With eager anticipation, Tianyu flipped through the technique manual from end to end, only to be prompted by the system:

[Host! Would you like to absorb this technique manual?]

Puzzled but intrigued, he questioned, "Absorb? What do you mean?"

Sophia, with her characteristic enthusiasm, explained, [Host! With the power of the system, you can directly absorb all knowledge from any technique manual. However, diligent practice is still essential; the system is here to assist you.]

"Intriguing," he nodded, "I'd like to see how it works."

Sophia complied, and the book disintegrated into particles that flowed into his mind through his glabella. An odd sensation followed as new information instantly filled his head. He marveled at his newfound grasp of the manual's contents without the need to flip through pages.

"Amazing!" he exclaimed, his wonder apparent.

Sophia chimed in with pride, [Host, this is just the beginning!]

His excitement mounted as he saw an apparition manifest before him—none other than himself.

"Whoa!" His shock was palpable as he instinctively recoiled. But he soon realized that this ethereal presence was his training avatar. "Sophia, what's going on?"

[Host! Do not be alarmed,] she reassured him, explaining the concept of the avatar. [This is your training avatar. It will guide you in learning.]

Tianyu relaxed, a bit embarrassed by his initial reaction. "Alright, that's...unexpected. So, how does this avatar guide me?"

[Observe!] Sophia instructed.

The lifeless avatar sprang to life, brandishing a polearm and executing fluid movements and strikes. Tianyu's initial shock turned into worry as he exclaimed, "Watch out!" fearing the avatar might accidentally demolish his surroundings. Fortunately, as Sophia had explained, the avatar phased through objects.

Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

Heaving a sigh of relief, he suggested, "Maybe we should find a more spacious place for this?"

Sophia agreed, [Yes, host! We shall postpone this part until we have more room.]

"So, the avatar demonstrates the technique, and I imitate?" he clarified.

[That's one approach, host!] Sophia confirmed.

Curious, he probed further, "And what's the other approach?"

[The host can use exp points to gain inspiration for techniques, which teaches the technique but practice is still essential.]

"Ah, the difference between theoretical and practical knowledge."

[Exactly, host! Additionally, you can use the system shop to access various training avatars.]

"What types of training avatars are available?"

[There are numerous options, host! The specific avatar I mentioned earlier practices techniques for you while you sleep.]

"But wouldn't practicing myself be more effective?" he questioned.

Sophia elaborated, [Yes, host! Let me clarify. Directly assimilated knowledge can bring quick power, but when facing experts who've personally mastered the same techniques, those who practiced from scratch hold a deeper understanding. Practicing still yields the most profound results. The training avatar practices what you've learned while you sleep, and its effectiveness rivals personal practice.]

"That makes sense. The avatar hones my skills while I rest," he concluded.

[And it can be just as effective as if you practiced personally,] Sophia affirmed.

"I think I've got it. I appreciate the explanation." He changed the topic. "Now, tell me about these pills."

[Certainly, host!] Sophia proceeded to explain the functions of the Blood Cleansing Pill and the Marrow Cleansing Pill. [The Blood Cleansing pill is used to purify the blood, leading to benefits such as improved health, faster cultivation progress, enhanced abilities, and removal of curses or impurities. The Marrow Cleansing Pill does the same, just to the marrow.]

Tianyu listened intently, building a foundation of understanding.

"Now," he continued, "how can I redeem a free weapon?"

[Host, simply ask, and I shall provide you with a weapon of your choice,] Sophia informed him.

"Alright then, considering I've learned polearm techniques, I should have a polearm. Please redeem one for me."

[Of course, host!] A moment later, Sophia's voice confirmed, [Congratulations, host! You've redeemed a growth-type weapon.]

"Growth type? What's that?" Tianyu inquired.

Sophia explained, [A growth-type weapon evolves in power alongside its master. Each advancement in your cultivation will correspond to growth in the weapon's strength.]

"Interesting," he mused. "Show me the weapon."

Before him materialized a long wooden handle, approximately 6 feet in length, crowned by a metal spear tip. Adorning the side of the spear tip was a crescent-shaped blade, while a metal spike adorned the weapon's butt.

"This is my new weapon?" he questioned, somewhat bewildered.

[Yes, host! This is your growth-type polearm, the 'Sky-Piercing Halberd,'] Sophia confirmed.

"'Sky-Piercing Halberd'? Why does that sound so familiar?" he pondered, wracking his brain for an answer. The origin of the name eluded him.

"This is going to drive me crazy!" he declared with a hint of frustration.

"Sophia, shall we give the gacha wheel a spin?" he suggested.

[Of course, host!]

With anticipation, he watched the wheel turn, awaiting the unveiling of his next surprise.