[The system has started]
[Host has three choices below]
1. Independent space for cultivation
2. Heaven rank cultivation technique
3. Introduction of the world
Choose [Time Remaining: 44 hours 28 minutes].
Upon seeing the options, Wu Zheng chose the first one without hesitation. The reasoning was simple: while he was aware of some heaven-rank cultivation techniques, he had no immediate need for them. As for the world introduction, though he found it intriguing, he knew that knowledge was futile without strength. What he needed now was a suitable place to cultivate. The spirit qi in the environment was insufficient for him to reach the peak of mortal cultivation, hence his choice of the first option.
Ding!
[The host has chosen independent space for cultivation. The host can set up independent space.]
[Time left: 47 hours 59 minutes.]
After selecting the first option, Wu Zheng emerged from the spirit pool. He stood and began his journey out of the underground cave. Even though he had more than a day left, he was eager to find an ideal location for his independent space; the clock was ticking, and he only had two days to begin with.
Reaching the base of the stairs carved from the mountain, he felt the dampness of the stone beneath his feet. As he ascended, he soon arrived at the closed gate leading outside. He paused, preparing to knock.
Knock, knock.
Two guards stood watch by the gate, tasked with its protection.
"How long do you think the young master will take for a breakthrough?" the first guard asked.
"How should I know? He shouldn't take more than thirty hours. The third young master took about that long, and the eleventh young master has even more potential," the second guard retorted.
"The eleventh young master has potential, but talent and potential are two different things. To break through, you need both," the first guard replied.
Before the second guard could respond, they heard a knock at the door.
"Hey, am I hallucinating? I think I hear a knock," the second guard said, doubt creeping into his voice.
"Are you hearing the same thing?"
Their sentences hung in the air, both guards exchanging surprised glances.
"It's only been a little over sixteen hours," the first guard noted.
Quickly, they approached the gate. Though neither guard was particularly strong—only at the Qi Condensation realm—they braced themselves to exert their full strength against the heavy iron door.
Creak...
It took just ten seconds from the knock to the door swinging open. When the gates parted, Wu Zheng stepped through without a word, his expression impassive, leaving the guards to contemplate his sudden breakthrough.
"Young master really did break through," both guards thought simultaneously.
Wu Zheng headed toward the left side of the manor, which sprawled across Wu Mountain. The main hall stood in the middle, but he had other plans. Drawing from his 14 years of memories, he recalled potential spots for his independent space. After an hour of walking, he reached the left entrance of the manor, which led directly to the area near the mountain peak. No guards stopped him; he had frequented this entrance many times before.
After another forty minutes of trekking, he finally stood at the mountain's peak. The landscape was peculiar, half rugged and half flat. The rough terrain extended for approximately six kilometers before giving way to a plain where the herbs of Wu Mountain thrived.
There was a guard on watch, but Wu Zheng paid him no mind as he veered toward a secluded area. Beyond the flat land, a steep cliff loomed, and across from it lay a vast lake.
Wu Zheng recognized this lake, even from before his transmigration. It was one of the largest in his homeland—Ulungur Lake. From this vantage point, he surmised he was not far from the border of ancient China and present-day Kazakhstan.
However, he had no time for nostalgia. He needed to find a place, specifically a cave, and began his descent down the cliff, relying solely on his hands. After more than an hour of climbing, he discovered a suitable cave nestled within the cliffside.
Once inside, he assessed the space and decided it would serve well for his independent cultivation area.
[Independent space for cultivation]
[Y/N]
Wu Zheng confirmed with a "Y."
Suddenly, a strong wind whipped through the cave, and his vision blurred. After about thirty seconds, everything returned to normal; he now stood in a blank expanse.
[Host has the privilege to design the space. By simply envisioning the structure, it can be created. Note: modifications are not permitted after the initial construction.]
After a moment of contemplation, Wu Zheng opted for a simple cave design. While he had the ability to create luxurious structures, he preferred a serene environment for cultivation—a place far removed from the extravagance of Wu Manor. He envisioned a cave larger in width, length, and height than the original, ensuring ample space for future growth.
Once he completed the structure, he let out a sigh of relief.
[Do you want to merge the real-world cave with the independent space or keep them separate?]
Wu Zheng chose to keep them separate.
Though he could be arrogant at times, he was far from foolish. He understood his importance; even when he visited this cave openly, he knew he would be noticed given his cultivation level. However, if anyone were to check on him, they would find the independent space concealed from prying eyes.
He could easily claim he was cultivating in a cave, keeping others at bay while he practiced in the independent space without suspicion.
Why not simply cultivate in his room at the manor? The answer was straightforward: it would be too conspicuous. What if his mother or siblings entered while he was deep in concentration? He could only stave off intrusions so many times before someone would become curious.
This remote location, requiring a climb to access, significantly reduced the likelihood of unexpected visitors. Only a Nascent Soul expert could fly, so he only needed to remain vigilant for a select few.
After setting up the independent space, Wu Zheng smirked, his eyes gleaming with determination. "So, this is the place where I will start my legend."