The martial realms in the real world differ from those in the simulator, divided into Inner Breath and Qi Refining, distinct from the Martial Realm's structure.
Simon Harper lay on the worn straw mat in the Harper family's dungeon in Fairhaven, his mind quietly turning over the differences. The damp air clung to his skin, and the faint flicker of oil lamps cast long shadows across the stone walls.
In the simulator's Martial Realm, the progression was Acquired, Innate, Grandmaster, Great Grandmaster, and the rumored Human Immortals. I don't yet know the precise differences between these and the real world's realms.
The martial techniques I gained in the simulation were basic, not even matching the Harper family's Serpent Coil Technique. To grasp the distinctions between the two worlds' martial systems, I need to explore further.
Simon frowned, his thoughts drifting to the Serpent Coil Technique. It was the Harper family's core martial art, capable of guiding a practitioner to the Great Accomplishment stage of Inner Breath. It was the strongest technique he currently possessed.
But the Serpent Coil can only take me to Great Accomplishment of Inner Breath. To reach the Qi Refining Realm, I'd need the 'Mystic Serpent Art,' the next stage of cultivation.
The Mystic Serpent Art is held solely by the Patriarch, William Harper, and only main family members can learn it.
Simon shook his head, a bitter edge to his thoughts. The dungeon's chill seeped into his bones, a reminder of his limited options. The strongest technique he had could only carry him so far. To progress beyond Inner Breath, he'd need a new cultivation method.
Since obtaining a stronger technique in the real world is nearly impossible, the simulator is my best chance.
The simulator was his lifeline. After his first simulation, Simon had gained a deeper understanding of its mechanics and potential.
For the next simulation, he had a plan. He wanted to master the Blood Surge Technique to Major Achievement, allowing him to unleash his body's potential without harm. Beyond that, he aimed to delve deeper into the Martial Realm, seeking more powerful martial arts to bolster his strength.
Opening a new simulated world requires one hundred points, far beyond my current thirty. I'd love to see what other worlds hold, but I'm stuck for now.
Simon's curiosity about other simulated worlds burned bright. Each new world offered fresh possibilities, new powers to claim. But with only thirty points, he couldn't afford to experiment.
In the next simulation, I need to earn more points.
He recalled the settlement from his last simulation. The interface noted his influence on many people, which determined his point rewards.
The more people I impact, the more points I'll gain at settlement.
To influence others, he needed strength or authority. The thought sparked new ideas for his next simulation, strategies to maximize his impact.
Simon lay still, the straw prickling beneath him, as he planned his future. Time slipped by in the dim dungeon, the silence broken only by the drip of water.
Over the next few days, Clara Harper visited once, her eyes filled with worry, then vanished. No one else came except the guard delivering his daily meals, a silent figure who never lingered.
I expected an interrogation, but there's been nothing.
Simon sat cross-legged on the mat, staring at the gloomy cell bars. A cold smile flickered in his heart. The lack of questioning meant the Harper family intended to let him die without a chance to defend himself.
It saves me a beating, at least.
His thoughts turned to his father, Thomas Harper. What had he done to earn the traitor's brand?
What did Thomas take that made Patriarch William label him a traitor, dragging me into this mess?
From his predecessor's memories, Simon knew Thomas had left with several Great Accomplishment Inner Breath elders on an urgent mission. Days later, the elders returned, wounded, and William declared Thomas a traitor. Simon's predecessor was then imprisoned, beaten, and died in despair, allowing Simon to transmigrate into his body.
What could make Thomas abandon his son, injure clan elders, and bear the stigma of betrayal?
Curiosity gnawed at Simon, but answers eluded him. He shook his head and glanced at the simulator interface.
Next activation: one hour.
In one hour, I can simulate again.
His heart stirred. In this simulation, he aimed to explore the Martial Realm deeply, earn more points, and gain greater power.
My last simulation gave me a commoner's body—weak, with poor aptitude. It took eight years to reach Inner Breath. This time, I should spend points to improve my identity or talent.
Simon closed the interface, reflecting. His last body, Lucas Reed, had low aptitude, slowing his progress. Investing points in talent could speed up his cultivation.
Talent isn't enough. The default ten-year simulation is too short.
Extending simulation time required points, just like enhancing talent.
Talent… Time…
Simon's gaze caught the flickering oil lamp outside his cell. An idea solidified. Why choose? He wanted both.
With only thirty points, focusing on one wouldn't be enough. Splitting them between talent and time could give him an edge in both.
Decision made, Simon closed his eyes, waiting for the simulator to activate. The dungeon's silence enveloped him, but his mind buzzed with plans.
After what felt like an eternity, Simon opened his eyes, focusing on the interface only he could see.
The simulator is ready. Please select a simulated world.
The time has come for a new simulation.
A faint smile crossed Simon's face. "Martial Realm, activate simulation!"
With a mental command, the interface shifted, displaying new options before his eyes.