Chapter 3: Activation of the System

Chapter 3: Activation of the System

"Activate!" Chu Xiaotian roared inwardly without hesitation.

"Ding! Shen Du Chapter Gift Pack Opened: Congratulations to the host for achieving the basic cultivation level of Channel Opening Stage Four, acquiring a Perfect Grade Cultivation Talent, earning 100 Contribution Points, and obtaining the mid-grade Yellow Class Martial Technique 'Thundering Fist'."

A warm current cascaded down from the crown of his head, revitalizing Chu Xiaotian entirely. It coursed through his body, sequentially unblocking four major meridians before gradually dissipating.

"Channel Opening Stage Four!"

What does 'Channel Opening Stage' mean? The human body consists of twelve primary meridians. Unblocking each meridian generates vital energy within, enabling the cultivation of martial techniques and strengthening the body. Attaining the completion of Channel Opening is the first step to becoming a true martial artist.

As the warm current faded, Chu Xiaotian noticed a significant improvement in his vision and felt lighter and more vigorous than ever. When he opened his palm and focused, a potent force of vital energy gathered at the center of his hand. The strength of the Channel Opening Stage Four was palpable and awe-inspiring.

"Ding! Host's Contribution Points exceed the limit. Would you like to enter the Junior Store to exchange items?"

"Yes, I've been eyeing that darned store for so long!" Chu Xiaotian eagerly dived into the Junior System Store, marveling at the items that he had yearned for over the past five years, which were now vividly accessible.

"Upper Yellow Class Technique 'Purple Lightning Decision', 300 Contribution Points!"

"Low Xuan Class Martial Technique 'Three Thousand Thunder Steps', 2000 Contribution Points!"

"Mid-grade Common Weapon, Frost Iron Sword, 1200 Contribution Points!"

"Low-grade Common Armor, Ice Silk Armor, 100 Contribution Points!"

"Second-Grade Spirit Pill, Marrow Cleansing Pill, 80 Contribution Points!"

"Tooth of a Martial Realm Fire Ape, 22 Contribution Points!"

"Consumable: Herculean Strength Talisman, 5 Contribution Points!"

"Consumable: Swift Step Talisman, 5 Contribution Points!"

"…"

"The same familiar feeling, the same familiar system store." Chu Xiaotian's eyes gleamed as he perused the items in the store, which he had been longing for over the past five years.

"System, I want to exchange for the Ice Silk Soft Armor and the Herculean Strength Talisman!" Chu Xiaotian declared without hesitation.

"Ding… Host has spent 100 Contribution Points and obtained the low-grade common weapon, Ice Silk Soft Armor! Ice Silk Soft Armor: Made from deep-sea ice silk, it can withstand high temperatures and resist the full-force strike of a martial artist in the late stages of the Martial Realm."

"Ding… Host has spent 5 Contribution Points and obtained the one-time use item, Herculean Strength Talisman. Herculean Strength Talisman: Upon use, the body becomes as tough as mysterious metal, granting immense strength for one minute. To activate, crush the talisman."

Chu Xiaotian opened the system inventory and saw the Thundering Fist manual, Ice Silk Soft Armor, and Herculean Strength Talisman neatly arranged in the item slot.

"With the Ice Silk Soft Armor and the Herculean Strength Talisman, I'll be as tough as a thousand-year-old turtle. Bring it on, anyone… they won't stand a chance!" Chu Xiaotian roared internally with excitement as he checked the items.

"Ding… Congratulations to the host for successfully activating a side quest!"

A new, shiny side quest appeared on the system's quest interface.

"Side Quest: Provocation from an Outer Disciple of the Martial Academy - Resolve the challenge from a student of the Martial Academy's outer court. Upon completion, receive 8 Contribution Points as a reward."

Chu Xiaotian's eyes sparkled. Though the reward was a mere 8 Contribution Points, every little bit counted.

To the onlookers, Chu Xiaotian's rapid system interaction, which took only a few moments, appeared as if he was frozen in shock. They thought he was frightened into a daze.

"The naivety of a newbie... A Channel Opening Stage One rookie dares to be so arrogant. It seems Shen Du has been too peaceful for too long, letting such novices lose their sense of danger," the onlookers mocked.

"Wasn't planning to get involved, but this kid is way too cocky!"

"Did he get scared stiff? Look at his dazed, empty eyes!"

Led by Luo Yong, the group of young students didn't take Chu Xiaotian, a mere Channel Opening Stage One, seriously. Seeing his seemingly stunned stance, they sneered and taunted him.

Their jeering voices snapped Chu Xiaotian out of his elation from the system's reboot. With newfound skills and no fear in his heart, he stepped back and yelled at the group of teens, "Enough with your croaking like frogs in a class! A bunch of brainless villains think they can rob me? Come at me, all of you!"

"Come at you? You think you're worthy!"

As Luo Yong's words fell, his palms slightly curved, and eight streams of vital energy surged within his palms, causing the air around to crackle with power.

Channel Opening Stage Eight strength!

Channel Opening practitioners can condense a stream of vital energy for each meridian they open. Luo Yong, looking to be only fifteen or sixteen years old and already at the eighth stage of Channel Opening, did indeed possess considerable skill, which explained his arrogance.

"Luo Yong, there's no need for you to handle such a rookie. Let me do it," said the chubby boy nearest to Chu Xiaotian, stepping forward assertively. He spread his palm, revealing six streams of vital energy swirling around. Looking at Chu Xiaotian with a mocking expression, he said, "Kid, if you kneel and kowtow three times to Luo Yong and each of us, maybe we'll let you off."

"I'd rather you kill me!" Chu Xiaotian retorted defiantly.

"Still tough when death's knocking at your door!" The chubby boy stomped his foot and lunged forward with a punch towards Chu Xiaotian.

"Little boy..."

Chu Xiaotian didn't flinch. He threw a punch of his own, but his was enveloped in violent arcs of electricity.

Mid-grade Yellow Class Martial Technique, Thundering Fist!