Chi Miao felt like cursing.
After setting off the smoke bomb and executing the golden cicada shedding its shell, she had obtained the gift pack and unlocked the system.
But the second task after unlocking forced her to come back.
[Task: “Stay Hidden Behind the Crowd”]
[Task Description: It’s better to hide together than to hide alone. The more people standing in front, the higher your chances of survival.]
[Task Objective: Successfully join one of the Ten Great Sects.]
[Task Progress: 0/1]
[Task Reward: Introduction to the Art of Weapon Crafting]
To complete the task, whether considering proximity or the fact that they were recruiting newcomers, the best choice was Nine Sword Mountain.
But Nine Sword Mountain had over ten thousand steps! It was tough for a mortal to climb, alright?!
Gou Shi System: “These steps have been here for thousands of years. Don’t always blame others. Reflect on whether you’ve put in enough effort and whether you’ve truly become the Gou Emperor in the Cultivation World!”
If this was what the activated system was like, she might as well be dead.
It spoke harshly and acted ruthlessly.
But Chi Miao had never been one to tolerate being wronged. She immediately pulled out a dagger and pointed it at her own head: “No need to wait for the task failure penalty. Either change your attitude and show some respect, or I’ll kill myself and you can find a better host.”
The Gou Shi System did a complete 180-degree turn. If it had hands and feet, it would have knelt.
“Su mi ma sai su su jiang, Wa da xi wa knows it was wrong. You still have a newbie gift pack. Why not open it first before deciding whether to commit suicide?”
Chi Miao paused, closing her eyes.
Fine, fine, fine.
Trying to rekindle her will to live by reminding her of her ten years of hard work?
Chi Miao: “Open it!”
Might as well—no loss in opening it.
[Opened the newbie gift pack. Congratulations, host, for obtaining: Random Attribute Top-Grade Spiritual Root x1, Charm +1, “Pretty Good Comprehension.”]
[Top-Grade Fire Spiritual Root: A promising seedling for cultivation—top-grade is key! From now on, you’ll be a hot commodity in the Cultivation World!]
Chi Miao: “?”
She could tolerate the top-grade spiritual root and the +1 charm, but what did “pretty good comprehension” mean?!
Gou Shi System: “Because it’s not peerless comprehension, but it’s already much better than most people’s. Don’t worry, it’s a good thing—it nourishes the brain.”
Chi Miao: “…”
Why does that “nourishes the brain” comment sound like an insult?
After years of swindling, did she need brain nourishment?
But she was magnanimous and couldn’t be bothered to argue with the Gou Shi System.
She asked, “Do I have a personal panel or something?”
Gou Shi System: “Actually, yes. Do you want to see it?”
Of course she wanted to see it—she was curious.
[Host: Chi Miao]
[Talent: Top-Grade Fire Spiritual Root]
[Realm: Uninitiated]
[Charm: 70 (Based on comprehensive factors like appearance, aura, and other deceptive qualities)]
[Evaluation: A little girl with no real strength but who is incredibly, incredibly shameless.]
Chi Miao: “…Enough.”
Keep spouting nonsense, and I’ll skin you alive!
After confirming her information, Chi Miao returned to the entrance of Nine Sword Mountain and lined up to test her spirit roots.
Nine Sword Mountain was one of the Ten Great Sects in the Cultivation World and the number one sword sect under heaven.
To be honest, with her top-grade fire spiritual root, Chi Miao was bound to shine brightly at the newcomer ceremony. Not only would she easily get in, but she might even catch the attention of elders and other big shots.
If that happened, it would truly be a story of a waste turning things around, rising to power and wealth.
The thought of living a good life while showing off made Chi Miao impatient.
Spirit Root testing was done one by one in a queue. Those who passed would receive a number for the next round of testing, while those who failed could only go back.
Spirit Roots were broadly categorized into metal, wood, water, fire, and earth, with the fire Spirit Root being the most popular and sought-after.
Both artifact forgers and alchemy masters required a fire Spirit Root.
Of course, there were more than just these five types of Spirit Roots; there were also some variant spiritual roots. Those with variant spiritual roots were all prodigies fiercely competed for by sects.
Hearing this, Chi Miao also wanted such treatment, so the Gou Shi System painted a grand picture for her: “Work diligently on your tasks, and you’ll have everything you want in abundance!”
