Li Yao's gaze fell on the remaining nine low-grade spirit stones resting on the mat in front of him. With a total of 0.7 Observation Points now registered and no immediate use for the stones, he made a decision.
"Since I'm still at the early Qi Refining stage and can absorb ambient qi from the environment, there's no need to hold onto these stones," he murmured.
After all, spirit stones were primarily useful for cultivation in barren areas or for use in arrays and trades involving heavenly and earthly materials. Here, in the qi-rich valleys of Embercloud Sect, they weren't urgently needed.
He picked up another spirit stone and sacrificed it.
[Low-grade spirit stone sacrificed. Observation Points +0.7]
[Current Observation Points: 1.4]
And again.
[Observation Points: 2.1]
One after another, the stones crumbled to dust as their energy was consumed, vanishing completely from existence. When Li sacrificed the eighth stone, an unfamiliar notification appeared.
[Congratulations, Host, for surpassing 5 Observation Points!]
[Observation Points: 5.6]
[Host has met the conditions to receive your Binding Gift.]
Li blinked. "Binding gift?"
He asked the system, curious. "What is this Binding Gift?"
[As the Heavenly Observation System bound to the host without seeking prior permission, it offers a one-time Binding Gift as compensation.]
[This gift has been locked behind the condition of obtaining at least 5 Observation Points.]
Hearing the explanation, Li let out a breath. "So that's why it took so long… the condition was hidden."
Still, it seemed fair. He steadied his thoughts and accepted the gift.
[Congratulations, Host. You have received information on the most useful fortuitous encounter available to you in the Tianyuan Realm.]
[You have unlocked the ability to observe and acquire free information about any object or entity, provided the host is strong enough to peer into its secrets.]
[Congratulations! A new System Feature has been unlocked.]
Li's heart thudded with anticipation. "System, tell me about this fortuitous encounter!"
[Unable to comply. Host's current cultivation level is insufficient to access this secret.][Requirement: Foundation Establishment Realm.]
Li's expression fell slightly. He'd been so eager—but even this was valuable information. A fortuitous encounter that only I can access, once I'm strong enough... His disappointment faded, replaced with a renewed determination.
He immediately asked about the new feature.
[Two new system functions have been unlocked:]
Heavenly Fortuitous Encounter
Allows the host to spend Observation Points to gain insight into fortuitous encounters.
The quality of the information varies depending on the number of points spent.
Categories: Low, Mid, High.
Heavenly Warning
A passive feature. If a sudden misfortune or life-threatening danger approaches, the system will automatically consume Observation Points to provide a warning and insight.
If insufficient points are available, the system will temporarily consume the host's cultivation to activate the warning.
Cultivation will be deducted after the danger has passed.
Li sat in stunned silence, processing the implications.
The Heavenly Warning feature was both terrifying and lifesaving. It meant the system could protect him even when he wasn't aware of the threat, but at a steep cost if he wasn't prepared.
"If I don't have enough points… it'll take my cultivation?" he murmured.
A frown crept onto his face, but it quickly eased. No… It's fair. It warns me only in emergencies, and only uses cultivation as a last resort. It's not a punishment—it's a safety net.
He looked back at the two remaining spirit stones and held them in his hand thoughtfully.
This system… it's more powerful than I thought. Not just a tool for scanning my status, but something that can shape my entire path.
The stars outside shifted slowly in the night sky, casting a silver glow across the wooden floor of the cottage.
Li Yao did not cultivate that night.
He didn't sleep either.
Instead, he sat silently, staring at the floating system screen, his mind whirling with possibilities of dangerous secrets, future opportunities, and unknown perils ahead.
He had taken his first real step forward. But the road ahead would require far more than just determination. It would require wisdom… and strength.