"Haaaaaa, finally."

Within a cosy bedroom, with a relatively high-quality double bed, Zhang Wei could be seen sitting with his legged crossed and a relieved yet sour expression on his face.

To think it was this difficult to achieve the simplest stage, the initiation stage of the technique, 'Simplicity Within Thoughts'.

I've spent day and night engraving the structure of that bloody 'mental palace' and trying to form a framework, yet only just completed it around three days later!

I mean come on!

That cheating protagonist bastard did it first try within moments. But even when I don't compare myself to that freak, just from what the book mentions, people with even a sliver of talent only need a few hours to a day to complete it!

Is the discrepancy between me and a decent cultivator really that cataclysmic?!

After wallowing in grief for a few moments, Zhang Wei moved on from it as he thought to himself optimistically,

But thankfully I've been able to do it, and also memorised the next steps, therefore even if the book is taken away I can rest at peace knowing I won't miss out on cultivating this divine technique!

Not only that, although the initiation stage doesn't cause any drastic changes as compared to others, I can strangely feel my thoughts flowing smoother. If I were to make a comparison, it would be as if previously I viewed the world as advanced algebra, but now it's slightly easier advanced algebra.

More than that, my emotions don't seem to have such a gorilla grip over my rationale as much anymore.

It's weird though, my emotions don't seem to have dulled, but instead, they just seem more controllable.

After thinking through the changes that have arisen within him due to the technique, he finally let it go and then a greedy smile adorned his face and he started to rub his palms together like a money-hungry merchant would when getting ready to collect his profits.

Hehe, praise be to the system and Fan Lin's OP Providence, otherwise there was no way I was gonna be able to get those lists done!

Due to Zhang Wei's intense desire to reach the first stage, he forsook any and all system notifications over the past few days to concentrate.

However, he knew all of them were going to be scrumptious and juicy rewards!

And he wasn't wrong.

[Host has successfully introduced a 'Battle Ranking' allowing smoother progression]

{Host receives three-hundred and forty days of cultivation using [Choose cultivation technique]}

...

[Host has successfully introduced a 'Beauty Ranking' allowing smoother progression]

{Host receives an ultra-rare grade random spiritual technique, Heavenly Concealment.}

...

[The host has successfully introduced a heroine to the protagonist allowing smoother progression]

{Host receives a rare-grade random item, Emergency Jade Plate Mk.1 (x3)}

...

Although he wasn't sure of what the latter two rewards were exactly, Zhang Wei's face brightly lit up from merely seeing the close to a year's worth of cultivation!

This was not only because this reward would net him an increase of around a minor realm or so, but that this reward wasn't as simple as just increasing his qi proportionate to how much he would gain from a year's worth of cultivation using the selected cultivation technique.

Oh no, its uses were way more varied than that.

You see, initially, Zhang Wei interpreted the words, 'Choose cultivation technique', as one should choose which 'cultivation technique' they wanted to use.

But that was either a misinterpretation due to his illiteracy, or the system gave a shit description- Zhang Wei liked to believe it was the latter.

What it actually meant, was to choose which 'technique' one wanted to 'cultivate'.

Are you picking up what I'm putting down?

Naturally, when someone chooses a 'cultivation technique' to cultivate, they will gain qi.

So what happened when someone chooses to cultivate a 'battle technique'?

Hehehe, instant comprehension, baby!

Zhang Wei was very chuffed at the versatility of his cheats, after all, all those systems given to other transmigrated fellows were all stingy or downright sadistic!

Though, there was one 'downfall' with this that Zhang Wei discovered.

Back when he was a servant, the only option he was given was to use his cultivation boost on the shitty qi-breathing technique given to the servants.

That was peculiar.

Didn't he also have the Green Turtle Palm Art to use it on?

The reason why he couldn't was simple.

He actually had to get initial accomplishment with the technique before he could use it as a target to cultivate.

Obviously, the ever-average Zhang Wei whose most vigorous action from day to day was sweeping the floors of courtyards, clearly never reached such a stage.

