Chapter 2: RUN BEFORE THEY SEE.
It had been thirty-one long years since Chen Yang was transported from Earth to this cultivation world after a car accident. Back on Earth, he had been a mild-mannered accountant at a school. But in this strange new realm, strength and power reigned supreme - money alone was useless without martial prowess to protect it.
Chen Yang could have capitalized on his modern economic knowledge to make a fortune. But his timid, cowardly nature prevented him from seizing such opportunities. Instead, he settled into his old accounting ways, spending a year securing a position at the local Pavilion.
His predecessor was an orphan with only his sister to rely on; their parents' good genes may have contributed to both of their fair and attractive appearances. Fourteen years ago, his little sister married a cultivator from a nearby town at her prime age of 16, leaving her bookish brother to fend for himself.
Despite years of diligent training, Chen Yang's lack of talent limited him to the third level of body tempering cultivation. "I'm already 47 years old; time really flies by."
Chen Yang cleared his mind with a deep sign and asked, "System, what abilities do you possess?"
" this system is exposure system . The system will reward you for revealing another person's secret.
"Each month, the value of the rewards increases based on the juiciness of the intel you provide. You can refresh once per month, Other capabilities will unlock as you become stronger. So, please explore them for yourself."."
"Do you have, like, a beginner's pack or something?" Chen Yang asked hopefully.
"One beginner's gift pack has been sent. Please accept it yourself," the system replied.
"Open the beginner's gift pack!" Chen Yang commanded eagerly.
A warm glow surrounded him as the system intoned, "You have received a Slight Potential reward - your cultivation qualification has increased by 10 points (white level)."
Chen Yang could scarcely believe his luck! Thanks to this system's boon, his pitiful lack of talent was no longer an obstacle. He quickly grasped the simple mechanics - expose secrets to gain rewards and power up.
His thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice. "Chen Yang, did that Essence Rejuvenation powder shipment arrive yet?"
It was Ye Ming, a beautiful young cultivator who Chen Yang's friend Li Yan had been not-so-secretly pining after for years. An evil grin spread across Chen Yang's face as the perfect opportunity to test out the system presented itself.
"No, but your timing is perfect. I have something to tell you," he said, eyeing Ye Ming mischievously. The poor girl shuddered at his strange tone.
"W-what is it?" she asked, suddenly apprehensive.
Chen Yang leaned in conspiratorially. "Don't you know Li Yan has had a crush on you forever?"
Ye Ming's eyes went wide as saucers. "What? Li Yan likes me?"
A furious voice boomed from behind them. "Chen! Have you lost your mind?"
Li Yan stormed up, face red with anger and embarrassment as Ye Ming turned to flee. "Don't listen to this fool, Ye Ming!" he called after her retreating form.
Rounding on Chen Yang, Li Yan growled, "It seems you have a death wish, brother."
Chen Yang backpedaled, laughing nervously. "Now, now brother Li, you know I only want what's best for you! You're already getting up there in years, I don't want you ending up a lonely old bachelor like me."
This seemed to placate the irate cultivator. Li Yan's eyes grew misty as he stepped forward to embrace Chen Yang. "You're the only one who understands me, brother!"
Deftly avoiding the hug, Chen Yang waved him off. "Yes, yes, enough mushiness! Get back to work before the boss sees this troubling display and fires us both!"
As Li Yan hurried off, Chen Yang turned his attention inward. "System, retrieve the reward I've earned!"
The system's voice echoed in his mind. "Congratulations, you have revealed a powerful secret. The reward - 10 years of cultivation - is ready to claim."
A warmth spread from Chen Yang's core, strengthening his body from the inside out. When the energy dissipated fifteen minutes later, he had bolted from the third to the fifth level of body tempering!
Giddy with his newfound power, Chen Yang raced through the rest of his work duties. No need to be discreet - he could simply outrun anyone who dared give chase!
He hurried home at top speed, cackling at his brilliant escape. Safe within his humble abode, Chen Yang began plotting his next scandal to expose. His eyes fell upon the neighboring residence, where Aunt Jiang was loudly scolding a group of children.
Spotting an opening, Chen Yang sauntered over with an evil grin. "Good evening, Auntie! Where's Uncle Tao off to this fine night?"
The matronly woman smiled at his approach. "Why, little Chen! Your uncle is just out drinking with his friends again, the old rascal."
Chen Yang leaned in, lowering his voice to a mock whisper. "Actually...I saw Uncle Tao entering a brothel yesterday evening."
The effect was instantaneous - Aunt Jiang's face went pale with fury. "You best not be joking, young man!" she snarled through gritted teeth.
Nodding solemnly, Chen Yang replied, "When have I ever lied to you, auntie? I'm simply looking out for you, as always."
"RAARRGGHH!!" Aunt Jiang's enraged roar shook the windows. "I'LL MURDERTHAT DRUNKEN LECHER!!"
She turned on her heel and stormed inside, slamming the door behind her. Chen Yang chuckled to himself. "My condolences, Uncle Tao."
Settling onto his bed later that night, Chen Yang decided to claim his reward. A small vial appeared beside him, filled with an aromatic liquid.
The system's voice spoke up. "Congratulations! For unveiling a scandalous secret of the mortal , you have earned a bottle of exquisite mixed fruit wine.[ Its flavor is derived from five exotic fruits and renowned as supremely delectable]."
Chen Yang took an experimental sip and had to admit - the taste was divine. Still, a niggling sense of dissatisfaction crept in when no power-up occurred. It seemed only by revealing powerful cultivator secrets could he obtain martial rewards.
As the night stretched on, Chen Yang realized the key to getting stronger was developing an intricate information network. Only by collecting and selectively exposing the deepest secrets of the cultivation world could he maximize his gains. With a contented smirk, he began hatching his plans.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone