Chapter 142: System Values
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“You don’t understand the terrifying nature of Nascent Soul cultivators at all!” Ye Cong Xin muttered, her tone heavy with concern.
What worried her wasn’t the system being discovered, but whether her peculiarities might draw the attention of figures like Master Qing Yan or Sect Master Ji Yuan. Once they suspected her, evidence wouldn’t matter—they’d deal with her regardless.
Ye Cong Xin cursed her earlier recklessness. She had impulsively raised her Affinity Value too high in one go, backing herself into a corner with no clear way forward or retreat.
“System, think of something! If I die, there’ll be no one left to complete your tasks,” she pleaded.
The system remained silent for a moment before suggesting a compromise.
[Ding! The system can grant the host early access to the marketplace. The host may exchange Luck Points for a special skill—‘Concealment.’ This skill will allow the host to adjust their aura as needed, aiding in disguise.]
“Marketplace?” Ye Cong Xin’s eyes brightened.
Closing her eyes, she silently summoned the system. A mysterious screen appeared in her Sea of Consciousness. On the right side of the screen was her portrait, accompanied by a row of data displayed below.
[Name: Ye Cong Xin]
[Spiritual Roots: Gold-Water-Wood Triple Roots]
[Cultivation: Late Foundation Establishment]
[Appearance: 70]
[Comprehension: 40]
[Physique: 20]
[Affinity: 90]
[Unopened…]
Her eyes widened further with every number. This was her first time seeing her own stats since most of her exchanges with the system had been through mental communication.
Then her gaze fell on her Comprehension score, and it stung—40 points?! That was all?
Even worse, those 40 points included values gained from trading Luck Points after absorbing loose cultivators’ fortunes.
Ye Cong Xin was indignant. “System! How can my comprehension be so low? What about Yu Zhao? How many points does she have?”
[Ding! The system cannot query the attributes of unbound individuals. Based on reasonable deduction, Yu Zhao’s comprehension score is likely over 60.]
The system’s flat, emotionless tone felt mocking to Ye Cong Xin. She inhaled deeply, suppressing the surge of emotion in her chest. “Open the marketplace.”
The screen flickered, revealing a grayish display. It was made up of countless squares, but only the first square glowed faintly yellow. The rest were dim, forming a stark contrast.
“System, what’s going on here?” she asked sharply.
[Ding! The host has not yet met the conditions to fully unlock the marketplace. Considering the host’s current predicament, special permission has been granted to purchase specific skills.]
Peering closer, Ye Cong Xin saw that the first glowing square was labeled Special Skill—Concealment.
She continued scrolling.
Special Skill—Clone.
Special Skill—Death Escape.
Special Skill—Replication.
…
Ye Cong Xin’s eyes danced over the dazzling array of choices, her heart blazing with excitement. If she could master all these skills, wouldn’t she dominate the cultivation world with ease?
The system, seemingly aware of her changing mindset, spoke up at just the right moment to encourage her.
[Ding! The transaction between the system and the host is fair and impartial. The Luck Value the host absorbs will ultimately feed back positively, helping the host reach the pinnacle of the cultivation world and become its number one cultivator.]
Ye Cong Xin instinctively felt the system wasn’t being entirely truthful, but she never asked too many questions. Rather than a partnership, their relationship felt more like one of dependency. It was she who needed the system for survival. Even if she suspected there were deeper secrets behind it, she feigned ignorance. Her goal was singular.
To survive.
“Can I purchase a hidden skill now?” she asked.
[Ding! Yes, but once the transaction is completed, it cannot be undone. The host’s Luck Value will also be entirely depleted. Please continue striving to unlock the mall as soon as possible.]
Ye Cong Xin nodded decisively. “Purchase the skill.”
As soon as she spoke, a golden light on the screen transformed into a beam that shot out, entering her dantian. Moments later, she opened her eyes with joy. Forming a hand seal with her right hand, she summoned a water mirror and examined herself closely.
Her features remained the same, but something was different. The lively spirit that once shone in her eyes seemed dulled, replaced by a layer of detachment that veiled her natural charm. It was as if her best traits were subtly hidden.
Ye Cong Xin was overjoyed. This hidden skill was even more useful than she had imagined. It piqued her curiosity about the other special skills, particularly the Clone Technique. If she could create another version of herself, wouldn’t that mean having a second life?
Her eyes sparkled with anticipation as she eagerly awaited the upcoming competition in the cultivation world.
At the Green Wood Sect, Mu Ye strode out of the Pill Refining Room, her brows furrowed with irritation.
“Didn’t I say not to disturb me while I’m refining pills?” she snapped, her voice laced with frustration.
The disciple assessments were less than a month away, and she needed to focus all her energy on alchemy without distractions. She had even told her peers to avoid the Pill Refining Room unless it was an emergency. Yet, here she was, interrupted and on edge.
The young junior brother who came to deliver the message shrank back nervously. “Senior Sister Mu, I didn’t mean to disturb you, but your old friend has come to visit. The elder asked me to inform you.”
“An old friend?” Mu Ye’s tone softened as she paused, puzzled. She spent most of her time refining pills in the Green Wood Sect and rarely ventured out. Who could it be?
Just as she was about to dismiss it as a mistake, a thought struck her. “Is it someone from the Five Elements Dao Sect?”
The junior brother nodded hesitantly. “Yes, it’s Senior Sister Yu Zhao from the Five Elements Dao Sect.”
Mu Ye’s face lit up with delight. “Haha, she’s here? Let’s go! Take me to her!”
All thoughts of pill refining vanished as Mu Ye hurried after her junior brother, urging him to move faster.
Yu Zhao was seated in the Green Wood Sect’s guest hall, sipping tea with an elder beside her. Her warm reception was not only due to her status as a disciple of the Five Elements Dao Sect but also the generous gifts she had brought. The elder’s gaze toward her was one of affectionate approval.
When Mu Ye arrived, Yu Zhao was recounting her experiences in the Marsh Forest to the elder, who listened intently, oblivious to the newcomers.
It was Yu Zhao who first noticed Mu Ye. She stood up gracefully and greeted her with a smile. “Mu Ye, it’s been a while.”
“Yu Zhao! It really is you! You finally decided to visit me!” Overcome with emotion, Mu Ye grabbed Yu Zhao’s hands and couldn’t let go. Tears and laughter burst forth in equal measure as she expressed her joy.
The elder, seeing Mu Ye’s reaction, knew the conversation was over. After waiting for her emotions to settle, the elder offered a few parting words to Mu Ye, reminding her to take good care of her long-distance guest.
Mu Ye nodded enthusiastically. To her, Yu Zhao and Zhou Jin Yue were her only true friends outside the sect, and she deeply valued their bond.
After exchanging a few more pleasantries with Yu Zhao, the elder and the junior brother excused themselves, leaving the two friends alone to catch up.