The shop menu unfolded before Long Wei's eyes, rows of glowing tabs floating in the void.
> [Shop]
[Weapon] [Pills] [Armor] [C. Manuals]
[M. Techniques] [Other]
Without hesitation, he tapped on Weapons.
> [Weapon]
– Basic Sword
• Effect: –1 HP damage per hit
• Extra: None
• Description: A crude sword forged from low-grade iron. Fragile but functional.
• Price: 45 Spirit Stones
– Darkhorn Edge
• Effect: –5 HP damage per hit
• Extra: +0.5% to all stats when equipped
• Description: Forged from the horn of a Dark Bull, tempered with bloodfire steel. Its edge hums with bestial fury.
• Price: 160 Spirit Stones
Long Wei's lips curved slightly. "The basic sword would be enough… but the Darkhorn Edge is worth the cost."
> [Purchase Successful]
[Calculating Remaining Spirit Stones…]
[Balance: 510 Spirit Stones]
> [Master, please check your inventory for purchased items.]
He nodded and willed the inventory open.
> [Inventory]
[Weapon] [Pills] [Armor] [C. Manuals]
[M. Techniques] [Other]
He selected Weapons.
> [Weapon]
– Darkhorn Edge
• Effect: –5 HP damage per hit
• Extra: +0.5% to all stats when equipped
• Description: Forged from the horn of a Dark Bull, tempered with bloodfire steel. Its edge hums with bestial fury.
• Would you like to equip it? [Yes/No]
"Yes."
The sword shimmered into existence, materializing directly in his grasp. Its edge gleamed faintly, cold and steady.
"Now then…" His gaze sharpened. "Time to practice."
---
He opened the Quest Board.
> [Beast Hunt Quest]
Target: Ironhide Wolf (Qi Refining – Stage 3)
Requirement: Kill 1
Reward: 350 Spirit Stones + 1 Random Skill Scroll
Status: Accepted
---
After nearly an hour, Long Wei finally found his target.
A massive wolf prowled between the trees, its fur shining like black steel, eyes glowing crimson.
> [Ironhide Wolf]
Realm: Qi Refining – Stage 3
HP: 500/500
Attack: 42
Defense: 55
Special Trait: Ironhide Armor (Reduces incoming damage by 25%)
The beast's oppressive aura pressed down, enough to make ordinary cultivators tremble.
But Long Wei's calm eyes didn't even flicker. Compared to the countless monsters he had slain in his previous life, this wolf was nothing more than a training dummy.
The wolf growled lowly, then lunged with a burst of speed. Long Wei sidestepped lightly, his movement refined and precise, the weight of five thousand years of experience guiding every step. His blade slashed outward, cutting a deep gash across the wolf's shoulder.
The beast roared, its iron-like fur splitting under the Darkhorn Edge. Blood sprayed as the wolf retaliated, its claws glowing faintly with qi, but Long Wei parried with ease, forcing the wolf back.
"Too predictable," he muttered coldly. He pressed forward, blade flowing like water, each strike landing with unerring precision.
The wolf staggered under the barrage, its iron hide proving useless against Long Wei's overwhelming technique. With a final thrust, he pierced straight through its chest.
The Ironhide Wolf let out one last howl before collapsing into the dirt. Its body dissolved into shimmering particles, leaving only silence behind.
---
A cascade of notifications appeared.
> [Quest Complete]
Please deliver the beast's body through the portal.
[Level Up!]
[All Stats permanently increased by +5%]
[Reward: Random Skill Unlocked – Shadow Step]
[Darkhorn Edge Mastery increased → Level 2]
[New Weapon Effect Unlocked]
---
> [Updated Weapon – Darkhorn Edge]
• Effect: –5 HP damage per hit
• Extra: +1% to all stats when equipped
• Description: Forged from the horn of a Dark Bull, tempered with bloodfire steel. Its edge hums with bestial fury. Now resonates with its wielder's experience, growing stronger as mastery deepens.
---
Finally, his Status Window updated:
> [Character Status]
Name: Long Wei
Realm: Qi Condensing – Stage 6
Level: 2
Stats:
Strength: 100 → 106
Agility: 100 → 106
Vitality: 100 → 106
Intelligence: 100 → 106
Perception: 100 → 106
(Base Stats: 100)
(Sword Bonus: +1%)
(Level Up Bonus: +5%)
---
Long Wei exhaled slowly, sheathing his blade.
"So this is how the system rewards even the smallest fight. If beasts give this much, then cultivators…" His eyes narrowed, a dangerous gleam flickering within them.
"…they'll make me soar."