and for a brief second, Wu Ji Tian swore he felt something¡ªa pulse, a spark, a shift in reality itself. Then, at the farthest section of the store, two large capsule-like machines materialized out of thin air¡ªsleek, futuristic, and glowing faintly with an unknown energy. Not only that, but three VR stations appeared near the center of the shop. Each consisted of a sturdy tabletop with a high-tech virtual helmet resting on top, accompanied by a plush reclining chair designed for comfort. Wu Ji Tian¡¯s eyes widened. No way. Before he could even react, a voice¡ªsmooth, crisp, and dripping with sarcasm¡ªrang in his mind. [System Online.] [Oh, finally. Took you long enough.]
His jaw dropped. Did his system just¡­ sass him? Wu Ji Tian blinked, still processing what had just happened. Then, as if something finally snapped in his brain, he let out a frustrated groan. ¡°Wait, wait, wait¡ªhold on! You¡¯re telling me I had a system all this time, and it just now decided to activate? After two whole years?!¡± He threw his hands up. ¡°Do you know how many protagonists get their golden finger the moment they reincarnate or transmigrate? Instantly! Some even before they¡¯re born! And I had to suffer for two years? TWO YEARS?!¡± The system let out an exaggerated sigh. [Oh, please. You¡¯re acting like that¡¯s my fault.] ¡°IT IS!¡± [No, it¡¯s yours.] Wu Ji Tian felt his eye twitch. ¡°Excuse me?¡± [Let me break it down for you, oh ¡®main character.¡¯] The text on the screen flickered as if the system was rolling its nonexistent eyes. [The moment you inherited this shop, I was supposed to activate. BUT¡ªsomeone decided to run off to a sect like a delusional shonen protagonist instead of staying put.] Wu Ji Tian choked. [You know, the usual: ¡®I will become the strongest! I¡¯ll prove myself! I¡¯ll rise from nothing!¡¯] The system¡¯s text practically dripped with mockery. [Yeah, how did that go for you?] Wu Ji Tian clutched his chest as if struck by a critical hit. ¡°I¡ªI didn¡¯t know! How was I supposed to know staying here would trigger the system?!¡± [What did you THINK was going to happen? That you¡¯d go to the sect, get bullied, awaken some heaven-defying power, and become the chosen one? Oh wait¡ªyou DID go to the sect. You DID get bullied. And guess what? NO heaven-defying power. Shocking.] Wu Ji Tian groaned, rubbing his face. ¡°I feel personally attacked.¡± [Good. Because you wasted TWO YEARS when you could¡¯ve been running a cutting-edge shop with my guidance. Instead, you were out there scrubbing floors for inner disciples and getting treated like trash. Bravo, Host. Bravo.] Wu Ji Tian wanted to cry. ¡°So you¡¯re telling me¡­ if I had just stayed, I could¡¯ve had all of this earlier?¡± [Yes.] ¡°Two years of struggle¡­ for nothing?¡± [Correct.] He slowly collapsed onto the floor. ¡°¡­I hate everything.¡± [Oh, don¡¯t be so dramatic.] The system huffed. [At least you¡¯ve got me now. And unlike those ¡®instant OP¡¯ protagonists, you¡¯ll actually have to work for your success. Won¡¯t that be fun?] Wu Ji Tian stared blankly at the ceiling. ¡°¡­I want a refund.¡± [Denied] Battle Royale: Daoist Survival Wu Ji Tian took a deep breath as he stepped further inside, taking in the drastic transformation of his shop. The air was cool, crisp, and free of the damp, musty scent that had once clung to the wooden walls. Instead of creaky old boards, his feet now touched smooth, polished tiles, reflecting the ambient light from the newly installed fixtures above. The space itself had expanded¡ªnot physically, but through clever rearrangements. The once cramped, cluttered shop now had an open, modern layout, where each section felt intentional. His eyes wandered toward the new additions. To his left, a sturdy, high-tech counter stood where his old, barely-holding-together wooden slab used to be. Dark, polished wood with subtle golden engravings ran along its surface, giving it an air of elegance. Behind it, floating shelves lined the walls, though they remained empty for now. To his right, neatly arranged along the far wall, were three VR helmets resting atop a long, metallic table, each accompanied by a comfortable-looking chair. Their sleek black surfaces gleamed under the soft glow of the ceiling lights. And at the very back of the shop¡ªtwo futuristic capsules stood side by side, their exteriors smooth and glowing faintly with unknown energy. Unlike the VR helmets, these machines radiated a presence, as if they were more than just tools¡ªthey were gateways to something far greater. Wu Ji Tian felt a tingle of excitement. ¡°This is insane,¡± he muttered. ¡°My run-down shop turned into this?¡± [Yes, and yet you still stand there gawking instead of testing it out.] Wu Ji Tian rolled his eyes. Of course, the System couldn¡¯t let him enjoy the moment. He decided to start small. VR first. Grabbing a helmet from the table, he settled into the chair, adjusted the fit, and took a deep breath. Time to see what this thing could do. =============================== The moment Wu Ji Tian placed the VR helmet on his head, he was surprised by how smoothly it fit. It adjusted to his head like it was tailor-made, hugging his scalp with an almost weightless touch. Before he could marvel at the design, a soft chime echoed in his ears. [User detected. Registering¡­] A faint glow washed over him, scanning every inch of his body in an instant. Moments later, a confirmation tone sounded. [Owner detected. Automatic registration complete. Welcome, Wu Ji Tian.] ¡°Huh. That was easy,¡± he muttered. But he quickly realized that wouldn¡¯t be the case for normal customers. [For standard users, a full-body scan is required. This ensures accurate synchronization and security.] Wu Ji Tian nodded. That made sense. If he wanted people to use this VR system, he needed to understand how it worked. A new notification popped up before him. [Welcome to the Cultivator¡¯s Haven.] The dark void around him shifted, replaced by a vibrant, open courtyard. Ancient pagodas loomed in the distance, with floating lanterns drifting lazily in the air. The setting was breathtaking, but something else caught his attention. Floating menus. [Game Selection] [Store] [Friends List] Wu Ji Tian raised an eyebrow at the ¡®Store¡¯ section and tapped it out of curiosity. The menu expanded, revealing an overwhelming selection of skins, outfits, and even different character effects. Sparks of lightning, flames flickering around the body, twinkling lights¡ªeven heart-shaped effects. ¡°¡­You¡¯re telling me cultivators care about cosmetics?¡± [Appearance is everything. Even in death, you should look your best.] He sighed. ¡°Right. Because dying in a fancy robe is so much better than in rags.¡± Ignoring the system, he scanned the available games. There was only one. This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. Battle Royale: Daoist Survival Wu Ji Tian selected it, and another menu appeared, showing a simple matchmaking screen. [Starting Match¡­] He frowned. ¡°How am I supposed to play if there are no other players?¡± [Oh, don¡¯t worry. You¡¯ll be playing against AI. That¡¯s what happens to dead games, right?] ¡°¡­I don¡¯t like how accurate that is.¡± Before he could react, his vision blurred¡ª And he was falling. Wind roared past his ears as he descended through a sea of clouds. The battlefield stretched below¡ªa vast land of broken pagodas, abandoned villages, and dense forests. Rivers cut through valleys, and towering cliffs loomed in the distance. A glowing prompt appeared before him. [Choose Your Landing Spot!] Scanning the terrain, he picked a ruined village near a river. It had buildings for cover but enough open space for maneuvering. [Landing Confirmed.] A second later¡ª BOOM! He hit the ground in a smooth roll, the impact surprisingly realistic. A mechanical chime echoed in his mind. [Survive. Eliminate all opponents.] Wu Ji Tian¡¯s hands moved instinctively, searching nearby structures. Inside a half-destroyed hut, he found a basic sword and a talisman. ¡°This should do for now.¡± As Wu Ji Tian stepped out of the hut, movement caught his eye. A lone opponent stood in the clearing, gripping a rusty sword. Unlike the stiff, predictable AI he expected, this one took a proper stance¡ªblade raised, feet positioned for balance. Wu Ji Tian smirked. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s see what you got.¡± Without warning, the AI lunged. Wu Ji Tian parried the strike, sparks flying as their blades clashed. The AI didn¡¯t hesitate this time¡ªit followed up with a quick thrust toward his chest. He twisted his body, narrowly dodging, then countered with a diagonal slash. The AI blocked, pushing against him in a brief contest of strength. For a moment, Wu Ji Tian almost forgot this was an AI. But experience won out. He baited an overhead strike, stepped to the side at the last moment, and drove his sword straight through the AI¡¯s torso. [Opponent Eliminated!] The body disintegrated into motes of light, leaving behind a few low-tier talismans. Wu Ji Tian flicked his sword to the side, as if shaking off imaginary blood. ¡°Now that¡¯s more like it.¡± He had barely caught his breath when¡ª An arrow whizzed past his head. Wu Ji Tian dove behind a crumbling wall. ¡°Oh, come on¡ªcampers already?!¡± A second arrow struck the dirt beside him. Someone was sniping from a rooftop. [What did you expect? It¡¯s a battle royale. If there aren¡¯t snipers, is it even real?] He groaned. ¡°I hate that you¡¯re right.¡± Peeking out, he spotted a shadowy figure on top of a pagoda, bow in hand. With no armor, he couldn¡¯t take a direct hit. Instead of rushing in, he crept through the ruins, using cover to get closer. When he was within striking range, he grabbed a loose brick and hurled it. The AI flinched. That was all he needed. Wu Ji Tian lunged, tackling the AI off the edge of the pagoda. With a well-placed punch, he sent it tumbling down. [Opponent Eliminated!] A bow and a few arrows dropped beside the fading corpse. Wu Ji Tian smirked. ¡°Not bad.¡± Then, a loud gong rang across the battlefield. [Zone Shrinking!] A massive golden barrier closed in, swallowing the outskirts of the battlefield. Trees, buildings¡ªeverything outside the zone vanished into golden mist. Wu Ji Tian sprinted toward the safe zone, avoiding unnecessary fights. He picked off weaker enemies along the way, gathering better weapons and talismans. By the time only two players remained, he had a mid-tier sword, defensive armor, and one last healing pill. His final opponent? A high-ranking AI wielding a massive flaming spear, decked out in upgraded gear. Wu Ji Tian sighed. ¡°Why do AI always get the good loot?¡± [Skill issue.] ¡°¡­Shut up.