C3 I will Try My Hand First!

Ning Xiaoshu was overwhelmed with joy, tears streaming down his face. Unconcerned with the curious stares from passersby, he burst into laughter amidst the verdant greenery lining the roadside.

Incredibly, he had inherited something known as the Master System, which granted him access to a vast array of martial arts from novels, historical records, films, and even myths.

What set this system apart was that with each martial art he activated, he would possess the experience and understanding of a grandmaster.

Any martial artist could attest that mastering a martial art was no small feat. Some spent their entire lives in pursuit, only to achieve a superficial understanding.

But with just a skill card from the system, he could instantly become a grandmaster!

Such an overpowered system was beyond anyone's wildest dreams!

Yet, the System Elf, Zero, had informed him that he had only preliminarily activated the system and was not yet the full-fledged host of the Master System. To fully unlock it, he needed to complete a trial mission after receiving a novice gift pack.

"Ding! Congratulations, host. The novice gift pack is now available."

"Ding! The novice gift pack has been opened. Congratulations, host, for obtaining the first level of the Tendon Change Classic."

The Tendon Change Classic!

Upon seeing the name, Ning Xiaoshu was so astounded that he was speechless.

This was the prized treasure of Shaolin!

Among all the martial arts in the world, the Tendon Change Classic was considered the pinnacle of inner force mental cultivation methods!

When You Tandao had acquired the Tendon Change Classic, even his incomplete knowledge granted him inner strength on par with legends like Ding Chunqiu and Murong Fu. If Xiaoshu could master this art, who would he have to fear in the future?

"Damn, my perseverance has finally paid off. I, Ning Xiaoshu, have truly risen above the rest!"

Ning Xiaoshu could hardly believe that he had actually obtained a Master System.

In his mind's eye, a card of unknown material, ancient in design and black with gold accents, floated ethereally, its soft, enigmatic glow captivating.

Emblazoned in the center of the card were the gilded characters: "Tendon Change Classic."

Unable to contain his eagerness, Ning Xiaoshu summoned the card into his grasp.

"The Tendon Change Classic, originating from 'Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils,' was created by the Ancestral Master Da Mo of Shaolin Temple. Rated four stars, it has the power to purify and fortify muscles and bones. Currently, you have attained the first level of the mental cultivation method, along with an accompanying fist technique."

"What? It's only the first level?" Ning Xiaoshu was taken aback upon hearing the system's words.

A mere first level mental cultivation method? What good was that?

He might not have eaten pork, but he'd seen a pig run. He'd seen the Shifting the Heavens and Earth on TV, a technique on par with the Tendon Change Classic. Zhang Wuji had effortlessly reached the sixth level, yet here he was with only the first level of the Tendon Change Classic. It felt embarrassingly inadequate.

"This is way too stingy. I mean, this is supposed to be a 'grand' newbie gift, and all I get is a basic cultivation method? Does that even live up to the word 'grand'?" Ning Xiaoshu grumbled, his lips curling in disdain.

"After completing the newbie task, the next level of the mental cultivation method will be unlocked," the System Elf informed him, as if aware of his thoughts. "Given your current physical condition, attempting to cultivate a higher-level mental cultivation method prematurely could have adverse effects."

"Damn, is my physique really being scorned?"

Black lines of frustration creased Ning Xiaoshu's forehead. His meridians might be damaged, but he was once a top contender at Premium Fitness. His physical condition was certainly top-notch.

Yet, the System Elf seemed indifferent to his feelings, delivering another blow without mercy:

"Don't worry, host. The system offers a newbie reward that can enhance your physical fitness. Would you like to accept the transformation?"

"Absolutely, let's do it!"

Ning Xiaoshu's eyes sparkled at the prospect of such a boon, and he eagerly accepted the offer.

But before he could brace himself, a searing pain overtook him, eliciting agonized screams.

"Damn, take it easy, will you? It's killing me!"

The System, however, paid him no heed and proceeded with the transformation as planned.

In the dead of night, an alley echoed with a cacophony of howls and angry shouts.

"Tsk tsk, kids these days are way too bold, messing around in places like this..."

"Hold on, that sounds like two guys... Screw this, I'm getting out of here..."

...

Finally, after about half an hour, the cries of pain subsided.

Ning Xiaoshu felt completely drained, drenched in sweat as he lay sprawled out on the ground, panting heavily.

The agony he had just experienced was something he didn't want to revisit for even a second.

Yet, there was cause for celebration; he sensed that his meridians had been restored. Despite appearing exhausted, his body was brimming with energy.

"The transformation is complete. The host's current physical potential is Level S, and he is in good condition."

"Is Level S the highest? What's above that?" Xiaoshu asked between breaths.

"Above Level S is the Divine Level. Considering Earth's status as a lower-tier planet, it's currently impossible to develop a Divine Level physique."