Show menu NOVEL BINNovel Infinite Awakening: My Exp Doubles Everyday Chapter 40: One's NatureINFINITE AWAKENING: MY EXP DOUBLES EVERYDAYC40: One's NatureAs usual, the first sensation to wash over Xiang Yu was his enlightenment doubling. The experience grew more intense with each cycle, a cascade of revelations flooding his consciousness like a mental tidal wave. New insights materialized within his mind, connections forming between concepts he'd previously seen as disparate. The sensation persisted, a symphony of understanding playing throughout his awareness before gradually subsiding into a contented hum.
Following this was the doubling of his cooking experience. Culinary knowledge blossomed in his mind—flavor combinations, heat control techniques, ingredient preparations he hadn't considered before. The insights arrived like scattered puzzle pieces slotting perfectly into place, enhancing his already considerable skill. When the feeling suddenly seized, he recognized that his cooking abilities teetered on the precipice of advancement. Though slightly disappointed he couldn't immediately cross this threshold, he accepted that the next doubling would likely trigger this breakthrough.
Shifting his awareness to battle instinct, Xiang Yu noted with mild frustration that the day's rigorous training had also yielded no perceptible improvement to the stat. The metric remained stubborn, resisting conventional advancement methods. Still, he took comfort in his system's inevitable progression—even without personal improvement, the doubling effect didn't let him down.
His attention moved to the Mountain Heart Scripture. While it had accumulated additional points, they hardly mattered given its position past the halfway mark. More significantly, the system's doubling had propelled him beyond the threshold, breaking through to the scripture's fourth layer. This advancement corresponded directly to his body cultivation, elevating him to the Body Refining 4th Layer. He could feel newfound strength coursing through his muscles and bones, though he couldn't tell by how much exactly his strength had increased, he knew that he was still leagues behind his prodigious junior sister. The gap between them remained a chasm, albeit a slightly narrower one.
Examining his other techniques, he noted the Iron Body had likewise crossed its halfway point. After doubling, it had advanced to the Intermediate stage, with immediate physical manifestations. His skin had hardened perceptibly—not quite achieving genuine iron-like properties, but impressive nonetheless. Running his fingers across his forearm, he could feel the subtle difference.
His knife technique had improved by twenty points—less than usual, but expected given its recent advancement to Completion stage. As cultivators often noted, mastering a technique through the Beginner to Completion stages represented only the foundation. Beyond that lay the arduous path of refinement and perfection, where progress naturally slowed.
Meanwhile, his sword technique, already beyond its halfway mark, had leaped forward to Major Success after doubling. The rapid advancement didn't surprise him—the shared principles between knife and sword techniques created a natural synergy, allowing insights from one to accelerate progress in the other.
As for the mid-grade movement technique, Xiang Yu had yet to make concrete progress, though he sensed he was drawing closer to comprehension. A few more cycles of Enlightenment doubling might finally grant him the breakthrough needed to grasp this elusive skill.
After meticulously examining the day's improvements, Xiang Yu called up his complete status:
[Name: Xiang Yu]
[Realm: Body Refining 4th Layer]
[Species: Human]
[Spiritual Root: null]
[Enlightenment: Low (24/1000)]
[Battle Instinct: (8/100,000)]
[Professions: Cook: 9th Grade (90/100)]
[Techniques: Low-grade Iron Body Technique: Intermediate (0/300); Basic Knife Technique: Completion (40/500); Basic Sword Technique: Major Success (0/400)]
[Scriptures: Mountain Heart Scripture: 4th Layer (2/400)]
[System Function: Double Exp (Cooldown: 24hrs)]
First, he observed that the scripture's exchange rate had reverted to ten-to-one—not ideal, but at least there was measurable progress. Turning his attention to his techniques, he noted both Iron Body and Sword techniques had reset to zero after their respective advancements. The Iron Body technique caused him little concern; he could continue developing it passively by wearing weighted clothing during his daily activities.
The sword technique, however, required more deliberate consideration. With both sword and knife techniques needing substantial development, he briefly contemplated dividing his training day between the two weapons as he had previously. But after careful deliberation, he decided against this approach. While effective for accelerating progress, weapon-switching disrupted his momentum, making him achieve less in both techniques. Better to dedicate the entire day to sword training, allowing complete focus and deeper immersion. The knife technique already possessed a foundation for doubling, so this approach wouldn't significantly impede his overall advancement.
With his training strategy settled, Xiang Yu closed his eyes, mentally preparing for tomorrow's intensive sword practice.
…
In her chamber, Li Yao sat in a lotus position as she immersed herself in cultivation. Visible tendrils of qi swirled through the air around her, luminous wisps spiraling toward her body before being absorbed. The ethereal energy flowed into her meridians, circulating through her pathways before finally settling in her core, enriching the concentrated power stored there.
This rhythmic dance of energy continued uninterrupted throughout the night, the soft glow of qi illuminating her serene features as she remained utterly still, lost in meditative communion with the world's essence. Only when morning light filtered through her window did she finally stir, her eyes opening with measured control.
Li Yao rose gracefully, stretching muscles that had remained motionless for hours. She reached for her weapon with practiced familiarity, her fingers wrapping around the hilt with anticipation. The sparring sessions with her senior brother had become a highlight of her daily routine—especially now that he displayed such remarkable progression. Each day brought noticeable improvements, as if he transformed overnight. She found herself genuinely curious about how much he might have advanced since yesterday's training.
When they met at their usual training ground, Li Yao immediately noticed the sword in Xiang Yu's grip rather than the knife he'd used the day before.
"So it's the sword today," she thought with interest as she charged forward, her own blade describing a deadly arc through the morning air.
From his private chamber overlooking the training grounds, Elder Guo observed his disciples with pride. The elder stroked his long beard contemplatively, his experienced eyes narrowing as he tracked Xiang Yu's movements. Was he seeing correctly? The boy's swordsmanship displayed signs of having reached the Major Success stage.
The elder shook his head in quiet amazement. Xiang Yu had begun practicing the sword technique mere days ago, yet his progress defied conventional expectations. Perhaps his junior sister wasn't merely indulging in fanciful theories—the boy might indeed possess the potential to unlock that ancient physique she was so enthusiastic about.
As the sparring intensified, Elder Guo noted another promising development. Xiang Yu's battle awareness had notably sharpened, his defensive movements and positioning reflecting growing tactical acumen. With each passing day, he seemed to embody more qualities of a true fighter, his instincts refining themselves through these repeated encounters.
Yet one disappointing trait persisted. Even when presented with clear counterattack opportunities, Xiang Yu remained reluctant to press his advantage, preferring defensive maneuvers over offensive strikes. The elder sighed deeply—it seemed the disciple's cautious, some might say cowardly, nature remained deeply ingrained, resistant to change despite his technical improvements.
With a subtle gesture, Elder Guo reached toward his spatial ring. A flash of light preceded the appearance of a weathered manual in his palm, its edges frayed and its cover worn by the passage of countless years.
"It seems I'll have to use this," he thought, examining the ancient text with contemplative eyes. "I don't know if the boy can learn it though."
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Show menu NOVEL BINNovel Infinite Awakening: My Exp Doubles Everyday Chapter 41: Hiding StrengthINFINITE AWAKENING: MY EXP DOUBLES EVERYDAYC41: Hiding StrengthThe clash of steel against steel echoed across the training ground as Xiang Yu and Li Yao engaged in their daily sparring session. Unlike previous days, Xiang Yu felt a profound difference in his combat awareness—the doubling of his battle instinct had manifested in tangible improvements. Where once he perceived only vague shadows of incoming attacks, now he could discern clearer trajectories. The blurry prediction lines that had guided his defenses before had sharpened, becoming thinner and more defined, allowing for precision that had previously been impossible.
Each feint from Li Yao registered in his mind with newfound clarity. Traps that would have ensnared him yesterday now seemed transparent, their purpose revealing itself before they could be sprung. His eyes tracked her movements with heightened accuracy, body responding with improved synchronization.
Li Yao, for her part, noticed the transformation immediately. This wasn't the same senior brother she had sparred with just a few hours ago—his combat awareness had undergone a startling evolution, as though years of training had been compressed into a single night. Though still far from matching her formidable skills, he was undeniably closing the gap in battle awareness with alarming speed.
