that's it? he literally picked the first one that matched. 😂 I feel bad for Qing Yi, even if it's a heaven grade, it can't be the one that best match her.

Before you decide to read this, you should know it ends in a cliffhanger. But if you do decide to read this I loved the story, the power system is incredibly unique, the main character falls under edgy, dark, and due to time he will go pass his empathy and use people how he needs to. The world building is awesome, the overall Arcs are well thought out, but execution can be rushed at times. I still love the story but I wish I could've read to the end instead of the cliffhanger it ends on, but maybe the author just got bored of writing it, or has health complications, I still come check on it every once in a while with hope of a new chapter.

using exp as a currency for a patron's spell seems unique for someone who doesn't play dnd, is it?

It's got face slapping if you're into that. The Mc seems is a idiot who doesn't understand nuance and what his place in the world is, he is a mortal vs cultivators and he antagonize them for a bet because obviously they don't believe a mortal can repair a immortal sword (basic flying sword). the bet is his life for breaking said sword and if he wins the humiliation of the cultivator, like what? he is basically homeless with only the workshop. so instead of money to pay off the debts his parents incurred after thier death he wants something vain for his ego. he was literally useless before the system, living like a rich young master with the income of his cultivator parents.