34. 10%

---

"This tree certainly looks magical, but claiming that it increases enlightenment? You should know, a divine object that can increase enlightenment hasn't been seen for tens of thousands of years. The only treasure capable of doing so is Enlightenment Tea, and this is definitely not it.

Seeing the group confused, Zhao Yu didn't do anything, just stood there watching the three maidens personally chosen by the master of the manor.

Lalatina Celeste, Luna Hart, and Aurelius Liora felt the intense gaze from the sage Zhao Yu, and could only grit their teeth as they stepped forward, being the first to sit under the tree. After them, Wu Ding Xi, Bui Tuyen, and Elliot Royce eagerly followed suit. With the first few taking the lead, the rest of the group also began moving, sitting in a circle around the tree.

Seeing everyone in position, Zhao Yu recalled some memories and said, 'First, place your tokens in front of you and reflect on why the tokens have yet to recognize you.'

Meanwhile, Noah Drake, after stepping out of the room full of vigor, saw a notification pop up on the way back.

System Notice:

'The rules you set are too simple. The AI Butler System suggests adding more detailed regulations for the members of the manor (excluding the ruling class). The rules are as follows (note: the master may change any of these at any time).'

A long list of rules filled with text appeared in front of him.

Noah said, 'Confirm. I have more important things to do. Reading through this list, I simply don't have time. The AI butler feature seems reliable...'

Back in his room, Noah changed into a fresh set of clothes. Standing before the mirror, a refined young man appeared. 'Now this is the right way to dress in the cultivation world, not just running around in shorts! In stories, as one's cultivation advances, their appearance improves as well... But first, I need to improve my strength.'

Sitting on the bed, Noah began recalling the knowledge of cultivation techniques. A series of mantras, explanations, and important points of a certain technique appeared in his mind. It felt as though he had practiced these techniques countless times.

Following the flow of memories, Noah inhaled and exhaled in rhythm, yet in the end... nothing happened.

Sitting on the bed, Noah was stunned. 'What just happened...?'

A notification popped into his mind: With this method of cultivation, even after three years, there will be no progress...

'What...?' Noah thought in disbelief. 'Does that mean this simulation resulted in nothing?'

System Notification:

'The second simulation of life by the master has been completed and reached the peak of this life. Due to the master's poor aptitude, no progress was made in cultivation. However, in the next simulation, the master will receive a 10% increase in aptitude, ensuring that progress can be made.'

'So, my aptitude is that bad? And... the peak of life?' Noah paused, thinking. 'Wait, even if my aptitude increases by 10% in the simulation, my real aptitude stays the same, so I still won't be able to cultivate, right?'

The Life Simulation feature reminded him: 'With the accumulated knowledge and experience from the simulations, the master will be able to start cultivating, even with zero aptitude. Please rest assured.'

Noah sat in silence. 'So... my aptitude is really that terrible? Wasn't I supposed to be an emperor in my past life...?'

'Fine, I still have eight more simulations left. There's no way I can't enter the path of cultivation…'

'It's possible, right? I mean, 10% more aptitude after each simulation... after ten rounds, that's double...'

'But will doubling my aptitude really be enough to make a difference?'

Shaking his head, Noah muttered to himself, 'Enough. No point in overthinking. Small steps can lead to big results... And if nothing else works, I can always ask Zhao Yu for help.'

'But first, let's head to the kitchen and grab a bite.'

When Noah reached the kitchen, the fragrance of food filled the air.

Looking at the table overflowing with beautifully arranged dishes, Zhao Yu stood by, smiling. 'Master, please come and enjoy my cooking.'"