- Location
- United States
I would of just Said I woke up this way and blame it on random innate trait it would of no drawbacks except for the chance of people trying to get that "trait" in their bloodline aka getting laid
In a Cultivation World with a Cheat System (Xianxia inspired quest).
- Thread starter Kolarthecool
- Start date
- Original Fantasy
The Froggy Ninja
The Blade Will Never Die
- Location
- Singapore
Nah. This is what harems are for
- Location
- Queensland, Australia
@Kolarthecool Not sure if you've answered this somewhere and I've missed it, but is there a limit to how many Spirit Beast Ancestries we can awaken? Because if there isn't... Well, even though it's only Mid-Earth Ranking, my Kitsune of Fire is hilariously more valuable than I had thought... XD
It gives us a method of detecting whether or not someone is more likely to try to kill us or be friendly due to the minor Karmic Sense, gives an increase to flexibility, our sense of smell and hearing, as well as our Fire Affinity. Then there's the ability for minor shapeshifting, casting illusions and innate fire manipulation.
It's also significantly cheaper than the Low Heaven rank 'Increase _Insert Element Here_' option. Though probably doesn't give as big a buff to the affinity. Still, means we can get started at looking at forging, alchemy and that sort of stuff sooner.
Oh, and that reminds me. Just what does 'minor shapeshifting' mean?
That said, if there IS a limit to how many Spirit Beast Ancestries we can awaken... Yeah, there's better choices we can take. Even if that just means I need to figure out how to create a higher rank Kitsune to be in our bloodline...
Also, the chapter was excellent... And I do find the reaction of the Third Star Alchemist to being told about the fictional goldfish fruit to be hilarious. Though having our Clan's 'Ninja Elder' looking for the non-existent Ancestor might cause problems later...
It gives us a method of detecting whether or not someone is more likely to try to kill us or be friendly due to the minor Karmic Sense, gives an increase to flexibility, our sense of smell and hearing, as well as our Fire Affinity. Then there's the ability for minor shapeshifting, casting illusions and innate fire manipulation.
It's also significantly cheaper than the Low Heaven rank 'Increase _Insert Element Here_' option. Though probably doesn't give as big a buff to the affinity. Still, means we can get started at looking at forging, alchemy and that sort of stuff sooner.
Oh, and that reminds me. Just what does 'minor shapeshifting' mean?
That said, if there IS a limit to how many Spirit Beast Ancestries we can awaken... Yeah, there's better choices we can take. Even if that just means I need to figure out how to create a higher rank Kitsune to be in our bloodline...
Also, the chapter was excellent... And I do find the reaction of the Third Star Alchemist to being told about the fictional goldfish fruit to be hilarious. Though having our Clan's 'Ninja Elder' looking for the non-existent Ancestor might cause problems later...
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- Location
- New Mexico
Depending on the 'resolution' of the qualifiers, I'd suspect it's something along the lines of:
Minor Shapeshifting -- Minor alterations; eg: a human looking like any other human of a similar build and the same gender.
Medium Shapeshifting -- Major alterations; eg a human being able to alter shape to any human-form, with restrictions (ie not being able to produce the internal reproductive organs of the opposite gender).
Major Shapeshifting -- Major alterations; eg a human could morph fully into any human-form OR the appearance of any similar massed animal.
Full Shapeshifting -- Major alterations; eg Loki's shapeshifting powers in the myths. (Hey, look! I'm a horse! Hey look! I'm a fly! ...)
Kolarthecool
Hiding from the light of day.
- Location
- Calgary, Canada.
There's no limits. You just become a chimera with bits and pieces from each beast after a point. You can keep a regular human form ofc but using beast traits will cause you to transform. There'll also be some mental contamination to deal with too.
Able to shift his facial appearance slightly. Nothing overly absurd, just the same as using some makeup and stuff.
- Location
- Queensland, Australia
Okay, with those clarified...
Would it be possible to have a bunch of Spirit Beast Ancestry traits that are all the same type of Beast, in my case a Kitsune, that as we purchase a higher rank version of that creature type, it incorporates the lesser Spirit Beast into itself and they only take up one 'slot'?
My thoughts are basically something like we have a... Rank 9? Whatever's the highest possible or so, Kitsune somewhere in our Ancestry... But it started as a Kitsune of Fire before managing to work it's way up to Rank 9 (or whatever it is). Which is also the 'first level' of it's blood that we awaken in ourselves. And as we awaken the higher ranks, it's less 'New Spirit Beast Ancestry awoken' and more 'You have become more in tune with your Ancestor, and as such more of their abilities have awoken and revealed themselves'.
Would this be possible?
The Froggy Ninja
The Blade Will Never Die
We probably don't actually have whatever Beast in our ancestory. We just buy the rank of ancestory we want and the system alters our body to make it so.
Kolarthecool
Hiding from the light of day.
- Location
- Calgary, Canada.
What Froggy said. If you buy two beasts that are the same type but differently ranked, the higher ranked one will just overwrite the lower ranked one.
- Location
- Queensland, Australia
Yeah, I was pretty sure that was the case. Just decided to write like that because it didn't matter either way, and that's how people in-universe will be seeing it.
And thanks for the confirmation that better forms of a Spirit Beast Ancestry basically just 'upgrade'/overwrite the old one to the new level.
Guess this means I need to start working on better Kitsune...
And thanks for the confirmation that better forms of a Spirit Beast Ancestry basically just 'upgrade'/overwrite the old one to the new level.
Guess this means I need to start working on better Kitsune...
Leingod
Immaculate Blooming Lotus
You know there's a Chinese name for them, right? Huli Jing, or Jiuweihu if they've got the full nine tails. It's not even longer in syllable count than Kitsune.
The Froggy Ninja
The Blade Will Never Die
Also the Chinese came up with it first. I actually used Huli Jing in one of my beast submissions.
- Location
- Queensland, Australia
Don't know the differences between them and the Kitsune. And I prefer the name Kitsune personally anyway. Unless the QM says they have to be Chinese, I'll be sticking to Kitsune. When I get around to it... eventually... After I finish all the other stuff I need to be doing... probably...
Umi-san
Procrastinating.
- Location
- ꙮ
Are Kitsune and Huli jing the same?
tldr:
Kitsune
-didn't originally have nine tails
-messengers of the rice goddess, Inari
-normal foxes but clever and have magic powers
-Sleeps with humans because it seems fun and interesting.
-Likes fried tofu
Huli Jing:
-Sometimes did have nine tails
-Occasionally worshipped/prayed to directly for protection, as opposed to serving as a medium of communication.
-Malevolent spirits who look like foxes but aren't them
-Sleeps with humans to suck out their life force, used to power up.
-Likes eggs
tldr:
Kitsune
-didn't originally have nine tails
-messengers of the rice goddess, Inari
-normal foxes but clever and have magic powers
-Sleeps with humans because it seems fun and interesting.
-Likes fried tofu
Huli Jing:
-Sometimes did have nine tails
-Occasionally worshipped/prayed to directly for protection, as opposed to serving as a medium of communication.
-Malevolent spirits who look like foxes but aren't them
-Sleeps with humans to suck out their life force, used to power up.
-Likes eggs
Leingod
Immaculate Blooming Lotus
There are benevolent stories of them; Yu the Great (mythical founder of the possibly semi-historical Xia Dynasty) encountered a white nine-tailed fox, which he interpreted as a positive omen for his upcoming marriage (its nine tails were taken to symbolize that their union would produce many children), and Guo Pu of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, while interpreting ancient texts, said that the appearance of a nine-tailed fox in times of peace or before a wedding is an auspicious omen. And there are of course the requisite tales of them taking human form and falling in love with human men.
So they're more mixed in character than the (usually) mischievous-at-worst kitsune, but still more positive than the almost always evil kumiho of Korean myths.
Also the most infamous one was identical to the Japanese myth, since she was sent by the gods to punish impiety.
Leingod
Immaculate Blooming Lotus
That's because the story of Tamamo no Mae was created in the Edo Period to tie a bunch of similar myths together. The story is that an evil fox spirit possessed several different women throughout time and space to commit wicked acts through them, starting with Daji (the concubine of King Zhou, the ironically-named last king of the Shang Dynasty), then fled to India and became "Lady Kayō," concubine to a "Prince Banzoku," who cut off the heads of 1,000 men due to her influence. This is drawing from the Indian legend of Kalmashapada, who was possessed by a rakshasa and transformed into a cannibalistic demon. Note the way it transforms the tale from Kalmashapada being directly possessed into the demon possessing his concubine (in fact, in the original story it was prophesized he would die if he slept with his wife, so he had another man father his child for him, so sexual wiles being exercised to corrupt him don't really work with the myth as it originally was); this is important.
After that, the demon returned again to China and possessed Bao Si, the concubine to King You of the Zhou Dynasty. Finally, it ended up in Japan and appeared directly as Tamamo no Mae rather than possessing a woman as it had before and became the consort of Emperor Toba, making him sicken rather than causing him to do evil, only to be discovered by Abe no Yasuchika, then hunted down and killed for good.
Essentially, this tale is just the same old saw about how women are the root of all evil, and all the most awful and terrible tyrants known to history were doing it all because of how evil and misguiding women are and yadda yadda yadda. In fact, the story even concentrates on how intelligent and well-read Tamamo no Mae is, bringing it up constantly, as if a woman being educated is supposed to be taken as a warning sign.
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A1C6: Meet the Parents (2).
Kolarthecool
Hiding from the light of day.
- Location
- Calgary, Canada.
A/N: Sat on this for like half a week. No matter how I looked at it, I was completely unsatisfied with it. Then, sometime this morning, a strike of inspiration hit and I was able to break-through my bottleneck. Hope you all enjoy.
XxxOxxX
In a Cultivation World with a Cheat System.
Arc One: The Clan Zhang.
Chapter Six: Meet the Parents (2).
XxxOxxX
Upon leaving the tunnels beneath the manor by way of a secret passage, Zhang Tian follows his father's advice and immediately seeks out his mother. As someone he has a close relationship with, Zhang Tian doesn't even need to think to know where he will find her. Worried as she is about her son's well-being, there is only one place his mother can be. With this thought in mind, Zhang Tian sets off through the halls of his childhood home.
The interior of the Zhang family manor is just as ostentatious as the exterior. Decorations of glimmering gold and sparkling silver fill the rooms. Paintings and calligraphy scrolls signed by famous masters adorn the walls. Rare and exotic spirit plants within vases of precious jade rest upon pedestals as mere decoration. The sheer wealth contained within this one building is a testament to the long and fruitful history of the Zhang clan.
Taking the quickest route possible, Zhang Tian exits the manor through a back door and enters into a large garden space. The flowers and plants within this garden have been meticulously arranged, the various colors and styles mixing together in perfect harmony. Simply gazing upon this careful arrangement of mundane plants is enough to calm the mind and instill tranquility. A number of stone pathways crisscross through the garden, arranged in such a way as to enhance the symmetry of the garden. In the center of all this, is a pavilion.
