Chapter Sixteen: Upgrades, Upgrades, Upgrades
Linxia stared at his screen, still caught in the aftermath of his shock. 100 million views, 23 million followers. It sounded like a dream, yet the notifications in his system window confirmed it was all real.
Before he could fully process the absurdity of the situation, a sudden ding echoed in his mind.
> [Ding! Due to an overwhelming influx of EXPR, the Author System has entered a major upgrade!]
[Upgrade in progress... Estimated completion time: 72 hours.]
Then, silence.
Linxia exhaled slowly, running a hand through his hair.
"72 hours, huh?" he muttered, clicking his tongue. "Guess I have no choice but to wait."
His gaze drifted back to the comment section of The Sightless Path.
If the system needed three whole days to process the update, that meant the changes were massive. And knowing how his luck worked, he had a feeling things were going to get even more absurd when the update was finished.
---
72 Hours Later
The moment the countdown hit zero, a golden light flashed before Linxia's eyes.
> [Ding! Author System Upgrade Complete!]
Then, without warning—
A flood of notifications.
> [Due to accumulated EXPR, Host has leveled up from Level 1 to Level 6 in one go.]
[New Features Unlocked!]
Linxia barely had time to react before the system interface transformed before his eyes. The previously simple, blue-toned menu now had a sleek, ethereal silver glow, looking more refined and... alive?
Something had changed.
> [System Intelligence has evolved from Basic AI → Advanced AI.]
[Host can now engage in real-time conversation with the system.]
Linxia blinked. "...Wait. Are you saying you can actually talk to me now?"
> [Indeed.]
A deep, calm voice echoed in his mind.
For a moment, Linxia just stared at the screen. Then, after a long silence, he muttered,
"...Well, that's new."
He shook his head, choosing to focus on the list of new features.
> [Unlocked Features:]
1. Personal AI Editor [Miss Deadline] – A fully functional AI assistant that refines, polishes, and even generates drafts based on the Host's ideas.
2. Inspiration Space [immersion Realm] – Previously a mere visualization tool, it now allows the Host to personally experience the protagonist's journey as if living through it.
3. Point Mall [Equivalent Exchange Market] – An advanced trading system that allows aEXP to be exchanged for items, abilities, and materials from the Host's own book.
4. World-Building Cap: Upgraded to Level 6 – The Host can now construct fully detailed settings, histories, and cultural lore with ease.
5. Quest System Unlocked – Objectives for personal and story growth. Rewards include aEXP, tools, and unique bonuses.
6. Title Space Unlocked – Grants titles based on achievements. Titles provide unique passive buffs.
7. Bonus aEXP: +10,000 for Reaching Level 6!
Linxia's heart raced. This was… insane.
He had expected an upgrade, but not something this comprehensive.
---
Examining the Features
His first instinct was to check out the Immersion Realm.
A panel appeared, displaying an option:
> [Would you like to experience the life of your protagonist, , from Chapter 1?]
Linxia hesitated. Was this safe?
But curiosity won. He pressed "Yes."
Instantly—
He wasn't in his room anymore.
Instead, he was standing in a vast, mist-covered bamboo forest. The scent of rain lingered in the air, and in the distance, a majestic temple stood against the backdrop of a setting sun.
The wind shifted, and a figure appeared before him—his own protagonist.
Linxia could feel it. The weight of his sword, the flow of spiritual energy in his veins, the wisdom behind those golden eyes.
This wasn't just watching a scene unfold—he was living it.
> [Ding! Your comprehension of your protagonist's mindset has increased. Story immersion has improved by 30%.]
Linxia snapped back to reality, gasping.
He clutched his chest, his heart pounding.
"That… was incredible."
---
Point Mall – Equivalent Exchange Market
Moving on, he opened the Point Mall.
A list of exchangeable items from his novel appeared.
> [Spirit Engraving Brush – 500,000 aEXP]
[Heavenly Inkstone – 250,000 aEXP]
[Mystic Flute of Dao Resonance – 1,000,000 aEXP]
[Soul-Cleansing Tea Leaves – 100,000 aEXP]
Linxia was speechless.
These were treasures from his book. And he could buy them?!
But he quickly noticed something—aEXP wasn't unlimited.
Unlike EXPR, which represented his story followers, aEXP was currency he could spend. If he used it recklessly, its value would depreciate.
His gaze shifted to the Quest System.
---
New Quests
> [Hidden Sage's First Response]
Reply to comments addressing you as the Hidden Sage. Play along convincingly.
Reward: 100 aEXP
> [The Journey Begins]
Complete The Sightless Path within a week.
Reward: 5000 aEXP + Special Title
> [A New Legend]
Begin writing your second novel.
Reward: Unlocks New Writing Perk
Linxia let out a low whistle.
"A little roleplay, huh?" He smirked.
He scrolled to the comments section, where people were still arguing about whether or not he was truly the Hidden Sage.
Some readers believed wholeheartedly.
Others thought it was a marketing gimmick.
And some were just there for the fun of it.
Linxia cracked his knuckles and started typing.
> [SilentQuill: The Dao is vast, and the path is long. If fate allows, enlightenment shall come. Patience, young ones.]
A moment later—
> [Ding! Quest Completed: Hidden Sage's First Response!]
[+100 aEXP]
Linxia leaned back, laughing.
"Who knew being an author these days involved a little roleplay?"
This…Oh
This was going to be interesting.