[As your forever companion, I'm here to encourage you to become better.]
"Right, whatever," he sighed and then turned to the area that was in ruins. "This but a mess."
[Would you like to check your data experience?]
Renxian was taken aback by what the AI said. Data experience? He then looked back at the colossal Bloodtusk, still buried under the fallen trees. "You mean, you save all those tracks?"
[Yes, I have been keeping everything from the start of life.]
Interest was evident in Renxian's expression. Without hesitation, he replied, "Show me."
[Name: Renxian
Age: 25 years
Gender: Male
Race: Human
Background: Heir of the Wisteria Sect
Height: 175 cm
Weight: 70 kg
Cultivation: Gate 4
Title: Rogue Cultivator, Lone Cultivator, Deviant Cultivator, Secluded Wanderer, Beast Hunter, The Cultivator Killer.]
"Why does he have so many titles?" Renxian said, a bit flustered, although he wasn't too surprised given that Renxian was not a normal cultivator. "And most of them aren't that colorful."
[Renxian is an isolated cultivator, wandering alone, and seldom with other cultivators.]
The man nodded and then responded, "That makes sense." He then continued to read the data on the transparent hologram in front of him. "So, what about this 'Heir of Wisteria Sect'?"
[There were internal issues among them, and Renxian was expelled when he was found to be unable to cultivate at the expected age, making the sect leader see him as worthless. But, the actual conflict is much more complex. Do you want to continue?]
As the crimson sun's light began to wane, heralding the approach of evening, he made a decision. "Perhaps we can continue this later," and then turned his attention to the scattered Bloodtusks carcasses, "besides, I'm famished."
[You left your firewood by the river; you can make a fire there for the night.]
"Are these wild beasts safe to consume?" he asked, stopping right by one of the creatures, and examining its condition with his foot. "Because they are monsters."
[There is a toxin in the Bloodtusk's blood, but you can counteract it with the mushrooms here.]
"Oh no," Renxian looked upward and slapped his forehead. "I can't cook at all!"
[Do not be concerned, I will assist you.]
Renxian smiled upon hearing that and chose to follow the system's advice. He carefully plucked some small fungi as directed, making his way back to the riverside to retrieve the ample firewood he had left behind.
The day had transitioned into the embrace of the moonlight, which was further accentuated by a blanket of bright, twinkling stars. They weren't alone in this serene setting; the gentle flow of the river acted as a tranquil companion, and the night was serenaded by the enchanting sounds of nocturnal creatures, particularly the harmonious buzz of insects.
As he began to stack the firewood, Renxian felt a curious challenge offered by the system.
[You can make fire with your breath.]
Renxian, who had arranged wood for the fire, was taken aback by the idea but found himself intrigued. He chuckled, albeit somewhat skeptical, and questioned, "Why are you off on a tangent like that? I just need these stones to make a fire."
But the system endured, its virtual voice urging him to deem a different method.
[Try it. Consider it an exercise to get to know Renxian's abilities. Is not that what you want?]
Curiosity sparked in Renxian's eyes as he mulled over the unconventional request. He set down the wood, his mind open to the chance. "Can I?" he asked while tying his hair into a man bun. "It doesn't seem convincing."
[It was like the time when you face the Bloodtusk. But now, focus and direct the flow coming out of your mouth.]
Although he didn't understand the concept, Renxian was determined to undertake it, intrigued by the prospect of discovering the extent of his abilities. He closed his eyes, took a breath, and concentrated on channeling the flow into his exhalation.
As he continued, he felt an incremental increase in heat within the air he exhaled. It intensified with each breath. With a determined and forceful release, flames erupted from his mouth, igniting the stacked firewood in a blaze.
Renxian's eyes widened in astonishment. He hadn't expected to achieve it. "So, there are elemental forces like this in this world."
[Indeed, it's a manifestation of the flow from within your soul, harnessed to influence the elements.]
"Does that mean I'm some kind of Fire Bender?" Renxian chose to sit cross-legged in front of the now roaring fire, ready to prepare the Bloodtusk meat.
