Chapter 3: First Cultivation Session
Sometime later, the headache stopped. Even though his head felt heavy, Shawn forced himself to stand straight and called out quietly, "System Interface"
[**System Interface**
Cultivation Level: None
Spiritual Qi: 0/100
Constitution:Transcendent Human Physique (Heaven-Rank)
**Techniques:**
**Quests:**
None ]
"I need 100 wisps of qi to become a cultivator. I have already been given techniques for both martial and soul cultivation. I also know about the classification of treasures, constitutions, pills and weapons as well as the first 10 cultivation stages." As he said that, Shawn sat down on the floor. He took deep breaths for a few minutes before he started to concentrate. It is a basic step to clear the mind and perceive the qi in the environment.
After that, he started chanting the Cultivation Technique.
Celestial Breath-Cosmic Qi Refining Scripture: The Cultivation Technique was created by one of the strongest beings to ever exist in the vast cosmos. This cultivation technique at Perfect Mastery is said to refine and absorb energy from the entire Cosmos itself.
All techniques he received from the system have been saved in his memory, so he doesn't need to memorize them. As he chanted the scripture, he could feel something in the air. It felt like a thin fabric of cotton wrapped around him. It felt comfortable, as though he was in the midst of clouds. This was Spiritual Qi. Slowly, he started to pull the wisps of qi toward him. According to the Celestial Breath Qi Refining Scripture, Shawn pulled the Qi wisps toward him. Soon, he was enveloped in a huge cocoon of Spirit Qi. Then slowly, he started to absorb the Qi into his body. It was the first step to strengthening his physique so that he could enter the Body Tempering Realm.
As Shawn absorbed the refined Qi, System notifications rang out silently'
[Spirit Qi +1
Spirit Qi +1
Spirit Qi +1
...
Spirit Qi +1.
Total Spirit Qi: 100/100
Congratulations, Host. You are ready to become a cultivation please condense the refined Qi into your Spirit root and break through]
Shawn could feel an imaginary wall obstructing him. He pushed with his will and easily broke through it.
"System Interface"
[**System Interface**
Cultivation Level: Body Tempering: Level-1
Spiritual Qi: 0/100
Constitution:Transcendent Human Physique (Heaven-Rank)
**Techniques:**
1. Celestial Breath-Breath-Cosmic Qi Refining Scripture:Initial Mastery
**Quests:**
None ]
"Hah. That felt good. No wonder people can sit down for years to cultivate. It feels heavenly." Shawn sighed as he relished in the afterglow of his breakthrough. He felt as if he had been reborn. It was a sensation akin to basking in sublime water mixed with precious elixirs and medicinal herbs. Eager for more, Shawn started another cultivation session.
Just as he was about to start chanting the Cosmix Qi Refining Scripture again, he heard the System's monotonous voice ringing in his head.
[Congratulations, Host. You have started cultivation on the path of Immortality. You have met the requirements to accept quests.
Quests: You will be issued quests at random or depending on the situation. You will have the freedom to accept or reject most quests. However, some quests will be compulsory and being unable to complete them will result in punishment.
Ding! New Quest Issued!
Quest: Revolving Core Realm
Quest Details:
1. Cultivate to the Revolving Core Realm
2. Must open 36 Celestial Meridians
3. Time Limit: 3 months
*Compulsory Quest*
Rewards for completion:
1. Token of Zestria
2. Spirit Grade Treasure
Penalty for failure: DEATH]
...
"Whoa, hold on a cosmic minute. Aren't first quests supposed to be tutorials? Then why am I getting thrown into the abyss here? Is there a glitch in the celestial matrix? Care to explain, system? I did NOT sign up for a death sentence." With a mix of frustration and bewilderment, Shawn stared at the floating System Interface hovering in front of him. He couldn't help but think that it was a prank gone wrong. As his words echoed in the room, the system responded with the same lucid voice,
[Negative, Host. There is nothing wrong with the Interface or the Quest. If you cannot even complete the first quest, you are not worthy to inherit the Immortal Cultivation System]
This time, it seemed as though there was a hint of disdain in the ever-monotonous voice.
"Then can't you just take away the system? You don't have to send me to the great beyond, you know?"
[Negative. The system has already been integrated into your soul. In order to release the system, your soul would have to be destroyed.]
This time there was definitely a hint of cruel joy.
"Sh*t. I am screwed." By now, the exhilaration from cultivating was gone, replaced by fear and panic. Suddenly, his eyes glowed with hope as he asked, "How long will it take to reach the Revolving Core Realm?"
[On average, it takes about a decade. For those with Heaven-Rank physiques such as yourself, it takes about 1 to 2 years. However, since you also have the 'Celestial Breath: Cosmic Qi Refining Scripture', you would need anywhere from 4 to 6 months, if you cultivate for 6 hours daily.]
Shawn blinked, processing all the given information about the timeframes. With a skeptical smile, he mused, "So, I am at least 20 times faster than your average cultivator, huh? This makes things easier. By the way, System, what is the Token of Zestria?"
[Token of Zestria
Artifact Rank: Legendary .....
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A/N: Good day, readers. This is my first Webnovel, so there are bound to be mistakes and some areas might feel lacking. I hope you guys will inform me about any oversights as well as help me increase the quality of my work. I am open to any advice, ideas or suggestions.