And since, on the whole, cultivation techniques did not have any levels of accomplishment, it was excluded from this restriction.

Anyways, now you can see why someone like Zhang Wei, who has quite a few incredible techniques yet not enough talent to utilise all of them, found this reward to be so amazing.

Even ignoring that, reiterating the fact that this is a cultivation world, what's there not to like about receiving free level boosts?!

Moving on from that, Zhang Wei cracked open the system inventory, which he hadn't for some time now, and gleefully gazed at the 'boxes' that no longer were empty.

He first hovered his attention over at the first box, which had a gleaming blue outline and an icon of a book with a black cover within it.

Zhang Wei then mentally 'tapped' the icon, then a larger version of the icon came up with a string of information saying,

=================

{Shadow Panther Steps}

[Grade: Rare]

[Description: Once mastered, it allows one to display the full elegance, sneakiness, and speed of a shadow panther's movements all on two feet!]

[Review: Solid movement technique if you're needing to make moves on the low.]

=================

...

After reading one, he continued scrolling through his items excitedly.

...

=================

{Emergency Jade Plate Mk.1(x3)}

[Grade: Rare]

[Description: If, and only if, the jade plate is on your person, then, when you get struck by a fatal attack the jade plate will fully mitigate all the damage of the attack and then break. Note- Jade Plate Mk.1 is non-stackable and has a maximum shielding limit of up to a spirit tempering realm cultivator's attack.]

[Review: Jade plates are handy little things that can allow the holder to gain another layer of safety, what's there not to like?]

=================

...

=================

{Heavenly Concealment}

[Grade: Ultra-Rare]

[Description: Incredible spiritual technique that allows one to disguise any aspect of themselves under the condition that sufficient attainment is achieved.]

[Review: An insanely versatile technique that is of great use to an aspiring 'Ultimate Background Character'. It allows one to escape from even the most piercing gaze or peskiest of individuals, letting a background character act in the background in peace.]

=================

...

Looking at the plethora of things he'd received, Zhang Wei was speechless.

He almost felt a tear forming in the corners of his eyes.

Finallyyyyyy!

The system has decided to do system things and reward my poor soul with some real techniques!

It seems to me though that the rewards are more focused on defence and evasion, rather than attack.

So it looks like I won't be able to slice a mountain in half with a godly technique...yet.

But wasn't there a saying that defence is the best offence... or was it the other way around?

Whatever. I'm not too bummed anyways, after all, beggars can't be choosers.

After a few more seconds of brooding over his rewards, Zhang Wei decided that he wanted to get started and bring these rewards of his into reality.

He started focusing his concentration towards the claim reward box, which was bright green in colour, that appeared just under the description of an item.

The moment he mentally 'clicked' the box, he felt the weight of an object resting on his lap.

He quickly looked down to identify the object and...there it was.

A shiny and spotless green jade slip laid bare on his lap, except for its pleasant appearance it honestly didn't look like something that could block an attack.

But Zhang Wei held some initial trust in the system.

It had already proved its prowess by being able to manipulate his luck to such an extent that he'd almost been able to breeze through the tournament.

So why would it lie now?

As he attached the jade to the waist of his robe, letting it hang down, Zhang Wei quickly jumped out of bed and scurried towards the mirror.

Upon seeing his reflection, he gave a small nod of approval and a satisfied smirk appeared on his face.

Heh, not too shabby!

Although I can admit my base looks aren't exactly exceptional, my style points have definitely gone up!

As Zhang Wei was engrossed in checking himself out a bit more and hand-combing his long hair- Which was the norm, and somewhat the etiquette, for cultivators- he didn't notice that someone had been knocking on the door repeatedly.

The guest, seemingly fed up with knocking with no response, made the most sensible decision.

He kicked his way in!

"Zhang Wei you- Eh?!"

The guest, Fan Lin, upon noticing his friend checking himself out in the mirror, couldn't help but stare at Zhang Wei with a straight face and a blank stare.

Fan Lin knew that his good pal here, though not ugly at all, wasn't quite a casanova.

