Chapter no.5 Cultivation

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What is a mother's greatest fear? To hear that her child is going to die. Xiao Yun never thought she'd face that fear so soon. Living in Glory City meant she had learned to accept that death was always just around the corner, waiting for her or someone she loved. But she never expected this. Not like thisShe was prepared for Nie Li to have a weak soul realm. They were farmers, after all—what great talent could be born from their blood? But none of that ever mattered to her. Indigo, red, gold—it didn't change anything in her heart. He was her son, and she loved him unconditionally. She was ready to support him no matter what.

But when the news came, it was like the world tilted and nothing made sense anymore. Her son—her little boy—had challenged the Patriarch. He was going to fight against the most skilled young masters of the Heavenly Marks Family, and the stakes... if he lost... he would lose his life.

Xiao Yun couldn't breathe. She wanted to believe this was some kind of nightmare, a twisted dream she'd wake from any moment. This can't be real. She counted in her head, desperate for the world to shift, for something to change. Three... two... one. She pinched herself, hard, hoping to break free from this suffocating terror.

The sharp sting of pain didn't wake her. Instead, it confirmed her worst fear. This was real. Her son was going to die.

The tears started then, hot and unrelenting, streaming down her cheeks before she could even attempt to stop them.

She felt her knees give way, but before she collapsed, Nie Ming caught her. His arms, always so steady, held her, but even through her tears, she could see the pain etched on his face. Xiao Yun looked up at him, clutching at his robes like a lifeline. "Please, Ming, tell me this is some kind of sick joke." She tried to laugh, but it came out broken, forced. 

But his eyes, filled with sorrow, told her the truth. He didn't say a word, but he didn't have to. The truth was there, in his silence. And that silence shattered something in her.

"Why didn't you stop him?" she screamed, grabbing his collar, desperate to understand, desperate to make sense of this madness. "He's just a child! He... he doesn't know! How could you let this happen?"

Her voice broke, her heart breaking right along with it. What could they do? They were nothing in this family, barely scraping by with what little they had. They had no power, no influence. How could they save their son from this disaster?

"It'll be alright." 

"How? How?!" Her voice was shaking, barely holding together. When he didn't answer, the frustration, the helplessness, the fear—it all boiled over. Before she could stop herself, she slapped him, the sharp sound echoing in the silence that followed.

Xiao Yun gasped, her hands flying to her face in horror. "I-I'm sorry," she whispered, but the damage was done. How could she lash out at him when he was suffering just as much as she was?

Nie Ming didn't react, just placed a hand on her shoulder, his touch heavy with the weight of their shared grief. "Before we came here, I planned to go back and beg the Patriarch," he admitted softly. "I didn't care what he wanted, as long as it meant our son would live."

His words made Xiao Yun freeze. He would have given up everything—his pride, his dignity, even his life—for their boy.

"But Nie Li wouldn't budge," he continued, his voice breaking a little. "I... I had a fight with him."

Xiao Yun turned, looking at her son, her heart aching. Why didn't you listen? Why couldn't you let us protect you?

"He defeated me," Nie Ming whispered, his voice thick with both pain and... pride?

Xiao Yun felt a chill run down her spine. Defeated him? Nie Li? Her heart couldn't process it. But the look in Nie Ming's eyes, that newfound respect—it left her speechless.

"I trust my son to win this tournament," he said with a certainty that took her by surprise. "You should too."

Xiao Yun couldn't speak, her mind racing as she tried to make sense of it all. She turned to Nie Li, looking at him with tears in her eyes. My son, what have you done? "Nie Li," she called out, her voice trembling. "Tell me this is a lie. Tell me this is some kind of joke! Speak, boy!"

But instead of answering her, Nie Li turned to his father. "Do you have a sword?" he asked, his voice calm—too calm for the situation they were in.

Xiao Yun looked to Nie Ming, confused, but he only nodded towards where his brother stood silently watching.

"Bring me Father's blade, Kai," Nie Ming said.

