Shen Liqian didn't know much about other types of cultivation.
But the term itself, body cultivation, was self-explanatory.
He would temper his body into a weapon or make it a stronger vessel for his Dantian.
"There's something I must inquire about first," Zhiyin said.
Her voice and gaze weren't their usual playful selves.
She carried none of her mischievous pride.
Instead, her words carried weight.
Shen Liqian straightened in his lotus position and nodded.
Zhiyin asked, "You can obtain a body cultivation manual from the system itself or a body cultivation method from me."
"What's the difference?" Shen Liqian asked.
He didn't doubt that Zhiyin was profound and experienced.
Zhiyin replied, "I am a part of your system.
"That said, I was a cultivator like you before drawing my last breath.
"That makes me an outsider bound to your system.
"In this vast universe, there are countless methods for me to break the shackles, steal your system, and be reborn.
"Opportunities come to those who continue striving for them, after all.
"In other words, I am not an impartial part of the system."
If she ever turned on me, could the Clan Cultivation System stop her?
She meant there was a risk she might betray him in the future, or that he might rely on her more than on the system itself.
Zhiyin had already acted on her own a few times, mainly guiding quests and avoiding Shen Liqian's parents.
But those actions were beneficial to Shen Liqian.
He also learned from her and didn't reveal his system or how it worked to anyone.
It was Shen Liqian's turn to make a decision.
"Who were you in your past life?" he asked.
"A Primordial Empress of a realm."
A cold prickle ran down his spine.
She explained that normal worlds couldn't host exalted cultivators like she had been.
Such presence unconsciously elevated worlds into realms that stretched far and wide across the universe.
Being primordial meant she was the one who elevated her world to a higher status.
"My realm had been invaded by Gu Devils, a parasitic race.
"We had been warned about them, and I believed we were prepared.
"Alas, we clearly weren't."
Before her demise, as the fate of her realm was sealed, Zhiyin erased her entire existence so no Gu Devil could ever lay hands on her.
A streak of her spirit entered the circle of reincarnation, which turned her into a guide for the Clan Cultivation System.
She must have met Shen Liqian's spirit in the Netherworld!
So that's where our paths crossed.
Shen Liqian barely kept his composure.
So much information at once… and there are many things I can't really understand well without cultivation knowledge.
But at least I know a little about her origins now.
"Will your body cultivation method lead me away from the Clan Cultivation System?" Shen Liqian asked.
Zhiyin shook her head.
"I am confident this method is possible because of how profound your system is.
"With its resources at hand, and because you can obtain them through your clan, you may be able to perfect this cultivation path.
"Also, it won't be only body cultivation.
"You will have to follow all four cultivation methods from me."
Shen Liqian nodded.
He couldn't trust her blindly, so it felt like being between a rock and a hard place.
But we are both connected through the Clan Cultivation System, and it's the gift I obtained in the Netherworld.
She's like a second gift, and I'm so grateful for both.
This decision isn't that difficult at all.
I want to trust Zhiyin.
Use the Clan Cultivation System and her guidance to their fullest!
"I want to know where you see yourself in the future, but that's also a broad and unfair question.
"I myself don't know where I will end up in the future."
Shen Liqian smiled.
Zhiyin leaped into his lap.
"You may think I want revenge.
"But that's not the case.
"You may think I want to become the Empress again.
"But that's not the case.
"Those living solely for revenge are pitiful.
"It's also far more comfortable to guide a single person than an entire realm.
"I, therefore, am retired!"
She declared with familiar pride.
Shen Liqian chuckled.
Yeah, I like her enough to trust her.
With that said, Shen Liqian made his decision based on his feelings and the future.
Only his future self would be able to tell whether that was a good or bad decision.
Shen Liqian said, "I want to follow your guidance.
"Please, enlighten me and help me grow stronger to face my clan's adversities."
His resolve set like a drawn blade.
[You have added Zhiyin to your vassals.]
[Zhiyin's status has been elevated.]
[Shen Zhiyin.]
Warmth spread through his chest at the sight of her taking his surname.
[Shen Zhiyin's guidance will now influence system functions and rewards more.]
Zhiyin was shocked to see that she had become a member of Shen's direct lineage.
Even in her past life, she had never changed her surname!
Her shock lasted a few breaths before she closed her eyes and shook her head with slight amusement.
"This body cultivation method requires a drop of bloodline to start, so we will do things a little differently and more primitively."
A ribbon of light appeared before Shen Liqian.
It unfolded into a floating drop of rainbow blood threaded with darker hues.
The hairs on his arms rose.
It shone so brightly that the entire room basked in its brilliance.
Zhiyin's eyes widened in shock and her body stirred.
"Liqian!
"I will imprint a body cultivation method onto you now!
"Focus and don't let that drop of blood go to waste!
"It will determine your future!"
Shen Liqian closed his eyes and quickly focused.
Within his sea of consciousness, the first part of his body cultivation method appeared.
Cosmic Asura Hydra.
It was a cultivation path that would turn him into an existence profound enough to swallow countless realms in the far future.