The day after my first breakthrough, I woke up feeling… normal. Or at least, I thought I did. My limbs felt light, my mind unusually clear, but I shrugged it off.
Breakfast was the same instant noodles, no effort required. But when I walked outside, the world seemed… different.
A group of cultivators were sparring in the training square. Their punches shook the ground, their energy a roaring torrent that could shatter stones. They noticed me and sneered.
"Hey, newbie! Step aside, or you'll get crushed!"
I yawned and scratched my head. "Hmm… maybe later."
Before they could react, the ground shook violently. A small rock, dislodged by their energy, rolled toward me. I didn't move. I barely even blinked.
And yet… the rock stopped midair. Then, with a soft pop, it shattered into dust.
The cultivators froze. "W what?!"
I looked at them lazily. "You were aiming at me?"
One of them, a senior disciple, furrowed his brow. "You… your aura! It's… impossible!"
I glanced down at my hands. Nothing special, nothing flashy… except that a faint, golden light shimmered around me. My body had grown stronger overnight. My reflexes, my senses, my very presence all amplified.
[Passive Growth Level: 2]
[Estimated Potential: Infinite]
The system's voice echoed in my mind:
[Congratulations, User. You have surpassed the average Qi Condensation cultivator in mere hours.]
[Continue doing nothing to unlock new realms.]
I shrugged. "Cool. Guess doing nothing really works."
The cultivators tried to attack. They moved like lightning, striking with full force. Each blow should have shattered my bones or at least left a bruise. Instead, my body moved without me thinking, automatically avoiding every strike with ease. I didn't even try. I didn't care.
Within moments, I was standing over them, untouched. My golden aura pulsed faintly, and the senior disciple stumbled back.
"W what cultivation technique is this?!"
I yawned. "I didn't do anything."
And that… seemed to break them entirely.
Word spread quickly. By evening, whispers had begun in the city: "There's a boy who grows stronger by doing nothing…"
Meanwhile, I returned to my room, plopped onto the couch, and opened my phone. My system stats had changed:
Realm: Qi Condensation
Strength: Top tier for beginners
Passive Growth: Active
Next Breakthrough: Unknown
I sipped my noodles, content. Seems like the harder everyone else works, the stronger I get by… literally nothing.
Little did I know, a greater challenge was coming. A challenge that even I… might find entertaining.
But for now? Doing nothing was… perfect.