Tall, square, and teeming with vines and flowers, the building acts as the central focus of the whole garden. All the pathways lead to, and from, it, and the plants adorning it grants it the appearance of a large plant towering over all the rest. The arched windows of the pavilion allow the cool morning breeze to flow through. In the center of the pavilion is a small, round table with a number of seats pulled up to it. Seated in one such seat, is a figure that causes Zhang Tian to smile.
Tall, lithe and incomparably beautiful, the woman seated within that pavilion puts the meticulously cultivated beauty of the whole garden to shame. Her hair is long and silken, black, curled tresses that manage to perfectly frame her face; accentuating her warm brown eyes, narrow nose, and pouty red lips. The flowing dress she wears is exquisite in design, the patterns of winding vines and budding flowers coupled with the surrounding garden leads one to liken her to a goddess of nature. In one hand, she holds a small plate of polished, white glass. In the other, a pair of well-manicured fingers holds a matching teacup that is half filled with steaming tea.
This woman is Huang Yi, wife of Zhang Hai and Zhang Tian's mother.
Smiling wide at the sight of his mother, Zhang Tian hurries his way across the garden and into the pavilion. A warm, herbal scent fills his body as he nears the small table, and Zhang Tian sighs as a wave of relaxation flows through his entire body. Still smiling, Zhang Tian approaches the table and takes a seat.
"Mother."
One can easily hear the care and love contained within that single word. In this entire world, it can be truthfully said that there is no one Zhang Tian loves more than his mother. Not even his transmigrated memories have changed this fact. Huang Yi is a warm, caring woman that positively dotes on her children. Even when Zhang Tian went wild all those years ago and threw a tantrum, Huang Yi was always there with a soft smile and words of comfort. Even when dealing with others, regardless of status, Huang Yi acts in a kind and courteous manner. Despite her marrying into the clan, there is no one in the entire Zhang household that can be said to view Huang Yi in a negative manner.
"Tian'er." Huang Yi sighs, setting her cup down. There is a rarely seen frown on her face. The sheer worry contained within that single frown is enough to tear at Zhang Tian's heart. "How are you? What did the third elder have to say?"
"Ah.."
As he pours himself a cup of tea, Zhang Tian relates the third elder's words to his mother. As he speaks about the changes that have occurred within his body and what it can mean for his future, the frown on his mother's face doesn't vanish as Zhang Tian is expecting. Rather, it seems to deepen and shift. Finally, the tale is finished but his mother just sits there, looking increasingly worried.
"Mother? Is something wrong." Zhang Tian finally asks after a few minutes of silence. Of all the reactions he was expecting from his mother, this look of worry and conflict did not even come to mind.
The sound of his voice seems to draw her from her thoughts and his mother focuses on him with her saddened eyes.
"Tian'er, Mother is happy for you, truly. No one else knows how much you have wished for this." Huang Yi says, allowing a warm smile to show for a moment. "Mother is just worried. With matters in the clan as they are now, and your brother…"
Though she doesn't continue on, Zhang Tian nods in understanding. How can he not understand her concerns? After all, this is a matter the two have discussed much in past months. That being, the strife within the Zhang clan.
Although they are all one family, wholly united against all outside threats, there are still times of division within the Zhang clan. Many times, there will appear a matter that causes the clan to divide into warring factions. Though things are generally resolved peacefully, and resorting to bloodshed is forbidden, such times can cause a deal of stress and tension within the clan. The current dividing matter is the choice of the next generation's clan head.
In accordance with the rules of the Zhang clan, there is a limit to how long one can rule as the clan head. For the betterment of the clan, it is encouraged for the current clan head to step aside when a suitable successor appears. The former clan head can then act as a clan elder or enter seclusion, aiming to advance to a higher realm so that the clan can be further strengthened. This is a long-standing tradition within the clan, one that is fully honored.
Some months ago, before the personal upheaval of Zhang Tian's life, Zhang Hai announced his intention to enter seclusion soon and aim for a breakthrough into the Ascendant Mortal realm. To do this, he must first select a replacement clan head. This is where the current strife began.
Within the Zhang clan, any member of the clan's main branch can hold the position of clan heir and, eventually, become the clan head. The deciding factor is dependent on the person's natural talent and displayed ability. Right now, within the younger generation of the Zhang clan, there are three people with the capabilities to become clan head.
Currently, the first-in-line successor of the Zhang clan is Zhang Hua, Zhang Tian's older brother. A talented genius in cultivation, Zhang Hua is only twenty years old yet he already stands at the peak of the Core Formation realm. With the continued nurturing of the clan, it is possible for him to step into the third realm at any time and join the ranks of Ye Country's top experts before he is even thirty years old. With such prestige and talent, Zhang Hua is considered more than qualified to lead the Zhang clan in the future.
Of course, where there is a talented genius, there is also one capable of rivaling them.
Trailing close behind Zhang Tian's brother, are two others. The second-in-line successor is Zhang Mei, the daughter of the Zhang clan's first elder. Thirdly, is Zhang Min, the son of the seventh elder. Though they are both only around eighteen years old, the two are exceptionally talented and have also stepped into the upper stage of the Core Formation realm. With their displayed talent, and their parents drawing in support from their allies within the clan, each is able to stand up and fight for the clan head position.
Given the difficulties in stepping from one realm into another, it is also entirely possible for these two to catch up to Zhang Hua before he can enter the Core Ignition realm. Unless one of the three can pull themselves far enough ahead as to completely secure the position of clan head, the Zhang clan will remain divided into three factions. Though there is no open fighting allowed, tensions are still high within the clan and the fight for resources is fierce.
Then, there is Zhang Tian.
While his brother and cousins were off focusing on their cultivation, Zhang Tian was at home, expanding his knowledge base and management ability. His raw intellect and ability in this area has already been recognized, to the point that Zhang Hai and the elders are already considering handing the management of some of the clan's major businesses off to him despite his young age. It is fully expected for Zhang Tian to someday take over for the seventh elder in managing the clan's various businesses. Because of these displayed capabilities, there are many in the Zhang clan that would support the idea of Zhang Tian becoming the clan head. The skills and knowledge Zhang Tian has amassed are of the sort that a good clan head requires. While these things can always be picked up later in life, a person will always support a leader that is already knowledgeable and capable, over one that is just picking it up as they go. It is only Zhang Tian's inability to cultivate that keeps him out of the running.
Except, that Zhang Tian who is the most knowledgeable and educated among the younger generation, even in matters regarding cultivation, can now cultivate. More than that, he has also just consumed a medicine that will allow his cultivation speed to soar at a rapid pace. If Zhang Tian's intellect can also be applied to comprehending the Dao of Heaven and Earth, he could easily achieve a genius level of growth and burst forth as a dragon among men.
This is what Huang Yi fears, the appearance of a fourth faction centered around her youngest son. The sight of her two children clashing against one another, their years of love turned into a bitter rivalry. The very thought of it threatens to tear her heart in two.
Knowing of his mother's thoughts and concerns, what else can Zhang Tian do but smile and shake his head.
"Mother really doesn't need to worry about such things." The young teen chides, chuckling to himself.
Truthfully, Zhang Tian has absolutely no interest in fighting for the clan head position. The clan head position is something his brother has always strived for. Everything Zhang Hua has accomplished has been for this. For Zhang Tian to come out and state his intention to fight for the position, regardless of whether or not he can catch up in cultivation, would be a deep cutting betrayal. Unless he intends to tear his family apart, Zhang Tian cannot even think of fighting for the position of clan head
Further, Zhang Tian's dream is to see the world. His greatest wish is to explore the lands outside of Grand Ye. To lay eyes on wonderous and fantastical sights. To see the known limits of cultivation, and then exceed those limits. To become the head of the Zhang clan, Zhang Tian would have to first throw away this dream.
As with all members of the Zhang clan, Zhang Tian has a responsibility to the clan. He has a duty to see that the clan flourishes, that it remains a place of power and safety for all future generations. With the system, Zhang Tian can easily fulfill this responsibility. A treasure trove of rare resources and cultivation materials is at his fingertips, all he needs is the points to purchase them and the Zhang clan can easily rise to a level of unprecedented power within Grand Ye. Like this, Zhang Tian can fulfill his duty and leave the country with a clear heart.
This becomes impossible if he becomes the clan head.
The responsibility of a clan head, on the other hand, is eternal. No matter what contributions one makes, it will never be enough to fulfill their responsibility to the clan. To serve the clan until their dying breath is the duty of every clan head. To become the patriarch of the Zhang Clan, a mighty and prestigious position within Grand Ye, would be counter to Zhang Tian's dream.
"I will throw my full support behind Older Brother." Zhang Tian announces, his words filled with earth-shaking conviction. "No matter what anyone says, Older Brother will be the next clan head. I will ensure it."
For a moment, Huang Yi is shaken. Looking at this teen sitting across from her, Huang Yi is unable to recognize him. The sheer confidence in his posture. The resolution in his voice. The weight of his gaze. The Zhang Tian before her is a complete and utter stranger to Hiang Yi. The feeling of disconnect lasts for a single moment, then it fades and Huang Yi is left looking at her son. Pride wells up in her heart and the smile that appears on Huang Yi's face is blinding in its intensity.
"Ahh. You've really changed Tian'er. Mother sees that you are all grown up now." Huang Yi says, her mood completely lightened from what it was before. "If you say it will be so, then Mother will believe you. With your support, Hua'er may as well be clan head already."
Zhang Tian nods, joining in with his mother's infectious smile. Of course, he will say nothing to her about his plans for the future. The road of cultivation is a dangerous one. To reach the apex, one must wade through the blood, and climb over the bodies, of countless rivals and deadly beasts. To want to venture outside of Grand Ye, where he will be unable to call upon the protection of the Zhang clan, such a thought would cause nothing but worry for Huang Yi. Saying nothing is the best choice for now.
With this thought in mind, Zhang Tian relaxes back in his seat and takes a sip of his tea-
"Aiya, Mother only wishes things were simpler. That nosy old man…. It would have been so much simpler if your change in maturity was just from some fun play with a girl in the city."
"Hngrk."
-and chokes at his mother's comment. Ignoring her son's splutters, Huang Yi continues on with a teasing smile on her lips
"Of course, Mother would've had to kill any simple-minded trollop that thinks she can defile my baby boy."
"Mother!"
The sound of Huang Yi's titter rings through the garden, soothing the indignation in Zhang Tian's heart; though his cheeks retain their rosy blush. Before he can compose himself fully, Huang Yi stops giggling and continues on.
"Now, now Tian'er. You're no longer a boy, you really need to start thinking about marriage. And children. None of those hussies out there are good enough for my son, of course, but that won't stop them from trying."
"Mother. Please."
