Wu Zheng's eyes shone with anticipation, but as the new system function was revealed, the spark faded. He let out a soft sigh and muttered, "It's still the same…"
The system message flashed before him:
[Activate the function: Spirit Lens]
[Time left: 45 hours 56 minutes]
[Y/N]
Wu Zheng clicked on "Y" without hesitation. Soon after, a detailed description appeared:
Spirit Lens
Description: Spirit Lens acts like a lens, enabling the user to see through external appearances. Wu Zheng can now view the cultivation level and even the hidden potential of people around him.
Note: The host must activate this function for it to work.
Without delay, Wu Zheng activated the Spirit Lens. He had prior experience with this ability in his previous lives and knew its usefulness in crucial situations. Yet, with no one within range of a hundred meters—especially in the independent space—there were no immediate changes.
His eyes skimmed the system screen one more time and landed on an additional note:
Limit: Below Domain Master Realm.
Wu Zheng sighed again. "Still the same..." he muttered, shaking his head in disappointment. The limitations of the function remained unchanged, but it was still valuable.
Next, his attention shifted to the third reward.
Choose your reward:
1. Whirling Tempest fist.
2. Dragon Shield Amulet
[Time left: 45 hours 53 minutes]
After a moment of contemplation, Wu Zheng considered his options. His current techniques were more than sufficient for battle, even with his recent breakthrough to the Foundation Establishment Realm. Deciding that he could benefit more from protection, especially in unforeseen threats, he chose the defensive treasure.
[Host has chosen the Dragon Shield Amulet]
[Y/N]
Wu Zheng selected "Y," and moments later, a shimmering object began to manifest before him. As it took shape, Wu Zheng's hand reached out instinctively to grab it.
It was a small amulet, crafted in the shape of a dragon coiling around a shield. The amulet glowed faintly, the aura emanating from it indicating its profound power.
The system description flashed again:
5th Grade Defensive Treasure: Dragon Shield Amulet
Description: This treasure can block several attacks from cultivators in the Essence Soul Realm. It is a temporary treasure that does not require the user to expend spirit qi to activate.
Note: The treasure can withstand up to three major blows from an Essence Soul cultivator.
Wu Zheng examined the amulet with satisfaction, noticing its fine craftsmanship. He tucked it into his robe, feeling its presence settle comfortably against his chest. Though pleased with his choice, he understood the distinction between temporary and permanent treasures.
Temporary treasures, like the Dragon Shield Amulet, were crafted by artisans who infused their own spirit qi and soul power into the object. These treasures were limited in time, lasting only for a period that could vary from months to decades, depending on the skill of the craftsman. Once their energy was depleted, they would lose their efficacy.
In contrast, permanent treasures had no time limitation but required the user to continually provide them with spirit qi for activation and maintenance. Permanent treasures were often more versatile but came with the burden of draining the user's resources during combat.
Satisfied with his decision, Wu Zheng moved on to the final item on his agenda. His eyes fell on the bottle of potential enhancement pills he had received earlier.
These pills, designed to enhance one's talent, were extremely rare. In fact, despite his more than 12,000 years of experience across different lifetimes, he had only ever encountered them through his system. It was as though these pills didn't exist outside the system's reach, making them all the more valuable.
Wu Zheng glanced at the bottle, knowing full well the process of taking these pills was painful, but the benefits far outweighed the suffering. For a cultivator in a world where talent dictated survival, such pills were worth every bit of the discomfort they caused.
With a deep breath, he opened the bottle and eyed the shimmering contents inside. Without hesitation, he swallowed the pills in one go, preparing himself for the coming ordeal.