Chi Miao shook her head: “Chi Miao doesn’t like to compete. What is meant to be will come.”
Gou Shi System: “You can fool your buddies, but don’t fool yourself.”
Chi Miao immediately added: “However, I have a connection with all things.”
Gou Shi System: “…”
Well, you’ve outdone yourself in shamelessness.
Just then, a dazzlingly golden figure suddenly appeared in front of Chi Miao, so bright it was almost blinding.
And somewhat familiar?
At a glance—Chi Miao froze. Wasn’t this that big fool Jin Shengfei?!
Why did he suddenly appear here?
Jin Shengfei had an exceptionally outstanding appearance, a kind of affable and striking handsomeness. At this moment, he was scrutinizing Chi Miao seriously.
To be honest, Chi Miao was so nervous she was sweating buckets.
No matter how good Jin Shengfei’s character was, he was still one of the current prodigies, with top-tier talent and family background. He must have realized he’d been tricked.
Had he shown up suddenly because he recognized her and was here to cause trouble?
Would she die before even starting her cultivation?
Just then, Jin Shengfei suddenly leaned in closer.
“You… seem familiar?”
Shit!
He recognized her after all!
Chi Miao already had her smoke bomb ready. At worst, she’d abandon the mission—staying alive was what mattered!
“Familiar? How could that be? I’m just a nobody, not as renowned as Young Master Jin. If I had met you before, I definitely wouldn’t have forgotten.” On the surface, Chi Miao appeared calm and composed, but inside, she was in turmoil.
Jin Shengfei stroked his chin, deep in thought.
But he really felt an inexplicable familiarity with the person in front of him.
“Could it be…”
“Could it be?” Chi Miao echoed.
“Could it be fate at first sight? An instant connection?!”
Pfft!!
Chi Miao was speechless. This guy’s brain was too dumb, but it was better than being recognized.
She quickly agreed: “Yes, yes, yes! That’s exactly it—fate at first sight!”
Jin Shengfei immediately slung an arm around her shoulder.
“Since we’re so connected, why not team up? I met a divine calculator today—it must be part of the trial. He told me I’d definitely pass. If you stick with me, there’ll be no problem.”
“Team up?”
Absolutely not! Who would have the nerve to team up with someone they’d scammed? Wasn’t that downright immoral?
Jin Shengfei: “Yeah, as long as you pass the first round, we can team up for the next two. I’ll cover food and lodging.”
Food and lodging?
Do you have any idea how tempting that is to an orphan starting out with nothing?!
Chi Miao: “Deal. Just give the orders, boss.”
Jin Shengfei: “Hahaha, no need to call me boss. I just feel a connection with you. I have a great eye for people—I’ve never been wrong! If I feel a connection, you must be a peerless genius! A peerlessly good person!”
Chi Miao fell silent.
Jin Shengfei, he really… I could cry!
…
The Spirit Root testing for those ahead proceeded extremely quickly.
Just place your hand on the testing stone, and the results will appear immediately.
“Bone age seventeen, four Spirit Roots of metal, wood, water, and earth. Spirit Roots too mixed, root values too low, disqualified. Next!”
“Bone age eighty, dual Spirit Roots of water and wood. Water sixty, wood seventy. Elder… Cultivation requires building a foundation from a young age to get a head start. Don’t force it—your body can’t handle it. Next!”
Those with overly mixed Spirit Roots or excessively low root values are not accepted.
So far, there have been seven thousand test-takers, yet fewer than a hundred have passed. It’s truly brutal!
The threshold for Nine Swords Mountain is indeed high.
Soon, it was the turn of Jin Shengfei and Chi Miao.
“Next, Jin Shengfei of the Jiangling Jin Clan!”
Jin Shengfei flashed a confident smile, eager to give it a try.
“Little sister Chi Miao, just wait and watch your big brother Jin put on a show. I’ll amaze everyone!”
Chi Miao enthusiastically cheered him on: “Alright!”
She genuinely wanted to see how high the talent of Jin Shengfei, hailed as a young prodigy, truly was. It would also give her a sense of the standards in the Cultivation World.
Jin Shengfei’s reputation was not insignificant. Both the Jiangling Jin Clan and his own abilities drew considerable attention from many.
The esteemed figures above the clouds visibly grew more focused.
Jin Shengfei gripped the testing stone firmly.
In an instant, a brilliant golden light erupted!