"You need to find yourself a good girl, a hardworking girl like Xiao Mei or Xiao Jingyi. Just say the word and Mother will arrange things."
Zhang Tian's groan goes unignored as his mother picks up a topic that he was hoping she'd long forgotten about. Hours pass like this, mother and son discussing matters of the future (one discussing, the other contemplating the merits of a quick death) before a third presence appears to interrupt them. Unfortunately for Zhang Tian, the addition of Zhang Hai just means he now has two concerned parties discussing the matter of his future marriage.
As the second born, Zhang Tian is granted the opportunity to marry for love. While Zhang Hua has been matched with a suitable partner from the moment of his birth, Zhang Tian is given the freedom to marry as he wishes; within limits, of course. Unfortunately, this also means his parents will often pester him about girls they find to be suitable matches. Such as the clan's genius beauty, Zhang Mei, or the daughter of the City Lord, Xun Jingyi.
Thankfully for Zhang Tian, the arrival of Zhang Hai is soon followed by that of servants bearing food and drink for an afternoon meal. The conversation soon changes to other, less important, matters as the three eat and once the meal is finished, both men are able to excuse themselves from the table. Leaving Huang Yi to her afternoon activities, father and son both entered the manor and make their way through the halls.
Walking side by side through the hall, Zhang Hai looks towards his youngest son. A hint of emotion seems to flicker through his eyes and he comes to a stop. Noticing this, Zhang Tian also slows to a stop and turns to his father with a questioning look.
"Xiao Tian… do you still plan to do like you wanted all those years ago?"
Zhang Tian freezes. Locking eyes with his father, Zhang Tian instantly understands what he means by those words. For a moment, a memory flashes through both of their minds. The memory is of a small boy seated upon an older man's lap, the boy is excitedly chattering on about his dreams of travel and adventure while the man simply smiles on.
Zhang Tian nods, causing Zhang Hai to sigh. A solemn look overtakes the older man's face and he stares the young teen down with eyes full of intensity.
"Tian'er, the world is a vast and dangerous place. There is still much that even you do not know. That you are not ready for. Within Grand Ye, you can run around and do as you want and no one can dare rebuke you, for you are a child of the Zhang clan. Outside of Ye Country, there is only danger. The outside world is a different place. All of those powerful cultivators and sects, they won't care who you are or where you come from. Out there, be it Ye Country or the Zhang clan, neither is worth even a fart."
Zhang Hai's expression is completely firm now, there is none of the softness and warmth normally reserved for his family. This is the first time Zhang Tian has ever had this side of his father, the patriarch of the Zhang clan, directed his way. It is a chilling experience.
Still, Zhang Tian stands firm and steady. His will is one of absolute resolution.
"If you wish to ever step outside of Ye Country, it will not be simple. You will require strength and power, my son, such that you can rival any top expert within the clan. Within the country. Anything less and you may as well give up on your dreams. If you step outside Ye Country without sufficient power, you will die without even knowing how.
Do you understand me Zhang Tian?"
Looking as solemn as his father, Zhang Tian nods and bows.
"Yes, Father."
Zhang Hai nods once before turning away.
"Things are different for you now, Tian'er. Before, you were just a child. A future manager for the clan perhaps, but still a non-entity to those that would care. Now, not so much. Your fortuitous encounter with that senior will buy you some time but not long. You are my son, your mother's child. Your brother is a genius and your own abilities have already been recognized.
The enemies of our clan will have to act eventually.
This world is a harsh place. You can no longer remain a child. You must cultivate well and grasp what strength you can. You must be prepared for the dangers ahead. Only then can you accomplish your dreams."
Sighing once more, Zhang Hai begins walking again. After a moment digesting his father's words, Zhang Tian rushes to follow. The hall is silent but for their footsteps, then…
"Father. The gathering in three months…"
As Zhang Tian trails off, looking to be gathering his thoughts, Zhang Hai frowns.
In three months time, the Zhang clan will be hosting its annual gathering. During this event, any young talent within the south region of Ye Country with a cultivation in the Body Refinement realm is invited to attend and show off their capabilities. If they manage to place well or show some impressive talent, the participants can win all sorts of prizes ranging from expensive, high-grade cultivation materials to the opportunity to even join the Zhang clan as an outer branch member.
Of course, none of these prizes matter to someone of Zhang Tian's standing. Aside from the opportunity to measure his progress and show off his ability in three months time, Zhang Tian is more interested in the special prize reserved for those members of the Zhang clan that manage to rank within the top three during the gathering. That being, the eligibility to leave the south region for the central region.
In Ye Country, the outer regions of the nation are actually the more barren parts of the nation. Guarded and administrated by the great clan or sect based in the region, the outer regions of Ye Country are considered 'wastelands' due to the low concentrations of World Qi, as well as the scarcity of high ranking Spirit Beasts and resources. The only reason these regions have any worth for cultivators is that each is bordered by a forbidden zone. That is, forbidden to those too weak to survive within. For the south region, this zone is the Crimsonwood Forest. Though the outer portions are relatively safe, the deeper one goes into the Crimsonwood Forest, the more danger they will face. Without a cultivation in the upper stage of the third realm, one can only dream about entering deep into the forest.
The central region, however, is a completely different place. Due to certain reasons, the Qi of Heaven and Earth tends to concentrate heavily in the central region. This abundance of dense Qi makes it an excellent location to cultivate. Not only that, but all sorts of secrets and treasures abound. The hidden tombs of past experts, the lairs of strong spirit beasts, the fields of rare spirit plants. The central region of Grand Ye is a vast land of opportunity.
As the primary territory of the royal clan and the location of the imperial city, the central region is also the place where all sorts of strong and important individuals flock. Be it the great clans, the sects, or the profession guilds, all those powerful groups have some manner of presence within the region. Because of this, all sorts of treasures and rare materials flow in and out of the central region.
The main point for Zhang Tian, however, is that the central region is also seen as a great tempering ground for the younger generation of the various sects and clans. Only after tempering oneself in the central region and establishing a reputation can one hope to join the ranks of the country's top experts. Currently, Zhang Hua, Zhang Mei, and Zhang Min are all out tempering themselves within this region.
To place within the top three during the gathering and enter the central region of the nation with his brother, this is Zhang Tian's current goal.
"You wish to attend?" Zhang Hai asks, already knowing the answer. Zhang Tian nods, causing the older man's frown to deepen.
While the gathering is generally a safe event, there is still the chance of danger and death for the unlucky few. Without a suitable level of cultivation and ability, it is foolish to even attend the event.
"This…"
Zhang Hai trails off, falling into deep thought. A few seconds pass in silence before he speaks again.
"It is not impossible. In these past few years, you have accumulated more knowledge than even the best of your peers. On this alone, you are capable enough to participate. However, three months… it is a short time to prepare."
"I can do it." Zhang Tian cuts in, looking firm and resolute.
Zhang Hai nods in agreement.
"I do not doubt that. In any other situation, I would simply brush your words off as the ignorance of youth, but you have been blessed by this fortuitous encounter. If the words of the Third Elder are correct, reaching a suitable level in just three short months should not be too difficult."
Zhang Hai almost snorts at his own words. Not too difficult indeed. As the third elder said, Zhang Tian's body is completely clean of impurities. This young teen that has been unable to cultivate since birth has now been gifted with the physique of someone that has cultivated for over half a decade. With his intellect, even if he decides to pick up the most trash cultivation manual within the clan archive, Zhang Tian should still be able to break-through to the intermediate stage of the Body Refinement realm within three months. If Zhang Tian can't accomplish even this much with the resources of the clan, then he may as well give up on his dream.
"So, I can compete?"
Zhang Hai shrugs at that.
"That will depend on you. In three months time, I will hold an assessment. If you pass, you may compete."
Zhang Tian grins widely and bows with cupped hands.
"Thank you, Father."
Zhang Hai smiles again before waving his hand dismissively as they come upon his study.
"Go and think on my words, Tian'er. Tomorrow, Father will reserve a seclusion chamber for you to use for the next three months. See the two elders, prepare yourself, then come find me tomorrow."
"Yes, Father."
With a final bow, Zhang Tian turns and begins making his way back to his home. As he walks, a feeling of excitement bubbles up within his chest. This… this is really happening.
.
.
.
Finally.
Along the way back to his home, Zhang Tian dispatches two servants with messages. Since he has been in the manor all morning, Cho Mang and Guo Yue have not yet sought him out. Knowing the two, they will instantly appear within ten minutes of him leaving the manor. Rather than wait, Zhang Tian dispatches the servants with messages to inform the two that he will be resting at home for the rest of the day so they need not seek him out.
Returning to his home, Zhang Tian immediately shuts himself in his room and flops onto his (thankfully) clean bed. With his guards informed to turn away any visitors, and his regular companions given the day off, Zhang Tian can finally relax and examine his prizes from the system in private. A single thought is enough to call up the system menu-
Supreme Cultivation System (ver 3.46)
Host Level: Uninitiated Cultivator.
System Points: 200.
[Inventory]
[Traits]
[Cultivation Manuals]
[Innate Techniques]
[Arts]
[Beasts]
[Resources]
[Weapons]
[Armor]
[Tools]
[Sell]
-and Zhang Tian immediately focuses on the inventory section. One after the other, his two rewards are withdrawn from the system inventory with all of the delicate care befitting such treasures. Both items appear in his cupped hands as he's willed them to, and Zhang Tian gently sets them on the bed. With a strong exhale, the young teen carefully examines the two items.
The first item is a simple looking, paper scroll. Wrapped around two, thin handles of polished wood, the back of the scroll is completely black in color. A paper tag seals the scroll closed, the words 'One Palm Advances, A Thousand Strike' identifying what lays within. If he didn't know better, Zhang Tian would think this is just a trash item. Unlike the scrolls in the clan archive, with their detailed labels and artistic drawings on the back, this scroll is completely mediocre in appearance. Thankfully, he does know better and Zhang Tian can understand the value of the information stored within this item.
The second item that Zhang Tian has retrieved from the inventory is actually a jade slip. Roughly as long and wide as a pair of chopsticks, and rectangular in shape with rounded edges, the slip is carved from a piece of flawless, green jade with no hint of a single imperfection. Much like the technique scroll, the jade slip is generally mediocre in appearance. Other than the small tracing of inscriptions along its edges that enable its function, the slip simply has the words 'Lesser Universal Body' carved along its center. A far cry from those slips within the archive with their intricate carvings of myriad beasts, resplendent weapons, and elemental forces. Mediocre appearance or not, it does not matter. The value of the jade slip has always been in its function rather than its appearance.
Thanks to the intricate inscriptions carved along its edge, a jade slip allows one to slip their consciousness into the item in order to store or retrieve information. Such slips are best used to store delicate and complex knowledge, the sort of knowledge that is impossible to transfer through simple speech or text. The sort of knowledge that must be felt, and experienced, rather than just understood. In this whole world, the most common use of a jade slip is to pass on a cultivation art.
