Chapter 1: Establishing Foundations
-Yuanshi Tianzun-
Unaware that a certain Elated Cosmic Entity was watching from afar with keen interest, Tianzun selected the perks and items he concluded to be of great importance in his current situation.
From the Transmigrator tree he purchased "Doesn't Rattle Easy (100), Skill Compression (250), "This Isn't My First World" (25), and Native Currency (25).
As he looked at the Cultivator perk tree, his gold eyes momentarily paused on Immortal Seed (600).
Ba-dum! Ba-dum! Ba-dum!
"How tempting." Tianzun's finger mentally hovered over the option for a few moments before receding, "But no."
He tilted his head back, letting the wind tousle his dark hair as golden eyes scanned the heavens—then flicked down to the other perks.
"Since I said I'll perform, I might as well make it a grand one." There was a faint tremor in Tianzun's voice, but it was overshadowed by an unmistakable thrill.
The kind of thrill he hadn't felt since he threw himself off a cliff attached only to a rope and a prayer.
Skydiving. Bungee jumping. Parachuting.
With only adrenaline as his company.
Moments when the human body remembered—deep in its bones—that it was fragile, fleeting, mortal.
Most people never think about the fragility of life. Not really. Not until it's right there—breathing down your neck as the wind roars past and your heartbeat drowns out the world.
Tianzun knew that feeling intimately.
And now, staring down Immortal Seed glowing like a starlight, he felt that same thrill. The hair-raising tension of standing at the edge—
It reminded him of mortality.
Just one click, and Immortality is all but guaranteed. The thought loomed for a moment, before he smothered it down.
After all—if he grasped immortality now, would he ever feel that raw, exhilarating hum again? That breathless mortality?
It was too early.
And so, Tianzun moved on from the very seductive perk, towards the flavour perks of the Cultivator tree.
Feat Achieved: Don't be Boring!
250 CP Gained
The sound of applause sounded from everywhere and nowhere, getting a full body twitch from Tianzun in surprise.
Gold eyes darted around the surroundings in caution, but once a few seconds of silence passed, the Transmigrator nudged his monocle as he relaxed slightly.
From the looks of it, my Patron(?) seems pleased that I didn't jump at the opportunity of immortality. In that case, perhaps…
"250 CP is a little when compared to Immortality, no?" Tianzun rhetorically mused aloud. Neither demanding nor complaining, though his intentions were clear.
A few moments of silence passed. Then—
Race: Human → Saint
The Sacred Race—known in ancient times as the firstborn of creation—is the apex of all races. They once ruled the world with divine right, enslaving man, beast, and spirit alike. Even now, they dominate four of the nine major heavens, feared and loathed in equal measure. To be one of them is to walk as a god among mortals… and the number one enemy of the world.
"'Believe in the might of deities, but do not trust 'Their' benevolence.'" Tianzun quoted from one of his favourite novels.
Given his appearance, he couldn't help but feel amused at the irony.
"Perhaps a warning to not bite off more than I can chew?" He mused, leaning towards the river and once again staring at his reflection.
Something was different now. At the center of the faint gold lotus etched on his forehead, a thin vertical slit had appeared—sealed shut, almost imperceptible unless one looked closely. It didn't protrude, didn't blink, but he knew it was an eye.
"A third eye racial trait…" Tianzun's brows furrowed as a phantom impression brushed his thoughts, similar to the way a dream fades upon waking.
The concept of Third Eye was not new to him.
He'd heard of it before—in religion, myth, and fiction.
The most common thing it represented was enlightenment or having divine-like perception—
Fiction.
"A novel?" Yuanshi Tianzun muttered ponderously.
There wasn't any information to go on given that he hasn't even been in this world for an hour. So—
"I need more context." His golden gaze drifted to the Basic Cultivation Manual. The information within it should be a good place to start at the moment.
Before that though, he would need to finish his preparations.
From the Cultivator flavour perks he purchased Mask for Every Occasion (25) and Mind Like Still Water (50). As for items, he bought a Storage Ring (50) and the Inheritance Grotto (300).
As for the Ring Grandpa: Evil Edition (100)…
Let's leave it for another time. Being a thrill seeker didn't make one stupid, and with the Inheritance Grotto, he wasn't wanting for resources and possible techniques.
425 CP Remaining.
Last was the perk tree that would strongly support his road to power in this world.
The Alchemist.
Breath of the Pill Flame (150)—
Tianzun's vision was suddenly engulfed in a crimson light, finding himself surrounded by roiling grey fog.
The Alchemist's eyes widened with an equal measure of surprise and awe at the iconic environment. Yet, he was broken out of it by three differing sparks of flames blooming into existence before him.
A flame shaped in the form of a nine-headed serpent. Nine-Headed Serpent Flame.
A pale grey flame with bone-white flickering sparks. Ashen Bone Flame.