Their blades met in a fierce collision, sparks cascading around them before they separated, creating distance between them. Li Yao couldn't help but furrow her brow slightly. That last impact had carried more force than expected. While she had already deduced that her senior brother wasn't the first-layer cultivator he pretended to be, the strength behind his strikes seemed to be getting greater with each day. And now, she felt that he seemed to have had a breakthrough. Although she couldn't tell his exact level, she could tell from the force behind his strikes that he was at least at the 5th layer of Body Refining.
She refrained from questioning him about it. After all, she too concealed her true cultivation level. Instead, she quietly adjusted her approach, gradually increasing the intensity of her attacks. Holding back too much would only hinder his growth; she needed to provide the right level of challenge to continue pushing his capabilities.
Xiang Yu braced himself as another powerful strike landed against his blade, his feet digging into the earth beneath him. Confusion flickered across his features momentarily. Despite breaking through to the fourth layer, the pressure hadn't diminished—if anything, it had intensified. His junior sister was clearly matching his advancement with increased force of her own.
Still, he embraced the challenge without complaint. Better to face overwhelming pressure here, in controlled conditions, than to encounter it unprepared outside the sect where the consequence would be a lonely death without proper burial.
He pressed forward with renewed determination, continuing his offensive despite the punishing counterattacks. His improved battle instinct helped him adapt to Li Yao's increased speed, gradually making the exchanges feel less one-sided. Yet one frustrating limitation remained: though his mind could now recognize opportunities, his body often lacked the physical capability to capitalize on them. His awareness might identify the perfect counterattack, but his muscles couldn't execute it with sufficient speed or power.
Xiang Yu accepted this temporary limitation for now. His system's exponential growth promised rapid improvement. At his current rate of advancement, who could say where his strength might reach in just a month's time? The gap between mind and body would eventually close.
As the sun reached its zenith, both disciples seemed to recognize the time simultaneously. With practiced movements, they sheathed their weapons in perfect synchronization, a silent agreement passing between them. Training could wait—lunchtime had arrived.
…
The dining area fell into a reverent silence as everyone focused entirely on their meals, savoring each exquisite bite with undivided attention. Elder Guo and Elder Huang found themselves particularly captivated by the extraordinary flavors dancing across their palates. They could discern that Xiang Yu's cooking stood at the precipice of becoming true spirit cuisine—the subtle gathering of ambient qi around the dishes created a refreshing sensation with each mouthful.
Elder Guo contemplated this phenomenon with growing appreciation. In his estimation, Xiang Yu's culinary skills had clearly ascended to professional levels. If only the boy possessed spiritual roots, he would undoubtedly be capable of producing genuine spiritual foods. The elder couldn't help but shake his head in disappointment.
Yet, almost immediately, he caught himself. There remained hope. His gaze shifted toward his junior sister. He wondered when she would finally help Xiang Yu unlock his theoretical martial physique, potentially granting him the ability to infuse his creations with qi. The thought sent a pleasant shiver down Elder Guo's spine. If Xiang Yu's cooking could be this good even without spiritual infusion, just how good would it be once it contained genuine qi? Wouldn't he ascend instantly?
Across the table, Elder Huang noticed her senior brother's penetrating stare with mounting alarm. Though she admitted the food was exceptional, surely he wouldn't stoop so low as to try claiming her portion? True, she occasionally teased him, but did that warrant such treatment? No matter his seniority or ownership of the pavilion, she refused to relinquish her meal.
In a sudden, decisive movement, she opened her mouth and channeled her qi, creating a vacuum-like force that pulled her entire portion inside in one swift motion. The hasty action left her regretting the loss of slowly savoring each bite, but at least she had secured her food from potential theft. With her mission accomplished, she shot Elder Guo a smug, victorious smile.
Elder Guo observed this bizarre behavior with complete confusion. Why was this strange woman looking at him like that? A troubling thought suddenly hit him—could she want to marry him just to eat his disciple's cooking forever? No, that couldn't be right. He realized the amazing food had made his thoughts wander too far. With a deep breath, he dismissed the silly idea. His junior sister had always been odd; there was no point in trying to figure her out.
Meanwhile, Huang Fengqi kept staring at him, bothered by his dismissive look. 'Why do I feel like the old man is looking down on me?' she wondered, feeling slightly annoyed.
The contemplative silence was finally broken when Elder Guo cleared his throat. "Xiang Yu," he announced, immediately capturing everyone's attention despite addressing only his disciple.
"I've observed that your battle awareness has improved considerably," he continued, his tone measured and thoughtful. "But there remains one significant problem." With deliberate movements, he extracted an ancient manual from his sleeve, extending it toward Xiang Yu.
"Senior brother, this is..." Elder Huang's voice trailed off as she covered her mouth in shock, instantly recognizing the weathered text in his hand.
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Show menu NOVEL BINNovel Infinite Awakening: My Exp Doubles Everyday Chapter 42: Mountain Heart SutraINFINITE AWAKENING: MY EXP DOUBLES EVERYDAYC42: Mountain Heart Sutra"Senior brother, this is..." Elder Huang's voice trailed off as she covered her mouth in shock, instantly recognizing the weathered text in Elder Guo's hand.
Elder Guo continued, undeterred by her reaction. "This is the [Mountain Heart Sutra], the other half of the Mountain Heart Scripture," he explained, his tone measured yet carrying an unmistakable weight. "The Mountain Heart Scripture tempers the body, while the Sutra tempers the heart and mind."
His gaze fixed on Xiang Yu with sharp discernment. "Although your battle awareness has improved considerably, you will still fall behind others," he stated firmly. "It's not because you lack talent, but rather because of your mentality."
The elder stroked his beard thoughtfully before continuing. "Your reason for cultivation seems to be survival rather than domination. Since your nature is survival, when you fight, you are attempting to dominate—which makes you go against your nature. When this happens, you won't be confident in the fight and will always be looking for ways of survival rather than winning."
His words hung in the air, each one striking with precision. "This means that you're more likely to run from a fight when your opponent is weakened rather than finish the job."
Xiang Yu's expression shifted as understanding dawned on him. The elder's assessment made perfect sense—it was indeed in his nature to prioritize survival. Just like when Li Yao's weapon got stuck in the tree, his first instinct wasn't to counterattack but to create distance. He had attributed this to caution, never suspecting that it stemmed from something much deeper within him.
"Although it's commendable that you already have your nature figured out at such an early stage, it's also a disadvantage as it might hinder your progress," Elder Guo continued, his voice carrying both praise and warning.
Xiang Yu furrowed his brow, not fully grasping the elder's meaning.
Sensing his confusion, Elder Guo leaned forward slightly. "Picture this: you are fighting a strong opponent and have no way to escape. When that happens, what will you do? Will you keep looking for ways of survival?"
Xiang Yu nodded without hesitation. If his opponent was stronger than him, of course he would seek escape—that was the logical path to survival.
"You're thinking about it in the wrong way," Elder Guo declared.
"The wrong way?" Xiang Yu echoed, genuine confusion evident in his voice.
"That's right. Your nature is survival, but since you're weak, you associate your need for survival with escape," the elder explained patiently.
"Isn't it the same thing?" Xiang Yu asked, truly perplexed. Wouldn't he survive if he escaped? How was this thinking wrong?
Elder Guo shook his head slowly. "But when you have no way to escape, does that mean you won't survive?" he challenged.
Xiang Yu remained silent, considering the question carefully.
"Escape isn't survival—it's just one way to achieve it," the elder clarified, his tone suggesting he was imparting profound wisdom.
"Is there another way?" Xiang Yu ventured.
"That's right," Elder Guo replied with a knowing smile.
"And what is it?" he asked, curiosity piqued.
"You fight, of course."
Xiang Yu was taken aback by this response. "What do you mean?" Wasn't fighting the complete opposite of his survival nature?
"When you have no way to escape, it doesn't mean that you cannot survive," Elder Guo elaborated. "As long as you kill your opponent, you can survive."
Xiang Yu contemplated this explanation, finding it strangely logical despite contradicting his instincts. The elder then placed the ancient manual in his hands with deliberate care.
