[The Lord of the Mysteries System has activated]

[Pick a Pathway to Get Started]

Huh? Wait what?? Lord of the Mysteries? But isn't this the Cultivation World? Ok, maybe Lord of the Mysteries was made by a chinese author (Cuttlefish Loves Diving) but that doesn't make sense without the meta knowledge...

Well, that beats me but I don't care. I am stuck in the Body Refining Realm for a long time and now that this has come to my hands... I can become so Overpowered.

Hm, System how many Pathways can I accommodate?

...

No answer, guess that's a dud. I try differently a few more times and give up.

Alright then, I need to think carefully. There are always cheat like things in the Immortal world. First of all, I need Strength, which directs me to the Twilight Giant Pathway. The only problem about it is that it isn't too versatile other than specializing in combat, I'm sure nothing can beat it in strength and I won't easily die in that pathway. Though, I still think its a good option to have so I could go choose one of the neighboring pathways, Death and Darkness

Death pathway might be the way to go if I'm in a sect that involves ghosts and the dead a lot but I'm currently in the Steel Fortress Sect. Its a sect specializing in body training and warfare tactics, as such they have prominent techniques related to body reinforcement and group formations. Darkness on the other hand may be the way to go, I know that the Sect has a Shadow Hall known for reconnaissance and nightly jobs which the Darkness Pathways has ties to.

If all goes well then at the least I can become the Darkness that overtakes the Night, if its even better then I might be able to become the Eternal Darkness that brings things to an eternal end! If I'm even more fortunate then I could probably accommodate all 22 Pathways! And for all I know, there might be more in store for me!

[Darkness Pathway has been chosen]

[Starting Sequence 9: Sleepless]

I felt a strange feeling as if I've been injected with chicken blood, I felt full of energy and spirituality. I feel that my soul energy is comparable to someone in the Soul Refining Stage.

If I remember, Soul Refining First then Soul Condensing, Soul Apprentice then Soul Foundation, Soul Master then Golden Soul Core... don't think I know what is after that but I can tell there's more. Maybe there is Mahayana Soul or something?

Well its similar to Body Refining then Body Transformation, Body Disciple then Body Foundation, Body Warrior then Golden Body Core... yep, they definitely have the same naming sense.

Body Refining branches off to Qi Gathering then Qi Condensing, Qi Apprentice then Qi Foundation, Qi Master then Golden Qi Core... I almost sighed when an elder so dramatically recited these at heart like they were golden knowledge of the heavens. Did you not know that the great sauce bestowed by the sauce hero is the true One Piece???

*cough* Setting that aside, I should continue practicing. Normally I would be like my peers who have broken through to the Qi Gathering stage at the age of 16 but I known some things about cultivation, and I know a LOT about the emphasis on foundation. I held back from opening my meridians till I completely developed them to the peak. It's funny, actually, since today I saw no progress in my body condition anymore.

Tonight, midnight, I plan to break through the Qi Gathering Stage, and then also embark on the Body Transformation Stage.

[

• Darkness Pathway: Sleepless Lv.1/100

• Nocturnality Lv.1/100

- Increased physical and mental capabilities

- Increase is proportional to the night

• Night Vision Lv.1/100

- Visual ability in darkness

• Evening Spirituality Lv.1/100

- Large increase to Spirituality

• Evernight Lv.1/100

- Increased duration of staying awake without sleeping

]

With Nocturnality, not only will I surpass my peak strength and limit, I can add in the Body Refinement Pills and Bone Marrow Pill to create the best foundation and breakthrough to the next stage. It was a good thing I bootlicked an ignorant young master out of it.

.
.
.

I had sat crossed legged in the wooden room known for the Trial Disciples, if I held back my cultivation till 17, stick to Body Refining Stage, then I would have been kicked out, but no, I'm going to break through now, at the crack of midnight.

I had cultivated the Black Iron Scripture to the perfect extent and squeezed out all the benefits. I'm now going to abandon it and use the Sect's Prominent Qi Cultivation Technique.

