“What?” Several members of the chat group asked, some in alarm, but most were just curious. Xu Han took heart from that and continued.

“I was once a cultivator, a human on a different world, and my name was Xu Han. I died, and my soul was sent here. I was reborn as a dungeon core, but I recalled my time as a cultivator and retained the knowledge I had in my old life. That is why I called myself the Tomb of Ten Thousand Techniques, for I truly have that many techniques in my head.”

Xu Han had wondered if it was a good idea to tell the other dungeon cores of his reincarnation, but Jemma told him it was better to be upfront about such matters. Dungeon cores were powerful beings, and most of the cores would know there was something wrong about Xu Han the moment he arrived in the chat. Besides, reincarnation was not unknown in this world.

Strong powerful beings like dungeon cores do not fear reincarnators.

“What is a cultivator?” Someone in the chat group asked after several moments of silence.

“A cultivator is a person who practice cultivation. Cultivation focuses on training the body via the gathering of Qi. With Qi, a cultivator can gain inner power, prolong his life, improve his intelligence and gaining power. In many ways, cultivators are like the Classed of this world, men and women who had become superior to normal people.” Xu Han answered.

“What is Qi?” The same dungeon core asked.

“It is an energy similar to Mana. However, I do not know if it exists in this world.” Xu Han answered.

“Interesting.” A gentle female voice replied. “You seem to be skipping several details about this ‘cultivation’, but we all have our secrets. Well, I am called Snowy Grief, the dungeon core of Frozen Peak Castle. I welcome you, Xu Han. It has been a while since we had a new member join the chat. You're the first one in over five decades.”

“Really?” Xu Han was shocked. “My dungeon fairy told me new dungeon cores were born once every few years. How come there haven’t been a new member is so many years?”

“We're not sure.” The Dungeon Master chimed in. “Some cores don't care about joining the chat. Some aren't aware of it, and others just prefer to grow on their own.”

“That's a little short-sighted. Being in a group gives you an avenue to seek advice, allows you to exchange knowledge, and a place to pass on what you know.” Xu Han said, fearing that these dungeon cores were making the same mistakes he made in his past life.

“Perhaps, but it is their choice. Some cores do not even seek to grow stronger, just wanting to be left alone.” Challenger scoffed; his disdain of these dungeon cores evidenced in this tone.

“We all have our ways. Sure, you can get stronger as a dungeon core, but the stronger you get, the more danger you will be in. Some powerful adventurers do not care about the norms of the world. When they challenge a dungeon, they are seeking levels, and they do not let anything get in their way of that goal.”

Xu Han got the feeling that The Dungeon Master was speaking from experience. Then, another dungeon core picked up the conversation. “Besides, there aren't many cores who are interested in mentoring lower-level dungeons. Why should we? There’s nothing to gain from it.”

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

Xu Han could understand that. Few cultivators would do something without expecting something in return, he expected it to be the same for dungeon cores. So, he had come prepared. “I understand. I would not ask for pointers without offering something in return.”

“Oh? And what could you possibly offer us?” Challenger sneered.

“I have special knowledge that I am willing to trade.” Xu Han announced.

“Special in what way?” Snowy Grief asked.

“I was a cultivator, and I lived for ten thousand years. In that time, I gained a lot of knowledge, a lot of specialized knowledge, and I had found that they translate well into this world.”

The chat immediately rumbled, mostly with disbelief at Xu Han’s claims.

“I thought you said you were a human. There’s no way a human could live to a thousand years, much less ten thousand!” One of the chat group members challenged.

“It is rare, but it is possible for a cultivator. Cultivation allows one to transcend the mortal body. To challenge the Heavens. The very rare ones can also attempt to be a God. I was one of the rare ones.” Xu Han said.

Even though the silence of the chat, Xu Han could tell that most of the dungeon cores were shocked by his claims.

“You were one of the rare Classed of your world who attempt to ascend to Godhood?” The Dungeon Master asked.

“Yes, but I failed. The Heavens rejected me. Rightfully so, I might add.”

“Why?” The Dungeon Master immediately asked, but that was something Xu Han did not want to get into.

“The Heavens had a reason, and I agreed. I do not want to say anything more than that. However, I got to that stage via the practice of cultivation, and I wish to offer knowledge of it to members of this chat.”

“How does that help us if there is none of this Qi in this world?” The Dungeon Master asked, his ancient voice troubled.

“Having knowledge is always a good thing,” a new dungeon core immediately said. “Xu Han, I am Bookkeeper, the dungeon core of The Scholarly Ruins. I am willing to trade for knowledge of this cultivation.”

“If you wish, I can trade but I doubt it would be useful. Cultivation is based around the accumulation of Qi. If Qi exist in this world, it is in such small supply that I could not feel it from where I am located. However, I had managed to adept my knowledge to this world.”

“What do you mean?” Bookkeeper wondered.

“The energy of this world is Mana, and I changed my cultivation techniques to use Mana instead of Qi. I offer the members of this chat group my techniques in return for your knowledge.” Xu Han explained.

“What kind of ‘techniques’ are you offering?” Snowy Grief asked.

“Anything you want,” Xu Han said, “I was a blacksmith who knows techniques for making magical weapons and armor. I was an alchemist who know the secrets to crafting potions and elixirs. I was a scholar and knows all the epics and stories of another world. Tell me what you want, and I probably have something for you. I offer them all in return for the knowledge of this world.”

One of the cores in the chat immediately took up the challenge. “I am an Undead Dungeon. What can you to offer me?”

“I have various techniques to improve your undead. Corpse-Refining Techniques to improve the condition of your zombies, Blood Arts to make your vampires more powerful, and the Iron Bone Technique can improve the sturdiness and toughness of your skeletons.”

“My dungeon is popular with [Tamers] who come in the hopes of taming a powerful creatures or animal. However, these [Tamers] usually just leaves after getting the creature they want. They don’t even try to finish my floors!” Another core in the chat said in disgust. “I had been thinking of offering some powerful treasures for them to properly challenge my dungeon. How can you help me?”

“There are too many Beast Techniques for me to mention them all, so it might be better if you tell me what you wish to offer them. Do you want to offer them stronger and powerful creatures in your dungeon? You want the creatures to looker better? Cuter? Or maybe more horrifying? I also have a technique where [Tamers] can assimilate and take on characteristics of their tamed creatures. I think a Skill like that would be very popular with adventurers.” Xu Han said, bragging a bit.