Gazing at the cascade of system notifications flooding his consciousness, Liu Feng instantly forgot his current predicament—four cultivators prostrated before him, awaiting divine commands he had no idea how to give. The symphony of chiming alerts and ringing notifications made him feel like a European monarch surveying vast treasure vaults filled with newly acquired wealth and riches beyond all possible measures!
'Focus, Liu Feng, focus!' he mentally chided himself, though the excitement bubbling through his consciousness was impossible to suppress completely. 'Let's see exactly what treasures I've stumbled into.'
With deliberate care, Liu Feng scrolled back through the notifications, his metaphorical 'eyes' drinking in each reward with the intensity of a scholar deciphering ancient texts.
'Starting strong with this Gift Shop function—let me see what wonders this new feature has to offer!'
'System, open the Gift Shop Function!'
[DING!]
[System Gift Shop: Activated!]
The translucent blue screen materialized before his consciousness, displaying its wares with crystalline clarity:
[AVAILABLE ITEMS:]
[Longevity Pill {Low Yellow Grade}: 5 Growth Points Qi Pill {Low Yellow Grade}: 5 Growth Points, 1x Critical Block Card {Passive}: 10 Growth Points, Beginner's Guide to Cultivation Novel: 15 Growth Points]
[LIMITED EDITION OFFER: Mighty Tree Sprout Cultivation Manual {Low Yellow Grade}: 15 Growth Points *SYSTEM NOTE: Manual is upgradeable and possesses the potential to eventually evolve into an SSS Supreme Grade Cultivation Treasure!!!*]
Liu Feng stared at the modest selection, his initial surge of excitement deflating slightly like a punctured balloon.
'That's... it? Just five items?' He'd somehow imagined virtual shelves stretching into infinity, loaded with numerous mystical artifacts and heaven-defying treasures.
Yet even as disappointment threatened to dampen his spirits, Liu Feng's natural optimism—honed through a previous lifetime of making the best of bad situations—reasserted itself.
His mindset then began to shift to a more analytical aspect, examining each option with the scrutiny of a merchant appraising precious jade. 'The pills I can safely ignore for now. What use does a tree have for longevity or qi restoration? Unless the system expects me to grow arms and pop them like candy, they're essentially useless to my current form that cannot even cultivate.'
The Beginner's Guide to Cultivation Novel caught his attention briefly—'Wait, is that a manual about cultivation or literally a cultivation novel? The wording is ambiguous...'—but he quickly dismissed it as a secondary concern.
'The real prizes,' Liu Feng's thoughts sharpened with predatory focus, 'are obviously the Limited Edition Offer and those Critical Block Cards.'
In his previous life, Liu Feng had been a sucker for limited edition anything. Video game skins, collector's edition books, seasonal menu items—the mere label "LIMITED EDITION" triggered something primal in his consumer psyche. And now, seeing those magic words combined with the system's tantalizing note about evolution to SSS Supreme Grade...
'Supreme Grade,' he mused, rolling the title around in his mind like a connoisseur savoring fine wine. 'In every cultivation story I've read, grade rankings meant everything. If Low Yellow Grade is the bottom rung, then SSS Supreme must be reality-shattering power. The kind of technique that makes even immortals wet themselves in fear!'
A quick mental calculation showed he possessed nineteen Growth Points after completing his mission. Enough to purchase both the cultivation manual and one Critical Block Card, with four points remaining. The mathematics were simple—the decision, however, required deeper consideration.
'But rushing into purchases without understanding the products is how you end up with buyer's remorse,' Liu Feng reminded himself, channeling the wisdom of countless online shopping disasters. 'I need more information before I commit to anything.'
'System,' he called out mentally, his consciousness clearly projecting the query, 'is there a way to view detailed descriptions of each item? Full specifications, benefits, limitations—everything?'
[DING!]
[Affirmative. The System can provide comprehensive analysis of all Gift Shop items. Please specify which items the Host wishes to examine.]
'All of them,' Liu Feng responded immediately. 'Give me the complete breakdown!'
[DING!]
[Generating detailed item descriptions...]
