The Sims: I Open the Immortal Path for All Beings Chapter 4 - 3: Another Genius

With a dark expression, Pei Xuanjing sat alone in his chamber. He didn't rush to claim a reward; instead, his mind was consumed by the implications of the latest simulation.

This particular journey had deviated significantly from the previous one, as the course of his life had taken many new turns.

The shift likely originated from his initial decision—attaining the rank of a ninth-grade martial artist by sixteen had changed his path, leading him to focus on more than just solitary Cultivation.

Yet, the ultimate conclusion remained unchanged. Pei Xuanjing had once again perished at the hands of those bandits, and this time, he hadn't even been the one to initiate the conflict.

Wealth is easily acquired by any ninth-grade martial artist, so why would a group powerful enough to slay an eighth-grade martial artist settle for being mere bandits?

Pei Xuanjing scowled; these bandits were clearly becoming a recurring obstacle in his destiny.

However, he reminded himself that there was ample time to prepare, so there was no reason to panic.

Pushing those concerns aside, Pei Xuanjing turned his attention back to the available simulation rewards.

After weighing his options, he decided on the first choice: Martial Arts Realm.

The moment he selected it, Pei Xuanjing felt his blood and Qi surge, forced into a rapid circulation by the guidance of his Inner Qi.

He grimaced as a sharp agony flared through his Meridians during the Inner Qi movement, yet he ground his teeth and remained silent. His large frame began to vibrate, sweat pouring from his brow as a faint mist rose from his skin.

As the first rays of dawn appeared, Pei Xuanjing’s body finally settled.

Opening his eyes, he rose and headed straight for the Taoist Temple’s rear courtyard. He planted himself before a wooden pillar, dropped into a horse stance, and threw a punch.

Thud!

He punched clean through the three-foot-wide wooden post, leaving a hole the size of a bowl.

This was the hallmark of an Eighth-grade martial artist: muscles like bowstrings. Every muscle and fascia in the body becomes as taut as a string, offering immense flexibility, explosive power, and speed.

Pei Xuanjing grinned. With this level of raw physical force, he could overwhelm almost any ninth-grade martial artist through sheer strength alone, excluding those rare geniuses who focused on horizontal body cultivation.

After returning to his quarters to clean up, Pei Xuanjing called for a man in his forties.

This man, surnamed Xu, was rarely called by his first name; most knew him simply as Mr. Xu. He managed the procurement for the observance.

"Master Guan, you have finished your seclusion," Mr. Xu said, greeting him with a warm smile.

Pei Xuanjing gave a slight nod. "I’ve been away from the world for some time. Has anything of interest occurred in the city?"

At the question, Mr. Xu paused to think, quickly recalling the most popular gossip circulating through the streets.

"Word is that the Zhang family in the eastern district has produced a Qilin. This prodigy displayed incredible talent at only ten years old. While you were in seclusion, an Elder from the Tie Sect took this Zhang family Qilin as a disciple. I even heard..." Mr. Xu trailed off, stealing a cautious look at Pei Xuanjing as if hesitating to speak further.

Sensing the man's hesitation, Pei Xuanjing gestured for him to continue. "Speak freely, it is fine."

"They claim the boy’s talent surpasses yours, Master Guan. They say he will likely reach the ninth-grade martial artist level by fifteen," Mr. Xu said with a huff of indignation. "I believe they are just boastful and envious. How could a mere child from the Zhang family ever stand on your level, Master Guan?"

Mr. Xu’s own future was tied to the prosperity of the Everlasting Observance, making its interests his own.

The fact that the Master of the Observance was a ninth-grade martial artist at such a young age was a point of great pride for him, as such talent was rare in their city.

Naturally, he felt the need to defend Pei Xuanjing whenever he heard people speaking disparagingly of him.

"I see. You may return to your duties," Pei Xuanjing said, dismissing him.

Once alone, Pei Xuanjing fell into deep thought.

The Tie Sect!

They were a first-rate Sect in the martial world, renowned throughout the Northwest Dao for their many masters.

Even though they were a first-rate Sect, their history was short compared to the ancient lineages, having existed for less than a century and spanning only a few generations.

However, thirty years ago, a genius named Tie Qianshan rose from their ranks. He took the sect's Iron Palm Skill and refined it into something far superior.

This gave rise to the legendary 'Iron Palms Invincible' Tie Qianshan. His hands were said to be capable of shattering gold and iron, earning him a reputation for the 'Primacy of Fierce Palm Techniques' across the Northwest Dao.

Rumor had it that he had reached the third-grade of the ninth-grade martial arts two decades ago and had begun his blood transformation. There was no telling how powerful he had become since then.

Compared to the Tie Sect—which was practically the peer of provincial governors—the small town where Pei Xuanjing resided was nothing more than a speck of dust.

With such a powerful benefactor, it wasn't surprising that the Zhang family was growing ambitious.

Pei Xuanjing laughed softly. If he didn't need the local resources, he wouldn't mind letting them have their way to avoid a grudge.

But if they dared to block his path, the backing of the Tie Sect would mean nothing to him.

He could give things away of his own accord, but he would never allow them to be taken by force.

With the simulator at his disposal, Pei Xuanjing had the courage to stand his ground, regardless of the Tie Sect's shadow.

Clearing his mind of these distractions, he picked up his scrolls once more.

[Taoyun item detected. Would you like to Refine it?]

"Yes."

Despite being a figure of great interest in the town, Pei Xuanjing defied all expectations by staying within the observance to read and train, rarely showing his face in public.

This behavior frustrated those who sought to curry favor with him or those who wished to test his strength for more sinister reasons.

As he grew stronger, Pei Xuanjing realized that the Taoyun required for his next advancement had risen to five hundred points.

Consequently, he withdrew from the world, spending his days in the Everlasting Observance reading, practicing his martial arts, and watching the seasons turn.

Five months passed quickly, and Pei Xuanjing finally gathered the necessary Taoyun.

[Taoyun: 514 points]

[Would you like to activate the Life Simulator? Each use costs 500 Taoyun.]

Without a second thought, Pei Xuanjing confirmed his choice. "Yes."