"It's hard for you to think of other ways of survival since you already see escape as the ultimate form of survival," Elder Guo continued. "Though that may be true at the moment, there'll come a time when you can't escape. At that time, domination will be the ultimate way of survival. As long as you're strong enough, you'll survive. But you won't be able to fight effectively even when you're strong enough because your first choice will always be escape."
The elder's finger tapped the manual meaningfully. "This manual tempers the heart and mind. Though it won't change your nature, it'll make you more resolute. When you choose to escape, you'll do it with all your might, and when you choose to fight, you'll also do it with all your might."
With that final wisdom imparted, Elder Guo rose from his position, and Elder Huang quickly followed suit, leaving the disciples alone with Xiang Yu still holding the ancient manual.
As they walked away from the disciples, Elder Huang hurried to catch up with Elder Guo. "Why did you give that to Xiang Yu?" she questioned urgently. "Even people at the Golden Core stage are just beginning to temper their minds..."
Elder Guo cut her off before she could finish. "Xiang Yu has already realized his nature at this early stage. If he lets it control him, it'll be even harder for him to break through in the future. He might even fall to mental demons. This is the right way."
In his mind, Elder Guo reflected that he had already explained the boy's nature to him. If Xiang Yu wasn't stupid, he should be able to understand what he meant. As for the manual, he had given it as an extra benefit—he didn't know if the boy could really learn it, but if he did, that would be even better.
…
Xiang Yu stood at the dining table, the ancient manual heavy in his hands. The elder's words echoed in his mind, their wisdom undeniable yet somehow distant from his reality. He contemplated his own nature with a critical eye. Was he truly a slave to his cowardice, or was there more nuance to his survival instinct?
Though he acknowledged his cautious nature, he wasn't convinced the elder's assessment fully applied to him. After all, when cornered during the ambush by Dean Gu's disciples, he hadn't hesitated to eliminate his opponents. But that was different—he had calculated his odds and found them acceptable. What would happen if he genuinely faced an opponent he couldn't defeat or escape from? The thought sent an uncomfortable chill down his spine.
With a deep sigh, he pushed these troubling questions aside. There would be time later to examine the manual's teachings and their implications for his cultivation path. For now, training called—the steady, reliable rhythm that had propelled his exponential growth.
"Let's go," he said, carefully stashing the weathered text in his robe. He gestured to Li Yao, and together they made their way toward the training grounds, their footsteps crunching against the worn path.
As they walked, Li Yao's expression remained neutral, but her mind was far from quiet. "Is it true what the old man said?" she asked internally, directing her thoughts to the ancient presence that resided within her.
The Empress's voice resonated with its customary confidence. [Well, it's true what he said. As long as your senior brother isn't dumb, he'll understand what the elder was trying to say.]
Li Yao felt the Empress's assessment shift to something more analytical. [As for the mind tempering manual, he probably thinks that your senior brother's cowardice comes from trauma and thinks he can overcome it by tempering his mind. But knowing him, he'll probably become even more resolute in his caution.]
The Empress paused briefly before adding, [Still, it's not a bad thing. You should also start your mind tempering early. I'll make a manual for you.]
…
A/N - Don't try to understand, just agree and move on lol
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Show menu NOVEL BINNovel Infinite Awakening: My Exp Doubles Everyday Chapter 43: PracticingINFINITE AWAKENING: MY EXP DOUBLES EVERYDAYC43: PracticingThe day's training unfolded against the backdrop of the Mountain Heart Pavilion's grounds, the rhythmic clash of steel against steel echoing through the air like a metallic symphony. Xiang Yu and Li Yao moved across the training area with increasing fluidity, their forms casting long shadows that stretched and contracted with the arc of the sun. The afternoon breeze carried the sounds of their exchange—blade meeting blade, footsteps shifting against packed earth, and the occasional grunt of exertion when a particularly powerful strike connected.
Hours melted away as they continued their relentless practice. Sweat glistened on their brows, dampened their robes, yet neither suggested a break beyond what was absolutely necessary. They persisted until the western sky blazed with amber and crimson hues, signaling the dinner hour's approach.
When they finally paused, the two made his way to the kitchen. Xiang Yu's movements possessed the same deliberate precision he showed in combat, though now directed toward different implements—knives for slicing rather than striking, fire carefully controlled for cooking. His enhanced culinary awareness guided every choice, from ingredient selection to the exact moment each component entered the wok.
The resulting meal brought everyone to the table with unusual promptness. Elder Guo and Elder Huang arrived with impeccable timing, as if their internal cultivation clocks had been calibrated to Xiang Yu's cooking schedule. Conversation remained minimal as they savored each bite, the quality of the food demanding their complete attention.
After the rapid but appreciative meal, Xiang Yu and Li Yao returned to the training grounds. Even as darkness descended, they continued their practice. When midnight finally arrived, they exchanged goodnight wishes, their voices tinged with exhaustion but also satisfaction at the day's progress.
Alone in his quarters, Xiang Yu settled onto his simple bed, the familiar blue glow of his system interface materializing before his eyes. He studied the status update with focused attention:
[Calculating Settlement]
[Calculation Complete]
[Enlightenment: Low (24/1000)]
[Battle Instinct: (8/100,000)]
[Mountain Heart Scripture: 4th Layer (22/400) (+22/400)]
[Low-grade Iron Body Technique: Intermediate (50/300) (+50/300)]
[Basic Knife Technique: Completion (40/500)]
[Basic Sword Technique: Major Success (100/400) (+100/400)]
[Cook: 9th Grade (95/100) (+5/100)]
[Experience Points Doubled]
[Cook: 9th Grade (95/100) → 8th Grade (0/200)]
[Basic Sword Technique: Major Success (100/400) → Major Success (200/400)]
[Basic Knife Technique: Completion (40/500) → Completion (80/500)]
[Low-grade Iron Body Technique: Intermediate (50/300) → Intermediate (100/300)]
[Mountain Heart Scripture: 4th Layer (22/400) → 4th Layer (44/400)]
[Battle Instinct: (8/100,000) → (16/100,000)]
[Enlightenment: Low (24/1000) → Low (48/1000)]
[Next Settlement: 23:59:59]
The exhilarating sensation of Enlightenment increase washed over him like a mental tidal wave. This time, the feeling lingered longer than before, bringing crystalline insights into his various techniques. The connections formed in his mind with greater clarity than ever, pathways of understanding illuminating previously obscure concepts.
Based on its current rate of improvement, Xiang Yu calculated he would likely grasp the elusive mid-grade movement technique once his Enlightenment reached one hundred points—just two settlements away. He filed this realization away without dwelling on it excessively.
His attention shifted to his cooking skills. Since experience didn't overflow when crossing advancement thresholds, his cooking had only increased by five points before breaking through to eighth grade. Yet those final five points had yielded more insights than all previous improvements combined. Most significantly, he now possessed the theoretical knowledge to create genuine spirit foods—though without a spiritual root or spiritual fire, this remained purely academic. He dismissed the thought with pragmatic acceptance.
Next, he examined his Battle Instinct, now impressively in double digits. The previous eight points had already transformed his combat awareness dramatically; he could barely imagine how sixteen points would manifest. And now that this attribute had reached double digits, future doublings would accelerate its growth exponentially. He allowed himself a rare moment of anticipation, visualizing the capabilities he might possess when this attribute eventually reached its maximum.
The Mountain Heart Scripture had improved by twenty-two points, and after doubling stood at forty-four—it wouldn't be long before he broke through to the fifth layer.
His sword technique's progress remained remarkable, advancing by one hundred points before doubling to two hundred, already halfway to completion. At this rate, it would likely reach completion after the next settlement, rapidly catching up to his knife technique. Speaking of which, since he hadn't practiced it today, it remained at forty points—now eighty after doubling. Both weapons seemed to be racing toward Great Completion stage.
Given the sword technique had already reached its halfway mark, Xiang Yu decided to dedicate the following day entirely to knife practice. His Iron Body technique had earned fifty points, doubled to one hundred, though still short of the halfway threshold. Yet this particular skill was easily practiced alongside other activities, so he anticipated reaching the midpoint before the next settlement.