Copper Gourd Cultivation Technique, it is a Metal Attribute Cultivation Technique that gathers and refined qi. The text went like this:

Catch the dew in the gourd and make wine;

Catch the copper and ferment bitter wine;

Catch the bitterness and release the copper;

It sounds like nonsense but I really love deciphering poems so I cultivated in the direction of the technique while pondering on the verses.

Catch the dew, simply the qi, easy enough. Make the wine, from the Gourd Cultivation Technique, right?

Catch the copper, it's not referring to the qi, then is it referring to the Copper Gourd or the refined qi? Ferment bitter wine, the qi is made bitter? How? By slow and painstaking effort of cultivation?

After one round of cultivation of Copper Gourd, my meridians were finally opened. I felt the magical increase of my body, the feeling of my qi felt...lustrous? But it didn't feel right... I should continue cultivating.

I reviewed the directions of the technique and tested out what I felt enlightened about.

Catch the dew, Catch the qi, maybe gently?; Make the wine, refine the qi like wine;

Catch the copper, Handle the Refining of my meridians, maybe strongly?; Ferment bitter wine, pass the refined qi painstakingly slow;

Catch the bitterness, it isn't referring to my qi nor my meridian so its something else; Release the copper, release my strong grip at the end?;

The second round was done, once again I reviewed and refined.

Catch the dew(gather qi softly) in the gourd(pour gently into meridians) and make wine(refine qi slowly);

Catch the copper(refine qi strongly) and ferment bitter wine(refine qi carefully);

Catch the bitterness(breathing tips) and release the copper(gently pour out into the Dantian, all at once)

I breathed out turbid air. Damn, I am a genius.

[

• Name: Gu Yue Li Yong
• Body: Early Body Transformation
• Qi: Early Qi Gathering
• Soul: Late Soul Refining

]

Thank whatever truck-kun there is that I didn't actually reincarnate in Reverend Insanity, I almost choked on my milk when I recognized the Gu Yue clan name...

Hmm, so my Evening Spirituality actually boosted me to Late Soul Refining, skipping both Early and Middle. This is an incredible feat.

I go outside to the Sect Affairs Hall to notify the Trials Elder about my breakthrough. It is early in the morning and the three rounds of cultivation took the whole midnight.

"I've seen Senior Brother Yong! Please train with this junior!", A well-built trial disciple meets me by the road. I've been training him since the day he entered the sect after he saw how dedicated I was in training. His name is Aiguo Hai

"Not today junior, you might be training by yourself from now on because I've finally broken trough!", I reveal this fact to him, from now on he must keep my teachings and training regimes to heart for Immortal cultivation is lofty or something like that.

"!, Congratulation Senior Brother Yong! Senior Brother Yong has stepping into the world of Immortals!", Ok those weird speeches just can't stop from coming out from people's mouths.

"Do not worry Senior Brother! This junior will your teachings with himself always!", yeah, yeah, you might be a good follower for me someday so cultivate well. I want to have some drinking buddy someday when we sit with spiritual tea...I guess.

I bade the youngster and encountered the Trials Elder in the Sect Affairs Hall, "This young one has seen the elder! This junior greets Elder Jin.", it would seem a shame to call the elder a Trials Elder so its best to just stick with the common term to not sour his mood in that off chance.

"What is the matter?"

"This trials disciple has broken through the Qi Gathering Realm!", I state calmly

Elder Jin placed a palm on the location of my dantian and closed his eyes, "You have indeed broken through the Qi Gathering Realm, you're also really strong for a Qi Gathering realm.", he seems to have sensed my strength after having just touched me.

"This disciple has been training diligently in time to break through."

"Excellent. The Steel Fortress Sect focuses on the body, if you can keep this up then you can become an Inner Disciple just by Body Cultivation alone. Here, take these. From now on you are an Outer Disciple of Steel Fortress Sect.", Elder Jin threw me a badge, clothes, and a bottle of Qi Gathering Pills.

"This junior thanks the elder!", I also bade the elder and went out. I insert my newfound Copper Gourd Qi into the badge. It lit up shown me a map towards my new living residence.

Well, well, well look what the cat dragged in, a stray mouse- I mean an arrogant outer disciple, "Gu Yue Li Yong! What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be doing menial labor?"

