After their meal, Chen Chu and Xia Youhui headed to the logistics department together.
While Xia Youhui was in the process of exchanging life crystals, Chen Chu approached a self-service inquiry machine nearby. He entered his student number and reviewed the available resources suitable for exchange.
For freshmen at the first level, resource options were limited, falling into three categories: physique enhancement, accelerated kung fu practice, and assistance with realm breakthroughs, totaling twenty-three kinds.
Chen Chu perused the list and discovered five resources that could expedite his Dragon Elephant Skill, including the ice crystal snow lotus and the Tyrant Elephant's blood essence, which he had previously exchanged.
However, the bull elephant's blood required 20 contribution points, and he currently possessed only 8 points, along with the rewards for his ranking. If he desired to obtain it, he would need to wait another month. As for the other four resources...
Just as Chen Chu contemplated this, Xia Youhui approached and inquired, "Ah Chu, have you made your selection?"
Chen Chu didn't respond immediately but asked casually, "Have you completed your exchange?"
"Yes, this is the item. It cost me 5 contribution points, quite a drain," Xia Youhui lamented. With a forlorn expression, he casually tossed a crystal-like object, roughly thumb-sized, toward Chen Chu, who swiftly caught it.
Although it appeared inconspicuous, the item was worth a substantial sum. However, as Chen Chu received it, a string of transparent words materialized, visible only to him.
"Can crystallized life energy be converted into attribute points?" Chen Chu inquired subconsciously in his mind, intrigued by the appearance of these transparent words.
"What are attribute points, and how can they be utilized?" he continued.
In response, the transparent text transformed, providing an explanation. Attribute points were a special power derived from life energy, serving various functions such as enhancing talents, strengthening skills, and empowering foreign weapons.
Chen Chu's eyes brightened as he realized that weak initial talent and slow exercise progress would no longer hinder him.
"Ah Chu, what's the matter?" Xia Youhui asked, puzzled by Chen Chu's sudden distraction.
"Oh, it's nothing," Chen Chu replied, shaking off his reverie. He returned the life crystal to Xia Youhui and said, "I intend to exchange for a life crystal as well."
"Very well. I'm off to practice now. If you need anything, don't hesitate to contact me," Xia Youhui said, not dwelling on the matter since he had previously recommended this resource to Chen Chu.
Observing Xia Youhui's departure, Chen Chu approached the counter and politely requested, "Teacher, I'd like to exchange for cultivation resources."
"Please enter your student number."
"With 8 contribution points and a 20% discount for redemption, what would you like to exchange for?"
"Two first-class life crystals."
"Wait a moment."
Shortly after, two thumb-sized white crystals materialized in Chen Chu's hands. He thanked the teacher and left.
Back in Building C, Chen Chu secured a private practice room and contemplated the two white crystals. He decided to convert them.
Hum!
As he confirmed his choice, an invisible force enveloped the crystals. They rapidly turned transparent and then crumbled into powder.
"You've transformed two crystallized life energies. One has granted you 5 attribute points, and the other has given you 3 attribute points."
Chen Chu wondered if the contents of the two crystals differed.
According to the information, life crystals were obtained from mutant beasts. After hunting a few of these creatures, high-purity energy crystals would appear within their bodies.
These crystallized energies enhanced physical strength and accelerated cultivation speed upon absorption, with higher-level crystals having more potent effects. However, like any resource, they had their limits, as repeated use led to diminishing returns.
"8 attribute points," Chen Chu muttered to himself. With a thought, he accessed his attribute page.
Level: First Heaven
Constitution: 69
Strength: 71
Dexterity: 58
Spirit: 61
Talent: Soul Split+
Cultivation method: Lotus Terrace Meditation Method [Consummation], Dragon Elephant Kung Fu+ [Introduction, first level], Mind Eye Bright Sword+ [Introduction, first level], Saber Technique, Mind Eye? [Introduction]
Attribute points: 8
Body: Hexagonal Heavy Armored Beast
Level: Low-level beast
Talent: Strength+, Defense+
Evolution value: 30/300
Over the past few days, the Hexagonal Heavy Armored Beast's growth had been mirrored by Chen Chu's four primary attributes. His physique and strength had notably surpassed agility and spirit due to his practice of the Dragon and Elephant skills.
Now that he possessed attribute points, Chen Chu noticed a + sign next to both skills and talents, indicating potential enhancement.
When he focused on the + sign next to Longxiang Gong, a new prompt appeared before him.
"Do you wish to expend 7 attribute points to level up Dragon Elephant Skill?"
"The improvement of Mind Eye Clear Knife requires 10 attribute points, which are currently insufficient."
"Insufficient attribute points to enhance strength talent, defense talent, and soul talent..."
Chen Chu tested all the + signs and realized he had just enough attributes to reinforce the Dragon Elephant Skill. As for why the Mind Eye Sword required 10 points, it was likely due to varying progress in its cultivation.
Regarding talent...
"Strengthen Dragon Elephant Skill."
With firm resolve, Chen Chu felt a peculiar, incredibly pure energy materialize within him. It began circulating along the Dragon Elephant Skill's path.
As this energy continued to flow, his musculoskeletal structure rapidly strengthened, and beneath his skin, a tough membrane formed...
Boom!
After more than 300 cycles of this energy's circulation, faint lines resembling elephant skin patterns appeared on Chen Chu's body, and his blood condensed suddenly.
In an instant, a potent and fierce power emerged within him, and his entire being exuded the aura of a revitalized giant elephant, overwhelming in its intensity.
After a prolonged moment, Chen Chu slowly opened his eyes, a faint and formidable presence within them.
Clasping his fists, sensing the explosive force within, Chen Chu exclaimed, "Is this breaking through to the second heaven? It seems so simple."
Dragon Elephant Kungfu, which initially required a month to advance, had now achieved a breakthrough in an instant, thanks to attribute reinforcement. This efficiency left Chen Chu breathless.
With an ample supply of life crystals, could his cultivation speed skyrocket like a rocket?
However, resources were scarce, and they were government-controlled. Money couldn't buy them elsewhere, and contribution points were still lacking.
Exhaling slowly, Chen Chu suppressed his impatience and greed.
Take it one step at a time.
Now equipped with enhanced attribute points, he could simultaneously bolster his physique with his avatars. He needed to proceed methodically, step by step, gradually reaching the peak.
Impatience in this process could lead to accidents.
Was there really a need to rush? Unnecessary.
Chen Chu's emotions returned to equilibrium, and he took a deep breath. The domineering power within surged, causing his body to expand instantly.
Boom!
The ground trembled as Chen Chu's figure created a gust of wind. In the blink of an eye, he stood ten meters away from the wall, muscles bulging and elephant patterns etched on his right arm.
With a roar, Chen Chu punched the corner tester.
Boom!
The air howled as Chen Chu's punch, charged with terrifying power, ruptured the atmosphere, forming a tangible gale. The alloy tester was jolted.
In an instant, the tester displayed a value of 3970 kg.
Chen Chu stepped back half a pace, executed a powerful kick with his right leg, and slammed it into the alloy test board.
Boom!
The tester shook violently under the tremendous force, its numbers fluctuating wildly before settling at 5650.