BTTH: DISCIPLE CASHBACK SYSTEM Chapter 2: Seven Apertures exquisite pill Heart, Divine Skill Void projection

After a brief moment of self-appreciation, Gu He reluctantly withdrew his gaze. He then turned his attention inward, back to the realm of the system space.

"System, commence the extraction of the Seven Apertures Exquisite Pill Heart!"

Immediately, Gu He felt an incredibly potent force flood his being, a power so overwhelming it seemed capable of obliterating everything in its path.

In the next instant, Gu He perceived a multitude of minuscule needles intricately weaving through his blood vessels, all converging towards his heart. "Ah…"

An involuntary cry escaped Gu He's lips as the searing agony he experienced nearly plunged him into unconsciousness.

However, precisely at this critical juncture, a mysterious power began to stir within him. Countless runes materialized throughout Gu He's body, intertwining and ultimately coalescing to form a heart.

This newly formed heart possessed seven apertures, and with each beat, enigmatic patterns were revealed. Amidst these rhythmic pulsations, the faint echoes of clashing alchemical cauldrons could be discerned.

In that very moment, a profound realization washed over Gu He. After a short while, the peculiar sensation coursing through his body gradually subsided. The extraction of the Seven Apertures Exquisite Pill Heart had been successfully completed!

Gu He closed his eyes, slowly beginning to grasp the extraordinary capabilities of the Seven Apertures Exquisite Pill Heart. With this heart, his journey in the art of alchemy would henceforth be unhindered by limitations.

His innate talent for alchemy was already exceptional, and now, empowered by this heart, his potential was elevated to an even more formidable level. It could be confidently stated that unless met with an untimely demise, Gu He was destined to become the Alchemy Emperor of a future generation!

Sensing the immense benefits bestowed by the Seven Apertures Luminous Heart, a spark of excitement ignited within Gu He's eyes. With this heart, his path to becoming a preeminent cultivator felt virtually assured.

Following a brief surge of exhilaration, Gu He gradually regained his composure and once again directed his attention towards the system space.

"System, initiate the extraction of the Divine Technique – Void Projection!"

As a cryptic cascade of information flooded his mind, Gu He entered a state of profound enlightenment. After a period of time, Gu He slowly opened his eyes, a subtle smile gracing his lips.

It was evident that he had already mastered the intricate nuances of the Void Projection technique. This technique involved the condensation of void jade symbols utilizing his essence blood. Upon the shattering of these jade symbols, Gu He could project his presence to any location, mirroring his physical form.

What was truly astonishing was that the projected entity possessed the exact same level of strength as Gu He himself. The sole limitation was that the projection could only be maintained for a duration of thirty minutes.

Having acquired mastery over the Void Projection technique, Gu He could already envision its myriad applications. In the future, should his disciples venture out on perilous quests, Gu He could equip them with a void jade symbol for safekeeping.

Should they find themselves in dire straits, Gu He could instantaneously project himself to their location by shattering the jade symbol, thereby aiding his disciples in overcoming any crisis. A truly remarkable technique!

Gu He could not help but feel a sense of admiration. With this newly acquired technique, the worry of his disciples facing mortal danger was significantly diminished.

Finally, Gu He shifted his focus to the last remaining item within the confines of the system space.

"Nine-star Dou Saint level experience card."

As the name suggested, upon activating this card, Gu He would instantaneously ascend to the power level of a Dou Saint! Furthermore, it was specifically the might of a Nine-Star Dou Saint!

Naturally, this Dou Saint Experience Card was a single-use item; once consumed, it would cease to exist. Moreover, after utilizing the Dou Saint Experience Card, the Nine-Star Dou Saint cultivation level could only be sustained for a period of thirty minutes.

Therefore, Gu He recognized the absolute necessity of exercising extreme caution when considering the use of this card. In an era where Dou Di-level experts were seldom seen, a Nine-Star Dou Saint represented the zenith of power.

A thoughtful expression settled upon Gu He's features. He resolved not to employ the Dou Saint Experience Card unless faced with a dire, life-or-death situation in the future. This card, offering a temporary taste of Dou Saint cultivation, would serve as his ultimate contingency plan.

"System, open the attribute panel," Gu He commanded calmly.

As his words resonated, an energy screen materialized before his eyes, perceptible only to him.

[ Host: Gu He Age: Thirty Alchemist Rank: Sixth-Rank Alchemist Cultivation: Three-Star Dou King Technique: Purple Sun Technique (Intermediate Earth-Rank) Soul Cultivation Method: Dark Soul Technique (Seventh-Rank Soul Cultivation) Combat Techniques: Flame Palm (Advanced Profound-Rank), Blaze Eagle Claw (Advanced Profound-Rank)… Divine Techniques: Transmission, Void Projection Constitution: Seven Aperture Exquisite Pill Heart Other: Dou Saint Experience Card, Purple Eagle Flame, Scarlet Snake Cauldron… ]

Gazing upon the attribute panel presented before him, Gu He lapsed into a state of deep contemplation. Gu He's innate talent for alchemy was, without a doubt, astonishing.

In the vast northwest of the Jia Ma Empire, by the age of thirty, Gu He had ascended to the status of a Sixth-Rank Alchemist. Such an innate gift was astonishing, nearly mirroring the legendary Yao Chen.

