Slifer looked towards Tarnyx, who was currently deaf and oblivious to the outside world. "Sorry, old man," Slifer mumbled.

Sifting through the sea of memories within, Slifer came across several soul-annihilating techniques the original had mastered. They were, to put it mildly, intense. If the System wasn't going to reward him extra credits for this kill, was using these techniques justifiable? Particularly when some felt like, well, absolute overkill.

One technique, dubbed the "Eternal Abyss Seal," tore the soul apart and imprisoned it within an endless chasm of anguish. Another, named "Soul Shatter Rite," fragmented the soul into countless shards, casting them into myriad realms, rendering reincarnation almost impossible.

He exhaled a heavy sigh, his moral compass pointing away from these heinous methods. After all, he was the one who had inadvertently ended the life of Tarnyx’s son. "Well,” Slifer mused aloud, a sardonic grin forming, "I suppose I'll be seeing you in about a hundred chapters or so."

After continuing to look through his internal catalogue of techniques for a little longer, he finally found one of the less horrifying techniques that he possessed. “Hmm, this doesn’t seem too bad and apparently it gives me a power boost!” He had decided to use a technique named 'Bloodshadow Chains’.

Crimson chains, born from his own blood, burst forth from his body. Each link forming sent a sharp pain through his body, causing him to grimace, "Are all demonic cultivators masochists?”

The chains lunged towards the blinded Tarnyx, wrapping around him and seeping into his skin. Tarnyx's screams echoed through the domain as the chains began their relentless draining. With every passing moment, his muscular form shrunk, his vitality sapped away, until he crumbled into mere dust.

Slifer sighed, a bitter smile forming on his lips. "You know, with all the killing that happens in this world, it's a wonder they haven't discovered the concept of therapy. Maybe if people talked through their issues, there'd be less need for all this bloodshed."

Just as the words left his lips, a Nascent Soul materialized from the ashen remnants of Tarnyx's body. It was a silvery, luminescent figure that had a vague resemblance to Tarnyx, and it spoke, its voice tinged with rage. "You slay my son and attempt to end my existence, and you speak of conversation?"

Slifer's eyes widened in disbelief. Can he... see and hear me? Damn, I must've botched this technique too! I knew getting it right on my first try seemed too good to be true!

Coughing lightly in embarrassment, Slifer tried to clarify. "Look, like I said before, the thing with your son was an unfortunate accident, alright? As for you, it was self-defense. Believe me, I have better things to do than go around offing old men."

The Nascent Soul glared at him and for a moment, their gazes locked, a silent standoff between the two. Then, with a final roar of fury, the soul declared, "I’ll be back! I’ll kill you and your family for nine generations!” Its ethereal form began to shoot upwards as it searched for a weakness in the Domain.

Chasing behind, Slifer grumbled, "Why do they always have to make these threats?"

Despite his initial surprise, Slifer's Half-Step Origin cultivation was no joke. In a flash, he was upon the Nascent Soul. With an outstretched hand, he delivered a fierce slap. The impact resonated with a thunderous boom.

Hovering in the sky, Slifer stared at the dissipating remnants of the Nascent Soul. A momentary pang of guilt passed through him. Had he gone too far?

He descended gently to the ground and sighed deeply. "It's done," he whispered to himself. "But at least, old man, you can still find another life." He looked to the sky, his thoughts drifting towards the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. "Without using a soul-exterminating technique, Tarnyx can still enter the wheel of reincarnation. He’ll probably come back as a turtle or something."

Slifer turned to see the crimson chains of blood re-enter his body, he felt a rush, a powerful surge of qi swirling within him. His eyes gleamed with anticipation, relishing the newfound strength. Ah, now this is the good stuff! But just as he began to absorb this new energy, a system notification popped up.

Ding! Warning Peak Slifer Form cannot be enhanced further

His smirk faded. "You've got to be joking," he muttered. “Now what am I supposed to do with all this excess qi?”

Slifer attempted to force out the qi, but it clung to his insides like an unwanted guest at a party. It tried merging with him, but his current Half-Step Origin state resisted. Glancing at the timer for the Peak Slifer Card, a sinking feeling set in. Only five minutes left. Panic bubbled up. If I don't sort this out, this foreign qi's going to tear me apart when the card runs out.