Having methodically analyzed his daily progress, he summoned his complete status:
[Name: Xiang Yu]
[Realm: Body Refining 4th Layer]
[Species: Human]
[Spiritual Root: null]
[Enlightenment: Low (48/1000)]
[Battle Instinct: (16/100,000)]
[Professions: Cook: 8th Grade (0/200)]
[Techniques: Low-grade Iron Body Technique: Intermediate (100/300); Basic Knife Technique: Completion (80/500); Basic Sword Technique: Major Success (200/400)]
[Scriptures: Mountain Heart Scripture: 4th Layer (48/400)]
[System Function: Double Exp (Cooldown: 24hrs)]
…
After meticulously examining his status, Xiang Yu surrendered to the weight of fatigue pressing against his eyelids. Just as sleep began to claim him, a fleeting memory jolted him back to alertness. He rose from his bed with sudden purpose, reaching into his pocket to extract the Mountain Heart Sutra that Elder Guo had entrusted to him earlier that day.
The ancient manual rested in his palm. He turned it over contemplatively, deliberating whether he should attempt even a brief practice session. His carefully structured training regimen left little room for additional activities during daylight hours—those precious moments when he could grind experience through sparring with Li Yao couldn't be sacrificed. Perhaps he could allocate just an hour before sleep? After all, this text supposedly complemented the Mountain Heart Scripture he already practiced, suggesting they shared a foundational approach.
"One hour," he decided firmly, setting a mental boundary for this experiment.
Opening the sutra with careful hands, he scanned the initial instructions. The text directed practitioners to assume a lotus position for meditation, focusing on heart and mind cultivation rather than physical strengthening. This aligned with Elder Guo's description—the Scripture tempered the body, while the Sutra tempered the mind.
Xiang Yu settled into the prescribed position, crossing his legs and straightening his spine. His hands rested on his knees, palms facing upward in the traditional receptive posture. Following the manual's guidance, he regulated his breathing while affirming the nature of his heart and mind.
As the minutes passed, an unexpected sensation began to manifest. His consciousness seemed to detach from physical awareness, floating untethered in an empty void. The training ground, his quarters, even his bodily sensations—all faded from perception. He existed as pure awareness in a dimensionless space, neither hot nor cold, neither light nor dark.
The peculiar state intensified gradually, the void seeming to envelop his consciousness more completely with each passing moment. Any desire for action or achievement dissolved into nothingness. The concerns that typically dominated his thoughts—survival, advancement, power acquisition—all melted away like morning frost under sunlight. A profound contentment with mere existence washed over him, a tranquility so complete it bordered on oblivion.
Why strive? Why fight? Simply existing in this perfect emptiness seemed sufficient—eternal, peaceful non-action.
The seductive pull of this state grew stronger until a sharp intrusion shattered the void—someone knocking at his door, followed by a familiar voice calling out.
"Senior brother, are you inside?"
Li Yao's voice pierced through the meditative trance, yanking Xiang Yu back to physical reality with jarring suddenness.
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Show menu NOVEL BINNovel Infinite Awakening: My Exp Doubles Everyday Chapter 44: New StatINFINITE AWAKENING: MY EXP DOUBLES EVERYDAYC44: New Stat"Senior brother, are you inside?" Li Yao's voice penetrated into Xiang Yu's consciousness like a lifeline pulling him from the depths of an endless void.
In the next second, his eyes flickered open, adjusting to reality with disorienting suddenness.
"Senior brother, I'm coming in," her voice announced as the door swung open. Li Yao paused in the doorway, observing Xiang Yu still seated in his meditation posture, awareness slowly returning to his features.
"Senior brother, are you okay?" Concern colored her tone. "You didn't come to train, so I thought something happened."
Xiang Yu blinked several times, his mind still half-trapped in that boundless emptiness. The transition back to physical reality felt jarring, like being violently yanked from a dream. "Training?" he asked, confusion evident in his voice.
Only then did the realization strike him. Sunlight streamed through the open doorway, illuminating his quarters with morning brightness. How was it already dawn? He had only intended to practice for one hour—how had the entire night slipped away? That sensation of peaceful non-existence... the memory sent a chill down his spine. How dangerously seductive it had been.
He exhaled slowly, deliberately steadying himself. "Oh, training. I was just practicing the technique given by Master. I lost track of time, sorry," he explained as he rose to his feet with careful movements, his body stiff from hours of motionless meditation. "We can go now."
The two disciples walked slowly toward the training grounds. Xiang Yu remained distracted, his thoughts circling back to what had happened during his practice of the Mountain Heart Sutra. Was that what falling to mental demons felt like? His greatest desire was survival, so perhaps his mental demons manifested as contentment with mere existence—feeling nothing, doing nothing, just... being.
His expression hardened as a troubling thought crossed his mind. If Li Yao hadn't called out to him, he might truly have fallen into that trap. That wasn't the survival he wanted—he had no desire to become a vegetable merely existing. He wanted to truly live, to survive without sacrificing other aspects of his life. Well, except for his body, of course, but that was different.
With a contemplative sigh, he mentally summoned his status screen, curious whether anything had changed after his night of meditation. To his surprise, something had indeed changed:
[Mind: Level 1]
[Enlightenment: Low (50/1000)]
[Battle Instinct: (20/100,000)]
[Scriptures: Mountain Heart Scripture: 4th Layer (48/400); Mountain Heart Sutra: Level 1(1/1000)]
A new stat had appeared—[Mind] at level one. Even more surprising was that his Enlightenment had increased by two points, and his Battle Instinct had jumped by four points. The Enlightenment increase wasn't entirely unexpected, given the high-level scripture he'd practiced, but the Battle Instinct gain was remarkable. Apart from his initial one point, he hadn't been able to raise this attribute without the system's doubling effect. Now it had increased by four points—almost half of what he had possessed the previous day.
He examined the new entry in his scripture section with fascination. The [Mountain Heart Sutra] was only at level one, yet required a thousand points to advance. Still, he was genuinely surprised he could learn it at all. If he had to guess, both scriptures were at least high-grade. Perhaps he'd succeeded because he had already mastered the Mountain Heart Scripture—considered the other half of this cultivation method.
Despite his close brush with mental demons, Xiang Yu recognized the sutra's tremendous value. It offered a pathway to increase his Enlightenment and Battle Instinct more rapidly. Though the danger of falling into that seductive void remained, he simply needed to exercise greater caution in the future.
…
Xiang Yu and Li Yao moved across the training ground in their familiar dance of steel against steel. Today, Xiang Yu wielded his knife instead of the sword since his sword technique had already reached the halfway point to completion. Besides, he needed to push his knife technique further to maintain its lead. If both techniques reached the same level simultaneously, the sword would no longer mooch off of the knife's advanced insights which would slow down his pace.
As his blade met Li Yao's with practiced precision, Xiang Yu noticed a subtle yet significant change in his combat awareness. The exchanges felt more fluid, his responses more natural. This wasn't about raw power—he remained hopelessly outmatched by his junior sister in that department—but rather his adaptability had markedly improved. The doubling of his battle instinct certainly played a role, but he suspected the newly acquired mind stat contributed equally to this enhancement.
When his battle awareness revealed openings in Li Yao's guard, his mind seemed to sharpen with laser-like focus, filtering out extraneous stimuli and distractions. The world narrowed to just that one crucial moment, that single opportunity. Was this what Elder Guo meant about giving his all to whatever path he chose? The clarity felt invigorating, yet he recognized that this enhanced focus would apply equally to escape should he choose that option instead. His nature remained unchanged—survival still drove his every decision—but his execution had become more decisive, more complete.
If a single stat in the mind stat produced such noticeable improvements, what might become possible as it advanced further? The prospect of reaching level two or beyond sent a thrill of anticipation through him.
Li Yao blocked a particularly aggressive strike from his knife, creating distance between them with a graceful backward leap. She observed her senior brother with analytical eyes, noting the subtle shift in his approach. Unlike previous sessions where hesitation plagued his movements, today he attacked with greater assertiveness, actively capitalizing on opportunities rather than second-guessing them. Though still far from the aggressive fighter she hoped to mold him into, this willingness to counterattack represented significant progress compared to his former habit of waiting to confirm each opening—by which time the opportunity had invariably vanished.
