Chapter 3: The System’s True Power

Yang Kai sat on the edge of his cot, staring at the ceiling.

It had been a few hours since he had slapped Zhao Ling into a new personality, and the entire sect was already buzzing with rumors. Some disciples treated him like a legend, whispering about the miracle of the century—the weakest disciple delivering a slap heard across dimensions.

Others? Well, some just thought he had a death wish.

Honestly, Yang Kai couldn't blame them.

He had spent years being the underdog, the joke of the sect. And now, out of nowhere, he was dodging attacks like a seasoned expert and verbally destroying people with sarcastic remarks sharp enough to cut jade.

And it was all thanks to one thing.

The Face-Slapping System.

"Alright, System," he muttered, leaning back on his cot. "Let's talk."

Ding!

"Host is now interacting with the Face-Slapping System. Please specify your inquiries."

Yang Kai sat up. "Okay, first question—why do I feel like I went from useless background character to main character in a single afternoon?"

"Host has activated the Face-Slapping System, which rewards points for humiliating and defeating opponents. Points can be exchanged for cultivation improvements, martial arts techniques, and special abilities."

Yang Kai narrowed his eyes. "So you're telling me… I get stronger the more I humiliate people?"

"Correct."

Yang Kai rubbed his chin. "Huh. So basically, the more I roast people, the stronger I get?"

"To simplify: Yes."

A slow grin stretched across his face.

"… I'm gonna be the strongest cultivator in history."

Ding!

"New Mission: Insult someone in the next 10 minutes. Reward: 50 Cultivation Points."

Yang Kai blinked. "Wait, that's a mission?"

"Yes. Side missions may appear at any time, rewarding the host for creative acts of humiliation."

Yang Kai rubbed his temples. So this system isn't just about getting revenge—it's actively encouraging my bad behavior?

He wasn't sure how to feel about that.

…Wait. Actually, he was very sure.

He loved it.

But first, he needed a target.

The sun hung low in the sky as Yang Kai stepped into the training grounds once again. Disciples were still gathered, sparring and talking about the incident from earlier.

The moment he appeared, dozens of heads snapped toward him.

"Is that Yang Kai?"

"Didn't he slap Zhao Ling into another realm this morning?"

"Why is he walking around so casually?! Does he have a death wish?!"

Yang Kai ignored them, casually stretching his arms. He needed to find a target for his insult mission, and who better than—

"Well, well, well. Look who decided to show up again."

A familiar voice rang out, dripping with mockery.

Yang Kai turned his head and smirked. Perfect.

Standing before him was Wu Fei, one of Zhao Ling's lackeys. Tall, broad-shouldered, and as arrogant as a prince who just found out commoners exist.

Wu Fei crossed his arms, sneering. "You must have a death wish, Yang Kai. Do you have any idea what Zhao Ling is planning for you?"

Yang Kai tilted his head. "Oh? What, is he going to cry louder? Maybe throw a tantrum? Should I buy him a pacifier?"

Wu Fei's eye twitched. The nearby disciples burst into laughter.

Ding!

"Side Mission Complete! +50 Cultivation Points."

Yang Kai grinned. "You were saying?"

Wu Fei clenched his fists. "You little—!"

"Whoa, hold on." Yang Kai raised a hand. "Before you continue, are you about to say something original, or are you just gonna repeat what Zhao Ling said earlier? Because, buddy, I feel like we've already been through this whole 'angry villain threatens me' act today."

More laughter erupted from the crowd.

Wu Fei's face turned redder than Zhao Ling's slap mark.

Yang Kai casually checked his nails. "Look, Wu Fei, I'd love to stand here and argue with you, but I have better things to do. Like, I don't know… anything else."

Wu Fei lost it. "You think you're funny? Let's see how funny you are when I break every bone in your—"

"Wu Fei, that's enough."

A cold voice cut through the tension.

The crowd parted instantly, and a young man in dark blue robes stepped forward.

Yang Kai's eyes narrowed.

Gao Shen.

An inner sect prodigy, one of the top disciples, and one of Zhao Ling's closest allies.

Yang Kai let out a slow breath. Oh boy. This just got serious.

Gao Shen studied Yang Kai carefully. "You've been acting… different lately."

Yang Kai smiled. "That's because I woke up and chose violence."

The disciples gasped.

Gao Shen's gaze sharpened. "You're cocky for someone so weak."

Yang Kai tilted his head. "Oh, absolutely. But in my defense, being cocky is way more fun than groveling."

A dangerous glint flickered in Gao Shen's eyes. "Then let's see if you can back it up. Fight me."

The sect elders were called to oversee the duel. The training grounds were crowded with disciples, eager to witness what they all assumed would be Yang Kai's brutal defeat.

Gao Shen stood calmly, his expression unreadable. "I'll give you one chance to forfeit."

Yang Kai stretched his arms. "Aw, that's sweet of you. But unfortunately, I'm all out of 'giving up' today."

Ding!

"New Mission: Survive against Gao Shen for five minutes. Reward: 800 Cultivation Points."

Yang Kai blinked. Wait… 'Survive'?

"Begin!" an elder called out.

Gao Shen vanished.

Shit.

Yang Kai barely had time to react before a fist came flying toward his chest. He twisted his body, dodging by a hair's breadth.

Gao Shen didn't stop. He was faster, stronger, and way more experienced.

I'm gonna die. I'm gonna die. I'M GONNA DIE—

Ding!

"Activating Passive Skill: Mocking Resilience – Increases dodge rate when being humiliated."

Yang Kai dodged again. And again.

And again.

Gao Shen narrowed his eyes. "You… Why can't I hit you?"

Yang Kai laughed nervously. "Wouldn't you like to know?"

Ding!

"Mission Complete! +800 Cultivation Points."

Yang Kai felt a surge of power. His cultivation jumped to Qi Condensation 3.

Gao Shen's face was filled with frustration. "You…!"

Yang Kai dusted off his robes. "Well, that was fun! Let's never do it again."

The crowd erupted in whispers.

"Did Yang Kai just survive against Gao Shen?"

"Is he actually improving?!"

Gao Shen's eyes burned with anger. "You… I won't forget this."

Yang Kai smirked. "Oh, don't worry. I'll make sure you never do."

Ding!

"Bonus Mission Completed: Publicly Humiliate a Prodigy. +500 Cultivation Points."

Yang Kai walked away.

And just like that—

The legend of the Face-Slapping King had begun.