Having spent considerable time amidst the Skeleton Island and Demon Island, my summer vacation had long since passed. Since I was already inclined to skip classes, I decided to extend my stay on Demon Island for a few more days. After securing a room at the grand hotel on the island, I took a moment to reflect on my recent acquisitions.
Finally free to breathe, Julianna bounded around the room, brimming with excitement. "You little lecher, your prowess has grown impressively! With the treasures you've gathered, you'll soon be able to set sail from Demon Island!"
Her playful teasing felt oddly comforting, and as I casually flipped through the Book of Demons, I paid little heed to the demoness's jests.
"Is it possible that I've overlooked something? The ethereal sword energy of the Transformation into Great Freedom still eludes me," I pondered, my interest in enhancing my martial skills surpassing all other abilities. After all, I hail from the ancient Eastern lands, where tales of swordplay and martial arts have been my companions since childhood.
The allure of the ethereal sword energy was tantalizing, stirring an insatiable curiosity within me.
As I meticulously examined the abilities page, a sudden realization struck me. The transformation of the unnamed martial arts technique caught my attention; inexplicably, it bore additional annotations.
The unnamed martial arts possessed attributes of extreme vigor, with the fifth-level Heart Method of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians showing a training progress of one hundred. The second-level Heart Method of the Twelve Regular Meridians also indicated a training progress of one hundred, with an internal energy rating of 5566/5.
When attacking, it carried a formidable chill, capable of converting icy internal energy into a blade-like force.
"I have never utilized the card for the Twelve Regular Meridians; how could this attribute suddenly manifest? Moreover, I lack the second card!
As I attempted to circulate my internal energy, I discovered that the icy essence within me could indeed traverse the Twelve Regular Meridians, surging with newfound vigor, stronger than before.
Upon flipping to the page displaying my held cards, I found that the third card of the Twelve Regular Meridians was now available for use. Upon selection, the unnamed martial arts technique transformed once more, elevating the Twelve Regular Meridians to the third level, with the training progress now at thirteen.
"Is this the threshold for relinquishing the Book of Demons? It hasn't been long since I last mentioned it on Skeleton Island," I exclaimed, filled with questions. "What does this have to do with abandoning the Book of Demons?"
"The treasures and cards derive their power not from you, but from the Book of Demons. Those with exceptional talent, through frequent use of these powers, uncover the mysteries of these abilities, enabling them to perform feats without reliance on the Book."
"So, when I was in the Cataclysm, my powers from the Book of Demons were sealed, allowing me to transcend the levels I had not yet collected?"
"Not quite! Your current achievements bear little relation to those seven or eight days in the Cataclysm. It was merely in that thematic world that you lacked the Book of Demons, allowing you to sense the true energy you had already cultivated. In truth, the martial arts cards you possess have recorded all the training mantras;
however, most individuals cease their efforts once they reach a hundred percent training progress. It's rare to find someone like you, little lecher, who manages to integrate practice into daily life, training tirelessly day and night."
"That's merely a consequence of being tormented by that brutish girl, Guliya!" I retorted, feeling a mix of indignation and relief. Had I too stopped my training upon reaching a hundred percent progress, I would have never had the opportunity for a breakthrough.
After utilizing the Book of Demons for so long, I understood it to be merely an auxiliary tool. The Book of Demons resembles a remarkably versatile computer, while the inserted cards function as software. As long as there are sufficient programs, the Book can bestow limitless power upon its holder. My mental fortitude and the swordsmanship I had honed could manifest independently of the Book. If Max's magic didn't require support from twenty-six language cards, I would hardly need the Book at all. Nevertheless, this artifact is undeniably useful and convenient; I see no advantage in relinquishing it.
With unrestricted access to the items within the Book of Demons, I placed my collection of beauties under the leadership tab, catching the little demon's attention. With a flick of her wrist, this exquisite tome soared into her grasp.
This is even more extravagant than the beauty summoning cards I gave you. Have you begun to evolve into a true lecher? The first time I met you, I sensed you had potential in that regard!"
"Potential? Nonsense!" My protest was met with Julianna's indifference, as she casually pressed on the beauty collection tab. A wisp of mist floated by, entering the room of the beauty, Luli, who was displayed on the first page.
The beauty collection featured numerous functions, possessing attributes akin to a spatial card. Each collected female could be assigned a residence and a mode of transportation; however, without my permission, they lacked the freedom to leave their rooms.
As I gazed upon Luli, her striking figure caught my eye—standing at a height of one hundred eighty centimeters, her voluptuous curves glistening with droplets of water as her hair clung to her shoulders and back, foam from the shampoo cascading down her form.
I couldn't help but swallow hard. In the Cataclysm, I had my reservations, as the environment was perilous, leaving me little room for such thoughts. But now, the situation was entirely different; she was now my plaything.
Julianna, seemingly in high spirits, hummed a tune, her mood evidently buoyant. I had yet to explore the beauty collection, thus Luli's room remained a standard, unadorned apartment. According to the proper protocol, if the women within the collection endeared themselves to me, I could bestow upon them more luxurious residences, finer garments, and extravagant vehicles, unlocking greater privileges.
Conversely, should I be displeased, I could deny them sustenance, deprive them of clothing, and employ punishment through hunger, cold, whip, or binding.
Moreover, at the back of the beauty collection, there was a page for inserting cards, allowing for the expansion of its functions—a truly magnificent system for cultivating exquisite companions.