From his private chamber overlooking the training grounds, Elder Guo watched the disciples with growing satisfaction. His weathered eyes tracked Xiang Yu's movements carefully, noting the improved clarity and purpose behind each strike. A slight nod of approval moved his beard as he reconsidered his initial assessment of the boy's potential. He had clearly underestimated Xiang Yu's comprehension ability—the disciple had not only managed to learn the Mountain Heart Sutra but was already integrating its benefits into his combat style.
If the boy continued at this rate, combining his extraordinary battle awareness with the mental clarity provided by the sutra, he would undoubtedly develop into a formidable combat expert.
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Show menu NOVEL BINNovel Infinite Awakening: My Exp Doubles Everyday Chapter 45: Spirit FlameINFINITE AWAKENING: MY EXP DOUBLES EVERYDAYC45: Spirit FlameThe golden sunlight poured over the training grounds as Xiang Yu and Li Yao continued their relentless sparring. Steel clashed against steel in a rhythmic symphony of combat, their movements growing more fluid with each exchange. Neither disciple showed any sign of yielding as the morning sun climbed higher, its rays intensifying from gentle warmth to scorching heat. Their dedication remained unwavering, sweat glistening on their brows as they pushed each other to new limits.
Only when the sun reached its zenith, signaling the lunch hour, did they finally lower their weapons. With practiced synchronization, they sheathed their blades and made their way toward the kitchen.
Inside the kitchen, Xiang Yu moved with a grace that hadn't been present before. His newly elevated 8th Grade cooking skill manifested in every precise movement of his hands. The knife in his grip became an extension of himself, slicing through vegetables and meat with surgical precision. Each cut was measured perfectly, each ingredient prepared with mathematical exactness that bordered on artistry.
Li Yao, initially tasked with washing vegetables, found herself transfixed by her senior brother's performance. Her hands stilled over the basin as she watched him work, mesmerized by the professionalism. He looked like a master craftsman at work. His movements flowed with elegant efficiency, economical yet somehow beautiful in their precision.
When he slid open the lid of the final dish, steam billowed forth in fragrant clouds. The aroma spread throughout the Mountain Heart Pavilion like an invisible summons, rich and complex with layered notes that promised extraordinary flavor. Almost immediately, the padding of footsteps announced the arrival of Elder Guo and Elder Huang, drawn by the irresistible scent.
As the dishes were arranged on the table, anticipation hung heavy in the air. The moment Elder Guo gave his customary nod of approval, everyone eagerly reached for their chopsticks, impatient to begin.
Elder Guo stared at the meal before him with widening eyes. "This is..." The words died in his throat as he observed something extraordinary. Though not true spiritual food, the dishes possessed qualities that transcended ordinary cuisine. The ambient qi in the atmosphere seemed drawn to the food, wisps of energy attaching themselves to the expertly prepared ingredients.
Unable to resist any longer, he seized his chopsticks and attacked the meal with uncharacteristic haste. After clearing his plate with impressive speed, a satisfied burp escaped him. He could feel the qi from the meal spreading slowly into his dantian, like gentle ripples in a pond. Though not as effective as proper cultivation, the sensation was undeniably pleasurable—his spiritual energy increasing, however marginally, simply from enjoying a meal.
When Elder Huang finished her portion, her expression darkened as she stared at her empty plate. The pavilion fell silent as everyone turned toward her, confusion evident on their faces. Without warning, she rose from her seat, the sudden movement startling Elder Guo beside her. With deliberate steps, she approached Xiang Yu and stood before him.
"Martial aunt?" Xiang Yu questioned, uncertainty in his voice.
She placed her hand on his shoulder, and to everyone's shock, tears began streaming down her face. "This shi is so magnificent," she declared with emotional intensity.
Suddenly aware of her undignified display, she hastily wiped away her tears. "It seems martial nephew's cooking has achieved a breakthrough," she observed, composing herself. "It's such a pity you don't have a spiritual root, so you can't make real spiritual food." A smile spread across her face. "But I have just the solution for you."
Elder Guo stood abruptly. "You mean..."
Before he could finish, she continued, "That's right, there's a spirit fire I acquired back when I was young, but I kept it since it wasn't compatible with me." Her eyes gleamed with enthusiasm. "After seeing your talent, I've decided you're the only person worthy of wielding this spirit flame." Fresh tears streamed down her face, as though she'd finally found a worthy successor.
"Hmph, stop pretending. You just want to give it to him so he can make you spirit food," Elder Guo interjected, seeing through her motives.
"Should I not give it to him?" she snapped back sharply.
Elder Guo paused, suddenly remembering that Xiang Yu was, after all, his disciple. If the boy could make spirit food, wouldn't he, as the master, be the first to taste it? "My apologies, I have misspoken," he conceded, lowering himself back into his chair.
In his mind, laughter bubbled up at the fortuitous situation. If his disciple received a spirit flame, it would not only enhance the boy's combat abilities but also allow him to prepare spirit food for his master—a perfect demonstration of filial piety. After years of nurturing this seemingly talentless disciple, he might finally see a worthwhile return on his investment. Elder Guo suppressed a smile, silently congratulating himself on his genius.
…
"What's a spirit flame?" Li Yao asked internally, her curiosity piqued by the elders' conversation.
[You can think of them as natural treasures born from the world,] the Empress's voice echoed in her mind with scholarly precision. [Though they can be used for combat, they are mostly used for secondary professions—pill refining, artifact refining, or in your senior brother's case, cooking,] she explained.
Xiang Yu remained silent, his expression contemplative as he considered his martial aunt's unexpected proposal. Before he could fully process the implications or formulate a response, Elder Huang's enthusiasm overwhelmed any potential hesitation.
"I'll go bring it right away!" she exclaimed, her excitement palpable as she took to the air, her figure becoming a dwindling silhouette against the azure sky.
Elder Guo rose from his seat, "Don't think too much about it and just accept it," he advised, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "Your martial aunt is a researcher and possesses many valuable treasures. It would be a pity if you didn't take advantage of her generosity every once in a while." With that parting wisdom delivered, he too departed, leaving the disciples alone with their thoughts.
Xiang Yu watched his master's retreating form, internally acknowledging the soundness of the elder's counsel. Even without such encouragement, he had already resolved to accept the gift. Spirit flames were exceptionally rare treasures, coveted by cultivators across the realms. The practical benefits alone made refusal unthinkable.
The most appealing aspect of spirit flames, he reflected, was their nature as perpetually burning elemental essences that required no qi to sustain. Unlike most cultivation techniques that remained inaccessible to him due to his lack of spiritual roots, a spirit flame would allow him to perform impressive feats like coating his weapons with mystical fire, significantly enhancing his combat capabilities despite his limitations.
Still, he couldn't help but marvel at his martial aunt possessing such a treasure. The Azure Cloud Sword Sect was merely an eighth-grade sect in the greater hierarchy of cultivation powers. For Elder Huang to have an item valued even by first-grade sects was truly remarkable. Of course, the true value depended entirely on the flame's grade—spirit flames were classified from ninth grade to first grade, with first being the most powerful. Perhaps she merely possessed a ninth-grade flame, though even that would be a considerable treasure by any reasonable standard.
Questions about why the flame proved incompatible with her flickered through his mind, but he set such speculation aside. The afternoon training session awaited, and maintaining his rigorous schedule remained paramount to his exponential growth.
With unspoken agreement, he and Li Yao turned toward the training grounds, ready to resume their relentless pursuit of martial excellence.
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Show menu NOVEL BINNovel Infinite Awakening: My Exp Doubles Everyday Chapter 46: Abyssal Void FlameINFINITE AWAKENING: MY EXP DOUBLES EVERYDAYC46: Abyssal Void FlameThe warm glow of sunset cast long shadows across the training grounds as Xiang Yu and Li Yao continued their rigorous practice. Their weapons clashed rhythmically, each strike and parry flowing into the next with increasing precision as they pushed each other to new limits. Only when dusk fully settled did they finally lower their weapons, acknowledging it was time for the evening meal.
As Xiang Yu approached the dining area, ready to begin his culinary preparations, a sudden gust of wind swept through the area, announcing his martial aunt's arrival. Elder Huang descended gracefully from the sky, her robes billowing around her. In the next moment, Elder Guo appeared as well, his curiosity evidently piqued by her dramatic entrance.