He chastised himself, "Of all the times to get greedy, Slifer!"

Amidst the mounting desperation, a sliver of hope emerged from the depths of his memories — the "Qi Condensation Seal." This method allowed a cultivator to condense excess qi and temporarily store it within the fortified channels of their body. But the word "temporarily" halted his relief. While this would buy him time, he was merely delaying the inevitable explosion.

Left with no better options, Slifer initiated the Qi Condensation Seal. He started channeling the surging energy, compressing it bit by bit. His muscles tightened and veins bulged as he systematically trapped the excess qi in specific spots within his body, sealing them away.

It was grueling, and more than once, Slifer felt the qi might break free. But as time passed, his control over the technique improved and after what felt like an eternity, he had successfully condensed and stored the chaotic energy.

Taking a deep, shaky breath, Slifer examined himself for any abnormalities. To his relief, everything seemed stable, at least for now. However, he was acutely aware that this was a temporary fix. The sealed qi pockets would eventually demand release, and he would have to face this challenge again.

Warning 5 Seconds Remaining

“I’m going to miss this feeling,” Slifer sighed, this was the first time he had felt power, he could now understand why those cultivation maniacs would spend centuries behind closed doors, the power boost was addicting.

Just as he was about to dispel the domain, a horrid thought crossed his mind: What if the Qi Condensation Seal vanishes along with the Peak Slifer form?

He tried rationalizing, "Techniques that have already been cast and that don’t require more qi should stay in effect, right?" But the seeds of doubt had taken root. He looked at the timer. Only one second remained. As he closed his eyes, expecting an imminent explosion, there was only one thought going through his mind.

Fuck you System!

The oppressive Domain of Darkness around them started to fade, leaving the clear atmosphere behind. Slifer could feel the power he had commanded moments ago slipping away. From Half-Step Origin, his cultivation plummeted downwards to Nascent Soul, then Core Formation, Foundation Establishment, Qi Refining, and finally halted at 9th Stage Body Tempering.

Slifer slowly opened his eyes, surprised by the lack of, well, explosion. He found himself the center of attention, with curious eyes staring at him. He cleared his throat, "Ah, I was... meditating for inner peace after such a fierce battle."

Dentos nodded sagely, a glint of admiration in his eyes. "Indeed, Elder. It's said that only through the act of killing can one truly achieve inner peace."

Slifer blinked, startled. That was definitely not the response he'd expected. This kid's got a strange idea of inner peace.

Smiling awkwardly, he replied, "Ah, yes. Exactly as you say, young man. Inner peace through... killing." Slifer winced internally but kept up his profound expert facade.

Whispers of agreement echoed amongst the demonic disciples, making Slifer question whether he really wanted to return to the sect.

"Elder, where is the corpse?" Yurna suddenly asked, looking around for any signs of the fallen cultivator.

Dentos' eyes lit up with excitement, "A corpse of a Half-Step Origin body cultivator would fetch a small fortune on the black market!"

Before Slifer could respond, Fenlock stepped forward. "Dentos! Show some respect. The spoils of battle belong to the Elder. It's his choice whether to keep or dispose of them."

Slifer's mind raced. Corpse? Sell? A pang of regret hit him. He hadn't considered the value of the remains. With an inward groan, he realized the potential treasure he'd overlooked. Without access to the original’s storage ring, he was basically broke, he would take anything he could get.

Well, isn't this a familiar feeling? Broke in one life, broke in another.

However, he had to maintain his profound expert image. Composing himself, Slifer replied with an air of indifference, "I saw no need for spoils. The body has been destroyed."

There was an audible gasp from the disciples. Destroying the body of a Half-Step Origin body cultivator was a feat that required immense power, usually only achievable by those in a higher realm.

Dentos, momentarily forgetting his greed, exclaimed, "Elder, your might is unparalleled! To think you could effortlessly destroy such a powerful body! Truly, our sect is blessed to have you."

Fenlock and Yurna exchanged glances, both clearly unimpressed by Dentos' blatant attempt at flattery.

