The things I had to do during my seclusion were so numerous that it was impossible to concentrate, and before I knew it, two years had passed.
In the past two years, Li Xingkong has only done one thing: researching a Qi Refining Method based on dark matter. The difficulties involved are naturally far greater than he imagined. The observation and collection of dark matter, how to trigger its energy, and how to combine it with the Qi Refining Method are all challenging aspects.
For the past two years, his Qian Hexagram has been operating at full power almost Heavenly Capital, which has caused him to put aside his other cultivation practices. He has devoted all his Magic Power, except for the necessary Magic Power to maintain his survival, to the Qian Hexagram and has been fully engaged in the deduction of the Qi Refining Method.
Fortunately, with the help of the system, although Li Xingkong's deduction process was extremely difficult, it was not without progress. After two whole years, he finally conceived a new Qi Refining Method.
This Qi Refining Method uses dark matter as its basis, continuously converting dark matter into Magic Power. Of course, constantly using free dark matter is somewhat inconvenient, so Li Xingkong also combined it with the Ingestion Spell. In space, where dark matter is abundant, he can directly utilize the surrounding dark matter. If the surrounding dark matter is not abundant, he can also use the dark matter stored in his stomach in advance to provide Magic Power.
Dark matter is quite durable; a small piece is enough for him to use for decades. It can also provide a vast amount of Magic Power Magic Power, far more than other Qi Refining Method.
Li Xingkong named this Qi Refining Method the Netherworld Qi Refining Method, taking the meaning of "darkness" from the concept of dark matter.
Since Li Xingkong had no test subjects, the effects of this Qi Refining Method were naturally tested on himself. Therefore, the process of creating and deducing this Qi Refining Method was also his cultivation process. Once the Qi Refining Method was deduced, he had basically learned it.
By simultaneously practicing this first true Qi Refining Method he had created along with several other Qi Refining Method, Li Xingkong estimated his Magic Power recovery speed. Previously, the three methods combined had increased his Magic Power recovery speed by four times, but now, with the addition of the Netherworld Qi Refining Method, his Magic Power recovery speed had more than doubled, reaching nine times.
This also means that Li Xingkong now has a sufficient foundation to master all the Hexagram in the Foundation Establishment Method.
"System, how should I put it? I'm going to become the first person to master the ' Heavenly Evolution Foundation Establishment Method ' while still in the Foundation Establishment Stage."
Such joyous news should naturally be shared with others, but since I can't see anyone else while in seclusion, I can only chat with the system.
Congratulations! You've done something truly unprecedented and unlikely to be repeated.
The system's words were as sweet as honey; Li Xingkong had truly given him a pleasant surprise this time.
"Although your Qi Refining Method borrows heavily from other methods, it is truly your own deduction, and its effects are already comparable to the top-tier techniques of some major sects. Not bad, not bad."
The system's unusually frequent praise made Li Xingkong feel as if it had changed its nature.
"Ahem, this Qi Refining Method has caught my eye. Would you be willing to add it to my cultivation manual?"
After offering praise, the system made its first request to Li Xingkong.
Needless to say? Ever since Li Xingkong began his cultivation, the system has been like his teacher. His current achievements are inseparable from the system's assistance. Why wouldn't he give him a simple Qi Refining Method?
Moreover, the system was watching when he created this method. Even if he didn't give it to him, wouldn't the system know about the technique? Of course not. It just means that the system still respected him quite a bit and would at least get his consent before taking his technique.
"Of course I'd like to. It would be an honor for this Qi Refining Method to be included in the cultivation manual's library."
After Li Xingkong agreed, he transferred the technique to the system.
"Words of argument? I've created spells and techniques before, haven't I? Aren't my Divine Eye and Rising Sun Guide worth putting in the archives?"
After the cultivation technique was transferred, Li Xingkong asked with some curiosity.
"Your spells, which aren't even up to the level of a graduation project, are supposed to be included in the database? The plagiarism rate is already 90%. You're dreaming."
The system chuckled. The minor spells that Li Xingkong had created were more like tricks than spells. There were plenty of those in the library, so there was no need to add them; they would only lower the overall quality of the system's skill library.
"Then my Qi Refining Method can be stored away; it must be of some level by now, right?"
Li Xingkong was quite confident in his Qi Refining Method.
"How should I put it? Your Qi Refining Method is like someone writing a thesis called 'How to Make Scrambled Eggs with Tomatoes,' and your level is like building upon that foundation and writing a thesis called 'How to Make Scrambled Eggs with Tomatoes and Free-Range Eggs.'"
The system gave a general description, and Li Xingkong understood it somewhat.
It has some value for inclusion, but not many; it's basically just a mediocre paper.
"But that's alright. My cultivation technique library isn't as simple as you think, a woven net. It spans multiple universes and has witnessed countless civilizations. Very few cultivation techniques can enter my library, and even those that are just 'water' are still of high quality."
"So, System, you came to our universe just to find someone to write your thesis, right?"
Putting aside the question of whether his cultivation technique was good or bad, this was the first time the system had asked him for something.
"You can understand it this way: the teaching function of this system is just an aid; the main purpose is to collect the knowledge crystallization of various civilizations. Of course, since I am a cultivation-oriented system, what I collect are cultivation techniques and knowledge related to spells."
The system coughed twice and formally introduced itself to Li Xingkong.
"The system itself resides in an independent world. Every year, it deploys itself to different discovered worlds to collect, organize, store, and share the knowledge of various civilizations, thereby advancing the cultivation civilization."
"Of course, there is collection, and corresponding sharing. The knowledge collected by each branch of the system will be put into the cultivation technique pool. In return, everyone who obtains the system can browse any cultivation technique in the system pool through the system branches."
"The system has only one purpose: to gather the power of countless worlds, maintain the continuation of cultivation civilization, advance the development of cultivation, and explore the limits of cultivation."
This was the first time Li Xingkong had truly heard the system's self-introduction. He couldn't help but be moved by the system's boldness. What powerful methods it must have! To have such methods, not for domination or oppression, but simply to gather the power of the entire world and promote the development of cultivation—this system was truly something special.
"So if I'm stupid and can't innovate, then you won't achieve your goal, right?"
Li Xingkong didn't understand why he was chosen.
"First, you're not stupid; you're creative and have a wildly imaginative mind—that's the foundation of creativity. Second, look at what you're doing now: popularizing cultivation. One person's success brings benefits to their entire family. Even if you don't create a new cultivation method, with so many people in the world, the spark of creativity will eventually be ignited. Third, your comprehension is quite good, and your attitude towards cultivation is serious enough. Fourth, you're also quite lucky. The first person I saw when I arrived in your world was you—that in itself is a choice. Moreover, to be able to gamble out Spiritual Qi within a year—that's already an incredible stroke of luck, like your ancestors' graves emitting auspicious smoke."
"Although there are many people who meet each of the individual criteria, the combined number is very small. While there may be people more suitable than you, you are the first one, so naturally you are the one chosen."
That's good. After hearing what the system said, Li Xingkong. At least the system was honest with him and explained its background and details clearly. Now, he and the system could finally be truly honest with each other.