Chapter 7: New Treasures and Further Growth
For the next few months, life settled into a comfortable routine. Days passed without significant events, and the system's discount store offered nothing but mundane items like handkerchiefs and toilet paper. Lu Yuan had grown accustomed to the uneventful refreshes.
But today was different.
As he checked the store, two items immediately caught his eye. The first was a Poison Sea Pearl from the Swallowed Star world. Its details read: "This Poison Sea Pearl can absorb and store poison, also aiding in poison attacks. With increasing levels, the poison's grade also increases. This is the best weapon for poison masters." It had a 95% discount, bringing its cost to a still considerable 500 points. Without hesitation, knowing its perfect synergy with Xiao Yixian, he bought it.
The second item was a box full of Genetic Medicines, described as capable of increasing physical fitness to an intermediate level. It also had a 95% discount but still cost 33 points. He knew he had to acquire these for both Xiao Yixian and Qing Lin. He bought them as well.
He called both Xiao Yixian and Qing Lin to his room. When they arrived, Lu Yuan presented the Poison Sea Pearl to Xiao Yixian, explaining its properties and benefits. Upon understanding the immense value and perfect fit of the treasure, Xiao Yixian rushed forward, wrapping her arms around Lu Yuan and kissing him directly on the lips. "Thank you!" she exclaimed, her eyes shining with gratitude.
Lu Yuan smiled, pulling her closer. "You're already mine," he said, "don't say thank you." Qing Lin, witnessing the intimate scene, felt her face grow hot with a blush. Next, Lu Yuan opened the box of Genetic Medicines, revealing four tubes filled with a crystal-like substance. "Take one each," he instructed, handing a tube to both Xiao Yixian and Qing Lin. "Drink these later. They'll boost your physical fitness to a new level."
Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months, each passing quickly. Lu Yuan continued his cultivation, focusing on his spiritual energy. He had broken through to Warlord Advance Level in Spirit Mastery during this time. However, his physical body remained at Advanced Warrior level. Without the cosmic energy of the Swallowed Star world, his physical cultivation was limited.
Then, on this particular day, as he checked the discount store, a new item appeared: Dragon Blood. The description indicated it could help break through his fitness level. With a 90% discount, it cost less than 100 points, making it an immediate purchase. He quickly bought it, ignoring the other discounted items.
He retrieved the Dragon Blood from his inventory. It was a vibrant red liquid. He applied it to his skin, and it was instantly absorbed. A sudden, intense sensation spread through his muscles and bones. It was a sharp, burning pain, but only for a few seconds. Then, Lu Yuan felt his body break through some invisible barrier, like a chain snapping. A visible gust of wind erupted outwards from his body as its center. He had finally broken through to the Warlord Level in Physical Fitness.
His body felt incredibly light. He immediately went to the courtyard, eager to test his new physical prowess. He activated the Second Form of his Shadow Technique. For a few fleeting seconds, his body seemed to disappear and reappear a short distance away. A leaf, caught in the breeze, floated past him, then cleanly split in half, precisely cut by the sheer speed of his movement.