Fenlock muttered under his breath, "Does he think we're blind? It's like he's wearing a sign that says 'I'm brown-nosing'."

Yurna wrinkled her nose, "Some just have no subtlety."

Mission Completed 75 Karmic Credits added

Slifer felt a brief moment of elation, but then the message continued.

Use of multiple demonic techniques detected Deducting 25 Karmic Credits

He sighed audibly, causing a few disciples to shoot him curious glances. A net gain of 50 credits wasn't all bad. He mentally patted himself on the back, thinking, Not bad, Slifer. Not bad at all.

However, his optimism wavered a bit when he looked at his stat screen. He only had 50 days left and he was already down one Peak Slifer Card.

Name Slifer Race Human Alignment Demonic Cultivation Body Tempering: 9th Stage Lifespan Remaining 50 Days Karmic Credits 15 Skills Insight (Basic) Items Reversal Cards x2, Peak Slifer Card x2, Critical Block x2

At least I’m finally no longer in the negatives!

He hadn’t explored the System's shop yet, only after checking its prices would he have a better idea if 75 credits was a good deal for killing a Half-Step Origin cultivator, but he had a sneaking suspicion it wasn’t.

Clearing his throat, he addressed the still awestruck disciples, "Let's return to the sect." He did not want to stay outside any longer, especially given the unpredictable nature of this world.

Knowing my luck, Slifer thought to himself, a mystical beast in the midst of a thousand-year-long nap would be disturbed by the ruckus of our fight and come seeking vengeance.

Or worse, a heavenly maiden, while picking herbs, would accidentally drop her precious Heaven-Dew Elixir which he would inadvertently step on. And then she, backed by her overprotective sect, would hunt him down for compensation.

Nope, not today!

As they moved, Slifer couldn't help but look around cautiously, half-expecting some kind of disaster to unfold at any second. Yurna, who had been observing Elder Slifer intently, was bewildered.

This Elder... he's not at all like the rumors, Yurna thought, scratching her head. They say he's a ruthless, unapproachable figure, but he seems... well, honestly, he seems a bit neurotic right now.

***

Nestled amidst the towering peaks was the Black Rose Sect. The main hall, made of obsidian stone, shimmered under the sun, a contrast to the white snowy mountain peaks that surrounded it. Its elegant architecture echoed the intricate patterns of black roses, the symbol of the sect.

Disciples in black robes could be seen everywhere, some meditating under the ancient trees, while others practiced their sword techniques in open courtyards.

Contrary to popular belief regarding demonic sects, the Black Rose Sect was a peaceful sect. Well, as peaceful as a demonic sect could be.

Two junior disciples, Jorik and Lenis, were in the midst of a sparring session. Jorik dodged a move and laughed, "You're still too slow, Lenis!"

Lenis huffed, "You just wait. One day, I'll surpass you!"

Another disciple, Elara, was nearby, humming a soft tune as she watered the sect's famous Black Rose bushes. "Stop fooling around you two! The Elder won't be pleased if you trample on the roses again," she chided.

Suddenly, a shadow cast overhead. All three looked up as one of them, Dael, pointed skyward. "Look!"

High above them was Elder Slifer, surprisingly seated behind Yurna on her flying sword, followed by the other four disciples soaring close by. The spectacle was unusual to say the least.

Jorik sent a spiritual transmission to Lenis, "Isn't Elder Slifer a peak expert? Why is he on Yurna's sword? Do you think she's... you know... his woman now?"

Lenis chuckled inwardly, sending back, "Well, with Elder's rumored short lifespan, I'd do the same. Enjoy every moment, right? Gather as many roses as you can, if you catch my drift."

Slifer's feet touched the ground, the cold stone of the Black Rose Sect beneath him. As soon as he landed, whispers spread like wildfire. The surrounding disciples seemed taken aback, their eyes widening as they realized they couldn't sense any Qi emanating from him. It was a far cry from the usual overbearing aura Elder Slifer liked to parade around.

The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

"Do you feel that?" Lorn, a mid-level disciple whispered to his friend, Orin.

Orin furrowed his brow, "Feel what? That's just it, I don't feel anything from Elder Slifer. Maybe he's turned over a new leaf?"

