C8 Chuncao!!

Since time immemorial, it has been said that a master can only show you the door; the journey of cultivation is a personal endeavor. The same principle applied here. After assessing his talents, Yang Zhantian paid little attention to Yang Rui's cultivation journey. There was no helping it—how could someone who hadn't even reached the basic level offer guidance? It was better for Yang Rui to figure things out on his own, as it would benefit his future growth in martial arts. Yang Rui, for his part, truly had no idea how to begin his cultivation, let alone understand the techniques and martial arts texts before him. But he wasn't worried—he had the system and the skills!

How could someone with just Level 1 Comprehension Power dare to call themselves a genius? This skill could boost Comprehension Power by 50% for any cultivation technique, with a 1% chance of achieving a full 100% comprehension. This Divine Skill was nothing short of miraculous, not only compensating for his shortcomings but occasionally delivering explosive results. Yet, it was still only Level 1. If it were higher, he might well fit the template of a true genius!

But enough daydreaming; it was time to level up, especially considering his current frail stature.

Back in his room, Yang Rui couldn't be bothered with anything else and immediately started poring over the borrowed books. But he had overlooked one detail: while the Comprehension Power did increase by 50%, it required a baseline to be effective. For someone like Yang Rui, who had virtually no comprehension to begin with, an increase of 50% was as good as none. Although a strong psychic force could influence Comprehension Power, it couldn't fundamentally replace it. In plain terms, Yang Rui was still clueless, so all he could do was read the same material repeatedly, hoping to trigger a Critical Hit.

Nevertheless, Yang Rui discovered the advantage of reading: it could trigger Experience Points! The gains were modest; an hour of reading only netted him 5 Experience Points—a paltry sum indeed. A quick glance at the Attribute Bar showed his Experience Points at 10/100. His heart felt heavy; why was leveling up so challenging? Others seemed to upgrade their systems with ease, while his required so much effort for such meager progress.

The System sneered with disdain, "You're too young. I'm the most useless Gain System out there. How could I possibly measure up to those top-tier systems?"

Reading extensively hadn't been without its benefits. Yang Rui, for one, had developed a deep understanding of the Spirit Tempering Spell. As the saying goes, to do a job well, one must first sharpen one's tools. Without fully grasping the technique, Yang Rui wouldn't dare to rush into cultivation; a misstep could lead to serious complications.

Unbeknownst to him, a voyeur lurked just outside his door at that very moment. Indeed, it was none other than Yang Zhantian, concerned that Yang Rui might recklessly get himself into trouble. To his relief, the first thing the young man did upon returning to his room wasn't to dive headlong into cultivation but to thoroughly study the Spirit Tempering Spell. This level-headed approach was reminiscent of Yang Zhantian's own style. By not acting impulsively, one could survive longer in this harsh world.

Assured by his son's prudent behavior, Yang Zhantian stopped his surreptitious observation and left, feeling completely at ease.

Meanwhile, Yang Rui, oblivious to having been spied upon, continued to pore over the Spirit Tempering Spell with keen interest. His relentless dedication did not go unrewarded. A voice that soothed his entire being rang in his ears.

"Ding! Congratulations, Host, for achieving a Critical Hit in comprehension! You've completely mastered the entry-level Spirit Tempering Spell, earning +50 Experience Points!"

With a chuckle, Yang Rui thought, 'A low drop rate doesn't matter—I can still score a Critical Hit! With the Spirit Tempering Spell now under my belt, it's time for a break. I've devoted most of the day to this, so a stroll outside is in order. After all, the key to effective cultivation is balancing work with leisure.'

He casually opened the Attribute Bar to review his stats:

Name: Yang Rui

Level: 2

Experience: 60/100

Stage: None

Vitality: 300/300

Attack: 30/30

Physique: 4.5/4.5

Agility: 4.5/4.5

Strength: 4.5/4.5

Spirit: 10/10

Status: Normal

Skills: Body Strengthening Level 1, Exuberant Energy Level 1, Comprehension Level 1

Equipment: None

Inventory: Beginner Gift Bag Level 5 x 1, Beginner Gift Bag x 1

Body Strengthening Level 1 provides a basic enhancement, granting a 50% increase across all Basic Attributes of the host.

Exuberant Energy Level 1 offers a basic enhancement, boosting the host's basic Spiritual Attribute by 50%, with an energy recovery of 0.1% every minute.

Comprehension Level 1 raises a question: How can one dare to call themselves a genius without exceptional Comprehension Power? It increases the Comprehension Power for any cultivation technique by 50%, with a 1% chance of achieving 100% comprehension.

Excellent, I'm just 40 Experience Points shy of leveling up. I need to devise a strategy; otherwise, I'll be stuck waiting.

Accompanied by his two maids, Chuncao and Yixia, Yang Rui stepped out. The Yang family's residence wasn't in the heart of Chiba City but rather towards the north, not too far from the city center. The trio exited the Yang family estate and began their leisurely stroll. Yang Rui was familiar with these areas, having inherited all the memories of his predecessor, the late Yang Rui. Yet, seeing these places in person was far more impactful than recalling memories. After all, he, Young Master Yang, intended to live the high life here.

In stark contrast to Yang Rui's breezy demeanor, Ximen Haoyu was having a rough day. He'd been reprimanded by his father and further irritated by his dim-witted brother. Hoping to unwind at the Courtyard Restaurant with a massage from the renowned Miss Su Yun, he found his plans thwarted when the Lau family's young master had already secured her company, flaunting it in front of him, no less. Today was just not his day!

It was then that Ximen Haoyu spotted Yang Rui ambling along. Already in a foul mood, his irritation intensified at the sight. Why should someone he deemed worthless enjoy such an easy life?

Seizing the opportunity to vent, he stepped in front of Yang Rui and sneered, "Well, well, if it isn't the Yang family's very own good-for-nothing? Still kicking, I see?"

Yang Rui quirked an eyebrow. "Well, well, who's this crazy dog barking in broad daylight?"

"Chuncao, whose mad dog is making a racket in the middle of the day?" Yang Rui asked, too lazy to even lift his eyelids. Ximen Haoyu, that little jerk, was always at odds with him. Did he really think I was still the kind of loser who could only run back for help?

Chuncao couldn't help but laugh. "Young Master Rui, it's the Ximen family's dog that's barking up a storm."

"A biting dog doesn't bark, so this one must not be a good dog," Yang Rui mused, looking down at Ximen Haoyu. "Just a mangy cur!"

"You!" Ximen Haoyu was seething, his fists clenched tight. They've bullied me enough, but now even this good-for-nothing dares to mock me? Today, I'm going to show you what a real loser looks like!

"Hmm?"

Just as Ximen Haoyu was gearing up to give Yang Rui a lesson, Yang Rui received a system message.

"Ding! Defeat Ximen Haoyu to receive a random reward."

Wow, the system's really got my back. I was just fretting over how to level up, and here you are, handing me a solution on a silver platter. Sure, it's a random reward, but it's better than nothing.

Defeat Ximen Haoyu? I haven't even begun my training, and he's already a martial artist. I definitely can't beat him now. But the system didn't specify that I have to be the one to fight him. Hehehe, sending someone else to thrash him counts as completing the mission, right?

With that thought, Yang Rui didn't hesitate. With a wave of his hand, he commanded, "Chuncao, give him a thrashing!"

Chuncao and Yixia were always at Sikong Jiao's side, and if it weren't for Yang Rui's recent troubles, they'd be surrounded by their own entourage. Being in Sikong Jiao's inner circle meant they were no pushovers. Beating Ximen Haoyu would be a walk in the park for them!