In the Asura Region, Blackheaven Sect.
Within a dilapidated and dimly lit stone house at the foot of the mountain, the young man Qin Shu slowly opened his eyes.
The gentle sunlight bathed his delicate, thin face, reflecting a sense of confusion that washed over him.
The memories began flooding into Qin Shu's mind.
This Immortal Martial World was a place where demons and devils thrived, and the flames of war raged relentlessly. Here, strength was the ultimate currency, and those who possessed it could brazenly defy all rules.
"Have I truly transmigrated?"
Qin Shu questioned himself as he scrutinized the frail body that was now his own. He surveyed the utterly unfamiliar and simplistic surroundings, muttering softly to himself.
However, when he raised his left hand and clenched it, the surrounding air erupted in a brief explosion. It was a momentary phenomenon, but it left Qin Shu with no doubt that he had left behind the blue planet and ventured into an entirely foreign realm.
Qin Shu closed his eyes, allowing the memories of his predecessor to wash over him.
As an outer sect disciple of the Blackheaven Sect, he had only been a few years away from becoming an inner sect disciple.
Yet, his predecessor had grown impatient, dedicating each day to seclusion in hopes of accelerating his advancement to Level 5 Qi Refinement. Sadly, his cultivation journey had been marred by an unexpected ambush, leading to a loss of consciousness.
"It appears my predecessor encountered an accident. Otherwise, with his strength, I could have at least defended myself if not vanquished the assailant."
Qin Shu contemplated, feeling the spiritual energy coursing through his being. He glanced around the room before casually picking up an inconspicuous stone lying beside the bed.
"A Fallen Shadow Stone? It seems the culprit failed to clean up the crime scene adequately."
The primary function of the Fallen Shadow Stone was to record a cultivator's progress during their training, allowing them to review and correct their mistakes later. Yet, in this instance, it had inadvertently captured Qin Shu's untimely demise.
Qin Shu tapped into his spiritual power, activating the Fallen Shadow Stone. Shortly thereafter, an indistinct image materialized on the floor.
He saw a figure holding a rod in hand, stealthily descending from the ceiling beam. Without his predecessor's awareness, a ruthless blow was struck.
Then, the person stuffed something into Qin Shu's arms and left in a hurry.
Upon observing this, Qin Shu instinctively searched his pocket and unearthed a concealed storage bag.
Upon activating his spiritual power to open the bag, he was greeted with a perplexing sight.
The bag contained items that outer sect senior brothers had reported missing recently, prominently featuring black iron swords and numerous elixirs. Notably, there were dozens of Qi Refining Pills and a manual resembling a cultivation technique.
Qin Shu took out the manual and its title reading 'Burning Blood Technique.'
"It seems someone intends for me to meet my demise."
The Burning Blood Technique was considered forbidden within the Blackheaven Sect. Upon discovery, one's cultivation technique would face immediate confiscation, and the cultivator would be demoted to the status of a servant disciple. In severe instances, expulsion from the sect loomed as a consequence. Those who dared to defy the sect's authority could even face swift execution.
Qin Shu re-examined the figure in the Fallen Shadow Stone, sensing an increasing familiarity.
"Yes, it's him."
"Outer sect disciple, Wang He!"
Suddenly, Qin Shu recalled a person who, despite his unattractive appearance, had frequently extorted protection fees from outer sect disciples. After the fee collection, he always indulges in dining, imbibing, and gambling.
Logically, one would find it implausible for an individual of his caliber to gain entry into the esteemed Blackheaven Sect, let alone be deemed worthy of a servant disciple role. Nevertheless, his brother, Wang Ho, had managed to ascend to the ranks of an inner sect disciple solely through his unwavering dedication. It was increasingly probable that he might even secure a coveted position as the Third Elder's direct disciple this year.
By leveraging his brother's influence, Wang He had infiltrated the Blackheaven Sect, wreaking havoc with his identity and forming close ties with many inner sect disciples.
Due to his predecessor's financial constraints, he had been compelled to assist Wang He in smuggling prohibited items from the sect in exchange for protection fees. However, as he neared his breakthrough, he repeatedly declined Wang He's requests, leading Wang He to suspect that Qin Shu might expose him and subsequently plot his demise.