Each and every cultivation art requires a specific breathing pattern, a specific mindset, and a specific method of circulating Qi. Without careful and dedicated guidance, it is easy for a budding cultivator to make a mistake that can cause their cultivation to go berserk. Unless they are a peerless genius only seen once every thousand generations, simply telling the person how they should feel, and how they should control their body while cultivating, will do nothing but harm them. Thus, the use of the jade slip. By personally immersing their consciousness in the comprehensions and insights of the slip's creator, the receiver can instantly understand how to properly perform the cultivation art with the littlest amount of risk possible.
Having withdrawn the two items from the inventory, and inspected them, Zhang Tian has no qualms about using them immediately. As the knowledge within the jade slip will require some time to comprehend, Zhang Tian decides to begin with the technique scroll. A single slice with his thumbnail is all it takes to part the seal, and Zhang Tian opens the scroll with an expression of anticipation.
Fully unrolled, the scroll is roughly three Chi long, and three quarters as wide. The paper of the scroll looks completely new and unblemished, utterly pristine with the ink shining like it has just been freshly applied. Amazed as he is at this strange sight, Zhang Tian does not hesitate to begin reading the words on the scroll. The information written on the scroll is relatively short given the content, with a few diagrams of exceptional detail drawn to provide examples and further clarity. In the time it takes an incense stick to burn, Zhang Tian has already finished reading the whole scroll. Then he reads it again. And again. And again. It is only after he has read the scroll a half dozen times, that Zhang Tian sets it back down on the bed.
Seated there upon his bed, Zhang Tian can only marvel in awe at the complexities of this technique. The thought and effort placed into the creation of this palm strike. The depth of understanding and thought. Everything he has just read has left Zhang Tian feeling stunned. Really though, he should have expected this. After all, no matter how much one refines their body, it is impossible for them to launch a thousand palm strikes in a single instant. Not with pure physical power or speed at least. Reading the intricacies of the 'One Palm Advances, A Thousand Strike' technique, Zhang Tian can't help but feel like he has been thinking like a fool all these years.
To perform the 'One Palm Advances, A Thousand Strike' technique, the cultivator requires exceptional timing and Qi control. At the exact moment of impact with a target, the user of the technique must release an explosion of Qi from the center of their palm. Rather than striking outwards, where it can easily be dispelled by the Qi circulation of the enemy, the Qi explosion must actually target inward. By using the force of the Qi explosion, and that of a second explosion from the elbow detonated an instant after the first, the cultivator can drive their arm back into the target with great force. They must do this a thousand times in the blink of an eye.
How does this work? How can such small explosions of Qi achieve such force? How is the user's arm not savaged by the sheer forces involved? Zhang Tian hs no idea, even his understanding of Qi doesn't stretch this far. What he does understand, however, no matter how basic it may be, is the science of Earth. This technique... the use of rebound forces; the way it negates inertia; the way it uses explosive force to drive the arm of the user into the target over and over like the piston. A cultivator of this world would be shocked at the sheer profoundness inherent within this technique. Zhang Tian, with his foreign knowledge, is able to just barely grasp at understanding the intricacies of it yet even he falls short. What is Qi, that it can allow the accomplishment of such impossible feats?
Swirling in his thoughts, Zhang Tian can't help but smile and laugh. Questions like this are the reason he wants to escape this small country and see what the wide world has to offer. So much to learn, So much to understand. How wonderful.
Putting the matter of the 'One Palm Advances, A Thousand Strike' technique aside until he can actually attempt at performing it, Zhang Tian turns his attention to the slip containing his cultivation art. A simple force of will is all it takes for his consciousness to sink into the jade slip, and Zhang Tian's body goes still as his mind explores the information within the slip. Within the slip, Zhang Tian fully experiences the cultivation method of the 'Lesser Universal Body' art. Like with the technique scroll, Zhang Tian examines the information of the jade slip over and over. He pays careful attention to every little detail, immersing himself in the knowledge of the slip as time passes.
Finally, after an unknown period of time, Zhang Tian withdraws his consciousness from the slip. There is a rueful expression on his face and, with a great exhale of air, the teen flops onto his back with his eyes closed.
'This cultivation method-'
The 'Lesser Universal Body' cultivation art… it goes far beyond any other cultivation art Zhang Tian has ever seen, let alone heard of. The profoundness of the art. The requirements and steps. No other cultivation method Zhang Tian knows of can compare. This art simply stands in a league of its own. Among the many manuals he had available to choose from, this one really was among the best choice. That said...
'-why is it so difficult? Can I even practice this art?'
The difficulty of the art is staggering. Just the thought of it fills Zhang Tian with dread. How did such a difficult cultivation method come about? It boggles the mind.
The difficulty of the art is two-fold, both stemming from its most basic requirements.
Firstly, the art requires Zhang Tian to cultivate using only Primordial Qi. That being, Qi that is completely pure of influence. This is the Qi that is said to have existed from the dawn of creation, from before the birth of Yin and Yang, and from them, the five elements. Primordial Qi is a form of Qi of the highest purity and, as such, the highest rarity. In any given area, one will be lucky to find even a single mote of Primordial Qi for every thousand motes of elemental Qi.
This is a massive problem.
The 'Lesser Universal Body' art can only be cultivated with Primordial Qi. Where a normal cultivator can cultivate using the general Qi of Heaven and Earth, the denser the Qi concentration the better, Zhang Tian must carefully parse through the Qi and only allow the smallest percentage of it to drive his cultivation art. Failing to do this while cultivating the 'Lesser Universal Body' will cause his cultivation to go berserk. With such a stringent requirement, Zhang Tian's future cultivation of this art can only proceed at a snail's pace.
The second requirement of the art is the use of a suitably dense material. The 'Lesser Universal Body' art is a powerful art. It allows one to cultivate a body that is unnaturally dense, achieving a level of physical body refinement that is beyond all others. This grants the cultivator a degree of strength and durability that is hard to match. To cultivate the art, Zhang Tian needs to use an item of suitable density to act as a catalyst for restructuring the foundation of his body. The difficulty in this is also two-fold.
Firstly, the material in question. From the jade slip, Zhang Tian has learned that very few items are actually suitable for use with this art. He can't just pick up any random rock or metal and cultivate with it. From the slip, the only material Zhang Tian knows of that fits the most basic requirement is Black Spirit Steel. Black Spirit Steel is the highest grade forging material in all of Grand Ye. The material is the strongest and densest metal within Ye Country. It can be used to craft spirit weapons and armor that are low Earth-rank at a minimum. This makes the material incredibly valuable. Acquiring the item isn't too difficult, however. Within the Zhang clan, there are at least a few ingots in the treasury, waiting for someone to amass enough tokens to request a weapon or armor forged with them. If Zhang Tian asks, there is no doubt he can claim an ingot for his use. Which would be more than enough for his needs. The real difficulty is in utilizing the item.
The 'Lesser Universal Body' art contains within it a vast degree of profoundness. To cultivate it with a dense item isn't as simple as one would think. Zhang Tian had assumed that the required item was needed to reinforce the structure of his body. There are some cultivation arts that use the bone or flesh of spirit beasts to give the cultivator a stronger body. Zhang Tian assumed this art was the same. This couldn't be further from the truth.
With the chosen item in hand, Zhang Tian must allow his consciousness to sink into the item while cultivating. From there, he must somehow grasp onto the very concept of Density buried within that item and copy it over to his body. To do something like this… the amount of concentration, understanding, and comprehension required is staggering. Even watching it done through the slip wasn't enough. To achieve the higher levels of the 'Lesser Universal Body' art, Zhang Tian will need to consult the jade slip many times more and struggle to comprehend the profoundness within.
With such requirements, it is nearly impossible for anyone but an ancient master to ever cultivate this art. Even knowing the steps, Zhang Tian feels it is impossible for him to cultivate this art without a few centuries of free time.
Thankfully, he has the system store. With this cheat like System in hand, the difficulties of this art are actually quite easy to surpass. In fact, it only takes Zhang Tian a few moments of perusal to find some solutions within his price range:
Formation Plate: Elemental Dispursing Trap (High Mortal).
Creates a formation space that repels Elemental Qi. Qi density will decrease in the area as a side-effect. Single-use item.
This formation is a simple one, easy to disperse with a basic degree of knowledge regarding formations, and completely ineffective against beasts and cultivators of the second realm and higher. It is also suitable for his needs. By stripping the affected area of elemental Qi, Zhang Tian will be able to better sense and draw in the limited amounts of primordial Qi that remains. This will remove an entire degree of difficulty from his cultivation.
Primordial Qi Crystal (Low Mortal).
The Qi within this crystal has undergone a refinement process. Though there is less energy stored inside it than that within regular spirit crystal of the same size, the purity of the energy within is incomparable. Can be used to craft certain items, pills, or formation plates. Single-use item.
The crystal, on the other hand, is absolutely perfect for his needs. Though it seems to be a crafting material, spirit crystals have always had worth to cultivators as the energy within them can often be used to aid cultivation. With a few of these crystals in hand, Zhang Tian can easily cultivate without a need to worry about the purity of the energy he draws in.
Nugget of Meteoric Copper (Low Earth).
Though it is the weakest of the meteoric ores, this orange-red metal found within meteorites that have fallen from the heavens stands a league above most earthly materials. Its strength and density are such that a simple nugget, when mixed with a lighter ore, can create a weapon powerful enough to cut through iron like it is air. Can be augmented with alchemical mixtures and inscriptions.
With a much higher density than Black Spirit Steel, cultivating with this material instead will allow Zhang Tian to strengthen his body to a higher degree. His base strength and durability will reach the Low-Earth rank at a minimum, something that is normally only achievable by a pure physical body cultivator in the second realm. That is an impressive feat.
After a few minutes browsing the shop, Zhang Tian decides to buy:
[][shop] # Formation Plate(s).
[][shop] # Primordial Qi Crystal(s).
[][shop] Nugget of Metioric Copper.
[][shop] Write-in: any shop items or originals within the price range.
[][shop] Nothing.
*Replace # with how many you want to buy. There are no alternatives in the clan stuff. If nothing is bought, Zhang Tian will go into his first month of training as is. Cultivation art XP is reduced by 10%.
Finished with the store, Zhang Tian dismisses the system menu and stands from his bed. A deal of time has already passed and it is time for the evening meal. Stretching the kinks out of his body, Zhang Tian makes his way back towards the manor.
In Crimsonwood City, news of the fortuitous encounter of the second young master of the Zhang clan spreads like wildfire. Having a great positive view regarding the Zhang clan, the citizens of the city go wild in celebration. Outer branch members of the clan can be seen roaming the city, celebrating the fortune of their young master as they drink and party.