"I've broken through to the Qi Gathering realm, Bingqin Luan.", I recited. Let me see what he's up to.

"You've only broken through now? Did you not know that Deying Wan broke through the Middle Qi Condensing Stage? I heard she's at the Peak of Body Transformation!", Yeah, sure, totally brag about someone not even closely related to you.

"Then give my high praises to Sister Wan for me, oh, but its not like you can even think about approaching her after all...", I made a pause and patted his shoulder and stated walking away.

"...that would be a well frog desiring heaven swan meat.", Score, low blow critical, x3 damage, burn effect, hahaha

"YOU! STOP!", Luan shouted out. Heh, pissed.

"What? Unlike you, I'm actually going to give my greetings to Sister Wan-.", Pft, he's attempting assault in early daylight? Your gonna die in daylight kid.

Unlike suppressing my cultivation, I went all out and diligent on my combat technique. Let's just say that you've picked the wrong opponent. I've already long analyzed everyone's techniques, almost everyone just has the basic Iron Joints Combat Technique and Bingqin Luan isn't any different. The technique has things related to Muay Thai, and like its name, the reinforcement is in the joints which increases strength, defense, and flexibility though it makes speed a bit rigid. In the Scripture Hall, I chose another technique then tricked a junior later on so that I could learn the Iron Joints Combat.

[

• Combat Technique: Iron Joints Combat, Ember Knuckles
• Body Cultivation Technique: Black Iron Scripture
• Qi Cultivation Technique: Copper Gourd

]

I think myself to have the Attribute advantage according to 5 element philosophy but I can't actually prove that fact since there are more than just 5 Attributes. I may be a possibility due to the five; Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water being prominent attributes.

To combat my clansmen I adopted Ember Knuckles, Swift, precise, and piercing, with small bursts. Fire melts Metal according to the Chinese Philosophy so I had this as an Anti-Clansmen technique. I plan on going to the scripture hall to get a third technique against Anti-Clansmen technique just in case I have to fight any sect disciples that are hostile to Steel Fortress Sect.

Enough of that though since I've been swiftly dodging Bingqin Luan for a few moves. It seems like a good time to disrupt his momentum. I kneed his kick, elbowed his fists, jabbed at his knees, and kicked at his elbows. I disrupted him then changed the pace. My fists changed to knuckles and began hitting him around the joints, to think the clan's strength has become the clan's weakness.

"Argh!", Bingqin Luan screamed out in pain as he spit blood out of his mouth. I don't even want to talk about how illogical that is and I don't wanna bother.

"Think again before trying to fight this False Genius, right here.", Apparently, I was named that after a year of stagnation. My aptitude is average after all but I still made it up with a talent for fighting and comprehension.

"Ghrk! Damn it Li Yong!", He turned tails and ran, but not before tripping and then pathetically dragging himself up and making a fool out of himself.

Thank the heavens that I'm not completely trash? To be honest, there is another one like me who is seen as more trash than me, and his name really rings of 'protagonist' so I made sure we treated each other as brothers.

Anyway, like I said before, I went a look around and found Deying Wan. Unlike unsociable monks, I actually had the decency to meet and greet disciples and make connections. Sister Wan is one to talk to people but at the duration that I wasn't labelled a False Genius, I had time to give pointers and exchange pleasantries. Now and then, she goes finding me for advice but it had stop after she became an Outer Disciple and I was labelled a False Genius.

She had said her goodbyes secretly, I can say she is a smart one, it would be weird for her to meet up with a Trial Disciple after all, and she is starting to become the new Diamond of Steel Fortress Sect. Soon enough she might go into the Inner Circle of disciples and I won't be able to contact her even more. There is a small window of bootlick- I mean, flattery for me that I can use as advantage.

Once she becomes an Inner Disciple, she can become a backer for me. Unlike Trial disciples, Outer Disciples could be backed up by Inner Disciples and secretly by Elders... the latter I'm not too sure about but I have some connections to a few young masters that imply that very thing.

"Sister Wan! It's fate to meet you again.", I greet her in good fashion.

