Jun Zhi

The prospect opened his eyes to a tea house of sorts with the man who had visited his hospital sitting right in front of him. Though, he had yet to know that since he died before the visit.

R.O.B took a long sip of his tea. "Wonder if you miss your tea and crumpets you had back in England..."

"That stereotype pisses me off... but, more importantly, who the hell are you?"

"I am the reason why you've lived two lives." R.O.B stated in an aloof voice. "I must say, you are quite a wholesome man. That Xuanyuan Xiang taught you well..."

"He did..."

"As you continue to reincarnate... I wonder, will the twisted world tear you apart? You've only seen mostly the good parts..." He laughed, leaving a tablet on the table before disappearing into thin air.

'Continue to reincarnate for how many times?'

His question remained unanswered.

The prospect grabbed the tablet and read through the information.

~~~~~~~

Medical Saint Li Chen (2nd life)

The most accomplished out of the countless disciples who served under the great Xuanyuan Xiang, the controversial potential Sword Master who abandoned his sword and solely dedicated himself to the art of medicine. Li Chen had helped countless people across the entire Profound Sky Continent. He was known for being a kind and forgiving man who refused to kill no matter what... though, he had led to the arrests of over a thousand outlaws. Despite not having much talent, Li Chen's frightening work ethic was well documented across the continent... along with his loose tongue when it came to cursing.

Fame: Continent-wide

Notable skills earned: Medicine 2 (Expert), Swordsmanship 1 (Adept), Talent 1 (Adept)

Merit points earned: 2000

(What are merit points? They are points accumulated from your entire life's acts. The greater you were, the more you gain. Their purpose? To improve your next life.)

Everything in the merit cash shop has 4 stages, names may vary depending on the subject. 0 (non-existent), 1 (Adept), 2 (Expert) and 3 (Heaven's Child). The difference between each stage is significant, especially the jump to Heaven's Child.

~~~~~~~

(Numbers are the prices from the lowest to the highest. Must be purchased in chronological order.)

Fire Affinity: 500, 1000, 10,000

Lightning Affinity: 500, 1,000, 10,000

Wind Affinity: 500, 1,000, 10,000

Earth Affinity: 500, 1,000, 10,000

Water Affinity: 500, 1,000, 10,000

Light Affinity: Locked

Darkness Affinity: Locked

Space Affinity: Locked

Time Affinity: Locked

Nothingness Affinity: Locked

~~~~~~~

(Heaven's Child can only be earned through training in this section... a lot of it.)

Profound Art Creation: 500, 1000

Formation Creation: 500, 1000

Medicine (Already achieved expert)

Weapon Creation: 500, 1000

Combat Affinity: 500, 1,000

Unarmed Combat: 500, 1000

Swordsmanship: 1000

Spearmanship: 500, 1000

Bowmanship: 500, 1000

Axemanship: 500, 1000

Macemanship: 500, 1000

~~~~~~~

(Heaven's Child can be bought, except for talent).

Talent level: Expert (1000)

