Chapter 71: Another Usage of the System (3)

Chapter 71: Chapter 71: Another Usage of the System (3)

Li Jian’s steps slowed.

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

His eyes narrowed slightly, and the disappointment he had felt moments ago quickly gave way to curiosity.

So the system wasn’t finished developing.

Its current functions were merely the beginning, and breaking through to Foundation Establishment would unlock something new.

’Expanded requests, new ways to interact with Favor Debt, and even abilities exclusive to me...’

Just thinking about the possibilities made him interested.

Unfortunately, the system wasn’t going to reveal anything more until he reached the next major realm.

Li Jian clicked his tongue inwardly.

’Well, I suppose I have another reason to work toward Foundation Establishment now.’

He had already intended to improve his cultivation as quickly as possible.

Now, he was even more eager to see what the system’s next update would bring.

With that thought in mind, Li Jian felt a renewed sense of motivation.

’All right. If those three can work so hard to improve themselves, then I can’t afford to fall behind either.’

For once, he felt a genuine urge to cultivate rather than simply thinking about how to get stronger with the least amount of effort.

Of course, that didn’t mean he intended to abandon his usual approach.

If there was an easier way to achieve the same result, he would still take it without hesitation.

’Working hard is one thing. Working smart is another.’

With a small smile, Li Jian quickened his pace and caught up with the others.

"Brother Li, what were you thinking about just now?" Wang Hun asked curiously.

"Nothing much. I was just thinking that we should make the most of our time here."

Li Jian glanced at the three of them before looking toward the path ahead.

"Let’s keep moving. There should still be plenty of resources to find in this area."

"You’re right!" Chen Lei immediately agreed. "The sooner we finish gathering resources, the sooner we can get back and start training!"

Zhang Zhao nodded, while Wang Hun tightened his grip on his sword.

With their spirits high, the four continued deeper into the Fragment Realm.

Along the way, they searched the surrounding vegetation for useful herbs and kept an eye out for other valuable resources.

Whenever they encountered a suitable opportunity, they worked together to secure it, gradually becoming more coordinated as they went.

Li Jian also paid closer attention to the surroundings, hoping to find something that could help accelerate his cultivation.

After all, reaching Foundation Establishment was no longer just about improving his strength.

He was now looking forward to the system’s next update as well.

And with that goal in mind, he had no intention of wasting any more time.

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After spending some more time exploring the Fragment Realm, the four of them had gathered a decent amount of resources.

However, their journey soon took an unexpected turn.

As they passed through a stretch of dense forest, Li Jian suddenly slowed down.

He raised a hand, signaling the others to stop, then turned his attention toward the distance.

His expression grew serious.

"What’s that?"

Faint tremors traveled through the ground beneath their feet.

A moment later, the distant sounds of explosions and crashing impacts reached their ears, accompanied by waves of spiritual energy that swept through the forest.

Judging by the intensity of those fluctuations, the battle ahead was anything but ordinary.

Li Jian narrowed his eyes and carefully released a trace of spiritual sense to investigate.

Although he couldn’t clearly make out what was happening from this distance, he could see flashes of light rising above the trees.

Judging by the direction of the sounds and the approaching fluctuations of spiritual energy, the battle seemed to be moving toward them.

Li Jian’s expression grew more cautious.

"Everyone, stay quiet."

Wang Hun and the others immediately turned toward him.

"Brother Li, what’s wrong?" Chen Lei whispered.

"There’s a huge battle ahead," Li Jian replied in a low voice. "We don’t know who’s fighting or how strong they are, but it seems to be heading our way."

He glanced around before pointing toward a cluster of thick bushes beside a large boulder.

"Let’s hide there for now. Keep your spiritual energy concealed as much as possible, and don’t make any unnecessary movements."

The three exchanged glances but didn’t question his decision.

They had already learned that Li Jian rarely acted without a reason.

Following his instructions, they quickly moved behind the boulder and crouched among the dense vegetation.

Li Jian settled down with them, carefully observing the distant flashes of light through the gaps between the trees.

After all, the Fragment Realm was filled with opportunities, but that didn’t mean he should risk his life chasing every single one of them.

For now, he intended to remain hidden and find out what was happening before making his next move.

Before long, a sudden movement caught their attention.

WHOOSH!

A beautiful female disciple emerged from the trees, her figure moving with surprising agility as she dashed through the forest.

She had short black hair tied, with several loose strands framing her face.

Striking purple highlights ran through her dark hair, adding a touch of color that stood out against her pale skin.

Her bright green eyes were sharp and focused, and a faint, confident smile played on her lips.

She wore a purple martial outfit with wide sleeves, its white trim contrasting against the dark sash wrapped tightly around her waist.

Both of her hands were wrapped in white bandages, covering her fists and wrists as though she had spent considerable time training in close combat.

Despite the hurried situation, she showed no sign of panic.

Instead, her expression carried a hint of determination, as if she was... thrilled as she looked at what was chasing her.

Feeling the approaching tremors, Li Jian shifted his attention from the woman to the forest behind her.

A moment later, the trees shook violently.

Boom!

A massive figure burst through the vegetation, snapping branches and crushing everything in its path.