Chapter 2: Sufficient Potential Within Oneself
After leaving the Skill Upgrade Hall, Su Xiao did not immediately head to the Attribute Enhancement Hall. Instead, he returned to his Exclusive Room.
Upon entering the Exclusive Room, the space was empty and silent. Su Xiao sat cross-legged on the floor, closed his eyes, and began to sense the changes within his body.
The Cyan Steel Shadow Energy within him was flowing more smoothly than before, and the Blade Path Sword techniques he had mastered felt more profound. This was the effect of the Golden Skill Point—it didn't just upgrade a skill; it enhanced his understanding of the entire combat system.
After a long while, Su Xiao opened his eyes, a flicker of satisfaction passing through them.
"The Golden Skill Point is indeed extraordinary. It not only upgraded 'Blade Path Sword: Azure Demon' to level 10 but also gave me a deeper grasp of the blade's essence."
He stood up, stretched his body, and felt the surging power within his muscles. This was the result of his recent Attribute Enhancement. Although he hadn't used the True Attribute Points yet, the improvement from the basic attributes was already significant.
"Next, it's time to go to the Attribute Enhancement Hall."
Su Xiao walked out of the Exclusive Room and headed straight for the Attribute Enhancement Hall. This hall was located in the central area of Reincarnation Paradise, a massive building that emitted a faint blue glow.
Pushing open the heavy metal door, Su Xiao entered the hall. Inside, there were dozens of Attribute Enhancement Pods, each enclosed in a transparent crystal layer, with faint blue energy currents flowing within.
Su Xiao walked up to an unoccupied Enhancement Pod, placed his hand on the identification panel, and a mechanical voice sounded:
"Identity confirmed: Contractor Su Xiao. Remaining True Attribute Points: 3. Remaining Paradise Coins: 12,500. Please select the attributes to enhance."
A virtual screen appeared before Su Xiao, displaying his current attributes:
- Strength: 85 points
- Agility: 82 points
- Stamina: 80 points
- Intelligence: 78 points
- Perception: 76 points
- Charm: 5 points
"Three True Attribute Points... I'll allocate them all to Strength."
Su Xiao made his choice without hesitation. As a Melee Grandmaster, Strength was his core attribute. Increasing Strength not only boosted his attack power but also enhanced the damage of skills like "Blade Path Sword: Azure Demon."
"Enhancement confirmed. Consuming 3 True Attribute Points, 12,000 Paradise Coins. Enhancement in progress..."
The Attribute Enhancement Pod slowly closed, and a warm energy surged into Su Xiao's body, flowing through his limbs and bones. This feeling was like soaking in a hot spring, comfortable yet filled with power.
A few minutes later, the Enhancement Pod opened, and Su Xiao stepped out. He clenched his fist, feeling the explosive power within his muscles.
"Strength has reached 88 points. Now, even without using skills, a single punch can unleash considerable power."
Just as Su Xiao was about to leave the Attribute Enhancement Hall, a notification suddenly appeared in his mind:
[Notification: Your reputation with Void Tree has increased. Current reputation level: Friendly (1200/3000).]
"Oh? My reputation with Void Tree has gone up?" Su Xiao was slightly surprised. "It seems that the improvement in strength also affects reputation."
He thought for a moment and understood. In Reincarnation Paradise, a contractor's strength directly influenced their status. The stronger one was, the more attention they received from Void Tree.
"Not bad. With this reputation, I can buy some rare items in the Honor Shop."
Su Xiao left the Attribute Enhancement Hall and headed toward the Trade Market. He planned to buy some materials to prepare for the next world.
Walking through the bustling streets of the Trade Market, Su Xiao noticed many contractors gathered in groups, discussing something.
"Did you hear? Someone in the Apocalypse Paradise has obtained an Origin Stone: World!"
"Really? That thing is a legendary item. Whoever gets it is basically destined to become a powerhouse."
"Not just that. I heard that person is only a Seventh Rank contractor but already has the strength to rival an Eighth Rank."
Su Xiao listened quietly, his expression unchanged. Origin Stone: World was indeed a rare treasure, but for him, what mattered most was his own strength.
"External items are ultimately external. Only power honed through one's own efforts is the true foundation."
He muttered to himself and continued walking forward.
Soon, he arrived at a shop called "Black Maple Tree Yield." This shop specialized in selling products from the Black Maple Tree, such as branches and leaves, which were excellent materials for crafting equipment and potions.
Pushing open the shop door, a middle-aged man behind the counter looked up and smiled when he saw Su Xiao.
"Mr. White Night, you're here. What do you need this time?"
"I want some Black Maple Tree branches and a few bottles of Elemental Brew."
"Coming right up."