"Brother Yong? What are you doing here?"

"I've broken through to the Qi Gathering stage. How about you sister? I heard you've gone far as to reach Middle Qi Condensation.", I smile politely

"You flatter me, Brother Yong has helped me greatly to get here.", She nodded gently and said her thanks. I'm sure a few of the clansmen would kill to be in my situation, too bad for them.

"Although my insights in cultivation are helpful, I'm sure you know the talents you possess are what are important. If you will, Sister Wan, we can catch up with each other with cup of tea?", I hate the taste of tea but I love drinking it. It tastes like leaves, which it is supposed to taste but its a matter of hoping for something impossible.

"Hm.", Deying Wan, the young girl, she someone with a few words and her desires are simple to see. With bullshit such as her Dao Heart, I was able to find out what she strived for and why she cultivates.

She wants to become a talented figure to help her Deying Clan. Yes, she is the daughter of the head of the Deying Clan and apparently from other sources, I've found out that her Clan starting to lose strength due to other Clans in the area surpassing the Deying.

Personality? Unyielding and keeps to herself, isn't ice cold, arrogant, or unsociable but is a bit naïve due to that. Is dependable and is open to the idea of depending on others.

I've been watching this 'heroine' and had kept a profile about her to glean how I can hold her thighs and soar through the heavens...wait that sounded weird for a second.

Anyway, she hasn't put me away for any help I can provide, she also inquires with elders in occasion, she also doesn't mind returning me favors when she deems any surplus of sorts, this was also the reason for the amount of extra Body Refinement Pills I had.

She is the perfect backer... and also a desirable partner... ah, I'd rather set that aside until I've actually done enough to amass a stable amount of strength. There are political implications in relation to her so I won't pick the fruit till it's ripe.

The 'date' went enjoyably well. While I had the insight, she had vast cultivation knowledge and the variety of techniques extend from there. Outer Disciples are able to pick 1 technique for free upon becoming an Outer Disciple and they can purchase techniques in the first floor of the Scripture Hall there after.

Experiences was exchanged as I told her some situations about the people I'm connected with. I'm sure one day she'll find a use to someone who 'is acquainted with a lot of people'. I made to sure to keep them brief and interesting because there are only so many connections you can make as a Trial Disciple.

The conversation also seems to have leaned on combat experience as Sister Wan occasionally had spars between the numerous Outer Disciples. I got to know a lot of people, who to look out for and what to prepare in turn.

That's the thing about connections in a sect, it's really helpful in climbing the mystical ladder that provides for one's cultivation path.

"I've taken up enough of your time Sister Wan. It's best you take the rest of the day for yourself.", I knew when to take the modest route, I've given her sufficient advice and I know she's excited of a course to work on her cultivation, on that note I also have to go to the Shadow Hall.

"Thank you Brother Yong.", Sister Wan as always would greet courteously and swiftly leave, as I thought, she a cultivation addict at heart.

If there is a Sect Affairs Hall that deal with matters of the inside. Then there should be Halls specifically handling those on the outside, which brings to three; External Affairs Hall, Mission Hall, and Shadow Hall.

External Affairs Hall works the same way as the Sect Affairs Hall does but things related to the sects interest on the outside like recruitment, sect promotion, and things relating to other sects. Sect Affairs Hall would deal with the internal structure such as promoting disciples, finance, resources, and disputes between members.

Similarly, Mission Hall and Shadow Hall are like 2 sides of the same coin. Mission Hall is more about menial labor, beast hunting, collection, and protection while Shadow Hall deals with more sensitive and dangerous matters such as killing, infiltrating, information gathering, and things that incriminate other sects. Of course, these are top secret information and won't be given to Outer Disciples, the only ones available would be hunting down runaway criminals or demonic cultivators, cause we're 'oh so righteous cultivators'.

I digress, I aim to claim a mission from the Shadow Hall about gathering information, if there are any.

I *would* have visited my other connections but I don't think I should present myself in such low cultivation, Sister Wan is just an exception but the others might change their view of me if they see me like so, this is also why I refrained from initiating contact with them after they became Outer Disciples.

