As the last rays of sunlight dipped below the horizon, Lin Yulan began her slow walk toward her home at the edge of the village. The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of pine and earth. She kept her pace steady, her thoughts churning as she addressed the system.
"System," she began, her voice steady as her feet crunched against the dirt path. "I have a common cultivation manual called *Dance of Frost*. Can it be upgraded?"
**[It can,]** the system replied in its cold, mechanical tone. **[However, the host's current understanding of cultivation principles and techniques would make upgrading less effective. It is recommended to use the Create function to design a new manual tailored to the host's abilities and goals. Once created, manuals can also be upgraded using the system for further refinement.]**
Lin Yulan raised an eyebrow. "A new manual, using my own knowledge and experience?" She let out a soft hum of intrigue. "Tell me more."
**[The Create function allows the host to combine concepts, techniques, and inspirations to craft a unique cultivation manual. The system will simulate and optimize the manual for efficiency, stability, and future potential. Incomplete techniques can be integrated and perfected during the process. Host input is critical for defining the manual's foundation and focus.]**
By the time she reached her home—a modest wooden house nestled against the base of a hill—Lin Yulan had made her decision. The house was small but well-kept, a testament to her self-reliance. She opened the door, stepping into the comforting familiarity of the space.
Without hesitation, she set about preparing a simple meal of steamed vegetables and rice. As the soft scent of cooking filled the air, she continued her conversation with the system.
"What's the conversion rate for monster cores and spirit stones?"
**[Monster core conversion rates are as follows:]**
**[Tier 1: 10 points.]**
**[Each subsequent tier adds 10 points, up to Tier 10: 100 points.]**
**[Spirit stones offer a higher exchange rate due to their purity and concentrated energy:]**
**[Low-grade: 100 points.]**
**[Mid-grade: 250 points.]**
**[High-grade: 500 points.]**
**[Top-grade: 1,000 points.]**
Lin Yulan paused, her chopsticks hovering over her plate. "So spirit stones are the most valuable," she murmured. "But monster cores are plentiful in the mountains. They'll serve as a good starting point for earning points."
She finished her meal in thoughtful silence, cleaning up quickly before retreating to her small bedroom. Sitting cross-legged on the wooden floor, she closed her eyes and steadied her breathing, allowing her mind to focus.
"System," she said, her voice firm and clear, "activate the Create function. I'm ready to design a new manual."
**[Create function activated. Please specify the base of the new manual.]**
Lin Yulan's brow furrowed as she began to articulate her vision. "Use the *Dance of Frost* manual as the foundation. Its basic principles of controlling the ice element are sufficient for a start. But I want more."
She took a deep breath, organizing her thoughts. "Add a refined understanding of ice manipulation. Include techniques to shape and direct the element with precision, rather than just conjuring frost aimlessly. Ice should become both a weapon and a shield."
Her mind flicked to the fragmented techniques she had picked up from other loose cultivators over the years. "Incorporate these sword stances I've learned. They're incomplete, but they'll serve as a framework for creating a cohesive fighting style. Blend them with the ice element for versatility in combat."
**[Acknowledged. Incomplete techniques will be optimized during the simulation process.]**
Lin Yulan's lips twitched into a faint smile. "Finally, add a focus on cultivating sword intent. I want the manual to lay a foundation for understanding the essence of the sword. Precision, intent, and clarity—these should be the core values of the manual."
**[Understood. Beginning simulation to optimize and finalize the new manual. Estimated time: 30 minutes.]**
She exhaled, her mind finally quieting as the system worked. Rising to her feet, she fetched a basin of water and washed away the day's grime. The cool water was refreshing, a small comfort after the whirlwind of events that had upended her solitary life.
By the time she had changed into clean robes and settled back into her room, the system's voice echoed in her mind.
**[Simulation complete. A new Earth-ranked cultivation manual has been created. Please provide a name for the manual.]**
Lin Yulan closed her eyes, letting the details of the technique flow through her thoughts. The intricate sword stances, the refined ice manipulation, and the focus on intent—all of it formed a clear picture.
"*Dance of the Ice Blade,*" she said softly.
**[Name confirmed. *Dance of the Ice Blade* has been added to the host's inventory. This manual combines ice element control, optimized sword stances, and a foundation for cultivating sword intent. Would you like to begin cultivation now?]**
Lin Yulan shook her head, a faint smile on her lips. "Not tonight. Tomorrow, I'll begin to cultivate for now I still need to create a manual for my new deciple.'