Ling stared at the messages in shock. Since his birth, up until two weeks ago, this interface hadn't even moved. And yet, he had received a new physique?
He found it hard to believe, but even so, it didn't stop him from opening the interface again.
Name: Ling Tianlei
Lifespan: 100 years
Talent: Mid-Grade Mortal Root
Cultivation: Third Stage Tempered Body (Qi: 11,429/16,000)
Legacy: None
Bloodline: None
Physique: Venom-Tempered Body (Lowest Grade - Mastery: 0%)
Breathing Techniques: Crude Breathing Method (Lowest Mortal Grade - Mastery: 36%)
Martial Techniques: Stone Splitter Palm (Low Mortal Grade - Mastery: 27%)
As he stared at the interface, he couldn't help but gasp in disbelief.
Talent, which was incredibly hard to increase—usually requiring natural treasures—had just improved from taking a bath.
Since it was still a Mortal Root, the only thing that had changed was his cultivation speed. Aside from that, he could build up a stronger foundation since his Qi capacity per stage had increased.
But this physique... Venom-Tempered Body... I've heard of it, Ling thought, rolling to the other side of the bed. It's a physique that grants me increased toxin resistance. I also have increased effects from cultivating inside poisonous concoctions, much like the one earlier.
It was safe to say he welcomed this increase in strength. Therefore, without wasting even a single moment, Ling decided to test out his cultivation speed.
He sat in a lotus position and performed the basic breathing technique of the Thunder Sect.
10 seconds, 20 seconds, 25 seconds.
<+1 Qi: 11,430/16,000>
It took him exactly 25 seconds to gain a single point of Qi, when it had taken him 30 seconds just yesterday. A small increase, but with how long he was going to be cultivating, it was perfect.
Therefore, while he awaited further instructions, Ling sank into concentration and began cultivating.
***
Two days had passed in the blink of an eye.
His mouth was parched, and he felt great hunger, however, he pushed on. There were only a few seconds left until he'd finally reach his goal.
Finally, two seconds later, he reached it.
<+1 Qi: 16,000/16,000>
"Finally..." Ling muttered.
He could now sense the Qi in the air, which was the first step to actually storing it inside his Dantian. Once he reached Stage Seven, he'd finally be able to channel Qi into his techniques.
This is good progress, but I wonder—
His thoughts were interrupted when, all of a sudden, his door swung open, revealing the same masked man with a white vertical line from earlier.
He's here... Ling thought cautiously as the man approached and finally spoke.
"Come with me. The trial master wishes to speak with you."
"I don't suppose this can wait?" Ling asked. Instead of replying, the masked man grabbed him by his clothes and began dragging him.
Ling tried to free himself; however, the strength difference was too much. He couldn't even make the masked man's arm budge.
Nonetheless, a few moments later, the masked man set him on his feet, and Ling followed after him.
They went to the opposite end of the tunnel this time, and he could already begin to see light in the distance.
When he finally reached the light, his eyes widened.
There were a dozen jagged rocks scattered everywhere, and in the very center of this strange room was the trial master, who, surprisingly, was not wearing his earlier mask.
His features resembled a young master from one of the top sects, and at the moment, he was indulging in some wine, swirling it around in his cup as he finally noticed Ling.
And when he did, he signaled for Ling to come closer.
Ling slowly walked toward the trial master, and when he arrived, he realized the trial master wanted him to sit on the seat opposite him.
He sat and waited. The silence was deafening, but in front of such a powerhouse, all Ling could think about was surviving.
"Is there anything you need me for?" Ling asked calmly.
The trial master chuckled. "For someone so weak, you sure are aware of your position. Excellent. You are asking the right questions."
Ling's brows furrowed as he continued to listen.
"You're one of the more promising prospects of the current batch, so I'm going to start the fourth trial early for you," the trial master stated and stood up, still carrying his cup of wine.
"Wait a second..." Ling suddenly interrupted. "I just advanced, so shouldn't I be given some time to stabilize my foundation?"
The trial master halted and, with a wide grin, turned to Ling.
"No. Your body is a tool, so treat it like a tool. Use it until it breaks." He narrowed his eyes. "Follow me."
Ling's fists trembled in anger as he stood up, dragging his tired, malnourished body after the trial master.
Their walk was like a blur as Ling's attention was split between his fatigue and the Qi that had been gathering around the man in front of him.
It was deadly, like a sharp blade that could strike Ling down at any moment.
But even so, after a few minutes, Ling arrived at a specific, ominous destination.
It was dark, and the air reeked of rotten flesh, which nearly made him vomit. However, the trial master's deadly gaze stopped him from doing so.
There were several dozen prison cells scattered around, and without warning, the trial master approached and opened one of them up.
Just as Ling was wondering what kind of trial this was, the person inside stepped out.
It was a tall man with bulging muscles. He stared at Ling passively as he redirected his glare toward the trial master.
"You shall pay for this..." the man growled. "You demonic bastards, locking us innocent people inside! It is no wonder the orthodox factions are hunting you like rats!"
"Restrain your delusions," the trial master replied coldly. "I bring an offer... one your pitiful pride will not allow you to refuse."
The trial master pointed at Ling, his smile widening into a demonic grin.
"Kill this boy, and I shall grant you freedom."