Outside Simulation
"Oh, so the protagonist luck has started to show its effect. Let's see what surprises it brings me," Lin Chen said nonchalantly, putting on his earphones and listening to music while casually reading the latest simulation content.
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Inside Simulation
[After returning to Hidden Sword Peak, you asked your master to help you check and eradicate the consciousness of the Yin-Yang Ancestor from his corpse.]
[As you retrieved the corpse, your master removed the ring from the Ancestor's finger and explained that while the corpse was safe, the Ancestor's soul remained sealed inside the ring. His spiritual mark still lingered. After an incense stick's time, your master erased the mark and handed the ring back to you, encouraging you to use the resources inside to grow stronger.]
[Unbeknownst to you, your master's erasure had a side effect—it further weakened the already suppressed spiritual consciousness of the Yin-Yang Ancestor, making it far easier for Yu Rong to refine.]
[You began the painstaking process of refining the corpse, rapidly strengthening your cultivation.]
[In the 63rd year, after three long years, you finally finished refining the corpse. It became clear that the stronger your cultivation, the easier such tasks became. If your master had done it, it might not have taken more than an hour.]
[Just as you completed your refining, a thunder tribulation began to gather above your head. You quickly equipped protective items and prepared.]
[Despite suffering serious injuries, you successfully condensed your Yin-Yang Nascent-Soul. This grueling trial made you realize the importance of a strong physique. You decided to focus on upgrading your Prison-Suppressing Divine Body in the following years.]
[Previously, you casually ordered your followers to collect Spiritual Fire of Heaven and Earth. The results were poor—mostly low-grade flames. Now, you ordered them seriously, determined not to fall in the next tribulation. Their loyalty showed as they gave their best.]
(System: See how loyal they are.)
[By the 69th year, your followers had gathered many Spiritual Flames, mostly low-grade and some mid-grade, but none matched the high-grade Azure Green Lotus Flame. These low-grade flames were insufficient for a substantial upgrade, but your Spiritual Root of Fire advanced to Mid-stage.]
[During these years, your cultivation reached the Mid-stage of Nascent-Soul realm, and your sword law advanced to the sixth level.]
[You even challenged Ji Wushuang, an Integration-stage cultivator. Though your Supreme Foundation gave you an edge, it still took tremendous effort to defeat him. The strength of Major Forces ran deep, even rivaling Supreme Foundation cultivators at the Nascent-Soul stage.]
[You became the new Young Holy Lord of the Holy-Sword Sect.]
[You noticed the rise of many geniuses in recent years, and the rate at which spiritual energy surged was accelerating. Rumors spoke of the Golden Era of Cultivation, a theory your master tentatively supported.]
[This year, you received news from your followers: a high-grade Spiritual Fire of Heaven and Earth had appeared in the Eastern Wilderness. Both Alchemy Pavilion and Weapon Refining Pavilion had sent invitations to many to help subdue the flame.]
[These pavilions were first-rate forces more known for their resources than combat strength. Many strong individuals, including those from the Four Major Forces, gathered there, giving them enormous backing.]
[When the news arrived, many followers wished to accompany you, but you rejected them all, simply saying, "I don't want to go."]
[The next day, after altering your appearance, you left the Holy-Sword Sect in secret, informing only your master. Your destination was clear—the location of the spiritual flame.]
[A few days later, you arrived in the Shu Kingdom, standing atop a great mountain and gazing at a deep pit in its core. A living hell had been born.]
[Thick purple mist engulfed the pit, and agonized screams echoed—those who perished when the Spiritual Fire was born.]
[Whispers of fear spread around. The Spiritual Fire wasn't normal—it was the Nine Netherworld Mysterious Flame.]
[Infamous not for its strength but for its evil nature, countless geniuses had died attempting to bind it as their life-bound flame.]
[It didn't kill the user outright but inflicted a slow, painful death. Everyone was retreating back to their Major Forces—except you.]
[You knew the Great Burning Heaven Technique could subdue the flame without side effects, so you decided to act.]
["I hope you'll step aside quickly and save your life," a voice challenged as you moved closer to the Nine Netherworld Mysterious Flame.]
[A young man appeared in front of you.]
[You observed him carefully—his cultivation peaked at the Golden Elixir realm, insufficient to force you back.]
[Angered by your indifference, he attacked directly.]
[During the battle, you discovered he wasn't as weak as expected. His strength rivaled yours when you stood at the peak of the Golden Elixir realm—perhaps even stronger.]
[Determined to end the fight quickly, you unleashed your previous sword style, striking with lethal precision.]
[Feng Chen—the young man—was shocked. He hadn't expected you to match him, let alone gain the upper hand. At that moment, he knew he faced a true opponent.]
[Just as you prepared to deliver the final blow, he screamed, "Master, please save me!"]
[A ring on his finger began to glow with pure golden light. The light engulfed his body, and as it faded, his eyes turned golden—empty, as if he had seen the collapse of heaven itself.]
[Deciding to retreat, you turned—but your body wouldn't move. You were trapped in a domain.]
["Now that you've discovered my existence, how could I let you leave alive? Today will be the day you die," a voice declared.]
[You cursed your recklessness. Had you anticipated the opponent's golden finger, this wouldn't have happened.]
[But now wasn't the time for regrets.]
[You activated your All-Round Enhancement Card, combined with the Break-through Card you had preserved.]
➤ All-Round Enhancement Card (1× use): Increases all your abilities by 5 times without side effects for 1 hour.
[Your physique, combat strength, soul, speed, and Law power surged fivefold.]
[Would that old man still be your opponent?]
[The opponent remained composed, preparing to kill you with a single blow.]
[At least your card wouldn't go to waste.]
[The battle intensified. His experience tilted the fight in his favor, but he couldn't seriously harm you.]
[His shock grew as he realized your strength was many times greater than when he fought his own disciple.]
[Still, he pressed on, attacking more fiercely.]
[As time passed, his strength dwindled, and his attacks lost sharpness. You knew he would soon fall into deep slumber.]
[He tried desperately to rescue Feng Chen, but you had anticipated this and blocked most of his escape.]
[Yet, the old monster's experience was vast—his cultivation and life richer than yours. Inevitably, he escaped.]
[His silhouette faded into the distance. You chose not to chase, knowing the card's duration would soon expire.]
[When the effect ended, you retrieved the Nine Netherworld Mysterious Flame and returned to a secluded cave, determined to refine it and strengthen yourself.]
[The Competition of the Younger Generation of the Eastern Wilderness was drawing near.]