Perra, standing a little distance away, overheard them and scoffed, "You naive fool. He's probably scheming something. You'll see; by tomorrow, he'll be slapping some junior disciple for not bowing deeply enough."

A nearby disciple, Raela, shot them both a warning glance. "Quiet down! If the elder hears you, you're done for." Her words sent shivers down the spines of the nearby listeners.

Slifer felt a pang of annoyance. Even without sensing their exact words, he could guess the content. The whispers, the concealed laughter, the sideways glances; it all screamed mockery.

What fools! If I was the real Elder Slifer, they would be in the afterlife right now, this demon killed someone for forgetting to address him as Elder!

As Slifer grumbled inwardly, a haughty laugh echoed through the grounds, cutting through the subtle whispers. A domineering aura descended, pressing down on the surroundings. It was the kind of pressure that made lesser cultivators feel as if a mountain rested on their shoulders, and it was now targeted at Slifer.

“E-Elder Fron…” One of the disciples choked out, the overwhelming pressure making it difficult to breathe.

Slifer's head snapped up to identify the source. The suffocating aura emanated from a familiar face, a fellow elder of the Black Rose Sect known for his arrogance and disdain for others.

"Elder Slifer," the man sneered, his lips curled into a smirk. "How the mighty have fallen. No longer flaunting your Qi, I see? Or could it be... you've become a cripple?"

Struggling to maintain his air of profoundness, Slifer's heart raced as the old man's Peak Nascent Soul aura washed over him. In a bid to understand the old man before him better, he activated his Insight Skill.

Name Fron Realm Peak Nascent Soul Known Techniques N/A Known Affiliations Black Rose Sect Disposition N/A

Well, this is just fantastic, Slifer thought, feeling the weight of an impending Xianxia trope about to play out. This must be like that time the protagonist was forced to kneel in the public square by a jealous rival, only for some hidden power to kick in later. But unfortunately, I don't have that luxury right now.

He raised his eyes, meeting the old man's gaze. "Elder Fron," Slifer began, "Only a coward finds joy in oppressing the weak while trembling in the face of the strong. Must you really burden these young disciples with your aura?"

The old man's face turned a shade redder, clearly taken aback by Slifer's words. "Oh, please! You're one to talk," Elder Fron scoffed. "Just last week, I heard you made some poor disciple vomit by strangling him with your aura. Hypocrite much?"

The surrounding disciples murmured amongst themselves, while Slifer's eyes widened momentarily. Oh right, the old demon did do that, he thought, feeling a touch guilty.

Clearing his throat, Slifer replied with as much profundity as he could muster, "Ah, well, that was the action of a younger man."

Elder Fron laughed, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Younger man? You're practically knocking on death's door! That younger man would have been, what, a few days younger?"

Slifer winced, reminding himself to remain calm. "Age," he replied slowly, "is but a perspective, Elder Fron. One must always strive to better oneself with each passing day."

The old man's gaze shifted, and a smirk formed on his lips. "Where's that disciple of yours, Tyrus?" he asked, a mocking tone evident.

Slifer's face remained impassive as he stayed silent.

Seeing the lack of response, Elder Fron's smirk grew even wider. "He betrayed the sect, didn't he? Oh, Slifer, you've truly lost your touch," he taunted. "To think that the mighty Elder Slifer couldn't even keep a simple disciple in check."

A wicked gleam appeared in Elder Fron's eyes. "You know, my own disciple tried to abandon our sacred Black Rose Sect about a decade ago," he boasted, "I broke every bone in his body and threw him into our dungeon. To this day, he's still down there, pleading for my forgiveness and mercy."

Is he... really bragging about that? Slifer pondered, feeling a mix of pity and disbelief.

He responded with an air of profound wisdom, "Every disciple needs to experience the world in their own way. Tyrus' path has diverged, but only by exploring it can he truly grow. When the time is right, I'll guide him back to our sect."

That's such utter nonsense, how do I even come up with this? Slifer thought. But then again, if that punk Tyrus hadn't offed the original me, I wouldn't have this body... Perhaps I owe him a twisted thank you?

Elder Fron's mocking laughter rang out once again. "What in the heavens has come over you? Has old age muddled your mind? The Slifer I knew a hundred years ago would've flattened that brat with a mere slap."