¡± The AI charged, its spear igniting in flames. Wu Ji Tian barely dodged, rolling as the ground exploded behind him. He was outmatched in raw strength. But he had one advantage¡ªhis gamer instincts. Instead of trading blows, he baited attacks, forcing the AI to overcommit. With each dodge, its stamina drained. Then¡ªthe perfect opening. Activating a movement talisman, Wu Ji Tian teleported behind the AI. With a swift strike, his blade found its mark. [Final Opponent Eliminated!] [Victory!] Wu Ji Tian collapsed onto the ground, panting. Even though it was just a game, it felt real. A sarcastic chime rang. [Congratulations! You survived longer than expected. Truly, an inspiration to weaklings everywhere.] He rolled his eyes. ¡°Thanks, System. Very motivating.¡± As the world faded, he felt himself being pulled back to reality. Removing the helmet, Wu Ji Tian sat still, processing everything. The VR experience was incredible¡ªbut it wasn¡¯t perfect. No qi circulation, no true body sensations, only simulated combat. For a normal gamer, this was groundbreaking. For a real cultivator? His gaze drifted to the glowing capsules. ¡°If the VR is this good¡­ then what about full immersion?¡± A familiar chime answered. [Oh, you¡¯re finally asking the right questions.] [Go on, Step into the capsule.] Wu Ji Tian smirked. ¡°Don¡¯t mind if I do.¡± A World Yet to Be Built Wu Ji Tian stood before the full-immersion capsule, arms crossed as he took in its sleek, futuristic design. It was nothing like the crude wooden decor of the cultivation world¡ªthis thing looked straight out of a sci-fi game. Smooth metallic plating with faint, glowing lines traced its surface, and a transparent visor covered the entrance like a high-tech coffin. ¡°¡­Fancy.¡± He ran his fingers over the surface, feeling the cool material. It had a refined, almost premium touch to it, something that wouldn¡¯t feel out of place in a high-end gaming lounge. He pushed the visor upward. Inside, the seat looked absurdly comfortable¡ªergonomically designed, cushioned just right, and somehow inviting despite being a metal capsule. He stepped in, lowering himself onto the seat. The moment his body settled, he felt it. Comfort. It wasn¡¯t just soft¡ªit adjusted to him, contouring around his back, legs, and arms like it was tailor-made. It felt better than any chair he had ever sat in, better than any bed. The weightlessness that came with it was almost addictive, as if the capsule refused to let discomfort exist inside it. ¡°¡­I could fall asleep in this.¡± A soft hum filled the capsule, and suddenly, a bright blue grid-like pattern spread across the interior. The air shifted, charged with an almost electric sensation as the capsule came to life. [Scan Complete.] [Owner Detected.] [Welcome to Virtual Haven.] Before he could process those words, his vision blurred. A strange pulling sensation overtook him, like his mind was being yanked forward while his body stayed put. And then¡ª Nothing. Or rather, a vast, endless void. Wu Ji Tian found himself standing in what looked like pure, infinite darkness. No ground, no sky, no walls¡ªjust empty space stretching forever in every direction. Yet, he was standing. His feet made contact with something solid, but there was nothing there. Almost like the void itself was holding him up. He took a cautious step. The sensation didn¡¯t change. Another step. Still nothing visible beneath him, yet he remained supported, as if walking on an invisible path. ¡°¡­This is unsettling.¡± The system¡¯s voice cut through the silence. ¡°Good. That means it¡¯s working.¡± Wu Ji Tian exhaled slowly. The immersion was ridiculous. He could feel the temperature here¡ªor lack of it. There was no wind, no sound beyond his own breathing. ¡°So, what is this place?¡± ¡°The foundation,¡± the system replied. ¡°This is where it all begins.¡± Wu Ji Tian frowned. ¡°Begins what?¡± ¡°The construction of a fully interactive cultivation world. One that will, in time, rival reality itself.¡± His brows furrowed. He looked around again, but there was still nothing. Just an empty void. ¡°¡­I don¡¯t see anything resembling a cultivation world.¡± ¡°Because you haven¡¯t built it yet,¡± the system deadpanned. Wu Ji Tian blinked. ¡°Wait, what?¡± ¡°Did you think I was going to hand you a fully furnished realm on a silver platter?¡± the system snorted. ¡°No. The world starts empty, and it¡¯s your job to fill it.¡± His lips twitched. ¡°That sounds suspiciously like work.¡± ¡°It is work,¡± the system confirmed. ¡°You need to scan real-world materials¡ªores, herbs, stones, architecture, landscapes. Anything that makes a cultivation world. Once scanned, the system will reconstruct those elements here, creating a living, breathing environment.¡± This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. Wu Ji Tian exhaled. ¡°¡­So, I have to go around collecting data?¡± ¡°Exactly.¡± He rubbed his temples. ¡°That¡¯s going to take forever.¡± ¡°Perhaps. Unless, of course, you use your brain.¡± He rolled his eyes but focused back on the void. ¡°Alright, say I do all that. Then what? Will it just be an empty world with mountains and trees?¡± ¡°Of course not,¡± the system said. ¡°The environment alone isn¡¯t enough to make it a cultivation haven. That¡¯s why I¡¯ve preloaded an initial batch of NPCs to populate the world.¡± Wu Ji Tian raised a brow. ¡°NPCs?¡± A ripple spread through the void. Suddenly, figures emerged¡ªstiff, unmoving silhouettes standing like statues. They had humanoid shapes but lacked defining features. No expressions, no natural movements. Just lifeless dolls waiting to be activated. ¡°They look¡­ robotic.¡± ¡°They are,¡± the system admitted. ¡°Right now, they¡¯re nothing more than basic models. But over time, they will evolve. With more data, their intelligence will improve, their personalities will develop, and eventually, they will behave almost indistinguishably from real cultivators.¡± Wu Ji Tian narrowed his eyes. ¡°And what exactly are they for?¡± ¡°They will assist your customers,¡± the system explained. ¡°Some will act as sparring partners, instructors, or guides. Others can serve as attendants for customers who wish to build their own sects, clans, or even empires within the virtual world.¡± ¡°¡­Empire-building, huh?¡± ¡°A popular demand among cultivators,¡± the system said. ¡°You¡¯d be surprised how many dream of ruling their own faction.¡± Wu Ji Tian crossed his arms. The concept was promising. If these NPCs truly developed, they could add an entirely new layer to Virtual Haven¡¯s appeal. But that was a concern for later. Right now, he had another issue to deal with. ¡°If I need to scan real-world locations and materials, that means I¡¯ll be traveling a lot,¡± Wu Ji Tian said. ¡°How am I supposed to manage the shop if I¡¯m running around outside?¡± ¡°Simple,¡± the system replied. ¡°You won¡¯t be running around.¡± He frowned. ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°You will be automatically transported to designated regions when required.¡± Wu Ji Tian blinked. ¡°Wait¡ªwhat?¡± ¡°Think of it as scheduled field trips,¡± the system said. ¡°You¡¯ll be sent to areas rich in data for collection, and then returned once the job is done.¡± ¡°¡­So, I don¡¯t even get a choice?¡± ¡°Oh, you get a choice,¡± the system said. ¡°You can either go willingly¡­ or get thrown there without warning.¡± His lips twitched. ¡°That doesn¡¯t sound like much of a choice.¡± ¡°Exactly.¡± Wu Ji Tian sighed. ¡°Alright, fine. But what about the shop? If I¡¯m gone, what happens to it?¡± ¡°The shop will only operate during set hours,¡± the system continued. ¡°For now, I have designated the opening hours from 9 AM to 9 PM.¡± Wu Ji Tian tilted his head. ¡°A twelve-hour window?¡± ¡°For now,¡± the system repeated. ¡°As Virtual Haven expands, so will the business hours.¡± That seemed reasonable. It gave him enough time to handle customers while still allowing for exploration and data collection. ¡°But what if someone tries to break in while I¡¯m gone?¡± ¡°They will die,¡± the system stated flatly. Wu Ji Tian froze. ¡°...Sorry, what?¡± ¡°The shop is under my protection,¡± the system explained. ¡°No one can enter without your permission. If they attempt to, well¡­¡± There was an almost sadistic amusement in its voice. ¡°Let¡¯s just say they won¡¯t be leaving in one piece.¡± Wu Ji Tian swallowed. ¡°¡­Noted.¡± The idea of a self-defending shop was reassuring¡­ in a terrifying way. But at least he didn¡¯t have to worry about coming back to find everything ransacked. As Wu Ji Tian mulled over his upcoming travels, another concern hit him. ¡°¡­Wait. System, you said you¡¯ll be throwing me into random regions for data collection.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°And you also said I¡¯d have no choice.¡± ¡°Correct.¡± Wu Ji Tian exhaled through his nose. ¡°So¡­ if I suddenly find myself in the middle of a volcano or a den full of spirit beasts, what happens then? Will you protect me?¡± The system¡¯s voice practically dripped with amusement. ¡°Oh, absolutely.¡± Wu Ji Tian sighed in relief. ¡°¡ªBy observing your demise with great interest.¡± His expression stiffened. ¡°¡­You¡¯re joking.¡± ¡°You¡¯ll find out when it happens.¡± Wu Ji Tian felt an incoming headache. ¡°No, seriously. What if I get dropped somewhere completely out of my league? How am I supposed to survive?