Chapter 25: The plot started

As time flowed like a gentle stream, two and a half years slipped by on Bamboo Peak. The seasons danced in their cyclical rhythm—spring's blossoms gave way to the lush greenery of summer, which then mellowed into the golden hues of autumn. Winter arrived, draping the peak in a pristine blanket of snow, only for the cycle to begin anew.Grey's transformation over the past two years has been nothing short of remarkable. His once youthful appearance has matured into that of a striking, formidable figure.Standing tall at six feet with a chiseled eight-pack, his physique exudes power and discipline. His handsome features now carry a maturity that belies his age, making him appear far older than his 15 years.The intensity of his red eyes, coupled with his long black hair, adds an air of mystery and strength to his presence. It's no wonder that those who see him now would never guess his true age.His cultivation had reached the peak of the 9th stage of the Foundation realm, just one step away from the Golden Core.His physical strength had also surged to an impressive 60,000 kilograms, solidifying his status as a true powerhouse. You may wonder why, after two and a half years, he had only advanced three stages in his cultivation.The reason was simple: he had devoted most of his time to increasing his physique, knowing that improving his physical strength would significantly enhance his chances of surviving the tribulation."Time to leave Bamboo Peak," Grey thought, feeling a sense of anticipation. The daily routines on the peak had become monotonous, and he was eager for a change. With the Seven Branches Martial Contest approaching, he was excited to test his skills against other geniuses.Of course, they couldn't compare to him—he was now comparable or even superior to the elders of the sect.While Grey knew he was no match for the sect leader, as all the elders were in the Great Purity stage, the sect leader was even beyond that, at a level comparable to a normal Golden Core cultivator. But that only fueled Grey's determination to keep pushing forward.He knew that once he reached the Golden Core stage, he would be even more powerful than the sect leader, as his cultivated Qi combined with Demonic Qi would significantly increase his Qi reserves.This unique combination would make him a force to be reckoned with, surpassing even those at the top of the sect. At the same time he checked his status in the system.[ Name: Greyson Pierce][ Age: 15 ][ Cultivation: 9th Stage of Foundation Establishment ][ Physique: Body of Creation and Destruction, Body of Chaos (1st stage) ](A Body reforged to accommodate the two primordial laws of the Universe)[ Evaluation: A person who forged his own path, a unique existence across universes ][ Skills: Mighty sword of thunder(B), Sword from ,sword of destruction (B)(incomplete), Flame Dragon Burst(C), Ice sword array(C), Qi sword (C) ][Points: 2000]Grey had also picked up some new skills from his master. Among them was a second B-rank skill he acquired from the system, which seemed to be of a higher rank and was divided into many parts. This single move cost him 1,000 points, but he felt it was worth every bit.The technique's destructive power surpasses even the Mighty Sword of Thunder, making it a valuable addition to his arsenal. He saved those 2000 points to buy the golden core pill which is useful for his next breakthrough."Brother Grey, Master asked me to fetch you," Xiao Fan called out, interrupting Grey's thoughts. Grey looked up, his gaze falling on Xiao Fan, who now appeared every bit the teenager he was at 15 years old.A small smile tugged at Grey's lips as he observed the young man before him. The plot had taken a significant turn, with Xiao Fan and Linger now a couple—a change for which Grey took full credit. He had been the one to push Xiao Fan, helping him become more manly in Linger's eyes. Without that nudge, it would have been a difficult path.Since Grey had taken the Soul Devouring Stick, Xiao Fan's life had been far more normal than it would have been in the original plot.Now, he was strong, almost on par with Linger. Grey had to admit, Xiao Fan deserved to be the protagonist. Even though his cultivation talent was average, his intelligence and talent for understanding techniques were remarkable. Under Grey's training, Xiao Fan had reached the same level as Linger.Grey sighed inwardly, proud of the progress Xiao Fan had made under his guidance.