The rain-drenched streets were overflowing with a damp cold as Le Yuxin walked through the silent streets.
Though there was no one on the street, the dim streetlights illuminated every corner, and the ubiquitous light made Le Yuxin feel as if he wasn't returning home, but rather on his way back to the palace.
Despite the bright and advanced technology system resembling that of his previous life, with Everlasting Lamps and four-wheel-drive cars, the limitations in production technology meant there were still few entertainment facilities at night. Most people stayed quiet at home, while the wealthy might go dancing at ballrooms or engage in some illicit activities; ordinary people, without much money, could only engage in illicit activities.
Streetlights were sparse, but at least they illuminated the main road areas. This world also has energy lamps, which have existed for a long time—even using Luminous Stones as solar power.
Glorious Technology's development is quite peculiar. Because of the high sensitivity of Luminous Stones to Light Energy, ancient people created various solar-powered tools, such as Luminous Stone lighters, lamps, and warmers, by storing sunlight and releasing energy.
Compared to Earth, people of Glorious Technology lived in a city that never sleeps centuries ago—the main roads of towns are illuminated by Luminous Stone lamps, shining all night long. These streetlights only need maintenance once every few decades, without any daily upkeep. When the sun is out, they automatically absorb Light Energy and store it, lighting up when night falls. Even when the sun isn't strong, it's no problem, as Luminous Stone lamps are highly sensitive to light sources and can store energy even on cloudy, rainy days.
Le Yuxin touched the back of his neck, where embedded in his spine was the 'Glorious Charter,' also known as Luminous Stone. Initially, he couldn't comprehend why humans would implant a stone in their bodies, but then he thought, it's similar to a vaccine implantation—whereas Earthlings receive vaccines to boost immunity against specific diseases, people of Glorious Technology implant Luminous Stones to develop new attributes.
Turning off the main road and into a small street, the number of lights suddenly decreased. It's easy to judge whether a place is wealthy or poor—the more lights at night, the more opulent it is.
In Qian Yuya's memory, the upscale residential areas in Star Engraving County are as bright as day at night. Le Yuxin simply needs to stand in a high place and look north-east to see the warm flickering lights of the wealthy district and the Star Engraving Ballroom, like stars gathered in one place on the ground.
However, the most dazzling sight is the Glorious Clock Tower at the center of Star Engraving County. As the tallest building in each county, the Glorious Clock Tower not only handles time reporting but also guides any lost travelers—in Glorious counties, don't fear getting lost; head towards the orange-yellow glow of the Glorious Clock Tower, and you'll find the safe center square.
Though Qian Yuya holds a high position, his background is average, so naturally, he cannot afford property in wealthy districts. The street Le Yuxin is walking on barely accommodates four people's shoulder width, with the occasional sound of children clamor and the aroma of food cooking.
Le Yuxin quickened his pace, but became increasingly nervous inside.
Finally, Le Yuxin arrived at a two-story small building, with a platinum plaque "Rongfang Street 123" beside the main entrance, and a small wooden sign below saying "Qian Family."
Le Yuxin took a deep breath, took out his key to open the door, which still had ten horizontal wooden barriers behind it—a dividing barrier with gaps the width of a palm. The owner could reach over the barrier with both hands to open the outer door, but without the owner's consent, it's tough for outsiders to overcome the barrier, useful for preventing theft or fraud.
Le Yuxin tugged on the barrier, it wasn't locked, and he gently pulled it open. Following Qian Yuya's habit, he closed the barrier upon entering and turned to see a towel placed at the entrance.
Taking off his wet coat, Le Yuxin removed his boots and put on clogs, wiped his head with a towel, and walked into the living room.
"I'm back."
He said to the young girl sitting on the redwood chair in the living room.
Le Yuxin was left without choices.
He had to come.
In this world, unfamiliar with life and people, he had no other options apart from using Qian Yuya's identity.
Though an Awakener can drive Spiritual Power, using light to shift wind and clouds isn't impossible, but surviving solely on air and light isn't viable—unless this world's humans suddenly mutate to develop chloroplasts.
The girl turned her head, her deep brown eyes staring at Le Yuxin. She wore a purple blue and white school uniform of the Star Engraving National High School.
Glorious technology naturally has schools, even compulsory education—Glorious Lectures. The central area of all cities certainly has a lecture square, where anyone can listen to masters' teachings. The master teaches the same content every year: basic arithmetic, practical writing, useful everyday tips, and simple medical knowledge. Masters are employed by the Imperial Court, and listeners need not spend anything but time and diligence.
