[Congratulations on surviving the crisis of a First Stage Qi Condensation Evil Spirit.]

[You have received 10 Attribute Points.]

Xu Qingxian's eyes widened in shock.

'System, are you for real? First, it was gaining attribute points from spirit stones. Then from eating. And now I get attribute points just by surviving a crisis?'

'What other ways are there to obtain attribute points?' Xu Qingxian felt a wave of excitement rush through him. It seemed like this system had been custom-made to send him straight to the pinnacle of strength.

The thought made Xu Qingxian feel deeply pleased.

Unable to fall asleep again, he summoned the system interface.

[Host: Xu Qingxian]

[Cultivation Technique: Basic Sword Technique – Flowing Sword Technique]

[Attribute Points: 24]

[Allocate 8 Attribute Points to Basic Sword Technique?]

[Yes/No]

Xu Qingxian instantly selected Yes without hesitation.

[Basic Sword Technique: Starlight Sword Technique]

'This should be enough to guarantee my safety against any cultivator at the Qi Condensation realm.'

Immediately, a surge of insights into swordsmanship rushed into his mind like a crashing wave. He realized that even the Flying Sword Technique he had learned earlier was crude and unrefined compared to this new form.

Feeling a sense of security wash over him, Xu Qingxian allowed himself to relax slightly.

Then, the memory of the evil spirit returned to his thoughts.

Was the evil spirit just a wandering entity that happened to stumble into the cold palace?

If that was the case, then he could relax—though he would still need to remain alert in case others entered the area.

'But if it was sent by someone…' Xu Qingxian's expression turned serious. If it truly had been sent with malicious intent, that would be far more dangerous.

In that scenario, he would have no choice but to remain constantly vigilant. There would be no peace, only the looming threat of an unseen enemy.

Unfortunately, there was no way to uncover the truth for now.

Unable to find a clear answer, Xu Qingxian picked up the Basic Qi Gathering Technique manual once again and resumed studying it.

He felt as though he was slowly beginning to understand its contents.

'From what I've grasped so far, this technique is quite useless. But I might as well keep studying it. I've got nothing better to do right now.'

Whenever Xu Qingxian comprehended a technique, it would be recorded into the system. From there, he could evolve it by spending attribute points and continuously enhance it.

This was another powerful benefit of his system. As long as he understood the basics of a technique, he would not need to spend long hours refining it. The system could push it to an unparalleled level automatically.

Time passed quickly.

Eventually, a knock echoed softly on the door.

Xu Qingxian closed the manual and smiled. It was time for breakfast—and to receive more attribute points.

…

Lin Fan entered the cold palace and respectfully served Xu Qingxian his morning meal. Afterward, the two chatted briefly while Xu Qingxian ate, before Lin Fan excused himself and departed.

Once the room was quiet again, Xu Qingxian brought up his system panel.

[Host: Xu Qingxian]

[Cultivation Technique: Basic Sword Technique – Starlight Sword Technique]

[Attribute Points: 26]

[Allocate 16 Attribute Points to Basic Sword Technique?]

[Yes/No]

Xu Qingxian dismissed the panel and picked up his phone, curious to check what was happening in the group chat.

One Inch Stick: Guys, I'm tired of being stuck in this horde of beasts. Is there a way to rescue me? Feeling tired.jpg

Jade Beauty: Weren't you all smiles before? Even took a selfie.

One Inch Stick: Don't mock me. I just wanted to stay safe at first, but now I'm bored out of my mind. I don't even know what kind of world this is, aside from there being demons. What if I'm the only human here? How am I supposed to find a woman to have fun with?

Crouching Down and Begging for Mercy: If that turns out to be the case, a demon's taste can't be that bad, right? Amusing.jpg

Reading that, Xu Qingxian burst into a fit of laughter. The group chat was endlessly entertaining. He kept scrolling, eager to see what else would unfold.

Lazy Feather: You all really love hard work. If I were in your shoes, I could stay there for years, as long as I had enough food and water. No need to stress myself.

