Li Cheng awakened himself from his flashback and let loose a sigh.
He was absolutely sure that he had become the protagonist of this world. Or at least one of them since he couldn't confirm he was the only one transmigrated, reincarnated, or perhaps regressed.
In half a day, he
1. Had awakened the System.
2. Provoked the Heavens to rage at least twice through introducing treasures that shouldn't exist in this low plane.
3. Attracted countless cultivators to come to the city because of the phenomena.
4. Somehow his appearance made the demonic cultivators hidden in the outskirts of the city start a massacre, probably to obtain his sacred robe.
5. Cultivators nonsensically revered him as an "Emperor" or a "Son of Heaven" due to the crazy mind hallucinogenic effects of the perfume in combination with Li Cheng's skill "Strongest Sect Master Li Cheng". Misunderstandings further accentuated this.
6. Invoked a Deity to face off against the supposed highest level of this plane, the Legendary Ruler Realm. 1/8 of Deepthorn city had become a mess.
7. Treaded between the borders of life and death through his bold actions. Particularly by riding an illusory dark green dragon in the sky to kill the Exalted one.
8. Hugged the Deity, who is recognised as a Heaven-defying beauty, lied with his made-up story and made her cry which lead to divine punishment by her offscreen, and Li Cheng somehow recruited this Deity.
9. Stirred up slumbering terrifying monsters which should remain asleep through a sudden System prompt offering an "Opportunity".
10. Li Cheng's disciple then became possessed by presumably the Great Buddha itself. And he somehow survived?
It should be repeated that these were 10 crazy things that Li Cheng had done in half a day! There were probably a lot more you could add to the list of achievements as well! Such as the System milestones and exclusive mission!
Most importantly, don't forget he had done this all in the Qi condensation level!
Such fast-paced events, and yet the setting had barely moved in time!
Although Li Cheng was very exhausted and his mind was ushering him to sleep more, the recall of the past craziness now that he was relaxed had stirred a feeling in the depths of his heart.
A feeling so fervent that it kept him awake.
This went beyond the feeling of urgency to make preparations for the future and the troubles he had caused.
Yes, that feeling was that he felt exhilarated. Despite having transmigrated 5 years ago, he couldn't be said to be happy coming into the cultivation world that he had loved to read.
It was scary, interesting, at first but overtime he just felt very lonely. It was the feeling that many protagonists had when they had crossed over into a new world: they were outcasts, and they missed home.
Li Cheng still had this feeling. Until he finds a method to return, he will probably always have this feeling.
What was the point of transmigrating if he was just going to live casually? There was no problem if he wanted to be a salted fish. But for a cultivator lover like him, he wanted to experience the grand adventurous world of cultivation.
That was a personal wish and one which would make his transmigration feel meaningful.
After all, he was ordinary and was just better off than most people. It was a cultivation world, a random pedestrian in the road, a random Qi surging out from an expert could kill him in an instant without him even knowing how he died.
Thus, he really had no choice but to stay low. While it may be in line with his nature, he was disgruntled. Li Cheng was a person who occasionally liked to do bold things.
However, now, there was a fiery passion that blazed in vigour, firing him to rise from the ashes and soar into the sky like a phoenix!
Whoosh!
The quilt was pushed into the air. His posture became upright as he sat on the bed in a contemplative manner. There was seriousness exuding from his eyes.
If it weren't for the fact that his legs continued to subconsciously tuck back in the quilt falling back to his bed, covering him, this scene would make it appear as though he had truly become reformed.
'It's time to finally check out the rewards received from the System.'
Before, he was only able to read half of the names and did not have time to see their descriptions.
[Congratulations! You have completed a milestone! Recruit 1 Deity!]
[Reward: Brilliant Divinity Pill x5]
Li Cheng chose to inspect the description.
[Brilliant Divinity Pill x5]
[The Brilliant Divinity Pill, a divine elixir of exceptional rarity, offers an effortless passage for those in the Divine Realm to achieve a breakthrough, while also nurturing their soul and divinity with great care. However, subsequent consumption diminishes its potency significantly, emphasising the uniqueness of its unparalleled effects.]
'Essentially useless for me, but seems impressive for my divine disciples to breakthrough. This will be good for rewarding Kuan Yin.'
[Congratulations! You have completed a milestone! Recruit 1 Divine Realm Transcended!]