Xiao Yun stood there, frozen in disbelief, as Kai nodded and moved to get the sword. 

She wanted to scream again, to beg Nie Li to stop this madness. But something in the way he held himself, something in his eyes—it made her pause. Could it be? Could her son really... win?

She didn't know what to believe anymore.

[ Item: Decorative Sword ]

[ Type: Decoration ]

[ Description: A beautifully crafted sword designed solely for ornamental purposes. While it may not be functional as a weapon, its intricate design and aesthetic appeal make it a prized possession for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Perfect for adorning walls or as part of a costume. ]

[ Rarity: Common ]

[ Effects: ]

- [ Aesthetic Value: Significantly enhances the visual appeal of any room or ensemble it is part of. ]

- [ Prestige Boost: Increases social standing or reputation among peers when displayed or carried as part of a costume. ]

The decorative dao in Nie Li's hands felt heavier than it should have. It wasn't a weapon meant for battle, just something to look at—a relic of a past long gone. The blade was ornate, with intricate carvings running along its edge, delicate vines and flowers etched into the steel. The hilt was wrapped in red silk, worn from years of use but still holding a certain elegance. It was beautiful, yes, but it wasn't going to help him in a fight. Power was what mattered now. That was the only thing that could convince them. And thankfully, Nie Li had something far more powerful up his sleeve: the Plum Blossom Sword technique.

He gripped the dao tighter, feeling its weight as he stepped outside the house, every eye following him. 

Ahead of him stood the boulder. It was massive, twice the size of his father, a hulking piece of stone that seemed almost defiant in its immovability. But Nie Li knew what he was capable of. He could feel it deep inside him, the knowledge of the Plum Blossom Sword technique burning in his mind. The boulder didn't scare him.

How? Nie Li asked himself, but he already knew the answer. The Twenty-Four Plum Blossoms Sword Technique was the key. Even though he only had the most basic knowledge of it, he understood its principles—five techniques, each one representing a petal of a plum blossom. The entire technique was an intricate dance, each strike flowing into the next like the petals of a blossom unfurling in the wind. Each technique was harder than the last, more refined, more difficult to master. But he didn't need all five.

He only needed the first.

[ Mission Initiation: Unlock White Plum Technique ]

[ Input: Player's Desire - "Unlock the first technique of the Twenty-Four Plum Blossoms Sword." ]

[ Process: Designing Mission to Unlock White Plum Technique ]

[ Analyzing... ]

[ Progress: 1% ... 25% ... 75% ... 100% ]

[ Analysis Complete ]

[ Mission Generated: "Mastery of the Wind's Whisper" ]

[ Objective: Follow the guide to master the first technique of the Twenty-Four Plum Blossoms Sword Style—White Plum. ]

Nie Li's eyes widened. A shadowy figure, a silhouette in the shape of a human, appeared before him, standing between him and the boulder. It was black, like a void, but its presence felt heavy, real. None of his family reacted to it, their eyes fixed on him, unaware of what he was seeing. Okay, so only I can see it, he thought, a chill running down his spine. The figure moved, flowing with a grace that caught his breath. It was demonstrating the technique—the first of the five forms of the Plum Blossom Sword Technique: White Plum.

The figure's movements were deliberate, smooth. It channeled soul force into its weapon, refining the energy into a razor-thin edge, as if the soul force itself became a blade sharper than steel. The first form, White Plum, was like the wind—swift, cutting, invisible until it struck. The knowledge flooded Nie Li's mind. I understand it... but just knowing isn't enough. I have to feel it. I have to try.

He gripped the dao tighter, feeling his own meager soul force stir within him. His red soul force wasn't much, barely enough to form a proper blade, let alone channel it like the figure was showing him. But that didn't matter. He had to try.

Just the tip, Nie Li reminded himself, focusing all his energy into that single point. His soul force, weak as it was, began to swirl, and he could feel it slowly shifting, bending to his will. In his mind, he imagined it sharpening, thinning out into a blade of pure energy. The red hue of his soul force began to change, lightening, turning a pale white as it funneled toward the tip of the sword.

