cultivation (1)

As Jiang Chen started cultivating, just after some time, he thought of something and said in his mind, "System."

[Ding]

"Show me my status."

[Host Info]

[Name]: Jiang Chen

[Age]: 30

[Cultivation Realm]: Qi Condensation Realm - Early Layer

[Mind Cultivation Arts]: None

[Spiritual Cultivation Arts]:

Flaming Heart Sutra (Mid Grade Earth Rank)

Nine Suns Burning Art (Low Grade Saint Rank)

[Martial Arts]:

1000 Piercing Sword Art (Mid Grade Earth Rank)

Flaming Cleaver Sword Art (Peak Rank Mortal Grade)

Flaming Punch (High Grade Mortal Grade)

Flame Burst Step (High Grade Earth Rank)

Ember Sword Strike (Low Rank Mortal Grade)

[Physique Cultivation Art]:

Iron Body Cultivation Art (Low Earth Rank)

[Spiritual Roots]:

Aspectual Root (From System)

Scarlet Flame Essence Root (Saint Grade)

[Bloodline]:

Phoenix Monarch Bloodline (60%) (Dormant)

[Corrupted Data]

[Body]:

Aspectual Body (Rank - [Corrupted Data])

Aspects of Host:

[Breathing]: (1)+(1)+(1)+(1)+(1)...-{133}

[Fear]: (1)+(1)+(1)+(1)+(1)...-{29}

[Shamelessness]: (1)+(1)+(1)+(1)...-{43}

[Lust]: (1)+(1)+(1)+(1)+(1)...-{83}

[Happiness]: (1)+(1)+(1)...-{35}

[Acting]: (1)+(1)+(1)...-{35}

[Lying]: (1)+(1)+(1)...-{53}

[Fire]: (1)+(1)+(1)...-{88}

[Absorption]: (1)+(1)+(1)...-{7}

Hmm, every aspect has increased slightly... And I've gained the Aspect of [Fire], just like I thought I would. Its count is surprisingly high considering how short the time has been. Well, I did experience the brunt of this treasure first-hand, and right now, I'm in a region overflowing with fire energy, which is boosting this aspect further. But… Aspect of [Absorption]? Huh, how did I gain this?

Did I absorb anything...? Oh... just now, I ran the cultivation manual for the first time. From what I know of cultivation, it absorbs spiritual energy from the world, circulates it in a specific pattern, and then accumulates it to form a core. Each manual has its own unique circulation pattern and effects depending on its rank. And since I have a saint-grade cultivation manual—Nine Suns Burning Art—which is fire-related, combined with my saint-grade Scarlet Flame Essence Root, my cultivation should soar quickly...

"Good, Jiang Chen. Let's do this!"

After motivating himself, Jiang Chen closed his eyes and began running the cultivation manual. He observed as his body started absorbing energy. This energy was fiery and violent, heating every part of his body—his heart, his lungs, and all his organs. His skin began to burn, but Jiang Chen endured. This continued for a long time...

As Jiang Chen meditated, his consciousness could feel his body speeding up the absorption process. With time, it could have harmed him, but something within the realm itself seemed to resonate with his body, making it easier to control the raging energy.

He observed that the absorbed energy from the atmosphere was taking nine turns within his body before accumulating in his center.

So this is the difference between this saint-grade manual and the lower-ranked one provided by the sect, Jiang Chen thought, recalling his host's memories. That one only required a single turn... This saint-grade manual is leagues apart.

He also noticed something else: this manual heavily relied on innate talent. A normal person practicing it would take far longer than someone using the sect's manual. But Jiang Chen, with his saint-grade talent—something he had only learned about thanks to the system—and his Aspectual Body, could cultivate at an incredible pace.

Overall, this is perfect for me.

But soon, Jiang Chen noticed that the fiery energy, which had been burning his body and organs, no longer affected him. He had reached an equilibrium. To continue progressing, he would need to move to an area with even hotter energy.

Opening his eyes, Jiang Chen stood up. His gaze turned behind him, seeking Zi Xia. Knowing that someone cared for him while he worked brought a strange comfort. Maybe he was just feeling homesick...

There she was, standing behind him, staring at him. A faint blush adorned her face.

Why though...? Jiang Chen thought. Does seeing the man you fancy working hard excite women? I've heard about this before, but this is the first time I'm experiencing it... Anyway, it's good for me. Who wouldn't like a woman like this? Hehehe...

"Master..." Jiang Chen began with a smile, waving at her, but before he could finish, Zi Xia threw something at his face. Startled, he caught it. It was... clothing?

"First wear something. How long are you planning to stay naked?" Zi Xia's cold voice came from a distance.

Jiang Chen froze. Naked... me? Shit! He quickly looked down at himself.

The first thing he did was cover his crotch. Turning around hastily, he put on the clothes she had thrown at him.

Shit, this can't be happening! Where's my manly pride? Haaaaah...

But he quickly calmed himself. I can't let her see this affects me. I'm not a child. I'm a man. Showing my body shouldn't faze me. I'm proud of it.

After sufficiently hyping himself up, Jiang Chen turned around with a confident smile.

"Master, I'm ready."

Heh, piece of cake—masking my embarrassment with overconfidence.

"Yeah, I can see that... masking your embarrassment with shamelessness," Zi Xia replied with a faint smirk.

"It's overconfidence, Master," Jiang Chen retorted instinctively before regretting it immediately.

What am I even saying? No… no… What is she asking? Can't she consider my feelings?! Even if she knows how I feel, there's no need to point it out!