¡± A new system notification popped up before him. [Basic Mission: Get Stronger] Objective: Go to the city center and remain there for one hour to scan and analyze the environment. Rewards: Cultivation Art: Glitched Reality Absorption Physique: Reality Shift Physique Wu Ji Tian¡¯s eyes widened in excitement before his lips curled into an eager grin. "That¡­ sounds insane." Without hesitation, he spun on his heel and strode toward the door. Wu Ji Tian locked the door behind him, his excitement barely contained. Without hesitation, he turned toward the city center, his steps quick and eager. Clear Spring City: Scan Complete! Wu Ji Tian stepped out of his shop, momentarily dazed as he took in his surroundings. The eastern district of Clear Spring City was quiet at this hour, the fading sunlight casting long shadows against aged wooden buildings. The narrow streets near his shop were mostly empty, save for the occasional passerby¡ªan elderly man carrying a basket of herbs, a pair of junior disciples in dull robes whispering as they hurried past. Unlike the main road at the city¡¯s heart, this area had a secluded, almost forgotten atmosphere. Yet, as he moved further, the stillness dissolved into the hum of activity. Stepping onto the main street, Wu Ji Tian was met with the full bustle of the city. The streets stretched before him, lively and bustling despite the time of day. It was late afternoon, the golden glow of the setting sun casting long shadows across the stone roads. The scent of street food lingered in the air, mixing with the faint aroma of ink and parchment from nearby calligraphy stalls. Cultivators in various robes walked past, their conversations filled with discussions of techniques, recent sect news, and, of course, rumors of battles and treasures. Stalls lined both sides of the road, vendors loudly advertising their wares. A young woman in a plain dress deftly wove through the crowd, balancing a tray of steaming dumplings, while a group of children chased each other between the legs of pedestrians, laughing carefreely. Merchants called out, their voices overlapping in a chaotic yet rhythmic harmony. "Fresh spirit peaches! One bite, and you''ll feel rejuvenated!" "Handcrafted talismans, personally drawn by a third-rank inscription master! Protection, fortune, or even minor defensive arrays¡ªtake your pick!" "Rare herbs, freshly gathered from the Mystic Cloud Mountains! Limited stock!" Despite being an average city, Clear Spring City had its own charm. It wasn¡¯t a powerhouse within the Vast Horizon Empire, but it had the presence of multiple cultivation sects, merchants seeking prosperity, and rogue cultivators hoping to make a name for themselves. Wu Ji Tian weaved through the crowd, listening to the various conversations around him. "Did you hear? The Azure Cloud Sect is opening an entrance test in a month." "Hah! What¡¯s the point? Even if I get in, I¡¯ll be stuck running errands for ten years before I get to cultivate properly." "That''s still better than being a rogue cultivator. At least sect disciples get access to proper techniques and resources!" Further along, another group spoke in hushed voices. "I heard the Falling Leaf Sect just had an internal duel. One of their core disciples was heavily injured. Looks like their rivalry with Azure Cloud Sect isn¡¯t going to calm down anytime soon." Wu Ji Tian absorbed the information but remained indifferent. He had no plans to get involved with either sect. Azure Cloud Sect, located in the northern part of the city, prided itself on its swordsmanship and discipline. Their disciples were known for their refined temperament, rarely meddling in worldly affairs unless necessary. While they weren¡¯t tyrannical, their presence alone kept certain groups in check. Falling Leaf Sect, residing in the southern part, was similarly detached from worldly struggles. While their disciples leaned more toward combat-oriented techniques, they weren¡¯t a lawless bunch. Like Azure Cloud Sect, they maintained an air of superiority and rarely concerned themselves with common disputes. Both sects were overseen by their respective Sect Leaders, Core Formation cultivators whose power rivaled that of the City Lord. Their influence kept Clear Spring City in balance, ensuring no single power could claim absolute control. Despite the lively streets around him, Wu Ji Tian¡¯s mind was elsewhere. He had once been a part of this world¡ªno, more accurately, the previous Wu Ji Tian had been. A disciple of the Falling Leaf Sect, but not one of any importance. He had been mediocre at best, lacking talent in cultivation and possessing neither remarkable combat skills nor strong connections. In a sect where strength dictated one¡¯s worth, he had been nothing more than a burden. That Wu Ji Tian had spent his days performing menial tasks, from sweeping the training grounds to running errands for the senior disciples. He had endured ridicule, not out of resilience, but because he had no other choice. His cultivation had stagnated at the lowest levels of Qi Refinement, and no master had taken him as a direct disciple. When the sect deemed him a lost cause, he was expelled without ceremony. The current Wu Ji Tian, however, bore no resentment for that past. To him, it was nothing more than a discarded identity, an insignificant detail in the grand scheme of his new reality. For now, Wu Ji Tian had no interest in their affairs. His focus was Virtual Haven. The system had given him a mission, and if there was one thing he had learned from countless novels and stories, it was that ignoring a system¡¯s guidance was never a wise decision. His first objective was clear: expand his business. At the moment, his store remained an enigma to the public. The true potential of the virtual cultivation world had yet to be revealed. The capsules and VR helmets were foreign concepts in this world, and while curiosity might draw in a few early customers, true success would require more than just novelty. He needed to make people desire it. Not just as a passing amusement, but as something they couldn¡¯t ignore¡ªsomething that could influence even the most rigid sects and the most powerful cultivators. ======== Wu Ji Tian strolled at a relaxed pace, heading toward the heart of Clear Spring City. His shop¡¯s district had its charm, but it was nothing compared to the city''s core. As he walked, the streets widened, the buildings grew grander, and the air itself felt richer with the scent of medicinal herbs, ink, and burning incense. This was where the real business of Clear Spring City happened. The Alchemy Pavilion, an imposing structure with curved green tiles and faint wisps of medicinal smoke rising from its rooftop, stood at the forefront. Even from a distance, Wu Ji Tian could pick up the thick fragrance of refined pills lingering in the air. A group of cultivators in white robes stood near the entrance, discussing the effects of a newly crafted pill. Not far from it was the Artifact Refinement Hall, a three-story building adorned with metallic inscriptions. Sparks occasionally flashed from its upper levels, accompanied by the rhythmic clang of hammers against metal. An elder with a long beard sat outside, casually polishing a half-finished sword that radiated faint spiritual energy. The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. Further down the street, he passed a Talisman Shop, where stacks of glowing parchment were displayed behind glass cases. A vendor demonstrated a basic defensive talisman, activating it with a flick of his wrist. A shimmering barrier formed, repelling an incoming strike from a iron dagger. The crowd murmured in interest, a few immediately stepping forward to purchase. Then there was the Auction House, a towering structure of dark wood and gold inlays, guarded by armored cultivators at the entrance. It was quieter than the other shops, but its presence alone exuded prestige. Wu Ji Tian didn¡¯t need to step inside to know that anything auctioned there would be worth a fortune. He took it all in. These establishments had stood for years, woven into the city''s very lifeblood. If he wanted his shop to thrive, he needed to attract the same level of attention. But how? He found his answer in the murmurs of the crowd. Among the various discussions, he overheard talks about sect conflicts, rare materials, and upcoming tournaments. Yet, one recurring theme stood out Training and breakthroughs. Alchemy shops sold pills to aid cultivation. Refinement halls crafted weapons and artifacts for battle. Talismans provided defensive measures. Even the auction house primarily dealt in rare resources cultivators needed to advance. All of it revolved around growth. Strength. Progress. Wu Ji Tian¡¯s lips curled into a smirk. If Virtual Haven could push cultivation beyond traditional methods, the city and cultivator wouldn¡¯t be able to ignore it. But first, he needed to complete his scan. ============ Wu Ji Tian spotted a small stone bench nestled beneath a lantern-lit pavilion and made his way over, settling down with a sigh. The evening breeze carried a faint chill, contrasting with the city''s lingering warmth. "System," he murmured, his gaze idly sweeping over the passing cultivators. "How long will the scan take?" "Estimated time: approximately one hour." He frowned. "That long?" "Oh, I¡¯m sorry, would you prefer a low-quality, pixelated rendering of reality?" Wu Ji Tian eyelid twitched as he let out a long sigh. "Just start the scan." A faint pulse of energy spread through the air¡ªso subtle, it went unnoticed by those around him. No one else reacted, but Wu Ji Tian felt it. The scan wasn¡¯t just gathering visual data. It was absorbing the textures of buildings, the scent of herbs, the density of spiritual energy in the air. Every minute detail of Clear Spring City would become a part of his Virtual Haven world. It wouldn¡¯t just be a copy¡ªit would be alive. A translucent interface appeared before his eyes. [Scanning in Progress] ¡ª 1%... Wu Ji Tian leaned back, fingers tapping idly on the stone bench. "What exactly are you scanning?" "Oh, you know, the usual. Buildings, roads, street vendors, the existential dread of that guy over there who''s losing his last spirit stone in a bet." Wu Ji Tian followed the system''s hint, spotting a young cultivator hunched over a gambling table, despair evident in his posture. He snorted. "So you¡¯re reading emotions too?" "Obviously. What¡¯s a world without authentic reactions? I¡¯m collecting fluctuations in emotional qi, aura intensities, even subconscious spiritual signatures." 5%... 10%... Wu Ji Tian narrowed his eyes. "Wait. Spiritual signatures?" "Yes. Some cultivators naturally emit different types of qi due to their elements. Fire cultivators unconsciously heat the air. Ice cultivators slightly lower the surrounding temperature. Some sword cultivators even leave faint sword intent in their surrounding" "That¡­ actually makes sense," he admitted. "Glad to see your brain functioning. Do you want the advanced breakdown?" "Spare me the lecture. Just tell me if I can use it." "You can. The scan records aura fluctuations and spiritual imprints. That means NPCs can replicate a person''s cultivation level, temperament, and even combat styles based on what they leave behind in reality." 20%... 35%... Wu Ji Tian exhaled, watching the city breathe around him. Cultivators moved in small groups, their robes swaying under lantern-lit streets. Some laughed over cheap wine, others bartered for talismans, while a few simply walked in contemplative silence. The air itself was alive with qi. Now, he could see it. Rogue cultivators left chaotic, unstable qi trails. Sect disciples carried refined, disciplined signatures. A stall vendor unknowingly released traces of wood-element spiritual energy, probably because she cultivated alongside medicinal plants. The city wasn¡¯t just a place. It was a living, pulsing entity of cultivation paths intertwining. 50%... 65%... Then¡ª ¡°¡­the spiritual vein¡­¡± Wu Ji Tian¡¯s fingers twitched slightly. A group of cultivators passed by, their voices hushed. ¡°¡­something¡¯s strange about it¡­¡± Spiritual vein? ¡°¡­should we report it to the City Lord?