"Ding! The conditions have been met, and the host is now eligible to inherit the Great Saṃsāra System. The host will be able to reincarnate using the Great Saṃsāra System." The words were delivered in a mechanical tone that conveyed no emotion or excitement.
What was going on? Where was he?
Panic set in as he looked around, realizing he was floating in an endless space with nothing but darkness surrounding him. The words in front of him were his only source of comfort, even if they were unfamiliar.
As he tried to make sense of what was happening, the realization hit him like a ton of bricks.
Was this his golden finger? His System?
He had read countless novels where the protagonists gained access to powerful Systems, allowing them to achieve eternal life and freedom to do whatever they pleased. The very thought sent a shiver down his spine. Who wouldn't want that kind of power?
Xiao Ye was a twenty-five-year-old man with an average build, above average intelligence, and a relatively handsome face.
He had always strived for a carefree and leisurely life, proud of the modest achievements he had made.
After graduating high-school, he had attended the mediocre Xuanwu University and had worked hard to become an engineer.
But, as fate would have it, he died in a car accident. He didn't blame the other driver; it was his own fault for driving drunk after a high-school reunion.
"System!" he called out in his mind, hoping to get some answers.
A cold voice sounded, and a new message appeared in front of him. "Ding! The Great Saṃsāra System is showing the interface to the host." said the voice in Xiao Ye's head. He looked at the screen and saw a myriad of options and buttons, wondering where to start.
As Xiao Ye looked at the screen, the interface of the Great Samsara System appeared before him:
> [The Great Saṃsāra System]
>
> • Reincarnation Count - 0
>
> • Balance - 10,000 Points
>
> • Settings - None
>
> [Click to Reincarnate Now!]
Xiao Ye felt a tinge of annoyance as the Great Saṃsāra System kept referring to itself by its full name. "System, can you stop calling yourself the Great Saṃsāra System? It's too long, just System is fine," he said, hoping to get the message across and also test the System's limits.
To his relief, the System responded immediately. "Ding! The System will stop referring to itself as the Great Saṃsāra System from now on, according to the host's command."
Xiao Ye couldn't help but smile at the System's prompt obedience. He was glad that it didn't have a stubborn, tsundere personality, like some other Systems. He preferred an obedient System, one that listened to his commands without hesitation.
Xiao Ye's curiosity got the best of him, and he couldn't help but ask the System about its abilities. "System, what are your abilities?" he inquired, hoping for some insight into the full extent of its powers.
In response, the System let out a reassuring ding. "Ding! The System is able to let the host reincarnate. Using the interface, you can access the Settings option and customize your preferences before selecting the Reincarnate option. Currently, only the Blue Sky Mortal Realm from the Lesser Heaven Expanse is unlocked."
Xiao Ye had some questions about the reincarnation process. "Are there any drawbacks if I reincarnate? Also, what happens if I run out of Points? Will I die?" he asked the System.
In response, the System chimed, "Ding! The host can reincarnate countless times without any drawbacks, even without any Points. However, in such a case, the Settings option will be temporarily locked until Points are obtained."
Still curious, Xiao Ye asked the System, "How can I earn Points?"
"Ding! The host can earn Points as their cultivation increases, and Points will be granted after the host dies in their reincarnation," replied the System.
Xiao Ye navigated to the System's interface and clicked on the Settings option. As he did, a new window opened up before him, displaying several options.
> [The System - Settings]
>
> • Providence - None
>
> • Talent - 0 ↔ 20 (Random)
>
> • Comprehension - Level One (Cultivation)
>
> • Physique - None
>
> • Innate Soul Strength - None
>
> • Innate Cultivation Base - None
>
> • World - Blue Sky Mortal Realm
>
> This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
>
> • Gender - Not selected
Xiao Ye selected the Providence option from the Settings menu and was immediately taken aback by what he saw. The interface displayed multiple Providences, each with a different Point cost.
> [The System - Settings → Providence]
>
> • Child of Destiny - 1,000,000 Points
>
> • Child of Luck - 15,000,000 Points
>
> • Child of Heaven - 100,000,000 Points
Seeing the high Point cost of the Providences, Xiao Ye couldn't help but feel that they must be truly powerful. But that also made him wonder if the gift that the System had given him was just worthless.
He quickly pushed those thoughts aside and decided to explore more of the System's features. Without hesitation, he selected the Talent option from the menu.