With a slow shake of his head, Slifer replied, "Ah, but that was the folly of a rash young man."

Elder Fron's face turned an even deeper shade of red, veins popping on his forehead. "Young man?! What is this young man nonsense?" He spluttered. “You haven't been a 'young man' for 970 years!"

Just as Slifer was about to retort, several system messages flashed before his eyes, causing his gaze to momentarily drift, looking distracted.

Ding! Mission Kill the Demonic Elder Reward: 50 Karmic Credits Failure: Possibly Death

N-No, I can’t kill this guy, I’m not using another Peak Slifer Card! Slifer hoped that death is due to the old man killing him and not the System instantly ending his life if he refuses to follow along. At least with the old man, he could try talking his way out of it but if the System wanted to kill him, well then he is screwed.

Ding! Alternative Mission Re-educate the Demonic Elder Reward: 500 Karmic Credits Failure: N/A

500 credits?! So, the System wants me to convert these bad guys into good guys? And if that doesn’t work then I should just kill them? Sounds fair…

Slifer noticed that there was no consequence for failing that mission, then maybe he did have a chance to talk himself out of this.

Elder Fron, meanwhile, misinterpreted Slifer's distracted look. His own face reddened further, interpreting Slifer's momentary lack of focus as blatant disrespect. "You dare to ignore me?!"

Fenlock sensing the escalating danger, quickly darted behind his master, sending a hurried spiritual transmission. Master, you must be careful! Elder Slifer annihilated Elder Tarnyx! Not even a shred of his body remains.

Elder Fron's color drained from his face upon hearing this, and his eyes widened in shock. Tarnyx, a half-step Origin expert, was a sub-realm above him, and if Slifer had disposed of him so easily, he would be no match. He had been confident mocking Slifer earlier, assuming his power had waned significantly and that this was the best time to humiliate him, but now he realized the perilous miscalculation he made.

Whipping around in panic, Elder Fron raised his hand and slapped Fenlock hard. The slap sent him crashing into a sect building, but the building's protective ward sent him bouncing back, tumbling ungracefully to the ground.

"You fool!" Elder Fron roared. "You call yourself a disciple of mine?! Why didn't you inform me sooner?"

Rubbing his sore face, Fenlock mumbled, "I... I just arrived, master."

“You dare speak back to me!” Elder Fron's eyes blazed with fury. "You are no longer worthy to be my disciple!" he thundered, disowning Fenlock in one sweeping declaration.

Fenlock's head drooped low, his body quivering like a leaf in a storm. Without the backing of an Elder, not only would all benefits exclusive to favored disciples be stripped away, but he would also become an easy target. In a world where the law of the jungle reigned supreme, lacking an Elder's protection was akin to walking on a threadbare rope over a bottomless abyss. No one would bat an eyelid if he were to vanish into thin air.

Seeing the desolate expression on Fenlock's face, the surrounding disciples whispered among themselves, many shooting him pitiful glances while others wore malicious smirks, clearly happy about his misfortune.

Slifer shook his head in disbelief. Geez, talk about an overreaction. Why is this old man so dramatic? That poor disciple... His future looks grim. He shrugged, turning his gaze away. Well, not my problem. I already have enough on my plate.

Swallowing hard and trying to salvage his pride, Elder Fron turned back to Slifer, clearing his throat. "Ah, Elder Slifer, I just recalled an extremely crucial matter that needs my urgent attention."

Slifer raised an eyebrow, surprised by the quick turn of events. "Oh? And what might that be?"

"Ah, Elder Slifer, it was our conversation. It has brought… um, a sudden enlightenment! Yes! I must immediately retreat to my meditation chamber to grasp this new understanding. Your words... they might have just nudged me towards my next breakthrough. How... um, fortuitous!"

With a stiff nod, and without wasting another second, Elder Fron zipped away, practically vanishing into thin air.

Watching him go, Slifer shook his head, almost facepalming at the sudden retreat. Beside him, Dentos exclaimed, "I have also received enlightenment from the wise elder’s speech!"

Ah, these disciples weren’t useless after all. Not only did I get a free ride, but they can spread tales of my awesomeness.