Elder Huang produced a lamp from her spatial storage, its appearance deceptively ordinary save for one remarkable feature—a black flame burning steadily within the glass enclosure. With deliberate movements, she removed the lid, and immediately the black flame attempted to escape. Acting swiftly, she summoned a bright red flame from her palm, enveloping the black fire within its grasp. Despite her obvious power, a slight tension in her face revealed the effort required to contain it.
"I don't know what flame this is since I've never seen a black flame before," she explained, her eyes never leaving the dancing darkness in her grasp. "When I got it, I thought it was a special flame. I have the phoenix bloodline which allows me to absorb flames to enhance myself, but when I tried to absorb this flame, it also tried to absorb my flames. I thought it was because my bloodline was weaker, so I waited to enhance my bloodline so I could be able to absorb it."
A sigh of disappointment escaped her lips, her expression momentarily clouding. "Although I've had a few chances to advance my bloodline, it's only advanced a little each time, nowhere near what I'd need to be able to consume this flame."
Her demeanor brightened suddenly, as if shaking off past regrets. "Instead of letting it rot there for god knows how long, you should have it," she declared, pushing the flame—still wrapped in her own crimson energy—toward Xiang Yu.
Xiang Yu watched the approaching black flame with fascination, his eyes capturing every detail of its mesmerizing dance. Though dark, it wasn't completely so—tiny sparks of white flickered throughout its core, appearing and vanishing in an instant, reminiscent of stars twinkling in a night sky. As he mentally questioned what level this mysterious spirit flame might be, he cautiously extended his hand.
The moment his fingers drew near, the black flame leaped from Elder Huang's control, wrapping around his hand with startling eagerness. Alarmed, Xiang Yu stumbled backward, frantically shaking his arm in panic, certain he would burn to death. Yet the expected agony never came, and as suddenly as it had appeared, the flame vanished entirely.
"Where did it go?" he asked, bewildered, examining his unmarked hand.
Elder Huang smiled knowingly. "This flame is really fond of you. It seems I made the right choice giving it to you."
From the sidelines, Elder Guo stroked his beard thoughtfully. It was highly unusual for a spirit flame to show such affinity for anyone—even now, it had tried to escape Elder Huang, who by all accounts should have been its ideal match with her phoenix bloodline. Why would the flame be so attracted to Xiang Yu, someone without even basic spiritual roots? Could his disciple be concealing something? Yet the genuine confusion on the young man's face suggested he was as mystified as anyone.
Elder Guo released a contemplative sigh. His disciple, it seemed, was more special than anyone had imagined.
…
"What do I do now?" Xiang Yu asked, breaking the momentary silence that had fallen over the gathering. His voice held a mixture of curiosity and caution—understandable reactions to having a mysterious flame seemingly disappear into his body.
Elder Huang's expression brightened with enthusiasm as she stepped closer, her robes rustling softly in the evening breeze. "Usually, refining a flame takes a long time, but since it seems attracted to you, it shouldn't be that big of a problem," she explained. Her eyes gleamed with interest as she observed her martial nephew. "Just try to feel the flame throughout your body and bring it out."
Nodding, Xiang Yu closed his eyes, his expression settling into focused concentration. The world around him faded away as he turned his awareness inward, searching for the mysterious fire that had so eagerly bonded with him. At first, there was nothing—just the familiar sensations of his own body, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, the flow of blood through his veins. Then, gradually, he sensed something new—a subtle warmth unlike his natural body heat, concentrated somewhere deep within his core.
Several seconds passed as he familiarized himself with this foreign presence, mentally reaching toward it, attempting to coax it outward. Suddenly, as if responding to an unspoken command, a dark flame materialized on his palm. It danced silently, casting no heat that would harm him, yet he could feel its power humming through his fingers. Unlike ordinary fire, this flame made no sound—no crackling, no gentle roar—it burned in eerie silence, its darkness occasionally punctuated by those fleeting white sparks.
A smile of satisfaction spread across Xiang Yu's face. This unexpected gift represented more than just a rare treasure; it was another tool for survival in this dangerous cultivation world. As the thought of survival crossed his mind, he wondered whether this new acquisition would manifest in his system. With practiced mental focus, he summoned his status screen, and there it was, neatly catalogued among his other abilities:
[Spirit Flame: Abyssal Void Flame: 7th Grade (1/30,000)]
Surprise flickered across his features as he processed this information. A seventh-grade flame! The revelation stunned him. From Elder Huang's casual demeanor, it seemed she hadn't realized the true value of what she had given away. This wasn't merely a valuable treasure—it was the kind of treasure that would provoke bloody conflicts even among top-tier sects.
Even more astonishing was the experience bar attached to the flame. In all his research about cultivation resources, Xiang Yu had never encountered any mention of spirit flames being upgradeable. The common understanding was that a flame's grade remained fixed eternally—a seventh-grade flame would always remain seventh-grade. Yet here was his system, suggesting otherwise.
The experience requirement was daunting, second only to Battle Instinct in magnitude. Still, this didn't diminish Xiang Yu's excitement. If anything, it intensified his anticipation. What might this flame become if upgraded? What powers would it possess if he somehow managed to elevate it to first grade? The possibilities sent a thrill of anticipation through him.
Yet as he considered the flame's name—Abyssal Void Flame—an inexplicable uneasiness settled in his stomach. Something about the name gave him an ominous feeling, though he couldn't quite put his finger on it.
Across the courtyard, Li Yao observed the black flame dancing on her senior brother's palm with widening eyes. "Do you know that flame?" she silently asked the ancient empress residing within her.
The empress, who had been uncharacteristically quiet during this entire exchange, released a subtle sigh. [Yeah, I do,] came the reluctant response.
"Is it good?" Li Yao asked enthusiastically, hoping for confirmation that her senior brother had received something truly beneficial.
[Well, that's hard to say,] the empress replied with uncharacteristic hesitation. [That flame seems to be a fragment of the Abyssal Void Flame, which is one of the ten original flames. It's quite rare to get a fragment this big even in the immortal realm.]
"Then why is it a bad thing?" Li Yao pressed, confusion evident in her mental voice. A powerful, rare flame sounded like an unequivocal blessing for her senior brother.
[Well, the appearance of such a big fragment is bound to attract attention from some people who want it for themselves,] the empress explained, her tone grave.
"Huh? But didn't martial aunt always have it? Why hasn't anyone ever appeared?" Li Yao questioned, struggling to understand the sudden shift from fortune to potential danger.
[Well, there are probably many interested parties, so they keep each other in check,] came the empress's cryptic response.
"Then what has changed?" Li Yao pressed, her concern mounting.
[Well, if you had something you really wanted, but there were others like you so you kept each other in check, what do you think would happen if someone random suddenly took the thing you were eyeing?] the empress asked pointedly.
Realization dawned on Li Yao's face as understanding clicked into place. While the flame remained unrefined, competing interests maintained a stalemate. But now that Xiang Yu had successfully bonded with it, that fragile balance would shatter. The various parties would no longer concern themselves with keeping each other in check—they would simply pursue the flame and, by extension, her senior brother.
A fierce protectiveness surged through Li Yao. Things were becoming truly dangerous. She needed to accelerate her own cultivation, to grow stronger faster so she could shield her senior brother from the troubles that would inevitably come.
…
Meanwhile, in an unknown location dimension beyond mortal comprehension, an entity of unfathomable size floated in an endless void. This creature, so vast that neither beginning nor end could be perceived, suddenly opened its eyes—ancient orbs that had witnessed the birth and death of countless worlds.
"Hmm, someone seems to have refined a fragment of mine," the creature's voice resonated through the emptiness, a sound that could shatter planets yet somehow remained confined to this isolated pocket of nothingness.
The being's consciousness stretched across incomprehensible distances, focusing on a specific point in the endless void. "That direction... a mortal world?" Surprise colored its ancient voice for a brief moment before shifting to a tone of unmistakable excitement.
