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Chapter 17 - The Divine Rewards

The grand martial arts arena of Sanmiao City, which only moments ago witnessed a clash of titans, had now transformed into a gruesome battlefield. High above, cultivators of the Blood Coffin Sect, clad in black and crimson robes, circled like vultures. Their 'Blood Demon Protection Array' shrouded the entire arena in a suffocating, bloody mist. The stench of iron and the chill of death hung heavy in the air. The spectators, who were just moments ago cheering for the duel, were now fleeing in a frantic, screaming stampede. Amidst the chaos, even the reinforced stone walls of the arena seemed to tremble.

But amidst this symphony of destruction, in a remote corner buried under dust and debris, Ye Fang stood completely detached. He was staring at his own fists, oblivious to the world. He had no idea that the cultivator he just hammered into the wall in a fit of rage had unintentionally completed his Main Mission. He had challenged Yan Kai Long, but the System's requirement was merely to defeat 10 cultivators—and that tally was now complete.

Suddenly, a familiar, artificial yet chirpy voice shattered the silence in Ye Fang's mind. It was clearer and more resonant than the roar of the battle outside.

[Ding!]

It was the sound Ye Fang had been dying to hear. The System notification tone raced through his nerves like a bolt of lightning. Before his eyes, where there was only smoke and dust, a transparent screen shimmering with blue and golden light flickered into existence. It opened like an ancient scroll, inscribed with a cosmic language that spoke directly to his soul.

Little System, who had mysteriously vanished, suddenly materialized. Appearing like a tiny pixie made of golden hair and blue energy particles, she floated toward Ye Fang's shoulder.

"Congratulations, my dear Host!" Little System chirped with infectious excitement. "You did it! The moment you pinned that last guy to the wall, the stars of the universe aligned in your favor. Your Main Mission—'Demonstrate your power against the 10 most powerful cultivators of Sanmiao City'—is officially complete! The treasure chest of rewards is about to burst open. Get your pockets ready, because these prizes will rewrite your destiny!"

[Ding! Mission Rewards Unlocked!]

As the announcement echoed, the script on the screen transformed. The characters became denser, more ancient, and radiated a blinding gold. These weren't just words; they were the blueprints of fate. Ye Fang watched, mesmerized, his heart hammering against his ribs.

Little System waved her hand dramatically, and the first reward manifested:

[Reward 1: Primordial Chaos God–Demon Body Refining Manual]

The moment Ye Fang read the name, a resonance vibrated within his God-Demon Physique, as if his very cells recognized the technique. Little System floated closer, her expression shifting to a mix of excitement and gravity.

"Listen closely, Host, because this is no ordinary manual," she said, pointing to the glowing text. "Technically, this is Body Refining, but it is worlds apart from the mundane techniques of this realm!"

She hovered near his ear. "This manual contains the secrets to elevating you from a mere cultivator to a God–Demon Entity. Your current physique is just the foundation—a raw diamond. This manual is the tool that will carve that diamond into the most invincible and destructive force in the universe. By practicing this, your physical strength, healing factor, and endurance will reach a level where you can pulverize mountains and tear through the sky with your bare fists. It will draw power directly from the divine and demonic blood coursing through your veins."

Ye Fang was stunned. He thought his physique was already peak, but this was a path to becoming a literal god of physical might. Before he could process this, the screen scrolled to the second reward:

[Reward 2: Supreme God–Demon Manual]

As the name appeared, Ye Fang felt a cool, tranquil energy settle at the center of his forehead, where his 'Third Eye' would be. Little System smiled.

"And here is your second prize—the Supreme God–Demon Manual. Host, this is a Soul Cultivation manual. Until now, you've focused on physical power and Qi, but in the higher realms, the soul is the true powerhouse. A powerful body with a weak soul is nothing but a puppet."

"This manual," she continued seriously, "will forge your soul and Spiritual Sense into something indomitable. Your senses will sharpen to the point where you can feel movements miles away and perceive an enemy's intent before they even move. Most importantly, it will make your mind an impenetrable fortress against mental attacks. It will grant you the willpower of celestial iron and the wisdom of an ancient Sage."

Ye Fang took a deep breath. He realized the System was forging him into a complete warrior—body and soul. But the third and most crucial reward was still waiting:

[Reward 3: God–Demon Spiritual Lotus]

An image of a lotus flower, shimmering with purple and gold energy, appeared on the screen. It looked so sacred that Ye Fang felt an instinctive urge to reach out and touch it.