And a seemingly ordinary verdant coloured flame. Life Spirit Flame.
Knowledge of all three flames appeared at the forefront of Tianzun's mind, making him realise that he was supposed to select one.
Between a Beast Flame, Earth Flame, and Heavenly Flame, the choice was a no-brainer, more so when taking into account their abilities.
So, without any hesitation, he touched the verdant flame—the Life Spirit Flame.
The moment his finger brushed against the flickering green fire, it surged forward with sentient intent, spiraling around his arm like a serpentine ribbon. It didn't burn. It pulsed with vitality and life.
That was the difference between this flame and the other two. It wouldn't increase his combat power, but rather, along with being used as a generic pill flame, it also rapidly allows him to grow medicinal herbs by only having their seeds.
In other words, with his Inheritance Grotto, and Life-Spirit Flame, Yuanshi Tianzun could live a hermit's dream.
Sheltered cultivation. Unlimited resources. No need to interact with scheming sects, arrogant young masters, or plot-convenient world-ending threats. He could grow precious herbs from seed to bloom in a fraction of the time, refine unparalleled pills, and become an unfathomable alchemist of legend—all without taking a single step outside his sanctum.
He had everything he needed.
But…
"In another life, perhaps," Tianzun whispered, half-smiling as he watched the Life-Spirit Flame dance around his fingers.
CP came from Feats. Progress came from Performance. And he didn't believe for a moment that the being watching him was the type to enjoy a quiet recluse endlessly grinding away in a cave. Best case scenario, he'd be discarded like a dull toy. Worst case… well.
"Best not to trust a god's benevolence." He reaffirmed. "More importantly—"
Before Tianzun could say any more, his surroundings changed once again, and he was back before the river, still seated cross legged.
He quietly watched the river for a few seconds before taking a deep breath.
He's mocking and playing me.
Why else would he show him the Sefirah Castle—or rather, the space above the grey fog.
"Childish." Tianzun snorted, turning his attention back to his remaining CP. "So much to buy yet so little to spend."
275 CP.
Congratulations Alchemist!
As this is your first time purchasing perks, you are eligible for a limited-time opportunity!
You may voluntarily roll for a Burden. Each Burden will inflict a lasting drawback, flaw, or affliction upon your body, mind, soul—or story. In exchange, you will be awarded Bonus CP based on the severity of the Burden.
Would you like to roll for a Burden?
"Even suffering is monetised." His lips curled upward, silently noting the information for another time. "Roll."
Rolling…Minor Burden Rolled! (+75 CP)
Burden of the Stray Magnet (Minor): Stray animals and outcast people are drawn to you. Whether it's a lost cat, a lonely demon, or a discarded magical item with feelings, they'll follow you home. They get emotionally attached quickly and are hard to get rid of without hurting their feelings.
This was…not bad. Annoying, perhaps. But not bad.
Feeling a little lucky—a thought he's sure every gambler has—Tianzun rolled again.
Rolling…Major Burden Rolled! (+150 CP)
Burden of Withered Bloodline (Major): Any bloodline you obtained is now dormant and requires a monumental trigger to awaken.
A pale hand reached out to the closed eye on his forehead. "You can't miss what you never had—or in this case, experienced."
In other words, Tianzun wasn't too disappointed in not being able to access his super speshul magic eye any time soon.
"I'm on a roll, so let's get in one more." He said with a chuckle, feeling his pulse pick up in apprehension and excitement.
Rolling…Major Burden Rolled! (+150 CP)
Burden of Evil Qi (Major): Your Qi has been corrupted, and it now exudes a malevolent, eerie presence. Whenever you call upon your Qi, it manifests as a swirling black aura that gives off a chilling, unsettling vibe. Those around you can feel the dark energy radiating from you, causing either suspicion, fear, and discomfort.
Saint race + Evil Qi + Celestial Worthy's appearance?
"Hu Tao's advanced reservation model is actually a clever business strategy," the Transmigrator suddenly mused aloud, tapping his chin thoughtfully. "I wonder if anything like that exists in this world…If it doesn't…"
Tianzun glanced at the ring on his index finger, and the next moment, the Old Journal and a black ballpoint pen appeared in his hands.
And without further thoughts, he started jotting down the idea.
Eternal Peace Pavilion
Slogan: Preparing for the Afterlife, So You Don't Have To
Guaranteed Tomb Construction
Tablet Inscriptions
Posthumous Reputation Management
Flexible Life Insurance for Cultivators!
His expression then turned contemplative.
"…Is the slogan a little too weak sounding? Perhaps 'We bury better than Heaven' is better…Or 'Let us profit from your demise — respectfully, of course.'" A chuckle left his lips at the latter, but he still noted them down, as well as one other that came to mind.
'Death is inevitable. Dying well is optional. Choose Eternal Peace.'
