10 Chapter 10 (1/2)
”What a beautiful morning.” Clark moaned in satisfaction after the rays of the sun warmed his body and soul. He had already passed the gates of the Pleasure House and has now exited the rather special establishment.
After the drastic change of appearance, even the beautiful concierge was not able to notice the newly emerged Lu Chen in their midst. The old Lu Chen and the Lu Chen of today was akin to heaven and earth in difference.
Thus, with a spring on his steps, Clark accepted Lu Chen's identity as his.
”How may i help you, Master?” an old bowed man greeted Clark with utmost respect.
The recent transmigrator has only needed to walk less than 7 minutes before a dilapidated courtyard assailed his senses in sudden melancholy. This has been Lu Chen's home for 100 years.
Gone were the busy servants and noisy echoes of activity in the place. What was left was only the decaying 2 story complex buildings that has brought not a few pleasant and sad memories unto Clark's soul.
”Master?” the old man called in a soft voice.
”I'm sorry, I spaced out.” Clark refocused once more and looked at the old man. He hesitated for a second or two before finally acting on his predetermined plans.
”Don't you recognize me anymore, Lai Peng? That's sad. Would that mean that our decades of friendship was nothing but mere waste at all?” Clark asked but there was a bright almost teasing smile on his face.
”Master Lu Chen?” Old Peng could not believe his muddled eyes. He had served Lu Chen for 81 long years already.
It could be said that Old Peng knew every nooks and cranny of Lu Chen's personality yet when faced with a change as spectacular as this one, the old man's sense of propriety was almost forgotten.
He wanted to touch Lu Chen to make sure that he was indeed real and not a ghost of his poor old master instead.
”Is that really you, Master Lu? But how...”
”It is I, Lai Peng. I've become a cultivator. FINALLY!” Clark laughed as he tapped a gentle hand on Old Peng's shoulder.
”This old servant is happy for you, Master Lu.” Old Peng held Clark's arms for support. Though both were actually at the same age but their bodies couldn't have been more different from each other.
The old Lu Chen before still stood with dignity and grace but this Old Peng was already bowed with age and weariness.
The faithful servant took care of Lu Chen's daily needs and toiled with no complaints in the years of his service. This was the fate of a slave and Old Peng was certainly not alone in this plight.
'The weak are used and exploited, the strong commands and dictates.'
This has ever been the law in this world where cultivators thrived and plundered.
”Pack up, Lai Peng. We're moving.”
”Where are we going, Master?”
”We're gonna get an upgrade, Lai Peng.” Clark replied with a wide grin on his handsome face.
”Upgrade?” Old Peng murmured the word and though he was not entirely sure what it meant but since his master Lu Chen has ordered, thus he shall obey.
30 minutes later and an ancient carriage as old as Lai Peng wound up trekking down the busy lanes of the city. Nexus was a mortal city that nurtured at least a hundred million people.
Lu Chen, being an ordinary Elder of the Lu Family, was relegated on the far edges of the metropolis. The wealthy even termed these suburbs as slums where the poorest of the poor was packed like a family of cats.
Alas, this was entirely not far from the truth as those places indeed demanded lower cost and subpar amenities compared to the heart of the city.
Along the way, Clark wasted no time and got acquainted with the power levels of this world.
”Am i already at the 7th stage of the Mortal Shedding Realm, Nancy?”
”Affirmative, host.”
”Would anyone notice your presence inside my body?” Clark continued to inquire.
”Nigh impossible, host. Unless of course the one that's making the pry is a god or a deity then you won't be able to hide no matter how much you try.”
”And why is that, Nancy?” Clark was interested in this topic.
”The levels between cultivators of this world and the real superpowers that can create universes and realms with just a single thought is absolute. It cannot be easily bridged by any strength or will alone.”
Nancy further explained and in consequence invited the curiosity of a wanton adventurous gamer.
”You're telling me that even if i reach the pinnacle of power in this world, that accomplishment alone is not enough for me to contend with the real monsters above and beyond us mere mortals? Why is that so?”
”To be a god or a deity needs a particular requirement, host.” Nancy started.
”They need to be born unto noble Houses and Immortal Lineages in order to have a chance to achieve godhood. Like for example in your case, can a mortal ascend to be a god in one leap?
That's a dream better left for fools and drunkards, host.
A frog that matures in power and strength can only remain as a powerful frog in the end. It's a different level of life altogether when one's origin is from the line of gods and deities.” Nancy answered.