In the upper echelons of the city, the manors of the city lord, minor nobles, and major merchants, plans are being made as various gifts are gathered and shipped out. All face must be given to the Zhang clan and none of these minor players want to draw the ire of Zhang Hai by forgetting to send his son a celebratory gift. Thousands of gold coins worth of treasure finds its way into the Zhang clan in one day, all of it reserved for the young Zhang Tian.
Meanwhile, on the outskirts of the city, shadowed figures go unseen as they leap the city walls and disappear into the wilderness. Appearing at a small pond at the base of a mountain, the cloaked figures comb through the area with the skill and professionalism of experts. Their task complete, they report one after the other to a single figure before leaping away into the night. Left alone in the clearing, the final figure runs glowing red eyes over a small, charcoal-filled pit, before turning aside. The figure takes a single step into the shadows before vanishing.
Back at the Zhang clan compound, Zhang Tian releases a pleased burp as he turns in his bed. Deep asleep, a happy smile can be seen on the young teens face.
Tomorrow, Zhang Tian will visit the clan archive and treasury. By default, he will take
(1) High-Mortal ranked Movement technique and (1) batch of high-grade, Mid-Mortal ranked cultivation pills with a total duration of one month.
What other supplies should he look for / receive as a celebration gift?
[][supply] Write-in: give a vague description (a short sword, a defensive technique, etc) of something plausible (no rare or unique treasures). The highest ranking for the available supplies is Mid-Mortal.
Voting is closed.
Character Sheet Updates:
Physical stats increased to Average.
Comprehension stat and Insight stat values have been swapped.
Lesser Universal Body cultivation art raised to Initiated level mastery.
One Palm Advances, A Thousand Strike technique raised to Initiated level mastery.
Added Martial Arts Tab.
Added -Zhang Family Style- to Martial Arts tab.
Glossary Updates:
Zhang Hua
Zhang Mei
Zhang Min
Seventh elder
Huang Yi
Xun Jingyi
XxxOxxX
In a Cultivation World with a Cheat System.
Arc One: The Clan Zhang.
Chapter Six: Meet the Parents (2).
XxxOxxX
Upon leaving the tunnels beneath the manor by way of a secret passage, Zhang Tian follows his father's advice and immediately seeks out his mother. As someone he has a close relationship with, Zhang Tian doesn't even need to think to know where he will find her. Worried as she is about her son's well-being, there is only one place his mother can be. With this thought in mind, Zhang Tian sets off through the halls of his childhood home.
The interior of the Zhang family manor is just as ostentatious as the exterior. Decorations of glimmering gold and sparkling silver fill the rooms. Paintings and calligraphy scrolls signed by famous masters adorn the walls. Rare and exotic spirit plants within vases of precious jade rest upon pedestals as mere decoration. The sheer wealth contained within this one building is a testament to the long and fruitful history of the Zhang clan.
Taking the quickest route possible, Zhang Tian exits the manor through a back door and enters into a large garden space. The flowers and plants within this garden have been meticulously arranged, the various colors and styles mixing together in perfect harmony. Simply gazing upon this careful arrangement of mundane plants is enough to calm the mind and instill tranquility. A number of stone pathways crisscross through the garden, arranged in such a way as to enhance the symmetry of the garden. In the center of all this, is a pavilion.
Tall, square, and teeming with vines and flowers, the building acts as the central focus of the whole garden. All the pathways lead to, and from, it, and the plants adorning it grants it the appearance of a large plant towering over all the rest. The arched windows of the pavilion allow the cool morning breeze to flow through. In the center of the pavilion is a small, round table with a number of seats pulled up to it. Seated in one such seat, is a figure that causes Zhang Tian to smile.
Tall, lithe and incomparably beautiful, the woman seated within that pavilion puts the meticulously cultivated beauty of the whole garden to shame. Her hair is long and silken, black, curled tresses that manage to perfectly frame her face; accentuating her warm brown eyes, narrow nose, and pouty red lips. The flowing dress she wears is exquisite in design, the patterns of winding vines and budding flowers coupled with the surrounding garden leads one to liken her to a goddess of nature. In one hand, she holds a small plate of polished, white glass. In the other, a pair of well-manicured fingers holds a matching teacup that is half filled with steaming tea.
This woman is Huang Yi, wife of Zhang Hai and Zhang Tian's mother.
Smiling wide at the sight of his mother, Zhang Tian hurries his way across the garden and into the pavilion. A warm, herbal scent fills his body as he nears the small table, and Zhang Tian sighs as a wave of relaxation flows through his entire body. Still smiling, Zhang Tian approaches the table and takes a seat.
"Mother."
One can easily hear the care and love contained within that single word. In this entire world, it can be truthfully said that there is no one Zhang Tian loves more than his mother. Not even his transmigrated memories have changed this fact. Huang Yi is a warm, caring woman that positively dotes on her children. Even when Zhang Tian went wild all those years ago and threw a tantrum, Huang Yi was always there with a soft smile and words of comfort. Even when dealing with others, regardless of status, Huang Yi acts in a kind and courteous manner. Despite her marrying into the clan, there is no one in the entire Zhang household that can be said to view Huang Yi in a negative manner.
"Tian'er." Huang Yi sighs, setting her cup down. There is a rarely seen frown on her face. The sheer worry contained within that single frown is enough to tear at Zhang Tian's heart. "How are you? What did the third elder have to say?"
"Ah.."
As he pours himself a cup of tea, Zhang Tian relates the third elder's words to his mother. As he speaks about the changes that have occurred within his body and what it can mean for his future, the frown on his mother's face doesn't vanish as Zhang Tian is expecting. Rather, it seems to deepen and shift. Finally, the tale is finished but his mother just sits there, looking increasingly worried.
"Mother? Is something wrong." Zhang Tian finally asks after a few minutes of silence. Of all the reactions he was expecting from his mother, this look of worry and conflict did not even come to mind.
The sound of his voice seems to draw her from her thoughts and his mother focuses on him with her saddened eyes.
"Tian'er, Mother is happy for you, truly. No one else knows how much you have wished for this." Huang Yi says, allowing a warm smile to show for a moment. "Mother is just worried. With matters in the clan as they are now, and your brother…"
Though she doesn't continue on, Zhang Tian nods in understanding. How can he not understand her concerns? After all, this is a matter the two have discussed much in past months. That being, the strife within the Zhang clan.
Although they are all one family, wholly united against all outside threats, there are still times of division within the Zhang clan. Many times, there will appear a matter that causes the clan to divide into warring factions. Though things are generally resolved peacefully, and resorting to bloodshed is forbidden, such times can cause a deal of stress and tension within the clan. The current dividing matter is the choice of the next generation's clan head.
In accordance with the rules of the Zhang clan, there is a limit to how long one can rule as the clan head. For the betterment of the clan, it is encouraged for the current clan head to step aside when a suitable successor appears. The former clan head can then act as a clan elder or enter seclusion, aiming to advance to a higher realm so that the clan can be further strengthened. This is a long-standing tradition within the clan, one that is fully honored.
Some months ago, before the personal upheaval of Zhang Tian's life, Zhang Hai announced his intention to enter seclusion soon and aim for a breakthrough into the Ascendant Mortal realm. To do this, he must first select a replacement clan head. This is where the current strife began.
Within the Zhang clan, any member of the clan's main branch can hold the position of clan heir and, eventually, become the clan head. The deciding factor is dependent on the person's natural talent and displayed ability. Right now, within the younger generation of the Zhang clan, there are three people with the capabilities to become clan head.
Currently, the first-in-line successor of the Zhang clan is Zhang Hua, Zhang Tian's older brother. A talented genius in cultivation, Zhang Hua is only twenty years old yet he already stands at the peak of the Core Formation realm. With the continued nurturing of the clan, it is possible for him to step into the third realm at any time and join the ranks of Ye Country's top experts before he is even thirty years old. With such prestige and talent, Zhang Hua is considered more than qualified to lead the Zhang clan in the future.
Of course, where there is a talented genius, there is also one capable of rivaling them.
Trailing close behind Zhang Tian's brother, are two others. The second-in-line successor is Zhang Mei, the daughter of the Zhang clan's first elder. Thirdly, is Zhang Min, the son of the seventh elder. Though they are both only around eighteen years old, the two are exceptionally talented and have also stepped into the upper stage of the Core Formation realm. With their displayed talent, and their parents drawing in support from their allies within the clan, each is able to stand up and fight for the clan head position.
Given the difficulties in stepping from one realm into another, it is also entirely possible for these two to catch up to Zhang Hua before he can enter the Core Ignition realm. Unless one of the three can pull themselves far enough ahead as to completely secure the position of clan head, the Zhang clan will remain divided into three factions. Though there is no open fighting allowed, tensions are still high within the clan and the fight for resources is fierce.
Then, there is Zhang Tian.
While his brother and cousins were off focusing on their cultivation, Zhang Tian was at home, expanding his knowledge base and management ability. His raw intellect and ability in this area has already been recognized, to the point that Zhang Hai and the elders are already considering handing the management of some of the clan's major businesses off to him despite his young age. It is fully expected for Zhang Tian to someday take over for the seventh elder in managing the clan's various businesses. Because of these displayed capabilities, there are many in the Zhang clan that would support the idea of Zhang Tian becoming the clan head. The skills and knowledge Zhang Tian has amassed are of the sort that a good clan head requires. While these things can always be picked up later in life, a person will always support a leader that is already knowledgeable and capable, over one that is just picking it up as they go. It is only Zhang Tian's inability to cultivate that keeps him out of the running.
Except, that Zhang Tian who is the most knowledgeable and educated among the younger generation, even in matters regarding cultivation, can now cultivate. More than that, he has also just consumed a medicine that will allow his cultivation speed to soar at a rapid pace. If Zhang Tian's intellect can also be applied to comprehending the Dao of Heaven and Earth, he could easily achieve a genius level of growth and burst forth as a dragon among men.
This is what Huang Yi fears, the appearance of a fourth faction centered around her youngest son. The sight of her two children clashing against one another, their years of love turned into a bitter rivalry. The very thought of it threatens to tear her heart in two.
Knowing of his mother's thoughts and concerns, what else can Zhang Tian do but smile and shake his head.
"Mother really doesn't need to worry about such things." The young teen chides, chuckling to himself.
Truthfully, Zhang Tian has absolutely no interest in fighting for the clan head position. The clan head position is something his brother has always strived for. Everything Zhang Hua has accomplished has been for this. For Zhang Tian to come out and state his intention to fight for the position, regardless of whether or not he can catch up in cultivation, would be a deep cutting betrayal. Unless he intends to tear his family apart, Zhang Tian cannot even think of fighting for the position of clan head
Further, Zhang Tian's dream is to see the world. His greatest wish is to explore the lands outside of Grand Ye. To lay eyes on wonderous and fantastical sights. To see the known limits of cultivation, and then exceed those limits. To become the head of the Zhang clan, Zhang Tian would have to first throw away this dream.
