The next morning, the Azure Cloud Peak was far from tranquil. Lu Chenge, his mind still reeling from the sheer, effortless power influx, watched Wei An diligently sweeping the courtyard. The Perfected Foundation Establishmentrealm felt like a new body, every movement sharp and powerful. He needed to understand the System's mechanics, especially the "Qualifying Contributions" rule.
He decided on the next lesson: a basic combat technique.
"Wei An, stop sweeping. We begin with the basics of defense," Lu Chenge instructed, his voice firm but encouraging. "A cultivator is strong, but they must also be swift and unyielding. I will teach you the first stance of the Misty Shadow Movement Art."
🥋 Contribution 1: The Movement Art
Lu Chenge demonstrated the stance—a swift, low pivot designed for evasion—repeating it three times. He carefully explained the flow of Qi required and corrected Wei An's hesitant posture.
"This is an Inner-Sect technique, meant only for the more promising disciples," Lu Chenge said, knowing its value. "Remember the footwork. Focus your intent."
[Host Contribution Detected: Skill Imparted – Misty Shadow Movement Art (Basic).] [Contribution Essence: Movement Skill and Cultivation Method.] [Commencing 10,000-Fold Return…] [Return Acquired: 10,000 x Top-Tier Movement Manuals.]
Before Lu Chenge could even process the sudden presence of a library's worth of jade slips in his storage pouch, the System delivered the primary amplification:
[Host has received 10,000X return of Movement Skill Essence. Host's current Movement Art, the 'Minor Swiftness Steps,' is deemed Inefficient.] [Host's Movement Skill will now be upgraded and fused.] [Skill Advance: Host has mastered the Heavenly Void Transposition Art (Initial Stage). Host's movement speed and evasion now transcend the limits of the Foundation Establishment realm.]
A flash of insight slammed into Lu Chenge's consciousness, instantly imprinting the complex, celestial footwork of the Heavenly Void Transposition Art. He instinctively took a step; he wasn't just fast—he had teleported three feet without conscious effort, leaving a shimmering after-image.
He stared at the spot where he had been. The Misty Shadow Art was an elegant horse carriage; the Heavenly Void Transposition was a soaring dragon.
💰 Contribution 2: Spiritual Currency
To test if the return was limited to cultivation-based gifts, Lu Chenge performed the second, painful contribution.
"Wei An, the path of cultivation requires resources," he said, handing her a small, clean velvet bag. "This contains 100 Low-Grade Spirit Stones. Use them to buy yourself new robes and perhaps a better practice sword from the market. Do not waste them."
[Host Contribution Detected: 100 x Low-Grade Spirit Stones.] [Contribution Essence: Spiritual Currency.][Commencing 10,000-Fold Return…] [Return Acquired: 1,000,000 x High-Grade Spirit Stones.]
Lu Chenge mentally checked his storage pouch. It now contained a mountain of scintillating, high-purity spirit stones that instantly dwarfed the sect's annual treasury. The air around his pouch felt thick with pure spiritual energy.
He was no longer merely wealthy; he had become a hidden Spiritual Resource Overlord.
🤔 Analysis of the System
Lu Chenge retracted his foot, suppressing the urge to teleport across the courtyard. He silently cataloged the rules of the 10,000-Fold Return System based on these two tests:
Amplification is Absolute: The return rate of 10,000X is non-negotiable and applies to quality (Pills, Skills) and quantity (Stones).
Quality Over Quantity: The most impactful returns are those that upgrade Lu Chenge's existing power structure (Perfected Foundation, Heavenly Movement Art) rather than just piling up resources. The essence of the gift is refined and returned in a perfected form.
The Disciple's Role: Wei An only needs to accept and benefit from the gift; her current talent or success level is irrelevant to the initial return. Lu Chenge realizes his best route to ascension is to find as many suitable disciples as possible and lavish them with the most valuable, fundamental resources and teachings.
He looked at Wei An, who was nervously counting the 100 Spirit Stones in her hand. This seemingly hopeless girl was his greatest treasure. He was a master who needed his disciples far more than they needed him.
"Master?" Wei An asked timidly, interrupting his deep thought.
"Wei An," Lu Chenge said, a genuine, joyful smile on his face. "The first step of your training is complete. Now, let's talk about swordsmanship. I have a feeling we both have a lot of cultivation to do."