However, the emotionless [Book of Black] showed no reaction at all. It was only after a long time that Zhu Haomiao perked up again, reluctantly "adding his position" like a cabbage trapped in a major stock drop.
[Hard Qi Skill]: LV.3 (Mastery·Bottleneck)
[Stacked Waves Strength]: LV.3 (Mastery·Bottleneck)
[Plum Blossom Step]: LV.3 (Mastery·Bottleneck)
[Gale Force]: LV.2→LV.3 (Mastery·Bottleneck)
[Storage Explosion]: LV.0→LV.3 (Mastery·Bottleneck)
Nearly 40 [greed coins] had vanished like skipping stones, but the only good news was that the two new cultivation techniques had made some progress, bringing Zhu Haomiao a glimmer of comfort.
Afterward, with a single thought, the information of the six-dimensional attributes unfurled before his eyes.
[Dexterity]: 8.6↑（11）
While admiring the vast attributes, enough to be digested for several months, a sense of boundless satisfaction rose within Zhu Haomiao's heart.
Then, he took a deep breath, intending to test the power of [Storage Explosion], but the next second, a knife-like sharp pain shot through his meridians, making his eyebrows twitch in agony.
It seems that without ten days to half a month of rest, recovery is impossible...
Oh right, I also leveraged [Greed] to borrow strength from the future. For a long time to come, I have to "repay the loan"!
Forget it, forget it, stop thinking about these bothersome things...
When faced with difficulties, take a good nap...
Once I wake up, everything will be better!
Stripping off his clothes and crawling into bed, Zhu Haomiao peacefully closed his eyes, emptied his mind, and quickly fell into a deep sleep.
"Welcome back to the Sports Channel. Let's continue to follow the events of the [U18 Ascension Competition]..."
After taking a shower, Li Cang walked into the living room, drying his wet hair. He looked up to see Ye Wan Ning staring at the television without blinking.
Taking a bottle of milk from the fridge, he sipped lightly, shaking his head helplessly as he watched his focused friend.
"Finally, back in the present world for a holiday, yet you cling to the TV every day... Are you looking for your good brother again?"
Hearing Li Cang's emphasis on the last three words, Ye Wan Ning blushed and, in anger, retorted.
"How can you slander someone's innocence out of thin air?! I'm just keeping up with recent sports events!!"
"Alright, alright, but as a friend, I still need to remind you that according to our country's law, anyone under 14 is considered unable to consent, regardless of willingness..."
"Ugh!! He is already 16!!"
A tender shout interrupted Li Cang's words. Seeing his friend's blushing, nearly murderous eyes, Li Cang wisely shut his mouth.
Realizing the foolishness of her own confession, Ye Wan Ning glared at him fiercely, baring her little canine teeth, then turned her gaze back to the television.
At that moment, a familiar name came from the TV.
"Now, let's enjoy an exciting duel between the Chinese contender·Zhu Haomiao and the Japanese contender·Susano-o."
Both of their eyes lit up simultaneously, and Li Cang quickly sat upright, fixating on the TV with Ye Wan Ning.
Although he teased his friend, he was quite curious about that peculiar little bro.
However, as the competition proceeded, their eyes grew wider.
"The Ascension Competition just started less than a month ago, right?"
Watching the two contenders on TV manifest their dharma forms, fiercely battling, even through the screen, the oppressive aura was palpable. Li Cang couldn't help but fall into deep silence and resist the urge to curse.
This is supposed to be a First Layer Heaven Silver Level?!
Even for a [Mythical Species] bloodline, that's outrageous!
What's even more outrageous is that someone can actually stand equal in battle with him?!
While Li Cang questioned life, Ye Wan Ning clenched her fists, nervously fixated on the TV screen.
Only when the two on the ring settled the winner did she secretly breathe a sigh of relief, her lips curling into a smug smile.
"Whew~ As expected of Shui, truly impressive."
At this, Li Cang shot her a helpless glance.
"And you said you weren't looking for your good brother..."
A pink cloud promptly rose on Ye Wan Ning's cheek, and she shamefully glared at her friend, grinding her teeth fiercely.
"Rude martial artist! What do you know? I'm just observing the experimental little white mouse!!"
"But your little white mouse has even kissed your lips swollen."
Seeing the dangerous glint in Ye Wan Ning's eyes, Li Cang's heart tensed. He quietly shifted his position, putting some distance between them.
"Didn't we agree that gentlemen use their hands, not their mouths? If you bite me again, I won't be polite to you!"
In response, Ye Wan Ning let out a menacing growl akin to a vicious dog from her throat.
Just as tension mounted perilously, a special notification sound rang, swiftly redirecting Ye Wan Ning's attention.
Upon checking her phone, Ye Wan Ning's "vicious dog snarl" expression vanished instantly, replaced by a sweet smile she wasn't even aware of.
Watching her beautiful and sweet expression, Li Cang was not pleased, muttering in a voice as thin as a mosquito's buzz.
"Whoever gets a partner first is a dog..."
"I said, you are humanity's most loyal companion."
"Wait, I feel like you're mocking me ironically!"
Blinking her eyes, Ye Wan Ning fixed Li Cang with a sharp gaze.
Meanwhile, Zhu Haomiao, who had just returned to his dorm room, pushed Diao Chan off his face. The creature had been licking him like a face-hugging alien, and Zhu Haomiao, looking serious, stared at its eyes.
"Dao Fan Tiangang! I keep you to play and relieve my stress, not for you to play with me and relieve yours!"
"Besides, all you do at home is eat and sleep. What stress do you have?!"
Diao Chan, with its big, adorable eyes, tilted its head in confusion, staring at its owner.
"From now on, when I come back, let me pet you first, then you can lick me... Recognize your status in this family..."
Hugging Diao Chan close for a good snuggle, Zhu Haomiao was about to impart some precious life advice when his phone suddenly rang.
Seeing the caller ID, Zhu Haomiao's lips involuntarily curved upwards.
"Hey, Senior Sister, have you come back too?"
"Yes, Shui, congratulations on defeating a strong enemy in the Ascension Competition."
"Huh? How did you know?"
"The sports channel has already broadcasted it."
The two chatted casually back and forth. After a while, Ye Wan Ning finally brought up her true purpose.
"Do you have time now? Cangcang said he wants to see Diao Chan."
"Huh? I didn't, I never... Wuu wuu wuu..."
Hearing Li Cang's faint sob through the handset, Zhu Haomiao blinked and decisively nodded.
Li Cang seems to follow the Chinese Martial Arts System; he should have some understanding of the cultivation bottleneck...