[Ding~]
A glowing panel materialized in front of Lao Xie, pulsing softly with light.
"You have unclaimed rewards. Please head to the mail section to claim them," the system's voice chimed.
As the glowing panel pulsed softly before him, a flicker of something deeper ignited within Lao Xie. The earlier haze of confusion and vulnerability began to dissipate, revealing the man who thrived in the shadows of manipulation and charm. He felt a surge of anticipation course through him, invigorating his spirit.
The warmth of the panel's light mirrored the shift within him, a subtle yet unmistakable transformation. "My previous frustrations have nearly clouded my mind.." His lips curled into a smirk, a familiar playfulness dancing in his golden eyes.
He relished the feeling of his true nature unfurling like a flower awakening to the sun," With the sudden appearance of the system, it's almost like experiencing a rebirth."
A surge of energy ignited within him, shattering the remnants of confusion and doubt that had plagued his mind for too long. The previous weight lifted, replaced by the exhilarating clarity of his cunning nature, the strategist ready to seize control.
"This sensation.. this is my true nature," he thought, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Due to my desperation, the intoxicating allure of power, and the sudden appearance of the system, I nearly became a cold, arrogant fool."
Lao Xie's eyes narrowed at the notification. "Another reward, huh? You seem awfully generous this time," he mused, a playful smirk gracing his lips.
"Rewards are distributed for every major realm breakthrough, Host. This is a normal process," the system replied in its usual neutral tone.
"Major realm breakthrough..." Lao Xie muttered, raising an eyebrow in intrigue. He opened the mail section, a flicker of curiosity lighting up his expression.
"Congratulations to the Host for breaking through a major realm. Please claim your rewards below."
A faint smile tugged at his lips. "Let's see what you have for me this time."
[Cling~]
REWARD RECEIVED
1. EARTH- GRADE STORAGE RING
A storage ring of Earth-Grade quality, capable of holding vast amounts of items, including artifacts, weapons, and pills. Its internal space is enhanced by spiritual arrays, making it a valuable tool for any cultivator who seeks efficiency and convenience in their journey.
2. HEALING PILLS - 2ND GRADE (x5)
Low-grade pills that can help you recover from light injuries. Formulated from rare herbs and infused with spiritual energy, these pills are essential for any cultivator.
3. CULTIVATION MANUAL - MIRAGE WALK
A lost and legendary footwork cultivation manual created by an ancient Immortal. The technique allows the user to move like a mirage, blending with the surroundings and confusing opponents. Although it has faded from common knowledge, mastering this footwork will make its user elusive and formidable in combat.
4. ENCHANTING SPECTRAL SWORD - LOW GRADE
This ancient sword was forged by a legendary blacksmith in the era of myths. Despite its low-grade classification, the sword possesses a rare ability called "Adaptation," enabling it to upgrade its rank through its user's cultivation journey. Under certain conditions, it has the potential to gain sentience, making it a living weapon that could grow alongside its wielder.
"Storage ring, another cultivation manual, more healing pills, and… a weapon?" Lao Xie muttered, his gaze fixed on the panel.
[Shing~]
In response, the items materialized in the air before him, a finely crafted ring, a worn-looking book, a small bottle of pills, and a sword. Lao Xie's eyes flickered between them, but it was the sword that captured his full attention.
The weapon hovered, reflecting the faint glow of qi in the room. Its blade was a deep, silvery hue with faint runes etched along the edge, pulsing softly as if alive. The hilt was sleek, wrapped in dark leather that felt worn yet firm, offering a perfect grip.
Lao Xie grasped the sword by the hilt, testing its weight. "It's not too light, nor too heavy… just right," he remarked, his voice holding a tinge of satisfaction. He swung the sword with ease, cutting through the air with a crisp whoosh that sent a thrill through him. The balance was impeccable, as if it were made precisely for him.
For a moment, he marveled at the craftsmanship. The sword's blade seemed to shift slightly in tone with each movement, an indication of its adaptive nature. Lao Xie smirked. "Interesting… I might just have a new partner."
Next, he turned his attention to the storage ring. He examined the smooth, dark metal band, adorned with faintly glowing inscriptions around its edges. It radiated a quiet power, its spiritual arrays humming with energy.
"This ring… Not bad. Looks like it'll be more than useful." He slipped it onto his finger, feeling the connection form as it bonded to his qi. A smirk tugged at his lips. Efficiency and convenience? Yes, please.
Turning to the pills, Lao Xie opened the small bottle. A fragrant, earthy aroma wafted out, the smell of rare herbs and spiritual energy almost palpable. Without a second thought, he capped the bottle and, with a flick of his wrist, stored it in the ring. The rest of his previously claimed items had already been transferred over from the system's temporary inventory.
"Your previously stored items have been transferred to the storage ring. The system's temporary inventory only lasts for 48 hours, after which items are automatically removed." the system chimed, its detached tone indifferent to Lao Xie's quick use of the feature.
As Lao Xie inspected his newly acquired treasures, the gleam of the Enchanting Spectral Sword caught his eye, and he couldn't help but admire its reflection in the blade.
He glanced at the reflection, momentarily entranced by his own appearance. His long, silky white hair cascaded down his back, shimmering faintly in the light like threads of moonlight. His light golden eyes sparkled with an otherworldly charm.
Clad in an elegant dual-layer hanfu, the inner layer was a pure white that contrasted beautifully with the golden outer layer, flowing gracefully around him, hinting at his noble demeanor. His striking features, combined with the intricate embroidery of his clothing, made him unbelievably handsome, a visage that could captivate anyone who dared to gaze upon him.
"Hey, System, my hair color has changed?" Lao Xie asked, tilting his head slightly to admire his reflection. "It used to be a dark brown, but now it's white. What happened?"
"Your hair color may have shifted due to your newly reshaped physique," the system replied in its usual detached tone. "Your body has undergone significant changes, and you've also grown taller than before."
"Is this really me?" he whispered, turning his head slightly to catch the light, watching how it glinted off his white hair. The transformation felt surreal, as if he had stepped out of a tale spun from the finest silk.
As Lao Xie admired his reflection, the glowing panel flickered once more, catching his attention.
[Ding~]
"You might want to check these other tabs, Host." the system announced, its voice breaking the silence.
Curious, Lao Xie focused on the panel, which expanded to the reveal three tabs - Techniques, Affinity, and Shop.
"Ah, I forgot about the others. Well, let's see..." he murmured, tapping on the Techniques tab.
Instead of being named the system of villainy, perhaps i should rename it to the system of generousity instead xD