Tang Bai unconsciously smiled as he felt his cultivation that was now in the 4th level of the Qi gathering realm without any impurities, the impurities in his body had been expelled.
Demon cultivation methods that Tang Bai had read about in novels, even the ones in this world, all emphasize speed, high firepower, and disregard for the heavens and the earth, they don't mind harming others and themselves. Furthermore, some of these cultivation methods can even damage one's very life essence.
For example, the Soul-capturing Heart Chant. If you don't progress for a short while before the foundation-building realm, your cultivation begins to relapse while damaging various meridians. This would make it harder to get your cultivation back up after falling.
That was a major reason why the technique has always been ignored, It needed to be a speedrun. Not to mention the large number of living souls needed for its cultivation, you had to be really fast in its cultivation.
The very notion was ridiculous.
Unfortunately, the siblings didn't know that at the time But that's a problem for others, not for him anymore... All he needed to do was find a way to speedrun to the foundation-building realm first and foremost without raising too many eyebrows at least.
After calming himself down, He opened the panel once again.
[Name: Tang Bai
Cultivation level: 4th level of the Qi gathering stage
Cultivation techniques: Soul-capturing Heart Chant
Martial Techniques:
Affiliation: Blood River Sect,
Talent: myriad poison body (-/100) unawakened.
Prestige points: 103
Infamy points: 23
Equipment: outer sect robes, flowing cloud shoes
Extraordinary Gifts: small pocket realm]
[It was noted that you have 103 prestige points, and the prestige Shop is still open...you can now purchase Special Skills, Potions, techniques, and equipment]
[It was also noted that you have 23 infamy points, Infamy Shop opens... You can now purchase Forbidden techniques, Special Characteristics, and Traits]
Prestige shop:
Due to your limited prestige points, only accessible commodities will be shown.
Consumables-
Marrow cleansing pill(10 prestige points): contains 5 capsules and is used to cleanse the body of all impurities, improve body function, and a slight improvement in qualifications. Can only be taken once...
Spirit Blood(50 prestige points): Increases the chances of learning elemental-based curses randomly, fire, water, air, etc.
Azure Qi leaf(30 prestige points): increases Qi, strength, and agility by 70. Note. Can only be used 3 times.
Low-grade Blood Enlightenment Tea(80 prestige points): Contains a speck of Taoism and certain rules of heaven and earth, therefore assisting monks in the enlightenment of their Cultivation or martial arts technique!
Tang Bai found all the items in the consumable section fascinating but an option drew his attention considering he was almost at the fifth level of the Qi gathering realm, Natal Gu!
Natal Gu-
Boiling Blood Gu(D grade)
Poison Heart Gu(E grade)
Essence Chime Gu(C grade)
Flickering Mirage Gu(E grade)
E.T.C.
A long list of affordable Natal Gu came up but only two with high potential entered his gaze, Boiling Blood Gu and Essence Chime Gu. They were upgradeable and had minor side effects. if he should borrow the term, 'Class or skill tree', then these two had a much broader page and a higher limit within his affordable range...
It's just that in their basic form, one belongs to the assault fighter type while the other seems to be like a mage/support type but that would change during the 5th level of the foundation-building stage, he could branch out in whatever direction he yearns for but basic remains.
Boiling Blood Gu(40 prestige points): a Natal Gu used for building one's foundation in the Qi Gathering realm(5), as a Natal Gu, it devours and replaces the fundamental Gu used by a demon cultivator.
Characteristics:
-It adds burning damage to the user's Qi and manifests itself within his skills.
+15% boost in hot or fire-related exercises and techniques.
-grants a berserk skill that grants a +30% increase in all attributes by boiling and consuming the host's blood, duration depends on the user's discretion.
- can be upgraded
Side effects:
The host's temper becomes fiery or irrational over time and could lead to madness, which can be countered permanently with a 'Trait' that makes you level-headed(recommended) or a Mental technique with calming effects albeit temporary(-).
Essence Chime Gu(60 prestige points): a Natal Gu used for building one's foundation in the Qi Gathering realm(5), as a Natal Gu, it devours and replaces the fundamental Gu used by a demon cultivator.
Characteristics:
-It adds Soul damage to the user's Qi and manifests itself within his skills through the use of sounds only the soul hears.
+15% boost in Soul or Sonic-related exercises and techniques.
+8% piercing effect on weakened opponents.
-Can randomly grant a +0.5-20% increase in all attributes to designated targets when listening to your music, consuming the host's Qi.
-Can randomly grant a +5-20% decrease in all attributes to designated targets when listening to your music, consuming the host's Qi.
+5% boost in Wind-related martial techniques.
