Talent Restored

Talent Restored

"Ding!"

"Notice: A third-rank Martial Artist is the host's actual strength. Third stage Dou Qi is the strength converted for the current plane."

"Notice: The host's realm has improved. The system space has been unlocked. The host may directly store items in the system space."

"Notice: As long as the host views any cultivation technique in the system, the host can successfully cultivate it."

"Notice: Items in the system shop require Master Value to exchange. The host may use them personally or gift them to disciples."

He could master them successfully just by exchanging for them?

Chen Qiye was astonished. He glanced at the system-gifted Dragon Subduing Eighteen Palms, and another notification immediately sounded in his mind.

"Ding!"

"Notice: Congratulations to host 'Chen Qiye' for successfully cultivating Dragon Subduing Eighteen Palms."

"Dragon Subduing Eighteen Palms: Originating from the Earth Plane and refined to the limit through countless deductions, this is a quasi-Heaven-grade cultivation technique. Each palm strike doubles its power, while all eighteen strikes increase its power eighteenfold."

Holy crap, that was badass!

Chen Qiye secretly rejoiced. I may only be at the third stage of Dou Qi, but with the Dragon Subduing Eighteen Palms, I can defeat a Dou Zhe.

"Ding!"

"Notice: Using cultivation techniques consumes the host's Dou Qi. At the host's current realm, even the first palm strike cannot be used."

"Damn it! Does it have to be this much of a scam? System, what realm do I need before I can start using it?"

"Notice: At minimum, seventh-rank Martial Artist (seventh stage Dou Qi)."

"System, then how can I raise my realm?"

"Notice: The host has two methods of advancement. First, obtain emotional value from living beings. Second, exchange for Boundary-Breaking Pills through the shop."

Chen Qiye was well versed in web novels and understood at once. Emotional value was merely the official term; put simply, it meant showing off. Just as he was about to check the shop, the system notification sounded again.

"Ding! Emotional Value from Xiao Yan +999!"

"Notice: The host's realm has improved: fourth-rank Martial Artist (fourth stage Dou Qi)."

"Ding! Obtained 5 Master Value."

At that moment, Xiao Yan's tightly shut eyes abruptly flew open. He stared at Chen Qiye with a face full of excitement and said emotionally, "Teacher, after taking off the ring, the Dou Qi I absorbed into my body didn't disappear at all."

"Why would your teacher lie to you?" Chen Qiye said calmly, putting on an inscrutable air.

Xiao Yan nodded heavily and bowed to Chen Qiye. "Thank you for your guidance, Teacher."

Then Xiao Yan's gaze shifted to the ring, and he asked in confusion:

"Why does the ring Mother left me absorb my Dou Qi? What exactly is it?"

As he spoke, he reached out to pick up the ring again. Yet halfway through, he hesitated and looked toward Chen Qiye.

"No matter. Your teacher has just discerned the heavenly secrets. This ring shares a karmic connection with you."

With his hands behind his back, Chen Qiye walked toward the cliff. Leaving Xiao Yan with only his back, he said, "Simply remove the ring when you cultivate. Once you enter the Dou Shi realm, your teacher will naturally tell you the ring's secret."

"Ding! Emotional Value from Xiao Yan +300!"

Xiao Yan stared blankly at Chen Qiye's back, utterly shocked. My teacher merely took one look at the ring and was able to discern the heavenly secrets? Isn't that far too terrifying?

Chen Qiye secretly laughed and said lightly, "Continue cultivating for now. Get used to the feeling of having your talent back. Your teacher will first consider which cultivation techni... Dou technique of our sect suits you best right now."

"Ding! Emotional Value from Xiao Yan +300!"

"Yes, Teacher!"

Xiao Yan was overjoyed. He deeply bowed to Chen Qiye, anticipation rising in his heart. On the Dou Qi Continent, Dou Qi cultivation techniques and Dou techniques were divided into four major grades: Heaven, Earth, Mystic, and Yellow. Each grade was further divided into low, middle, and high levels. His teacher was so mysterious—what kind of Dou technique would it be?

A high-level Mystic-grade technique? Or a low-level Earth-grade one?

Xiao Yan did not dare think any further. He immediately sat cross-legged and closed his eyes to cultivate, though in truth, he was waiting for Chen Qiye's guidance.

Chen Qiye slightly closed his eyes and sent his consciousness into the system.

Host: Chen Qiye

Realm: fifth-rank Martial Artist (fifth stage Dou Qi)

Experience: 600/800

Cultivation Technique: Dragon Subduing Eighteen Palms

Master Value: 6

Master Level: One Star

Current Plane: Battle Through the Heavens

Plane Disciple: Xiao Yan

...

After glancing over his attributes, he immediately opened the system shop.

Chen Qiye instantly beamed with joy. There were simply too many things in the shop—every kind of cultivation technique, pill, divine artifact, and countless other items.