Charisma: 1,000, 3,000, 5,000

Appearance: 1,000, 2,000, 5,000

Perception: 2,000, 5,000, 10,000

Constitution: 2,000, 5,000, 10,000

Profound Energy Capacity: 2,000, 5,000, 10,000

Profound Energy Strength: 2,000, 5,000, 10,000

~~~~~~~

'Jesus Christ... that's a lot of options.'

After putting some thought into it, he finally decided to choose to improve his talent level to Expert, Combat Affinity to Adept and Lightning Affinity to Favourable. Lightning was known for having the highest power output at the risk of damaging its user. However, if this side effect was nullified with a higher affinity... well, then it's a complete win.

~

The prospect opened his eyes to a massive fist hitting his face, stunning him for several seconds.

"Walking punching bag... when I tell you to hand over your resources, you fucking do it!"

'What...'

The rather bulky disciple looking down at him snatched the pills from his hand and landed one final blow, a kick to the face before walking away. The small crowd around them had slowly scattered afterwards, leaving the prospect laying against a wall.

"Damn, he got pummeled." One of the disciples stated. "Sucks to be him."

'That kick hurt...' The prospect spit out some blood onto the floor.

Right after, he gained the memories of the body he had reincarnated into. His parents had given him the name 'ZHÌ', hoping that he would have ambition and purpose. It would turn out that he did make one of the mightier sects in the Grand Asura Kingdom, although as an outer disciple... and punching bag. The Divine Sword Sect cared very little for its outer disciples, allowing them to get beaten and abused without batting an eye. The sect justified such acts by calling it a 'strengthening process'.

Seeing how the sect treated its outer sect disciples from all the memories, Jun Zhi was enraged and focused solely on growing cultivation-level wise to end the injustice. After one year, he broke through to the Earth Profound Realm through sheer talent. It certainly did help that he had opened seven of his profound entrances with the One Finger Profound Opening.

He scouted the entire Outer Sect, finding his first victim.

"I got this new Profound Art... I'm sure you wouldn't mind me using it on you?" An Inner Sect disciple laughed as a gust of wind formed in his palms.

"Leave me alone..."

"What did you say? Oh, of course. We're just exchanging pointers haha-"

BOOM.

Jun Zhi leapt forwards and drop-kicked the Inner Sect disciple.

"What the- since when did the Outer Sect have someone this strong!?" The disciple eventually recovered from the kick. "Hmph, I don't have the time for this."

"Where the hell are you going?"

BANG.

"You're going to know how it feels to be an Outer Sect disciple today."

Just as the disciple was going to retreat, Jun Zhi began to beat the shit out of him. Although they were very similar cultivation-level wise, Jun Zhi was simply a better fighter. Once he was satisfied, the Inner Sect disciple had to be dragged to a clinic.

"I did your job for you... useless ass master." Jun Zhi stared down at the Outer Sect Master who had been spectating.

"Earth Profound Realm... your progress is quite impressive. It seems to me that you're ready to become an Inner Disciple."

"I don't want to associate myself with those buffoons."

"Hahaha... so be it. Inform me when you change your mind."

It was not long until Jun Zhi became the pillar of the Outer Sect who would always send back any Inner Sect disciples looking for smoke. However, this eventually led to the stronger members of the Inner Sect being dragged along to get vengeance. That was when Jun Zhi once again experienced how it felt to be a victim.

"You think you're some kind of hero by protecting Outer Sect trash? You think you're all that because you beat a few of our weaker peers? You think you can compete with a true Inner Sect disciple?"

After each question, he received another mighty punch to the face.

"A word of advice; stay in this trash dump where you belong. The moment you enter the Inner Sect... well, we'd make it a living hell for you. Most of your days would be spent in the clinic... hahaha."

Jun Zhi was left on the ground and wounded to the point where even the smallest movement resulted in a sharp rise in pain.

"Serves you right." One of the Inner Sect disciples he had beaten spit on his face.

'These kids... they really piss me off.'

Jun Zhi thought as he closed his eyes.

After fully recovering, he joined the Inner Sect for its better resources and Profound Arts. There was also a superior weapons section from which he chose a new sword. The difference between the Inner and Outer Sect was, as they would say, like Heaven and Earth. Jun Zhi picked up a Lightning Profound Art, keen to make use of his Lightning Affinity.

Three years of closed-door cultivation after, he reached the Sky Profound Realm and mastered the simple yet useful Lightning Profound Art he had picked up.

'It's time to exact some bloody vengeance!'

Jun Zhi kicked open his room's door and walked into the open area. After scouting the area, he recognised a familiar face. He tapped the shoulder of a disciple who had spit on him earlier, making him turn his attention to him.

"Where's your little guardian? I want to exchange a few pointers with him."

"He- he became a Core disciple a year ago..."

"Do you still pay visits to the Outer Sect?" Seeing his expression, Jun Zhi knew the answer all too well. "You guys never learn... well, it turns out that I need to test out my new Profound Arts too."

Lightning formed at his fingertips.

For the rest of the week, he had beaten every single Inner Sect disciple who he had memory of bullying Outer Sect disciples. He wondered if the Sect Masters overseeing the halls would care. They did not.

The Outer Sect trash who had risen to become the 'King' of the Inner Sect within only four years. Due to all of his acts of severe 'counter bullying', he had become an infamous name in the Inner Sect and a symbol of hope for the Outer Sect.

"I heard you've been acting up again." The now Core disciple who had beaten him into a pulp three years ago finally confronted him.

"I've been wondering when you'd show your ugly face." Jun Zhi chuckled, drawing his sword. "I'm going to make you regret ever being born today."

"Look at the state of the Inner Sect disciples you beat up..." He sighed. "It looks like in your journey of self-righteousness, you've turned out to just become one massive hypocrite."

