Ding:System Recovered. Mental Energy replenished.
[System Display]
Name: Li Shen
Cultivation: Body Tempering – Mid
Sect Coins: 58
Qi Density: 51 Q Units
Mental Energy: 120 / 120
Cultivation Techniques:
• Verdant Breathing Art (Tier I) [Mastered]
• Cutter's Vital Rhythm (Tier I) [Proficiency: 17%] [Efficiency: 100%]
• Verdant Blade Form (Tier I) [Mastered]
Ding:Detected that the host successfully mastered a battle technique. You are given one chance to upgrade the proficiency of one of your battle techniques.
The morning light trickled softly through the paper windows of Li Shen's quarters. The faint rustle of bamboo leaves outside blended with the steady rhythm of his breathing. He stirred from his sleep, his eyelids heavy, his body… strange.
His first thought was not of pain, nor of fatigue, but of weightlessness. His limbs felt lighter, yet firm. He lifted his arm and was startled by what he saw. His skin was taut over lean muscle; his frame seemed sculpted by invisible hands through the night. His once-solid bulk had diminished, replaced by sinew and subtle strength.
He blinked in confusion. "System," he murmured, voice still coarse from sleep, "what happened to my body?"
Ding:
Due to host optimizing the proficiency of Verdant Blade Form, the system restructured the host's body to accommodate the refined technique. Stored fats and residual energy were converted into qi-supportive tissues and neural pathways conducive to faster movement and spiritual flow.
However, host's energy reserves have been entirely expended. It is recommended that the host rests for one week before attempting another major optimization. Failure to rest may result in cellular fatigue, decreased qi absorption, and spiritual instability.
Li Shen sat in silence. His thoughts, as calm as the surface of a still lake, rippled with understanding.
So… the system not only enhances my technique—it reshapes me to match it. Efficiency beyond human comprehension. Yet, such transformation comes with a cost.
He clenched his hands. His fingers trembled slightly, though the strength within was undeniable.
The Verdant Blade Form was now perfect—each motion engraved into his soul, his muscles aligned with invisible currents of air and energy. But the exhaustion that followed was deeper than bone; it was as though every fiber of his being had been melted and reforged in secret while he slept.
"This is the difference between training and forced evolution," Li Shen muttered. "Even the heavens demand a price for progress."
The faint hum of qi within him reminded him that his journey had only just begun.
He rose, steadying his breath through the Verdant Breathing Art. The once-familiar rhythm of inhalation and exhalation now felt smoother, deeper—like a mountain breeze drawn through a forest of jade leaves. The qi coursed gently through his meridians, no longer clogged or resistant. It was as if the system's optimization had swept clean the dust of imperfection.
He sighed, shaking his head. "This system spoils me, then teaches me patience. A cruel teacher indeed."
But Li Shen was no fool. He remembered the agony from the last optimization—the way his spirit nearly collapsed under the sudden influx of knowledge and restructuring. If he recklessly issued another command, his very soul could shatter.
No, restraint was also part of cultivation.
He sat cross-legged and began to cultivate the Verdant Breathing Art once more. His breathing deepened, merging with the wind's rhythm. Qi gathered from the world around him, spiraling like threads of light that entered through his nostrils, and diffused into his meridians.
Each principle whispered to him, merging the physical with the philosophical. A fast blade is not one that moves quickly, he remembered from the manual, but one that moves without resistance.
A blade's speed was not born of muscle, but of harmony—when body, will, and weapon moved as one.
He exhaled slowly. The air trembled faintly, rippling with qi. His control had improved beyond measure.
After four hours of meditation, Li Shen's qi density rose.
Ding:
Qi Density: 51 Q Units → 55 Q Units.
He opened his eyes, feeling the subtle difference within his core. His spiritual energy flowed more freely now; the world seemed clearer, his senses sharper.
"I can meditate longer now," he whispered. "Before, three hours would saturate me… now, I can continue for four without strain."
The previous breakthrough had not only refined his body but expanded the limits of his qi vessel.
As sunlight spilled through the window, Li Shen stood, brushing the dust from his robes. Today, the Iron Fang Rabbit Subjugation Mission awaited him. Though a simple task, it was his first step into combat outside the training grounds.
His mind wandered briefly to the Iron Fang Rabbits—small, agile beasts known for their sharp incisors and explosive speed. Perfect opponents to test his newly mastered form.
He fastened his blade at his waist, feeling the familiar weight settle against his hip. The Iron Spirit Blade hummed faintly, resonating with his pulse.
Li Shen smiled faintly.
"Verdant Blade Form… let us see what perfection truly means."
He left his quarters and walked toward the mission grounds, the sun rising over the sect peaks.