A gentle breeze swept across the outer sect as Lin Xuan stepped outside the sect gates, his expression calm but his thoughts sharp.
This is where it all begins… the turning point for the so-called protagonist of this world.
The place he headed to was none other than the infamous Black Forest—a dangerous region filled with wild spiritual beasts and ancient remnants. According to the plot of his original novel, the protagonist had stumbled upon an extraordinary opportunity here. He had accidentally found a treasure trove that skyrocketed his cultivation from Qi Refining Level 5 straight to Level 9, earning the praise of the elders and the title of True Genius.
He even won over the seventh sister's heart after returning, and she began to see him differently.
But now…
Lin Xuan's eyes turned cold. Since I'm here now, let's see if he can still reach that opportunity.
The forest loomed ahead, thick and silent. As he stepped inside, the air changed—dense with the scent of spiritual herbs and danger.
Growls echoed from the shadows. Beasts of various shapes lunged at him—horned wolves, shadow leopards, iron-scaled boars.
But none were a match for Lin Xuan.
With precise strikes and efficient swordplay, he slayed everything that dared cross his path, stacking beast cores and useful parts into his storage bag.
After battling through the forest for hours, Lin Xuan suddenly stopped near a seemingly ordinary tree.
"Hmm?" He knelt, touching the base. "There's absolutely no spiritual power around this one… suspiciously empty."
With a swift motion, he cut the tree down.
A faint creaking echoed… followed by a rumble.
The ground below shifted, revealing a narrow passage leading underground.
With a calm smile, Lin Xuan stepped down.
There, glowing softly in the darkness, was a lone fruit placed on an altar-like platform—Crimson Soulburst Fruit. Its radiant crimson glow illuminated the cavern, pulsing with energy.
[Crimson Soulburst Fruit: A 100-year-old treasure. Drastically increases spiritual power and soul strength.]
Lin Xuan picked it up and laughed lightly.
"Haha… now let's see how the protagonist moves forward without this."
Suddenly—
Ding!
Host has plundered the Son of Destiny!
+100 Villain Points
"What? Villain points?" Lin Xuan blinked.
Ding!
Villain Points can be used to purchase unique skills in the Villain System Shop. Shop is now open.
A screen popped up, filled with glowing icons—martial skills, pill recipes, secret techniques. But every price was sky-high.
Except for one.
[Beginner Villain Package – 100 Villain Points]
Without hesitation, Lin Xuan purchased it.
Ding!
*New abilities unlocked:
View Protagonist's Plans in Advance
View Other Cultivators' Hidden Information*
Lin Xuan's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Perfect. The butterfly effect caused by my presence might shift the plot… but now I'll always stay one step ahead."
Climbing out from the underground passage, Lin Xuan looked at the trail of destruction he'd left behind—the corpses of spiritual beasts.
Then a wicked smile formed on his lips.
Let's leave a little "gift" for the protagonist.
He gathered all the beast corpses into the pit, tossed in a handful of Qi Refining Pills and some low-grade spiritual stones.
"Haha, let's see how far he gets with leftovers."
Back in the sect, Lin Xuan's return didn't go unnoticed.
"Senior Brother Lin!"
"Greetings, Senior Brother!"
"You're back from the Black Forest?!"
Outer disciples all greeted him respectfully as he walked past. Lin Xuan felt the shift in the air—Respect, awe… fear. This is what true strength brings.
Back in his courtyard, Lin Xuan took out the Crimson Soulburst Fruit and thought: Who should I give this to?
Lan'er? She was just a servant—loyal, yes, but too low-status.
Instead, he walked straight to Zhao Ming.
Zhao Ming blinked as Lin Xuan handed him the fruit.
"S-Senior Brother, how can I accept something this valuable?"
Lin Xuan smiled calmly. "It will help you break through. Just take it."
With that, he turned and left.
Ding!
10x Return Activated!
Reward: Crimson Nirvana Core acquired!
This treasure boosts soul power and ensures a side-effect-free breakthrough to Foundation Realm!
His eyes widened. Without delay, he swallowed the core.
BOOM. BOOM. BOOM.
A wild surge of power erupted inside him.
From Qi Refining Peak to Foundation Realm Level 3—his spiritual power soared, dantian expanded, and his soul glowed brighter than ever.
"Keke… Now I can challenge even the top inner disciples," he murmured.
Without wasting time, Lin Xuan headed to the Alchemy Hall.
A beautiful senior sister at the counter looked up. "Junior Brother, how may I help you?"
"I'm here to sell some items," Lin Xuan said, laying out Qi Refining Pills, beast cores, rare herbs.
"In return, I'd like Foundation Pills, Meridian Wash Pills, and Body Nourish Pills."
The senior sister blinked. "You… have broken through to Foundation Realm?"
Lin Xuan smiled. "Yes, Senior Sister."
After collecting the pills, he returned and handed them all to Zhao Ming, who had already broken through with the fruit.
"Senior Brother… this is too much! I didn't have the resources to continue my breakthrough, but you—!" Zhao Ming knelt. "I swear to follow you all my life!"
Lin Xuan waved his hand. "Good. Then grow strong, and don't disappoint me."
Ding!
10x Return Activated!
Reward: Multiple Pills acquired!
Lin Xuan returned to his room and consumed the pills, entering seclusion for five days.
When he opened his eyes again, his body pulsed with vitality, his meridians cleansed and glowing.
"My absorption rate has skyrocketed…"
He looked at his hands.
So this is why rich clan children become geniuses. When you have resources, anything is possible.
"In just one month, I've gone from Qi Refining 5… to Foundation Level 3."
His eyes turned sharp.
"Let's see… how the protagonist plans to face me now."