In fact, you could say the man was facially challenged.

No defining features, no birthmarks or beauty spots, and no major asymmetry anywhere.

Although Fan Lin didn't know about the Ultimate Background Character System, he had read a novel before and truly did think that Zhang Wei was someone that would fit the role of a background character perfectly.

Zhang Wei, seeing the friend that rudely barged in give him a look of irony and pity, the corners of his lips couldn't help but twitch.

Looking closer at the person with almost nothing going for him except his handsome, protagonist-like looks, his fists couldn't help but clench a bit from frustration.

Fuck!

Heavens really are unfair!

How come this rude little bastard looks better than any model I've ever seen before even with a frown on his face, yet I look as plain as ever before!

"Fan Lin, you bastard!

"Can't you at least pretend to show some sympathy over here?!"

Realising he'd made his true thoughts too obvious, he gave a fake cough and said a bit nervously,

"Haha, whatever do you mean, Brother Zhang?

"I was just admiring your dashing looks.

"Now, can you hand me over that technique please?"

Now it was Zhang Wei's turn to give a blank stare.

After a few moments, Zhang Wei said in a solemn tone.

"No.

"Try again."

Hearing his words, Fan Lin's eyes narrowed for a moment, but he then quickly covered it up with a forced smile as he said with a bit more passion,

"Brother Zhang, I absolutely love the new look!

"It really suits you!

"Now hand it over."

Zhang Wei shook his head again whilst simultaneously saying,

"You forgot the, please.

"Rude bastard."

Fan Lin's patience seemed to be reaching its utmost limits, as his fake smile seemed to crumple by the second, however, he was still able to muster out one last attempt.

"Oh, my good brother!

"I've not seen you in a mere few days, yet you've become so charming!

"With such looks, I'm sure you could put anyone to shame!

"Now, If you could be so kind, could you pass me the technique... please?"

After spitting out the 'please', Fan Lin proceeded to glare at Zhang Wei with a piercing gaze that seemed to convey that he was thoroughly sick of this shit.

Seeing his grim expression, a small self-satisfied smirk couldn't help but appear on Zhang Wei's face as he made his way back to his bed and bent down to grab the crusty old book that had laid on it.

After getting the book in his grasp, he turned back around to face Fan Lin and extended his hand that held the book, as if he were motioning him to take it.

Seeing the book, the grim expression on his face lightened and he quickly grabbed the other side of the book, but, just when he was going to take hold of it... Fan Lin felt a tight grip on the book.

As Fan Lin looked back up at Zhang Wei with annoyance, wondering what other stupid shenanigans he had up his sleeve, he was surprised to see he had a contorted expression that reeked of anger.

Before Fan Lin could interject, a shout seething of rage filled the room saying,

"You thought you were gonna leave just like this?!

"You thought I'd really let you leave after breaking in here?!

"...Fix my fucking door!"

Realising that he had indeed done that, but being confused on why he was making such a fuss of it, Fan Lin said confusedly,

"Hey, why are you getting so pissed?

"Can't we can just get one of the servants from the servant quarters to sort it for a few shitty coppers?!"

Hearing his words, Zhang Wei shook his head with his fingers on his glabella, conveying his disappointment and annoyance.

"I don't know about you, but I, for one, don't like to exploit those poor bastards over at the servant quarters anymore!

"I still remember back in the days, I'd do hours of labour thinking I made a decent amount, or at least something that would help me out in the long run, just to realise it was pure slavery!

"Even with the corrupt bastards gone due to Lin Fan's upheaval, it's still a huge scam!

"How could you experience all that shit in there, then in a few years rely on the very exploitation you had to go through?

"Although I'm not an advocate of justice, don't you think that you should at least fix your own mistakes?"

Hearing Zhang Wei's speech, Fan Lin's reaction was simple.

Bewilderment.

"Yo, Zhang Wei?

"Why are speaking like you don't know?

"This is how the world works.

"The strong exploit the weak remorselessly, whilst the weak loathe the strong that exploit them.

