Adam was cross-legged in his quarters. The soft glow of dawn barely illuminated the room as he focused his attention inside himself, guiding the flow of Qi coursing through his body like a current of power. His body and spirit, now enhanced by his newly acquired 20x cultivation talent, had already started to work magic upon itself, the speed at which it absorbed the ambient energy of the world nothing short of incredible.
It was the elixirs that gave him the push he needed, but it was the system's reward that actually propelled him forward. The increased cultivation talent felt to Adam a second heartbeat, pushing him beyond what should be possible at his level. Every breath he took seemed to siphon more Qi from the air, channeling it into his body like a magnet for the energy of the world.
His mind was clear, his senses heightened. With each surge in the rhythm of energy that flowed through his veins, his muscle and bone density increased, strengthening his core. It was intoxicating.
DING!
System Notification:
New Quest: Break Through Mortal Layers
Objective: Advance through the Mortal Layers as quickly as possible.
Reward: 1,000 Experience Points per breakthrough.
The voice of the system softly echoed in the back of his mind, a whisper now, a companion as Adam dove deeper into the process of cultivation, for he had long since broken through into Mortal Layer 2 and could just about feel the next breakthrough within reach with his increased talent.
Time tended to blur as he focused wholly on the flow of Qi, guiding it precisely through his body. The Mortal Layers were the very foundation of cultivation-a brutish refiner that came with its own streak of advancement. With each breakthrough came strengthening of the body and mind, enabling the handling of more Qi until it finally paved ways into higher realms of power.
But this speed. Adam could hardly believe it.
Hours turned into so much more, and the energy building up inside him, he felt that old weight of pressure—a sign that the body was ready to push through to the next layer. He gritted his teeth, focusing all his will on breaking through this invisible barrier separating Mortal Layer 2 from Mortal Layer 3. The pressure mounted, his body straining under the force of the energy he channeled in, until finally—
A wave of energy swept through his body, coursing like a tidal wave inside of him, and with it once more, the system flashed before his eyes.
---
System Notification:
Breakthrough Achieved: Mortal Layer 3
Reward: 1,000 Experience Points
---
He could feel it immediately. His muscles were stronger, his senses sharper. Everything was more vivid, more real, as if his perception of the world had shifted. But he didn't stop. There was more to be done.
The Mortal Layers were only the beginning. To become powerful-really powerful-he needed to ascend through those as soon as possible. The 20x increased cultivation talent was overworking itself as Qi pulled into his body at rates impossible without the system. It was as if the world itself was fueling the rise.
The transmigrator closed his eyes, launching himself into the next leap forward; never content with one advance, he felt strength build inside him, ready to take him that extra step. The ache of strain trembled along his bones, but he pushed the sensation off; it was but a temporary thing, while strength was eternal.
Hours blended into hours, merging into one another as the relentless onslaught against power by Adam continued. The Qi flow in his body was now like a river, unyielding and smooth; every breath brought refinement into his body and strength into the core. As each day wore on, he reached the next threshold.
The pressure built once more-this time smoother, more natural. His body was used to breaking through by now, and it welcomed the surge of power. Drawing a deep breath, Adam marshaled all his energy, channeling it into one, decisive push.
The barrier shattered.
---
System Notification:
Breakthrough Achieved: Mortal Layer 4
Reward: 1,000 Experience Points
---
Adam exhaled, his body shaking with aftershocks of the breakthrough. He felt lighter, more powerful, the very essence of the world flowing through him freer. It was addictive, this surge of strength, this feeling of becoming more with each breakthrough.
But even with what he had accomplished, Adam knew it wasn't enough: He was still so much weaker than everyone else when it came to raw power. The people he had met-General Zhou, Xue Ling, the young masters-they were in realms far beyond the Mortal Layers. If he wanted to stand beside them, if he wanted to prove himself to the Empress-to rise to her level-he couldn't stop now.
His fingers flexed to the floor, preparing himself for another breakthrough. His mind was clear, his path set. He would push through as many Mortal Layers as his body could handle.
---
Hours passed.
Adam's breathing came in short gasps, his mind lying with the next obstacle. The Mortal Layers were not just about absorbing Qi but refining the body to the acme. Every breakthrough brought physical change with it, and with the attaining of Mortal Layer 5, he felt his body growing into something stronger, resilient.
Sweat dripped from his forehead as, once more, the strain built. His muscles strained, his bones creaking with the weight of the energy swirling inside him. But Adam didn't falter. He was close now, so close to actually reaching a level of power he could use.
The system pulsed in the back of his mind, urging him forward.
With one final push, the barrier gave way.
---
System Notification:
Breakthrough Achieved: Mortal Layer 5
Reward: 1,000 Experience Points
---
Adam panted as his body shook with exertion, his skin slick with sweat. The ache all over his muscles was agonizing, but the power coursing through him now was hard to deny. Mortal Layer 5. What should have taken weeks, if not months, sans the interference of the system he had done in hours.
His breathing steadied as he leaned back in his chair, scanning the room. The pulse of the world still hummed through him, but for the first time since he started, Adam felt satisfied. He had made great strides in little time and the system's rewards had played a crucial role.
But even as he reveled in the newfound strength, Adam knew this was only the beginning. The Mortal Layers were the foundation of cultivation, but beyond them lay the true path to power. To survive in this world, to stand beside Liandra as more than just a relic of her former life, he would have to ascend far beyond such humble beginnings.
But for now, at least, Adam permitted himself a moment of respite. His body was weary, yet his head was clear. There was a long road ahead of him, yet he had made the first steps, and with speed and determination at that.
As he sat there, breathing deeply, the system pulsed once more.
---
System Notification:
New Quest: Reach the Foundation Realm
Objective: Break through the Mortal Layers and ascend to the Foundation Realm.
Reward: 5,000 Experience Points, Skill Upgrade
---
Adam smiled faintly. He had his next goal.