[Ding! The source is the origin of all living beings in the universe. Every living being whether human or beast, they all have source within their souls. You can naturally acquire source energy through cultivating, but it is limited. Through the system, the User can accumulate source energy through killing living organisms and thus obtaining their source points.] The mechanical voice explained.
"I see… so that what it is, I think I understand it now— wait, are you saying that I obtained those source points by killing two of those bandits during our journey to the Capital City?" Shenyan's eyes widen as realization suddenly dawn on him. He was wondering how there was already points allocated to the source energy accumulation icon; so that's it! The mystery behind his source energy accumulation already being at 80 points had something to do with the bandits that he killed.
…
[Ding! Indeed, the User obtained those Source points through the killing of the two individuals who both had 15 SP and 65 SP, respectively.] The mechanical voice confirmed.
'I-Is that so?' Shenyan replied with a somewhat strange expression on his face. That was the first time he had killed people; The impact it left on him was unlike anything he had ever felt before, but he decided not to think about it as he only did so in order to survive.
However, just as he had forgotten about the matter, he had learned just now that he not only killed those two people, but he also obtained their source points, this left a bad taste in his mouth. Shenyan was lost in his thought for a while with a dazed look on his face and suddenly he remembers something important that he needed to confirm, snapping him out of his trance.
'Origin! What about cultivating? Can I cultivate now that whatever you were doing before is over?' Shenyan anxiously asked as he could not wait to start cultivating. Throughout this month after people learned about his predicament they started jeering towards his direction every time he went to the training ground to practice his nonexistent basic sword technique. Although he did not care what people thought about but that does not mean that he was willing to be this way forever.
[Affirmative, the User can indeed start his cultivation journey now that your body's condition had been restored to its peak state. Would you like to cultivate first, or would you like to comprehend the techniques of the sword?] The mechanical voice replied and then it asked.
Upon hearing this, Shenyan immediately fell in thoughts. He could either learn the techniques shown for his sword or begin cultivating right away but is it okay to learn these techniques without any cultivation? What if it is like before, and the techniques only work better with spirit energy?
'In any case, it doesn't matter what I learn first since the source points, or the techniques are not going anywhere…' Shenyan thought to himself after musing over the issue.
Shortly after, he made up his mind and said, 'I would like to learn the techniques later. For now, I will try cultivating and see whether what you said was true or not. After all, I have been cultivating for two years without any improvement.' Shenyan said with a bitter smile on his face.
He still could not get over the shock he had just now when he found out that the system was the cause of his plight, and it did not even bother to tell him anything until now.
Shenyan let out a deep breath as he assumed the lotus position. By this point, he had already accustomed himself with sitting in this position for the past two years so much so that now, he comfortable sitting in this position unlike the beginning where he felt his bones hurt after a session of cultivating.
"Hoo…"
After he let out another series of deep breaths to calm his mind and nerves, Shenyan began to recite the Basic Breathing Cultivation Technique— this technique was the complete and original version of the one he had before and after the system enhanced it, it said 'maxed' at the end of the technique displayed on the status screen.
It worked better after being enhanced and so immediately after reciting the cultivation method, Shenyan could once again feel the ethereal energy that seemed to encompass everything in this world approach his body.
When the energy approached his body, Shenyan utilize the method of absorbing the spirit energy into one's body and like a vacuum his body began to absorb the spirit energy surrounding him, directing them into his [Spirit Core] located underneath his chest, a few inches away from his heart and when he did, notifications started appearing in his head, but it did not break his concentration though, as he could only see the texts appear in his view, even when his eyes were closed.
[+5 Spirit Energy]
[+5 Spirit Energy]
[+5 Spirit Energy]
[+5 Spirit Energy]
[+5 Spirit Energy]
[+5 Spirit Energy]
…
After a few seconds, a new notification suddenly appeared in his head.
[Ding! You have absorbed enough Spirit Energy for a breakthrough. Would the User like the system to assist in breaking through or would the User like to breakthrough himself?] The mechanical voice suddenly said as it asked while displaying his spirit energy accumulation bar.
⟪[Spirit Energy Accumulation]: 100/100⟫
"Eh, already?" Shenyan was surprised by how short his cultivating session had been. It had only been like about 20 seconds, and he already had enough to breakthrough? 'Whatever, that does not matter.' He thought as he read what the system said just now, about him breaking through himself or would be assisted in breaking through.
Shenyan thought for a moment, and he then asked, 'Origin, what is the difference?'
[Ding! The User can choose to breakthrough himself when cultivating according to the method indicated in the cultivation technique, but it will take time in doing so as you progress. But with the system's help, there would be no obstruction when cultivating. The User only needs to spend some source points and you can safely breakthrough.] The mechanical voice explained to him.
'Source points, huh? That thing is really useful— wait, if I spend the source points now, then how would I learn any sword techniques in the future? Forget it, I will just try to break through myself. I highly doubt I would be obstructed when breaking through.' Shenyan thought as he had a look of determination on his face.
'Origin, I would like to try breaking through myself, if it doesn't work, then I would try using the source points.' Shenyan then said to the system as he immediately resumed his cultivation.
[Understood, the User have to be carefully when cultivating and not overexert himself as that could prove to be detrimental to your future progress.] The mechanical voice said as it warned Shenyan.
'Okay.' Shenyan only curtly replied as he was concentrating on breaking through right now.
After resuming his cultivation state, Shenyan then gathered enough spirit energy as he tried to break through. A few minutes later, a refreshing surge of energy was currently coursing through every fiber of Shenyan's body causing his cells and meridians to be more active than ever— this feeling was exhilarating. Shenyan found out that it was not that hard to breakthrough as the system had said, as he had been able to breakthrough after only a few minutes; The notification bell rang in his ear immediately after breaking through.
[Ding! You have achieved a breakthrough in your cultivation and becoming a First-level Spirit Apprentice.] The mechanical voice announced.
[All attributes +150]
…
[Congratulations to the User for finally breaking the mortal shackles and becoming a cultivator! Displaying your current status!] The voice said with a hint of excitement.
Shenyan felt strange by these alternating voices, but he soon dismissed the thought as he looked through his status screen, immediately seeing the changes the occurred after finally breaking through.
…
⟪Name: Shenyan⟫
⟪Race: Human(?)⟫
⟪Bloodline: None(?)⟫
⟪Physique: [Blood Refining Physique] and [???] (sealed)⟫
...
⟪Soul Strength: 1150⟫
⟪Physical Strength: 350⟫
⟪Physical Resistance: 350⟫
⟪Mental Strength: 400⟫
⟪Mental Resistance: 650⟫
...
⟪[Spirit Energy Accumulation]: 0/200⟫
⟪[Cultivation Realm]: First-Level Spirit Apprentice⟫
⟪[Skill(s)]: [???]⟫
⟪[Technique(s)]: Basic Breathing Technique (Maxed)⟫
⟪[Origin Comprehension]⟫
⟪[???]⟫
⟪[???]⟫