Chapter 5: First Time Cultivating
After the awakening, the most noticeable change he experienced was a growth in height, going from 4 feet 11 inches to 5 feet 6 inches.
He felt a bit disoriented as his perspective shifted drastically due to a sudden change in his height.
"Why does my hands feel different?". The second change was his skin. Prior to his awakening, his skin appeared pale, giving off an impression of sickness and weakness. However, now it has taken on a healthy pale complexion, resembling that of a vampire.
It felt unfamiliar and unusual to him, but deep down, he sensed a natural connection and reassurance, without any cause for worry.
<Ding!>
<Congratulations, host, on your successful awakening.>
<Rewards: +3 Directional Tokens, Crystal Frostfall Body Tempering Art, Vortex of the Nine Heavens Art>
"That's interesting". The system provided him with the opportunity to acquire directional tokens through various activities that could be viewed as accomplishments.
He examined the page displaying the accomplishments, most of which were currently inaccessible except for one that read, "Successfully Activate Your Meridians."
Sam also realized that his appetite had mysteriously vanished, much like a magician's disappearing act. As he glanced at his newfound monkey sidekick, he couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of the monkey conked out on its back, dribbling drool like a champion drool athlete.
"System?".
----
[The Divine Guidance System]
[Host: Sam Achilles Balaur]
[Status: Isekai'd For The Second Time, Awakened]
[Titles: None]
[Lifespan: 18/38]
[Profession: Jobless]
[Class: None]
[Cultivation: None]
[Physique: Immortal Sovereign Heavenly Physique]
[Bloodline: Frozen Abyssal Dragon Bloodline ]
[Abilities: Dragon Transformation, Cryokinesis (Racial)]
[Direction Tokens: 5]
----
"D-Dragon transformation?". Sam's voice faltered. He had anticipated something of this nature, as the system had already indicated his Frozen Abyssal Dragon Bloodline.
"Cryokinesis, you say? So I can make and shape ice with my hands or something?".
As he cautiously moved closer to the monkey, he observed the peacefully sleeping creature and pondered why it no longer frightened him. Despite knowing the intentions behind the monkey's actions, he anticipated being more cautious around it, yet he felt surprisingly at ease, as if it were all second nature to him.
It was all very confusing and frustrating for him because he didn't know anything about his situation and had many questions.
How did he get the systems?
Why was he Isekai'd in this world? And why did the system indicate that he got isekai'd for the second time?
Why does he have the Frozen Abyssal Dragon bloodline? What was the reason for his abandonment?
He strongly disliked this situation.
Imagine being completely unaware of your own existence and lacking any knowledge about yourself.
Will you not be irritated? Will you not desire to find your answers?
In a society centered around cultivation, individuals with less power often face significant challenges when confronted by those in positions of authority. Those lacking sufficient strength may find themselves subject to the influence and control of the powerful. As a result, their ambitions may be thwarted, and their dreams overshadowed by the pervasive dominance of those who hold sway.
It is a realm where individuals with strength have a significant advantage, and those lacking power often face the challenges of their own vulnerability, impacted by the dominant force of those in control.
If he had a burning desire for answers, he knew the only way to get them was by leveling up like a video game character. But alas, on his quest, he would encounter wicked cultivators, infamous bratty prodigies, and sneaky con artists who wouldn't think twice about crushing his dreams and stealing his lunch money.
When it comes to discussing the bad guys, we absolutely mustn't forget our little mischief makers, the young masters of rich clans and families!
It's just the way things are in the cultivation world.
Now he started thinking about what he should do now.
After three and a half agonizing hours of being stuck in this weird place, our hero acquired not one, not two, but three systems, and somehow managed to fuse them into a super-confusing, mega-complex system.
Just when things couldn't get any weirder, he stumbled upon a spirit awakening stone, which was probably trying to awaken itself from a long nap.
And as if that wasn't enough, a mischievous monkey popped out of nowhere, begging him to enter into a Spiritual Beast pact to become buddies forever.
Being the brave soul that he was, our hero decided to give his meridians a serious wake-up call using the spirit awakening stone. I guess it's just another typical day in the life of our extraordinary, slightly bewildered protagonist!
His initial focus was to locate a place for eating and resting. However, prior to that, he intended to explore the possibility of engaging in cultivation, provided there were no unusual complications.
He needed a cultivation method for cultivation, which he had no problem with because his system had already rewarded him with a powerful cultivation method: The vortex of the Nine Heavens Art.
Immediately, he sat on the ground and embraced the Vortex of the Nine Heavens Technique. Suddenly, his mind was filled with all the knowledge about cultivation, such as the proper way to circulate Qi within his body and the correct breathing techniques for cultivation.
After successfully comprehending the cultivation method, he closed his eyes and tried to sense the spiritual energy called Qi in his surroundings.
As he closed his eyes, the view shifted from darkness to something enchanting, filled with a variety of illusions portraying magical things. However, he couldn't comprehend what he was seeing. He heard whispers, weeping, and laughter, and witnessed a play of light and darkness.
Within the illusion, Sam observed divine beings skillfully playing different musical instruments, while graceful goddesses listened with delight. As if aware of Sam's presence, one of the goddesses turned her gaze toward him and offered a gentle smile. Sam's eyes displayed tranquility, and he felt a soothing sensation, reminiscent of the satisfaction one feels after a day of strenuous work.
He then witnessed extraordinary creatures that could be described as mythological beings on Earth. Majestic dragons soared through the air, their wings flapping gracefully. Phoenixes of various auras glided across the sky. A fox with an orange hue peacefully slumbered, using its nine tails as a pillow. Enormous monkey kings playfully engaged with one another.
"Beautiful".
Sam experienced a serene sense of tranquility that brought a smile to his face, as if he had entered a state of blissful contentment.
Unbeknownst to him, his body had already started utilizing the Vortex of the Nine Heavens Art, allowing it to rapidly absorb Qi.
He finally caught sight of the various energies that govern the realms of heaven and earth. These energies go beyond just Qi and include a wide range of vibrant forces, all pulsing and moving before his eyes.
----
[The Divine Guidance System]
[Host: Sam Achilles Balaur]
[Status: Isekai'd For The Second Time, Awakened]
[Titles: None]
[LifeSpan: 18/38]
[Profession: Jobless]
[Class: None]
[Cultivation: None]
[Qi Cultivation Method: The Vortex of the Nine Heavens Art ]
[Body Cultivation Method: The Crystal Frostfall Body Tempering Art]
[Physique: Immortal Sovereign Heavenly Physique]
[Bloodline: Frozen Abyssal Dragon Bloodline ]
[Abilities: Dragon Transformation, Cryokinesis (Racial)]
[Direction Tokens: 5]
----
...
[Author's Note: Thank you for taking the time to read this chapter. I would appreciate it if you could donate some Power Stone. Please share your thoughts in the comments section.]