¡± ¡°¡­not yet. If it''s real, we might have a chance to claim a portion for ourselves¡­¡± The voices faded into the night. Wu Ji Tian narrowed his eyes. He didn¡¯t catch the full details, but if there was a hidden spiritual vein in Clear Spring City, it could change everything. A richer spiritual environment meant a more prosperous city¡ªone that would attract even stronger cultivators. It also meant more conflict. He smirked. "This city''s about to become a battlefield." "Oh, good. I was worried things were going too peacefully." Wu Ji Tian leaned forward, an idea forming. If tension kept growing, Virtual Haven could turn it into an opportunity. Instead of having cultivators fight in the streets, they could settle disputes inside the game. 1v1 duels. Team-based battles. Faction wars. "5v5 MOBA matches," he muttered. "Excuse me? You want to turn ancient martial traditions into an esports tournament?" "Damn right. Better than letting them wreck the city." "You¡¯re truly a visionary. I¡¯ll be sure to inscribe your name in the annals of history¡ªWu Ji Tian, the man who made cultivators play League of Legends." Wu Ji Tian ignored the sarcasm, rising from the bench as the scan approached completion. 75%... 90%... His gaze swept the city. The more he thought about it, the more he realized Virtual Haven wouldn¡¯t just be a business¡ªit would reshape the city¡¯s entire power dynamic. [Ding! Scan complete. Would you like to receive your reward?] Wu Ji Tian exhaled slowly. "Not yet. I''ll collect it when I get back." ========= By the time he reached his store, the city had fully embraced the night. The once-busy streets had quieted, though a few cultivators still roamed, their robes fluttering under the dim glow of moonlight. His shop stood just as he had left it¡ªsilent, unassuming, yet brimming with untapped potential. He stepped inside, sealing the door behind him. If that spiritual vein rumor was true¡­ his shop was about to become far more valuable. "Would you like to receive your reward?" A smirk formed on his lips. "Yes." A wave of raw energy flooded his body. His breath hitched. The system¡¯s voice rang in his mind. "Reward Unlocked: Cultivation Art ¨C Glitched Reality Absorption." Wu Ji Tian barely had time to process the name before a translucent interface appeared. "Reality Overwrite: Allows the absorption and refinement of qi at a distorted rate, compressing hours of training into minutes." "Desync Resonance: Qi signature fluctuates unpredictably, making it harder for enemies to gauge cultivation level or land precise attacks." Wu Ji Tian¡¯s eyes flickered with excitement. "This¡­" "Now receiving physique." Before he could react, searing pain tore through his meridians. His body cracked. Shifted. Rewrote itself. His knees buckled. Teeth clenched, he forced himself to stand even as his entire being flickered¡ªlike a glitch in reality. His vision blurred. His thoughts felt¡­ desynced. And then¡ª Darkness. System: "Good night." Glitched Cultivation and Unexpected Guests A dull ache throbbed in Wu Ji Tian¡¯s body as he stirred awake, his limbs feeling heavier than usual. Blinking away the grogginess, he pushed himself up from the floor, only to wince as pain shot through his muscles. "What the hell...?" he muttered, rubbing his temples. The last thing he remembered was stepping back to his store and receiving the reward, then an excruciating pain¡ªand then darkness. "Finally awake? Took you long enough. It¡¯s already 8:00 AM. Open the shop." His expression stiffened. ¡°Why do I feel like I got trampled by a demonic beast?¡± "Oh, that? Your new physique finished integrating. The pain was too much for your weak mortal self, so you passed out." His eye twitched. ¡°And you didn¡¯t think to warn me beforehand?¡± ¡°Would it have changed anything? You still would¡¯ve collapsed. At least this way, it was a surprise.¡± Wu Ji Tian clenched his jaw. He wanted to argue, but knowing the system, it¡¯d just brush him off with more sarcasm. Taking a deep breath, he let it go. Because there was something more important than having an argument with a system that had a built-in sarcasm module. ¡°What exactly did I get?¡± A flood of information rushed into his mind, knowledge about his newly acquired cultivation art and physique. ¡ª----------------------------------------- Glitched Reality Absorption (Cultivation Art) A cultivation method that defied the natural order, bending reality itself to accelerate growth in ways no cultivator should be capable of.
  • Reality Overwrite (Passive/Active) ¨C Absorbs and refines qi at a distorted rate, compressing hours of training into mere minutes. The effect intensifies under certain conditions but risks instability with overuse.
  • Desync Resonance (Passive) ¨C Qi signature randomly shifts out of phase, making it difficult for others to gauge cultivation level or land precise attacks. Even detection-based techniques struggle to lock on.
  • Instability Surge (Active) ¨C Temporarily "glitches" cultivation, forcefully breaking past limits to provide a surge of power when facing stronger opponents. However, excessive use may cause severe backlash or disrupt cultivation stability.
Wu Ji Tian was amazed. The sheer absurdity of this cultivation art¡ªit was beyond anything he had ever heard of. If just the technique alone was this powerful¡­ then what about the physique that had forced him into unconsciousness with excruciating pain? Reality Shift Physique (Innate Physique) An unnatural foundation, designed solely to stabilize the impossible nature of this cultivation art.
  • Desynchronized Existence (Passive) ¨C Presence does not fully align with reality, altering time perception. Enables unnatural comprehension speeds, near-instantaneous reflexes, and the ability to react to attacks moments before they land.
  • Quantum Flicker (Passive) ¨C The body phases unpredictably, making it difficult for enemies to land direct hits. At higher levels, reality itself struggles to determine exact position, causing attacks to miss even when aimed perfectly.
  • Multi-Point Qi Absorption (Passive) ¨C Unlike normal cultivators, qi is absorbed from multiple locations at once, even distant sources. This exponentially increases cultivation speed under the right conditions.
  • Data Reconstruction (Passive/Conditional) ¨C Injuries have a chance to reset to a previous state, as if nothing happened. However, activation depends on unknown factors and is not entirely within control.
  • Adaptive Cultivation (Passive) ¨C Traditional bottlenecks do not apply in the same way. Since existence itself is unstable, so are the heavenly laws that hinders normal cultivation progress.
¡ª--------- A surge of exhilaration rushed through Wu Ji Tian''s veins. His fist clenched, then relaxed as his breath quickened This¡­ this wasn¡¯t just an improvement. It was a complete reconstruction of what cultivation even meant. He wasn¡¯t just a step ahead¡ªhe had stepped out of the normal rules entirely. Every fiber of his being screamed to test it. Would his movements feel lighter? Would his body flicker if he tried to dodge? Could he force a glitch in reality with his qi? The possibilities clawed at his mind, demanding to be explored right now¡ª Wu Ji Tian''s fingers twitched with anticipation. His heart pounded as he absorbed the last traces of knowledge about his new abilities. This wasn¡¯t just some minor breakthrough¡ªhis entire foundation had changed. The idea of testing it immediately was irresistible. Just as he was about to jump to his feet and start experimenting, the system¡¯s cold voice echoed in his mind. This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. "It¡¯s almost 9 AM. Failure to open shop on time may result in punishment." Wu Ji Tian blinked. ¡°Punishment? What kind of punishment?¡± There was a short pause. Then, in an almost amused tone, the system responded: ¡°Would you like to experience a heavenly massage?¡± Wu Ji Tian narrowed his eyes. ¡°¡­That doesn¡¯t sound too bad.¡± ¡°By electrocution.¡± He felt a phantom zap run down his spine. ¡°¡­I was just asking.¡± The system fell silent again, and Wu Ji Tian let out a resigned sigh before making his way to the entrance. It wasn¡¯t like he had customers lining up outside, but he wasn¡¯t about to take chances with a system that thought ¡®heavenly massage¡¯ and ¡®electrocution¡¯ belonged in the same sentence. Testing his newfound power would have to wait¡ªat least until he secured his right to exist without being fried. He grumbled under his breath and moved toward the entrance. He reached for the door, unlocked it with a sigh, and flipped the sign to "Open." Virtual Haven was officially open for business. With the shop ready, Wu Ji Tian leaned against the counter. There were no customers yet, and the street outside was still waking up. Perfect. That gave him time to test his new abilities. Sitting cross-legged behind the counter, he took a slow breath and began to cultivate. The sensation was immediate. His old method had been sluggish, requiring deliberate focus to draw in qi. But now¡ª The air around him pulsed. Streams of energy didn¡¯t just flow toward him; they warped, flickered, and folded through space itself, rushing into his body at unnatural speeds. His eyes widened. This... this is insane. After a few minutes, Wu Ji Tian felt a shift in his cultivation. The energy rushing into his body intensified, condensing and settling within his dantian. A breakthrough. Qi Gathering Fourth Level. His breathing remained steady, but his excitement grew. This pace¡ªthis efficiency¡ªwas something he never could have imagined before. An hour later, another breakthrough. Qi Gathering Fifth Level. Three hours later, yet another. Qi Gathering Sixth Level. This cultivation art was absurd. The way it bent the rules of qi absorption made each advancement feel effortless, as if the so-called bottlenecks in cultivation had been nothing more than illusions. He was tempted to keep going, to push further and see just how far he could take this, but his stomach had other plans. Right. Food first. A simple meal would do. After eating his lunch, Wu Ji Tian prepared to continue cultivating, but before he could settle back down¡ª Bang! The shop¡¯s door swung open with enough force to shake the walls, though not enough to cause damage. ¡°Wu Ji Tian! You brat, you¡¯re alive!