It wasn't perfect. Far from it. But it was something.

Focus, Nie Li. Breathe.

He took a deep breath, his heart pounding in his chest, and moved. The dao sliced through the air, its path mirroring the image burned into his mind. He aimed for the boulder, the blade glinting as it struck.

The impact resonated through Nie Li's body, the vibration of the sword humming in his hand. He held his breath, waiting. For a moment, nothing happened. The decorative sword embedded itself into the boulder with a dull thud. But then, as he pulled the blade back, a deep crack began to form.

The sound was subtle at first, a low groan from the stone, but then it grew louder, more pronounced. The crack widened, spider-webbing across the surface of the boulder. Nie Li watched in awe as the split deepened, cutting through the rock until the entire thing broke apart with a final, resounding snap. The boulder was split clean in two, each half collapsing to the ground with a heavy thud.

I did it. The thought hit Nie Li all at once, a rush of disbelief and triumph surging through him. His heart was racing, and his hands trembled as he stared down at the shattered stone before him. He had actually done it.

Nie Li stood there, breathing heavily, trying to regain his balance. His mind was still reeling from the effort, from the sudden knowledge, from the sight of that mysterious figure. But he couldn't dwell on that now. He turned slowly, facing his family.

Their faces were a mix of shock and disbelief. His mother's eyes were wide, her hands covering her mouth as she stared at him like she didn't recognize the boy standing before her. His uncle and aunt stood frozen, their expressions locked between awe and confusion. But it was his father's face that caught Nie Li's attention the most.

There, in his father's eyes, was pride. Pure, unfiltered pride.

Nie Li straightened up, his confidence swelling with the sight of their reactions. This was his moment, and he wasn't going to let it slip away. He gripped the dao, the weight of it familiar in his hand, and spoke with a voice that felt stronger than ever before.

"I'll become the next Heir of the Heavenly Marks Family."

[ Skill: Twenty-Four Plum Blossoms Sword Technique ]

[ Level: 2 ]

[ Grade: Low ]

[ Description: The Twenty-Four Plum Blossoms Sword Technique, the signature martial art of the Mount Hua Sect, is renowned for its elegance and power. Each technique within the art is inspired by the delicate yet resilient plum blossoms that sway in the wind, combining swift and unpredictable strikes with an overwhelming surge of soul force. The user becomes one with the wind, their sword flowing like petals in the air, capable of delivering precise and devastating attacks. Mastery of this technique unlocks the ability to create a soul force domain where all attacks are enhanced.

[ Effects: ]

[ Novice Swordsmanship Knowledge:  Increases the user's proficiency with swords by 10%, improving basic sword techniques and balance. ]

[ Five Signature Moves of the Twenty-Four Plum Blossoms Sword Technique ]

[ White Plum ]

[ Description: The user coats their sword with soul force, refining the blade until it is as light and sharp as the wind. The blade glows with a pure white aura, representing the purity and precision of the plum blossom's fall.

[ Active Effects: ]

- Wind Blade: Increases weapon speed and cutting power by 20%.

- Soul Edge: Attacks have a 15% chance to bypass armor and defenses, striking directly at the opponent's vitals.

2- [ Yellow Plum ] ( Unlocked at Silver Realm )

3- [ Pink Plum ] ( Unlocked at Gold Realm )

4- [ Blossom Plum ] ( Unlocked at Black Gold Realm )

5- [ Twenty-Four Plum Blossoms ] ( Unlocked at Legend Realm )

Cultivation.

Nie Li let the word roll through his mind, over and over again, as he stared at the system screen floating in front of him. What exactly was cultivation? He knew the basics, sure—everyone in Glory City did.

Power. That's what it all boiled down to, didn't it?

At its core, cultivation was the process of transforming oneself, becoming more powerful through focused methods. There were so many paths, so many choices. Some people lived and died chasing after a fraction of what cultivation could offer. But here Nie Li was, standing at the crossroads of two distinct paths: Soul Cultivation and Body Cultivation.

