When Lin Chen saw the new features unlocked after the upgrade, his lips curled into a rare smile.
Especially after reaching Level 5, where he obtained the mysterious Combat Ranking System—even though he had no idea what it truly was, the very fact that it was labeled a System meant it had to be extraordinary.
At Level 5, he no longer had to rely on self-destruction inside the simulation to claim a cultivation realm. From now on, he could simply select the realm he wished to obtain from the simulation results. That alone saved him countless risks and troubles.
The Level 7 upgrade was equally useful. His simulated self no longer needed to worry about limited storage space. Anything he touched within the simulation could now be stored without restriction.
Lin Chen's eyes glimmered with anticipation. "System, what exactly is the Combat Ranking System?"
As if expecting the question, the system's mechanical voice echoed in his mind.
[Ding! The Combat Ranking System is a feature that evaluates and ranks strength within the area where the host resides.]
[Every living being that remains within the host's area for five years will automatically be considered a resident of that area. This includes not only humans but also non-humans such as beasts, plants, and even insects.]
[When the host ranks 1st within that area, the host will immediately draw a reward. From then on, every ten years, the host will continue to receive additional rewards, and the ranking scope will expand to cover a wider area.]
[The larger the area the host dominates, the higher the chances of receiving heaven-defying rewards.]
[Rewards are not restricted. They may include techniques, talents, skills, treasures, resources, pets, or even… other systems.]
Lin Chen's heart throbbed with excitement. This feature was even more terrifying than he had imagined. With such a function, as long as he continued to grow, his simulated self would always have a reliable path to power.
"From now on," Lin Chen muttered to himself, eyes sharp as blades, "my simulated self will have greater reliance… and I will climb higher, faster."
Yet, as the joy settled, a peculiar thought surfaced. Am I really the protagonist of this world… or not?
He remained silent for a long time before shaking his head. "Even if I am not the protagonist, so what? With the Eternal Cultivation Simulator in my hands, I will defy heaven itself. I will reign supreme, an eternal taboo overlooking all beings."
His voice carried unshakable determination.
"System, how are areas divided in the Combat Ranking System?"
[Areas are ranked from small to large: City → County → Country/Kingdom → Region → World → Star System → Galaxy → Universe → Multiverse, and beyond.]
Lin Chen exhaled slowly. "So that's how it works."
Though the divisions were vast, he felt no discouragement. On the contrary, he was thrilled. After all, he would obtain rewards every ten years as long as he remained 1st in the rankings. Even small areas, accumulated over time, would grant him endless benefits.
Satisfied, he calmed his mind and turned his focus back to what mattered most—the Simulator.
"System, start simulation."
[1 silver consumed. Remaining balance: 6.2 million spirit stones.]
[Ding! Simulation begins. Talents are being drawn…]
[The host may choose one of the following talents:]
Alchemy Genius (Blue): A peerless alchemical prodigy, born once in a thousand years.
Longevity (Green): Lifespan increased by 25%.
Lin Chen barely hesitated. Longevity was useful, but not urgent. After establishing his Supreme Foundation, his lifespan in the Foundation Establishment realm already reached two thousand years—far from lacking.
Instead, he immediately chose Alchemy Genius.
Not only did it resonate with his current needs, but in his previous simulation he had plundered countless alchemy recipes and resources from the Gu family and the seven women he had subdued. He had long been itching to try his hand at alchemy himself.
"Yes," Lin Chen's eyes gleamed, "this will maximize those gains."
[Talent confirmed: Alchemy Genius.]
[Simulation begins.]
[On the first day inside the simulation, you immediately retrieved numerous alchemy recipes and ingredients. After scanning through them, you chose the Body-Building Pill as your first attempt.]
[With your newfound talent, you successfully refined the pill within a day. After consuming it, your body strengthened, and you broke through to the Body Refining Realm.]