"Although it's true I hated the people that took advantage of me, that's simply because I was weak and couldn't do anything else but get angry about it.

"However, now that I am stronger, I can take advantage of it myself- So why not make use of it for my own benefit?

"Seriously bro, I think you should hold off thinking about the protagonist and his idealism, I mean we talked about this before.

"How can someone who has always been given things off luck, really understand the mindset of those who have nothing and the subsequent desires they have to take from others to gain what they do not, or can not, have?

"What a weak person wants is not to be protected or pitied, but to have power and the ability to take for themselves."

As he heard Fan Lin's retort, Zhang Wei's eyes widened.

Right... this is common sense.

Heh, seems like even though I've been here for years there are still some things I've not adapted to.

Whilst Zhnag Wei was in a bit of a daze, Fan Lin took this opportunity to grab the book off him as his grip had loosened.

As Fan Lin took hold of it, he wasted time no longer, as he made a sharp one-eighty and ran off whilst bidding farewell by saying,

"I'll sort a servant to get it fixed as an apology, but if you want to feel heroic then feel free to do it yourself!

"See ya later!"

After Zhang Wei stood still for a few more moments immersed in thoughts, he snapped out of it and shook his head whilst thinking,

Fuck, that was sooooo embarrassing!

What was I even thinking?

I'm no hero!

I'm just a simple background character!

Anyways, I've not made my way out of the house in a while, might as well go for a small walk while checking out the rewards a bit more.

Maybe even decide what to invest my close to a year of free cultivation in.

As he walked out of his room merrily, an unpleasant realisation struck him.

To get into his room, one must not only go through his room's door but also the front door.

And as far as he knew, only he had the keys to unlock his front door.

Meaning...Yep, the door was busted open.

FUCKKKKKKK!

...

On the other side, Lin Fan, was doing what every other Xianxia protagonist did whenever they felt like it.

...Breakthrough.

"Don't mess up, brat Lin!

"If my theory's correct, the ancient emperors didn't only have one unlockable innate treasure!

"First was at the seventh stage of foundation establishment, which you have already attained.

"The second one should be at the fifth stage of Spirit Tempering, where after advancing normally to the sixth stage your spirit essence would be consolidated to some degree!

"If you can refine enough essence at once and consolidate it to the pinnacle, I'm sure you'll gain something that will make you peerless within the same realm!"

The young man in question was barely focusing on the old voice in his head as he seemed to be in a state of intense struggle and pain.

He was sitting in a lotus position, yet tons of sweat seemed to escape from every single pore of his body as if he had just run a marathon.

His sword-like eyebrows were furrowed intensely, and he seemed to be whispering to himself under his breath in a trance-like state.

'Consolidate'.

'Refine'.

If one were to look from the outside it would certainly be a strange scene, however, just one look inside his enormous dantian was enough for any cultivator to break a cold sweat.

Inside there, was simply put, a torrent of pure unrefined spirit energy rampaging around

What this meant, was that even the slightest mistake brought about by tardiness would cause almost irreparable damage to the dantian- A cultivator's most vulnerable and precious area.

As the hours passed by, the liquid pouring out from Lin Fan was no longer sweat.

It was crimson blood.

As it drenched his body and dripped to the floor, the scene began looking more and more grotesque- As if a bloody demon had been born.

Another thing that changed, was that the temperature of Lin Fan skyrocketed, and it got to the point where it could no longer be compared to merely a very bad fever.

The surrounding spirit wood planks that made up the flooring, had begun to char as if it were being burned- Luckily spirit wood had a higher fire resistance, otherwise, things may have gone a tad bit bad.

The old spirit, Grandpa Yi, witnessed what was happening and got a little bit confused as he watched what was happening young brat he'd been with for these past few years.

He strangely felt some deja vu from seeing this happen.

Hmmm... why does it feel like I've seen this type of thing happen before?

Usually breaking through shouldn't bring about such reactions... unless for two reaso-?!

Hah...haha...HAHAHA!

That's what it is!

No way!

To think he's awakened the...

...