The flimsy door of the hut clicked shut, offering Lin Fan a thin veil of privacy from the buzzing courtyard outside. He could still hear the excited chatter and feel the weight of countless curious and envious eyes fixed on his humble dwelling. The echoes of the earlier pandemonium – the scramble for swords, robes, and talismans, followed by the stunned silence after he slapped Zhao Feng – resonated in the air.
Lin Fan ignored it all. His attention was solely on the shimmering blue interface of the Infinite Squandering System floating before him. 1195 System Points. One unused Low-Tier Lottery Ticket. It was time to reap some rewards beyond just points.
"System," he commanded inwardly, his heart thrumming with anticipation, "Use the Low-Tier Lottery Ticket."
[Acknowledged. Consuming 1x Low-Tier Lottery Ticket. Initiating Qi Refinement Lottery Draw...]
The dazzling wheel of light reappeared, perhaps a touch less brilliant than the one summoned by System Points, but still filled with myriad possibilities. It spun, a kaleidoscope of symbols flashing past Lin Fan's eyes, before gradually slowing down. Click... click... stop.
DING!
[Congratulations, Host! You have drawn: 'Wind Step Technique' (Low-Grade Movement Skill)][Description: A basic Qi-based movement technique allowing the user to significantly increase speed and agility over short distances. Enhances dodging capabilities and travel speed.]
[System Bonus: Technique automatically mastered by Host.]
As with the cultivation art, a stream of information poured into Lin Fan's mind. Foot placement, Qi circulation through specific leg meridians, body posture synchronization – it all became instantly understood, ingrained into his muscle memory. He felt an itch in his feet, an urge to try it out.
Standing up in the cramped space, he took a tentative step, channeling Qi according to the 'Wind Step Technique'. Whoosh! He blurred, reappearing almost instantly by the opposite wall, barely a meter away. It wasn't teleportation, but a burst of controlled speed that made his previous movements feel like crawling.
"Excellent!" Lin Fan grinned. In the Outer Sect, where disputes could sometimes turn physical despite sect rules, being able to dodge effectively or escape quickly was invaluable. Especially since he seemed determined to provoke people like Zhao Feng. This was far more useful than any basic practice sword.
Now for the main course. He still had 1195 points.
"System, perform two standard Lottery Draws."
[Acknowledged. Deducting 200 System Points. Initiating 2x Qi Refinement Lottery Draws...]
The wheel spun again, twice in quick succession, noticeably brighter this time.
DING!
[Congratulations, Host! You have drawn: 'Bottle of 10x Pure Qi Pills' (Mid-Grade Medicinal Pills)]
[Description: Pills refined from potent spiritual herbs. Each pill provides a burst of pure, easily absorbable Qi, excellent for accelerating cultivation during the Qi Refinement Realm or for rapid Qi recovery during exertion. Significantly more effective than standard Qi Gathering Pills.]
A small, elegant white jade bottle materialized in Lin Fan's hand. It felt cool to the touch. Uncorking it, a refreshing medicinal fragrance wafted out. Inside, ten smooth, slightly luminous green pills rested quietly. Pure Qi Pills! These were leaps and bounds above the basic Qi Gathering Pills he'd given away. One of these was likely worth dozens, if not a hundred, of the lower grade ones. Perfect for consolidating his newly reached fourth layer or pushing towards the fifth.
DING!
[Congratulations, Host! You have drawn: 'Flowing Shadow Sword' (Low-Grade Spiritual Weapon)]
[Description: A lightweight sword forged with spirit-conducting materials. Allows for smoother Qi infusion, resulting in sharper, faster strikes than mundane weapons. Possesses minor sharpness and durability enchantments.]
Clang. A sleek, dark grey sword appeared, falling silently onto his straw mat. It was slightly longer than the Ironwood Practice Swords he'd given away, with a faint sheen running along its edge. The hilt was wrapped in dark, non-slip material, comfortable to hold. When Lin Fan picked it up, he could feel a distinct connection, a channel through which his Qi could flow almost effortlessly into the blade. Infusing it with a wisp of Qi from his fourth layer cultivation, the edge seemed to subtly sharpen, humming faintly.