Chen Qiye was dazzled. Holy crap! The Swallowing Heaven Demon Jar? That's the supreme imperial weapon of the Ruthless Great Emperor!

It actually cost 10,000 Master Value!

Damn it!

10,000 Master Value? He only had 6 Master Value right now. How many disciples would I have to take in for that?

He continued looking.

Everlasting Azure Heaven Art: Created by the Azure Heaven Immortal Emperor upon attaining the Dao. Upon mastering it, one would live long and see far. Exchange requirement: 8,000 Master Value.

Primordial Boundary-Breaking Pill: After consumption, directly breaks through realms regardless of rank. Exchange requirement: 5,000 Master Value.

Divine Sword Lightning-Commanding True Art: Uses sword arts to summon divine lightning from the nine heavens. Heaven-grade cultivation technique. Exchange requirement: 300 Master Value.

Seeing the treasures in the system shop, Chen Qiye was completely stunned.

There were all sorts of them, and they all looked tremendously powerful.

It was just that the Master Value costs were rather high!

Thinking that he was currently only a one-star master, Chen Qiye asked internally:

"System, are there restrictions on taking disciples?"

"Notice: A one-star master may only take one disciple. Unless the disciple dies, the host can only raise the master level."

"Just as I thought. System, how do I raise my master level?"

"Notice: Once Master Value reaches a certain amount, special missions will unlock. The system will notify the host at that time!"

"Notice: The master level will also rise once the disciple's strength and trust reach a certain level."

At that moment, the dark forest rustled. Chen Qiye knew Xiao Zhan had arrived, so he immediately laughed aloud. "Clan Chief Xiao!"

"So little friend Chen is here as well?"

A middle-aged man dressed in luxurious gray robes leaped out from the forest. A smile rested on his face. After sweeping his gaze over Chen Qiye, he looked toward Xiao Yan. Seeing that his son was still cultivating, he could not help asking in confusion, "Little friend Chen, what is going on with Yan'er?"

"It's nothing. He's merely cultivating."

Chen Qiye answered blandly. Hearing the sound, Xiao Yan slowly opened his eyes. "Father, you're here?"

Xiao Zhan's gaze toward Xiao Yan was full of affection. He strode forward and laughed.

"Hehe, Yan'er, it's so late. When I saw that you were still up here, I came to take a look. I didn't expect little friend Chen to be here too."

Xiao Yan hurriedly said, "Father, I have already taken Mister Chen as my teacher. You mustn't call him little friend anymore."

"Ding! Emotional Value from Xiao Zhan +200!"

"What!"

A look of astonishment appeared in Xiao Zhan's eyes, and his gaze at Chen Qiye became full of doubt. Chen Qiye merely lowered his eyes, looking calm and unperturbed. "How could he possibly be worthy..."

"Yes, Father! Under Teacher's guidance, I can cultivate again!"

Before Xiao Zhan could finish the word "worthy," he heard Xiao Yan's words, and his expression changed.

"You... what did you say?"

"Father, my talent has returned!"

Determination shone in Xiao Yan's eyes. "It is all thanks to Teacher's guidance!"

"Hahaha! Wonderful!"

Xiao Zhan laughed excitedly, then quickly stopped and solemnly apologized to Chen Qiye. "Thank you, Master Chen. Xiao Zhan was disrespectful just now. Please do not take offense, Master Chen!"

"Ding! Emotional Value from Xiao Zhan +500!"

"My father did not know the situation. I hope Teacher will not blame him."

Xiao Yan bowed in apology from the side.

"Ding! Emotional Value from Xiao Yan +200!"

Chen Qiye waved his hand and said lightly, "No matter. As the saying goes, those who do not know are not at fault. It is late now. Tomorrow, I will come and instruct you in Dou techniques..."

With that, Chen Qiye headed into the forest without looking back.

A moment later, Xiao Zhan asked with a complicated expression, "Yan'er, is everything you said true?"

"Yes! Though I do not know how Teacher accomplished it, my talent has indeed returned. And I believe that under Teacher's guidance, I will soon break through to the Dou Zhe realm and may even have a chance to challenge the Dou Shi realm!"

Xiao Yan spoke firmly.

"Good! As expected of my son, Xiao Zhan's son!"

Xiao Zhan had originally intended to tell Xiao Yan about the family's arrangements. But seeing his son so full of confidence, he happily patted his head and laughed. "It's getting late. Go back and rest. Tomorrow, there will be distinguished guests in the clan. Don't neglect your manners."

He also felt somewhat puzzled about Chen Qiye. Three days ago, Chen Qiye had seemed to have no cultivation at all. Why did he now seem a little sharper? Could he have been hiding his strength?

"Distinguished guests? Who are they?" Xiao Yan asked curiously.

"You'll find out tomorrow. Go back!"

(End of Chapter)