"Seems like one Hu Tao would approve of." The Transmigrator closed the old journal, returning it to his storage ring.
Would you like to roll for an Omega Burden?
300 CP Guaranteed.
A new question appeared, this time in a clear, ominous blood-red colour, seemingly daring Tianzun to agree.
Omega. The end of the line. The final letter. The ultimate consequence.
Ba-dum! Ba-dum! Ba-dum!
That delicious, terrible awareness that the moment you step forward, your life will never be the same filled him again.
"…You're enjoying this, aren't you?" The Alchemist asked aloud, not expecting any answer. With a huff, he said,
"Roll."
Rolling… OMEGA BURDEN ROLLED. (+300 CP)
Burden of the Original Sin (Omega): You now walk in the skin of another — but that person had enemies. Powerful people or forces that know the original identity of your body now appear in your world. Who they are and why they want you dead or alive is uncertain (or is it?), but they are among the powerhouses and/or have deep ties in the world you now inhabit.
"I meant that I would have liked to see Mr. Fool on better terms." Tianzun said in response to his words a while ago, narrowing his eyes as he skimmed over the Burden.
Klein isn't the only enemy Celestial Worthy had. God Almighty, Son of Chaos, even other Outer Gods and Earth's Seven Gods.
"Eternal Peace is sounding like a really good business idea right now." He joked, a relaxed smile plastered on his face.
What was there to panic about right now?
Future problems will be dealt with by future him. It has nothing to do with the present.
But there was something he was curious about — and no amount of speculation was going to give him a real answer.
Better to ask the one who actually handed out the Burden.
"By 'appear' and 'deep ties', do you mean that they have transmigrated into this world? And what about their Authorities and Sefirot?" Tianzun lightly questioned.
I am a Fool that likes a fair and equal exchange.
The Earthlings' lips twitched, "I asked two questions, so what two things would be expected of me?" He probed, adjusting his monocle slightly.
They transmigrated the moment you got the Burden. As for Authorities and Sefirot—heh, this actually two questions in one, but as I'm generous, I'll consider it one—it's been…contextualised to be within scope of the current world.
The first response was expected, but the second one? It would be a lie if he said it was.
How would Sefirah Castle, or Sefirots be made into an in-context ability in a cultivation world? Tianzun pondered for a moment before quickly guessing. "A domain?"
Laughter—mischievous, chaotic, anticipatory—sounded at his assumption, and lines of text materialised before him again. It neither denied nor confirmed his suspicions.
The questions have been asked. Balance must be maintained.
Two answers, two weights on the scale.
What is given must be met with what is owed.
And what I desire is simple…
CHAOS!
ELATION!
Peals of Laughter echoed from everywhere and nowhere once again, and in that moment, understanding dawned in Tianzun's mind.
"Fucking Aha."
The words left his lips before he could stop them, vulgar and inelegant—utterly at odds with his appearance and bearing.
Laughter answered him again, echoing with wild delight… only to vanish mid-note.
As if someone turned off the TV, or plugged in headphones so only they can hear it. Tianzun compared, eyes narrowing thoughtfully.
But he didn't dwell on it for too long.
If someone was there with Aha—someone capable of cutting the volume, so to speak—it could only be a good thing. Perhaps they could restrain, redirect, or at least mollify the manic god before he set the entire world on fire just to watch it burn prettier.
Still cross-legged before the silent river, Tianzun refocused. His gold eyes returning to the perks page, and a smile playing at his lips at the 950 CP he now had.
His gaze dropped to The Alchemist section that he hadn't finished perusing, and picked up key perks that would help his foundation.
Ingredient Magnetism (100), Refiner's Patience (100), Hand of Ten Thousand Herbs(100), Master of the Golden Ratio (150), Essence Without Impurity (150), and Spirit-Walker of the Cauldron Path (200).
From the Flavour Perks he bought Smells Like Enlightenment (25) and Flame-Touched Soul (100).
25 CP was all that was remaining after that spree.
Tianzun returned to the other perk trees to check if there was anything else worth buying, and when he reached the flavour perks of Transmigrator again, he frowned.
He missed out on purchasing a perk that was actually quite vital.
Hero? Villain? Not My Problem. (25 CP): You aren't forced into protagonist or antagonist roles. Fate can't assign you a "narrative role" — you're truly an outsider, and your destiny is your own.
I got too…tunnel-visioned. Tianzun chastised himself as he purchased the perk.
And with that, he closed the interface at last.
Now, with all the necessary perks acquired, Tianzun stood up, stretching his limbs as he surveyed his surroundings. The river flowed serenely before him, its surface reflecting the azure sky.
Then he turned his gaze forward.
A tear in space shimmered into existence. On the other side lay a land teeming with life: colossal trees and colourful herbs.
His Inheritance Grotto.
Without hesitation, Tianzun stepped forward.
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