Ocridef, after hearing the system's voice, began devouring the heart even faster.With every bite, he felt a strong energy flooding into his body, perfectly assimilating into every cell of his being.
After several minutes of eating like a starving ghost, the massive heart disappeared completely, leaving behind only a strong aroma that lingered in the cave.Ocridef now sat cross-legged on the stone floor, his expression tense as pressure built within his body, increasing by the minute.
Cadran, seeing his master in such a state, didn't dare utter a word. Afraid to disturb Ocridef's cultivation, he stood silently at the entrance, guarding the cave with solemn focus.
Finally, after what felt like half an hour, a clear ringing sound reverberated throughout the cave.Ocridef slowly opened his eyes as the familiar blue panel appeared before him:
Realm: Qi Gathering (Stage 2)Spiritual Roots: Earth GradeCultivation Multiplier: 1 (0/100)Soul Points: 0
"It seems I broke through my cultivation stage," Ocridef thought, his eyes lighting up. "I didn't expect it to be so easy! I really have to thank Cadran."
"Master! Congratulations on your breakthrough!" Cadran's voice echoed excitedly through the cave. "The Foundation Establishment Realm is within reach!"
"It's all thanks to you, Cadran," Ocridef replied with a warm smile. "Without your help, I would never have obtained something as precious as that heart."
"No, Master," Cadran said earnestly, "it's all due to your incredible talent! For most humans, eating that heart would only slightly increase their cultivation and vitality. But you, Master — you completely absorbed the Qi within the demonic beast's heart! Even great beasts with devouring bloodlines couldn't do that!"
Ocridef blinked, clearly confused, though he smiled to hide it.
Cadran quickly realized his mistake and looked embarrassed. "Ahem, Master, forgive my excitement. I forgot that your knowledge of this world is still limited."
Ocridef waved it off. "Don't worry, Cadran. I know I still have much to learn. Since we've eaten and rested, could you start by telling me about the common knowledge of this world?"
"Yes, Master!" Cadran said proudly. "I may not be the strongest demonic beast in the Great Forest, but as one born of a noble bloodline with a powerful father, I know much about the ways of this world!"
"Then I'll be relying on you," Ocridef said with a smile.
And so, Cadran began his long explanation. Hours passed as Ocridef listened intently. By the time they finished, the sky outside the cave had dimmed — night was falling.
So my guess was correct, Ocridef thought. This truly is a cultivation world filled with immortals and magical creatures.
He organized what he'd learned:Humans cultivated through the realms of Qi Gathering, Foundation Establishment, Golden Core, Nascent Soul, and finally Soul Integration, the ceiling of this world.Demonic beasts, meanwhile, were divided into five tiers, each roughly corresponding to a human cultivation realm.
Besides realms, the next most important factor was combat ability.Demonic beasts could possess two kinds of powers:
Bloodline Abilities, inherited through their ancestry, though only those with pure bloodlines had them.
Elemental Abilities, drawn from their attribute — like the Water Blades of the Water Hog, or the golden flames Cadran used to cook the heart.
As for humans, they relied on Qi Covering for close combat and Spells, which were learned from manuals and powered by one of the five elements — Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth.
Having organized his thoughts, Ocridef looked down at his hand.He tried to guide the Qi in his body as Cadran had instructed. Slowly, thin streams of energy began to leak from his pores, wrapping his hand in a trembling, faint blue membrane.
"Ding. Detected use of battle ability. Activating Battle Mode. Focus and Qi Control have been greatly increased."
The system's cold voice echoed in his mind.Instantly, his previously unstable Qi covering stabilized — the trembling vanished, replaced by a steady, powerful glow.
"So the system even has such a function…" Ocridef murmured in awe.
"Congratulations, Master!" Cadran cheered. "To learn Qi Covering so quickly — your talent is truly unimaginable! Worthy of being the Great Golden Beetle's Master!"
Ocridef chuckled and replied, "It's all thanks to your fantastic teaching, Cadran."
Hearing that, Cadran puffed out his tiny chest proudly. "I am indeed a great teacher, Master!"
Ocridef laughed softly, then closed his eyes in thought.
So far, the system has shown three modes — Cultivation, Absorption, and Combat. Each one enhances what I'm doing at the time. I wonder if there are others…
He gazed toward the darkened cave entrance. The wind outside whispered through the trees, a calm rhythm beneath the glowing green crystals.
"First things first," he murmured to himself, voice firm. "I need to get stronger. I can't always rely on Cadran. In this new world, I have to build my own strength."
Cadran said we could hunt tomorrow… That'll be the perfect chance to practice Qi Covering properly. Until then, I'll focus on control and learning to survive.
With that thought, Ocridef settled into meditation.Cadran buried himself in a small pile of strange, glowing herbs near the corner of the cave.
Under the soft emerald light, silence fell once more.
Early Morning.
"Master," Cadran's voice whispered eagerly, "this way — we're getting close to the Twin-Horned Jade Rabbits…"
Ocridef followed closely behind Cadran, not daring to stray too far in fear that some demonic beast might attack at any moment.
I really have to get stronger… he thought to himself, feeling a constant tension in his chest. Living in fear like this is frustrating.
Cadran and Ocridef came to a stop.Before them stood a gigantic tree — so wide that five people could have hidden behind it side by side. At the base of the tree was a hole nearly a meter tall and wide.
If one looked closely inside, two sharp horns could be seen protruding from the entrance. They were long, straight, and gleamed faintly with a cold metallic light. Behind them, two crimson eyes shone in the darkness, locking onto the intruders who had appeared before its home.
"Master, be careful," Cadran whispered. "Although this beast is among the weakest Tier One demonic beasts, it's still dangerous. Its horns are coated with Metal Qi — they can pierce even solid rock. But don't worry, I'll protect you if things turn dire."
"Then I'll rely on you, Cadran," Ocridef said softly. "Don't worry — I'll be careful."
In the next instant, Ocridef's body flared with a faint blue light. With a powerful push from his feet, the ground cracked beneath him, leaving a small pit where he had stood. His figure shot forward like a shadow toward the great tree.
The Twin-Horned Jade Rabbit, seeing an intruder charge so boldly, let out a shrill cry.Its body tensed — then it lunged forward, its two horns glowing with a cold metallic brilliance as it shot toward Ocridef like an arrow released from a bow.