Long Wei's vision shimmered, a slight dizziness washing over him as he found himself in a blank, ethereal space. Before him, a transparent window materialized, offering a selection of choices.
[Character Creation]
Name:
Age:
C. Realm:
Dao:
Job:
A flicker of confusion crossed Long Wei's face.
"Job? Status? And Dao?" he mused aloud, his brow furrowing. "How can one learn something as profound as the Dao so easily? I didn't even know about it until the Nascent Soul realm."
He quickly addressed the system, his voice calm but questioning.
"What is Dao?"
A soft chime echoed, and the window shifted.
[Explanation]
The Dao is the fundamental, eternal essence of all existence in cultivation.
It is the primordial current that flows through the cosmos, encompassing creation, destruction, and the balance of all things such as Yin and Yang.
The explanation continued, a hint of digital enthusiasm in the system's tone.
[Note]
Although you may select a Dao now, it will not be useful until the Earthly Deity Realm.
Recommendation: Allow the system to select the most suitable Dao for you.
Long Wei listened, a faint smile gracing his lips. These words were etched into his very being; he was a Heavenly Deity cultivator who had long ago mastered a Dao and was even on the verge of comprehending the Sword Dao before his abrupt failure. The system's offer, while well-intentioned, was almost quaint.
"No," Long Wei stated, his voice firm and unwavering. "I will fill everything myself."
[System Response] …Acknowledged, Master.
Long Wei chuckled softly, then proceeded to fill in the fields, his fingers hovering over the ethereal keyboard before making precise selections.
After a few moments, the character creation window dissolved, replaced by his newly formed status.
[Character Status]
Name: Long Wei
Age: 18
C. Realm: Qi Condensing
Dao: Sword
Job: Alchemist
He nodded in satisfaction. He had chosen the Sword Dao. He'd already completed the Water Dao in his previous life as an Earthly Deity, but the Sword Dao was infinitely more challenging. He planned to cultivate it first, pushing it as far as he could before switching back to the Water Dao once he reached the Heavenly Deity realm.
As for Alchemist, that was a given. He was a Void Grade Alchemist in his past life; it was the most logical choice.
[System Notice]
Character creation complete.
You now have access to cultivation manuals.
To activate: select a manual, sit in lotus position, and say "Activate (Manual Name)."
Long Wei followed the instructions without hesitation. He selected Aetheria Bloom, then settled into a comfortable lotus position.
"Activate Aetheria Bloom," he commanded.
Immediately, a faint, almost imperceptible tremor ran through the air around him. Spiritual Qi, dense and vibrant, began to converge, a gentle current flowing directly towards him, seeping into his very core.
[Qi Absorption: 15/1000]
[Qi Absorption: 150/1000]
[Qi Absorption: 300/1000]
The numbers climbed steadily, a testament to the manual's efficiency and his own innate talent. After a short while, a notification chimed.
[System Alert] Qi limit reached. Breakthrough imminent!
[Breakthrough Achieved → Qi Condensing Stage 2]
Long Wei nodded, a faint glimmer of satisfaction in his eyes.
"This is truly remarkable. Reaching Qi Condensing Stage 2 in just five hours. It took me two years to accomplish this in my previous life. The Aetheria Bloom Cultivation Manual is indeed exceptional."
He resumed cultivating, the ambient Qi once again gravitating towards him.
[Breakthrough Achieved → Qi Condensing Stage 3]
[Breakthrough Achieved → Qi Condensing Stage 4]
[Breakthrough Achieved → Qi Condensing Stage 5]
[Breakthrough Achieved → Qi Condensing Stage 6]
Long Wei finally opened his eyes, a thoughtful expression on his face.
"Hmm, this should be enough to easily defeat any Qi Condensing Realm cultivator," he murmured, a sense of quiet power emanating from him. "But before venturing out, I should acquire some mortal-grade weapons."
[System Reminder]
No need to purchase weapons externally.
They can be acquired internally via the Shop.
Currency required: Coins.
"Huh? It can be done inside?" Long Wei's eyebrows raised in surprise. "But how will I earn money?"
[System Explanation]
Jobs generate income.
As an Alchemist, others will bring materials for you to refine.
By crafting pills, you will earn Spirit Stones and Coins.
"So that's how it works." A knowing smile spread across Long Wei's face. "My Alchemist realm is currently Mortal Grade. Show me some quests."
As he spoke, another floating window appeared, displaying a list of options.
[Alchemist Quests]
Quest: Refine 5 Qi Gathering Pills
– Description: Basic pill that draws in surrounding Qi for cultivation.
– Reward: 670 Spirit Stones
– Materials Provided: 7 sets
Quest: Refine 2 Qi Regen Pills
– Description: Restores Qi for cultivators in battle or after exhaustion.
– Reward: 250 Spirit Stones
– Materials Provided: 3 sets
Numerous quests for mortal-grade alchemists filled the window. Long Wei quickly scanned them, his gaze settling on the first one. It was simple, straightforward, and offered a decent reward.
[Quest Accepted]
Requirement: Refine 5 Qi Gathering Pills
Materials Provided: 7 sets
Reward: 670 Spirit Stones
Materials shimmered into existence before him, a small pile of herbs and other alchemical components. Enough for seven attempts. Long Wei knew he could achieve a 100% success rate, so these were merely extra.
He remembered his past life, the arduous journey of cultivation. Without pills, his lifespan would have been cut short, his cultivation journey ending prematurely at the first realm. It was through relentless practice, honing his alchemy skills, that he had achieved a high success rate, allowing him to bypass many of the initial struggles.
Long Wei swiftly completed the quest, his movements precise and practiced. He instructed the system to transfer the completed pills, and moments later, a chime announced the arrival of his reward.
[Quest Complete]
Reward Received: 670 Spirit Stones
"Open the shop," he commanded.
[System] Opening Shop Interface…