Author's Note: In the last chapter, there was something I forgot to mention.
The reason Lin Chen did not choose the Alchemy Genius talent was because he estimated it had already reached its limit. His rapid rise to a fifth-grade alchemist was thanks to the Comprehension Enhancement talent instead.
---
After reminiscing over the content of his previous simulation, Lin Chen sat quietly, waiting for the reward.
This time, the run had provided little useful information, nor any exceptional talent. He already knew exactly what he would pick.
Moments later, the system's mechanical voice echoed in his mind:
[Ding! Reward settlement completed. The host may choose three of the following rewards.]
The list unfolded:
Blue Talent: Wind Charge
Cultivation: Peak-stage Great-Grandmaster, Peak-stage Golden Elixir {with Supreme Foundation — Extraordinary Bone talent upgraded to Purple}
Experience: Marrow-Cleansing, combat knowledge, muscle memory, technique proficiency, practicing experience {Spear Intent Lv.6, Sword Intent Lv.4, Stick Intent Lv.1, etc.}, breakthrough experience, cultivation comprehension, and more.
Resources: 87.3 million spirit stones (including silver and gold), Invisibility Clock, etc.
Detailed memory of everything you saw.
Lin Chen didn't hesitate.
> "Cultivation to the Extreme of Qi-Refining, Peak of Great-Grandmaster realm. Experience. Resources."
The moment he made his choice, a surge of gentle yet overwhelming energy coursed through his body. His meridians were nourished, his foundation strengthened, his talents refined. Bit by bit, his cultivation soared upward.
Before long, he had reached the Extreme of Qi-Refining and the Peak of the Great-Grandmaster realm.
Just then, the system chimed again:
[Ding! The host has ranked 1st in the entire Yongcheng City. Reward: The Great Burning Heaven Technique.]
[Ding! The host has ranked 1st in the entire Qingcheng County. Reward: Talent — The Master of Talisman Dao (Gold).]
[Ding! The host has ranked 1st in the entire Taiping Dynasty. Reward: The Book, Introduction of Talisman.]
---
Reward Descriptions:
The Great Burning Heaven Technique: An ultimate cultivation technique for Fire Spiritual Roots. By devouring the flames of heaven and earth, it can raise the grade of a Fire Spiritual Root, or even create one for a body without it. Countless hidden functions await discovery.
The Master of Talisman Dao (Gold): A once-in-a-million-years talent with the potential to dominate the Dao of Talismans. Even in the Upper Realm, such a genius would stand unrivaled.
The Book, Introduction of Talisman: A compendium recording all known formation techniques from Tier 1 to Tier 9, past and present.
---
When Lin Chen saw the rewards, his breath caught—not because the Combat Ranking System had manifested into reality, but because the prizes were simply too valuable.
Why had he gained so much?
After pondering, he realized it might be due to his Luck, a variable he still couldn't measure. He guessed it hovered around the level of a Red Talent. If it were higher, the rewards would have been even more heaven-defying.
Shaking his head, he decided not to overthink it and focused instead on examining what he had.
---
The first thing he checked was a peculiar treasure: the Invisibility Clock.
It looked like an ordinary timepiece, but its function was anything but ordinary. Once worn, it cloaked its user in invisibility for a full day.
However, it had flaws. After one hour, its effect would begin to weaken. Cultivators of the Mahayana realm or stronger would still be able to perceive the wearer. The longer it was worn, the weaker its concealment became. Furthermore, it required one full month of cooldown after each use.
"Still," Lin Chen muttered, "it's a lifesaving item in the right situation."
He then turned his attention to the vast mountain of spirit stones in his storage space—enough wealth to sustain countless breakthroughs, auctions, and treasures.
At last, he gave the system a single command:
> "System, upgrade to Level 9. Introduce the new feature."
[Ding! Upgrade successful. The system has advanced to Level 9. The new functions are as follows:]
[Level 9: Guaranteed Purple Talent. Green Talent draws have been removed.]
Lin Chen's eyes lit up.
> "Guaranteed purple talents from now on… Excellent."
A grin spread across his face. This was a massive leap forward.
After a moment's silence, he steadied himself and spoke again:
> "System, start simulation."
[Ding! One Spirit Stone consumed. Remaining currencies: 46.2 million Spirit Stones.]
Lin Chen froze for a second, then recalled the original instructions of the simulator—the higher its level, the more valuable the fuel it required.
This time, the system had consumed a spirit stone.