Beyond the Means of Mortals
At higher realms, cultivators often rely heavily on spiritual energy, overlooking the fundamental potential of the human body. Only when spiritual energy becomes less significant do they realize the inherent capabilities they've ignored for so long.
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"Boss, I have a question," Ji Wuhui began after a moment of thought, unable to suppress his curiosity.
Luo Chuan glanced at him calmly. "Go ahead."
Taking a deep breath, Ji Wuhui finally voiced the idea lingering in his mind. "Boss, I'd like to purchase something that allows me to play the Tower of Trial outside this store."
As the emperor of the Heavenly Star Empire, Ji Wuhui couldn't frequent the Origin Mall every day, no matter how tempting the experience was. Owning a device seemed like the perfect solution.
Inwardly, Luo Chuan addressed the system. Someone wants to buy a VR device. What should I say?
The system responded curtly, He can't afford it.
Luo Chuan sighed inwardly. The system's bluntness never failed to surprise him. With a faint smile, he shook his head and answered, "You can't afford it."
Ji Wuhui's expression didn't change much, though a trace of disappointment flickered in his eyes. Still, he had expected this response.
How could the worth of something so divine be measured in spirit crystals? To even suggest it felt like an insult.
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After bidding farewell to Luo Chuan, Ji Wuhui and Mr. Bai left the Origin Mall. Before departing, however, they didn't forget to buy out all the goods in the store—cola, spicy strips, and more.
As royalty, they spared no expense.
Shortly after, the allotted gaming time for Bu Lige, Bu Shiyi, and Jiang Shengjun came to an end.
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"My cultivation has improved significantly," Bu Lige said cheerfully, sensing the increased spiritual power in his body. "It won't be long before I advance again."
Not long ago, he had just reached Fatebound Ascension, and now he was close to advancing to the second rank. The speed of his growth was incredible.
Of course, the real credit belonged to the exceptional products in the Origin Mall.
Bu Shiyi nodded in agreement. Her cultivation had also improved, though she wasn't as close to a breakthrough as Bu Lige. Nonetheless, she could feel she wasn't far from advancing.
"I... I actually broke through!" Jiang Shengjun suddenly exclaimed, his voice full of disbelief. His astonished expression drew the attention of the others.
He could feel it clearly—his realm had advanced to the third rank of Fatebound Ascension!
"Are you joking?" Bu Lige asked skeptically.
For most cultivators, breakthroughs involved noticeable phenomena, especially at higher realms. The silent breakthrough Jiang Shengjun described seemed almost impossible.
What Bu Lige didn't realize was that the Origin Mall's security system suppressed any disruptions caused by breakthroughs. Whether it was a Fatebound Ascension cultivator or even someone at the Pathseeker level advancing, no spiritual fluctuations could disrupt the store's serenity.
If Jiang Shengjun wanted a grand display like the one Mr. Bai experienced during his breakthrough, he would need to leave the store first.
"Of course I'm not joking!" Jiang Shengjun retorted seriously. No one knew his own cultivation better than he did.
Yao Ziyan chimed in, "You were too focused on the Tower of Trial to notice Jiang Shengjun's breakthrough earlier."
The group exchanged surprised glances before recovering.
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After thanking Luo Chuan, the trio left the Origin Mall.
Not long after, Gu Yunxi and Jiang Wanshang finished their gaming sessions as well. After saying their goodbyes, they hurried back to Zui Yuexuan.
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"Yunxi, Wanshang, why are you two out for so long every day?" Murong Haitang asked with a hint of concern as the two girls returned.
Her question wasn't unwarranted. The current situation in Nine Stars City was chaotic, with individuals of all kinds—both noble and dangerous—moving through the area.
Given the noble status of these students, any incident involving them would lead to severe consequences. As their mentor, Murong Haitang felt responsible for their safety.