"Interesting,"
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Show menu NOVEL BINNovel Infinite Awakening: My Exp Doubles Everyday Chapter 47: True Spirit Food (fixed)INFINITE AWAKENING: MY EXP DOUBLES EVERYDAYC47: True Spirit Food (fixed)Since his martial aunt had been so generous, gifting him a flame whose true value she might not have fully comprehended, Xiang Yu felt compelled to express his gratitude. What better way than through his greatest talent? With his newly acquired spirit flame, he could finally create the genuine spirit food she so desperately craved.
When he had broken through to 8th Grade cooking, vast repositories of knowledge about spiritual cuisine had materialized in his mind. Until now, this knowledge had remained purely theoretical—lacking either spiritual roots or a spiritual flame, he couldn't apply these techniques. But everything had changed. The Abyssal Void Flame now nestled within him like a loyal companion, waiting to be called forth.
Xiang Yu held his hand near the cooking vessel, summoning the black flame. It danced across his fingers without burning him, responding to his mental commands with remarkable precision. Unlike cooking with crude firewood, the spirit flame offered unprecedented temperature control. He could adjust its heat with mere thoughts, perfect for the delicate preparations spiritual cuisine demanded.
The gathered audience watched in silent awe as he worked. The dark flames leapt and twisted above the pan, occasionally punctuated by those tiny white sparks that resembled distant stars. Sensing their rapt attention, Xiang Yu incorporated flourishes into his technique. He tossed ingredients high into the air, expertly cooking them with controlled bursts of flame as they descended, before catching them perfectly in the pan.
Elder Guo's eyes widened at the spectacle. Elder Huang leaned forward, entranced by the performance. Even Li Yao, who had witnessed his cooking numerous times before, found herself mesmerized by this elevated display of culinary artistry. The sweet, complex aroma rising from the dishes intensified their anticipation, causing involuntary salivation.
Though he secretly enjoyed their attention, Xiang Yu recognized his audience's growing impatience. He completed his preparations and began serving, presenting the first dish to Elder Huang with a respectful bow.
"You brat! You dare serve outsiders before your own master?" Elder Guo couldn't help but curse, his beard quivering with indignation.
Elder Huang smirked triumphantly. "No need to be so riled up. Martial nephew simply knows how to treat a guest, unlike someone else." Her teasing tone only intensified the elder's frustration.
Elder Guo could only respond with a dismissive scoff as Xiang Yu quickly served him next, followed by Li Yao.
When they finally began eating, identical expressions of wonder bloomed across their faces. The moment the food touched their tongues, extraordinary flavors cascaded throughout their mouths—complex, harmonious notes impossible in ordinary cuisine. As they swallowed, the spirit food's rich qi spread throughout their bodies, rejuvenating every cell and marginally enhancing their cultivation.
Even Xiang Yu, as he sampled his own creation, marveled at the sensation of qi briefly infusing his qi-less body before quickly dissipating as he didn't have spiritual roots. Was this what cultivators experienced continuously? Many claimed cultivation brought pleasure exceeding even carnal delights, and he could now understand why. Still, this fleeting sensation paled in comparison to the mental tsunami of his system's enlightenment doubling.
They devoured every morsel, leaving their plates spotlessly clean, unwilling to waste even a single grain of the precious spirit food.
As Xiang Yu and Li Yao cleaned the dishes afterward, the ancient empress spoke into the young woman's mind.
[You're quite lucky to have a spiritual chef as a senior brother. Now you can enjoy spirit meals every day,] she observed with rare appreciation. [Although his skill level remains modest for now, as he improves, it will become a tremendous advantage. Your breakthrough speed will surpass most cultivators.]
[Except for truly powerful immortals, few can consume spirit food twice daily,] she added thoughtfully.
Li Yao couldn't suppress her smile. Her senior brother truly was the best. With his cooking accelerating her cultivation, she would grow stronger even faster—exactly what she needed to protect him from the dangers that would inevitably come seeking his newfound flame.
…
After the hearty meal, everyone went their separate ways. Xiang Yu and Li Yao returned to their training, their movements energized by the qi-infused food they had consumed. The spiritual nourishment had restored their vitality and nearly doubled their stamina, allowing them to train with an intensity that surpassed even their morning session.
Steel clashed against steel as they sparred beneath the stars, their silhouettes illuminated by the moon's gentle glow. Only when midnight arrived did they finally sheathe their weapons, exchanging respectful nods before retiring to their separate quarters.
In his simple dwelling, Xiang Yu reclined on his bed of leaves, summoning the familiar blue interface that had become his nightly ritual. The system screen materialized before him, its soft glow illuminating his contemplative features:
[Enlightenment: Low (50/1000) (+2/1000)]
[Battle Instinct: (20/100,000) (+4/100,000)]
[Spirit Flame: Abyssal Void Flame: 7th Grade (2/30,000)]
[Mountain Heart Sutra: Level 1 (1/1000)]
[Mountain Heart Scripture: 4th Layer (86/400) (+38/400)]
[Low-grade Iron Body Technique: Intermediate (200/300) (+100/300)]
[Basic Knife Technique: Completion (100/500) (+60/500)]
[Basic Sword Technique: Major Success (200/400)]
[Cook: 8th Grade (3/200) (+3/200)]
[Experience Points Doubled]
[Cook: 8th Grade (3/200) → 8th Grade (6/200)]
[Basic Sword Technique: Major Success (200/400) → Completion (0/500)]
[Basic Knife Technique: Completion (100/500) → Completion (200/500)]
[Low-grade Iron Body Technique: Intermediate (200/300) → Major Success (0/400)]
[Mountain Heart Scripture: 4th Layer (86/400) → 4th Layer (172/400)]
[Mountain Heart Sutra: Level 1 (1/1000) → Level 1 (2/1000)]
[Spirit Flame: Abyssal Void Flame: 7th Grade (2/30,000) → 7th Grade (4/30,000)]
[Battle Instinct: (20/100,000) → (40/100,000)]
[Enlightenment: Low (50/1000) → Low (100/1000)]
The first sensation to wash over him was the breathtaking doubling of his enlightenment. It crashed through his consciousness like a tidal wave, expanding his perception beyond anything he had previously experienced. It felt as if someone had peeled away a veil he hadn't even realized existed, revealing entirely new dimensions of understanding. Colors seemed more vibrant, sounds more distinct, patterns more evident. The mental tsunami persisted longer than usual before gradually receding, leaving behind crystalline clarity in its wake.
His thoughts seemed sharper, more focused—undoubtedly an effect of the Mountain Heart Sutra's influence, which had doubled once again. The mental discipline imparted by the ancient text complemented his growing enlightenment, creating synergies he was only beginning to comprehend.
Next came subtle insights regarding his cooking skills. Unlike previous revelations, these were modest improvements—minor refinements to techniques he'd already mastered rather than learning any new concepts. Given the mere three-point increase, this modest progression seemed reasonable. It hardly concerned him though; his cooking experience would accumulate rapidly with daily practice, especially now that he could create genuine spirit food.
The battle instinct attribute continued its impressive trajectory. What had once been his most stubbornly resistant stat was now accelerating at a pace that promised to reach its maximum threshold much sooner than he'd originally calculated. The exponential nature of doubling would make each subsequent increase more substantial than the last.
His newest acquisition, the Abyssal Void Flame, had already grown to two points during the day and now to four after doubling. Considering the daunting 30,000-point requirement for advancement, this progress might seem negligible to others. Yet Xiang Yu understood the power of exponential growth better than most—modest beginnings would eventually yield explosive results.
His Mountain Heart Scripture had nearly reached its halfway point, which his internal calculations suggested would be surpassed before the next reset. This trajectory placed him firmly on path to breakthrough to the fifth layer after the next settlement. Rather than encountering the diminishing returns common to cultivation, his advancement seemed to be accelerating as he got stronger.
The knife technique was similarly approaching its halfway threshold, likely to enter Great Completion after the next settlement. Meanwhile, his sword technique had successfully broken through to the Completion stage, resetting its progress bar in the process.
His iron body technique had advanced to Major Success level, and the effects were immediately apparent. His skin had developed a resilience that normal weapons would struggle to penetrate. He estimated that by the time he reached Completion stage, his body would indeed possess the durability of genuine iron.
As for the elusive mid-grade movement technique that had defied his comprehension, he sensed he stood at the precipice of breakthrough. Just one more insight, one more connection, and the technique would finally yield its secrets.
