Chang Li Yao had barely recovered from his encounter with the Demon Saint when he received an invitation delivered by a glowing celestial messenger to the Purple Heaven Palace.
Great… this can't be good, he muttered. Probably another powerful saint trying to "guide" me into Hong Mang World.
When he arrived, he found the palace bustling with legendary figures: cultivators whose names shook the heavens, and spirits whose presence alone could warp reality. At the center sat the Queen Mother of the East, radiating celestial majesty, and beside her, the Jade Emperor, eyes like burning stars.
Chang Li Yao bowed politely, hiding a smirk. He had brought with him a small basket of exotic fruits. To the untrained eye, they looked ordinary vivid purple, sweet-scented, and inviting. But Chang Li Yao knew their secret: they were "poisonous" fruits infused with hidden cultivation catalysts.
"Your Grace, these fruits are rare," he said, smiling innocently. "Please, accept them."
The Queen Mother and Jade Emperor exchanged glances but accepted the fruits. As soon as they consumed them, subtle waves of energy rippled outward, breaking through hidden cultivation barriers.
[System Notice: Powerful Figures Achieved Breakthrough. +100 Breakthrough Points]
[Automatic Realm Breakthrough Triggered: Heavenly Dao Stage Two to Heavenly Dao Stage Three]
Chang Li Yao groaned, holding his head. "Why does everything I touch make me stronger?! I just wanted to look generous!"
The room's atmosphere shifted. The Queen Mother's aura flared, shaking the palace. The Jade Emperor's eyes glowed brighter, their power surging uncontrollably. Chang Li Yao ducked instinctively, barely avoiding a small shockwave.
He muttered to himself: Avoid discipleship… avoid Hong Mang… survive… repeat.
A nearby attendant whispered: "Young master… are you not joining as a disciple of the Queen Mother?"
Chang Li Yao waved his hand nervously. "Oh, uh… no, no. I'm just a… humble traveler. Really."
[System Warning: Refusal to join discipleship may hinder certain breakthrough opportunities.]
He winced. The system was relentless, pushing him toward power whether he liked it or not. Still, he refused to be tethered to the saints. His cunning and strategy had to be enough to navigate the growing chaos.
Later, as he walked through the palace gardens, the effects of the fruits continued. Energy from their breakthroughs swirled around him, further accelerating his own cultivation. Every step, every breath, even sweeping a courtyard accidentally triggered points:
[Breakthrough Points Gained: 50]
[Automatic Realm Breakthrough Triggered: Heavenly Dao Stage Three to Heavenly Dao Stage Four]
Chang Li Yao groaned again. "I'm going to lose my mind before I even make it to the Primordial World… and I'm not even allowed to rest!"
Yet, even in frustration, a glint of satisfaction appeared in his eyes. By using his wits, he had manipulated the strongest figures in the realm to his advantage without being enslaved by discipleship or sent to Hong Mang World.
This is the key, he thought. The system forces me to grow. The world wants me to rise. But I… I will choose how I play the game.
Chang Li Yao pocketed the remaining fruits, eyes glinting mischievously. The heavens might push me forward, but he would always stay one step ahead cunning, clever, and unwilling to be a pawn.
"Let the universe throw whatever it wants at me," he muttered, a sly grin forming. "I'll just turn it into breakthrough points… on my terms."