The golden token lay in Jiang Chen's palm, radiating a faint, almost imperceptible warmth. A One-Time Talent Acquisition Voucher (Low Grade). A lottery ticket for an innate ability. This was huge. Talents were gifts from birth, rare and powerful, shaping a cultivator's entire path. To acquire one randomly? It felt like cheating, even for a System user.
[Host, it's not cheating. It's a strategic acquisition. While the grade is 'Low,' even a minor innate talent can provide a significant advantage, especially for someone starting from zero. Are you ready to activate it?] The System's voice held a rare hint of eagerness.
"Ready," Jiang Chen affirmed, his heart thumping with anticipation. This was a gamble, but one he had to take. He focused his will, and the golden token dissolved into a shimmering mist that seeped into his skin.
A strange sensation washed over him. It wasn't the rush of Qi absorption, but a deeper, more fundamental shift. It felt like a new circuit was being wired into his very being, connecting to something ancient and profound. A torrent of unfamiliar information, instinctual knowledge, began to coalesce in his mind.
[Talent Acquisition Successful!]
[New Talent Acquired: Minor Spirit Affinity (Low Grade)
* Effect: Minor increase in the efficiency of Spirit Qi absorption and refinement (5% bonus). Slightly enhanced perception of ambient Spirit Qi flows.
* Description: A basic connection to the fundamental energy of the world. While subtle, it provides a consistent, passive boost to all cultivation efforts. Useful for early-stage progression.]
Jiang Chen blinked. "Minor Spirit Affinity? That's it?" He had hoped for something flashy, like innate sword mastery or lightning control.
[Host, do not underestimate Minor Spirit Affinity. A passive 5% bonus to all Spirit Qi absorption and refinement is a substantial long-term advantage. It means you will cultivate faster, hit breakthroughs sooner, and waste less energy than others. It is the steady river, not the flashy waterfall. Consistency wins races, Host.] The System explained, its tone firm.
Jiang Chen considered it. The System had a point. In a world where cultivation was a lifelong grind, a constant, effortless boost was incredibly valuable. It might not be flashy, but it would make every minute he spent cultivating more effective. And combined with his Divine Comprehension? He could potentially break through realms at a speed that would shock even geniuses.
"Alright, I'll take it," he conceded. "So, two Spirit Stones left. Should I use them now?"
[Given your current physical state and the impending chores, I recommend a strategic delay. Absorb one now to reach Body Tempering Stage 5 (Peak), then save the other for a critical moment or when you're ready to attempt the Qi Gathering realm breakthrough. Over-absorption without proper consolidation can lead to unstable foundations.]
"Smart," Jiang Chen agreed. He still had a limited body, and pushing too hard without rest could backfire. He picked up another Low-Grade Spirit Stone. This time, he focused his newfound Minor Spirit Affinity. As he absorbed, the Qi flowed not just powerfully, but with a subtle, guiding current, making the process smoother, more efficient.
The transformation was swift. His body tightened further, his bones feeling like tempered steel. A surge of robust energy filled every fiber of his being.
[Host has reached Body Tempering Stage 5 (Peak)! All physical attributes are maximized for this realm. Further Body Tempering will require a breakthrough to Body Tempering Stage 6, or a qualitative shift into the Qi Gathering realm. Current Spirit Qi: 490/500 (At maximum capacity for this stage, ready for breakthrough).]
Jiang Chen stood, feeling the power humming beneath his skin. He felt utterly different from the starved, weak 'Ming' he had woken up as just days ago. He was strong. Strong enough to easily handle any servant, strong enough to perhaps even challenge a low-level Outer Sect disciple. But still not strong enough for Young Master Li. Not yet.
He had one Spirit Stone left, a potent key to his future. He carefully tucked it away in a hidden pocket within his tattered robes.
A new mission popped up.
[Urgent Mission: Consolidate Body Tempering Stage 5 (Peak) by performing physically demanding tasks. Reward: 10 System Points, Minor Increase in Endurance Attribute.]
[Recommendation: The upcoming daily chores provide an ideal opportunity for consolidation. Your increased strength will make them trivial, allowing focus on internal Qi circulation.]
The overseer's familiar bellow echoed from the corridor outside his room. "Ming! Chen! All servants! Chores! Now!"
Jiang Chen cracked a small smile. "Right on time."
He stepped out, joining the shuffling figures in the corridor. The other servants still looked exhausted, their movements sluggish. But Jiang Chen moved with a quiet, confident stride. He was still wearing the dirty robes, still subject to orders, but inside, he was a different person. He was a cultivator, steadily climbing the ladder of power, leaving the dust behind. The next step was to consolidate his gains and then... the Qi Gathering realm. Young Master Li wouldn't know what hit him.