The system's female mechanical voice took on an almost scholarly tone as information began flooding Liu Feng's consciousness:
[LONGEVITY PILL {Low Yellow Grade}]
[Function: Extends mortal lifespan by 2-5 years when consumed Optimal Usage: Most effective when taken before age 50 Restrictions: Maximum 3 pills effective per individual lifetime; diminishing returns apply Market Value: Approximately 500 gold taels in mortal kingdoms Note: Useless for plant-based entities. Host cannot personally utilize this item.]
[QI PILL {Low Yellow Grade}]
[Function: Rapidly restores 30% of cultivator's total Qi reserves Recovery Time: Full effect manifests within 15 minutes of consumption Optimal Usage: Emergency situations, prolonged battles, or cultivation breakthroughs Restrictions: Cannot exceed natural Qi capacity; may cause minor spiritual turbulence if overused Market Value: Approximately 300 gold taels in mortal kingdoms Note: Useless for plant-based entities lacking conventional Qi circulation systems. Host cannot personally utilize this item.]
[CRITICAL BLOCK CARD {Passive}]
[Function: Automatically negates one instance of fatal damage to the Host Activation: Instantaneous upon detection of life-threatening harm Duration: Single-use defensive measure; card disappears after activation Scope: Protects against physical, spiritual, and metaphysical attacks Note: The Host's most valuable defensive asset given current vulnerability. Passive nature means no conscious activation required—protection is automatic.]
[BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO CULTIVATION NOVEL]
[Function: Comprehensive primer on cultivation world fundamentals Contents: Detailed explanations of cultivation realms, common techniques, sect hierarchies, spiritual herb identification, beast classifications, and cultivation world etiquette Format: Information directly integrated into Host's knowledge base upon purchase Special Feature: Includes reference sections on alchemy, formation arrays, and artifact refinement basics Note: Essentially a cultivation world encyclopedia. Highly valuable for Hosts lacking familiarity with xianxia settings.]
[MIGHTY TREE SPROUT CULTIVATION MANUAL {Low Yellow Grade} - LIMITED EDITION
[Function: Specialized cultivation method designed for entities the System deems compatible. *NOTE: The being who cultivates this method must have a cultivation base of at least the Sixth Stage of Body Tempering.* This is a one-time offer. Item will disappear from Gift Shop after 24 hours or upon purchase, whichever comes first.]
The information settled into Liu Feng's consciousness like sediment after a storm, each detail shaping his understanding. The choice suddenly became far less complicated.
'The pills are definitely out—I'm a tree, not a pill-popping cultivator,' he reasoned methodically. 'The Cultivation Novel guide is tempting, but I've read enough web novels to have a basic grasp of how these worlds work. I can probably figure things out as I go - for now at least.'
His attention fixated on the two remaining options like a hawk spotting prey. 'The Critical Block Cards are pure survival insurance. In a world where cultivators can apparently atomize enemies with finger flicks, having an "oh shit" button that automatically saves my bark is invaluable.'
'But the cultivation manual...' Liu Feng's thoughts grew reverent. 'It's literally the only item here that I thought I could actually use myself. Everything here but the critical block cards seemed catered towards other people for some strange reason! Where are my overpowered skills and cheats!?'
The LIMITED EDITION tag glowed in his consciousness like a siren's call. The system's note about it disappearing after 24 hours added delicious urgency to the decision.
'But it is limited edition and if I could give it to one of my new subordinates, that would make completing the system Task of making this sect the most powerful in the world a lot easier...' The possibilities made his leaves metaphorically quiver. 'That alone is probably worth every Growth Point I possess.'
After several moments of intense contemplation—during which he mentally constructed elaborate cost-benefit analyses that would make business professors weep with pride—Liu Feng reached his decision.
'System,' he declared with finality, 'purchase the Mighty Tree Sprout Cultivation Manual!'
[DING!]
[Confirming purchase: Mighty Tree Sprout Cultivation Manual {Low Yellow Grade} - 15 Growth Points]
[Transaction processing...]
[Purchase successful!]
[Mighty Tree Sprout Cultivation Manual has been integrated into Host's knowledge base!]
[Current Growth Points: 4/19]
Liu Feng felt a strange rush of a foreign energy flowing into his tree body.
