"You're quite a dull person," Xū Cǎi pouted, her dissatisfaction evident.
"Dull, am I?" Zhang Fan was at a loss for words. What would make him interesting in her eyes? He decided not to retort, realizing it's best not to offend the system as it might complicate things for him.
"So, magnificent system Xū Cǎi, could you tell me about your capabilities?" Zhang Fan asked, trying to engage with the whimsical fox girl.
"Ah, the magnificent system is omnipotent," Xū Cǎi boasted, her confidence unbridled.
"Really? If that's the case, send me home!" Zhang Fan's eyes lit up with hope. Could such a thing be possible?
"Err... that's not possible. Your realm isn't under the jurisdiction of the Ascension Game, and I don't have the authority to send you back," Xū Cǎi replied, her tone diminishing in certainty.
It dawned on Zhang Fan that he shouldn't have been a participant in this Ascension Game. All players were from a secondary dimension, meaning he would never encounter someone from Earth or a foe familiar with the storyline. This was both good and bad news for him, leaving him feeling conflicted.
"Can I ever return home?" Despite the slim chances, Zhang Fan couldn't help but ask.
"Maybe, but it requires a specific opportunity, or you becoming the final victor of the game," Xū Cǎi hesitantly revealed.
"I understand," Zhang Fan nodded, a tinge of disappointment in his voice but relieved to have some hope.
"Since going home isn't an option, how about opening a few more game stores for me? The current selection is rather limited," Zhang Fan requested, looking for alternatives.
"I can't do that either; it's beyond my system privileges. You need to complete tasks to unlock stores," Xū Cǎi admitted, her frustration growing as her inability to fulfill Zhang Fan's requests exposed her limitations.
"Can't you issue me some simple tasks to earn more game points?" Zhang Fan asked, his disappointment growing. Seeing Xū Cǎi's darkening expression, he realized she was limited in her capabilities.
"Never mind then. It seems the great Xū Cǎi isn't all-powerful after all," Zhang Fan sighed and returned to studying the skill shop.
"How can you say that? I'm quite formidable. I know many secrets about the game store. For instance, I can advise you on the skills you're considering, your upgrade path, and hidden aspects of missions," Xū Cǎi tried to assert her usefulness, eager for Zhang Fan's recognition.
"Oh? Then tell me how you can be of help," Zhang Fan finally showed interest, though his tone was nonchalant, leaving Xū Cǎi somewhat exasperated.
"Hmph! I'll tell you. I have extensive knowledge about the game store's secrets, like the skills you're contemplating. I can also guide you on your upgrade paths and inform you about hidden elements in missions," Xū Cǎi declared, hoping to impress Zhang Fan.
Seeing Zhang Fan remain unfazed, Xū Cǎi was ready to explode in frustration. However, Zhang Fan's demeanor suddenly changed, revealing that he had been teasing her.
"Haha, I was just kidding. I've always known how amazing Xū Cǎi is. As the Ascension System, we're partners in this game, right? I look forward to working with you," Zhang Fan said warmly, his sunny smile melting Xū Cǎi's frustration.
Confused by her reaction to a mere mortal, Xū Cǎi shook her head to regain composure. Intrigued by Zhang Fan, she found herself increasingly interested in him.
"Fine, I'll reluctantly partner with you," Xū Cǎi said proudly, though Zhang Fan could tell she was just masking her excitement at being acknowledged. After all, gaining his recognition was what she had longed for.
"So, Xū Cǎi, can you help me choose the right skill?" Zhang Fan asked, grateful for such a powerful ally in his gaming journey.
"Since you're so agreeable, you can call me Cǎi Cǎi. Let me see your skill store," Xū Cǎi said with a tsundere attitude, but Zhang Fan quite liked it.
Xū Cǎi then explained to Zhang Fan about the game "Dragon's Chant from Wulin Legends," a game leaning more towards fantasy than traditional martial arts. It offered a range of skills, including physical attacks, fire and ice attacks, and even healing abilities. Each of the eight sects had different paths, focusing on offense, defense, healing, or support. Zhang Fan had to choose one skill book to train, and Cǎi Cǎi suggested that specializing in one skill would be better.
After some consideration, Zhang Fan decided to follow the warrior path. Cǎi Cǎi then recommended Huashan's technique, noting its ultimate skill's extraordinary power, which far exceeded Zhang Fan's expectations. Despite its ordinary appearance, Huashan's technique held incredible potential, a secret known only to the knowledgeable system Xū Cǎi.