Cheng Hao tightened his new robe as he gazed off into the distance. He had finished reading the [Book of Basic Knowledge], but the quest reward [Cultivator’s Garb] was ancillary to the actual quest contents.

He learned that he had been dropped off in some desolate frontier wasteland, appropriately entitled the Eastern Wastelands. This planet consisted of a single supermassive continent, with small islands and archipelagos peppering the oceans. As could be inferred, he was located near the eastern end of the continent, but still a distance from the fertile coasts.

From that being’s introduction, he knew that a singular planet was just a small corner of the world he was supposed to conquer, but the [Book of Basic Knowledge] limited it’s scope to this planet.

Starting a cultivation journey in the weakest sect in the weakest region on the weakest planet , on and on ad infinitum was the general trope in the cultivation novels he used to read. Considering that the being and his gambling partner seemed intent to imitate that sort of setting for their bet, he wasn't surprised at his current situation.

Details on cultivation had been sparse, but enough for him to come to a decision on which system to choose.

Immediately he eliminated the [Cultivator System] from contention. The being had made clear that he would need the help of others to make his way to the top. He assumed that unlike the main characters of the novels he read, the being had not raised his fate or luck or whatever this world called it. Otherwise its gambling partner would not have agreed to the bet.

It was for that same reason that he eliminated the [Harem/Romance System]. It wasn’t like he couldn't engage in sexual relationships if he didn’t have that sort of system, and although cavorting with a bevy of beauties sounded wonderful, it was not the optimal path to bring him to the top.

At the end of the day, Cheng Hao had to pick something that played into his strengths: management, politics and ruthlessness. Systems such as the [Blacksmith System], [Alchemist System], and [Side Dao System] failed to do so.

This only left three options, the [Empire System], [Sect System], and [Merchant System]. Cheng Hao dismissed the [Empire System] with a reluctant sigh. Ruling as an emperor would sate his lust for wealth and power. Unfortunately taking an empire to the top was impractical. At some point he would have to leave his current planet and start all over again on a ‘higher’ planet. Sects and Business were much more mobile in that sense.

That left the [Merchant System] and [Sect System]. In his long career, Cheng Hao had run several businesses, first as a PortCo CEO during his private equity stint, and later as a CFO of a Fortune 500 company. As an investment banker, he was extremely familiar with the ins and outs of companies in the spaces he covered, and although he never worked in VC, he had had lots of discussions with major players in the space. Heck, his old business school friend had taken several businesses from the ground up all the way until the Series D stage at which point he would hire Cheng Hao to run the IPO process. Through all their discussions, Cheng Hao had a good idea how to found a successful business.

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With the help of a [Merchant System], it would be like adding wings to a tiger. He had no doubt that he would be extremely successful. Furthermore, the [Book of Basic Knowledge] had made clear that wealth could easily be exchanged for resources that would help further one’s cultivation.

Cheng Hao hesitated for several minutes as he took in the bleak of beauty of the surrounding world. Finally, he let out a soft sight and clicked on [Sect System].

Are you sure of your decision? This will be nigh-irreversible.

Yes/No

Cheng Hao clicked on the Yes. He had made his decision.

At the end of the day, there was a fundamental problem that came with creating a business in a cultivation world. If his wealth ever outgrew his strength, there would be a horde of greedy cultivators outside his door the very next day. Furthermore, creating a sect did not preclude him from creating a business. The reverse was also true, but he felt that he needed the help from the [Sect System] more than he needed help creating businesses.

And finally, the idea of creating a sect strongly appealed to him. His sigh was out of disappointment that he was letting his emotions affect a critical decision. To make it to the top he had to be better than that. Still, he rationally believed that the [Sect System] was the best choice. The decision having been made, he chose to move in and explore the newly available options.

Sect System (locked)

Name: Cheng Hao

Cultivation Level: N/A

Quests (!)

Create a Sect to unlock Sect System

Cheng Hao opened up the Quests tab

Select Your System Type (Completed)

What type of system will accompany you on your journey to the top?

Choose carefully as this decision is irreversible.

Reward: [Coil Shedding Fruit] (Will take user to the peak of the body refining stage)

Create Your Sect

Choose a location to be the initial headquarters of your sect

Reward: [Sect System Newbie Gift Package], 1 [Sect Point]

Cheng Hao was quite happy at the requirements for his second quest. He thought that the system might require him to take on a disciple before founding a sect, but that was not the case as he only needed to find a suitable location. He had decided to reach the second step of cultivation, Qi Gathering before looking for disciples. Based on his understanding, one he used the [Coil Shedding Fruit] to reach the peak of the first step, body refining, it would not take long for him to reach Qi Gathering. The stronger he was before he started looking for disciples, the better. It would create the unfathomable master cultivator aura he needed to project to both attract quality subordinates, and then keep them in line.

“Disciples” he corrected himself.

The good news did not end there. He clicked on the reward for the first quest, and watched as a deep red fruit appeared in front of him. Grabbing the floating fruit mid air, he allowed himself to let out a satisfied smirk.

Cheng 'Devil' Hao was about to become a cultivator.