This compulsory education was established at the founding of Glorious Technology and continues to this day, known as the 'Mongolian Studies System.' Besides that, there is the National Academy system: each administrative district has a National Academy specifically teaching governance over light, and only National Academy students qualify for the Imperial Court's exams to govern and hold power.
Qian Yuya graduated from the Star Engraving Military Academy, which is a National Academy. Only National Academies teach Combat Techniques, simply with easier name changes over time, evolving into Cultural Colleges and Military Academies.
Regarding high schools, they emerged only within the last hundred years due to the explosion of various new technologies in the Glorious Dynasty. The Imperial Court found the need for more educated workers and more National Academy students, thus high schools were established everywhere. In the past, only a few people could attend a National Academy, and ordinary people, even completing Mongolian Studies education, couldn't pass the National Academy's entrance exam. But now with the rise of high schools, ordinary people have a path of advancement from Mongolian Studies to High School to National Academy. Meanwhile, the expansion of National Academies offered hope to many impoverished students.
The Qian family isn't a rich and powerful household. Qian Yuya was able to shoulder an important role at a young age not only because of his extraordinary talent but also importantly due to the era's advantage, aligning with historical progress.
Since Qian Yuya succeeded through this path, he naturally wants his family to replicate his success.
The girl before him is Qian Yuya's sister, Qian Yuya.
Qian Yuya is 16 this year and is preparing for the Star Engraving Cultural College's entrance exam. Naturally, this world doesn't have a unified college entrance exam; every region's National Academy has its own admissions.
Which means, my sister is a beautiful teenage high schooler... Le Yuxin suddenly thought of some anime he'd seen in his previous life and couldn't help but show a faint smile.
Qian Yuya lifted her head and blinked, looking suspiciously at Le Yuxin: "What's wrong with you?"
Why did his gaze suddenly lose focus and show a silly grin? Did he damage his brain during a mission?
"It's nothing." Le Yuxin replied, sitting in a wicker chair, pouring himself a cup of hot water and drinking it slowly.
Qian Yuya gave him a glance, then continued to read her book. Le Yuxin stole a glance, the content seemed to be about clinical pathology, even with illustrations.
Qian Yuya aims to study the medical department at the Cultural College and become a Medical Officer after graduation. Glorious Technology has specially designated official positions for doctors, and the Medical Bureau in each city is the largest official hospital.
Female Medical Officers are commonplace, because of Luminous Stone's influence, women in this world are equal in strength to men, allowing limitless employment opportunities for women. The Statistical Department has female agents, and the Imperial Court has female governors.
After finishing his cup of water, Qian Yuya remained silent. Le Yuxin could only make small talk: "Have you eaten yet?"
Qian Yuya glanced at him: "I put your dinner in your room."
Le Yuxin blinked, recalling that Qian Yuya indeed has the habit of eating alone. After returning home at night, he usually eats and exercises in his room, seldom communicating with his sister.
That should do it, Le Yuxin breathed a sigh of relief. He actually didn't dare to have too much contact with Qian Yuya. Not only did he fear that Qian Yuya might suspect his identity, but more importantly, he was afraid of Qian Yuya.
Although Le Yuxin wasn't actually guilty, after all, he had killed Qian Yuliu and taken his place. To him, Qian Yuya was like the 'family of the victim,' and whenever he faced her, he couldn't help but feel a vague sense of guilt.
This might just be a meaningless moral scruple, but Le Yuxin genuinely hoped not to get too entangled with Qian Yuya. This voluntary act of abandoning the use of identity resources might increase the difficulty of the upcoming survival challenges, but Le Yuxin would rather increase the difficulty than break this moral shackle.
For Le Yuxin, these moral principles stemming from his past life might be the only symbol confirming his existence at the moment. It's precisely because he possesses this innocent conscience that he is Le Yuxin, not Qian Yuliu or anyone else.
Le Yuxin stood up and prepared to go to the room on the second floor. At this moment, a piece of information suddenly flashed in his mind: every five days, Qian Yuliu would have dinner with his sister.
At the same time, another piece of intelligence appeared:
"So far, there is no unified, systematic, and effective method for training spiritual power. There is no way that everyone can use to strengthen spiritual power. However, spiritual power is not impossible to enhance, and the following four methods can all enhance spiritual power—"
"① Growth, a person's spiritual power will gradually grow, generally peaking at the age of 40, maintaining until it begins to decline after 65."
"② Career, when a person assumes more responsibility and has more power, their spiritual power will also significantly increase. However, once a person loses responsibility and power, the enhanced spiritual power will also decrease. If they are forcibly removed, spiritual power may even pathologically decline."