"Greetings Senior Brother! Can I inquire about the available requests?", I walk up to a thin looking Inner Disciple who has dark-silver skin.

"You can check the public commissions on the board over there since you're an Outer Disciple. You can only take one at a time.", He lazily points to a certain direction, his arms are kinda long like sticks, it must be because of a certain Body Cultivation Technique.

"Thank you Senior!", The Public Commissions Board, as it is titled, had a lot of requests. There were many known rogue cultivators and a lot of demonic cultivators too. There were also requests on investigating demonic sects and such, and also requests to infiltrate their sect. Something like that can be taken by an Outer Disciple? I though an Inner Disciple should do such an important job.

...Wait, right, Outer Disciples are more or less disposables even if demonic sects find out about this, the sect can just blame the outer disciple as a defect rouge cultivator. I forgot how scary the cultivation world is sometimes.

I'm not entering any demonic sects any time soon... I can go investigating in...let me see... Orange Sun City, Sky Fall City, Silk Fire City, and Insect Valley City... The former are high in commerce and hence is a hotbed for rogue cultivators and wanted criminals while the latter fall under the jurisdiction of demonic sects.

Reviewing what I know about the Clans of the cities and the situation that is going on... Silk Fire City has the Zhou Clan and Hao Clan there seems to be a war between them... I'm not in a situation where I can benefit as a third party, I might just be a bystander and become another casualty by the sidewalk... pass

Insect Valley has things know for poison attributes and raising insects, like it's name suggests. I'm vulnerable against poison so no...

Orange Sun City, its too far and I'm sure that I'll have to pass an area with strong beasts. Sky Fall City is close, I'll take it.

Some criminal cultivators have been hiding here. I should take a commission on the bandit groups appearing around the City and then gather information on the side. When I come back, I can just give the information immediately after accepting the investigation commission.

"Senior Brother, Here.", He nods and takes the paper before placing a seal on it. I signed the document then headed straight to my room. I'll practice some more then leave by nightfall.

Unlike Trial Disciples with wooden shared rooms, There are individual houses for Outer Disciples with basic comfortable provisions which is a personal cabinet, shower, bed, and table. I sat down crossed legged and began cultivating. The whole afternoon was dedicated to such idle effort.

[

• Copper Gourd Lv.15/300
• Early Qi Gathering Lv.16/75

]

I breathe out a sigh, even if I had great comprehension, the effectiveness of a technique will only double. Talent truly is the imbalance stat in this world.

Too bad, I'm a Beyonder and comprehension, 'acting', and the way of life is my greatest weapon.

[

• [Sleepless Lv.3/100
• Nocturnality Lv.5/100
• Evernight Lv.3/100

]

Tonight is gonna be exciting, there is so much to do. I feel really energetic.

The Darkness pathway corresponds to The Star Tarot Card, which represents creativity and self-gratification.

Tying that concept with how a Sleepless should 'act', I should be doing whatever I want at night for the sake of spirit.

'Acting' or Acting Method, this is how a Beyonder of the Lord of the Mysteries are able to progress in their Sequence. The thing about the power system of Lord of the Mysteries is that it involves Eldritch Deities, Madness, and Cosmic influences therefore becoming a Beyonder is tantamount to asking blessing from Cthulhu and risking the chance to go insane. Fortunately, the acting method is able to quell the madness and avoid turning into some monster.

This is where my self-proclaimed major in philosophy comes in. The Acting Method is related to the name of the Sequence and is tied to its respective Pathway.

So how to 'act' as a Sleepless you say? Its not just staying up at night but it has to be a way of doing things, a certain rulebook one follows, like a principle. In terms of the cultivation world, its like a Dao Heart in which what one pursues!

My Dao Heart is to enjoy the night! While others are sleeping, I am wide awake for the stars to greet me! I walk the Path of Darkness! Nothing shall scare me in the dark and I shall explore the unseen shadows!

Damn, I sound so chuuni... but it's how I understand 'acting' as a Sleepless should be. I get up and out of the house. It's night! I want to venture! My spirituality is overflowing and my body and mind is starting to pump!