[Returning to your courtyard, you froze. Someone stood waiting for you — Gu Changsheng.]
[A chill ran down your spine, your scalp tingling at the thought — had he found the pendant?]
[But after a moment of tense silence, you realized his true purpose. Having witnessed your battle against the Beggar Gang leader, he was impressed by your combat strength and sought to recruit you.]
[He promised that at the very least, your achievements would reach the Xiantian Realm.]
[You accepted his offer — not because you wished to join him, but because you wanted your real body to one day experience the satisfaction of killing an enemy using their own methods.]
[Upon your agreement, Gu Changsheng handed you an internal cultivation method capable of reaching the Xiantian Realm. He said that if you succeeded in reaching that stage, he would provide further techniques for advancement.]
[Opening the manual, you discovered it also contained a breath-control art. The technique was called the Turtle-Breathing Method, and the auxiliary technique was the Breath-Retaining Method.]
[You packed your belongings, keeping the jade pendant close. You still held a glimmer of hope — that it hid a heaven-defying opportunity.]
[Before leaving, you met with the gang elders. They were still awestruck by your victory over the Beggar Gang leader. You paid their expressions little mind, collected your allotted resources, and departed with Gu Changsheng.]
[Half a month later, you arrived in the royal capital — Taiping City — without incident. Even if bandits of the Xiantian Realm existed, few dared to provoke someone like Gu Changsheng. {Of course, there were always a few blind fools, but geniuses who could fight across realms were not to be trifled with.}]
[Gu Changsheng arranged a room for you at an inn. Once settled, you began strolling through the city, visiting restaurants and gathering information.]
[From your inquiries, you learned that Taiping City had three major powers — the Royal Family, the Gu Family, and the Xiao Family. The Gu and Xiao were bitter enemies, holding the most influence in court. However, under the Royal Family's watchful eye, they avoided open conflict, instead waging constant political and covert battles.]
[Three days later, you broke through to the peak of the Bone-Strengthening Realm. Just as you were about to resume training, a virtual screen appeared before your simulated self.]
---
Ding! [Talent Triggered — Foundation Enhancement Guide.]
[The host may choose one of the following paths:]
① Break through to Martial Arts Master forcibly, consuming all blood and qi — Human Foundation.
② Break through to Martial Arts Master after solidifying your base — Xuan Foundation {Chance to reach Grandmaster Realm}.
③ Practice a Marrow-Cleansing Technique before breaking through — Supreme Foundation {Guaranteed to reach Great Grandmaster Realm}.
---
[The concept of the Marrow-Cleansing Realm did not surprise you — but the difficulty of obtaining such a technique troubled you.]
[This was one of the martial world's most guarded treasures. Even families who possessed it would hide it fiercely, for revealing it could bring annihilation.]
[You dismissed the first option entirely. Unless faced with life and death, you would never burn your blood and qi just to advance.]
[The second option was acceptable… if you failed to obtain a Marrow-Cleansing method.]
[As you pondered, the jade pendant at your chest began to glow faintly. Your heart skipped a beat — was it finally time?]
[Quickly, you pricked your finger and let a drop of blood fall onto it. The pendant shattered, releasing a radiant book into the air. In divine script, it read: Marrow-Cleansing Method.]
[Skimming its contents, you whispered, "If my family died because of this… then it was worth it."]
[This wasn't just any marrow-cleansing technique — it was the highest grade, capable of improving both martial aptitude and spiritual roots. Even in the immortal world, it would be priceless. And there was no upper limit recorded in the manual.]
[The only drawback? It consumed an immense amount of time to take effect.]
[But for you, with the Simulator, time was no obstacle.]
[For a moment, you truly felt like the protagonist of destiny.]
[Then you calmed yourself. You were not cautious and decisive because you were the protagonist — you were the protagonist because you were cautious and decisive.]
[From countless novels in your previous life, you had learned that many villain protagonists would alter the fate of a Son of Destiny, only to suffer a humiliating death. You resolved to be even more careful outside the Simulator.]
[From that day, you began cultivating the Marrow-Cleansing Method. Slowly, your aptitude rose, and you stepped into the Marrow-Cleansing Realm.]
[Ten days later, Gu Changsheng summoned you to register with the Gu Family. You were formally accepted, with monthly resources provided.]
[You trained diligently, focusing on the Breath-Retaining Technique. The Turtle-Breathing Method could only be practiced after completing the Marrow-Cleansing Realm.]
[News of your "breakthrough" reached Gu Changsheng. Delighted, he praised your talent. You replied with polite flattery: "This is all thanks to Young Master Gu's generosity in providing the Xiantian technique." Secretly, you gave silent thanks — for his resources would now increase.]
---
[4th Year of Simulation — You reached mid-stage Marrow-Cleansing Realm. To outsiders, it seemed you hadn't progressed at all. Gu Changsheng grew suspicious, but during the Gu Family's young generation competition, your exceptional performance satisfied his vanity. He assumed you were focusing on honing your skills.]
[6th Year — You were expelled from the Gu Family for failing to advance to Martial Arts Master.]
[By then, you had reached late-stage Marrow-Cleansing Realm. You decided to return to Yongcheng City.]
[On the road, you encountered numerous bandits — most weaker than you and easily defeated. But fate, whether blessing or curse, sent you against a Xiantian Realm bandit. You barely escaped with serious injuries, collapsing in a remote village.]
[When you awoke, a girl's face filled your vision, staring at you intently. You felt awkward — until you truly saw her. She was a heavenly beauty, and your heart skipped a beat.]
[She seemed to realize she was staring, her cheeks flushing as she hid behind her sleeves. You quickly composed yourself, embarrassment matching hers.]
[In time, you learned her name — Xu Caihua. She was one of seven sisters in the village, each possessing peerless beauty.]