Yet in the original storyline, through a miraculous blend of enemies showing mercy and villains traveling thousands of miles to deliver resources straight to his doorstep, the protagonist's road had been entirely paved smooth.
Step by step, he crushed obstacles and ascended without resistance, ultimately reaching the Supreme Realm and standing shoulder to shoulder with Alex.
Meanwhile, the original Alex had personally fed every subordinate he possessed into the protagonist's hands.
One by one, his forces were dismantled.
He became a general without an army.
In the end, he faced Knox and his entire harem alone, only to be besieged and slain by their combined strength.
His own death was followed by the extermination of his clan.
One could easily imagine how arrogant and self destructive the original Alex must have been.
Fortunately, this transmigration had not come too late.
The current Hale family still stood at the absolute height of its power.
Under his command were more than a thousand direct lineage disciples, their cultivation averaging between the Qi Gathering Realm and the Foundation Establishment Realm.
Beyond them were over a dozen branch family heads at the Enlightenment Realm.
And four Great Elders stood at the Mahayana Realm, each mastering their own unique secret techniques.
As for Knox.
He was still nothing more than that insignificant ant.
Moreover, he had already lost two major early stage cheat items.
The Seven Orifices Divine Heart.
And the Jade Sword and Blood Purification Bottle.
Although Alex remained cautious of Heavenly Dao's backlash and did not dare directly kill Knox yet, he had no intention of allowing him to grow.
With careful schemes and steady pressure, he would ensure Knox remained a powerless ant.
When Heavenly Dao's protection completely dissipated, he would crush him with a single finger.
The corners of Alex's lips lifted faintly.
He was very satisfied with his current layout.
Without hesitation, he opened the Heavenly Secret Mall.
As the system's storehouse, it contained countless treasures.
Lost secret manuals, extinct divine techniques, rare spiritual artifacts.
The list scrolled endlessly.
Among them were Divine tier and Emperor tier cultivation methods.
[Divine King's World Extinguishing Incantation] | Upper Grade Divine | Cost: 1,000,000 Providence Points
[Myriad Weapons Luminous God Mantra] | Middle Grade Divine | Cost: 980,000 Providence Points
[Heavenly Emperor's Hibiscus Art] | Upper Grade Emperor | Cost: 800,000 Providence Points
The names alone exuded overwhelming dominance.
Yet when Alex saw the price, he drew in a sharp breath.
"This is outrageously expensive."
"I worked so hard to suppress Knox into a miserable state, and I only earned 1,500 points."
"One million Providence Points."
"Even if I drained him dry, it would likely not be enough."
He scrolled further.
Heaven and Earth tier methods.
Origin tier methods.
Those were barely within reach.
But he quickly dismissed the thought.
The Rakshasa Water and Fire Incantation and the Rakshasa Soul Extinguishing Art he currently cultivated were both Lower Grade Supreme tier.
As the inherited core techniques of a Saint lineage, only successive Saint Lords were qualified to cultivate them.
Their power needed no explanation.
He had already trained both to Great Perfection.
Combined with his tyrannical cultivation at the seventh level of the Supreme Realm, he could contend with ninety nine percent of the experts in this era.
For the few who surpassed him, such as Knox's mid game patron in the original storyline, the Heavenly Flame Empress, even those Supreme tier methods would not guarantee victory.
Alex clicked his tongue softly.
Then a bold idea surfaced.
"System. Can I purchase cultivation methods chapter by chapter?"
[Yes.]
[Purchasing individual chapters requires an additional ten percent Providence Point premium.]
[The later the chapter, the higher the price.]
Alex's eyes brightened instantly.
As for the extra ten percent, he did not care.
The reason he urgently needed a new cultivation method was simple.
The Heavenly Flame Empress could come seeking revenge at any moment.
If he could not suppress her, the Hale family might deviate from the original timeline and suffer clan extermination ahead of schedule.
If he successfully dealt with her and humiliated Knox further, he could harvest another wave of Providence Points.
Either way, the risk was worth it.
He began scanning the mall again.
Soon, his gaze locked onto a target.
[Item: Six Paths Wheel of Destruction technique]
[Tier: Middle Grade Divine]
[Cost: 960,000 Providence Points]
[Description: Created by the Reincarnation Holy Emperor of the Ten Palaces of Yama. Allows the user to wield the power of the Six Paths of Samsara.]
[First Chapter: The Animal Path]
[Cost: 2,800 Providence Points]
Alex's expression stiffened.
Just moments ago he had felt clever.
Now reality struck.
Even a single chapter exceeded his current balance.
"What now?"
"I cannot bargain with the system."
"Am I supposed to buy half a chapter and practice half?"
Just as frustration surfaced, two crisp system notifications rang in succession.
[Ding! The host has caused the Chosen One to irrevocably sever ties with a female lead. The Chosen One's Providence decreases by 1,500. The host gains 750 Providence Points.]
[Ding! The host has caused the Child of Destiny to irrevocably sever ties with his Master. The Chosen One's Providence decreases by 1,500. The host gains 750 Providence Points.]
Alex paused.
Then his eyes gleamed.
Perfect timing.
He had just been worrying about insufficient Providence Points.
And now the heavens sent rain at the right moment.
"Knox… Knox…"
"You truly are my considerate little benefactor."
He had completely broken with two of the most crucial figures in his early stage.
How thoughtful.
Without hesitation, Alex confirmed the exchange.
[Ding! Congratulations. The host has successfully exchanged for the First Chapter of the Six Paths Wheel of Destruction Technique. The Animal Path.]
[2,800 Providence Points deducted. Remaining Providence Points: 200.]
Alex closed his eyes.
His mind calmed.
A majestic current of spiritual energy descended through the crown of his head and flooded into his consciousness.
Golden sacred characters manifested one after another, carving themselves deeply into his sea of consciousness.
[Six Paths Wheel of Destruction Art. The Animal Path.]
[The Animal Path is the destination for the souls of all beasts.]