"And this," Little System whispered mysteriously, "is your most precious resource—the 'God–Demon Spiritual Lotus.' Forget wandering through caves for herbs or spirit stones; this lotus outweighs them all!"

She narrowed her eyes. "This isn't a mere plant. It is the solidified essence of ancient God-Demon energy, formed over tens of thousands of years. Whenever you need a breakthrough or find yourself at the limits of your power, this is your key. Consuming it won't just replenish your energy; it will expand your Dantian, allowing you to store massive amounts of Qi. It can trigger an immediate breakthrough! Theoretically, it could catapult you from the first stage of Qi Refining straight to Foundation Establishment or even higher!"

Hearing that the lotus could grant him an immediate breakthrough, Ye Fang's eyes lit up with a fierce resolve. He looked toward the center of the arena where City Lord Wang Long and Yan Kai Long were struggling against that horrific Blood Puppet. The puppet was at the Spiritual Ring Peak, and its power made the ground groan. The City Lord and Yan Kai Long were fighting with everything they had, yet the monster wouldn't fall.

Ye Fang felt a surge of guilt. He couldn't just stand there while his allies risked their lives.

"Little System!" he asked urgently. "You said this lotus can give me a breakthrough. Can I eat it right now? I need to help them! They can't beat that puppet alone. If I increase my cultivation, I can make a difference."

He clenched his fists, ready to leap into the fray.

But Little System stopped him. Her cheerful demeanor vanished, replaced by a stern, authoritative look. She raised her hand, blocking his path.

"No, Host!" she commanded. "You absolutely cannot! Do not eat that now—it would be fatal."

Ye Fang gasped. "Fatal? But you said it gives a breakthrough!"

"Yes, I did!" she snapped. "But a 'breakthrough' isn't a game, Host—especially for a God-Demon Physique. The energy in that lotus is so ancient and volatile that if you consume it at the first stage of Qi Refining, your physique won't be able to contain it. The energy will rupture your Dantian and incinerate your meridians. You would detonate in a massive explosion, and even your soul would be reduced to ash. To handle this, you first need to temper your body with the refining manual. Right now, this lotus isn't an elixir; it's a bomb!"

Ye Fang turned pale. He had almost thrown his life away. A sense of helplessness washed over him; he felt useless.

But Little System couldn't bear to see him despondent. She knew her Host had a righteous heart. She softened and pulled out one final, special reward.

"Don't worry, Host! I know you want to help. The System has sensed your intent and has granted you a special reward for this very moment."

[Ding! Special Reward: God-Demon Rebirth Pills]

A small vial appeared on the screen, containing pills that shimmered with gold and purple light.

"What are these?" Ye Fang asked, hope returning to his eyes.

Little System twirled the vial in the air. "Host, these are 'God-Demon Rebirth Pills.' A single pill will put you into 'God–Demon Mode' for 3 hours! It will fully awaken your God-Demon Physique, elevating your physical strength, Qi, and healing factor to the level of a true God–Demon, regardless of your current cultivation realm!"

Little System continued her explanation, "Little System gives you this reward so you can experience your true potential—so you know exactly how powerful you will be once your physique is fully awakened! But..." she raised a warning finger, "there is a small catch. The effect lasts for only 3 hours. Do not take it now; save it for when you truly need it. Once the effect wears off, you will feel extremely weak. Keep it as your Last Resort."

Ye Fang tucked the vial into his System Space. He now possessed a power that could save the City Lord, even if only for three hours. He thanked the System inwardly. The mission was complete, the rewards were claimed, and the true rampage in the Sanmiao City Arena was about to begin. Ye Fang clenched his fists; the divine and demonic blood in his veins began to boil once more. There was no longer a match—only destruction!

With the 'God-Demon Rebirth Pills' secured, a deep sense of peace and confidence settled over Ye Fang. He looked at Little System and asked humbly, "Thank you, Little System! I will only use this pill when there is no other way. But for now..." He glanced toward the arena where City Lord Wang Long was battling that massive Blood Puppet. "I must help the City Lord. Can I launch a few small Qi attacks?"

Ye Fang rubbed his palms together, ready to manifest a fireball.

But Little System stopped him again. She made a playful 'no' gesture in the air and said with a bit of sass:

"Oh, Host! You are so naive sometimes! You don't need to jump into the arena right now. You'll just waste your energy for nothing."

