Chapter 16: Meeting Again

It took Avin considerable effort to navigate his way through the dense forest. At every turn, he found himself confronted by a myriad of strange and formidable creatures: two-headed Nemean lions, green stout poisonous scorpions, and packs of silver-haired thunderous foxes. With the help of the System's Inspection feature, Avin was able to assess their levels and identify their weak points—a crucial advantage that spared him from certain demise.

Despite his newfound knowledge, battling these creatures proved to be no easy feat. Each encounter tested his skills and endurance, forcing him to push himself to the limit. In the heat of battle, Avin found himself relying on his [Vitality Vials] to sustain his strength, almost depleting his entire stock in the process.

"I still have three remaining [Vitality Vials]," Avin noted with a sigh of relief as he paused to catch his breath. The trials of the forest had taken their toll on him, but he knew that he couldn't afford to rest for long. 

Avin tapped his status interface, summoning his current statistics. With [90 exp] accumulated from battling creatures, he was a mere [10 exp] away from leveling up. "This is the perfect opportunity to use some pills," he mused to himself.

From his sub-space ring, Avin retrieved a Solar Soul Grass pill and wasted no time in consuming it. Almost instantly, he could feel the effects of the pill coursing through his dantian, infusing him with newfound strength and vitality. As the energy surged within him, Avin felt a rush of power, and his experience points surged by an additional [25 exp], pushing him over the threshold and causing him to level up.

[You have been level up!]

[Level 3 (15/400)]

[Martial Soul Attributes]

[Strength: 14.1]

[Dexterity 11]

[Evasion 13.77]

[Constitution 8]

[Stamina: 9.06]

[Intelligence 5]

[Fortune 1.06]

[Physical Defense 1.26]

[Magical Defense 6.26]

[Qi Absorption: 55]

[Remaining Attrib. points (15)]

Examining his current status, Avin felt a sense of satisfaction as he noticed the subtle developments within his body. Sensing the changes in his core, he couldn't help but marvel at the progress he was making.

[Congratulations Host!]

[You triggered a hidden achievement!]

[You obtained <heavenly blessing>]

[Title: <Heavenly Blessing> permanently increase all of your martial soul attributes by additional 5%]

[Also you will received an additional 1 free gatcha spin!]

Avin unexpectedly achieved a milestone. Acquiring the [Heavenly Blessing] may indeed enhance his abilities for the upcoming events, and the additional free spin will certainly come in handy.

With this newfound confidence, Avin resolved to replenish his stock of [Vitality Vials] through the System's [Heavenly Divine shops].

After restocking his essentials, Avin's curiosity piqued, prompting him to use his recently obtained free spin on the gatcha roulette.

[Use one free spin?]

[Yes]

With anticipation coursing through him, Avin activated his free spin on the gatcha roulette. The roulette spun rapidly, emitting an ethereal glow as it whirled. As the light began to dim, Avin eagerly awaited the unveiling of his reward.

The glow faded gradually, unveiling the prize that awaited him.

[You've gained Low-grade Earth Ring (Rare)]

[Low-grade Earth Ring (Rare)]

[Effects]

[Physical Defense +10]

[Magical Defense +8]

[+15% increase resistance against earth based attacks and environmental hazards]

[Fortune +2]

[Description: a rare-class item coveted by adventurers and warriors alike, is imbued with the essence of the earth element. Its presence instills a sense of grounding and fortitude in its wearer, making it a valuable asset in battles and challenging situations. Crafted with precision and imbued with ancient magic, this ring is a symbol of resilience and endurance in the face of adversity.]

As Avin continued his journey, the system suddenly notified him.

[Hidden Treasure Detected!]

[Would you like to use <Item Navigation>?]

Avin stood in awe once again as the system introduced him to a new feature.

"Item Navigation? What does that mean?" Avin asked, intrigued.

[Item Navigation]

[A feature allows Host to scan their surroundings for hidden items, materials, or treasures using a specialized interface or ability.]

