"System," Li Shen muttered, rubbing his chin as he stared at the floating interface before him. "What is 31 Q units exactly?"
A mechanical hum responded instantly within his mind.
[Answering Host:]
Body Tempering – Early: 1–50 Q units.
Body Tempering – Middle: 51–80 Q units.
Body Tempering – Late: 81–100 Q units.
To breakthrough to Middle Phase, Host must reach 51 Q units.
Li Shen's brows furrowed slightly. "So I'm barely scratching the beginning…" He exhaled deeply. "Then tell me this, System—if I cultivate now, how many Qi units can I gain?"
[Analyzing…]
The blue runes rippled faintly, forming shifting sequences of light.
[Current Parameters:]
Qi Circulation Efficiency: 88%
Verdant Breathing Art Proficiency: 32%
Base Absorption Rate: 1.0 Q unit/hour
Adjustment Formula = Base × (Efficiency )
[Calculation Result:]
1.0 × (0.88 × 0.32) = 0.2816 Q units/hour.
Rounded Result: +0.28 Q units/hour.
[Estimated Gain:]
Three hours of uninterrupted cultivation =+0.84 Q units
Verdant Breathing Art Proficiency: +3%
Li Shen's eye twitched. "Less than one Q unit after three hours?" He nearly spat blood. "If it's this slow, I'll still be an outer disciple by the time I grow old!"
[Correction:]
Physical optimization and improved breathing rhythm can increase efficiency further. Recommended course: practice Verdant Breathing Art under steady mental focus for one week.
"...So even the System agrees I'm weak," Li Shen sighed. Yet, despite the sting, he couldn't help but smirk. It was logical, after all. Strength couldn't come overnight—especially in a world governed by Qi and discipline.
He sat cross-legged once again, straightening his spine.
"Alright then," he murmured. "Let's start."
The world around him fell into silence. Only the faint rhythm of his breathing echoed within his quarters. His chest rose and fell in slow harmony as wisps of Qi drifted toward him—thin, almost invisible, yet filled with life.
Through the Verdant Breathing Art, his body guided the ambient energy through his nostrils, down his throat, and into his dantian, where it slowly merged with his existing Qi pool. The process was slow but rhythmic—each inhale refined, each exhale purged.
Time trickled by unnoticed.
Three hours later, the faint golden glow in his veins dimmed, and the subtle hum of flowing Qi faded. His eyes fluttered open, and a light sheen of sweat clung to his forehead.
He could feel it—the faint, almost imperceptible difference in his strength. It was minimal, but real.
[Cultivation Complete.]
Qi Units: 31.84 → 32.68
Verdant Breathing Art Proficiency: 32% → 35%
Li Shen exhaled, a small smile tugging at his lips. "So slow... and yet, so satisfying."
Even the faintest progress was a step toward mastery. He remembered reading once, back on Earth, that "the slowest progress is still progress—so long as one keeps moving." Here, that truth resonated stronger than ever.
Stretching his arms, Li Shen stood and adjusted his white robe, its green-edged sleeves fluttering softly. The Verdant Cloud Sect emblem—a blooming lotus—rested proudly on his chest. The early morning sun illuminated the courtyard as he stepped out, a crisp breeze carrying the faint scent of ironwood and dew.
The sect was alive with movement. Disciples in white uniforms passed by, greeting one another politely.
"Brother Li!" a few called, smiling warmly.
He nodded in return, suppressing a chuckle. If only they knew I just crawled from near-death exhaustion last week…
From the training fields came the rhythmic sounds of fists striking wooden posts. To the east, cauldrons from the Alchemy Hall hissed and smoked. Higher above, the silhouette of the Inner Pavilion glimmered faintly in the distance like a mirage—beautiful yet unreachable for now.
After a short walk uphill, a large stone building came into view—its roof carved with winding dragons and phoenix motifs, jade plaques hanging from its eaves. The plaque above the entrance read:
"Library of Echoing Wisdom."
Even from afar, Li Shen could feel the faint spiritual resonance seeping from within. The air was thick with the scent of parchment and aged ink, mingling with the faint buzz of formation arrays.
He took a deep breath.
"So this is the sect's library…" he murmured, eyes filled with quiet awe.
In the original Li Shen's memories, the library was divided into levels. Outer disciples were only allowed access to the first floor, where basic manuals and tier-one techniques were stored. Inner disciples, elders, and geniuses could climb higher, where profound arts and ancient inheritances awaited.
Each disciple was permitted to select only one cultivation method or martial technique for free for their first visit.
Li Shen's lips curved slightly.
"Then let's see what this library can offer…"
As he stepped through the towering wooden doors, a wave of ancient energy swept over him. Shelves upon shelves of scrolls and jade slips lined the hall, each exuding faint traces of intent—remnants of cultivators who had once walked this same path.
He inhaled deeply, his heart steady.
His journey had only begun.
And this time, unlike the former Li Shen… he had a System guiding him.