Chapter 85: The Tome of Reincarnation

My Independent System A Faint Stranger in the Mirror 2439 words 2026-04-13 15:05:56

“Oh? You seem quite happy. I wonder if you’d forgotten me after a month apart.”
Just as the two were rejoicing, a familiar voice drifted into their ears.
A figure appeared before them.
“Master!”
Seeing Qian Mo was like seeing a savior; both dropped to one knee, clasping their hands respectfully.
“Master… did you just say we absorbed energy for a whole month?”
Marley asked in confusion, for it felt unreal—surely only a short while had passed. How could it have been a month?
“Yes, but that month was only within the time barrier. Outside, just half an hour has gone by,” Qian Mo explained.
“No need to be so surprised. How do you feel now?” Qian Mo inquired.
“Master, I feel better than ever. My whole body is brimming with strength, and I’ve got this urge to fight,” Marley voiced what both were thinking.
“Good, that’s as it should be. The Mixed Qi Pill not only upgrades your cultivation, it also tempers your body. But that’s not the main point. The real benefit is that after consuming it, your future cultivation speed will be twice as fast as before, no matter how much you absorbed.”
Qian Mo continued, “Twice as fast?”
The two clenched their fists in disbelief. They’d already thought the effects were incredible, but this was even more so. Cultivation speed was a huge concern for practitioners, but now it hardly mattered.
Their joy was unmistakable.
“Alright, you’ll get used to these things in time. Now, let’s talk about the Cycle Codex in your minds.”
Qian Mo said.
“Cycle… Codex?”
At Qian Mo’s words, the two recalled that the Master had mentioned this among their welfare benefits. Hastily, they searched their minds and, sure enough, found a glowing book floating within their consciousness.
The book radiated a strong blue light, and the word “Cycle” shone upon its cover.

The Cycle had no original “Codex”; that word Qian Mo had added, as it made the concept easier to grasp.
“What you see in your minds is the main sect’s signature technique—the Cycle Codex. You may call it the Cycle Scripture if you wish; as long as ‘Cycle’ is there, I don’t mind,” Qian Mo said.
“Yes, Master!”
The two replied.
“Let me explain its convenience in detail. The reason you see the Cycle Codex in your mind is because it has formed its own space there—a ‘Sea of Spirit.’ The Codex includes body refining methods, exclusive battle skills, unique cultivation techniques, and more. It will tailor certain skills, battle manuals, and rapid cultivation pathways to suit your individual circumstances.”
Qian Mo paused, then added, “In short, the Cycle Codex… is a cheat!”
“Uh… Master, what’s a cheat?”
Marley asked, clueless. Beside him, Mary nodded, equally curious.
“These things are beyond your current reach and understanding. Just remember: a cheat is something awesome, powerful—like your Cycle Codex in the Sea of Spirit,” Qian Mo tapped their heads, feigning mystery.
“So… the Cycle Codex is that… formidable?”
The two touched their foreheads, shocked and bewildered.
“You can explore it yourself through reading. That’s all I have to say for now. Since you’re now members of the Cycle Hall, you must accept its training. Even the weakest who enter can become strong.”
With these words, Qian Mo flicked his fingers. Instantly, the space barrier transformed: a grand building appeared before them, its name “Cycle Hall” emblazoned above.
The ground turned to earth, sky to blue and white clouds overhead.
“Wow! Is this… the Cycle Hall?” Marley exclaimed.
“This is spectacular!” Mary cried out.
“Follow me inside!”
Qian Mo paid no heed to their amazement and led the way into the hall.
The hall was vast, with several entrances on the sides.

Inside, there were arenas for mutual combat, and the side entrances were called simulation portals. They could simulate opponents stronger than your current rank, and even guide you on your weaknesses. Within, no matter how badly injured you were, you’d emerge unharmed; even if you died inside, you’d be automatically transported out, safe and sound.
The first six entrances represented six ranks: Battle Sovereign, Battle Sect, Battle Lord, Battle Saint, Battle Emperor, and Peak Battle Emperor. Each rank simulated different beings: possibly humans, magical beasts, or other unfamiliar entities. The deeper chambers were for levels beyond Peak Battle Emperor—places you cannot enter, nor are you able to.
Qian Mo explained.
“Battle… Battle Emperor? Peak Battle Emperor? And there are higher levels?”
The two’s minds struggled to keep up.
“These things are beyond your comprehension now. When you reach a higher level, you’ll learn more. For now, focus on your current state. Don’t worry about anything else, or you’ll feel overwhelmed. You are Battle Sovereigns; go ahead, enter the first portal and experience the thrill of combat. I believe you won’t have to wait long before you can avenge yourselves.”
Qian Mo beckoned them forward.
“Yes, Master!”
With nervous anticipation, the two stepped toward the first entrance. A force pulled them inside.
With a swoosh, they vanished.
Qian Mo was determined to build his own force, later to lead them in battles across different planes. The future planes would only grow more advanced, so they needed to raise their cultivation to Battle Emperor quickly. While Battle Emperor wasn’t enough, it was the threshold for venturing out.
Above Battle Emperor lay many ranks still unknown to Qian Mo; he’d discover them only after completing tasks and unlocking the third tier of the myriad planes. But there was no rush—time was unlimited.
He’d once thought Battle Emperor was powerful, but after gaining the system, he realized it was merely the gateway for beginners to leap to higher realms.
Venturing out, he was still a rookie.
“Ah, another day passed—one year in here. By then, they’ll be familiar with Battle Sovereign skills. I’ll send them out to fetch valuables for me, so I can make some money. Their first mission as Battle Sovereigns. Yes, that’s settled.”
Qian Mo’s eyes gleamed as he struck upon a good idea. After all, the main purpose of establishing the Cycle Hall was to find valuable treasures for himself, and second, to lead expeditions across the myriad planes.
When the Cycle Hall emerges, ten thousand bow in reverence!
How glorious that will be!
(End of chapter)