Liu Chen's gaze fell upon the Red Iron treasure boxes he had obtained from Gu Yue Chi Shan and Gu Yue Mo Yan. Choosing one at random, he selected the box from Chi Shan and opened it without hesitation.
As the lid was lifted, a dazzling pillar of red light erupted, forcing Liu Chen to squint as the glare slowly faded.
"Reward obtained: Grants the user physical strength far beyond that of ordinary humans."
A surge of ecstasy flooded Liu Chen's heart. This reward of innate divine strength was like adding wings to a tiger. He could clearly feel a raw, primal power beginning to circulate through his body, surging through his limbs like a tide.
To his surprise, despite the massive increase in his strength, his physical appearance remained unchanged; he still looked like the same lean youth as before. To test it, he gripped his fist and easily lifted the heavy dormitory bed with one hand, confirming that this newfound power was no illusion.
"This must be the 'luck' I swiped from Chi Shan," Liu Chen thought to himself.
"Cumulative Requirement Met: Ten treasure boxes have been opened. System Inventory has been activated. The inventory can store reward items, and similar items can stack up to 999."
The moment the notification sounded, a grid like icon appeared in his vision, hovering alongside the remaining treasure boxes. With a simple thought, the interface unfolded, revealing a 9 times 9 grid of eighty one slots. Each square appeared spacious and neat, waiting to be filled with his treasures.
"This system is truly formidable!" Liu Chen marveled. "Not only did it activate an inventory, but it saves me the immense trouble and expense of purchasing storage type Gu worms. Now I can leave the village much more discreetly."
Excited by the new utility, Liu Chen opened the second Red Iron box the one belonging to Mo Yan.
"Reward obtained:. Grants the user the combat instincts and techniques of a peak mortal warrior."
A flood of memories detailing various close-quarters combat maneuvers surged into his mind. Combined with his Innate Strength, his comprehensive combat prowess had already surpassed that of an ordinary Rank 1 Gu Master. This gave him a profound sense of confidence in his future plans.
However, Liu Chen was not yet satisfied. His eyes landed on the Silver treasure box he had claimed from Gu Yue Qing Shu. This box represented the Rank 3 Elder level, and its presence made his heart throb with anticipation.
When the silver lid opened, a brilliant light illuminated the room.
"Reward obtained: A Rank 3 Wood Path Gu worm that allows a Gu Master to transform into a wood spirit."
Liu Chen's eyes lit up. The Wood Charm Gu was incredible; it not only granted a transformation but also drastically improved the power of other Wood Path Gu worms and accelerated the recovery of the Gu Master's primeval essence.
Yet, Liu Chen was also aware of its terrifying side effects. If the Wood Charm Gu was activated for too long, the user would be assimilated by its power, eventually undergoing "woodification" and turning into a literal, inanimate tree.
"To think the system would reward me with Qing Shu's future Vital Gu! This is truly unexpected." Liu Chen sighed as he examined the Gu. "Although powerful, its limitations are severe it can only reach Rank 3, and it takes a hundred years to refine its materials. This is a resource that even Gu Immortals would find luxurious."
The Gu looked very ordinary, resembling a miniature banyan tree. With his current Rank 1 cultivation, Liu Chen knew he couldn't yet exert its true power. He carefully placed the Wood Charm Gu into his inventory, deciding to wait until he was stronger to consider how to use it.
"Next, it's your turn!"
Liu Chen turned his focus to the final Golden Treasure Box. His eyes sparkled with excitement. This was the highest-level box he had obtained so far, its value comparable to the treasures of a Rank 4 Gu Master powerhouse.
He took a deep breath and opened it. In an instant, a majestic golden light gushed out, filling the entire room with a dazzling radiance.
"Reward obtained:. A Rank 4 consumable Gu. Upon usage, it directly raises a Rank 4 Gu Master's cultivation by one minor realm."
"It's actually a Golden Relic Gu!" Liu Chen gasped, his face masked in surprise. This was a precious treasure that Rank 4 masters coveted, yet for a Rank 1 Gu Master like himself, it was currently less useful than a Liquor Worm.
"It's a pity my cultivation is too low to use it yet," Liu Chen muttered with a trace of regret.
However, he wasn't discouraged. He placed the Golden Relic Gu into his backpack, intending to save it until he reached Rank 4. Taking advantage of the system's convenience, he quickly stowed all his other rewards including his hoard of 2,333 primeval stones into the inventory.
Looking at the backpack filled with resources, Liu Chen felt a deep sense of security. The thousands of primeval stones, in particular, made him feel exceptionally wealthy for a student.
"What a fulfilling day. Goodnight."
Liu Chen lay back on his bed, closed his eyes contentedly, and fell into a peaceful, baby like sleep.
The next morning, sunlight spilled through the window and onto Liu Chen's face as he slowly woke. However, when he opened his eyes, he was startled to find a Wooden Treasure Box floating directly before him.
"Obtained Wooden Treasure Box x1."
The system prompt echoed in his mind. The box then opened automatically.
"Reward obtained: Primeval Stones x3."
Before Liu Chen could even react, three translucent primeval stones appeared directly in his hands as if by magic.