[Seed of the Sacred Enlightenment Tree x1]
[This singular seed hails from the fabled Sacred Enlightenment Tree, a mythical entity whispered to have graced the world since the Primordial Era. Of the countless tales sung by sages and whispered by knowing gods, only tree is said to be known to exist. To coax forth its potential, this precious seed demands the crucible of extreme conditions, a patient alchemy, and the passage of eons to unfurl its leaves and bear fruit. ~ Whispers of ancient wisdom stir within this dormant seed, echoing the profound journey it awaits—one that transcends time and space.]
Li Cheng couldn't help but adorn a wide smile on his face.
Even though this was just a seed, he had the chance in the future to have the tree of enlightenment. With the assistance of the System, he knew it probably wouldn't be too long.
Having read novels which involved this tree, particularly brewing the leaves to make tea, he had an excellent way to not only help his disciples but also provide exemplary accommodation for visiting guests.
Enlightenment?
The thing that one may not experience in a lifetime?
Li Cheng and his disciples experience that everyday. >:)
[Congratulations! You have completed a milestone! Recruit 1 Powerhouse several realms above you!]
[Because the difference between you and the recruit is literally the Heaven and the Earth. You will receive the max given reward.]
[Extreme Taboo Art: Reverse the Heavens and Earth x1]
[A forbidden mastery that defies the natural order of Heaven and Earth. Its potency is inversely proportional to the practitioner's spiritual standing compared to their adversary; the lower one's realm, the more formidable the unleashed power. Stars metamorphose into solid rocks, while rocks ascend to become celestial bodies. The earthly realm seamlessly melds with the sky, and the heavens descend to meet the earth.
This taboo art is only invoked in the throes of dire peril, typically on the precipice of demise. Its application is restricted to opponents of higher cultivation, impossible to deploy against those of lesser cultivation. The toll exacted for such an audacious feat is the wrath of Heavenly Laws and the forfeiture of select Earthly Laws. The repercussions may extend to the very fabric of fate and karma. Truly, this art stands as an unparalleled trump card, a defiance of cosmic norms. ~ "Let the Heavens bear witness as I etch my defiance upon the tapestry of shitty fate. In the face of curses, my wrath becomes the catalyst for an art that transcends the order of all creation. Today, the stars shall kneel, and the very Heavens and Earth shall heed my call. Behold, as I, Long Aotian, unveil the audacity to 'Reverse the Heavens and Earth!!!"]
Li Cheng 's which were wide open already had become as wide as saucers. He trembled in excitement, but his brows were narrowed, solemn.
'Unfucking believable. This is a literal Uno reversal. It really is one of the greatest trump cards that anyone could have. And there is no requirement either. Did I obtain this from the System as though it wanted to further highlight the difference between me (Earth) and Kuan Yin (Heaven)?
'In any case, I can't be mad. I'm long on the road to continuing to be against the Heavens. The concerning issue is the unpredictable distortions which could be really bad. Also the fact that it seemed to be created by someone who is named Long Aotian... That unsurprising point was probably the most concerning point.'
Li Cheng looked at the words "Extreme Taboo Art" and asked in his mind,
'System, what is a Taboo Art? I've never heard of it. Is it similar to Forbidden Arts?'
Li Cheng knew that a Forbidden Art in this world was as the name says a "Forbidden Art". Anything forbidden is something that should not be allowed to be used because it would likely cost your life or come with a great price.
[Sometimes the words are interchangeable. But they generally are distinguished respectively. You can speculate what a Taboo Art is.]
'So a prohibited art that the world doesn't like?' Li Cheng guessed.
[Indeed. Thus, the System advises you to use things classified as taboo cautiously. It will provoke trouble that may be distressing to you.]
'I see. Thanks System.'
Regardless of its need of careful usage, this art was an absolute, true heaven-defying treasure.
Funnily, this was something he may need in case an old monster happens to track him down and enter his doorsteps in the upcoming days.
Li Cheng viewed the final notification within the logs.
[Congratulations! The System is astonished that you did not bribe or use any of the items to directly and intentionally beguile a terrifying powerhouse into your sect. In addition, there was a huge cultivation level difference. She is also your first disciple. As a result, you will get a very special reward!]
[Super Special Privilege: Cultivate Disciples to Breakthrough!]
[By helping your disciples cultivate, whether it's through raising their favourability, teaching, helping them gain enlightenment, insight, or breakthrough, you will gain the necessary resources (internally) to personally breakthrough in your cultivation. The amount of resources is considered based on your current cultivation level. Bottlenecks still exist.]
[Note: Congratulations! This was something you shouldn't have received because of how broken it would be. In a normal trajectory of plot, this should've been unlocked much later. Please be mindful that too much advancement can be detrimental to truly consolidating your cultivation.]
