Chapter 70 Another Usage of the System (2)

Chapter 70: Chapter 70: Another Usage of the System (2)

[Request Evaluation:]

[Target: Chen Lei]

[Request Content: Dedicate serious effort to cultivating and mastering the Steelskin Technique to the best of his ability.]

[Estimated Cost: 80 points]

[Note: Cost is relatively low due to the target’s existing willingness to improve somewhat and low mental resistance toward the Host.]

Li Jian’s eyes flickered.

’Only eighty?’

’So... cheap.’

He did not hesitate.

’Issue the request.’

[Ding!]

[Request confirmed.]

[Request has been successfully issued.]

[The target will perceive this request as natural and proper.]

Chen Lei suddenly paused.

His sheepish expression faded.

He looked down at his own hands, then clenched them into fists, a rare seriousness appearing on his round face.

"...Brother Li," Chen Lei muttered, almost to himself. "Now that you mention it... I’ve been far too lazy with the Steelskin Technique. Reaching only the first stage after all this time is honestly embarrassing."

He clenched his fists, his expression growing determined.

"That’s right! I need to master all three stages!"

At his words, Wang Hun and Zhang Zhao turned to look at him in surprise.

They both knew just how lazy Chen Lei was.

The only reason the fatty had bothered learning the first stage of the Steelskin Technique was that he had accidentally purchased its cultivation manual.

After discovering how ridiculous the training requirements were, he had nearly given up.

However, the thought of wasting all those spirit stones had pained him too much, so he had eventually gritted his teeth and forced himself to practice until he managed to reach the first stage.

And now, he was suddenly talking about working hard to master the entire technique?

Wang Hun and Zhang Zhao exchanged bewildered glances.

Did the sun rise from the west today?

Ignoring those two’s shocked looks, Chen Lei turned to Li Jian, eyes brighter than before.

"From today on, I’ll train it properly. I’ll take more hits, circulate longer, and push for the second stage as fast as I can! You were right to ask about it. A defensive technique is useless if I never master it."

Li Jian kept his expression calm, but inwardly he was satisfied.

After all, the stronger Chen Lei became, the better it was for him.

If the fatty could eventually master the entire Steelskin Technique, Li Jian would have a reliable source of knowledge and perhaps even someone who could help him understand the technique’s more difficult aspects.

Not to mention he also got a strong lackey too.

He then turned his gaze toward the other two.

"What about you two? What techniques are you mainly cultivating?"

Wang Hun straightened slightly, a hint of pride appearing on his face.

"Mine is the Splitting Wind Sword Art. It’s an offensive sword technique. The first three forms focus on speed and sharp cuts. I’ve reached the second form. It’s not fancy, but it hits hard if I can land a clean strike."

Then Zhang Zhao scratched his cheek before answering more plainly.

"I’m using the Ironthread Needle Art. It’s a ranged technique. I coat thin needles with spiritual energy and shoot them from a distance. It’s good for harassing opponents or targeting their weak points, but it doesn’t do much against someone with strong defenses. I’m still at the early stage."

Li Jian nodded slowly, committing both techniques to memory.

An offensive sword art, a ranged needle technique, and a body-tempering defensive method.

The three of them actually covered different areas.

Individually, Wang Hun, Zhang Zhao, and Chen Lei were nothing special among the outer disciples.

Their cultivation levels were average, and none possessed particularly outstanding talent.

However, if they could master their respective techniques, their combined strength would be considerably greater than the sum of their individual abilities.

Wang Hun could engage enemies head-on with his sword, Zhang Zhao could attack from a distance and target their weak points, while Chen Lei could withstand incoming attacks and protect the other two.

’Wait a minute...’

Li Jian’s eyes brightened slightly.

’If I can get all three of them to master their respective techniques, wouldn’t they become a well-rounded team?’

With a proper frontline, ranged support, and a defensive specialist, they could cover one another’s weaknesses and handle situations that would be difficult for any of them to face alone.

More importantly, with the system’s help, he might be able to encourage them to put their full effort into cultivating their specialties.

’Heh. If this works, I might end up with three reliable helpers without having to spend a fortune on them.’

Li Jian glanced at the trio, a shrewd look appearing in his eyes.

For the first time, he began to consider just how much potential this little group might have.