This was a true Spiritual Weapon, albeit low-grade. Compared to this, the Ironwood swords were indeed just sticks. Wielding this, his combat effectiveness would increase significantly, especially when combined with the Wind Step Technique.
Lin Fan couldn't help but laugh, a mixture of relief and exhilaration bubbling up. Three draws, three incredibly useful rewards perfectly suited for his current situation: a movement technique, high-quality cultivation pills, and a proper weapon. The system was living up to its potential.
He now had 995 System Points remaining (1195 - 200). Enough for nine more draws, but he decided to hold off for now. It was better to familiarize himself with his new gains first.
He sat down again, uncorked the jade bottle, and popped one Pure Qi Pill into his mouth. It dissolved instantly, transforming into a warm, potent stream of pure Qi that flowed through his meridians. Guided by the Nine Cycles Refining Art, the energy was rapidly absorbed, replenishing the Qi he'd used during his breakthrough and the confrontation, while also subtly strengthening his Dantian and meridians, solidifying his foundation at the fourth layer.
Amazing efficiency, he noted. One pill provided as much Qi as hours of absorbing ambient energy, even with his superior technique. Cultivating with these pills and Mid-Grade Spirit Stones would likely be the most stable way forward, reserving High-Grade stones for attempting breakthroughs.
He spent the next hour familiarizing himself with the Flowing Shadow Sword, practicing basic stances and Qi infusion within the confines of his hut. He also practiced the Wind Step Technique, moving back and forth, getting a feel for the explosive bursts of speed and the Qi consumption required.
As he practiced, the initial excitement cooled slightly, replaced by thoughtful planning. His actions today – the extravagant giveaways, the sudden leap in cultivation, humiliating Zhao Feng – would undoubtedly cause ripples. While satisfying, it also brought unwanted attention. He needed to get stronger, faster, but also smarter about how he used the system.
Simply giving away low-tier items to random crowds generated decent points, but the quality of reactions mattered. Xiao Mei's genuine gratitude for the Mid-Grade stones yielded a good point return per item value. Perhaps targeted generosity or more outrageous displays of wealth were needed for bigger point hauls?
He also needed better gear than just a Low-Grade sword, more skills, maybe defensive capabilities. That meant more points for more lottery draws.
Where could he create a bigger spectacle? Where could he find things worth buying just to show off?
The Outer Sect Market.
It was held once a week near the boundary between the Outer and Inner Sects. Outer disciples could trade meager earnings, sect contribution points, or scavenged materials for necessary supplies – pills, worn equipment, basic talismans, technique manuals (usually just copies of the standard sect ones). It was also a place where richer outer disciples, or occasionally visiting Inner Sect disciples, might show off minor treasures.
It was the perfect place for Lin Fan to make an appearance. He could buy out stalls, purchase 'expensive' items with dismissive ease, maybe even 'generously' bestow gifts upon struggling disciples right under the noses of the arrogant ones. The potential for triggering shock, envy, and disbelief – the primary point-generating emotions – was enormous.
Decision made. The next market day was in two days. He would spend the time consolidating his fourth layer, mastering his Wind Step Technique and Flowing Shadow Sword, and perhaps using a few more Pure Qi Pills or Mid-Grade Spirit Stones to edge closer to the peak of the fourth layer.
He strapped the Flowing Shadow Sword to his back – a stark contrast to his still somewhat worn outer disciple robe (he hadn't bothered taking one of the new ones he gave away, that would hardly be 'squandering'). He tucked the bottle of Pure Qi Pills securely inside his robe.
A new determination settled in his eyes. The Outer Sect courtyard was just the beginning. The Azure Cloud Sect, this cultivation world... it was all just a stage for his performance.
He glanced at the system interface again. 995 points. 9710 items remaining in the Daily Giveaway Quota.
Let the show go on, Lin Fan thought, a predatory grin touching his lips. Market Day... I wonder what treasures I can 'casually' acquire.