"But what purpose would he have for the Burning Blood Technique? Even if he doesn't practice it, his brother could easily secure him a favorable position."
Qin Shu pondered briefly before dismissing the thought.
"If he discovers that I am not dead, he will undoubtedly attempt a second ambush. There won't be a third chance for me."
Qin Shu furrowed his brow slightly. He was well aware that Wang He possessed the same Level 4 Qi Refinement as him. Moreover, Wang He had recently exhibited signs of a breakthrough. With Wang He's current strength, defeating him in a confrontation seemed improbable.
Furthermore, Wang He had the protection of his brother, which meant any harm that befell Wang He would inevitably result in retaliation. In contrast, Qin Shu had no such backing. Even if he were to die at Wang He's hands, there might not be anyone willing to seek justice on his behalf.
"Now that circumstances have brought me to this juncture, is my only recourse to cultivate the Blood Burning Technique?"
Qin Shu contemplated his next steps as he picked up the Burning Blood Technique manual.
Suddenly, a clear mechanical sound resonated, causing Qin Shu's vision to blur as a dark blue panel materialized before him.
[Beep, simplified system now online.]
[Detection of Burning Blood Technique. Do you wish to use ten years of lifespan to simplify it?]
"Is the system here?" Qin Shu exclaimed in delight.
However, instead of immediately learning the technique, he accessed the interface.
[Name: Qin Shu]
[Lifespan: 21/75 years]
[Realm: Level 4 Qi Refinement (257/300)]
[Cultivation Technique: Level 7 Life-Preserving Technique (Entry Level-321/1000)(Can be simplified)]
[Level 9 Space-Breaking Fist (Beginner-32/100)(Can be simplified)]
"Can I use my lifespan to simplify this cultivation technique?"
Qin Shu examined the Blood Burning Technique once more. To his surprise, the interface underwent another transformation. The Blood Burning Technique materialized in the cultivation technique column, accompanied by the reassuring label 'learnable.'
"System, how much lifespan is required to simplify the Life-Preserving Technique?" After careful consideration, Qin Shu posed this question.
[20 years of lifespan are needed to simplify the Life-Preserving Technique. Do you wish to simplify it?]
"Yes," Qin Shu responded without hesitation.
The Life-Preserving Technique was a fundamental cultivation method all Blackheaven Sect's disciples had to master. Rumor had it that it could extend one's lifespan, making it a valuable skill to cultivate.
[Beep, Life-Preserving Technique is undergoing simplification.]
[Beep, Life-Preserving Technique is simplified. Life-Preserving Technique → Breathing]
"Breathing?"
"Do I simply need to breathe to cultivate the Life-Preserving Technique? System, don't jest with me."
Despite his nonchalant words, Qin Shu's breathing quickened noticeably, causing him to cough intermittently as he struggled to control its rapid pace.
"Ahem."
After clearing his throat, Qin Shu reexamined the interface to find that the values had indeed changed.
[Name: Qin Shu]
[Lifespan: 21/55 years (45/365 days)]
[Realm: Level 4 Qi Refinement (268/300)]
[Cultivation Technique: Level 7 Life-Preserving Technique (Entry Level-351/500)]
[Level 9 Space-Breaking Fist (Beginner-32/100)(Can be simplified)]
"I didn't expect it to work so well!" Qin Shu's eyes brightened. Traditionally, cultivating the Life-Preserving Technique would take at least ten minutes and required meticulous precision, as any error meant restarting the process from the beginning. This was an incredibly challenging task.
However, with just a few breaths, Qin Shu had achieved results equivalent to half an hour of diligent effort. The process had been remarkably simplified.
"System, how much lifespan does simplifying the Space-Breaking Fist require?" Qin Shu steeled himself and inquired about the system.
Given that his lifespan was steadily replenishing through his daily breathing, he decided to utilize this newfound free time to simplify the Space-Breaking Fist, preparing himself for the impending danger.
[Beep. Simplifying the Space-Breaking Fist necessitates fifteen years of lifespan. Do you wish to proceed?]
"Yes," Qin Shu affirmed without hesitation. At this point, increasing his strength was paramount.
[Beep, Space-Breaking Fist is undergoing simplification.]
[Beep, Space-Breaking Fist is simplified. Space-Breaking Fist → Punching]
"Punching?"