Soul Cultivation... that was the one he knew best. The most common, the most talked about. It was all about enhancing soul force—using special techniques, consuming pills, relying on items to refine and grow the strength of one's soul. It was about unlocking a deeper reservoir of power, drawing from it like a wellspring that never ran dry.

Then there was Body Cultivation. The path that demanded more than just energy. It was about pushing the body beyond its limits, harnessing the power of soul force to strengthen muscles, bones, everything. It required relentless physical training, enduring pain to reach new heights. In some ways, it was more straightforward—there was no room for shortcuts. You couldn't simply rely on pills or potions. It was raw, unyielding effort. Sweat and blood.

[ Mission: Plan to Win the Heavenly Marks Family Heir's Competition ]

[ Objective: Secure victory in the competition to determine the heir of the Heavenly Marks Family. ]

[ Potential Outcomes: ]

- [ 1- Ascend to the 1 Star Bronze Rank Fighter. ]

- [ 2- Increase BP to 10k. ]

As Nie Li stared at the system screen, the options laid out before him, his mind couldn't shake the absurdity of it all. The first option was clearly pointing toward body cultivation, but something about it didn't sit right with him.

Body cultivation? Nie Li thought, furrowing his brow. That takes months, even years, to show any real progress. The competition is just a week away. The confusion gnawed at him as he tried to figure out why the system would even suggest such a path. It felt... off. There had to be more to it, so he flicked his finger over the system screen, pulling up more details.

[Option 1: Body Cultivation]

[Description: Upon selection, the system will cause player Nie Li's body to enter auto mode, where he will undergo intensive training for 3 days. This relentless regimen is designed to push his limits and achieve the rank of 1 Star Bronze Fighter, enhancing his combat skills and abilities to meet the competition's demands.]

Nie Li almost laughed out loud. Three days? The thought was ludicrous. Back at the Holy Orchid Institute, it had taken him seven grueling months to reach the rank of a 1-Star Bronze Fighter, and that was with the help of experienced instructors and powerful pills to speed up the process. And now the system was claiming it could make him achieve the same result in three days?

His finger hovered over the screen, hesitating. The claims were outlandish, ridiculous even. But then Nie Li remembered—this system had already done the impossible. It had turned back time, brought him to this point in his life again, giving him a second chance. If it can do that, he thought, who's to say it can't make this happen too?

Skepticism wrestled with curiosity in his mind. It felt crazy. But at this point, what did he have to lose? The competition was looming over him like a shadow, and time was slipping away. He needed every advantage he could get. Maybe this was it.

He shrugged, feeling the weight of the decision lifting off his shoulders. Well, there's only one way to find out.

With a deep breath, Nie Li tapped on Option 1.

"Let's see what this system can really do," he muttered under his breath, his heart racing with a mixture of hope and doubt.

[Selection Confirmed: Player Nie Li has chosen Option 1.]

The screen flashed, confirming his choice.

[Initiating: Auto Training Mode.]

[Process: Commencing intensive training regimen for 3 days to achieve 1 Star Bronze Rank Fighter status.]

The words scrolled before Nie Li, and before he could even process what was happening, a new message appeared, one that sent a shiver down his spine.

[Status: Player Nie Li will now enter a state of unconsciousness as the body optimizes for peak performance enhancement.]

Unconsciousness? Nie Li blinked, a sudden wave of unease washing over him. He didn't like the sound of that. But before he could dwell on it, the screen continued.

[Estimated Completion: 3 Days.]

Nie Li barely had time to react before everything around him started to blur. His vision tunneled, his limbs felt heavy, and a deep, overwhelming fatigue settled into his bones. It was like his entire body was being pulled into a deep, dark abyss.

What's happening? Panic fluttered at the edges of his mind. He tried to fight it, tried to stay awake, but it was useless. The world around him faded, and soon, there was nothing but darkness.