Just as Slifer was about to leave, a System message appeared before his eyes.

Congratulations! New Feature Unlocked Disciple Management

Before he could even consider what that entailed, another message popped up.

Ding! Mission Take the young Fenlock as your disciple Reward: 25 Karmic Credits Failure: N/A

Oh, great. Now I have to babysit? Slifer sighed, muttering under his breath, "Turns out it is my problem after all."

He quickly skimmed the details and saw the reward: a generous amount of credits. Hmm, not bad. Can't really say no to credits. He mused, imagining ways to delegate any disciple-related chores. Maybe there are some sect errands I can send him on. Or perhaps some annoying elder I can have him fetch tea for.

Approaching the dejected Fenlock, Slifer channeled his inner sage and wrapped himself in a profound aura. "Young one," he began with a deep, resonant voice, "it appears that the heavens have decided our paths shall intertwine."

Fenlock blinked and looked up, confusion clouding his eyes. What on earth is this elder babbling about? Isn't he the reason I'm in this mess?

Perceiving the silence as the young lad being too shocked to answer, Slifer continued, "Would you, by chance, be interested in becoming my disciple?"

Fenlock's face drained of color. In his mind, the only predicament worse than being under Elder Fron would be to serve under the unpredictable Elder Slifer. But meeting the piercing gaze of the elder, a sense of inevitable surrender washed over him. Stammering, he bowed low, "D-disciple greets... master."

It's over, he mourned inwardly. From one disaster straight into another.

Ding! Mission Completed Congratulations on gaining a new disciple 25 Karmic Credits Added

A triumphant grin spread across Slifer's face. That went smoother than anticipated. Isn't my reputation as a 'difficult' elder supposed to precede me? He shrugged, silently commending himself. Maybe I'm just that charismatic.

A few feet away, Yurna watched the scene unfold with barely concealed envy. If it were me, I wouldn’t think twice. Being under any elder, even if it is Elder Slifer, is far better than having no elder at all. She sighed internally, yearning for the prestige and protection that came with being an elder's disciple.

Dentos, having observed Fenlock's sudden change in fortune, promptly dropped to his knees. "Elder Slifer!" he exclaimed, "Please, allow me to become your disciple too!"

Slifer glanced upward, half-expecting another System prompt to guide his next actions. However, no notifications came. Well, I'm not taking in freeloaders without a reward, he mused with a slight frown.

Misinterpreting the frown, Dentos hastily blurted out, "I know I'm not much now, Elder, but I promise to change for you! I'll become the disciple you deserve!"

Why does that sound like a line from a bad break-up? Slifer pondered, mildly amused. Sorry, buddy, I'm not looking for that kind of commitment.

Clearing his throat, Slifer began, "Young Dentos, I believe our fates are not..."

Before he could finish, Dentos interrupted, almost desperate, "But Elder! We, as Demonic Cultivators, defy the Heavens! We're not meant to talk about fate!"

Slifer froze. Damn, he's got a point. Why am I blabbering about fate? I need to be more...demonic. Righteous cultivators and their fate talk... He sighed internally, rebuking himself for the lapse in character.

Recomposing himself, he pondered how to display his demonic nature convincingly. The images of various torturous methods flashed across his mind. But they all seemed a bit...over the top.

Opting for a simpler approach, he scoffed dismissively, his tone dripping with disdain. "You're right. You're not worthy."

Dentos' face turned purple, as though he'd swallowed a bitter pill. He collapsed onto the ground, pounding his fists against the earth. "Ah, even Elder Slifer has rejected me! Am I truly doomed to be a mediocre disciple, forever without an elder's guidance? How shall I face my ancestors? How shall I even face myself?"

He then started crawling on all fours, picking up a handful of dirt and letting it slip through his fingers as if contemplating the sands of his rapidly diminishing future. "Even the earth rejects me," he wailed, tossing the dirt away.

Slifer watched the display, fighting back a smirk. Honestly, with all this angst and passion, this kid would probably fit in better at one of those holier-than-thou righteous sects, he mused internally. There, they'd probably call this 'profound introspection' or something.

