"You might want to check these other tabs, Host." the system announced, its voice breaking the silence.
Curious, Lao Xie focused on the panel, which expanded to the reveal three tabs - Techniques, Affinity, and Shop.
"Ah, I forgot about the others. Well, let's see..." he murmured, tapping on the Techniques tab.
----------------------------
Lao Xie focused on the Techniques tab, and the moment he did, detailed information filled his mind.
[TECHNIQUES]
1. Heavenly Echoing Sword Arts
Stage: Seventh Stage (0/7)
Description: A powerful sword technique that resonates with the heavens, allowing the user to unleash devastating strikes imbued with celestial energy. Each stage increases the user's speed, strength, and precision, culminating in a technique that can cleave through the very fabric of reality.
2. Mirage Walk
Stage: Fifth Stage (0/5)
Description: A legendary footwork technique that allows the user to blend with their surroundings, becoming a fleeting mirage. Mastery of this technique makes the user elusive in combat, capable of outmaneuvering even the most perceptive opponents.
Lao Xie nodded slightly. "These should serve me well for now."
Next, he navigated to the Affinity tab, intrigued by its purpose. The screen displayed a simple yet impactful message.
[AFFINITY]
Description: This section tracks your affinity's interest with you. The higher the interest points, the more they trust you and less chance of betrayal. Max Interest is 10 stars, be careful of what you do because the stars can go down.
A calculating light flickered in his eyes as he absorbed the implications. "Interest? That's something I can use..." He paused, considering how this new mechanic would play into his grander schemes.
Afterward, he checked the Shop tab. But it was still grayed out.
[SHOP]
Status: Locked
"Shop functionality not yet available. System update required. New features may unlock with future updates," the system informed him.
Lao Xie's eyes narrowed. "Another delay." His frustration didn't show on his face, but his mind was already working on contingencies. "Well, nothing's ever that simple. I'll have to make do for now." He leaned back slightly, his eyes fixed on the grayed-out Shop tab.
His focus returned to the techniques panel.
"Heavenly Echoing Sword Arts..." he muttered. "First Move: Sky's Whisperer." He repeated the name slowly, letting the words linger.
[TECHNIQUES]
Heavenly Echoing Sword Arts (0/7)
First Move – Sky's Whisperer
Mastery – 0%
Description: The first move of the Heavenly Echoing Sword Arts. It initiates a soft yet swift slash, with the sword whispering through the air like a gentle breeze, cutting with precision and stealth.
"Zero percent? So it begins," Lao Xie muttered, his fingers brushing through his white hair.
He closed his eyes, focusing on the technique. As the system's voice echoed in his mind, "Concentrate on the essence of the technique. Focus on the gentleness of a breeze and the precision, visualize the gentle breeze and the precise cut it makes. Allow the sword to become an extension of your will."
Lao Xie didn't simply follow it blindly. He processed the words carefully, dissecting each piece of advice.
"A breeze... precise, silent. It's not just a strike. It's an extension of me."
Raising his sword, Lao Xie didn't rush. His movements were deliberate, controlled. The blade moved through the air with a soft, whispering whoosh, but something was off.
His instincts told him it wasn't enough. He glanced at the screen.
[TECHNIQUES]
Heavenly Echoing Sword Arts (0/7)
First Move – Sky's Whisperer
Mastery – 1%
Description: The first move of the Heavenly Echoing Sword Arts. It initiates a soft yet swift slash, with the sword whispering through the air like a gentle breeze, cutting with precision and stealth.
"One percent…" Lao Xie whispered. "So it really tracks improvement this closely."
His eyes sharpened as he gripped the sword tighter. "More..." His voice was cold, focused.
As he prepared for another attempt, the screen flickered. Interrupting his concentration, a task-panel appeared.
Ding~
[New task available]
Lao Xie's brow arched. "A task?"
[System Task - Main Task]
Task: Eliminate a first-stage demonic beast.
Failure Penalty: Your cultivation realm will drop to Qi Refinement 1st stage.
Completion Rewards: 100 spirit stones, 3x Fleeing Talisman- Low Grade (temporary escape from danger and teleport to 100m away from the current location).
"It's time for your first task, Host," the system announced.
Lao Xie's eyes narrowed as he absorbed the details of the task. "Kill a demonic beast? Right after I've barely touched the basics?" he muttered, though his tone wasn't one of doubt. Instead, it carried a measured, calculating undertone.
His eyes locked onto the reward. "One hundred spirit stones... Quite generous. For an outer disciple like me, even having ten is rare. I've been robbed before by those stronger than me, treated like trash with no cultivation."
He looked at the talisman description. "Teleportation, even at a hundred meters, can save lives in desperate moments. These items... are leverage."
Pausing, he scrutinized the system message again. "A first-stage demonic beast... dangerous, certainly, but not unbeatable. Especially for someone like me." His lips curled into a smirk, but it was the smile of someone who saw the pieces falling into place.
As he prepared to leave, the system chimed in. "Do not underestimate the task, Host. Demonic beasts, even at the first stage, are a deadly threat. You lack experience and have yet to truly cultivate. Failure could mean your death."
Lao Xie paused, absorbing the system's warning. His expression remained calm, his gaze sharp. "Of course," he murmured, "I never assume anything will be easy. But I'll adapt, like always." He tightened his grip on his sword, his eyes flickered.
Lao Xie's smirk didn't fade, but his gaze grew sharper, assessing the situation with the cold precision of a strategist. "Death, huh?" He ran a hand through his white hair, eyes glittering.
"I suppose that's always a possibility. But I'm not one to walk blindly into danger. If the system thinks this is enough to make me hesitate, it doesn't know me well enough yet."