”I see.” Clark nodded in understanding. He rubbed his long beard unconsciously. A habit he assimilated from the recently departed Lu Chen.
'Hmmm... Gods and Deities, huh? That must be the max level if this was a game in my world.'
'Well, no sense thinking about something that far off.' Clark concluded with these thoughts before he issued another command at his very good assistant.
”Show me the cultivation stages of this world and their benefits, Nancy.”
”As you wish, host.”
Cultivation Stages:
1. Mortal Shedding Realm - 200 years longevity – Average Power 100
2. Foundation Establishment Realm – 500 years longevity – Average Power 1000
3. Golden Core – 1,000 years longevity – Average Power 5,000
4. Aspirant – 2,000 years longevity – Average Power 10,000
5. World Traveler – 5,000 – Average Power 100,000
6. Void Seeker – 10,000 – Average Power 500,000
7. Overlord – 100,000 – Average Power 1,000,000
8. Saint – 500,000 – Average Power 5,000,000
9. Fake Immortal – 1,000,000 – Average Power 10,000,000
10. True Immortal – Infinite Life – Average Power 1,000,000,000
'A Mortal Shedding Cultivator is granted 200 years of life. So that's why i returned to my middle age years. Hmmm...'
'Perhaps when i arrive at the Foundation Establishment Realm, I'd also be able to look like my usual 18 year old self. Heh... Only good days are ahead.'
Clark smiled abundantly as he realized how easy it was for him to level up at this point. He would have no doubt stayed like that if not for the unexpected circumstance that happened next.
”MAKE WAY!” a huge roar broke the uneventful morning hour.
”FUCK ME! Have i not only transmigrated in a cultivation world but also took the cursed stigma of being a protagonist in one?!”
Clark moaned in trepidation because he was only too familiar with how those novels were. It was like a hell hole for the mc to be in and a fate that Clark would rather not have at all.
”Why can't i be a peaceful loving NPC instead?!” he wanted to cry but has no tears to show for his lament.
Three luxurious looking carriages was speeding up in front. Two of these archaic looking vehicles led the way while the third which looked the most expensive among these lot of cars followed closely behind.
What carried these private means of transport was unlike the normal ones around.
While Clark's carriage was pulled by 2 ordinary horses, the one opposite his sojourn was dragged by a pair of ferocious looking magical beasts.
These wild animals were domesticated since young and would prove to be pretty useful beasts of burden.
Not only would it showcase their lofty status, these magical beasts most definitely could also serve as able guardians under the command of their masters.
”MAKE WAY OR DIE!” the same booming voice commanded and this time around, an unmistakable bubble of mirth sprang from this person's lungs.
”Another hapless victim of the Yan family.” an old man sighed on the road.
”If the occupant on that carriage is powerful and rich then this situation would never happen. Both party would go on their way after exchanging some polite greetings. End of the story.”
”Unfortunately, the opposite person seems to be from a lowly Family.”
”A pity.” the audience conversed as they awaited to witness another tragedy in the making.
”MASTER LU! JUMP!” Old Peng shouted while keeping close to the right lanes on the road. With how wide the pathways were, a column of five chariots could line up neatly and would have ample space for maneuver.
Still, since this was a world where power abounded, it was usual to see its misuse on a daily basis.
”Can't help it. It seems this is the price i must pay for that god's gift.” Clark sighed and swiftly exited.
”HAHAHA! You peons dare to ride opposite the Yan Family's brethren! It seems that my Family's prestige need to be raised once more!”
”You shall be a good example for today's demonstration!” a big ugly man thought wickedly amidst his violent charge.
”GRRRRRR!” the magical beasts growled in anticipation for another quick meal in the journey. These animals were horrible to look at. Pretty much like their owner at the moment.
They took the image of dogs but a dozen times bigger than the normal breed. More like overgrown pandas in fact.
”YOU'RE FINISHED!” The big ugly man grinned widely after only five meters separated him from the scared horses and its pitiful occupants. Alas, it was at this moment that our timely protagonist made his entrance.
”BANG!” a mini crater appeared from out of nowhere. Rocks and pebbles flew as rain, violating the laws of gravity for a moment, only to fall once more to the earth that birthed it.
Other than that, glittering pieces of jewelry scattered on the ground like land mines made out of gold. These boys from the Yan Family were on the process of delivering these precious resources to a shop nearby.
You have killed a Furious Mutt... host has gained 2 xp!
You have killed a Furious Mutt... host has gained 2 xp!
Clark heard the normal notifications.