[DING!]
[The cultivation scroll is now in the Host's system storage space. The system storage space can currently only be used to store items the Host has purchased.]
'Oh! The system storage space sounds cool...Wait.' His euphoria ground to an abrupt halt. 'Current Growth Points: 4/19? But I had nineteen points total! The manual cost fifteen, so I should have four remaining. That math checks out, so why do I feel like—'
Realization crashed over him like ice cold water. 'Oh no. Oh no no no. I was going to buy at least one Critical Block Card after this!'
The terrible mathematics of his situation became much more significant than he had hoped. He'd spent fifteen points on the manual, leaving him with only four points remaining. The Critical Block Cards cost ten points each. And Liu Feng was six points short.
'I can't even afford a single defensive card!' Depression instantly settled over his heart. 'What kind of immortal founder can't even afford basic life insurance?!'
The weight of his miscalculation pressed down on him. Here he was, playing the role of an all-powerful ancient immortal, when in reality he couldn't even purchase basic defensive measures. The irony was almost downright painful.
But just as Liu Feng was about to spiral into complete despair—imagining scenarios where some random cultivator sneezed in his direction and accidentally obliterated him—a flicker of memory sparked through the gloom.
'Wait! The system had other notifications!' Hope surged back to life like spring growth. 'There was something about a Newbie Starter Pack!'
His consciousness frantically scrolled back through the notification log, searching for that particular message with the desperation of a drowning man reaching for driftwood.
There! The notification glowed with blessed promise:
[DING!]
[The Host has completed his first official task!]
[Reward: System Newbie Starter Pack obtained!]
'System!' Liu Feng mentally shouted with an enthusiasm that made his leaves rustle. 'Open the Newbie Starter Pack immediately!'
[DING!]
[Confirming request: Open Newbie Starter Pack?]
'YES!' Liu Feng's response erupted before the system could even finish its questioion, practically oozing an equal amount of desperation and anticipation.
[Affirmative. Opening Newbie Starter Pack...]
[DING! DING! DING!]
The system's icy, mechanical female voice rang out with ceremonial gravity as the translucent blue screen blazed to life before his mind:
[NEWBIE STARTER PACK CONTENTS:
The Host has received: 5x Critical Block Cards {Passive}
The Host has received: 1x Dao Integration Altar {System Structure}
The Host has received: A-Rank Orange Grade Skill - Mother Nature's Healing]
[ITEM DETAILS:
{Critical Block Cards (Quantity: 5)}
Function: Each card automatically negates one instance of fatal damage Status: Now integrated into Host's defensive matrix Remaining Uses: 5/5
{Dao Integration Altar}
Classification: System-generated mystical structure Primary Function: Absorbs residual auspicious divine energies from offered items
Secondary Function: Converts absorbed energies into Growth Points at variable exchange rates Appearance: Can be manifested in physical realm at Host's command Note: Quality and spiritual significance of offered items directly affects conversion efficiency
{Mother Nature's Healing {A-Rank Skill}
Function: Allows Host to heal injuries, restore vitality, and purify spiritual contamination in living beings
Activation Cost: Variable Growth Points based on severity of condition
Healing Modes: • Continuous Healing: Gradual restoration over extended period (lower point cost) • Instantaneous Healing: Immediate full restoration (higher point cost) Range: Direct contact with roots or branches required WARNING: Corresponding Growth Points will be automatically deducted based on energy required. Severe injuries or spiritual damage may cost significant points. The Host should assess his points cost before committing.]
Silence.
Complete, absolute silence within Liu Feng's mind as he processed this windfall of rewards.
Then; 'WHAT?!'
His metaphorical jaw would have hit the floor if he possessed such anatomy. Five Critical Block Cards! He'd been despairing over not affording a single one, and the system had just casually dropped five into his lap like party favors!
'System, you magnificent bastard!' Liu Feng's consciousness practically sang with joy. 'You let me suffer through that whole emotional crisis knowing full well you were about to shower me with exactly what I needed!'
[DING!]
[The System does not experience emotions and therefore cannot be classified as a "magnificent bastard." However, the Host's satisfaction with the rewards is noted.]
