Chapter 90 Cultivation of Aptitude

Luli found himself incapable of complaining about the free lottery opportunities granted by the system every time, so he decided to explore other changes within the system.

Upon examining the system's marketplace, Luli discovered two new elixirs: the Qi Gathering Pill for Transcendence Realm cultivators and the Marrow Cleansing Elixir. The former boasted a ferocity value of ten, while the latter had a staggering fifty ferocity value, making them quite expensive.

The distinction between the Transcendence Realm and the Pulse Connecting Realm for martial practitioners lies fundamentally in their cultivation methods. While the Pulse Connecting Realm involves opening up all the body's meridians, the elixirs used are primarily for replenishing spiritual energy, be it the Qi Nurturing Pill or the Qi Condensation Elixir—both differing only in effects.

On the other hand, entering the Transcendence Realm involves tempering the muscles and cleansing the marrow, transcending the mundane. The elixirs used in this stage still include one for replenishing spiritual energy, while the other transitions into bone-cleansing and marrow-forging, effecting a profound change in the practitioner.

Luli chose not to exchange for these elixirs as he already had a supply, accumulated from the time he dealt with bandits and Yao tribes.

Aside from the addition of these two elixirs, there were no other changes in the system's marketplace. Intermediate cultivation techniques were yet to appear, indicating that the acquisition of advanced cultivation methods would likely take a considerable amount of time.

The most significant change introduced by the system at this point was the addition of an aptitude cultivation function, a feature highly valued by Luli.

For a martial cultivator, the most crucial aspect is aptitude; this sentiment would likely be echoed by any practitioner queried on the matter.

The disparity in cultivation speed between Luo Qianxue and himself served as compelling evidence. Despite Luli having started his cultivation earlier than Qianxue and the Red Sleeve Blade providing him with a source of pure energy during the slaying of human and Yao enemies, the energy, while not abundant, was exceptionally pure, requiring no refining through basic cultivation techniques.

Moreover, after obtaining the White Deer in Tian Mang Mountain, which could enhance the concentration of spiritual energy in a small area, Luli still remained the one who practiced the longest within the range of the White Deer's spiritual energy, despite Qianxue's speed improving considerably.

Even so, Qianxue continued to closely pursue Luli. It was almost certain that, barring any unforeseen circumstances, she would catch up to him and surpass him. The reason behind this was aptitude—Qianxue's aptitude was frightening to the extent that even Snow Granny, a demonic entity with a lifespan of over ninety thousand years, expressed astonishment.

The significance of aptitude for a martial artist is evident, and even A Xiu and Xiao Qing, at times, evoked envy in Luli. These two could continually elevate their aptitude through the system's elixirs.

Previously, Luli could only envy the three girls. However, with the introduction of the aptitude cultivation function, Luli could now alter his own aptitude.

Upon opening the aptitude cultivation menu, Luli encountered a twelve-tier classification of aptitude levels. Retrieving the Heart of the Sky stone gifted to him by Snow Granny, he saw that the system had categorized aptitude into twelve levels, whereas the Sword Sect's aptitude assessment for their disciples only had nine levels.

It was unclear why the system introduced these additional three levels—whether to refine the original nine levels used by the Sword Sect for aptitude assessments or to introduce three levels above the nine existing ones.

Quickly checking his own aptitude level, Luli discovered that it was at level seven. The aptitude level assessed by the Heart of the Sky stone was also at level seven, perfectly aligning with the system's categorization. It seemed that the additional three levels were refined beyond the Sword Sect's nine-tier classification.

"Congratulations, host, the marketplace has updated with new items. Please check it out!"

Suddenly, the system's notification rang out, prompting Luli to inspect the marketplace. True to the announcement, in addition to the previously updated two Transcendence Realm elixirs, a refined Heart of the Sky stone was now available.

However, upon seeing the ferocity value required, Luli nearly burst out in frustration. A single refined Heart of the Sky stone demanded a staggering ten thousand ferocity values.

"Why aren't you rushing to grab it!"

Though Luli refrained from cursing, he couldn't resist making a sarcastic comment.

Ten thousand ferocity values—his ferocity values were so easily earned.

"Host, the refined Heart of the Sky stone allows for an aptitude assessment up to level twelve, offering more precision and practicality compared to the ordinary Heart of the Sky stone. Additionally, it comes with a physique assessment function."

"At ten thousand ferocity values, it is undoubtedly a worthwhile investment. Host, you can't buy regret with these ferocity values!"

"Don't try to deceive me. I'm currently at level seven in aptitude. This Heart of the Sky stone is sufficient! System, you're not suited to be a system; you're more suited to be a shrewd merchant!"

"Host insults this system. Ferocity value -10!"

Damn, Luli almost cursed. He merely provided an honest evaluation of the system, and it ended up deducting ten ferocity values. This was too ruthless! Normally, criticizing the system would only result in a minor deduction, but now it took away ten points.

Luli, suppressing the urge to curse, reluctantly moved his attention back to aptitude cultivation. The only elixir available for purchase in the aptitude cultivation category was the Primary Aptitude Pill.

Though the name was straightforward, this elixir, despite being considered primary, was unique across the entire continent. However, the price—each pill cost one hundred ferocity values—nearly caused Luli to explode in anger.

The system truly was the most treacherous system. There were pitfalls everywhere, and they were life-threatening! A hundred ferocity values for one pill; it dared to sell it at such an exorbitant price.

Nevertheless, Luli gritted his teeth and bought ten pills. Despite the system being a scam, its products were undeniably top-notch.

Exchanging for ten Primary Aptitude Pills, Luli spent a total of one thousand ferocity values.

At this moment, his remaining ferocity values stood at thirty thousand. Originally, Luli had over seventy thousand ferocity values, but he stored many items in the storage ring he gave to Qianxue, including ten bottles of Musk Pill, totaling five hundred pills. The Musk Pills he gave to Qianxue alone cost him ten thousand ferocity values. Apart from Musk Pills, Luli stored several beast taming elixirs in the ring, which he acquired while hunting beasts in Tian Mang Mountain. These did not require ferocity values for exchange.

To sum it up, Luli spent nearly forty thousand ferocity values, including his recent purchases. Given his increasing cultivation level, the system would undoubtedly find ways to make him spend more ferocity values in the future.