***

Seated atop a plush cultivation cushion in his quarters, Slifer couldn't help but marvel at its comfort. No wonder cultivators could stay immobile for years. This feels like a cloud! He pressed the soft fabric, allowing himself a momentary indulgence.

Rubbing his hands together gleefully, he mused, "Finally, a safe haven." The warmth of the sect's protective array provided a peace he hadn't felt since he entered this world. "I don't think I'll be stepping outside anytime soon," he laughed to himself, looking forward to a quiet period of reclusiveness. After all, there's no way he'd risk his hide before regaining his cultivation.

His mood on the upswing, Slifer prepared to dive back into cultivation. "Regaining my power should be simple enough," he murmured, optimism coating every word. This body has been cultivating for centuries, it surely remembers the methods.

The real issue that concerned him was his lack of time, he would need to milk his disciples if he wanted to survive.

“Eh, I can think about that later. Right now, I need to at least enter the Qi Refining realm, without any spiritual qi, I’m basically useless.”

Delving into the recesses of the original Slifer's memories, he attempted to find the primary cultivation technique. Frustratingly, the memories seemed hazy, almost as if covered by a fine mist.

“Why can't I recall the primary cultivation method? Wouldn't the old geezer have been using it every day? It's like trying to forget how to brush your teeth!" he grumbled, his brows furrowing.

Ah, wait a minute... A sudden realization struck him. This must be one of those 'Essential Memories' the System mentioned I'd be missing. Well, that's just perfect.

After a few futile minutes, a secondary cultivation method surfaced in the sea of memories: the Sinful Karma Absorption. As he read the technique's introduction, he felt his heart sink. The method was gruesome, to say the least. To actually harness wicked deeds as energy... That's messed up.

Demonic cultivators using this method would purposely commit unthinkable crimes, accumulating an abundance of dark karma. This malevolent energy would then be harnessed and converted into cultivation power, elevating them through different cultivation stages.

Slifer felt a shiver run down his spine. The mere thought of the vile acts listed as requirements for each breakthrough level turned his stomach. Even for a demonic cultivator, the original Slifer was one twisted soul. He thought. If the sect discovered even a fraction of these deeds, they'd probably banish him on the spot.

"I'm NOT using this damned method," Slifer spat vehemently, his voice echoing through his chamber. With a deep breath, he composed himself. There had to be another way.

Still unsettled from reading the Sinful Karma Absorption technique, Slifer continued sifting through the memories for a less detestable option. Finally, his eyes landed on another technique: The "Abyssal Heart Resonance."

As he delved into the technique's intricacies, he found it relatively benign for a demonic method. This technique channeled one's inner darkness, syncing it with the surrounding shadows and night energy. This harmonic resonance would then be absorbed and refined to boost one's cultivation.

With a resigned sigh, he decided, "Guess I don't have much choice here." At least this doesn't involve breaking any moral codes. Preparing to immerse himself in the Abyssal Heart Resonance's depths, he was interrupted by an all-too-familiar chime.

Deduction Alert! Use of demonic cultivation methods will result in a loss of Karmic Credits

"Are you kidding me?!" Slifer exclaimed, glaring at the message. "This method's hardly even demonic! Heck, some might even call it a force for good!"

Despite his protests, the System remained ominously silent. Frustration bubbled within him. It felt as though the universe was against his every move.

With a heavy sigh, he mumbled, "Alright then, System. It’s clear that there’s only one way left, show me your Shop."

After all, if he couldn't cultivate the traditional way, he might as well see if the System had some shortcuts. Granted, he only had 40 credits, but it was time to see what this shop was like. Who knows, maybe it even had some affordable techniques that would bypass its pesky rules.

At the thought of "affordable," Slifer almost burst into laughter. Ah, 'affordable,' what a concept. I'll probably find a Level One Basic Qi Pill for a thousand credits or some nonsense like that.

He thought back to all the stories he'd heard of litRPG systems. There was always that cliché where the System conveniently had sales right after you spent all your credits. Or the special “limited edition” items which, oddly enough, seemed to be available all the time.

Slifer shook his head, his laughter slowly subsiding. Well, I've delayed enough. Time to see if the System is a scam artist or if it actually holds some valuable treasures.