Darkness again...
But this time, it feels... a little more comfortable than before?
As I look down, I see the outline of my body.
That's new. There was nothing before.
[DING!]
[System: FEAR-ENGINE v1.0]
[Cultivation: Tremor Initiate ▸ Qi Gathering Stage 1]
[Congratulations to Host for initiating cultivation!]
[In the current world, Host's current cultivation is equivalent to Qi Gathering Stage 1.]
Tremor Initiate?
System, do I walk a different path of cultivation from the norm?
[Yes, that is correct. Host's cultivation method does not originate from this world.]
What are the differences?
[Calculating differences...]
[Unlike normal cultivators, Host's body is adapted to ▸ The Fear-Devouring Method.]
[The Fear-Devouring Method cultivates both body and soul, whereas most cultivators focus on one at a time.]
Is there any difference between me and Qi Gathering Stage 1 cultivator?
[Calculating differences...]
[Host's body and soul are approximately 1.7x stronger than the current world's counterpart.]
[As the stage progresses, the difference will become more noticeable.]
More noticeable? I'm already nearly twice as strong.
Not to mention, I cultivate both at the same time, so the difference in a fight is even higher.
Admittedly, I have no fighting experience nor know how to use this power.
One step at a time. Take it easy.
System, how do I utilize this power?
[Upon awakening, Host will naturally feel the force within the dantian. Due to system interference, the pathways have been cleared and adjusted for seamless control.]
That's convenient.
System, I've only received 1 point of Fear from the maid.
That is despite slapping her hand away. What gives?
[Fear gained from physical pain is not as valuable as the fear that comes from the soul.]
From the soul? System, what's the difference?
[While physical punishments can gather a certain amount of Fear, they primarily trigger emotions that are useless to Host. Anger, hesitation, shock. Host cannot utilize these emotions.]
Seems like I was lucky to get even 1 point.
How do I target fear efficiently?
[Deep-rooted, valuable Fear originates within a person's mind.]
[While physical actions can be utilized as a tool, it should not be the primary focus.]
So going around and abusing my status won't do me much good.
Fair enough. I did think it was too easy.
System, one last question. How powerful are the cultivators you meet on a day-to-day basis?
[Analyzing...]
[Strong enough for Host to die immediately after venturing out.]
[Host is strongly encouraged to reach mid stages before leaving the house.]
...
Fine. I get it.
[Warning: There is no time left. Host will regain consciousness in 3... 2... 1...]
Gasp... gasp...
What… why am I so out of breath?
Huff… huff… alright…
Huuuufff...
Let's take a look at the energy. System said I should be able to use it.
As I focus my mind towards my abdomen, I feel a warm current flowing through my body.
"This must be the Qi."
But something is weird. In the novels, the cultivator must circulate the Qi in order to improve.
So how come...
"How come my Qi is circulating on its own?"
"System, I have a question."
...
Alright, tsundere, we will talk later.
"Let's see whether my body fares any better."
I push myself up, attempting to sit like before.
As expected, my body not only recovered but is rather strong too.
"I'll forgive you the pain this time, system."
I say with a chuckle as I stand up and walk towards the mirror.
The reflection in it is foreign, but also slightly similar to my previous life.
"I don't think this is a coincidence."
Regardless, it doesn't matter. Let's see how it looks under the clothes.
"..."
Chiseled muscles, a strong jawline, and broad shoulders.
Yet tempered with elegance and softer features.
"I guess I got the best of both worlds."
Knock knock.
"Young Master, it's me, Xiaoyu."
Here she comes again. Well, good timing nonetheless.
"Come in."
I speak out, my tone cold as ever.
Creak...
Here it is again. What's with this appearance? Wait... what's that?
I focus on the weird sensation I get from my dantian.
[DING!]
[System: FEAR-ENGINE v1.0]
[STATUS]
[Name: Bai Xiaoyu]
[Age: 17]
[Cultivation: None]
[Greatest Fear: Abandonment]
"Now that's useful..."