¡± A large figure filled the doorway. Round face, broad shoulders, and a stomach that rivaled a storage ring in capacity. His clothes were fine silk, but slightly stretched at the seams, as if they, too, were struggling to keep up with his enthusiasm. Wu Ji Tian blinked. A fatty? ----------------------------------- Wu Ji Tian''s mind adjusted as memories surfaced¡ªfragments of a familiar presence, a childhood friend who had been by his side for years. He might not have personally experienced it, but the original Wu Ji Tian had, and those memories painted a clear picture of the person before him. Guo Xiong. Son of a wealthy restaurant owner, raised in a family that controlled several well-established restaurants across the city. Not exactly a major power, but well-off enough to have some useful connections So every main character has a fat best friend? Is this some kind of universal law? Before Wu Ji Tian could say anything, Guo Xiong strode forward with heavy steps that made the newly tiled floor groan in protest. "You disappear for two years, get kicked out of your sect, and don¡¯t even tell your best friend you¡¯re back? If my servant hadn¡¯t mentioned seeing you, I wouldn¡¯t have even known!" Wu Ji Tian raised an eyebrow. "I didn¡¯t disappear. I joined a sect. Pretty common thing you know?" Guo Xiong waved a hand dismissively. "Bah! Same thing.¡¯¡¯ Wu Ji Tian chuckled, shaking his head. Guo Xiong hadn¡¯t changed a bit. His loud voice, exaggerated expressions, and dramatic presence¡ªexactly as the original memories described him. ¡°Good to see you too, Guo Xiong.¡± The fatty snorted, plopping himself down onto a chair near the counter, making it creak under his weight. ¡°Good to see me? Hah! You should be groveling in gratitude that I came all the way here just to check on you.¡± He folded his arms, his chubby face twisting into a mock-serious expression. ¡°Hmph, not even a message! Not even a single letter! You wounded my heart, Wu Ji Tian.¡± Wu Ji Tian smirked. ¡°I was busy.¡± ¡°Busy being kicked out?¡± ¡°¡­Alright, fair point.¡± Guo Xiong laughed loudly, slapping his belly. ¡°At least you¡¯re honest about it! But seriously, old man Wu would¡¯ve smacked you upside the head for not writing back after joining that sect.¡± His expression softened slightly. ¡°I heard about your grandfather. I¡¯m sorry I couldn¡¯t be there.¡± A brief silence settled between them. Wu Ji Tian exhaled, resting his arms on the counter. ¡°It¡¯s fine. I wasn¡¯t here either.¡± Guo Xiong nodded. ¡°Still, if you need anything, you just have to ask. You know my family has connections all over the city. I can pull some strings for you.¡± Wu Ji Tian smiled faintly. The offer was genuine. Despite his carefree nature, Guo Xiong was one of the few people who actually cared about the previous Wu Ji Tian. ¡°I appreciate it,¡± Wu Ji Tian said. Guo Xiong grinned, leaning back in his chair. ¡°That¡¯s more like it! Now then, tell me¡ªwhat is this place?¡± His eyes wandered around the shop, finally taking in his surroundings properly. A moment ago, his focus had been entirely on Wu Ji Tian, but now, curiosity bloomed across his face. ¡°This... doesn¡¯t look like a pill shop. But it¡¯s definitely not a restaurant either.¡± His eyes landed on the strange, futuristic-looking VR capsules. His brows furrowed in confusion. ¡°What in the world are these things?¡± Wu Ji Tian smirked. ¡°Interested?¡± Guo Xiong pointed at one of the machines. ¡°I¡¯d be lying if I said I wasn¡¯t. But more than that, I¡¯m confused. I¡¯ve never seen anything like this in my entire life.¡± ¡°Well, that¡¯s because they don¡¯t exist anywhere else.¡± Guo Xiong blinked. ¡°Oh? So what do they do? Are they alchemy furnaces? Cultivation aids? Some sort of extravagant seating arrangement for rich young masters?¡± Wu Ji Tian chuckled. ¡°Not quite. These are called Virtual Cultivation Capsules. They allow cultivators to train in a completely immersive world, one that simulates reality with near-perfect accuracy.¡± Guo Xiong squinted at him. Then at the capsules. Then back at him. ¡°¡­Are you messing with me?¡± Guo Xiong: The First Cultivator Gamer Guo Xiong squinted at Wu Ji Tian. Then at the capsule. Then back at him. ¡°¡­Are you messing with me?¡± Wu Ji Tian smirked. ¡°Not at all.¡± Guo Xiong crossed his arms. ¡°You expect me to believe that this¡­ this thing,¡±¡ªhe gestured at the VR capsule¡ª¡°can somehow help with cultivation? I¡¯ve seen all kinds of strange devices in the city, but nothing like this.¡± Wu Ji Tian chuckled. ¡°That¡¯s because there¡¯s nothing else like it. Virtual Haven is the only place where you can train in a fully immersive world. Every fight, every movement, every sensation¡ªit all feels real. It¡¯ll sharpen your instincts, refine your battle awareness, and push you beyond your limits.¡± Guo Xiong eyed him suspiciously. ¡°Sounds like some fancy merchant sales pitch.¡± Wu Ji Tian shrugged. ¡°Then why not try it yourself?¡± Guo Xiong hesitated, his gaze flickering between Wu Ji Tian and the capsule. Curiosity was written all over his face, but so was doubt. ¡°Alright, fine. But if this turns out to be some elaborate prank, I swear I¡¯m making you pay for my next ten meals.¡± Wu Ji Tian snorted. ¡°Like I¡¯d ever let you scam me out of food.¡± He moved toward the counter and gestured at the blackboard now hanging beside it. ¡°Before you start, you need to read the store rules.¡± Guo Xiong followed his gaze, scanning the board, his skepticism growing with each rule: Virtual Haven Open: 9 AM - 9 PM Rules:
  • Maximum Playtime ¨C Customers can play for a maximum of 5 hours per day to prevent over-reliance on virtual training.
  • No Fighting ¨C Fights inside the shop are strictly prohibited. Offenders will be forcefully thrown out.
  • Damage Compensation ¨C Any damage caused to the shop must be compensated 10 times its value.
  • Pay First ¨C No Credit/Tab. If you don¡¯t have the money, you don¡¯t play.
  • Entry Permission ¨C Only those permitted by the shop owner (Wu Ji Tian) can enter. Trespassers will be dealt with¡­ permanently.
Price:
  • VR Headset: 5 Spirit Stones per hour
  • Full-Immersion Capsule: 12 Spirit Stones per hour
With each rule he read, Guo Xiong¡¯s expression twisted further in disbelief. ¡°Maximum playtime? Why would anyone need a limit? What, is this thing so good that people forget to eat?¡± Wu Ji Tian smirked. ¡°You¡¯d be surprised. Some might not even realize they¡¯re hungry until they collapse.¡± Guo Xiong snorted but kept reading. ¡°No fighting inside the shop¡­¡± He glanced around. ¡°Who the hell would start a fight in a place meant for training?¡± Wu Ji Tian raised an eyebrow. ¡°Have you met cultivators? They¡¯d start a fight over tea leaves.¡± Guo Xiong considered that for a moment before nodding. ¡°Fair point.¡± Then his gaze landed on the next line. ¡°Damage Compensation¡ªTen times the value?! Are you insane? What if I trip and break something? I¡¯ll be in debt for life!¡± Wu Ji Tian folded his arms. ¡°Then don¡¯t trip.¡± Guo Xiong muttered something about robbery before continuing. ¡°No credit... No entry without permission¡­¡± He paused, then narrowed his eyes at Wu Ji Tian. ¡°...And what¡¯s this about trespassers being dealt with permanently?¡± Wu Ji Tian¡¯s grin widened. ¡°Let¡¯s just say Virtual Haven isn¡¯t the kind of place you can sneak into and walk away unscathed.¡± Guo Xiong shivered slightly. ¡°Damn. You set up shop for two days and you¡¯re already running it like some hidden sect.¡± Then he got to the price. His jaw dropped. ¡°FIVE SPIRIT STONES PER HOUR?! TWELVE FOR THE CAPSULE? ARE YOU ROBBING PEOPLE?!¡± Wu Ji Tian leaned against the counter, completely unfazed. ¡°Quality training comes at a price.¡± Guo Xiong gawked at him. ¡°A price? This is daylight robbery! I could buy an entire meal at the Fragrant Jade Pavilion for that much¡ªa full feast!¡± Wu Ji Tian smirked. ¡°And would that meal improve your battle awareness?¡± Guo Xiong opened his mouth, then closed it. He pointed a finger at Wu Ji Tian, narrowed his eyes, then finally grumbled, ¡°Still, this isn¡¯t cheap...¡± Wu Ji Tian shrugged. ¡°If it was cheap, it wouldn¡¯t be valuable.¡± Guo Xiong sighed dramatically, patting his coin pouch like he was parting with a lifelong companion. ¡°Fine! But if this thing doesn¡¯t live up to its reputation, I¡¯m taking home enough food from your kitchen to make up for it.¡± Wu Ji Tian chuckled. ¡°Like I¡¯d ever let you raid my kitchen.¡± This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. Guo Xiong huffed, still grumbling about the price as he pulled out a small pouch of spirit stones. ¡°This better be worth it.¡± Wu Ji Tian smirked as he accepted the payment. ¡°You¡¯ll see soon enough.¡± With the transaction complete, he gestured toward the VR helmets. ¡°The capsule isn¡¯t available for now, so you¡¯ll be using the VR headset.¡± Guo Xiong raised an eyebrow. ¡°And why¡¯s that?¡± Wu Ji Tian scratched his chin. ¡°Let¡¯s just say¡­ the capsule world is still a work in progress. Right now, there¡¯s nothing in there but empty space.¡± Guo Xiong¡¯s lips twitched. ¡°So, you¡¯re charging twelve spirit stones per hour for a void?¡± Wu Ji Tian coughed. ¡°I¡¯ll get to fixing that later.¡± Shaking his head, Guo Xiong walked up to one of the sleek, black VR headsets displayed on the counter. He picked it up, turning it over in his hands. ¡°How does this thing even work?¡± ¡°First, you need to register. Just put it on and the system will scan you.¡± Guo Xiong hesitated, then shrugged. ¡°Alright, here goes nothing.¡± He slid the VR headset over his head. The moment it settled, a pulse of light ran across the device, scanning his facial features and spiritual signature. Then, a deep voice echoed in his mind. [Welcome to Virtual Haven. Scanning¡­ Registration in progress.] Guo Xiong flinched. ¡°What the¡ª?¡± Wu Ji Tian smirked. ¡°Relax, it¡¯s just verifying your identity.¡± A few moments later, the system continued. [Scan complete. Please enter a username.] Guo Xiong blinked. ¡°A what now?¡± ¡°A name you¡¯ll use in the game,¡± Wu Ji Tian explained. ¡°Something others will recognize you by.¡± Guo Xiong rubbed his chin. ¡°A name, huh? Alright, let¡¯s go with¡­ Unmatched Tyrant!¡± Wu Ji Tian stared at him. ¡°...Really?¡± ¡°What? It¡¯s a good name!¡± Guo Xiong puffed out his chest. ¡°Strong, imposing, memorable¡ª¡± [Username ¡®Unmatched Tyrant¡¯ does not meet system requirements. Please choose another.] Guo Xiong choked. ¡°Huh? What kind of nonsense is this?¡± Wu Ji Tian smirked. ¡°Looks like the system doesn¡¯t allow usernames that are too ridiculous.¡± Guo Xiong grumbled, then tried again. ¡°Fine. How about¡­ Iron Belly?¡± Wu Ji Tian nearly coughed up a lung. ¡°You¡¯re naming yourself after your stomach?¡± ¡°I eat well, I fight well¡ªit fits.