It is important to recall that Yao Chen was a scion of the ancient Yao Clan, one of the Eight Great Families. This clan was steeped in the art of alchemy, with every member dedicated to this craft.

Yao Chen's lineage within the Yao Clan provided an unparalleled foundation for alchemy. Furthermore, the ancient Dou Di bloodline flowed within his very being.

While his extraordinary talent was a key, the potent influence of his Dou Di heritage was undeniable in his ascent to becoming the world's foremost alchemist.

When contrasted with Yao Chen, Gu He recognized the myriad of inherent advantages his contemporary possessed. Turning his focus inward, Gu He contemplated his current cultivation realm.

A Three-Star Dou King!

In comparison to his masterful alchemical skills, Gu He's cultivation aptitude was somewhat less impressive. Yet, achieving the Three-Star Dou King stage by thirty was, in itself, a remarkable accomplishment.

Gu He's progression owed much to his standing as a Sixth-Rank Alchemist. This distinguished rank afforded him the ability to sustain himself independently.

During periods of cultivation bottlenecks, the simple act of consuming pills could facilitate breakthroughs. Nevertheless, Gu He remained at the Three-Star Dou King level, even with the benefit of an intermediate Earth-Rank cultivation technique.

Undoubtedly, his profound passion for alchemy frequently overshadowed his dedication to martial cultivation.

After a thorough examination of his attribute panel, a subtle smile graced Gu He's lips.

A Three-Star Dou King!

A Sixth-Rank Alchemist!

While not yet at the pinnacle of power, this starting point was leagues beyond the countless mundane beginnings. Gu He found himself content with this solid foundation.

The system's assistance was now available to him. The trials that lay ahead would be a testament to his own efforts.

The quiet was broken by a series of distinct knocks upon his door.

"Who seeks entry?" The interruption drew Gu He's attention, causing his brows to furrow slightly in mild annoyance.

"Master, it is your disciple, Liu Ling, requesting an audience!" A voice, tinged with a hint of uncertainty yet imbued with deep reverence, emanated from the other side of the door.

Liu Ling? The name resonated within Gu He's memory, a flicker of recognition igniting. Indeed, in the original narrative, Gu He possessed a disciple named Liu Ling.

Though Liu Ling's performance during the alchemy competition within the Gamma Empire did not surpass that of the protagonist, Xiao Yan, he was still acknowledged as a burgeoning prodigy in the field of alchemy.

"You may enter." Gu He's response carried a note of measured indifference. It so happened that he was curious to gauge the efficacy of the Transmission divine technique.

Today, Liu Ling would serve as the subject of his experiment! However, a measure of concern lingered in Gu He's heart – the system stipulated that a disciple must attain an evaluation score of eight points to activate the refund mechanism.

He harbored a degree of uncertainty regarding whether Liu Ling's innate talent could satisfy the system's demanding criteria. As Gu He concluded his words, the door creaked open, revealing the silhouette of an approaching youth.

Clad in the distinctive robe of an alchemist, the young man appeared remarkably youthful, possessing a striking, tall physique. He seemed to be in his early twenties, his handsome features sharply defined.

This individual was none other than Liu Ling, Gu He's personal disciple. "Disciple pays respects to Master," Liu Ling declared with a deep bow upon entering, his demeanor one of utmost deference.

"Ling'er, there is no need for such elaborate formalities," Gu He responded with a gentle smile. At these words, Liu Ling slowly lifted his gaze. Yet, as his eyes met Gu He's, his expression faltered, replaced by an astonished bewilderment.

"Master, you…" The aura that Gu He now projected, one of transcendent grace and elegance in every movement, was a stark departure from his previous bearing.

Consequently, even Liu Ling, who was accustomed to Gu He's presence, clearly perceived the profound transformation. He gazed at Gu He, his astonishment palpable.

How could Master appear so… impeccably handsome?

Observing the figure before him, Liu Ling, who often took pride in his own good looks, found himself feeling a touch of self-consciousness.

Gu He, noticing Liu Ling's surprised reaction, understood the underlying cause. Nevertheless, he offered no explanation, feigning unawareness of his disciple's astonishment.

The transcendent immortal aura primarily influenced his temperament; his physical features had undergone only subtle refinements, not drastic alterations.

Therefore, Gu He felt no apprehension regarding Liu Ling suspecting his true identity. "Ling'er, is there a particular reason you sought me out?" After a brief pause for thought, Gu He smiled and steered the conversation in a new direction.

Upon hearing this, Liu Ling promptly pulled himself together. He turned to Gu He, addressing his Master with utmost respect, "Master, I report that I have indeed succeeded in breaking through to the Second-Rank Alchemist stage."

A subtle, pleased smile touched Liu Ling's lips, a flicker of self-congratulation dancing in his eyes.

At a mere fifteen years of age, ascending to the level of a Second-Rank Alchemist was an accomplishment that stood virtually unrivaled throughout the Jia Ma Empire, surpassed only by his own Master, Gu He.

"Adequate, very adequate," Gu He commented, offering praise. He then secretly conveyed his thoughts to the System, "System, please examine Liu Ling's attributes." Gu He was keen to ascertain if Liu Ling's current standing fulfilled the System's criteria for an eight-point assessment.

The moment Gu He finished speaking, an interface, perceptible solely to him, materialized before his eyes.