Perhaps, instead of treating them merely as helpers who gathered resources for him, he should invest a little more effort into developing their abilities.

After all, the stronger his people became, the more benefits he would reap in the future.

He made up his mind.

’System. Issue the same type of request to Wang Hun and Zhang Zhao. Have them dedicate serious effort to mastering their respective techniques to the best of their ability.’

The system responded promptly.

[Request Evaluation:]

[Target: Wang Hun]

[Request Content: Dedicate serious effort to cultivating and mastering the Splitting Wind Sword Art to the best of his ability.]

[Estimated Cost: 70 points]

[Target: Zhang Zhao]

[Request Content: Dedicate serious effort to cultivating and mastering the Ironthread Needle Art to the best of his ability.]

[Estimated Cost: 70 points]

[Note: Costs are low due to existing loyalty and low resistance toward the Host.]

Li Jian did not hesitate.

’Issue both.’

[Ding!]

[Requests confirmed.]

[Requests have been successfully issued.]

[The targets will perceive these requests as natural and proper.]

Almost at the same time, Wang Hun and Zhang Zhao slowed their steps.

Wang Hun gripped the hilt of his sword, his brows furrowing with sudden determination.

"Brother Li... I’ve been far too relaxed with the Splitting Wind Sword Art. Reaching only the second form after all this time is pathetic. From now on, I’ll practice every form properly each day. Speed, edge control, everything!"

Zhang Zhao nodded beside him, his expression more serious than usual.

"Same goes for me. The Ironthread Needle Art won’t improve if I only practice when it’s convenient. I’ll work on my accuracy and spiritual energy control until I can reliably hit weak points, even under pressure."

Chen Lei, still fired up about his Steelskin Technique, looked at the two of them and grinned.

"So we’re all training seriously from now on? Good good! I’ll harden my body, Brother Wang will cut them down, and Brother Zhang will poke the ones who try to run!"

Wang Hun snorted but didn’t disagree.

Zhang Zhao simply adjusted the needle pouch at his waist, seemingly accepting his assigned role.

Watching the three of them, Li Jian couldn’t help but smile.

Their teamwork still needed plenty of work, but if they truly dedicated themselves to their respective specialties, they might eventually become a dependable fighting force.

And as the person leading them, he would naturally be the one to benefit the most.

However, as he watched the trio discussing their training with such enthusiasm, Li Jian couldn’t help feeling a little jealous.

Then, as another thought crossed his mind, as Li Jian’s expression changed slightly.

’Wait a minute.’

He had been using Favor Debt to influence other people’s behavior, making them more willing to fulfill his requests.

But what if he directed a request at himself?

Could the system influence his own behavior in the same way?

For example, if he asked himself to cultivate diligently and master a particular technique to the best of his ability, would the system approve the request?

Li Jian’s eyes brightened.

’System, can I issue a request to myself?’

And the system responded almost immediately.

[Request denied.]

[Explanation: The Host cannot accumulate or expend Favor Debt upon himself.]

[Favor Debt is generated through external interactions, such as benefits received by others or losses and harm caused by others. The Host is the origin point of the system and therefore cannot be treated as a valid target.]

[Self-requests are invalid. Personal effort, comprehension, and cultivation must be carried out through the Host’s own will.]

Li Jian’s excitement cooled at once.

’...I knew it wouldn’t be that easy.’

He sighed inwardly.

He had hoped to exploit the system, but it seemed he would have to rely on himself for that.

Still, he wasn’t too disappointed.

After all, if the system could directly manipulate his behavior, it might come with restrictions he hadn’t considered.

Besides... Li Jian really didn’t like the idea of having his own body and soul controlled by something else.

He might be willing to use the system to influence others, but when it came to himself, he preferred to remain in control of his own decisions.

Just as that thought settled, the system’s voice rang out again-

[Notice to Host.]

[The system’s current functions are limited to the Qi Refinement stage.]

[Upon the Host’s successful breakthrough to Foundation Establishment, the Favor Debt System will undergo an update.]

[Updated functions may include expanded request categories, refined cost calculations, new debt interaction methods, and additional Host-exclusive abilities.]

[Further details will be revealed after the breakthrough is achieved.]

Li Jian’s steps slowed.

’An update... once I reach Foundation Establishment?’