Chapter 27: The Grand Gift Package
"Open the rewards," Li Jian-san said quickly after returning to his room and hearing the system’s voice.
He was genuinely curious to see what kind of prizes this system would offer.
“Ding!”
“Congratulations, Host, for completing a random mission: you have received the Mysterious Technique—Devouring Heaven Codex!”
Li Jian-san asked, intrigued, “What kind of technique is that?”
The system replied, “This is a technique created by an ancient shaman.”
At those words, Li Jian-san’s curiosity was instantly piqued.
Ancient shamans were shrouded in mystery. Though not as revered as Fire Tamers, they were still enigmatic figures not to be underestimated. It was said that shamans were always low-profile, living as reclusive hermits. They could craft all manner of strange and lethal poisons and were masters of various arcane arts. Despite their modesty, their strength was formidable.
However, there had never been a shaman seen within the Jiang Kingdom.
The system continued to explain:
“On the continent of Nine Provinces, countless cultivators exist—humans, demons, and spirits. Yet, even fierce beasts without spiritual roots can evolve and gain immense power. That shaman, after centuries of exploration, uncovered this secret: though these beasts were born without spiritual roots, they could still cultivate because, through constant evolution, they altered their own constitutions, gradually gaining the ability to devour the spiritual roots of others. Once they consumed another’s spiritual root, they could draw upon the world’s spiritual energy, continue their cultivation, and further evolve their powers. Eventually, their evolution became so perfect that they could directly devour others’ strength, cultivation, and life force, making it their own.
“This technique was thus developed by studying and refining the secrets of these fearsome beasts—it is a forbidden technique.”
“As its name implies, by cultivating this technique, one essentially gains the constitution of devouring. Not only can you consume others’ power, but also their spiritual roots; at higher levels, you can even devour their fortune. Should you reach the pinnacle, you could swallow all, devour the towers, and drain the Ninefold Heavenly Rivers!”
At this point, Li Jian-san burst into laughter.
“A devouring constitution, able to absorb others’ cultivation—does that mean I won’t have to train myself? This system is truly something, hahaha…”
“And what about the other rewards?” Li Jian-san was already looking forward to what else he might receive.
“Ding, the grand gift pack has been opened.”
“Congratulations, Host, you have obtained an Endless Sumeru Ring.”
As soon as the system finished speaking, a black ring appeared in Li Jian-san’s hand.
“A Sumeru Ring—could there be an old master inside?” Li Jian-san chuckled when he saw the ring.
The system explained, “Master, the Sumeru Ring is for storing items. It contains boundless space, allowing you to keep anything you wish. It is an extremely precious artifact in the Jiang Kingdom, a treasure money cannot buy. Even the current head of the Shengjing Sect does not possess one.”
On hearing this, Li Jian-san’s expression changed. Even his own father didn’t have one. This must be extraordinarily valuable.
After a moment, Li Jian-san asked, “Is that all?”
No sooner had he spoken than the system’s voice sounded again:
“Ding.”
“Congratulations, Host, for opening the grand gift pack: you have received Third-Tier Phantom Flame, already stored in the Sumeru Ring.”
“Ding.”
“Congratulations, Host, for opening the grand gift pack: you have received Alchemist Experience, already stored in the Sumeru Ring.”
“Ding, congratulations, Host, for opening the grand gift pack: you have received five hundred Villain Points, already stored in the Sumeru Ring.”
As the notifications rang out, a cocky smile slowly crept onto Li Jian-san’s lips.
Phantom Flame—once refined, he would become a Fire Tamer.
Alchemist Experience—once absorbed, he’d become an Alchemist.
These were the essential tools for showing off and stunning his rivals.
Li Jian-san grinned. “Phantom Flame—can I refine it directly?”
The system replied, “Ordinary martial artists need all manner of rare treasures and must endure the agony of the Phantom Flame’s burning to refine it…”
As the system explained, Li Jian-san’s face grew darker.
Fortunately, the system changed its tone, “However, Master, you need only spend three hundred Villain Points to refine the Phantom Flame.”
Even so, Li Jian-san couldn’t help but twitch at the corners of his mouth. All those hard-earned Villain Points—gone just like that.
“Refine it for me!” Li Jian-san gritted his teeth.
“Ding, Host has spent three hundred Villain Points. The Third-Tier Phantom Flame has been successfully refined.”
“Congratulations, Host, you are now a Third-Tier Fire Tamer. The system awards you two hundred bonus Villain Points.”
Li Jian-san was startled. “What’s this, a cashback for topping up?”
“Can I directly absorb the Alchemist Experience?”
“Of course,” the system replied.
“Then let’s proceed.”
“Very well. The system is now managing the absorption of Alchemist Experience for you.”
“Current absorption progress: ten percent. Master, you may spend fifty Villain Points to accelerate the process. Would you like to do so?”
Li Jian-san’s expression changed yet again. Damn it, more spending? Will it ever end?
Still, he gritted his teeth and chose to accelerate. He was genuinely looking forward to being an Alchemist.
“Ding.”
“Congratulations, Host, for spending fifty Villain Points to activate acceleration.”
“Current absorption progress: fifty percent.”
Li Jian-san was stunned—only halfway?
The system said, “Master, the system recommends spending one hundred Villain Points to complete the process at once.”
This time, Li Jian-san’s face went completely black.
Damn it, they really have a whole routine to coax you into spending.
Fuming, Li Jian-san barked, “Just do it—finish it! I want to see just how powerful this Alchemist Experience is!”
As soon as he finished, the system’s voice rang out:
“Ding.”
“Congratulations, Host, for spending one hundred Villain Points. Alchemist Experience fully absorbed.”
“Ding.”
“Congratulations, Host, for perfectly assimilating Alchemist Experience. You now possess the skills of a Third-Rank Alchemist.”
Li Jian-san sucked in a cold breath. Third-Rank Alchemist—tsk, tsk. Even in the Jiang Kingdom, there were hardly any.
Those Villain Points were well spent.
Li Jian-san smiled, satisfied.
“So I’m a Third-Rank Alchemist now?”
The system replied, “You now possess the skills of a Third-Rank Alchemist, but you are not yet a certified Alchemist.”
Li Jian-san was taken aback. “What do you mean?”
“To become a formal Alchemist, Master, you must pass the Alchemist Guild’s examination. Only after their certification will you be recognized as a true Alchemist.”
Pausing for a moment, Li Jian-san said, “No rush on that.”
Overall, having opened the system’s grand gift pack, Li Jian-san was quite satisfied.
Now, he was eager to try out the mysterious technique.
“System, how do I cultivate the Devouring Heaven Codex?”