Three days... That was Nie Li's last thought before his mind slipped into the void.

---------------------------------

Nie Li's eyes fluttered open, his vision blurry and filled with nothing but holes in the ground. He blinked, groggy and confused, trying to piece together where he was and what had happened. His entire body felt... numb. It was like he wasn't fully connected to it, as though he was floating just above himself, unable to fully feel anything.

He groaned, forcing himself to sit up, every movement sending a dull throbbing pain through his limbs. He looked down at his hands—dried blood, cracked and flaking off, stained his palms. His clothes were torn to shreds, barely hanging onto him. What the hell had happened to me? he thought.

Nie Li glanced around, recognizing the forest surrounding him—the Yang Steel Bamboo Forest, near his house. But something was wrong. The bamboo, usually standing tall and indestructible like steel, was broken all around him, snapped and splintered like thin paper. It was as if a storm had blown through and shredded everything in its path.

What just happened? he muttered to himself, trying to recall anything, but his mind was a haze of fragmented memories. The last thing he remembered was choosing the option in the system—three days of training. But... what had I actually done?

Suddenly, he heard a voice that snapped him out of his thoughts.

"Big brother, you're finally awake!"

Nie Li turned to see Nie Yu running toward him with a glass of water in her hand. Her face lit up with relief as she saw him sitting up.

Without thinking, Nie Li grabbed the glass from her and gulped it down. The water was cool, washing away the dryness in his throat. He hadn't realized how parched he was until that moment, and he didn't care that he'd just stolen Nie Yu's drink. He drained the glass, feeling a wave of relief wash over him.

"Hey, that's mine," Nie Yu pouted, but Nie Li was too thirsty to care.

As he caught his breath, he looked at her, still trying to make sense of everything. "Nie Yu, what happened to me?" 

She tilted her head, her innocent expression adding to his confusion. "I don't know, big brother. You suddenly ran out of your room and started doing circles."

"Circles?" he echoed out loud, staring at her, trying to make sense of what she was saying.

Nie Yu nodded enthusiastically, her eyes wide with excitement. She grinned and, without warning, attempted a somersault, landing awkwardly on her back with a soft thud. Nie Li couldn't help but laugh at her adorable attempt, the first bit of normalcy he'd felt since waking up.

"Anything else?" he asked, still chuckling as Nie Yu sat up, pouting from her failed stunt.

"Yeah!" Nie Yu said, standing up and trying to imitate some kind of strange movement, her arms and legs flailing about. "You were doing this!" she declared, moving in a ridiculous version of what Nie Li assumed was some kind of kata. He squinted, trying to recall what she was talking about, but he had no memory of it.

"And then you started doing this," she continued, sticking her thumb out and poking herself, mimicking a weird pose that made her giggle. Nie Li stared at her, more confused than ever.

"And then you began hitting the trees!" Nie Yu said, pretending to punch the ground with an exaggerated motion. "Mom said you went insane."

He glanced around at the shattered bamboo trees, his mind spinning. Had I really done all this?

As Nie Yu entertained herself with more of her imitations, Nie Li's gaze instinctively turned to the system.

[ Name: Nie Li ]

[ Status: Peasant ]

[ Cultivation Level: White Soul Realm ] 

[ Physique Level: None → 1-Star Bronze Rank ]

[ Class: None → Fighter ]

[ Health Points: 10 → 1000 ]

[ Soul Force: 5 → 30 ]

[ Battle Power: 21 → 250 ]

[ Class Features: None → - Perception, - Endless Vanguard ]

[ Equipment: Worn Torn Clothing → Destroyed Clothing ]

[ Description: Born to a farmer in the Heavenly Marks Family, a young boy harbors ambitions far greater than his humble origins suggest, along with a deep secret. He carries the burden of memories from a past life, where he witnessed the destruction of Glory City. Faced with the daunting task of altering destiny, he must navigate his new life's challenges. Will he succeed in preventing the catastrophe he once saw, or is history doomed to repeat itself? ]