¡± Guo Xiong grinned. [Username ¡®Iron Belly¡¯ has been registered. Welcome.] With that, Guo Xiong felt a strange sensation¡ªhis consciousness shifting, like he was being pulled somewhere else. A moment later, his vision went dark. Then, he opened his eyes to a new world. He stood in a vast courtyard, surrounded by elegant pagodas and towering stone pillars. The sky above was clear, the air crisp with the scent of pine and incense. In the distance, he could see mist-covered mountains, giving the area an ethereal quality. Guo Xiong took a slow step forward, his feet touching the cool stone beneath him. His eyes widened. ¡°This¡­ this feels real!¡± Before he could fully take in his surroundings, a translucent interface appeared before him. [Wu Ji Tian has added you as a friend. Accept?] Guo Xiong blinked. ¡°Huh?¡± Then, he noticed a floating [Yes] button on the screen. He hesitated for a moment before tapping it. The moment he did, Wu Ji Tian¡¯s voice came through. ¡°Finally, took you long enough.¡± Guo Xiong turned and saw Wu Ji Tian standing nearby, arms crossed with an amused expression. Guo Xiong pointed at him. ¡°Oi! How are you already here?¡± Wu Ji Tian shrugged. ¡°I logged in before you.¡± Guo Xiong huffed. ¡°Alright, so what now?¡± Wu Ji Tian smirked. ¡°Now, we drop into the battlefield.¡± Guo Xiong glanced around, still trying to take in the absurdity of the virtual world. He curled his fingers instinctively, testing the sensation, the weight of his body, the texture of the stone courtyard beneath his feet¡ªit was all real. Or at least, it felt that way. Guo Xiong¡¯s gaze wandered for a moment before a faint, glowing interface appeared in front of him. The translucent menu hovered in midair, displaying three options: Select a Game, Store, and Friends. Curiosity took over, and he instinctively reached out, pressing the Store option. As soon as he selected the Store option, the world around him shifted. The serene courtyard faded, replaced by an opulent, brightly lit hall with walls lined with floating displays. Each display showcased a different outfit¡ªrobes of varying designs, from elegant and noble to downright ridiculous. Guo Xiong¡¯s eyes widened in wonder. ¡°Whoa¡­¡± He stepped forward, examining the styles. One outfit screamed "Arrogant Young Master"¡ªa lavish golden robe embroidered with dragon motifs, paired with an over-the-top jade hairpin. Another set was the exact opposite¡ªtattered rags with dirt stains, labeled "Peak Cultivation Beggar" for reasons Guo Xiong couldn¡¯t even begin to understand. Then there was one that looked like¡­a panda? "Heavenly Bamboo Guardian" Wu Ji Tian, standing off to the side, couldn¡¯t help but chuckle at Guo Xiong¡¯s increasingly puzzled expressions. ¡°You planning to cultivate in style or rob a street performer?¡± Wu Ji Tian teased. Guo Xiong ignored him, rubbing his chin as he debated between looking like a respected noble or a walking joke. Eventually, he selected the "Arrogant Young Master" robes, nodding in satisfaction. Just as he was about to confirm his choice, a message popped up in front of him: [Insufficient Balance. Purchase cannot be completed.] ¡°Hah?¡± Guo Xiong blinked in disbelief. He pressed the button again. Same result. Wu Ji Tian smirked. ¡°Yeah, right now, you can only browse. The purchase system isn¡¯t active yet.¡± Guo Xiong groaned. ¡°So you let me get my hopes up for nothing?¡± Wu Ji Tian shrugged. ¡°You had fun looking, didn¡¯t you?¡± ¡°¡­That¡¯s beside the point.¡± After Guo Xiong browsed the outfits and sighed about not being able to buy them, his gaze wandered across the store interface. That¡¯s when he noticed another section¡ªElemental Effects. "Huh? What¡¯s this?" He tapped on it. Immediately, a new set of options appeared, displaying different elements¡ªFlame Aura, Frost Shroud, Thunder Surge, and more. Each one came with a brief description and a glowing visual effect hovering above the selection panel. Guo Xiong''s eyes sparkled. "Wait, wait, wait¡ªso I can make myself look like a fiery war god? Or a thunder-wielding cultivator?" Wu Ji Tian smirked. "It¡¯s just visual effects. No actual power boost." Guo Xiong scrolled through the options, watching as the previews flickered around his body. He selected Flame Aura, and suddenly, wisps of fire coiled around his arms, making him look as if he had just walked out of an inferno. "Holy¡ªthis looks amazing!" He switched to Frost Shroud, and an icy mist clung to his robes, giving him the chilling presence of a winter immortal. Wu Ji Tian crossed his arms. "Too bad you it''s not available yet." Guo Xiong deflated. "Damn it¡­ Why does everything cool require spirit stones?" Wu Ji Tian chuckled. "That¡¯s how shops work." With a deep sigh, Guo Xiong backed out of the selection. "Alright, fine, fine. Let¡¯s start before I start budgeting my meals to save up for this." Wu Ji Tian smirked. "That¡¯s the spirit." With that, he selected Start Match. [Match Found.] The world around them began to shift once more. 9 : The Newbie’s First Victory The moment Guo Xiong materialized on the floating cloud, hovering over the battlefield below, his earlier excitement wavered. The land stretched endlessly beneath him¡ªancient pagodas, dense forests, abandoned villages, and winding rivers, all bathed in a golden haze. It was breathtaking, but also¡­ terrifyingly real. He swallowed hard. ¡°Tian¡­ what happens if I die?¡± Wu Ji Tian, standing beside him, adjusted his gear. ¡°Then I¡¯ll try to revive you at an altar. But if you mean really dying¡ªrelax. You¡¯re still sitting safely in my shop.¡± Guo Xiong exhaled, still uneasy. ¡°Alright¡­ if you say so.¡± Just then, a glowing map expanded in front of them. [Choose Your Landing Spot!] Wu Ji Tian quickly marked an abandoned village near a river¡ªa balanced location with enough cover and resources. ¡°Alright, listen up,¡± Wu Ji Tian said. ¡°Once we drop, control your descent. Tilt forward to speed up, lean back to slow down. Follow my lead and don¡¯t¡ª¡± WHOOSH! Before he could finish, Guo Xiong accidentally launched himself forward. ¡°WAIT! WAIT, I WASN¡¯T READY¡ª!¡± Wu Ji Tian sighed as he dived after him. Instead of landing smoothly like Wu Ji Tian, Guo Xiong miscalculated his descent. He crashed into the side of a pagoda, bounced off a tree, tumbled down a rocky hill, and finally landed face-first into the dirt. ¡°AHHHHH¡ª¡± THUD! Wu Ji Tian gracefully touched down nearby, watching Guo Xiong groan in pain. ¡°You good?¡± ¡°I think my spine is in my stomach¡­¡± Wu Ji Tian snorted. ¡°You¡¯ll get used to it.¡± Guo Xiong groaned as he got up, dusting himself off. He spotted a rusty sword inside a half-broken shack and grabbed it. Wu Ji Tian, already armed with a mid-tier saber, tilted his head. ¡°You ready for combat?¡± Guo Xiong tested a few swings¡ªhis grip was shaky. ¡°Ready as I¡¯ll ever be.¡± Almost on cue, a low-level AI opponent stepped into the village, wielding a short spear. Wu Ji Tian casually engaged another enemy, leaving Guo Xiong to handle his own fight. The AI lunged¡ªGuo Xiong panicked, swung wildly, and missed. The AI countered instantly, stabbing toward his chest. CLANG! He barely deflected it, stumbling backward. His heart pounded. He had expected something slow and predictable¡ªlike a training dummy in a sect sparring match. But this opponent moved with intent, adjusting its stance, reacting to his attacks, and even feinting. Gritting his teeth, he adjusted his stance. "Alright¡­ time to get serious." After a rough exchange of blows, he barely won, panting. Wu Ji Tian clapped. ¡°Hey, you¡¯re not completely useless.¡± Guo Xiong wiped his forehead. ¡°Damn, this game is intense¡­¡± Then¡ª An arrow whizzed past his head. Guo Xiong froze. ¡°¡­Tian?¡± Wu Ji Tian immediately ducked behind cover. ¡°Sniper. Stay low.¡± Guo Xiong peeked out, and another arrow grazed his shoulder. He panicked. ¡°WHY DOES IT HURT?!¡± Wu Ji Tian sighed. ¡°It¡¯s immersion. Also, you¡¯re standing in the open, dumbass.¡± Guo Xiong scrambled for cover. His hands shook as he tried to activate a movement talisman, but he was too slow. THWACK! An arrow straight to the chest. Guo Xiong felt an instant of pain¡ªthen nothing. His vision shifted, and suddenly, he was floating. ¡°¡­Huh?¡± He looked down¡ªhis body was still there, lifeless. His heart clenched. He had died. For the first few seconds, panic set in. His instincts screamed at him to check his body¡ªbut there was nothing. No hands, no weight, just a strange floating sensation. ¡°What the hell?! What is this?!¡± He turned¡ªno body, no weight, just a strange floating sensation. A moment later, his perspective zoomed out, revealing the battlefield from a third-person view. That¡¯s when he saw Wu Ji Tian¡­ standing over his corpse. Looting his bag. Guo Xiong¡¯s ghost-self gasped. ¡°BRO? YOU¡¯RE STEALING MY STUFF?!¡± This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. Wu Ji Tian crouched, inspecting a spirit stone. ¡°It¡¯s not like you¡¯re using it.¡± Guo Xiong screamed, but no sound came out. Then, to his horror, Wu Ji Tian grabbed his corpse¡ªby the ankle¡ªand started dragging it across the battlefield. Guo Xiong could only watch helplessly as Wu Ji Tian sprinted through the battlefield, carrying his body like a sack of rice. ¡°Oi! Can you at least be gentle?!¡± Wu Ji Tian didn¡¯t even look up. ¡°Nah, this is faster.¡± After what felt like forever, they reached a glowing altar. Wu Ji Tian tossed his body onto the platform like discarded luggage. The altar flared with golden light. Guo Xiong barely had time to react before he was yanked back into his body. Guo Xiong sat up, panting, wide-eyed. The revival altar¡¯s golden glow faded around him. ¡°I¡¯M ALIVE?!¡± he gasped, frantically patting his chest. Wu Ji Tian stood nearby, arms crossed. ¡°You sound surprised.¡± Guo Xiong exhaled sharply, relief flooding through him. He turned to Wu Ji Tian with newfound admiration. ¡°Man, I was really dead¡­¡± Then¡ªa horrifying realization. He remembered watching Wu Ji Tian drag his lifeless body¡­ By the ankle. Guo Xiong¡¯s expression twisted. ¡°Wait. WAIT. YOU DRAGGED ME ACROSS THE BATTLEFIELD LIKE A SACK OF RICE?!¡± Wu Ji Tian blinked. ¡°...Would you have preferred I carried you like a princess?¡± Guo Xiong looked disgusted. ¡°I¡ªNO?!¡± Wu Ji Tian smirked. ¡°Then you¡¯re welcome.¡± Guo Xiong grumbled, but the previous tension was gone. He was alive, and now he had another shot. His fists clenched. ¡°Alright, no more dying. Let¡¯s go again.¡± Their next few fights were different. At first, Guo Xiong still fumbled¡ªhis stance unsteady, his swings too wide. But after each fight, he adjusted. Instead of swinging wildly, he watched his opponents carefully. He learned to predict movements, counter attacks, and use talismans properly. With every enemy he defeated, he felt the thrill of improvement. ¡°This is insane,¡± Guo Xiong said between heavy breaths, grinning. ¡°I can actually feel myself getting better.