"Shut the fuck up you cunt, you have no right to say shit!"

And so, a battle between two Sky Profound Realm experts ensued. The Core Sect disciple had practised an Earth Profound Art, allowing him to withstand Jun Zhi's onslaught of lightning. In the end, none of his techniques gave him a definitive edge... none but one.

The sword style Xuanyuan Xiang had bestowed upon him.

'Once you learn it, only ever use it in self-defence and to protect those who are close to you. Never use it to cause unnecessary violence... am I understood?'

'...'

"Why the hell did you freeze? Never mind, I'll just finish you right here!" The Core disciple flew directly towards him.

Slash.

After one swift and gracious motion from Jun Zhi, the Core disciple found himself falling to the ground. In only an instant, his body was covered in hundreds of cuts, some deeper than others.

"I'm going to change this sect from inside out." He stated, sheathing his sword. "And that all starts with disciplining brats like you who think it's fun to bully those weaker than you."

"Not bad, not bad at all." An enthusiastic round of applause sounded from one man who approached the wounded Core disciple. "So you're the Jun Zhi I've been hearing so much of..."

'Not again...'

"You look quite defensive... don't worry, I didn't come here to attack you. In fact, I want to personally invite you into the Divine Sword Sect's Core."

"And you are?"

"I am the young sect master. You should know my name... unless you live under a rock."

"I don't care what some young master's name is."

"You have a lot of bark in you, heh. But if you want to 'change this sect from inside out'... well, you might want my support."

"I don't see you helping Outer Sect disciples..."

"It's a pointless pursuit, I have more important things to worry about than the trash in the Outer Sect."

"Pointless? They're still people just like us, only weaker, but they get treated like animals."

"That is how the world works, Jun Zhi."

"Then I will just have to change how it works."

"Haha... are you serious?" The young master laughed. "Whatever, it's not a bad thing to be ambitious. Come."

As the years passed, surprisingly, he had found a friend in the young master. He was somewhat charismatic, friendly, confident and extremely talented... yet he never came off as arrogant. Together, they had represented the Grand Asura Kingdom and triumphed over the other nations in the Nation Ranking Tournament.

Jun Zhi had gained the interest of the Grand Asura Royal family, who praised him for his performance in the tournament. That eventually led to something he didn't even think about...

A hundred years after, he had become one of the Grand Asura Kingdom's mightiest experts and learned several new skills such as weapon creation and formations. He had been invited to the Grand Asura Capital many times, leading to him having close relations with the Emperor. There was one threat looming on the horizon for the royal family but they did not pay much heed. During that time, Jun Zhi had fallen for a princess.

The way he felt around her was unlike anything else... and the feeling became mutual as Jun Zhi's entertaining personality began to shine. They even got married and had a beautiful child together.

Then the Divine Phoenix Sect showed its ugly head some years later, demanding that the current royal family be removed and replaced by their sect master's family. Naturally, Jun Zhi rebelled against that unacceptable demand. Yet... no one stood behind him despite the injustice, fearing the strength of the Divine Phoenix Sect's elders.

'Fine... I'll do it myself.'

Jun Zhi's act of rebellion would turn out to be the very first time the prospect killed another human. He had slain fifteen Tyrant Profound elders and countless Sect Masters before being pinned down from all sides in an open field. Exhausted, Jun Zhi wasn't exactly in the position to put up a fight.

"Jun Zhi... such a great talent. A man who came from nothing and rose to become a true, revered, expert in this land. Your greatest fault, however, was standing against the Divine Phoenix Sect. You have one last chance to stand down. If you do so, we will provide you with a sufficient punishment for your deeds. You needn't die here..." The Divine Phoenix Sect Master gave a speech, though it didn't quite have much of an effect on Jun Zhi.

"The more shit that comes from your mouth, the more pissed I get."

"Do you want your dear child to live without a father? Think about it."

"..." He sighed. "What is this 'sufficient punishment' you speak of?"

"Five hundred years in prison. Afterwards, you are to dedicate yourself to the Divine Phoenix Sect."

"I'd rather die standing than live kneeling." Jun Zhi shook his head. "How about another trade offer? You fuck off to wherever you came from and no one else has to die."

"If you're so keen on dying, then we will honour your request."

"Hahahaha... KILL ME?" Jun Zhi laughed, almost seemingly mad. "DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM!?"

His roar, despite looking wounded and exhausted, caused a shudder among the experts of the Divine Phoenix Sect. The skies darkened and thunder shook the earth.

"I AM JUN ZHI THE UNDYING! KILL ME IF YOU WISH... BUT I WILL RETURN THOUSANDS OF TIMES STRONGER JUST TO FUCKING DESTROY YOU ALL!"

"..."

He laughed, watching a few experts retreat as he swallowed several regeneration pills. He formed his blue lightning once again, ready to leave everything on this very field.

"I'll finish him myself!" One of the observing Grand Elders decided, separating himself from the group.

BANG.

BANG.

The Grand Sect Elder, being a 1st Stage Sovereign, began to pummel Jun Zhi and make an example of him, ending his wide flurry of strikes with an inferno of Phoenix Flames. But... Jun Zhi stood standing.

"VILE, REPULSIVE, LOATHSOME BEASTS... THAT IS WHAT YOU ALL ARE. YOU TAKE WHAT IS NOT YOURS AND JUSTIFY IT WITH YOUR STRENGTH."

"I ask this... ARE YOU ANY DIFFERENT THAN COMMON BRIGANDS!?"

"Shut up and die already!"

"You know I'm right... BUT YOU CAN'T ADMIT IT HAHAHA."

Jun Zhi had completely lost it, releasing a tremendous amount of profound energy... something that was beyond him. But to supplement, he kept chugging more and more pills. Then, in one final effort...

"I, JUN ZHI, WILL NOT FALL WITHOUT TAKING A SOVEREIGN WITH ME!"

He closed the distance in a flash and exploded just as quickly in a massive surge of blue lightning.

"BEGONE!"