The Sims: I Open the Immortal Path for All Beings Chapter 3 - 2 Changing Trajectory

"Gathering Taoyun is my primary objective now," Pei Xuanjing pondered.

He knew that as long as he possessed sufficient Taoyun, he could proceed with his simulations.

Having already achieved a breakthrough to the ninth-grade during his initial life simulation, he was filled with anticipation regarding what future gains he might secure.

The following morning, Pei Xuanjing finished his dawn rituals and turned his attention to a manuscript concerning the path of martial artists.

Even though the Everlasting Observance had fallen into a state of decline, its lineage was once prestigious. His master had often mentioned that the founder originated from a renowned Sect, eventually retiring to this remote border city to establish the Everlasting Observance.

He was currently studying a memoir penned by that founding master, which detailed insights for those who had just crossed the threshold into the Qi Refining Realm.

Unexpectedly, as he handled the memoir that morning, a notification flashed upon his simulator.

[Taoyun item detected. Commencing refinement?]

Pei Xuanjing gave his consent immediately.

However, the process differed from his expectations; the simulator did not instantly absorb the essence. Instead, it required him to read and internalize the text at a natural pace. The device would evaluate the value of the information but offered no way to speed up his comprehension.

Left with no alternative, he followed the simulator's requirements, meticulously studying every word of the text.

"The path of cultivating True Qi, the tempering of bone and muscle externally, and the refining of organs internally—all of these, in my view, serve as the bedrock for the grand transformation within the Upper Three Realms. The sturdier the Foundation built in the beginning, the greater the likelihood of a future breakthrough..."

While he was lost in study, a group of visitors arrived at the gates of the observance.

"Greetings to Master Guan," the group called out in unison.

Pei Xuanjing gave a slight nod. "Please, shopkeepers, make yourselves comfortable."

After they had taken their seats, an attendant of the observance arrived to provide tea for the guests.

Observing Pei Xuanjing’s calm demeanor, the merchants traded looks. Eventually, a white-haired man in his fifties stepped forward, bowing respectfully. "Master Guan, there is a specific matter we wish to address with you."

Pei Xuanjing identified the speaker as Shopkeeper Liu, one of the many merchants currently under the protection of the Everlasting Observance.

When Pei Xuanjing remained silent, Shopkeeper Liu was forced to continue. "We are here to discuss the arrangements for this year's annuity."

'Just as I suspected,' Pei Xuanjing thought. Maintaining a facade of ignorance, he asked, "Oh? Is there some issue with the annuity?"

Even as he spoke, Pei Xuanjing began to circulate his Inner Qi with precision. His skin tightened and surged, manifesting the unmistakable aura of a ninth-grade Martial Artist.

"This... a ninth-grade Martial Artist..."

The room fell into a stunned silence. They found it hard to believe that this young Master Guan had already reached such a rank. Given that he was only sixteen, the feat was staggering.

Shopkeeper Liu’s original words died in his throat. He swallowed hard before pivoting. "What we meant to say is that the annuity for this year might be larger than usual. We were wondering if Master Guan prefers the payment in gold and silver, or perhaps in the form of cultivation medicines?"

Within this small border town, a ninth-grade Martial Artist occupied a superior social standing. Ordinary merchants lacked the power to oppose their will.

The moment Pei Xuanjing revealed his strength, Shopkeeper Liu realized their schemes were futile. The original plan was abandoned instantly; they didn't dare mention it.

Though it pained Shopkeeper Liu to pay a higher annuity than planned, he consoled himself with the thought that having such a young, powerful protector ensured their safety for many years to come.

Retracting his aura, Pei Xuanjing offered a smile. "Such a trivial matter hardly required the shopkeepers to visit in person. I appreciate the gesture. Since Shopkeeper Liu has suggested it, please convert a portion of the payment into cultivation medicines for me."

......

"Hmph, a bunch of greedy opportunists," Pei Xuanjing muttered, watching them depart with a look of contempt.

It was clear these merchants only respected strength. Had he not achieved his breakthrough, they likely would have followed the path seen in the simulation, abandoning him for a different protector.

He shook his head and dismissed the unreliable group from his mind, returning his focus to the memoir.

Previously, his options were limited. Now, with the simulator at his disposal, he didn't need to waste energy on petty politics. By continuously gathering Taoyun and increasing his power, these people would never pose a threat.

Following the death of the previous Master Guan, many expected a shift in the local power balance since the heir was not yet a Martial Artist.

However, once Pei Xuanjing's ninth-grade status became known, those harborring secret ambitions quickly retreated, and the brewing tension in the city vanished.

A few days later, led by Shopkeeper Liu, the group returned. They delivered the full annuity for the Everlasting Observance along with a surplus of herbs meant for replenishing Qi and blood.

Several weeks passed. One night, the simulator interface signaled that the Taoyun threshold had been met once more.

[Refinement of Taoyun items concluded. 205 Taoyun points acquired.]

[Would you like to initiate the life simulator? Cost per use: 200 Taoyun points.]

Pei Xuanjing clicked 'yes' without a second thought.

[From the fifty strands of the Great Dao, forty-nine Heavenly Paths are revealed. By decree, all living things are granted a sliver of vitality to survive!]

Age sixteen: Your master passes away. As a ninth-grade martial artist, you take over the leadership and assets of the Everlasting Observance.

Reaching the ninth-grade at sixteen makes you the most prodigious talent in the town's history. Expectations for you are high, with elders predicting you could reach the sixth realm before thirty. During this time, a child of the Zhang Family named Qilin reveals his talent. A senior from a major Sect takes him as a disciple and gifts the Zhang Family spiritual medicines, allowing the family head to achieve a breakthrough.

Age seventeen: The Zhang Family head reaches the eighth-grade, shattering the local status quo. The Zhang Family begins to dominate the region. Because of your vast potential, you are marked as a target.

You engage the Zhang Family head in combat but are defeated, forcing you to flee the city.

Age twenty-three: After years of hardship and solitary cultivation in the wilderness, you finally reach the eighth-grade. You return to the city in a blaze of glory.

You slay the aging Zhang Family head and reclaim your lost legacy.

Age twenty-eight: The Zhang Family grandson returns from the great Sect. At only twenty years old, he has already reached the seventh-grade. Recognizing he is too powerful to defeat, you immediately liquidate your assets and flee before his arrival.

Shortly after escaping, you stumble upon a group of bandits. You attempt to stay out of the conflict, but you are spotted. To ensure no witnesses remain, the bandits attack. Despite being an eighth-grade martial artist, you are overwhelmed by their numbers and killed.

[This life has ended.]

[Simulation finished. You may select one of the following rewards to keep.]

[1. Martial Arts cultivation level at age twenty-eight.]

[2. Insights and experience with 'Yi Wood Skill' at age twenty-eight.]

[3. Mastery of 'Yin Wood Sword Skill' at age twenty-eight.]