- can be upgraded
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
Side effects:
The host is unable to stand minor dissonant sounds which reduces your focus and mental strength, this weakens you the louder it gets or over time. This can be countered permanently with a 'Trait' that allows you level-headed and focused no matter what (recommended) or by upgrading from the basic form and eliminating its weakness(-).
After reading their description, the Essence Chime Gu was more in line with his preferred playstyle while playing games over the years and he wouldn't want to change that now. He didn't want anything to do with close-range combat unless he didn't have any other choice, Not to mention that sound was very hard to guard against!
There is so much I don't know, what is this about Traits?> While Tang Bai was lost in thought, someone knocked on his door.
"Brother it's me, are you in?" a voice came from the other side of the door.
Tang Bai immediately adjusted his sitting position for no reason in particular and responded as casually as he could,
"Chen' er? come in!"
The door opened slowly, revealing a black-haired teen with green eyes and a face that matched Tang Bai's with at least 75% similarities.
Tang Chen'er suddenly spoke with some concern, "Um...haven't seen you since yesterday, I was worried your injury relapsed so I came to check on you as soon as I was done".
This made Tang Bai smile subconsciously, his previous life had been filled and riddled with bad memories.
Born to the fifth son of a tremendous financial group, the reality wasn't easy considering the amount of competition going on to become the next heir.
The scheming, framing, and assassination while trying to be productive in your respective fields was exhausting, From the moment he was born, he was in a contest for survival.
there was no undying love from his parents or grandparents nor any form of love from his siblings.
By the time he got to his late 40s, he was at the point where he had lost most if not all emotions, and a family member was simply an enemy or a competition.
Heck, He had killed or schemed against a lot of them and even went dabbling in politics for some protection.
In his 60s, his children probably wanted him dead more than anyone else, so when he retired, some people still couldn't stay calm.
His death hadn't bothered him much because he could pretty much guess what happened, too bad he wouldn't be able to see what he had secretly set install for all of them, his death was meant to be the trigger, that way they wouldn't have a chance to ever retaliate. Just thinking of their reactions made him unable to hold back a laugh.
"Oh no problem hahaha, I just happened to have gotten some opportunities and I was cultivating in retreat".
I'll have to help him somehow perhaps...it's not easy to get a readily made toolman> While he spoke with a smile, he couldn't help thinking about Tang Chen's problem. The 15-year-old had been sheltered all his life by his parents, elder sister, and brother, despite being from a small merchant family, he had everything he ought to have and even the original owner of his body died protecting his kid brother. Tang Chen glanced at him in surprise before the look of worry came again, "Brother, don't...Di...did you kill someone in the sect? Eh Come, let's go, let's go and check again. if someone finds out... Perhaps...I know our cultivation method is a bother but we shouldn't be too hasty." He stuttered at first but then rambled on while trembling although he still intended to help in any way he could to cover Tang Bai's said 'crime', this rendered the older teen speechless but it was at this time he noticed a small black holographic box hovering next to Tang Chen's ear as he moved, so he clicked it with his thoughts. [Name: Tang Chen Cultivation level: Untapped potential Cultivation techniques: Soul-capturing Heart Chant Martial techniques: Affiliation: Blood River Sect Talent: myriad poison body (-/100) unawakened. Gu: Heart Nourishing Gu Loyalty: 92% (Awe and reverence)] Surprisingly, seeing his younger ones' status page didn't surprise him as much as he thought it would "same talent, Interesting..." "Big Brother, say something?" Tang Chen finally calmed down to an extent. “Hold on” Doesn't matter, might be useful to survive here> He soon wore a serious expression and spoke while stretching out his hand, "Chen'er take this, and swallow it, no questions just do as I say and start your cultivation practice... The less you know the better for you" He wished to see the kid's reaction and how much of an influence he had on him. Tang Chen didn't flutter for more than a second before doing as he was advised, He chose the best position for cultivation and swallowed the Soul Bead. The resistance he expected didn't come as the egg-sized bead melted within his mouth in an instant but nothing happened. But soon there was a change and from his cells down to his pores were filled with some kind of itching before a euphoria filled his expression, his frown quickly turned into something reminiscent of bliss and His Heart Nourishing Gu went into action as it ran the Soul Capturing Heart Chant to the fullest, devouring every bit of the souls Tang Chen swallowed. A Runic Whirlpool appeared in the middle of his eyebrows silently and throbbed rhythmically. Oummm! Boom! His cultivation rushed straight to the second level of the Qi gathering realm and went straight to the peak of the third level of the Qi gathering realm. Tang Bai shook his head silently while watching his brother's expressions, [Name: Tang Chen Cultivation level: 3rd Level of the Qi Gathering Realm Cultivation techniques: Soul-capturing