The shopkeeper quickly prepared the items. Su Xiao paid the Paradise Coins, put the items away, and turned to leave.
Just as he reached the door, he suddenly stopped and looked back at the shopkeeper.
"By the way, have there been any unusual movements in the Abyss recently?"
The shopkeeper's expression turned serious, and he lowered his voice: "I did hear some news. It's said that the Abyss Passage in the Eternal Light World has started to destabilize, and many Abyss Spawn have appeared. Several adventure groups have already gone to investigate."
Su Xiao nodded, a thoughtful look flashing in his eyes.
"The Abyss is stirring again... It seems the next world won't be peaceful."
He left the shop and returned to his Exclusive Room.
Sitting cross-legged on the floor, Su Xiao took out the Black Maple Tree branches and Elemental Brew he had just bought. These materials could be used to refine potions or strengthen equipment, but for now, he planned to use them to enhance his own strength.
He placed the Black Maple Tree branch in his palm, closed his eyes, and began to absorb the energy within it. The branch gradually dimmed, while a faint black energy flowed into Su Xiao's body.
After a long while, Su Xiao opened his eyes, a hint of satisfaction in them.
"Not bad. The energy from the Black Maple Tree branch has increased my Soul Strength by a bit."
He then opened the Elemental Brew and took a sip. A warm current flowed down his throat, spreading throughout his body, making his muscles feel relaxed and comfortable.
"With these resources, I should be able to break through to the Eighth Rank within a month."
Su Xiao put away the remaining items and began to plan his next steps.
"First, I need to go to the Skill Upgrade Hall to upgrade a few more skills. Then, I'll head to the Equipment Enhancement Hall to strengthen my equipment. Finally, I'll go to the Honor Shop to see if there's anything worth buying."
Having made his plan, Su Xiao stood up and was about to leave when a sudden knock came at the door.
"Who is it?"
He frowned slightly. In Reincarnation Paradise, few people came to visit him.
"It's me, Bubu Wang."
A familiar voice came from outside the door. Su Xiao's expression relaxed, and he opened the door.
Standing outside was a tall, sturdy man with a simple and honest face—his old teammate, Bubu Wang.
"Bubu Wang, what brings you here?"
Bubu Wang grinned, revealing a mouthful of white teeth. "Boss, I heard you got a Golden Skill Point. I came to congratulate you."
"Just a small gain." Su Xiao waved his hand. "Come in and talk."
Bubu Wang followed him into the Exclusive Room, looked around, and sighed. "Boss, your place is still so simple. Why don't you decorate it a bit?"
"No need. A place to sleep is enough." Su Xiao sat down and looked at Bubu Wang. "So, what's the real reason you came to see me?"
Bubu Wang's expression turned serious. "Boss, I received some news. It's said that the Eternal Light World is about to descend, and this time, it's a War World."
"Oh?" Su Xiao's eyes narrowed. "War World? That's rare."
"Yeah." Bubu Wang nodded. "I heard that this War World involves multiple Paradise factions, including Reincarnation Paradise, Apocalypse Paradise, Holy Light Paradise, and Death Paradise. It's going to be a big melee."
Su Xiao fell into thought. War Worlds were the most dangerous type of worlds in Reincarnation Paradise. Contractors from different factions would fight each other, and the death rate was extremely high. However, the rewards were equally generous.
"Any more details?"
"I don't know the specifics yet. But I heard that the World Government of the Eternal Light World has issued a bounty, offering a huge reward for anyone who can kill the Abyss Spawn." Bubu Wang said.
"Abyss Spawn..." Su Xiao's eyes flickered. "It seems the Abyss is indeed stirring."
"Boss, are you planning to participate?" Bubu Wang asked cautiously.
"Of course." Su Xiao stood up, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes. "Since it's a War World, how could I miss it?"
"Then I'll go with you!" Bubu Wang said excitedly.
"No." Su Xiao shook his head. "Your strength is still a bit lacking. It's too dangerous. Stay in Reincarnation Paradise and keep training."
Bubu Wang's expression dimmed, but he knew Su Xiao was right. His strength was indeed not enough to handle a War World.
"Alright, I'll listen to you, boss. But you have to be careful."
"Don't worry." Su Xiao patted his shoulder. "I've survived so many worlds. This one won't be any different."
After sending Bubu Wang off, Su Xiao sat alone in the Exclusive Room, pondering.
"War World... Abyss Spawn... It seems this trip to the Eternal Light World won't be easy."
He took a deep breath, a determined light shining in his eyes.
"But that's fine. Only in life-and-death battles can one break through their limits. I, Su Xiao, will use this War World to prove that my potential is enough to reach the peak!"
With that, he stood up, pushed open the door, and strode toward the Skill Upgrade Hall.