As with all members of the Zhang clan, Zhang Tian has a responsibility to the clan. He has a duty to see that the clan flourishes, that it remains a place of power and safety for all future generations. With the system, Zhang Tian can easily fulfill this responsibility. A treasure trove of rare resources and cultivation materials is at his fingertips, all he needs is the points to purchase them and the Zhang clan can easily rise to a level of unprecedented power within Grand Ye. Like this, Zhang Tian can fulfill his duty and leave the country with a clear heart.
This becomes impossible if he becomes the clan head.
The responsibility of a clan head, on the other hand, is eternal. No matter what contributions one makes, it will never be enough to fulfill their responsibility to the clan. To serve the clan until their dying breath is the duty of every clan head. To become the patriarch of the Zhang Clan, a mighty and prestigious position within Grand Ye, would be counter to Zhang Tian's dream.
"I will throw my full support behind Older Brother." Zhang Tian announces, his words filled with earth-shaking conviction. "No matter what anyone says, Older Brother will be the next clan head. I will ensure it."
For a moment, Huang Yi is shaken. Looking at this teen sitting across from her, Huang Yi is unable to recognize him. The sheer confidence in his posture. The resolution in his voice. The weight of his gaze. The Zhang Tian before her is a complete and utter stranger to Hiang Yi. The feeling of disconnect lasts for a single moment, then it fades and Huang Yi is left looking at her son. Pride wells up in her heart and the smile that appears on Huang Yi's face is blinding in its intensity.
"Ahh. You've really changed Tian'er. Mother sees that you are all grown up now." Huang Yi says, her mood completely lightened from what it was before. "If you say it will be so, then Mother will believe you. With your support, Hua'er may as well be clan head already."
Zhang Tian nods, joining in with his mother's infectious smile. Of course, he will say nothing to her about his plans for the future. The road of cultivation is a dangerous one. To reach the apex, one must wade through the blood, and climb over the bodies, of countless rivals and deadly beasts. To want to venture outside of Grand Ye, where he will be unable to call upon the protection of the Zhang clan, such a thought would cause nothing but worry for Huang Yi. Saying nothing is the best choice for now.
With this thought in mind, Zhang Tian relaxes back in his seat and takes a sip of his tea-
"Aiya, Mother only wishes things were simpler. That nosy old man…. It would have been so much simpler if your change in maturity was just from some fun play with a girl in the city."
"Hngrk."
-and chokes at his mother's comment. Ignoring her son's splutters, Huang Yi continues on with a teasing smile on her lips
"Of course, Mother would've had to kill any simple-minded trollop that thinks she can defile my baby boy."
"Mother!"
The sound of Huang Yi's titter rings through the garden, soothing the indignation in Zhang Tian's heart; though his cheeks retain their rosy blush. Before he can compose himself fully, Huang Yi stops giggling and continues on.
"Now, now Tian'er. You're no longer a boy, you really need to start thinking about marriage. And children. None of those hussies out there are good enough for my son, of course, but that won't stop them from trying."
"Mother. Please."
"You need to find yourself a good girl, a hardworking girl like Xiao Mei or Xiao Jingyi. Just say the word and Mother will arrange things."
Zhang Tian's groan goes unignored as his mother picks up a topic that he was hoping she'd long forgotten about. Hours pass like this, mother and son discussing matters of the future (one discussing, the other contemplating the merits of a quick death) before a third presence appears to interrupt them. Unfortunately for Zhang Tian, the addition of Zhang Hai just means he now has two concerned parties discussing the matter of his future marriage.
As the second born, Zhang Tian is granted the opportunity to marry for love. While Zhang Hua has been matched with a suitable partner from the moment of his birth, Zhang Tian is given the freedom to marry as he wishes; within limits, of course. Unfortunately, this also means his parents will often pester him about girls they find to be suitable matches. Such as the clan's genius beauty, Zhang Mei, or the daughter of the City Lord, Xun Jingyi.
Thankfully for Zhang Tian, the arrival of Zhang Hai is soon followed by that of servants bearing food and drink for an afternoon meal. The conversation soon changes to other, less important, matters as the three eat and once the meal is finished, both men are able to excuse themselves from the table. Leaving Huang Yi to her afternoon activities, father and son both entered the manor and make their way through the halls.
Walking side by side through the hall, Zhang Hai looks towards his youngest son. A hint of emotion seems to flicker through his eyes and he comes to a stop. Noticing this, Zhang Tian also slows to a stop and turns to his father with a questioning look.
"Xiao Tian… do you still plan to do like you wanted all those years ago?"
Zhang Tian freezes. Locking eyes with his father, Zhang Tian instantly understands what he means by those words. For a moment, a memory flashes through both of their minds. The memory is of a small boy seated upon an older man's lap, the boy is excitedly chattering on about his dreams of travel and adventure while the man simply smiles on.
Zhang Tian nods, causing Zhang Hai to sigh. A solemn look overtakes the older man's face and he stares the young teen down with eyes full of intensity.
"Tian'er, the world is a vast and dangerous place. There is still much that even you do not know. That you are not ready for. Within Grand Ye, you can run around and do as you want and no one can dare rebuke you, for you are a child of the Zhang clan. Outside of Ye Country, there is only danger. The outside world is a different place. All of those powerful cultivators and sects, they won't care who you are or where you come from. Out there, be it Ye Country or the Zhang clan, neither is worth even a fart."
Zhang Hai's expression is completely firm now, there is none of the softness and warmth normally reserved for his family. This is the first time Zhang Tian has ever had this side of his father, the patriarch of the Zhang clan, directed his way. It is a chilling experience.
Still, Zhang Tian stands firm and steady. His will is one of absolute resolution.
"If you wish to ever step outside of Ye Country, it will not be simple. You will require strength and power, my son, such that you can rival any top expert within the clan. Within the country. Anything less and you may as well give up on your dreams. If you step outside Ye Country without sufficient power, you will die without even knowing how.
Do you understand me Zhang Tian?"
Looking as solemn as his father, Zhang Tian nods and bows.
"Yes, Father."
Zhang Hai nods once before turning away.
"Things are different for you now, Tian'er. Before, you were just a child. A future manager for the clan perhaps, but still a non-entity to those that would care. Now, not so much. Your fortuitous encounter with that senior will buy you some time but not long. You are my son, your mother's child. Your brother is a genius and your own abilities have already been recognized.
The enemies of our clan will have to act eventually.
This world is a harsh place. You can no longer remain a child. You must cultivate well and grasp what strength you can. You must be prepared for the dangers ahead. Only then can you accomplish your dreams."
Sighing once more, Zhang Hai begins walking again. After a moment digesting his father's words, Zhang Tian rushes to follow. The hall is silent but for their footsteps, then…
"Father. The gathering in three months…"
As Zhang Tian trails off, looking to be gathering his thoughts, Zhang Hai frowns.
In three months time, the Zhang clan will be hosting its annual gathering. During this event, any young talent within the south region of Ye Country with a cultivation in the Body Refinement realm is invited to attend and show off their capabilities. If they manage to place well or show some impressive talent, the participants can win all sorts of prizes ranging from expensive, high-grade cultivation materials to the opportunity to even join the Zhang clan as an outer branch member.
Of course, none of these prizes matter to someone of Zhang Tian's standing. Aside from the opportunity to measure his progress and show off his ability in three months time, Zhang Tian is more interested in the special prize reserved for those members of the Zhang clan that manage to rank within the top three during the gathering. That being, the eligibility to leave the south region for the central region.
In Ye Country, the outer regions of the nation are actually the more barren parts of the nation. Guarded and administrated by the great clan or sect based in the region, the outer regions of Ye Country are considered 'wastelands' due to the low concentrations of World Qi, as well as the scarcity of high ranking Spirit Beasts and resources. The only reason these regions have any worth for cultivators is that each is bordered by a forbidden zone. That is, forbidden to those too weak to survive within. For the south region, this zone is the Crimsonwood Forest. Though the outer portions are relatively safe, the deeper one goes into the Crimsonwood Forest, the more danger they will face. Without a cultivation in the upper stage of the third realm, one can only dream about entering deep into the forest.
The central region, however, is a completely different place. Due to certain reasons, the Qi of Heaven and Earth tends to concentrate heavily in the central region. This abundance of dense Qi makes it an excellent location to cultivate. Not only that, but all sorts of secrets and treasures abound. The hidden tombs of past experts, the lairs of strong spirit beasts, the fields of rare spirit plants. The central region of Grand Ye is a vast land of opportunity.
As the primary territory of the royal clan and the location of the imperial city, the central region is also the place where all sorts of strong and important individuals flock. Be it the great clans, the sects, or the profession guilds, all those powerful groups have some manner of presence within the region. Because of this, all sorts of treasures and rare materials flow in and out of the central region.
The main point for Zhang Tian, however, is that the central region is also seen as a great tempering ground for the younger generation of the various sects and clans. Only after tempering oneself in the central region and establishing a reputation can one hope to join the ranks of the country's top experts. Currently, Zhang Hua, Zhang Mei, and Zhang Min are all out tempering themselves within this region.
To place within the top three during the gathering and enter the central region of the nation with his brother, this is Zhang Tian's current goal.
"You wish to attend?" Zhang Hai asks, already knowing the answer. Zhang Tian nods, causing the older man's frown to deepen.
While the gathering is generally a safe event, there is still the chance of danger and death for the unlucky few. Without a suitable level of cultivation and ability, it is foolish to even attend the event.
"This…"
Zhang Hai trails off, falling into deep thought. A few seconds pass in silence before he speaks again.
"It is not impossible. In these past few years, you have accumulated more knowledge than even the best of your peers. On this alone, you are capable enough to participate. However, three months… it is a short time to prepare."
"I can do it." Zhang Tian cuts in, looking firm and resolute.
Zhang Hai nods in agreement.
"I do not doubt that. In any other situation, I would simply brush your words off as the ignorance of youth, but you have been blessed by this fortuitous encounter. If the words of the Third Elder are correct, reaching a suitable level in just three short months should not be too difficult."
Zhang Hai almost snorts at his own words. Not too difficult indeed. As the third elder said, Zhang Tian's body is completely clean of impurities. This young teen that has been unable to cultivate since birth has now been gifted with the physique of someone that has cultivated for over half a decade. With his intellect, even if he decides to pick up the most trash cultivation manual within the clan archive, Zhang Tian should still be able to break-through to the intermediate stage of the Body Refinement realm within three months. If Zhang Tian can't accomplish even this much with the resources of the clan, then he may as well give up on his dream.
"So, I can compete?"
Zhang Hai shrugs at that.
"That will depend on you. In three months time, I will hold an assessment. If you pass, you may compete."
Zhang Tian grins widely and bows with cupped hands.
"Thank you, Father."
Zhang Hai smiles again before waving his hand dismissively as they come upon his study.