¡± Wu Ji Tian chuckled. ¡°That¡¯s what training is.¡± Guo Xiong *looked at his loot¡ª*his rusty sword was now a refined saber. He had armor, movement talismans, and even healing pills. For the first time¡ªhe felt like a real cultivator. Then¡ª [Zone Shrinking!] Wu Ji Tian opened the map. ¡°Safe zone¡¯s moving. Time to go.¡± Guo Xiong nodded, gripping his sword tighter. ¡°Let¡¯s move.¡± They ran toward the safe zone, dodging crumbling ruins and crossing mist-covered valleys. Only five players remained. Guo Xiong was about to comment when¡ª Arrows rained from above. ¡°DAMN IT, CAMPERS AGAIN?!¡± Wu Ji Tian groaned. ¡°It¡¯s like they¡¯re programmed to be annoying.¡± Two AI enemies, dressed in black robes, perched atop a shrine, raining spiritual arrows down on them. ¡°Any ideas, strategist?¡± Guo Xiong asked. Wu Ji Tian grinned. ¡°Yeah. Split up. Whoever gets to them first wins.¡± Guo Xiong hesitated but then grinned back. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s do this.¡± They moved at the same time. Wu Ji Tian vanished with a talisman, reappearing behind one sniper. Guo Xiong charged forward, dodging arrows, then leapt onto the shrine. Blade clashed against blade. Guo Xiong, now fighting instinctively, parried the AI¡¯s strikes. A feint¡ªan opening¡ªhe slashed through. [Opponents Eliminated!] Guo Xiong panted, then grinned. ¡°HELL YEAH!¡± Wu Ji Tian smirked. ¡°Not bad.¡± Then¡ª [Final Opponent Remaining.] A heavy pressure filled the air. Wu Ji Tian¡¯s smirk faded. ¡°¡­This is it.¡± Guo Xiong took a deep breath. ¡°Alright. Let¡¯s win this.¡± The last AI towered before them, a flaming spear in its grip, its presence radiating overwhelming strength. Wu Ji Tian dodged to the left, forcing the AI¡¯s attention on him. ¡°I¡¯ll draw its attacks! You finish it off!¡± Guo Xiong gritted his teeth. ¡°Alright!¡± The AI lunged, its spear blazing as it struck at Wu Ji Tian. Wu Ji Tian sidestepped, barely avoiding the scorching heat, then countered with a well-placed slash¡ªnot to kill, but to break the AI¡¯s stance. ¡°NOW!¡± he shouted. Guo Xiong sprinted forward, gripping his sword tight. The AI staggered, leaving a perfect opening. With a battle cry, Guo Xiong swung his sword down, striking deep into the AI¡¯s chest. BOOM. The AI froze, flickering, its flaming spear dimming before it disintegrated into motes of light. A mechanical chime echoed across the battlefield. [Final Opponent Eliminated!] [Victory!] Guo Xiong stood frozen, panting, staring at the glowing notification in disbelief. The battlefield slowly faded, the golden mist retreating, leaving behind nothing but silence. He¡­ he had won. Guo Xiong slowly raised his hands. They were still shaking. ¡°I¡­ I DID IT?!¡± Wu Ji Tian leaned casually on his sword. ¡°Yup.¡± Guo Xiong threw his arms in the air. ¡°HA! I¡¯M A BATTLE ROYALE GOD!¡± Wu Ji Tian smirked. ¡°One win and you¡¯re already declaring divinity?¡± Guo Xiong pointed at him. ¡°HEY! This was my first match! First win! You HAVE to admit that was impressive!¡± Wu Ji Tian shrugged. ¡°Not bad.¡± Guo Xiong grinned, his chest puffed out. He had never experienced anything like this¡ªthe thrill of the fight, the rush of victory. He wanted MORE. ¡°Again,¡± he said instantly. Wu Ji Tian chuckled. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s queue up.¡± And just like that, they jumped into another match. ¡ª-------------- Over the course of several matches Guo Xiong¡¯s movements had completely changed. His swings were sharper, his footwork more precise. His instincts improved with every fight. At first, he barely survived encounters. Now? He was hunting enemies himself. With each victory, loss, or near-death experience, he got better. By the time three hours had passed, Guo Xiong had gone from a clueless newbie to a competent player. Wu Ji Tian stretched. ¡°Alright, I¡¯m logging out.¡± Guo Xiong froze mid-menu. ¡°Wait, what? Already?¡± Wu Ji Tian smirked. ¡°It¡¯s been three hours.¡± Guo Xiong frowned. ¡°No way. There¡¯s no¡ª¡± A notification popped up. [Remaining Play Time: 2 Hours] Wu Ji Tian raised an eyebrow. ¡°See?¡± Guo Xiong grumbled. ¡°Tsk. I should¡¯ve paid for longer¡­¡± Then, his eyes lit up. ¡°Wait! Can I just¡ªpay for another session now?¡± Wu Ji Tian crossed his arms. ¡°No extensions. You get what you paid for.¡± Guo Xiong slumped in defeat. ¡°Man¡­ stingy shop rules.¡± Wu Ji Tian patted his shoulder. ¡°That¡¯s business.¡± Guo Xiong sighed but quickly perked up. ¡°Alright, two more hours, I better make them count.¡± Wu Ji Tian chuckled before logging out. The game world vanished. Wu Ji Tian removed the VR helmet, stretching his arms. The cool air of the shop greeted him, a stark contrast to the intense battles in the game. His gaze shifted toward the full-immersion capsules. A grin slowly spread across his face. ¡°¡­Alright. Time to build.¡± 10 Wu Ji Tian stepped into the capsule, feeling the cool hum of energy vibrating beneath his fingertips as the hatch sealed shut. Unlike the VR helmet, which merely projected an illusion into his mind, this was full immersion¡ªa complete synchronization between body and consciousness. A soft chime echoed, followed by a faint hum reverberating through the capsule. His senses dulled for a moment as his consciousness drifted¡­ [Initializing¡­] [Scan Complete.] [Owner Detected.] [Welcome to Virtual Haven.] A brief pull. Then¡ªnothing. Wu Ji Tian opened his eyes to the same endless void as before. A vast black void stretched endlessly, swallowing everything in absolute nothingness. Wu Ji Tian found himself standing on invisible ground, feeling weight beneath his feet even though there was nothing there. His footsteps made no sound, his presence leaving no trace. He sighed. ¡°¡­Still just a void.¡± A familiar voice chimed in, crisp and ever-so-slightly amused. [Of course. You haven¡¯t built anything yet.] Wu Ji Tian crossed his arms. ¡°Alright, System. How does this work?¡± [A simple process. As the administrator, you control the fundamental layout of this world. You can generate terrain, adjust landscapes, and define environmental properties.] Wu Ji Tian¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°¡­So I¡¯m basically a god here?¡± [That would be an exaggeration. But within system limits, yes.] Wu Ji Tian smirked. Now we¡¯re talking. The first thing he needed was a landmass. ¡°Alright, System. Generate a world for me¡ªrandom terrain.¡± [Understood. Generating randomized topography¡­] The void shuddered. Suddenly, an explosion of light rippled outward from his feet. The darkness peeled back, replaced by towering mountains, vast rivers, and rolling plains. The land stretched endlessly in all directions, easily three to four times the size of Clear Spring City. Wu Ji Tian¡¯s jaw dropped. ¡°¡­That¡¯s a lot of land.¡± The problem? It wasn¡¯t exactly finished. Some mountains were awkwardly shaped, rivers cut off abruptly, and there were even floating land chunks defying gravity. The sky didn¡¯t exist yet, leaving the world trapped in an eerie, unnatural twilight. Wu Ji Tian pinched his nose. ¡°¡­System, did you just give me a half-baked world?¡± [It¡¯s called procedural generation. You¡¯re welcome.] Wu Ji Tian exhaled. Fine. At least now he had a base to work with. ================== As he adjusted the terrain¡ªsmoothing hills, widening rivers, fixing the broken parts¡ªa thought struck him. He had been so caught up in creating the city that he never stopped to ask an important question. ¡°¡­Wait. How does all of this even run?¡± [Clarify your question.] ¡°This world. This expansion. The qi density. It all costs something, right? Where¡¯s that energy coming from?¡± [Spirit stones.] Wu Ji Tian froze. ¡°¡­Come again?¡± [The system extracts energy from the spirit stones spent by customers. That energy is used for world expansion, maintenance, and overall system functionality.] Wu Ji Tian narrowed his eyes. ¡°Wait. So¡­ I¡¯m not getting 100% of the spirit stones?¡± [Correct.] His face darkened. ¡°How much are we talking?¡± [60%.] Wu Ji Tian staggered back. ¡°SIXTY PERCENT?!¡± [Correct.] He clutched his chest like he had just been struck by lightning. ¡°T-That¡¯s daylight robbery!¡± [Incorrect. It is a necessary operational cost.] Wu Ji Tian broke into a cold sweat. ¡°Wait, wait, wait. Let¡¯s negotiate here, System. How about 20%?¡± [No.] ¡°30%? I¡¯ll even settle for 35%!¡± [Still no.] Wu Ji Tian¡¯s eye twitched. ¡°Come on, at least let¡¯s split it 50/50! That¡¯s fair, right?!¡± [You are welcome to request an appeal.] Wu Ji Tian¡¯s expression brightened. ¡°Oh! So there¡¯s a process?!¡± [Yes.] [Processing appeal¡­] Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. [Appeal denied.] Wu Ji Tian staggered again. ¡°YOU DIDN¡¯T EVEN PRETEND TO CONSIDER IT!¡± [Efficiency is key.] Wu Ji Tian collapsed onto a nearby stone bench, gripping his forehead. 60% gone¡­ just like that. A thought struck him. ¡°Wait¡­ That means I only get 40%?¡± [Your math skills are impeccable.] Wu Ji Tian groaned. ¡°What am I supposed to do with 40%?!¡± [You can either complain, or you can attract more customers and increaseyour profits.] ¡°¡­This is extortion.¡± [This is business.] Wu Ji Tian sighed in defeat. The system had him completely cornered. Still, there was one silver lining. If this world kept expanding, the business would grow. More cultivators would flock to it, and eventually, that 40% would be worth more than he ever imagined. Even if it still stung. ¡°¡­I¡¯m never going to financially recover from this.¡± [Then work harder, Host.] Wu Ji Tian massaged his temples. This system was ruthless. Wu Ji Tian let out a deep sigh, shaking his head as he turned his attention back to the vast, unfinished land before him. The system¡¯s shameless cut still weighed heavily on his mind, but there was no use crying over it. If he wanted this world to thrive, he had to build something worth expanding. ¡°¡­Alright, let¡¯s focus.¡± He swept his gaze across the barren landscape. Satisfied with the landmass, he moved on to the most important part¡ªthe starting city. ¡°This will be the center of everything,¡± he muttered. ¡°A hub for cultivators.¡± [Understood. Generating base structures¡­] Golden light flooded the area. Buildings rose from the ground, forming wide streets, meditation halls, and training arenas. But Wu Ji Tian wasn¡¯t satisfied with just a basic layout¡ªthis was going to be the foundation of something revolutionary. He rolled up his sleeves (figuratively) and got to work. With a thought, he manually refined the details, adding a mix of modern aesthetics with traditional cultivation architecture:
  • Stone-paved roads with engraved formations, designed to subtly guide spiritual energy through the city, ensuring a harmonious flow.
