Chapter 2: System features, Newbie gift pack, Simulation Starts
> [Ding! Life-threatening condition detected — host is on the verge of starvation. Activating the Eternal Cultivation Simulator to ensure host's survival.]
The mechanical voice echoed clearly in Lin Chen's mind.
His heart instantly surged with excitement.
"A system! I really have a golden finger!" he exclaimed inwardly, eyes lighting up as if he'd just found a lifeline in a sea of despair.
But the excitement faded almost as quickly as it had come. His smile stiffened.
"…Wait. A Simulator System?" His expression darkened.
As an avid reader in his past life, Lin Chen knew too well the type of system this was. In simulation-based cultivation novels, these systems were often infamous for being greedy, sinister, or downright brutal. They provided incredible benefits—but at the cost of pain, death, and often... one's sanity.
Still, he calmed himself. This was his only hope right now.
"System," he asked in his mind, "Introduce your functions."
> [Acknowledged. Explanation commencing.]
[This system is the Eternal Cultivation Simulator. It allows the host to simulate entire lives using various forms of currency.]
[Currently, the host is a mere mortal and may use mundane currencies such as silver and gold. Once the host embarks on the path of cultivation, simulations will require spirit stones or other cultivation-related currencies.]
[Each major breakthrough in cultivation will increase the simulation cost tenfold.]
[However, as the host is currently poor and starving, the system has graciously granted one free simulation. From now on, a single simulation costs 1 silver coin.]
Lin Chen's jaw slackened.
Then—
"System, come out and let me give you a hug!" he said in joy. "You're nothing like those demonic simulators that increase the cost by a thousand times every realm!"
> [Thank you for your praise, host.]
The system's mechanical tone carried a trace of smug satisfaction before continuing:
> [Each simulation begins with a talent draw. At the end of the simulation, the host may select one reward—be it a talent, technique, cultivation, or item.]
[Talent rankings from lowest to highest: White, Green, Blue, Purple, Gold, Red… and higher tiers to be unlocked.]
[The system itself can also be upgraded. Any form of currency is accepted, with Spirit Stones being the standard for upgrades.]
> [Currency equivalence: 1 Spirit Stone = 1000 Silver Coins = 100 Gold Coins.]
Just as Lin Chen absorbed the information, another prompt appeared:
> [Ding! Host has unlocked the Novice Gift Pack. Would you like to open it?]
"Huh? There's even a novice gift pack?" Lin Chen blinked in disbelief. "System, you're seriously not stingy at all…"
After a second, he recovered and quickly said, "Yes! Open it."
> [Opening Novice Gift Pack...]
[Congratulations! Host has obtained a Red-tier Talent: Foundation Enhancement Guide.]
> [Foundation Enhancement Guide — This talent grants the user deep insight into the process of condensing immortal foundations, from Human-grade to Supreme-grade. It allows the host to perfectly select resources and methods tailored for each foundation type.]
Lin Chen's eyes lit up.
With this, his path to immortality had become significantly smoother.
But he wasn't someone who let joy cloud his mind. He calmed down and asked, "System, is Supreme Foundation the highest level of immortal foundation?"
> [Negative. The host's understanding is incomplete. There are several foundation tiers:]
— Human Foundation: One word. Trash.
— Xuan Foundation: Slightly better trash.
— Earth Foundation: A slight chance to ascend.
— Heaven Foundation: High chance to ascend.
— Supreme Foundation: Guaranteed to ascend—if you don't die young.
[Further tiers exist, but it is up to the host to discover them.]
[Hint: There is at least one foundation tier above Supreme.]
Lin Chen's expression turned thoughtful.
"If Supreme isn't the limit, then surely someone out there has already gone beyond it..." he mused. "Or at least tried."
"And if the Foundation Enhancement Guide only lists up to Supreme, then I'll have to go even further myself. I must build a foundation no one has ever reached..."
The fire of determination burned in his eyes.
He took a deep breath, then slowly closed his eyes.
"System," he said firmly, "Start the simulation."
> [Ding! Simulation Initiated.]
[Drawing talent for this simulation…]
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