Ignoring the Dao alter since Liu Feng really did have no current use for it, he started to immediately contemplate just how much the system had truly blessed him this time!
'An A-Rank healing skill,' he marveled. 'Now even if I do get hurt, I can just heal myself and fix the damage!'
Strategic possibilities began to quickly enter his mind. He could heal the sect master and disciples when they inevitably injured themselves. He could cure mysterious ailments that plagued important figures, earning loyalty and resources. He could—
'Wait.' Liu Feng's excitement paused. 'I'm getting ahead of myself. There are still four cultivators standing outside awaiting commands I haven't given them yet.'
His consciousness shifted focus back to the external world, where time had continued flowing during his system shopping spree.
How long had he left them waiting? Minutes? Hours?
Meanwhile, in the physical world of the sect's inner courtyard, the passage of time had indeed been noticed by the four figures still prostrated before the ancient oak tree.
Lu Zhou remained in his deep kowtow, forehead pressed against cold stone, his weathered body absolutely motionless. To an outside observer, he might have appeared as a statue carved from flesh—a monument to piety and devotion. But internally, his mind churned with a thousand thoughts.
'The Heavenly Stars Immortal hasn't spoken in quite some time,' the old master noted, carefully keeping even his internal observations respectful. 'Perhaps the venerable one is contemplating matters of great importance. Or testing our patience and devotion. Either way, I dare not move until given permission.'
His three disciples, likewise frozen in their kowtow positions, were having decidedly less enlightened internal experiences.
Shen Rui's mind meanwhile, worked through thought after thought. 'How long should one remain prostrated before an immortal? The classics mention disciples waiting forty-nine days for a single word from their masters, but surely that's metaphorical... right?'
Chen Haoran, on the other hand, had settled into a state of determined endurance. 'Master said not to move, and the immortal hasn't dismissed us, so we stay. Simple. Even if my knees are going numb and I'm fairly certain an ant just crawled into my robe.'
But Little Mei Ling, was experiencing considerably more immediate concerns.
The passage of time pressed on her with increasing urgency, specifically on one particular organ that seemed to have no respect for the gravitas of meeting an immortal sect founder. She squirmed imperceptibly, her small face growing increasingly uncomfortable behind her kowtow position.
Finally, unable to bear it any longer, she leaned ever so slightly toward Shen Rui and whispered in the barest thread of sound: "Second Senior Brother..."
Shen Rui's eye twitched. They were in the presence of an ancient immortal, maintaining a respectful silence, and his junior sister was whispering? He very carefully shifted just his eyes—not his head, heaven forbid—to glance at her from his peripheral vision.
"What?" he hissed back, the single word carrying a wealth of annoyed curiosity.
Mei Ling's whisper was so quiet it barely disturbed the air: "What should we do? Should we just... keep waiting?"
Shen Rui suppressed a sigh that would have been deeply disrespectful to project into the sacred atmosphere. "We wait until we receive either a response from our master or the immortal Sect Founder," he whispered back, his tone taking on a sage-like quality despite his own uncertainty. "Whether we must remain here forty days or forty nights is just a tribulation that must be endured."
From Mei Ling's other side, Chen Haoran gave the smallest nod of agreement, not even lifting his head from the ground. 'Finally, junior brother speaks sense,' he thought approvingly.
Mei'er, her young mind processing this proclamation of extended suffering, felt a small surge of admiration for her second senior brother's wisdom and dedication. 'Forty days and forty nights... such devotion! I must learn from his example!'
But then another, more pressing concern reasserted itself with undeniable urgency. She leaned toward Shen Rui once more, her whisper even quieter than before: "Second Senior Brother..."
Shen Rui's eye twitched again, more pronounced this time. An irritated exhale threatened to escape his nostrils—carefully suppressed lest it be interpreted as disrespectful huffing in the immortal's presence. He shifted his eyes toward his junior sister with an expression that managed to convey "this had better be important" without moving a single facial muscle.
"What?" The whispered word carried significantly more exasperation than the previous inquiry.
Mei Ling's small voice trembled with innocent concern: "But Second Senior Brother... what if I need to use the bathroom?"
"..."
"..."