I Can Control Resources

This was a bit of a last-minute scramble.

Originally, Gao Neng had thought it would be better to use his second chance to prioritize upgrading "Elemental Life Fusion (Intermediate)." After all, it was an ability that would directly increase his combat power.

But now, the most pressing problem he faced was his rapidly increasing energy consumption. The Devourer was also dogging him relentlessly, refusing to return to its own territory.

This forced him to consider the "Second Magnetic Core."

Of course, this also presented a choice.

’On the surface, upgrading the Second Magnetic Core seems like the most urgent priority, but who’s to say upgrading Elemental Life Fusion would be useless?’

’If the upgrade gave me some special ability that could deal with the Devourer, that would also be a chance to survive.’

’So, what should I choose?’

Normally, this would be the time to analyze the system’s typical bullshit, but Gao Neng had never been one to do things by the book. He decided not to analyze it this time.

’I’ll just go with my gut.’

’The first thing I saw was the Second Magnetic Core, so that’s what I’ll upgrade. Makes perfect sense!’ Gao Neng pumped himself up and then said, "System, upgrade the Second Magnetic Core!"

A mechanical voice quickly rang out. "Does the Host confirm the upgrade of the Second Magnetic Core? Once upgraded, this choice cannot be reversed. A friendly reminder from the system: one wrong step can lead to ruin. There are no do-overs in life!"

"Cut the crap!"

DING! Second Magnetic Core upgrade successful.

BEEP! Congratulations, Host. You have obtained a new special ability: Four Symbols (Epic).

’Four Symbols (Epic)?!’ When Gao Neng heard the name, he could feel an intense, badass vibe reverberating through the air.

What a high-class, magnificent-sounding name.

’The Four Symbols!’

’As the ancient saying goes, the Two Modes produce the Four Symbols, and the Four Symbols produce the Eight Trigrams.’

’It sounds powerful right off the bat, doesn’t it?’

’And this was an Epic-grade ability, just like ’Origin.’ Thinking back on how terrifying the ’Origin’ ability was... this was just off-the-charts awesome.’

Gao Neng immediately looked at the description for "Four Symbols."

Of course, as he was reading, he once again dodged an attacking vine.

"’Four Symbols (Epic): The four great star regions of east, south, west, and north—East Cyan Dragon, Southern Vermilion Bird, West White Tiger, North Black Tortoise. When using Four Symbols, your cultivation speed will increase to 800%, your concentration will increase to 800%, and the recovery speed of your Qi and Blood and your Spiritual Power will increase to 800%. Furthermore, you will possess four magnetic cores of different attributes.’"

’It went from 400% to 800%?’ Gao Neng remembered that his old Second Magnetic Core only increased his cultivation speed by 400%. Now it had shot straight up to 800%—a full twofold increase.

Moreover, two magnetic cores had become four.

’But what did it mean by four magnetic cores of different attributes?’

Gao Neng continued reading.

"’Magnetic cores with different attributes will grant the Host different attribute-based abilities:

"East Cyan Dragon (Transformation): When the Host activates the Transformation attribute, all illusions will be like child’s play in your eyes. You can easily break through illusions, as well as create them or become an illusion yourself.

"Southern Vermilion Bird (Undying): When the Host activates the Undying attribute, your Stamina will be converted into Qi and Blood over a short period, replenishing your health. As long as your Stamina is not completely depleted, you cannot die.

"West White Tiger (Divine Aid): When the Host activates the Divine Aid attribute, your Qi and Blood will be converted into Stamina over a short period. You will resist all forms of pressure and killing intent, maintaining a perfectly clear mind.

"North Black Tortoise (Concealment): When the Host activates the Concealment attribute, your aura and energy fluctuations will be temporarily hidden. Additionally, your vision will be greatly enhanced, allowing you to see ahead even while underground.’"

...Gao Neng was speechless.

HOLY SHIT!

HOLY FUCKING SHIT?!

Gao Neng’s mind was completely blown.

’It wasn’t that the ability was weak. It was that it was way too strong!’

The doubling of his cultivation speed from 400% to 800% was already incredible. Two magnetic cores turning into four was enough to make him feel like he was basking in the light of a new dawn.

But those last four attributes...

...they truly left Gao Neng dumbfounded.

’This is just too damn overpowered!’

The Cyan Dragon attribute let him break through any illusion. And not just break them—he could also create them or become one himself.

’Create them!’

’Become one!’

’What did that mean?’

’It meant I could create illusions for other people! What’s more, I could even enter those illusions myself. The thought was so terrifyingly awesome it made one want to start singing a siren’s song...’

’So attributes could be used like this?’

Gao Neng felt as if the door to a whole new world had just been thrown open.

Next, the Vermilion Bird and White Tiger attributes were just as overpowered. The Vermilion Bird one was straight-up immortality. While that was technically a misnomer, it would absolutely be a lifesaver in a critical moment.

’Just imagine.’

’One of the Strongest slaps you down.’

’Your Qi and Blood are completely depleted.’

’At that moment, the Strongest thinks you’re dead.’

’But what’s the reality?’

’You’re not dead, because you still have Stamina.’

’Surprise! Bet you didn’t see that coming, did you?’

The Vermilion Bird converted Stamina to Qi and Blood, while the White Tiger converted Qi and Blood to Stamina. The two complemented each other.

Finally, there was the Black Tortoise: Concealment.

It didn’t seem to have much use at first glance.

But in reality, this was an ability that Gao Neng, and indeed the entire Human Alliance, would desperately want, because it allowed him to hide his aura and energy fluctuations.