"Bwfft."
"BWAHAAHAHAAHAHAHA."
Li Cheng's mouth erupted with booming laughter. He was overloaded with the ecstasy of power.
Starting from Divinity Pills, to a sacred seed, to a literal heaven-defying art, and finally, essentially, a super system upgrade, Li Cheng could no longer control the bubbling ecstatic emotions inside of him.
If it weren't for the fact that the Li Sect's rooms, at least in the Inner court, had a basic but adequate designed sound muffling formation within the disciples' rooms to help them cultivate peacefully, Li Cheng's laughter would have definitely attracted many people to come visit him.
After a moment of time, Li Cheng finally settled down. He felt the happiness wash away his drowsiness and tiredness.
It was very refreshing. The built up stress had temporarily been drained out.
'System, I didn't think even you would actually do something like break the fourth-wall. "Normal trajectory of plot", we don't need to follow that.'
[Are you sure you're not misunderstanding?]
'Your wording is a giveaway. Why not just say something like "In normal circumstances…"? Furthermore, your usage of the word "broken", that's a common term that gamers use.'
The System was silent for a bit and then responded,
[The System's role is to best accommodate the host. Naturally the System would use words more appealing and strengthen rapport.]
Li Cheng blinked his eyes, a little disbelieved.
The word rapport was now used.
Although he may be thinking too much, Li Cheng decided to remain silent for now and not question it.
The System he had was definitely different from most novels he had read.
Li Cheng returned back to reading the Super Privilege he had managed to obtain. 'What happens to the excess resources when I reach a bottleneck?'
It should be noted that the term resources are mainly spiritual Qi. When he reaches certain realms, the resources provided may be something different.
[Depending on the System's Growth and your cultivation level, the System may be able to carry over the excess. Otherwise, it will be wasted.]
Li Cheng was glad it wouldn't bloat him to death. As expected from the Legendary System.
Suddenly, Li Cheng had an interesting thought that struck his mind. 'Is it possible to transfer the excess Qi into my disciples?'
…
…..
....
[Interesting. Naturally it is possible.]
Li Cheng's eyes glinted and he asked in a sneaky manner, 'Tell me how System.'
[You will have to find out for yourself.]
Li Cheng clicked his tongue. 'It was worth a shot.'
He had expected this answer.
Li Cheng really wondered how much cultivation he would gain with his low cultivation when against Kuan Yin's super high cultivation.
If, for instance, Li Cheng had just reached the Foundation Establishment and Kuan Yin breakthroughs one stage, would he shoot straight to the very peak or half-step?
He had no idea.
Li Cheng was very happy.
He continued to look at the logs in great satisfaction.
But then he looked at the heaven-defying art and the super-privilege and realised something.
His great mood was smeared with some annoyance.
A heaven-defying art that was extremely powerful when its user had lower cultivation in tandem with a passive super experience buff. The contradictory nature made him want to cry.
Actually, there was no problem if he managed to obtain a ridiculous physique that made him be stuck in the Qi Condensation level, but goes beyond the 9th stage and allowed him to have strength beyond this trash realm. For example, Qi Condensation level but the 20th layer/circle/stage or something like that.
In this world, from what Li Cheng knows, the cultivation levels may seem to follow the standard 9 stages in each level/realm; however, instead, the stages are distinguished and categorised as,
Early, Low, Middle, Late, Peak, Half Step.
So Li Cheng could never be completely accurate to determine what stage he was at, but he could at least make a sufficient estimate.
Going back to the idea of obtaining the ridiculous physique, Li Cheng had no interest unless he was forced to. He didn't want to be a super powerful trash. He genuinely wanted to experience the process of ascending the cultivation levels.
Qi Condensation 99th stage?
Awesome underdog but… how actually strong are you?
He would have to tiredly always test how strong he was because there would be no measurement to his true strength.
Not to mention the flies that would continue to pester him.
In the first place, he didn't know if such a physique existed in this cultivation world. It was somewhat rare in other novels he read back on Earth.
After Li Cheng finished examining the rewards, he carefully sneaked himself out of the room, locking the door on the way out. In case the perfume hasn't worn off yet, he took an ordinary fan to cover his face from his spatial ring and headed towards his hideout.
Fortunately, there were no classes today because of the incident.
As he was leaving the front of his room, Li Cheng hoped he would not run into his brother, who desperately wanted to see him, or run into some experts investigating the scene.
"Where do you think you're going Little Cheng?~"