Cultivation
Wang Feng's smartphone rang, interrupting his deep thoughts. He glanced at the caller ID and answered the call.
"CEO Wang, we have completed the investigation on the individual you requested. We have gathered comprehensive information about her for the past three years," the voice on the other end reported.
Wang Feng nodded, satisfied with the progress.
"Good. Now I need you to investigate another person as well. His name is Liang Wei, and he resides in the same apartment building. Also, arrange for a residence in that apartment for me within this week."
He believed that being in close proximity to Chen Xiang would increase his chances of winning her back, and he was willing to take any measures necessary to achieve his goal.
________
Liang Wei shook his head, finding Wang Feng's behavior peculiar, and proceeded to enter his apartment.
"What a weirdo," he muttered under his breath.
As he approached the elevator, Liang Wei noticed it was currently in use, which meant he would have to climb the stairs to his floor.
'Fuck...'
The physical exertion left him feeling breathless and reminded him of his need to shed some pounds.
"Man, I really should lose some weight," he mused to himself.
Suddenly, his memory was triggered by the reward he received from completing Zhang Mei's mission—a set of Metabolism Boosting Tablets x10.
"I should definitely make use of those soon."
"But before I get to that, there's something even more exciting I have to attend to," Liang Wei muttered with anticipation, quickening his pace towards his apartment.
Approaching his door, he noticed Chen Xiang's slippers neatly placed outside her own unit.
"Guess I should give her some space," he contemplated, unlocking his own door.
"Home sweet home," he whispered, taking in the sight of his slightly untidy apartment.
Closing the door behind him, He threw his bag away into a corner and plopped down on the bed.
"What a day! Today was more exciting comparing all the years I've lived combing my previous life too!"
Suddenly, Liang Wei's phone buzzed, interrupting his thoughts.
He retrieved it from his pocket and discovered two unread messages from an unknown number.
(+421******: BFG092412.Pdf)
(+421******: Password is the name of the technique.)
Recognizing the sender, Liang Wei saved the number and replied with a mischievous tone.
(Liang Wei: Gotcha. (͠≖ ͜ʖ͠≖))
He purposely added an awkward-looking emoji to gauge her reaction.
(Fang Xia: ...)
(Fang Xia: ( ͠° ͟ʖ ͡° ))
(Liang Wei: So, if I practice this technique, can I beat you?)
(Fang Xia: No. You might have a slight chance, I suppose.)
(Liang Wei: How slight?)
(Fang Xia: 0.0001%?)
(Liang Wei: Shall we make a little wager?)
(Fang Xia: ?)
(Liang Wei: If I manage to defeat you after mastering this technique, you'll have to fulfill one request of mine. Anything goes, alright?)
(Fang Xia...)
(Fang Xia: Fine, we'll see.)
Liang Wei grinned.
He was confident that after his first journey to another world, he would amass a significant number of smut points, which would make it easier for him to master the technique.
He saw this bet as an opportunity to spend more time with Fang Xia, using it as an excuse to approach her more often.
'Let's take a look at this technique,' he thought as he opened the encrypted PDF.
It prompted him to input a password, and as he entered it, the files began extracting on his phone.
The manual was divided into two parts: Foundation and Basic Mastery.
However, the continuation of the technique was intentionally left out of the PDF.
It seemed that if Liang Wei wanted to advance further, he would have to seek the help of Fang Xia's clan.
Just then, a notification from the system interrupted his thoughts.
[Ding!]
[A lower-grade Cultivation Technique has been detected. Would you like to absorb it?]
[Yes/No]
"What?!" Liang Wei exclaimed in shock, not expecting the system to have the capability to absorb a martial arts manual.
Shaking his head in disbelief, he directed his question to the system.
"System, what happens when you absorb a technique?"
[Ding!]
[When a technique is absorbed, the user gains access to its knowledge and can cultivate and master the techniques contained within. It provides a shortcut for the user to learn and enhance their martial arts skills.]
[However, the absorption process may consume a certain amount of smut points and require the user to meet specific conditions depending on the grade and complexity of the technique.]
Liang Wei's skepticism grew as he heard about the consumption of his precious smut points.
"Say, how many smut points would it cost me to absorb this lower-grade cultivation technique?"
[Ding!]
[The absorption cost for this lower-grade cultivation technique is 500 smut points.]
"I knew it! You're just trying to prevent me from going to another world!" Liang Wei exclaimed in disbelief upon hearing the cost of 500 SP.
That was his entire current balance, and he had been eagerly saving up to finally embark on an adventure in another world.
It seemed like the system had other plans, determined to hinder his progress.
[Ding!]
[Considering your current level, it is advisable not to use the randomizer feature to travel to other worlds. There are potential risks involved, such as being transported to dangerous places and time dilation effects. Some worlds may have significantly faster or slower time, which can leave your physical body vulnerable for extended periods in this world.]
Liang Wei's mind raced as he contemplated the system's words.
It made sense to be cautious, especially considering the potential dangers the system mentioned.
[Ding!]
[Once you have achieved mastery in Qi cultivation, you will have a better chance of using the randomizer feature safely. Qi mastery provides enhanced protection and control over your body, making the experience less risky.]
With a heavy sigh, Liang Wei made up his mind and reluctantly clicked "yes" to absorb the martial arts manual.
[Ding!]
[-500 SP]
[Smut Points: 0]
[Lower-grade Cultivation Technique: Dragon's Breath Technique has been absorbed.]
"Let's go!!!" Liang Wei clenched his teeth in determination, anticipating the cultivation process to begin automatically. However, to his dismay, nothing happened.
Confused and frustrated, he turned to the system for answers.
"System, why isn't anything happening?"
[Ding!]
[The system is only responsible for transferring knowledge. It cannot automatically cultivate.]
Liang Wei's frustration reached its boiling point as he heard the system's response.
His face turned red with anger, and a vein popped out on his forehead, pulsating with fury.
"You fucking shit of a system! You fucking lied to me!"