  • Floating lanterns drifting lazily along invisible paths, casting a soft, mystical glow at night. Some were designed with talismanic inscriptions, giving off faint protective auras.
  • A central plaza, wide and open, built around a massive, towering statue of an ancient cultivator in deep meditation. The base of the statue was engraved with glowing runes that would later serve as teleportation nodes.
  • Marketplaces, not just simple wooden stalls but multi-level pagoda-style buildings, each designed to house vendors, auction halls, and trade hubs for future players.
  • Training arenas, constructed with reinforced stone and spiritual formations to absorb damage from duels. Elevated viewing platforms surrounded them, perfect for spectators.
  • Rivers and bridges, elegantly arching over the waterways that snaked through the city, lined with cherry blossom trees that shed luminescent petals in the wind.
The city now had a unique fusion of cultivation-era grandeur and subtle modern convenience. In the residential areas, houses were built with classic sloped rooftops, decorative wood carvings, and courtyards filled with spirit plants¡ªbut they also had soft glowing street lamps, spirit-powered water systems, and neatly arranged pathways resembling a well-planned modern district. ¡°¡­Now that¡¯s better.¡± Wu Ji Tian took a step back, admiring his work. The city had transformed into something extraordinary¡ªa fusion of ancient cultivation aesthetics with just enough modern influence to make it feel unique. Wide stone-paved roads, elegant bridges arching over shimmering rivers, glowing lanterns floating lazily above the streets¡­ It was everything he envisioned. But as he gazed at the empty streets, an idea struck him. He smirked. ¡°Hey, System. Since I¡¯m basically a god here, do you think it¡¯s possible to add more modern things? Like¡­¡± He tapped his chin. ¡°Cell phones? TV? Banks? Maybe even cars?¡± The system¡¯s reply was immediate. [Of course. You can add anything. The only problem? You¡¯re poor.] Wu Ji Tian¡¯s expression twitched. ¡°¡­Excuse me?¡± [Generating and maintaining modern features requires immense energy. You don¡¯t even have enough to fully optimize this city, and you¡¯re already dreaming of luxury? Work harder, Host.] Wu Ji Tian sighed. ¡°Figures. So basically, when I expand, I can unlock more?¡± [Correct.] ¡°¡­But I can get something now, right?¡± The system hummed in thought before responding. [You wish. But since I¡¯m feeling generous, here¡¯s a little preview of what you could have] Suddenly, golden holographic projections flickered across the city, giving Wu Ji Tian a glimpse of what could be:
  • Spirit-Powered Vending Machines ¨C Selling cultivation pills, snacks, spirit-infused beverages, and temporary buffs for in-game use.
  • Floating Information Kiosks ¨C Holographic boards where players could check maps, missions, events, and tournament schedules.
  • Holographic Communication Panels ¨C Instead of scroll messages, players could send and receive 3D holographic transmissions in real time.
  • Giant Floating Spectator Screens ¨C Public displays broadcasting duels, tournaments, or major announcements.
Wu Ji Tian watched in fascination as the phantom structures hovered for a few moments before fading away. ¡°¡­That was just to mess with me, wasn¡¯t it?¡± [Correct. But now you know what you¡¯re working toward.] Wu Ji Tian sighed, rubbing his temples. ¡°This system is merciless¡­¡± But despite the teasing, his excitement grew. If he could expand enough, if he could draw in enough spirit stones¡ªthis world could become something beyond anyone¡¯s imagination. But before that¡­ Of course, a city wasn¡¯t complete without people. [Would you like to generate NPCs?] Wu Ji Tian cracked his knuckles, his grin widening. ¡°Let¡¯s test the improved version.¡± The void rippled. Just as figures began to emerge¡ª [Incoming Transmission: Customer Requesting Attention] A floating translucent screen appeared beside Wu Ji Tian, ¡ª A familiar, frustrated voice rang out. ¡°Tian! Wake up! Are you dead or something?¡± Wu Ji Tian rolled his eyes. ¡°So dramatic.¡± With a sigh, he logged out. The moment the capsule hissed open, Guo Xiong took a step back, watching in awe as Wu Ji Tian casually sat up and stretched. ¡°Whoa¡­¡± Guo Xiong¡¯s jaw dropped. ¡°That was smooth. You popped out like one of those high-class spirit tools coming out of its case.¡± Wu Ji Tian smirked. ¡°Impressed?¡± Guo Xiong snapped out of his amazement, remembering the reason he had called. ¡°Tian! I was suddenly forced out, and the screen said my five hours were up! What the hell?! It even told me, ¡®Please come back tomorrow!¡¯¡± He flailed his arms, looking genuinely betrayed. Wu Ji Tian leaned back lazily. ¡°Yeah? You¡¯ve been playing for five hours straight. Look outside, it¡¯s already getting dark.¡± Guo Xiong turned toward the shop¡¯s entrance. Sure enough, the sun was already sinking below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple. ¡°What the¡ª?! I feel like I was only in there for an hour!¡± Wu Ji Tian chuckled. ¡°Time flies when you¡¯re having fun.¡± Guo Xiong turned back, looking hopeful. ¡°Can I extend my time? Just one more hour? You know we¡¯re best friends, right? Remember when I covered for you that time you pissed off your grandpa?¡± Wu Ji Tian gave him a deadpan look. ¡°Bringing up old favors, huh?¡± Guo Xiong grinned sheepishly. ¡°Worth a shot. But seriously, I was about to fight the last cultivator! I even got the loot from that treasure box that fell from the sky! Do you know how rare those are?! I have a super powerful weapon, and now I can¡¯t even use it!¡± Wu Ji Tian remained firm. ¡°Rules are rules.¡± Guo Xiong tried again. ¡°I¡¯ll double the payment! Just let me play a little longer.¡± Wu Ji Tian hesitated. ¡°Double, huh?¡± For a split second, Guo Xiong looked hopeful. Wu Ji Tian then crossed his arms. ¡°Still no.¡± Guo Xiong groaned dramatically. ¡°Can¡¯t we do anything about this? I¡¯m your childhood friend, you know.¡± Wu Ji Tian sighed. Honestly, Guo Xiong¡¯s persistence was impressive. And money was money¡­ (Hey, System. Can¡¯t we let him extend just this once? He¡¯s willing to pay double.) The system¡¯s response came instantly. [No.] Wu Ji Tian frowned. (Why not? It¡¯s more spirit stones for expansion, right?) [And what happens when every customer demands an extension? What happens when you have a line of angry cultivators demanding more time? Will you reject them or bend the rules?] Wu Ji Tian opened his mouth¡ªthen closed it. Damn. The system had a point. He sighed. (Fine. You win.) Turning back to Guo Xiong, he patted his friend¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Sorry, can¡¯t do it. If I make an exception now, I¡¯ll have to do it for everyone.¡± Guo Xiong huffed. ¡°Tch. Stingy shop owner.¡± Wu Ji Tian shrugged. ¡°Rules are rules.¡± Guo Xiong stared at him for a long moment, then let out an exaggerated groan. ¡°Fine¡­ but I¡¯m coming back first thing in the morning!¡± Wu Ji Tian smirked as he watched Guo Xiong leave. This is the effect of a truly addicting game¡­ Turning back, he stepped toward the capsule once more. ¡°Alright. Time to get back to work.¡±