Ethan slowly opened his eyes. The sensation of warm energy flowing through his body was still there, though faint. Even though this was his first time cultivating, he could already feel a slight change—his breathing felt lighter, his mind clearer, and his body more refreshed.
"So this is what it feels like to absorb Qi," he thought, still in awe of the experience.
Suddenly, a notification echoed in his head.
[Congratulations! You have entered the initial stage of cultivation: Mortal Rank Level 1.]
Ethan glanced at the corner of his vision, where a new status panel appeared:
[Ethan Liu's Status]
Rank: Mortal Level 1 Qi Reserves: 2/10 Cultivation Technique: None Combat Techniques: None
Basic Attributes:
Strength: 3 Agility: 4 Endurance: 3 Intelligence: 6
"So there's a status system like this as well?" Ethan nodded, starting to understand the game mechanics being revealed to him.
However, something caught his attention—Cultivation Technique: None.
Without the right technique, his cultivation progress would be slow. He would remain stuck at the beginner stage, unable to reach higher levels.
He closed the status panel and pondered.
"If I want to grow stronger, I need a cultivation technique. But where can I get one?"
Ethan recalled that in cultivation novels, major sects usually had libraries or special halls where cultivation techniques were stored. But he wasn't part of any sect.
Another option was searching in the wild—sometimes, ancient relics or hidden legacies could be found throughout the world.
Or...
Suddenly, Ethan remembered something.
"Cultivator Chat Group!"
In many cultivation novels, there was the concept of a mysterious chat group that allowed members from different places to share techniques, experiences, and even resources. If this game was truly as realistic as it claimed to be, maybe such a system existed here too.
At that exact moment, a notification appeared before him.
[You have received an invitation to the Cultivator Chat Group. Accept?]
Ethan froze in shock.
"What?! I was just thinking about it!"
Without hesitation, he pressed [Accept].
A transparent virtual screen appeared before him, displaying a simple chat interface. Several people were already chatting inside.
[Cultivator Chat Group]
Heavenly Sword: "I just found a hidden cave in the Stone Mountain region. There's an ancient inscription mentioning the 'Sky-Sundering Sword' technique. Unfortunately, I can't fully comprehend it."
Silent Monk: "Interesting. I can help you translate it if you're willing to share half of the information."
Mad Alchemist: "I just created a first-tier Qi-enhancing pill! The effects are amazing! If anyone needs one, I'm willing to trade for rare ingredients."
Ethan swallowed hard. This wasn't just an ordinary chat. This was a gathering place for cultivators across the entire virtual world!
Before he could type anything, a direct message was sent to him.
???: "A newcomer? You're lucky to have entered this chat group."
Ethan: "Yeah, I just started cultivating. I'm still a beginner."
???: "Hah, a beginner, huh? In that case, you must need a basic technique. I have one, but I won't give it away for free."
Ethan stared at the message with anticipation. If he could obtain a cultivation technique now, his path to becoming stronger would open up even further!
He clenched his fists.
"Alright, I'll do whatever it takes to get that technique!"
Ethan's adventure had just entered a new chapter.