[Simen Hong: A formidable cultivator, Simen Hong resided in the deepest recesses of the 3rd level of the Void Realm, a realm of existence beyond mortal comprehension. He had dedicated millennia to the relentless pursuit of physical perfection, honing his body into a weapon of unparalleled strength and resilience. His martial skills were unmatched, refined through countless battles and rigorous training regimens. He had journeyed across the world, from the frostbitten peaks of the northern mountains to the scorching sands of the southern deserts, from the teeming metropolises of the east to the secluded monasteries of the west. His quest for enlightenment and power had led him to accumulate a vast fortune in treasures and inheritances, a collection of artifacts and knowledge that made him the envy of countless cultivators. Yet, despite their avarice, none had dared to challenge him, for his reputation as an invincible warrior and a master strategist was well-known throughout the land. This reclusive figure, shrouded in mystery and whispered to possess supernatural abilities, maintained close ties with the leader of the 1st Hall, a powerful alliance that granted him significant influence within the clan. His ambition, however, extended beyond mere influence. He harbored a burning desire to seize control of all 36 Halls, to consolidate the clan's power under his sole command and establish himself as the undisputed ruler.]
Long Shen, taken aback by these revelations, couldn't help but murmur to himself:
"The Void Realm... millennia... treasures...?"
Most of these words, while carrying weight and significance, failed to resonate with Long Shen. He was not interested in prestige or power for their own sake. However, he recognized a challenge in the information he had just received, a formidable obstacle standing in his path. The idea of offending this powerful leader, Simen Hong, did not particularly concern him. While a sliver of caution flickered in the back of his mind, the potential rewards far outweighed the risks, in his estimation. He was not one to shy away from a confrontation, especially when the stakes were high.
The forest, a sprawling expanse of untamed wilderness, was a place of both beauty and peril. It was divided into three distinct zones, each with its own unique characteristics and dangers. The first zone, the designated area for the selection process, was relatively safe, designed to test the skills and resilience of young cultivators at the Foundation Establishment stage without posing a significant threat to their lives. The second zone, a vast and uncharted territory, was home to a diverse array of high-level spiritual herbs, many of which were prized for their medicinal properties or alchemical uses. However, this zone was only accessible to cultivators at the Core Formation stage, those with the strength and experience to navigate its treacherous terrain. Although the forest was not known for its ferocious beasts, a far more insidious danger lurked within its depths: the sentient plants. Over centuries of absorbing spiritual energy, these plants had developed consciousness and the ability to cultivate, some even reaching the formidable Nascent Soul level. Their presence made the second zone a perilous place for lower-level cultivators, who risked being ensnared by their deadly vines, poisoned by their toxic secretions, or even consumed by their carnivorous forms. The third zone, the most enigmatic of all, was a sanctuary for powerful cultivators seeking solitude, rest, or a deeper connection with nature. Its serene landscapes, adorned with cascading waterfalls, tranquil lakes, and secluded caves, provided an ideal environment for meditation, contemplation, and the pursuit of enlightenment. Moreover, this zone was rich in elemental sources of water, fire, wind, wood, and lightning, fundamental energies that fueled cultivation and allowed cultivators to gain a deeper understanding of the universe's laws. It was a favored destination for those seeking to cultivate their understanding of the Dao, to refine their techniques, or to enter a state of secluded cultivation, cutting themselves off from the outside world to focus on their spiritual growth.
The treasures that Long Shen sought were hidden within the second zone, at the heart of the untamed forest. To obtain them, he would have to leave the relative safety of the selection area and venture into a territory a hundred times more dangerous. This reckless decision, characteristic of his audacious nature, could very well cost him his life. Yet, as he contemplated the challenge ahead, no trace of fear, stress, or anxiety flickered in his eyes. His mind was calm and focused, his resolve unwavering. He was confident in his abilities, in his system, and in his destiny. But why was he so sure of success? What gave him such unwavering confidence?
"System, tell me how much energy I have left," Long Shen requested inwardly, his voice barely audible in the quietude of the forest.
[30%, Host], the system responded, its synthetic voice resonating within Long Shen's mind.
"And how much do I need to reach the peak of Qi Refinement?" he inquired further, seeking to gauge his progress.
[I would estimate 25%, but the recharge time will be lengthy, and you will need to provide additional assistance to fully replenish 100% of your energy], the system informed him, underscoring the challenges that lay ahead.
To comprehend this dialogue, it is crucial to understand the workings of the Balance System, a unique tool of its kind. Unlike conventional systems, it does not merely allocate points or skills. It possesses an energy gauge that enables the host to enhance their cultivation level, aptitudes, or skills. This gauge, once depleted, can be recharged naturally, by patiently awaiting the slow restoration of energy, or artificially, by undertaking missions or other tasks assigned by the system. The higher the quality of the energy provided, the more substantial the increase attained. Furthermore, the system is capable of self-updating and evolving, presenting new functionalities and new challenges to its host.
"Very well, in that case, you may invest 25% of the remaining energy," Long Shen commanded, making a calculated decision.
[The transfer process will commence. Please select the domain in which you wish to invest the energy], the system announced.
"Cultivation, of course," Long Shen replied without hesitation, his objective clear.
[Your level has been elevated to the 9th layer of Qi Refinement. Please complete the missions to replenish the energy gauge], the system informed him, marking a new stage in Long Shen's development.
Suddenly, Long Shen felt a surge of new power coursing through him. His breathing quickened, his heart pounded faster, and his meridians, the channels through which vital energy flowed, began to open one by one, like sluice gates releasing a powerful torrent. These various stages, while beneficial in the long run, inflicted intense pain upon Long Shen, an ordeal he endured with disconcerting impassivity. His face remained stoic, revealing no emotion. Finally, the process concluded, and Long Shen opened his eyes. The world appeared to him in a new light. The majestic trees, towering dozens of meters high, seemed even more imposing, their leaves rustling gently in the light breeze. The diversity of plants, with their shimmering colors and strange shapes, struck him with a newfound acuity. He noticed every detail, every nuance, every particularity of this teeming ecosystem. The insects, minuscule creatures that swarmed around him, did not escape his attention. He followed them with his gaze, capturing their furtive movements and their complex interactions. His perception had reached a level comparable to that of a cultivator at the Foundation Establishment level, an astounding improvement for a mere Qi Refiner.
"Not bad at all, I must admit, but I hope that replenishing this damned gauge won't take too long this time around. Otherwise, I'm afraid I'll have to contend with those cursed missions once more," Long Shen grumbled, letting out a sigh of weariness.
These words betrayed a previous unpleasant experience. Indeed, Long Shen had already resorted to the system's functionalities, but this time to enhance his aptitudes, and more specifically his luck. He had wagered 100% of the available energy, a considerable sum, and the recharge time had proven exorbitant: approximately 26 years. Twenty-six years! An unreasonable duration, which had severely tested his patience. Unable to resign himself to waiting for such an extended period, he had opted to turn to those famous missions, which had seemed so appealing at first, but which had turned out to be a source of frustrations and disappointments.