The simulation realm wasn't a place—it was a crucible.
Li Xuan stood alone in the warped space: barren earth, a sunless sky, and a cold wind that carried the scent of steel. His surroundings constantly shifted, responding to his thoughts. Mountains rose, then shattered. Rivers turned to blood. He was the master here—but only barely.
System Notification:
—Simulation Realm Initiated—
—Training Mode: Skill Assimilation (300% Learning Speed)—
—Selected Skill: Dragon Soul Saber Technique—
—Simulated Combat Difficulty: Moderate > Hard > Insane—
A phantom appeared before him.
Tall. Cloaked. Eyes burning with mockery.
Long Chen.
["Let's see how fast you pick up one of my favorite openers."]
The phantom charged.
There was no warning—no fancy moves. Just raw, unrelenting killing intent.
Li Xuan blocked, but was flung across the realm.
Blood sprayed.
He coughed, laughed, and rose. "That all you've got, ghost?"
Again, they clashed.
Again, he fell.
Again, he rose.
Time lost meaning. Hours passed like heartbeats. Sweat turned to blood, and blood to resolve. He moved slower at first, then faster. His saber's arc began to hum. His footwork danced like the rhythm of war.
System Notification:
—Skill Progress: Dragon Soul Saber Technique (43%)—
—Fatigue Level: High—
—Exit Simulation?—
"No," he growled. "Not until I can land a cut."
And then—he did.
Just one.
The phantom smiled faintly before fading.
["Decent. But I'll expect more."]
System Notification:
—Skill Assimilation Complete: Dragon Soul Saber Technique—
—LCP Gained: +30 (Simulation Efficiency Bonus)—
He exited, collapsing to one knee in the real world.
Yue Qingru stood by, arms crossed, unimpressed. "You scream in your sleep."
He didn't answer. He was already standing.
—
Mission Hub Activated
Long Chen's voice echoed inside his head, mocking and amused.
["Ready to earn your keep, brat?"]
Mission: Clear the Bone-Mire Hollow
—Objective: Eliminate all Class-B spirit beasts and the Bone Mire Warden—
—Reward: +80 LCP, chance to unlock rare passive skill—
—Failure Consequence: Spirit rot contamination for 3 days. Pain rating: 7/10. Enjoy.
—Timer: 48 hours—
Li Xuan didn't hesitate.
He accepted.
—
Bone-Mire Hollow
It was a swamp forged from nightmares.
The air reeked of decay. Green fog rolled across the ground. Carnivorous plants twitched when he passed. The beasts here weren't just savage—they were infected. Mutated. Half-bone, half-beast. Half-dead.
Li Xuan didn't wait.
He moved like a storm.
Every battle was brutal. He never used full power. He tested each new technique, every instinct. When the beasts circled, he baited them. When they pounced, he punished them.
His saber grew heavier, deadlier. His eyes colder.
System Notification:
—Beasts Slain: 17 / 24—
—Current EXP: 583 / 600—
—LCP: 173 / 1000—
And then it came.
The Bone Mire Warden.
A grotesque creature—three meters tall, wielding a rusted glaive and an aura of rot. Its bones jutted out like thorns. One glance made most cultivators retch.
Li Xuan spat blood and grinned.
"This better be worth the infection."
The battle was a blur of feral speed and calculated carnage.
The Warden's glaive scraped past his ribs. Li Xuan answered with a spinning strike that carved off the beast's arm. They exchanged blows that shook the swamp. Poison seeped into his veins.
But he didn't falter.
He savored it.
Because every pain was a lesson. Every wound—another step.
Finally, with a leap, a roar, and one final, precise cut from the Dragon Soul Saber Technique, he split the Warden's skull in half.
System Notification:
—Boss Killed: Bone Mire Warden—
—EXP +75 (Level Up!)—
—LCP +80—
—Unlocked Passive Skill: Bone-Eater Constitution (Passive)—
—New Trait: Poison Resistance (Minor)—
Li Xuan collapsed onto the rotting ground, chest heaving.
Yue Qingru arrived hours later, holding her nose.
"Smells like your personality."
He smirked through blood and bruises.
"You're still here?"
She rolled her eyes, tossed him a healing pellet, and walked away.
—
System Update:
• Cultivation: Early Foundation Establishment (58 / 800 EXP)
• Long Chen Points: 283 / 1000
• Skills: Phantom Step, Dragon Soul Saber Technique, Predator's Pressure, Face-Slapping Divine Art
• Passive Traits: Bone-Eater Constitution, Poison Resistance
• System Hub: Long Chen (Controller)
• Missions: Available (2 Unread)
• Simulation Realm: Accessible
• Reputation: Demon of the Outer Circle / War-God's Disciple