[Not specifically. Remember, Renxian has attained a high level of cultivation, and being at Gate 4, he can manifest the flow into other elements because it is available at Gate 3.]
Renxian decided to listen attentively while cooking his meat. Allowing the system to deliver more insights.
[However, the flow required for this is rather substantial, which is why many cultivators do not often rely on elemental bending in battles.]
Renxian nodded in agreement. In such circumstances, it was vital to have endurance and not squander the flow on essence manipulation when it could be better used for martial techniques. "These elemental abilities are often used in daily life, right?"
[Correct, mastering these skills can make daily tasks more efficient and convenient, such as starting a fire with ease.]
"Save it for now," he uttered and arose on his feet, propping the skewered food against a tree. "I remembered that my clothes are covered in dirt."
He made his way to the riverbank, beginning to unfasten the fabric covering his upper body. His milky-white skin seemed to glow as the moonlight caressed it, revealing his well-defined muscles that, while not bulky, still held an alluring charm.
He crouched down, starting to clean his faded blue garments when he heard the system's voice.
[Let me know if you need assistance?]
"What kind of assistance? Do you want to clean my clothes?" Renxian chuckled. "You're just a system I can't even see. Well, other than your hologram."
There was no immediate response from the system until it eventually spoke up.
[No, at least for now.]
Renxian sensed something odd in the system's robotic tone and countered, "What do you mean by that?" He continued to scrub the fabric, his strand falling across his forehead and swaying as he worked.
[Never mind.]
"Weird, you're hiding something from me," he dunked the clothing and lifted it repeatedly. "For now, let us wash the mushroom, shall we?"
As he turned around, something dumbfound caught Renxian's eye. Right where he had set his dinner, someone stood frozen ā equally surprised. This individual wore all-black attire with hair as dark as night, tied up in a ponytail. Her brown eyes widened and beads of sweat streamed down her forehead.
In a hurry, she snatched the two handfuls of food and dashed with all her might, leaving Renxian bewildered. "What the hell?"
The woman's deftness was nothing short of impressive as she navigated the terrain with fineness, darting through thickets and dense forests, weaving in and out of the trees. She, still concealing her identity behind the black mask, chose to halt behind the ancient trunk, her breath coming in heavy gasps.
She sat down, casting a cautious glance to her right; it appeared that she had eluded any pursuers. She closed her eyes, feeling her hunger intensify as the grilled meat lay tantalizingly before her. She removed her mask, revealing a youthful, remarkably beautiful face.
"Don't eat that!" Suddenly, Renxian burst out from the woman's left, startling her before she stood upright.
She unsheathed a small dagger attached to her waist and launched several attacks at Renxian. Without much trouble, the black-haired man evaded all of her strikes and leaped away, creating distance between them.
"Wait, I won't be violent, skewer thief," Renxian assured, attempting to defuse the tense situation. "I wanted to let you know that the food is contaminated. It's from the Bloodtusk monster."
The woman, her eyes laden with a mix of wariness and curiosity, found herself in an unusual situation. She couldn't care for but acknowledge the incredible skills Renxian had. He had pursued her into the depths of the forest, effortlessly evading her swift and rapid attacks. The noticeable aura from him left no doubt about his formidable strength.
"Why then," she stammered, swallowing hard, her voice tinged with apprehension. "Why did you cook this food?"
Renxian's smile, once etched with a hint of danger, softened. His outstretched hand, seen as a threat, took on a more relaxed demeanor. "That's because I have the antidote, and I'm not finished with it."
Renxian took a step closer, his tone soft as he continued, "Instead of taking something that would harm you, how about you come with me?"
The woman, torn between her instincts and the logic of Renxian's words, contemplated the consequences. She recognized the wisdom in his offer. She comprehended the power he had because this man was the one who slaughtered the Bloodtusk - a monster she had found dead in the fungi-laden area, and she was well aware that monsters often carried toxins within them.
"F-fine!" Her melodious voice, now reluctant acceptance, broke the silence and made Renxian come to a standstill. "I will come."