"③ Ideal, when a person has a lifetime ideal to strive for, their spiritual power will also be enhanced to a certain extent based on the level of effort and sacrifice."
"④ Crossing the Tribulation, the tribulation is something a person wants to do but dares not to. Each time a person crosses a tribulation, their spiritual power will slightly increase."
"Of the four methods, the first three require long-term perseverance, whereas the fourth can be completed simply and swiftly. To discover more talents and encourage the citizens to voluntarily enhance their spiritual power, the Radiant Imperial Court has continually updated its charter over the years, finally expanding a new function of the charter: Tribulation."
"The existence of Tribulation will actively make Awakeners aware of what challenges they can undertake to enhance spiritual power, thereby assisting Awakeners in more easily enhancing their spiritual power. However, the Radiant Imperial Court found that many people, due to fear and distaste, do not wish to engage even if they know the content of the challenge. Therefore, Tribulation also has a side effect: when a person knows the content of the Tribulation but does not engage in it, their spiritual power will gradually decline, possibly leading to a complete loss of spiritual power in the end."
"The content of the Tribulation is born from the consciousness of the Awakeners and is definitely something they can achieve. Tribulation generally has a time limit. If it is not completed within the time limit, side effects will occur."
Tribulation…
Le Yuxin was stunned for a moment, opening the virtual panel again, and found the line for Tribulation:
"Qian Yuliu's Tribulation: Have dinner with Qian Yuya, with a maximum interval of 120 hours. (Time remaining: 29 hours)"
Le Yuxin sat back and poured himself a glass of water, using the time while drinking to clear his thoughts.
He never expected the methods of enhancing spiritual power to be so peculiar. He previously thought there would be some energy refining techniques or meditation methods kind of cultivation technique, not something so down-to-earth.
'Growth' can be understood; as people get older, they become wiser.
'Getting promoted and rich' can also be understood. The saying goes that status determines mindset, and there is an ancient saying that the environment changes one's energy and living conditions. When a person controls more resources, their energy naturally improves. But there's also a saying that a fallen phoenix is worse than a chicken; this kind of spiritual enhancement is bound to resources, so when resources are lost, energy naturally declines.
'Ideal' is even easier to understand. Only people with strong willpower can strive for their ideal, and this idealistic attribute will naturally affect spiritual power.
'Crossing the Tribulation' is also very normal; just like when Le Yuxin plays some hardcore games, after clearing a level, he feels exhilarated and spiritually uplifted, as if he can hear his 'upgrade in ACT game skills.'
But the Radiant Imperial Court actually invented a corresponding function based on the 'Crossing the Tribulation' setting. It's truly clever, as if adding a quest system to the real world—and it's even a personalized version.
Maybe in decades, the Radiant Imperial Court will unify everyone's Tribulation to be 'studying.' Without studying, spiritual power decreases, more study brings more spiritual power, and the entire society marches towards the stars and the sea.
But does this Tribulation setting also apply to Le Yuxin, a transmigrator?
Le Yuxin was a bit unsure. He indeed had a spiritual power attribute, but is this attribute inherited from Qian Yuliu, or is it generated after his soul transferred to this body? Or is it a combination of both?
However, the attribute panel now told Le Yuxin that he also has a Tribulation, and if he does not act according to the Tribulation, his spiritual power will decrease; conversely, it will enhance spiritual power.
So be it, Tribulation, but the content of this Tribulation has nothing to do with Le Yuxin at all. It must be a relic of Qian Yuliu—heaven knows why he would treat 'having dinner with his sister' as a challenge.
Still, this Tribulation is obviously very beneficial for Le Yuxin; enhancing spiritual power just by having a meal, where else could you find such a good deal?
"Yuya, let's have dinner together today!" Le Yuxin said earnestly after finishing his water.
Although he didn't want to get involved with Qian Yuya, Qian Yuliu's sister, enhancing spiritual power was too appealing.
I want to eat ten meals!
Qian Yuya shook her head, "No, thanks."
"Why?" Le Yuxin was taken aback.
Why was he refused? Did she discover something? Was it because he didn't use Qian Yuliu's usual expressions? Was it that Qian Yuliu doesn't drink two cups of water consecutively? Or does Qian Yuliu usually take a bath first when he returns home...?
Qian Yuya glanced at him.
There was a trace of confusion, a tinge of sighing, and a strong dose of disdain in her gaze.
"Because I've already eaten."
'I'm sorry, Qian Yuliu, your wise and heroic image is probably completely destroyed in your sister's heart,' thought Le Yuxin.