Lazy Feather: Thanks to my laid-back approach, my strength will naturally grow over time. When the moment comes, I can leave whenever I feel like it.

One Inch Stick: Jealous.jpg Why didn't I get such a good golden finger? Huhu, I'm so bored…

Big Fatty: Hehe, you won't be bored for too long. In around twenty-nine days, the group mission will begin. Every group member from your badge will have to complete it.

Big Fatty: This mission will help you grow stronger, and once it's completed, you can escape from the beasts' encirclement. Easy peasy.

'What?' Xu Qingxian's eyes widened. The group chat suddenly went silent. Everyone seemed to be equally shocked. None of them had known about this—Xu Qingxian included.

The announcement had caught them all off guard.

Then, the messages started rolling in again.

Jade Beauty: Why didn't anyone tell us this sooner? Is the group chat mission dangerous? What kind of mission is it? Huhu, I have so many questions…

One Inch Stick: I've got a ton of questions too, but honestly, as long as I can get out of here, I don't care.

Lazy Feather: Ugh, you mean I actually have to move my body now? Why…?

Big Fatty: …

Jade Beauty: …

Carefree Immortal: …

Xu Qingxian nearly cursed aloud.

'Damn lucky bastard.' He suppressed his irritation and typed calmly into the chat.

Carefree Immortal: Please explain what the group mission involves. Is it dangerous?

Crouching Down and Begging for Mercy: Seeking advice from the big boss.

Winter Immortal: Ah, right. None of you know about the system points function yet. No one told you?

Big Fatty: Winter Immortal, you ruined the surprise. I was going to mess with the newbies a bit more before explaining everything.

Jade Beauty: Shameless fatty!

One Inch Stick: Shameless fatty!

Lady Feature: Shameless… fatty…

Big Fatty: Actually, I'm not as fat as you all imagine me to be.

Carefree Immortal: …

Big Fatty: Actually, I'm not as fat as you guys imagine me to be.

Xu Qingxian was speechless at how shameless the fatty was. Refusing to waste energy on the topic, he chose not to dwell on it and waited silently for Winter Immortal's reply.

Judging by the silence, Xu Qingxian assumed that Winter Immortal was probably typing a response.

As expected, after a few tense moments of stillness in the group chat, a message finally dropped.

Winter Immortal: There are many functions in the group, including some that have yet to be unlocked. After transmigration, thirty days later, the batch of transmigrators will be sent together to a random world to complete the group mission.

Winter Immortal: Depending on the grade attained after the mission, you will receive a corresponding amount of system points.

Winter Immortal: System points can be used to purchase a wide variety of items from the system store. When the mission is completed successfully, access to the store will be granted, and you can begin making purchases.

One Inch Stick: What? System points are that useful?

Jade Beauty: What kind of things can be bought from the system store?

Laxy Feather: Hmmm, seems like there are times when one shouldn't be lazy. Good things might be missed that way.

Crouching Down and Begging for Mercy: Seeking advice from the big boss. Is the group mission actually dangerous? We can't just get system points for free, right? I have a bad feeling about this.

Xu Qingxian also felt a growing sense of unease in his chest. Something wasn't right.

Big Fatty: You all don't need to worry too much. The success rate for completing group missions is high, around five percent. But the rewards make it worth the risk.

Reading that, Xu Qingxian's heart sank like a stone. Five percent? That was disastrous!

He felt a headache coming on. He was already counting down to an execution in six days, and now he had this new mission to prepare for?

It was as if fate had singled him out for elimination. The thought made Xu Qingxian clench his fists in frustration.

Suppressing the storm in his chest, he returned his gaze to the phone screen.

Laxy Feather: Seems like this mission isn't for me. I'll be sitting this one out, guys.

Crouching Down and Begging for Mercy: The big boss should at least bless us with a few substantial red packets to improve our chances of survival.

Winter Immortal: Yes, system points are useful in many ways. As for what can be purchased from the system store, the options are endless.

According to the seniors, when your system points reach a certain threshold, you can even purchase or exchange your golden finger.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.