"Go and think on my words, Tian'er. Tomorrow, Father will reserve a seclusion chamber for you to use for the next three months. See the two elders, prepare yourself, then come find me tomorrow."
"Yes, Father."
With a final bow, Zhang Tian turns and begins making his way back to his home. As he walks, a feeling of excitement bubbles up within his chest. This… this is really happening.
.
.
.
Finally.
XxxOxxX
Along the way back to his home, Zhang Tian dispatches two servants with messages. Since he has been in the manor all morning, Cho Mang and Guo Yue have not yet sought him out. Knowing the two, they will instantly appear within ten minutes of him leaving the manor. Rather than wait, Zhang Tian dispatches the servants with messages to inform the two that he will be resting at home for the rest of the day so they need not seek him out.
Returning to his home, Zhang Tian immediately shuts himself in his room and flops onto his (thankfully) clean bed. With his guards informed to turn away any visitors, and his regular companions given the day off, Zhang Tian can finally relax and examine his prizes from the system in private. A single thought is enough to call up the system menu-
Supreme Cultivation System (ver 3.46)
Host Level: Uninitiated Cultivator.
System Points: 200.
[Inventory]
1x {Lesser Universal Body} cultivation manual.
1x {One Palm Advances, A Thousand Strike} technique.
1x {One Palm Advances, A Thousand Strike} technique.
[Traits]
[Cultivation Manuals]
[Innate Techniques]
[Arts]
[Beasts]
[Resources]
[Weapons]
[Armor]
[Tools]
[Sell]
-and Zhang Tian immediately focuses on the inventory section. One after the other, his two rewards are withdrawn from the system inventory with all of the delicate care befitting such treasures. Both items appear in his cupped hands as he's willed them to, and Zhang Tian gently sets them on the bed. With a strong exhale, the young teen carefully examines the two items.
The first item is a simple looking, paper scroll. Wrapped around two, thin handles of polished wood, the back of the scroll is completely black in color. A paper tag seals the scroll closed, the words 'One Palm Advances, A Thousand Strike' identifying what lays within. If he didn't know better, Zhang Tian would think this is just a trash item. Unlike the scrolls in the clan archive, with their detailed labels and artistic drawings on the back, this scroll is completely mediocre in appearance. Thankfully, he does know better and Zhang Tian can understand the value of the information stored within this item.
The second item that Zhang Tian has retrieved from the inventory is actually a jade slip. Roughly as long and wide as a pair of chopsticks, and rectangular in shape with rounded edges, the slip is carved from a piece of flawless, green jade with no hint of a single imperfection. Much like the technique scroll, the jade slip is generally mediocre in appearance. Other than the small tracing of inscriptions along its edges that enable its function, the slip simply has the words 'Lesser Universal Body' carved along its center. A far cry from those slips within the archive with their intricate carvings of myriad beasts, resplendent weapons, and elemental forces. Mediocre appearance or not, it does not matter. The value of the jade slip has always been in its function rather than its appearance.
Thanks to the intricate inscriptions carved along its edge, a jade slip allows one to slip their consciousness into the item in order to store or retrieve information. Such slips are best used to store delicate and complex knowledge, the sort of knowledge that is impossible to transfer through simple speech or text. The sort of knowledge that must be felt, and experienced, rather than just understood. In this whole world, the most common use of a jade slip is to pass on a cultivation art.
Each and every cultivation art requires a specific breathing pattern, a specific mindset, and a specific method of circulating Qi. Without careful and dedicated guidance, it is easy for a budding cultivator to make a mistake that can cause their cultivation to go berserk. Unless they are a peerless genius only seen once every thousand generations, simply telling the person how they should feel, and how they should control their body while cultivating, will do nothing but harm them. Thus, the use of the jade slip. By personally immersing their consciousness in the comprehensions and insights of the slip's creator, the receiver can instantly understand how to properly perform the cultivation art with the littlest amount of risk possible.
Having withdrawn the two items from the inventory, and inspected them, Zhang Tian has no qualms about using them immediately. As the knowledge within the jade slip will require some time to comprehend, Zhang Tian decides to begin with the technique scroll. A single slice with his thumbnail is all it takes to part the seal, and Zhang Tian opens the scroll with an expression of anticipation.
Fully unrolled, the scroll is roughly three Chi long, and three quarters as wide. The paper of the scroll looks completely new and unblemished, utterly pristine with the ink shining like it has just been freshly applied. Amazed as he is at this strange sight, Zhang Tian does not hesitate to begin reading the words on the scroll. The information written on the scroll is relatively short given the content, with a few diagrams of exceptional detail drawn to provide examples and further clarity. In the time it takes an incense stick to burn, Zhang Tian has already finished reading the whole scroll. Then he reads it again. And again. And again. It is only after he has read the scroll a half dozen times, that Zhang Tian sets it back down on the bed.
Seated there upon his bed, Zhang Tian can only marvel in awe at the complexities of this technique. The thought and effort placed into the creation of this palm strike. The depth of understanding and thought. Everything he has just read has left Zhang Tian feeling stunned. Really though, he should have expected this. After all, no matter how much one refines their body, it is impossible for them to launch a thousand palm strikes in a single instant. Not with pure physical power or speed at least. Reading the intricacies of the 'One Palm Advances, A Thousand Strike' technique, Zhang Tian can't help but feel like he has been thinking like a fool all these years.
To perform the 'One Palm Advances, A Thousand Strike' technique, the cultivator requires exceptional timing and Qi control. At the exact moment of impact with a target, the user of the technique must release an explosion of Qi from the center of their palm. Rather than striking outwards, where it can easily be dispelled by the Qi circulation of the enemy, the Qi explosion must actually target inward. By using the force of the Qi explosion, and that of a second explosion from the elbow detonated an instant after the first, the cultivator can drive their arm back into the target with great force. They must do this a thousand times in the blink of an eye.
How does this work? How can such small explosions of Qi achieve such force? How is the user's arm not savaged by the sheer forces involved? Zhang Tian hs no idea, even his understanding of Qi doesn't stretch this far. What he does understand, however, no matter how basic it may be, is the science of Earth. This technique... the use of rebound forces; the way it negates inertia; the way it uses explosive force to drive the arm of the user into the target over and over like the piston. A cultivator of this world would be shocked at the sheer profoundness inherent within this technique. Zhang Tian, with his foreign knowledge, is able to just barely grasp at understanding the intricacies of it yet even he falls short. What is Qi, that it can allow the accomplishment of such impossible feats?
Swirling in his thoughts, Zhang Tian can't help but smile and laugh. Questions like this are the reason he wants to escape this small country and see what the wide world has to offer. So much to learn, So much to understand. How wonderful.
Putting the matter of the 'One Palm Advances, A Thousand Strike' technique aside until he can actually attempt at performing it, Zhang Tian turns his attention to the slip containing his cultivation art. A simple force of will is all it takes for his consciousness to sink into the jade slip, and Zhang Tian's body goes still as his mind explores the information within the slip. Within the slip, Zhang Tian fully experiences the cultivation method of the 'Lesser Universal Body' art. Like with the technique scroll, Zhang Tian examines the information of the jade slip over and over. He pays careful attention to every little detail, immersing himself in the knowledge of the slip as time passes.
Finally, after an unknown period of time, Zhang Tian withdraws his consciousness from the slip. There is a rueful expression on his face and, with a great exhale of air, the teen flops onto his back with his eyes closed.
'This cultivation method-'
The 'Lesser Universal Body' cultivation art… it goes far beyond any other cultivation art Zhang Tian has ever seen, let alone heard of. The profoundness of the art. The requirements and steps. No other cultivation method Zhang Tian knows of can compare. This art simply stands in a league of its own. Among the many manuals he had available to choose from, this one really was among the best choice. That said...
'-why is it so difficult? Can I even practice this art?'
The difficulty of the art is staggering. Just the thought of it fills Zhang Tian with dread. How did such a difficult cultivation method come about? It boggles the mind.
The difficulty of the art is two-fold, both stemming from its most basic requirements.
Firstly, the art requires Zhang Tian to cultivate using only Primordial Qi. That being, Qi that is completely pure of influence. This is the Qi that is said to have existed from the dawn of creation, from before the birth of Yin and Yang, and from them, the five elements. Primordial Qi is a form of Qi of the highest purity and, as such, the highest rarity. In any given area, one will be lucky to find even a single mote of Primordial Qi for every thousand motes of elemental Qi.
This is a massive problem.
The 'Lesser Universal Body' art can only be cultivated with Primordial Qi. Where a normal cultivator can cultivate using the general Qi of Heaven and Earth, the denser the Qi concentration the better, Zhang Tian must carefully parse through the Qi and only allow the smallest percentage of it to drive his cultivation art. Failing to do this while cultivating the 'Lesser Universal Body' will cause his cultivation to go berserk. With such a stringent requirement, Zhang Tian's future cultivation of this art can only proceed at a snail's pace.
The second requirement of the art is the use of a suitably dense material. The 'Lesser Universal Body' art is a powerful art. It allows one to cultivate a body that is unnaturally dense, achieving a level of physical body refinement that is beyond all others. This grants the cultivator a degree of strength and durability that is hard to match. To cultivate the art, Zhang Tian needs to use an item of suitable density to act as a catalyst for restructuring the foundation of his body. The difficulty in this is also two-fold.
Firstly, the material in question. From the jade slip, Zhang Tian has learned that very few items are actually suitable for use with this art. He can't just pick up any random rock or metal and cultivate with it. From the slip, the only material Zhang Tian knows of that fits the most basic requirement is Black Spirit Steel. Black Spirit Steel is the highest grade forging material in all of Grand Ye. The material is the strongest and densest metal within Ye Country. It can be used to craft spirit weapons and armor that are low Earth-rank at a minimum. This makes the material incredibly valuable. Acquiring the item isn't too difficult, however. Within the Zhang clan, there are at least a few ingots in the treasury, waiting for someone to amass enough tokens to request a weapon or armor forged with them. If Zhang Tian asks, there is no doubt he can claim an ingot for his use. Which would be more than enough for his needs. The real difficulty is in utilizing the item.
The 'Lesser Universal Body' art contains within it a vast degree of profoundness. To cultivate it with a dense item isn't as simple as one would think. Zhang Tian had assumed that the required item was needed to reinforce the structure of his body. There are some cultivation arts that use the bone or flesh of spirit beasts to give the cultivator a stronger body. Zhang Tian assumed this art was the same. This couldn't be further from the truth.
With the chosen item in hand, Zhang Tian must allow his consciousness to sink into the item while cultivating. From there, he must somehow grasp onto the very concept of Density buried within that item and copy it over to his body. To do something like this… the amount of concentration, understanding, and comprehension required is staggering. Even watching it done through the slip wasn't enough. To achieve the higher levels of the 'Lesser Universal Body' art, Zhang Tian will need to consult the jade slip many times more and struggle to comprehend the profoundness within.