[When activated, the item navigation system provides Host with visual or auditory cues, guiding them towards nearby items of interest. This could manifest as glowing indicators, subtle vibrations, or directional arrows overlaying the environment.]

[During treasure hunting, Host can use item navigation to uncover hidden chests, secret compartments, or concealed passages within dungeons or landscapes. The system highlights potential loot sources, encouraging exploration and discovery.]

[During treasure hunting, Host can use item navigation to uncover hidden chests, secret compartments, or concealed passages within dungeons or landscapes. The system highlights potential loot sources, encouraging exploration and discovery.] 

"So, it functions like X-ray vision with GPS technology? Isn't that amazing?" Avin muttered to himself.

Out of curiosity, he tapped the [Item Navigation] tab, and the system automatically scanned the whole area using Avin's eyes. Suddenly, everything in his view turned black and white, except for certain colored objects glowing within the vicinity.

The system identified the items based on their rarity: Orange for trash-class items, Yellow for common, Green for rare, Violet for unique, Blue for legendary, and Red for god and godless-class items.

[Scan complete!]

[The system found 13 common-class items, mostly herbs and medicinal plants. Additionally, it detected 3 rare-class items, which appear to be equipped items, and 1 unique-class item.]

Avin couldn't believe how beneficial this system feature turned out to be. In an instant, he discovered numerous hidden treasures within his surroundings and promptly collected 13 common herbs. Among them were Fire Blossoms, Green Silky Root, and Calming Ice Herb, each known for their soothing medicinal effects. He also gathered Purple Mud Mushrooms and Wicked-Lotus Vines, recognized for their poisonous properties used in pill-making as a remedy for high-dose poison consumption. Additionally, he obtained Vermilion Willow Leaves for treating wounds susceptible to infection.

Encouraged by his successful collection, Avin continued to track rare items using the system scanner until he found himself in a well-lit cavern. With nightfall approaching, Avin decided to rest in the cavern before resuming his journey.

On the other side of the cavern, Hien Ruan and his companions had amassed a considerable collection of treasures. Some speculated that the cavern might be an ancient martial cave belonging to a venerable cultivator. Together, they had gathered a total of 10 rare items and 40 common items.

As Hien Ruan sat down to catch his breath, he wiped the sweat from his face. His gaze drifted toward the young master from the Namgoong Clan, who had spent the entire expedition amusing himself with his attendants and some female cultivators.

As they rested, a cheerful individual approached them, waving his hands in greeting. Hien Ruan recognized the man, but it was one of his companions who caught the man's attention.

"Greetings, esteemed cultivators!" The man bowed and clasped his fist, showing enthusiasm in his greeting.

Namgoong Jin, being the noble that he was, approached and welcomed the unexpected guest. "Greetings to you, young cultivator! It seems like you are alone," Namgoong Jin remarked.

"Indeed, young master Namgoong Jin," replied Avin, sharing his entire experience thus far.

"You fought with true diligence, Liang Tian. If you want, you may join us in our expedition. Navigating throughout the illusionary realm is basically suicide. Though I did see you're not some ordinary cultivator," Namgoong Jin asserted.

"I'm honored to be part of your party, young master."

"Thank you, Liang Tian."

As Avin turned his back to Namgoong Jin, he noticed a familiar face glaring furiously at him.

"What's he doing here?" Avin muttered to himself.

Feeling uncomfortable, Avin observed the short guy who had grabbed his collar out of nowhere. He decided to check his identity using the System's Inspect.

[Name: Hien Ruan]

[HP 40/40]

[Job: Novice Soul Fighter]

[Title: Direct disciple of the beggar sect head]

[Level 7]

[Body Nourishing Stage]

"Body Nourishing Stage? Direct disciple of the beggar sect? This guy is incredible!" Avin exclaimed in awe upon discovering Hien Ruan's background. Apart from his resemblance to Avin's friend Daniel, Hien Ruan's achievements impressed him. Avin attempted to greet Hien, but he was shrugged off. Disappointed, Avin returned to his place to rest.