Heart Chant Martial techniques: Affiliation: Blood River Sect Talent: myriad poison body (-/100) unawakened. Gu: Heart Nourishing Gu Loyalty: 94% (Awe and reverence)] After a few more minutes consolidating his new realm, Tang Chen opened his eyes with joy "What magical pill is this brother?!" listening to his younger brother's question, Tang Bai's mind began to move once again, "I said no questions, remember?" Despite being stunned by Tang Bai's change today, he still chose to believe him unconditionally "Brother...No problem!". After getting his agreement, Tang Bai continued, "Hmm...For now, you will come with me to get some spirit stones... We ran out of spirit stones, that pill wasn't cheap you know". The latter smiled and said "No problem". "For now go and freshen up, you stink, come back in one hour" Tang Bai suddenly spoke out while holding the bridge of his nose, which made Tang Chen run away in embarrassment, forgetting that the one speaking had a far worse odor at the moment. Hmm... let's just wash up first, I probably stink more considering the number of breakthroughs...> He stood up silently and decided to get to work, he picked up the wooden bucket already filled with water in his room and stepped outside. There was barely a single ray of light in the mist-filled outer sect. Other than the occasional spark of light from the hovering flame torches that could be vaguely seen in the areas with paths, most of the outer sect's territory was shrouded in endless darkness. The night scene has a desolate feeling to it while the fleeting melody of the wind feels slightly chilling. As it blew, you would get some chills from time to time. Someone coming around for the first time would probably be scared to death, _________ One hour later, The siblings were slowly making their way through the mist, carrying any form of light would just make them a target, so Tang Bai advised against it. Right now, Tang Bai was doubting if his plan was feasible or not. He had hoped to come and use the black box to find easy prey to rob but it might have been a bad idea. The amount of fog and mist would only get worse towards the end of the year, that is when it is closer to the blood moon ceremony. It was an event held by the top five demon sects and practically everyone in the world knows about it. During that time, one of the five demon sects would open their doors for the lower or weaker demon sects to come and steal resources... Be it martial arts, pills, and so on, they would all be placed in specific locations all over the map for the invaders to steal. But the catch was for you to make it out alive, the inner and outer sect members of the defending sect can, in turn, rob you upon your demise. The core and direct disciples would not participate, and neither would the Elders and Sect leaders. The same goes for the invaders, only the Inner and outer sect members are allowed to move. Honestly, Tang Bai felt like it was just an excuse to kill people or some kind of ritual as it was made mandatory. Not sending your people would make you an enemy of everyone... That explained the lax behavior in taking care of those below the core disciples. On the bright, those who manage to survive are entitled to your gains, no questions asked. It is said that those who are seated at the top ten of the outer sect has survived at least one blood moon ceremony. However, that is something for another day. With such thoughts, the frown on Tang Bai's face got darker 'We need to be stronger than ever before the blood moon ceremony'. The Outer sect was relatively massive and its population was mostly the same, To be able to facilitate management, the outer disciples were divided into six branches, namely Wu, Ji, Geng, Xin, Ren, and Gui. Each department was further divided into different districts, with each district having about 6,000 to 10,000 Disciples. Ji-shu district, where Tang Bai belongs, is located in the Western part of the Valley it was one of the overpopulated branches with over 13,000 outer disciples and even more handymen but right now it looked deserted. Except for some new boys with immature looks and clear silly smiles on their faces, the rest of the boys they ran into were in groups, moving in a hurry, with alert eyes, as if they were on guard against everyone. Tang Bai soon arrived at the main road that had flame torches on both sides of the road, also known as the main part of the district. Most of the buildings along the way were depressing huts and rough, with tea, food, etc. hanging on them. There are also many cluttered stone houses with small entrances and extremely simple buildings. Many houses have no windows at all. These are the residences of the outer disciples who have somewhat prominent reputations and cultivation levels. Although it looks like that, it meant you had a lot of money, power, and prestige or you had the background to live here. As for being robbed? Most of the time, these powerful ones had lackeys and the situation could get messy fast. There were a lot of factions spread across the outer sect, with some even having inner or core sect disciples standing behind them. The handymen Tang Bai encountered on the way either bowed their heads in an obsequious manner and did not dare to make a sound or simply ran away, What's worse was that they ran away when they saw the siblings from a distance. "Brother, where are we going?, should we try in the morning?" Tang Chen finally asked. "We have to get spirit stones tonight so we can exchange for a martial technique first thing in the morning." Tang Bai answered back while scanning for a target. Lucky for him, he found one the moment he was done speaking.