With such requirements, it is nearly impossible for anyone but an ancient master to ever cultivate this art. Even knowing the steps, Zhang Tian feels it is impossible for him to cultivate this art without a few centuries of free time.
Thankfully, he has the system store. With this cheat like System in hand, the difficulties of this art are actually quite easy to surpass. In fact, it only takes Zhang Tian a few moments of perusal to find some solutions within his price range:
Formation Plate: Elemental Dispursing Trap (High Mortal).
Creates a formation space that repels Elemental Qi. Qi density will decrease in the area as a side-effect. Single-use item.
Strength: Weak.
Duration: 1 Month.
Cost: 100 SP.
Sell: 10 SP.
(+5% total XP bonus to the LUB)Duration: 1 Month.
Cost: 100 SP.
Sell: 10 SP.
This formation is a simple one, easy to disperse with a basic degree of knowledge regarding formations, and completely ineffective against beasts and cultivators of the second realm and higher. It is also suitable for his needs. By stripping the affected area of elemental Qi, Zhang Tian will be able to better sense and draw in the limited amounts of primordial Qi that remains. This will remove an entire degree of difficulty from his cultivation.
Primordial Qi Crystal (Low Mortal).
The Qi within this crystal has undergone a refinement process. Though there is less energy stored inside it than that within regular spirit crystal of the same size, the purity of the energy within is incomparable. Can be used to craft certain items, pills, or formation plates. Single-use item.
Capacity: Low.
Cost: 20 SP.
Sell: 2 SP.
(+1d20 XP per crystal for the LUB)Cost: 20 SP.
Sell: 2 SP.
The crystal, on the other hand, is absolutely perfect for his needs. Though it seems to be a crafting material, spirit crystals have always had worth to cultivators as the energy within them can often be used to aid cultivation. With a few of these crystals in hand, Zhang Tian can easily cultivate without a need to worry about the purity of the energy he draws in.
Nugget of Meteoric Copper (Low Earth).
Though it is the weakest of the meteoric ores, this orange-red metal found within meteorites that have fallen from the heavens stands a league above most earthly materials. Its strength and density are such that a simple nugget, when mixed with a lighter ore, can create a weapon powerful enough to cut through iron like it is air. Can be augmented with alchemical mixtures and inscriptions.
Material Grade: Good.
Melting Point: High.
Crafting Difficulty: Intermediate Mastery.
Cost: 50 SP.
Sell: 5 SP.
(A grade better than the current alternative, final cultivation effect is improved)Melting Point: High.
Crafting Difficulty: Intermediate Mastery.
Cost: 50 SP.
Sell: 5 SP.
With a much higher density than Black Spirit Steel, cultivating with this material instead will allow Zhang Tian to strengthen his body to a higher degree. His base strength and durability will reach the Low-Earth rank at a minimum, something that is normally only achievable by a pure physical body cultivator in the second realm. That is an impressive feat.
After a few minutes browsing the shop, Zhang Tian decides to buy:
[][shop] # Formation Plate(s).
[][shop] # Primordial Qi Crystal(s).
[][shop] Nugget of Metioric Copper.
[][shop] Write-in: any shop items or originals within the price range.
[][shop] Nothing.
*Replace # with how many you want to buy. There are no alternatives in the clan stuff. If nothing is bought, Zhang Tian will go into his first month of training as is. Cultivation art XP is reduced by 10%.
Finished with the store, Zhang Tian dismisses the system menu and stands from his bed. A deal of time has already passed and it is time for the evening meal. Stretching the kinks out of his body, Zhang Tian makes his way back towards the manor.
XxxOxxX
In Crimsonwood City, news of the fortuitous encounter of the second young master of the Zhang clan spreads like wildfire. Having a great positive view regarding the Zhang clan, the citizens of the city go wild in celebration. Outer branch members of the clan can be seen roaming the city, celebrating the fortune of their young master as they drink and party.
In the upper echelons of the city, the manors of the city lord, minor nobles, and major merchants, plans are being made as various gifts are gathered and shipped out. All face must be given to the Zhang clan and none of these minor players want to draw the ire of Zhang Hai by forgetting to send his son a celebratory gift. Thousands of gold coins worth of treasure finds its way into the Zhang clan in one day, all of it reserved for the young Zhang Tian.
Meanwhile, on the outskirts of the city, shadowed figures go unseen as they leap the city walls and disappear into the wilderness. Appearing at a small pond at the base of a mountain, the cloaked figures comb through the area with the skill and professionalism of experts. Their task complete, they report one after the other to a single figure before leaping away into the night. Left alone in the clearing, the final figure runs glowing red eyes over a small, charcoal-filled pit, before turning aside. The figure takes a single step into the shadows before vanishing.
Back at the Zhang clan compound, Zhang Tian releases a pleased burp as he turns in his bed. Deep asleep, a happy smile can be seen on the young teens face.
XxxOxxX
Tomorrow, Zhang Tian will visit the clan archive and treasury. By default, he will take
(1) High-Mortal ranked Movement technique and (1) batch of high-grade, Mid-Mortal ranked cultivation pills with a total duration of one month.
What other supplies should he look for / receive as a celebration gift?
[][supply] Write-in: give a vague description (a short sword, a defensive technique, etc) of something plausible (no rare or unique treasures). The highest ranking for the available supplies is Mid-Mortal.
XxxOxxX
Voting is closed.
Character Sheet Updates:
Physical stats increased to Average.
Comprehension stat and Insight stat values have been swapped.
Lesser Universal Body cultivation art raised to Initiated level mastery.
One Palm Advances, A Thousand Strike technique raised to Initiated level mastery.
Added Martial Arts Tab.
Added -Zhang Family Style- to Martial Arts tab.
Glossary Updates:
Zhang Hua
Zhang Mei
Zhang Min
Seventh elder
Huang Yi
Xun Jingyi
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Umi-san
Procrastinating.
- Location
- ꙮ
seven thousand words? You spoil us.
edit:
[X] Plan Your Frog Soup Wisely
-[X][shop] 1 Formation Plate(s).
-[X][shop] 2 Primordial Qi Crystal(s).
-[X][shop] The best material suitable for cultivation that we can afford after spending 140 points on the above and selling the beast cores for more.
-[X][supply] Armor
-[X][supply] Prayer Beads
-[X][supply] Knuckle Dusters
-[X][supply] Medical Supplies
-[X][supply] Beast Cores
-[X][supply] Ask that the clan send out disciples to acquire even more Beast Cores, indicating that they are extremely helpful for our progression.
Here's a vote that was based off of The Froggy Ninja's vote, but which has taken advantage of the non-capped supply options that Kolarthecool has kindly given us.
Sigil made a good point that having a better cultivation material is more important than faster progress.
Void Zero has performed some math on page 22 that indicates that a) Formation + 2 Qi Crystals is the optimal choice, b) this optimal choice is likely only 100 xp above the baseline.
With that said, Kolarthecool noted that the beast cores will likely provide us with 2-500 additional shop points, so spending 140 points on formation plate and crystals isn't the end of the world. Indeed, it appears to be something that many people want. Thus, it has been included in this plan.
edit:
[X] Plan Your Frog Soup Wisely
-[X][shop] 1 Formation Plate(s).
-[X][shop] 2 Primordial Qi Crystal(s).
-[X][shop] The best material suitable for cultivation that we can afford after spending 140 points on the above and selling the beast cores for more.
-[X][supply] Armor
-[X][supply] Prayer Beads
-[X][supply] Knuckle Dusters
-[X][supply] Medical Supplies
-[X][supply] Beast Cores
-[X][supply] Ask that the clan send out disciples to acquire even more Beast Cores, indicating that they are extremely helpful for our progression.
Here's a vote that was based off of The Froggy Ninja's vote, but which has taken advantage of the non-capped supply options that Kolarthecool has kindly given us.
Sigil made a good point that having a better cultivation material is more important than faster progress.
Void Zero has performed some math on page 22 that indicates that a) Formation + 2 Qi Crystals is the optimal choice, b) this optimal choice is likely only 100 xp above the baseline.
With that said, Kolarthecool noted that the beast cores will likely provide us with 2-500 additional shop points, so spending 140 points on formation plate and crystals isn't the end of the world. Indeed, it appears to be something that many people want. Thus, it has been included in this plan.
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The Froggy Ninja
The Blade Will Never Die
[X][shop] 1 Formation Plate(s).
[X][shop] 2 Primordial Qi Crystal(s).
[X][shop] Nugget of Metioric Copper.
[X][supply] Armor
A defensive technique wouldn't be worth it because we could buy something better from the shop. We can also buy better armor but at least we won't have wasted training actions on it.
[X][shop] 2 Primordial Qi Crystal(s).
[X][shop] Nugget of Metioric Copper.
[X][supply] Armor
A defensive technique wouldn't be worth it because we could buy something better from the shop. We can also buy better armor but at least we won't have wasted training actions on it.
Last edited:
- Location
- Kc
[X][shop] 1 Formation Plate(s).
[X][shop] 1 Primordial Qi Crystal(s).
[X][shop] Nugget of Metioric Copper.
For the first month we should get one of each so we can better understand just how much it will help us for the next 2.
For a movement technique would First Step of a Thousand Miles be a good name.
[X][shop] 1 Primordial Qi Crystal(s).
[X][shop] Nugget of Metioric Copper.
For the first month we should get one of each so we can better understand just how much it will help us for the next 2.
For a movement technique would First Step of a Thousand Miles be a good name.
@Kolarthecool how many times would we roll the 3d10 training dice in a month?
Maragas
Nothing to see here.
- Location
- Tree House
[X]Plan Basic Necessities
-[X][shop] 1 Formation Plate(s).
-[X][shop] 2 Primordial Qi Crystal(s).
-[X][shop] Nugget of Metioric Copper.
-[X][supply] An Ingot of Black Spirit Steel
This is similar to the Froggy Ninja's plan. With Supply replaced with acquiring Black Spirit Steel as I don't think it's a treasure that has any true value with no one to make something with and it will lay the foundation which we will use the Nugget.
Also not buying the pill as it increases Qi Impurity by 1% and it sounds like the last thing we need with LUB and I don't want to risk it.
-[X][shop] 1 Formation Plate(s).
-[X][shop] 2 Primordial Qi Crystal(s).
-[X][shop] Nugget of Metioric Copper.
-[X][supply] An Ingot of Black Spirit Steel
This is similar to the Froggy Ninja's plan. With Supply replaced with acquiring Black Spirit Steel as I don't think it's a treasure that has any true value with no one to make something with and it will lay the foundation which we will use the Nugget.
Also not buying the pill as it increases Qi Impurity by 1% and it sounds like the last thing we need with LUB and I don't want to risk it.
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The Froggy Ninja
The Blade Will Never Die
Good point on the pill but the Meteoric Copper is just straight up better than the Black Spirit Steel and doesn't need to be built up to.