> [The System - Settings → Talent]
>
> • Talent - 0 ↔ 20 (Random)
>
> Description: Talent is divided into several categories that enable the host to cultivate particular Daos at an accelerated pace based on the Points that have been allocated. In addition to the default Random option, the host may also allocate Points to specific categories such as Fire Dao, Water Dao, Space Dao, Time Dao, and others. However, it should be noted that allocating Points to a specific category comes at a slightly higher cost, with a ten percent increase in the Point allocation price.
>
> • Cost - 0 Points
After adjusting the Lower and Upper Bounds, Xiao Ye's Points allowed him to purchase at most 55 Talent Points.
> [The System - Settings → Talent]
>
> • Talent - 55 ↔ 55 (Random)
>
> Description: Talent is divided into several categories that enable the host to cultivate particular Daos at an accelerated pace based on the Points that have been allocated. In addition to the default Random option, the host may also allocate Points to specific categories such as Fire Dao, Water Dao, Space Dao, Time Dao, and others. However, it should be noted that allocating Points to a specific category comes at a slightly higher cost, with a ten percent increase in the Point allocation price.
>
> • Cost - 9800 Points
Since he doesn't like to take unnecessary risks, Xiao Ye prefers to set the Talent Lower Bound to be equal to the Upper Bound, rather than placing it lower.
At the same time, while he wishes to choose his Dao affinity, he cannot afford to spend ten percent more Points to do so.
Then, he continued to explore the System more. Xiao Ye's exploration led him to select the Physique option. After selecting the Physique option, he was presented with various choices.
> [The System - Settings → Physique]
>
> • Radiant Golden Physique - 15,000 Points
>
> Description: This physique allows the cultivator's body to shine with a radiant golden glow, boosting their physical abilities and strengthening their connection towards the Fire Dao.
>
> • Jade Ghost Physique - 15,500 Points
>
> Description: This physique allows the cultivator to tap into the mysteries of the underworld. It grants the cultivator the ability to become intangible like a ghost, allowing them to pass through solid objects and evade attacks.
>
> • Cleansing Heart Physique - 17,500 Points
>
> Description: This physique allows the cultivator to purify toxins and negative energies, making them immune to poisons and curses. It also grants the ability to sense and dispel evil spirits.
>
> • Light Cloud Physique - 18,500 Points
>
> Description: This physique gives the cultivator the ability to control clouds and mist, allowing them to obscure their movements and create illusions. The cultivator's connection towards the Water Dao is strengthened.
>
> [Click for Next Page.]
Xiao Ye couldn't help but feel dismayed by the high cost of the Physiques. He let out a sigh, deciding to put off further investigation for now.
Feeling a bit dejected, he shifted his attention to the Comprehension option. A new interface appeared in front of him.
> [The System - Settings → Comprehension]
>
> • Comprehension - Level One (Cultivation)
>
> Description: Comprehension is divided into several categories that enable the host to grasp particular concepts at an accelerated pace based on their level. These categories include Alchemy, Cultivation, Formation, Talisman, Forging, and more.
>
> • Cost - 0 Points
Xiao Ye tried raising his cultivation Comprehension to Level Two and it required him 1,000 Points. Then he attempted to raise it to Level Three and it required him 10,000 Points.
"That's a lot of Points," Xiao Ye groaned. "System, can you recommend something for these 10,000 Points?"
The system chimed, "Ding! The System does not possess such information."
Xiao Ye sighed in disappointment. "Well, I guess I'll have to figure it out on my own. I need to find the best settings for my new reincarnation, that's my top priority for now."
He continued to browse through the System's options, hoping to find something useful.
"Upgrading Comprehension is so expensive, but there must be a significant difference between Level Two and Level Three," thought Xiao Ye, pondering his options. "Meanwhile, Talent points seem relatively cheap. I should spend 1,000 Points on upgrading Comprehension to Level Two and then use the rest on Talent points to maximize my gains."
Comprehension aids in comprehending cultivation techniques, martial arts, and various skills, while Talent points reflect one's inherent aptitude for cultivation.
Utilizing his strategy, Xiao Ye used every single Point that he had.
> [The System - Settings]
>
> • Providence - None
>
> • Talent - 53 ↔ 53 (Random)
>
> • Comprehension - Level Two (Cultivation)
>
> • Physique - None
>
> • Innate Soul Strength - None
>
> • Innate Cultivation Base - None
>
> • World - Blue Sky Mortal Realm
>
> • Gender - Male
Having determined the best settings for his first reincarnation, Xiao Ye proceeded to open the main interface and clicked on the "Reincarnate Now" option.