Yán Shèngxīn stared at the Cheat System screen before him.
His level no longer displayed "God Level" or "SSS Level." After the full moon's peak two days ago, it had dropped to SS Level or King Level—his cultivation fell from 80 (SSS) to 60 (SS).
"System, why did my level drop?" he asked, addressing the System, which appeared briefly alongside the three ghosts.
The System replied, "The host is a Ghost Summoner. Ghost Summoners reach maximum strength at the full moon's peak. Afterward, their strength weakens and disappears completely after Píngdàn, when the first rooster crows. It returns to its lowest point by Bu Shí, at sunset."
"And my minimum level?" Shèngxīn's voice wavered, fearing it might be XF—barely above ordinary humans.
"The minimum level is XF Tamer," the System answered bluntly. "But..."
"But what?" Shèngxīn snapped. "Don't leave me hanging!"
"But your lowest level will match your tamed beast's level. "Since your Three-Tailed Fox, SìSì, is currently at B Level, your minimum level is B Level."
Ugh! I thought SìSì was SSS Level because she's a Nine-Tailed Red Fox!" he groaned.
"Host assumed that without clarifying," the System replied.
Shèngxīn sighed. "So her level depends on her tails. If that's the case, why hide her? She's just A Level. No one will suspect I'm a Ghost Summoner."
Then, as if struck by a thought, he frowned. "Wait, why is my minimum level B when SìSì is currently A Level?"
The System responded promptly, "SìSì was badly injured and lost some points of her cultivation. Therefore, she is currently at B Level."
The System paused briefly. "What does Host wish to ask?"
"Should I reveal SìSì now or wait until she grows nine tails?"
The System offered two options:
"Option one: Reveal SìSì now. Benefit: Host can stay in school and excel because of a Beast that evolves to SSS Level. Risk: SìSì may be taken by someone stronger."
"Option two: Keep SìSì hidden. Benefit: Host has a trump card for threats and avoids attention from those seeking to steal SìSì. Risk: Host may be expelled for not having a Beast."
Shèngxīn deliberated. Both choices had pros and cons, but he disliked attention. As a poor, unsupported member of the Yán clan, questions would arise about how he'd tamed a fox known for its arrogance, solitude, and refusal to obey weaker beings.
The Three-Tailed Fox, a potential Nine-Tailed Fox, obeys only the Demon King, Hēi Lóng Tiāndì (Black Dragon Demon King), in the Beast Kingdom.
Beast and Demon are distinct terms, though both originate from animals. A Beast is a demon tamed by humans, becoming mystical and losing humanoid traits due to weakened cultivation. A Demon, untamed, retains humanoid form, obeying only the Demon King.
Demons can speak, live, and forage in the real world, while Beasts cannot. Beasts exist only in Summoning Space, relying on their masters for sustenance and permission to leave.
If Hēi Lóng Tiāndì were tamed, he would be a Dragon Beast, not a Dragon Demon. Ghosts, however, exist in two forms: human spirits unable to pass into the next realm, and mysterious creatures crafted by gods, entirely distinct from animals or humans.
In this world, only Yán Shèngxīn could tame Ghosts. His mother once had this power, but she was gone, leaving him the sole inheritor of this rare skill.
"Wait," Shèngxīn muttered, realization dawning. "Why do the three ghosts always call me 'Young Master'?" The oddity of their address suddenly struck him, though he had paid it little mind before.
"Host, what is your decision? The first option or the second?" the System asked, its tone flat and emotionless, interrupting his thoughts.
Shèngxīn hesitated. "I need to think. I don't fully understand the Ghost Summoner power yet, especially how it fluctuates daily. I also don't want attention drawn to me because of SìSì, my three-tailed red fox. If word spreads that she can evolve into a nine-tailed fox, it'll bring trouble. Worse, it might attract those who killed my father and destroyed my family. I still can't tell friend from foe, but I know how complex the cover-up was—no one's even investigated it."
"That is correct, Host," the System replied, unwavering in its tone.
"Before I decide, what's your suggestion for managing Option Two?" Shèngxīn asked.
"The Host should find a beast that won't draw attention," the System explained. "Additionally, the Host must improve skills in other areas."
"Other areas? What do you mean? Humans only have one talent. Mine is Summoner, so I can only tame beasts," Shèngxīn argued.
"This System only activates for Hosts with multiple talents. You have more than one skill," the System clarified.
Shèngxīn's curiosity piqued. "Do you know what my other talents are?"
"Yes. The Host currently possesses four skill types: the powers of the three ghosts, SìSì, and GǔGǔ. These include shrinking and passing through objects like Tú Yòu, strength and size amplification like Wǎng, flight, transparency, hallucination domains, hypnosis, and claw attacks like Ān'nà. SìSì grants lightning-fast speed, sharp claws, and a weaker hallucination domain. GǔGǔ provides immunity to magic, poison, hallucinations, and the ability to devour prey."
The System continued, "However, after the full moon, the Host should limit summoning the three ghosts. Only SìSì and GǔGǔ's abilities will remain."
Shèngxīn pondered. "So, I need to find a new beast to disguise the presence of the five creatures. And I'll also need to train in martial arts and weapons."
A thought struck him. "What about GǔGǔ's level? Is it the same as SìSì's—A Level?"
"GǔGǔ isn't like SìSì," the System replied. "Butterfly-type beasts are rated 'zero level' in their caterpillar form."
"Zero level?!" Shèngxīn exclaimed. "That's absurd! GǔGǔ can devour SSS-level creatures. How is he considered 'zero level'?"
"That is the System Maker's policy. It cannot be altered," the System stated indifferently.
"Besides...",the System issued a stern reminder about GǔGǔ. "Host must remember, GǔGǔ is a forbidden beast. Its presence cannot be revealed to the public under any circumstances—unless it's a dire, life-or-death situation with no other option. If you expose it, the Church and the Beast Tamer Council will hunt you relentlessly. They will seize GǔGǔ and destroy it."
Shèngxīn sighed in frustration. "What kind of beast should I tame? It must appear low-profile, maybe B or A level, but capable of evolving into SSS level when needed."
The System interjected, "Would the Host like tasks with rewards and penalties?"
Shèngxīn's eyes lit up. "Yes! That sounds like those system novels I've read. Let's do it."
"Wait a moment," the System buzzed, generating data.
"Here is the task for the Host, along with its rewards and punishments:
Task: Acquire a Beast capable of concealing its level.
Duration: 5 days (before school begins).
Reward: Unlock the Second Talent, Mata Dewa.
Punishment: Release SìSì (un-tamed)."
"What?!" Shèngxīn exclaimed. "I asked for a task, but now you're threatening me? If I fail, I lose SìSì?"
"Bigger risk, bigger reward," the System replied flatly. "Do you accept? Click 'Yes' to proceed. If 'No,' simply decline. The task can still be completed independently, but without a reward. System approval is required for bonuses."
Shèngxīn sighed. "Do I even have a choice?" With reluctance, he clicked "Yes."
"Ding! Good luck, Host," the System chimed. "Is there anything else I can assist with?"
"No," Shèngxīn muttered.
"Understood. The System will withdraw. Contact if needed." The voice faded.
For a moment, Shèngxīn stared silently at the screen before shutting the window. The sun had dipped below the horizon, and the city was falling into darkness. The once-vivid view behind his room was gone.
"Five days... What am I supposed to do?" he murmured to himself.
----------------------------- End of Chapter 9 --------------------------------------