After Su Qingyue left, Jiang Che communicated with the system in his mind.
"System, what does this mission rating 'SS' mean?"
"Tasks are rated on a scale of A, S, SS, and SSS."
"The ratings are based on the amount of money extorted and the price paid by the extorted individual."
"The greater the price paid, the higher the rating, resulting in more substantial rewards."
Jiang Che nodded thoughtfully, understanding the system's mechanics. The SS-level rating was well-deserved, considering the significant price Su Qingyue paid.
"System, did 'The Art of Corrupting the Dao Heart: Demon Planting Technique' come from the evil emperor of Tang Shuanglong?"
"That's right."
After receiving the system's answer, Jiang Che became a little excited. "This 'Art of Corrupting the Dao Heart: Demon Planting Technique' is the highest and strongest volume of exercises in the 'Tianmo Policy,' one of the four great books of the Tang Dynasty! Its power is incomparably terrifying—practiced to the extreme, it can shatter the void and elevate one to the status of a land god."
But his excitement quickly faded. Jiang Che frowned as he recalled that, although this technique was powerful, an indispensable cultivation condition was the use of the evil emperor's relic as an auxiliary. Without the relic, it would be extremely difficult to practice, and one might even go crazy. Although the technique was formidable, it was equally dangerous.
"How can I practice if you give me the technique but not the evil emperor's relic?" Jiang Che complained to the system, feeling frustrated. It was like pouring water into a bamboo basket—a joy in vain.
"Don't be discouraged, host. Although this 'Art of Corrupting the Dao Heart: Demon Planting Technique' originates from the Tang Dynasty's 'Tianmo Policy,' it has been systematically enhanced and improved. There will be no side effects, and you can practice it without relying on the evil emperor's relic."
Relieved, Jiang Che thought, "This system isn't entirely untrustworthy; it hasn't cheated me. Otherwise, without the relic, I'd have no way to cultivate and nowhere to cry."
Jiang Che already had some understanding of this technique. To practice this martial art, one must first enter the demon from the Tao, then enter the Tao from the demon, and finally merge the Tao with the demon to become a demon immortal and shatter the void. With the system's improvements, he could now practice the method fully without the risk of splitting his personality like Xiang Yutian did.
"System, instill internal strength in me." "Ding, instilling internal strength..."
A warm current began from his dantian, flowing along his eight extraordinary meridians. Contrary to what he had imagined, there was no severe pain—only a drowsy sensation.
Suddenly, Jiang Che detected a foul smell. He frowned and discovered a layer of black dirt on the back of his hand. His face darkened as he walked directly toward the bathroom. This must be the legendary cleansing of tendons and marrow—expelling all impurities from the body.
After arriving in the bathroom, Jiang Che removed his clothes and began washing them.
"Ding, ten years of internal strength instillation is complete..."
"Congratulations to the host for reaching the peak of dark energy."
"(Ming Jin—Dark Power—Hua Jin—Innate—Grand Master—Heaven and Man)"
After taking a shower, Jiang Che changed into new clothes and stared at his reflection in the mirror, still a bit dazed. "I was almost dizzy by myself! (Just kidding, not as handsome as the reader.)"
Unexpectedly, after the internal strength empowerment and the cleansing of his tendons and marrow, there were minor changes in his appearance. Jiang Che was already very handsome, but now his facial features were more distinct, with sharp eyebrows and eyes that shone like bright stars.
"You mean I now have the strength at the peak of Anjin?" Jiang Che tested himself by waving his fist, hearing bursts of piercing sound in the air.
"Yes, host."
Reflecting on his progress, Jiang Che recalled that in "Huadu Soldier King," Ye Chen was only at the peak of Anjin's strength. After ten years of instilling internal strength, although he still might not overpower his opponents, he could at least protect himself now. In this extremely dangerous world, that was excellent news—he would no longer have to worry as much about his own safety.