After methodically reviewing his progress, Xiang Yu summoned his complete status display:
[Name: Xiang Yu]
[Realm: Body: 4th Layer; Mind: Level 1]
[Species: Human]
[Spiritual Root: null]
[Enlightenment: Low (100/1000)]
[Battle Instinct: (40/100,000)]
[Spirit Flame: Abyssal Void Flame: 7th Grade (4/30,000)]
[Professions: Cook: 8th Grade (6/200)]
[Techniques: Low-grade Iron Body Technique: Major Success (0/400); Basic Knife Technique: Completion (200/500); Basic Sword Technique: Completion (0/500)]
[Scriptures: Mountain Heart Scripture: 4th Layer (182/400); Mountain Heart Sutra: Level 1 (2/1000)]
[System Function: Double Exp (Cooldown: 24hrs)]
…
A/N - The numbers are getting more and more insane. I'm thinking of having a technique to reach Perfect stage first, then he can pick up more techniques from his martial aunt, then we'll have about a week timeskip of just training, what do you guys think?
For those interested in the numbers going up, I'm keeping track of all the daily improvements and will upload it in the wiki after I make one.
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Show menu NOVEL BINNovel Infinite Awakening: My Exp Doubles Everyday Chapter 48: What Perfection Feels LikeINFINITE AWAKENING: MY EXP DOUBLES EVERYDAYC48: What Perfection Feels LikeAfter reviewing his stats, Xiang Yu felt a deep satisfaction with his progress. His gaze lingered on his sword technique, which had reset to zero after breakthrough. This presented a dilemma – he still wanted to advance his knife technique to Great Completion, but splitting his focus might slow his overall progress.
Then, a realization struck him. With his newfound ability to cook spirit food, he could completely rejuvenate his energy after each meal. This changed everything. He would no longer experience diminishing returns as he trained more since his stamina bar would be reset after each meal.
This was perfect, he could now practice the knife technique during the day, and after dinner when his energy is restored, he could then practice the sword without experiencing any loss in performance.
With his strategy set, Xiang Yu considered whether to sleep. He paused, taking stock of his condition. Despite being awake for a full twenty-four hours – unusual for someone at the Body Refining stage who still required mortal necessities like food and sleep – his mind remained remarkably sharp. He wondered if this clarity was a benefit of breaking through to Mind Level 1.
Since that was the case, then going to sleep would be a waste of valuable time, he thought, settling into the meditation position to practice the Mountain Heart Sutra.
This time, he approached the practice with greater caution, placing deep emphasis on affirming his nature to resist the mental demons that had nearly claimed him before. As he settled into position, the familiar sensation began to envelop him – that seductive pull toward peaceful nothingness.
Though he continued affirming his heart's desire for survival, the void's influence grew increasingly overwhelming. A flicker of concern passed through his fading consciousness as he wondered if his desires were truly so weak. The emptiness pulled him deeper and deeper until once again, he floated in that state of pure existence – wanting nothing, feeling nothing, simply being.
Just before he could fully surrender to the void's embrace, something extraordinary happened. Within the endless emptiness where his consciousness drifted, a flame materialized before him – the Abyssal Void Flame. Though black as night, it somehow illuminated the surrounding darkness. Xiang Yu felt its gentle warmth caress his senses, gradually restoring his awareness.
He pulled the flame toward himself with a thought, heaving a sigh of relief as his consciousness fully returned. "It seems I'm still too weak to practice mind techniques safely," he acknowledged. "Fortunate that I have the Abyssal Void Flame. Otherwise..." He left the thought unfinished, silently thanking his martial aunt for her timely gift.
As his awareness expanded, Xiang Yu examined his surroundings. The endless dark void stretched in all directions, eerily similar to descriptions he'd heard of a spiritual sea – something typically accessible only to cultivators at the Golden Core stage. Had practicing the sutra somehow allowed him to open his spiritual sea prematurely?
With a spiritual sea, he could use spiritual sense to detect things around him, allowing him to avoid ambushes. Though looking at his dark spiritual sea, he admitted that it was probably unusable as it lacked the spiritual qi required to function.
Still, he recognized its potential value. With deliberate intent, he guided the flame toward his forehead. The black fire settled there, manifesting as a flaming mark that caused his entire form to glow, illuminating a small radius within the dark void.
He reasoned that with a spiritual sea, even without qi to perform mental attacks or use spiritual sense, the flame could settle in there, providing protection against mental attacks when practicing mental techniques in the future or when he's attacked using mental techniques.
As he closed his eyes in his spiritual sea, his physical eyes opened in the real world. The first rays of dawn were just beginning to pierce the horizon. Perfect timing – he hadn't fallen behind in his training schedule.
…
Xiang Yu summoned his system interface to check if anything had changed after the long session:
[Enlightenment: Low (105/1000)]
[Battle Instinct: (45/100,000)]
[Spirit Flame: Abyssal Void Flame: 7th Grade (6/30,000)]
[Mountain Heart Sutra: Level 1 (12/1000)]
His eyes widened with genuine surprise. Some of his most stubborn stats had increased significantly—and without the system's doubling effect. The Mountain Heart Sutra had proven far more valuable than he'd initially realized, jumping from a mere 2 points to 12 overnight. Even his Battle Instinct, which had previously resisted conventional training methods, had grown by 5 points.
He was very satisfied with the sutra as he studied the numbers. "With the protection of the Abyssal Void Flame against mental demons, I can practice the sutra every night instead of wasting precious hours on sleep."
This optimization appealed deeply to his calculating nature. Twenty-four hours of productive cultivation per day—no moment wasted, no opportunity squandered. His path to power would accelerate even further.
Xiang Yu rose from his meditation posture and made his way to the nearby lake. The cool water against his skin banished the last vestiges of mental fatigue as he methodically washed his body, preparing for the day's training.
When he arrived at the training ground, Li Yao was already waiting, her slender figure silhouetted against the rising sun. They exchanged brief morning greetings before drawing their weapons. No time was wasted on idle conversation—both went straight to sparring.
As their sparring began, Xiang Yu immediately noticed the tangible improvements in his battle awareness. The prediction lines that guided his defense had grown remarkably precise—no longer the broad, hazy trajectories of before, but hair-thin indicators of exactly where and how attacks would manifest. His perception had sharpened to the point where he could discern not just the path of Li Yao's blade, but the subtle shifts in her weight distribution that telegraphed her intentions microseconds before she committed to them.
More impressively, his own attacks had become ruthlessly efficient. Gone were the wasted movements and unnecessary flourishes. Each strike, each parry, each footstep served a specific purpose in his overall strategy. He applied pressure when advantage presented itself and yielded ground when tactically beneficial, never allowing pride or fear to cloud his judgment.
It was as if the entire battle had transformed into an intricate game of chess and he was somehow a master of it.
Though still physically outmatched by his junior sister's raw power, his newfound tactical acumen created genuine pressure that forced her to adapt. For perhaps the first time, he wasn't merely surviving their exchanges—he was actively challenging her.
Across the training ground, Li Yao observed the transformation with growing interest. Her senior brother stood in a flawless defensive stance, his posture betraying none of the hesitation that had previously characterized his fighting style. His eyes tracked her movements with predatory focus, analyzing rather than fearing.
Her lazy and cowardly senior brother had evolved from someone who could barely muster the courage to counterattack into... whatever this was.
She released an audible sigh that carried across the training ground. The time had come to take her senior brother seriously. Continuing with her current unrefined technique would no longer provide the challenge he needed to grow.
With fluid grace, Li Yao shifted her stance, adopting a sword form she rarely displayed during their practice sessions. The change was immediate and dramatic—the entire atmosphere of the battlefield seemed to transform with her.
Xiang Yu felt his battle awareness tingling in response, recognizing the profound shift in danger level. Her new form embodied true mastery, the culmination of dedicated practice rather than the flawed techniques she'd been using to accommodate his lower level. As he observed her sword form, it felt like staring into an abyss with no end, "Is this what perfection feels like?" he wondered.
Yet instead of apprehension, a rare smile spread across his face as she launched toward him with blinding speed. This escalation—this genuine pressure—was exactly what he needed to transcend his current limitations.
Bonus chapter (0/1)
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