With a mischievous grin, she added, "Look up for a moment and tell me—do you really think the City Lord needs your help?"

Ye Fang was confused. 'Just a moment ago she said the City Lord was in danger, and now she says he doesn't need help?'

He turned his head toward the arena, which was shrouded in dust and smoke. As he looked up, his eyes widened in total shock. His mouth hung open, and his 'kind' smile vanished for a moment.

The scene in the arena had completely changed!

Where the Blood Coffin Sect attackers were hovering in the sky just moments ago, there was now a deathly silence. Ye Fang rubbed his eyes as he saw that City Lord Wang Long and Yan Kai Long, fighting with their 50% power, had wiped out the entire group!

The arena floor was no longer covered in just rubble and blood mist, but with the bodies of the invaders. The dozens of cultivators who were forming the 'Blood Demon Protection Array' were all sprawled on the ground, groaning or unconscious. They no longer looked like fierce warriors but like broken toys.

"How... how did this happen?" Ye Fang asked, dumbfounded.

He looked at the center where that terrifying Blood Puppet had stood. The puppet, with its iron-hard skin and glowing eyes, was now a heap of junk on the floor. Its light had gone out; it was lifeless.

Ye Fang hadn't realized that while the puppet was at the Spiritual Ring Peak, it was still just a 'puppet.' City Lord Wang Long was a true master of the same level, but he possessed experience, strategy, and Divine Lightning. The City Lord had read every move of the puppet, pierced its defense, and shattered its 'Heart Core' with his '9 Thunder Palm Attack.'

Yan Kai Long had also been magnificent. His speed and dragon power didn't give the attackers a chance to recover while the City Lord finished the puppet.

The "Madman" of Sanmiao City

As the spectators returned to their seats, the silence turned into a roar of excitement and disbelief. But their eyes were fixed only on the City Lord and Yan Kai Long—the heroes who had saved the city.

When their gaze fell upon Ye Fang, standing in a corner among the rubble, the look of mockery returned to their faces. They saw him standing there in tattered clothes, staring into thin air and gesturing at nothing.

"Look at that!" an experienced cultivator mocked. "That boy is wrestling with the air again!"

"Yeah!" another laughed. "I've been watching him. He's just sitting there talking to the wind! He makes faces, laughs, clutches his head... Look! The City Lord just saved the city, and this boy is still lost in his own little world!"

The whispers and laughter grew louder. "I think he's truly lost his mind. Such power at such a young age... it must have snapped his brain."

"Look at him swatting at invisible flies!" Gao Feng, who had mocked Ye Fang in the market, chimed in. "He shouldn't be in an arena; he should be in an asylum! Maybe they can 'cure' his habit of wrestling with shadows!"

The entire arena now viewed Ye Fang as a mental patient. They had completely forgotten the gate incident or him defeating Chen Hu. To them, he was just a lunatic killing invisible mosquitoes.

Little System, perched on Ye Fang's shoulder, heard it all. she felt sad for her Host. She knew he was the one who struck the cultivator that completed the mission, but she couldn't tell anyone.

She patted Ye Fang's cheek with her tiny finger and said affectionately, "Don't worry, Host! They don't know how great you are. They think you're crazy, but the System knows you are the kindest and most powerful hero in the universe."

Then, with a mischievous glint, she added, "And the System knows exactly what to do to make you feel your new power!"

[Ding! Bonus Reward: God-Demon Physique Temporary 100% Activation Pill]

Another vial appeared on the screen, containing a single pill of black and gold. This one looked far more intimidating and powerful than the 'Rebirth Pill.'

"Since you completed the mission in such a fun way, the System grants you this bonus!" Little System said seriously. "This pill puts you in 'God–Demon Mode' for 3 hours, but it activates your physique to 100%! You will become the most invincible being in the universe. You could melt mountains, shatter the sky with a punch, and even warriors of the Divine Realm would bite the dust before you!"

She narrowed her eyes in warning, "But just like the other one, the effect is only for 3 hours. Save it as your Ultimate Last Resort."

Ye Fang tucked this vial away as well. The 'kind' hero, whom the city mocked as a madman, was now the owner of the most destructive weapons in existence. He had the Body Manual, the Soul Manual, the Spiritual Lotus, and two pills that could turn him into a literal God-Demon.

The arena was quiet, but it was the quiet before a cataclysm. The invaders were gone, but the 'God-Demon' within Ye Fang was ready to wake up. No more jokes. Only destruction.

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