THE SHOP: Multiverse Madness

Chapter: 16 (unedited)

Strength defines one’s status in this world. The stronger you are, the higher your status within this world would be. Without any strength, even your family members would not care for you… for the most part at least, such was the life of the young man named Xiao Che within the Floating Cloud City.

Being born within the strongest clan of this backwatered city, and as the grandson of the strongest elder, he was supposed to be someone on whom the expectations of the clan would be placed.

His grandfather is the strongest elder. His father was the youngest genius of the Xiao Clan. How can the son not be as brilliant as those?

And with such a… noble… birth, jealousy was expected; people would look at you with envy, jealousy, and hatred.

But, what if he is also married to the most beautiful and sought woman of the city? What if the person favored so much by heaven was born crippled?

The envy, the jealousy, the hatred; the feelings that are hidden would pour out like an unstoppable force, in the shape of violence.

A world where strength dedicated your standings, a person without any strength had no right to be arrogant, no right to be showered with favors, and no right to have the most beautiful woman of the city to be married.

‘It should be me! It should be us! Why him?! Such beauty is wasted over such trash! I am handsome than him, we are handsome than him, have more strength than him, have higher social standing than him! All he holds is the leg of his strong grandfather! If not for his grandfather protecting him, he would have long been dead!’

“Gha!” A painful groan, followed by a mouthful of blood, burst out of the black-haired youth. His robes ripped from places and died in crimson, the black-haired youth was full of wounds. They were not mortal, such was not the result attackers wanted to see. He was weak, but his grandfather was not; small injuries would be considered a small infight, but mortal wounds would definitely come back to bite them.

“You piece of trash! What right do you have to marry Fairy Xia? The fact that you have not canceled the marriage is disgusting! If not for your grandfather, this daddy of yours would have killed you a long time ago!”

Venomous worlds were thrown at him, and the killing intent was as clear as the morning sky. They were not empty words as the black-haired youth was certain that, if not for his grandfather’s strength, he would be dead by now.

He was crippled, and no doctor could repair his damaged profound veins. No matter what method he tried, it was impossible to become stronger. In this life… the man named Xiao Che was meant to die as a mortal.

In front of his fellow clansmen, who were within Nancest Profound Realm, a realm where they could kill a mortal as easy as punching them once, the black-haired man did not dare to retaliate.

Indignant and silent, all he could do was grit his teeth and lower his gaze… in hope that they would leave him after they were satisfied with their beating.

“Heh! Trash would remain trash, no matter how good a background they might have. Let’s go. The sight of him alone makes this young master want to puke.”

His hand gathered tightly, forming a fist; the sound of his teeth grinding against each other had become quite audible. His eyes had closed tightly, as he muttered: “Why… Why am I born crippled? Does heaven not favor me?”

+++

Ding! The requirements have been met! Congratulations, you have been chosen to become the host of Heavenly Buddha System!

+++

The sudden intrusion of an unknown voice startled the young man. The anger he felt towards his weakness instantly vanished, instead, he looked around himself in panic, trying to find the source of this mysterious, highly antiseptic, voice.

+++

It is useless to look for the system, as the system is an intangible existence; a conceptual model that exists within the Host's consciousness. Please stop looking around aimlessly, otherwise, people would treat the host as some dumb retard.

+++

“... Are you also here to make fun of me?” Xiao Che’s brows tightened and he complained. “If that’s the case, then hurry up and do it. I am tired for the day and want to take a bath, I do not have much time.”

+++

The host seems to misunderstand the system. The system’s only purpose is to make a Host Buddha, other than that, the system can do nothing.

+++

“You said it before too… What is this Buddha you keep talking about?” Curious, Xiao Che inquired of the monotonous sound within his brain.

+++

Buddha is called by many titles, but the most famous are “the awakened one” or “the enlightened one”. It’s the pinnacle of existence that can only be reached by removing oneself from the worldly desires. As only by removing yourself from the mortal cycle can you understand the heavenly principals, and thus controlling them.

+++

“So it’s just a stronger cultivator?” Xiao Che sighed disappointingly. “I am crippled and cannot cultivate. You are misunderstood if you think I can reach the pinnacle of existence and become, the so-called, Buddha.”

+++

Host shouldn’t worry about such matters. With the Buddha System, the cripple status of the Host can be removed instantly. As long as the host is willing to accept the Buddha System, the system is willing to completely regenerate the host's cripple veins, and even open all profound entrances of the host!

+++

The most drastic expression so far appeared over Xiao Che’s face, and his body trembled. Unhidden excitement surfaced over his face and eyes as Xiao Che barely stopped himself from shouting; he carefully inquired.

“Is… Is it possible? Can my veins really be recovered? Will I be able to cultivate it too?!”

+++

Nothing is impossible for the Buddha System. As long the host accepts the system, everything is possible.

+++

The confidence within the mysterious tone made Xiao Che unable to hold his excitement and he loudly said.

“I accept! I don’t care about the conditions!” The images of the past resurfaced within Xiao Che’s mind, like a movie being played in a theater, the expression of extreme hatred and disgust appeared over his face. “As long as I can cultivate and become strong, I accept any condition you might have!”

+++

Ding! The conditions to attach the Buddha System have been met! Initiating leaching process.

Ding! Done!

Ding! Congratulations to the host, Xiao Che, for becoming the first owner of the Buddha System!

For better understanding of the Buddha System, the system will now explain how it operates.

Like most systems, the Buddha System has three functions; Status, THE SHOP, and Quest. Status is the place where the host can see his current situation, THE SHOP is the place where the host can buy anything from this universe, and the Quest is the option where random quests would be generated, each having its own rewards and punishments.

+++

The black-haired youth ignored the wall of text that appeared in front of his vision, his full focus diverted at the unknown feeling coursing through his whole existence as he, previously a crippled, felt the presence of Profound Energy for the first time!

He raised his hand and clenched it, over and over, a smirk appeared over his face.

“I can feel it… I can feel it… I can cultivate… finally… finally… I am not trash anymore.” Tears of happiness fell from his eyes, the sound of his soft sobbing soon filling his surroundings.

“Thank you system. Whoever you are, thank you…”

+++

Displaying the status!

Name: Xiao Che

Age: 16

Title: Trash of Xiao Clan

Strength: 1st Level of Elementary Realm

Physique: Holy Body

Skills: None

FP: 120000

+++

His attention stolen by the appearance of the holographic screen which displayed information regarding him, Xiao Che looked at it with curiosity before asking.

“System, what is FP? And why do I have a Holy Body? What does it mean?”

+++

Answering to the host: FP stands for fate points. It is the currency that the host can use to buy items from THE SHOP. But, be aware, the host can only earn FP from the missions. They might seem a lot, but the system advises the host to not use them blindly. The Holy Body, on the other hand, is a special physique gifted to the host by the “heavens”. Users of this physique have a better chance of understanding the laws of the world.

+++

“I had such a powerful physique!” Xiao Che could not help but exclaim loudly. “Heaven really works in mysterious fashion. It gave me such a powerful physique but made me a cripple instead. As one says, nothing is free in this world.”

‘It could be that because I had such a powerful physique, I was born cripple. Heaven’s is impartial after all.’

“System, can I buy cultivation resources from THE SHOP to fasten my cultivation?”

+++

Ding! As the system has stated, the host can buy anything within creation of this universe from THE SHOP. The only restriction would be that the host must have knowledge regarding the said item. As long as the host knows anything about the item, it would appear within the system.

+++

“That’s great!” Even if he could only buy items that he had knowledge of, the system was still a heavenly item that could help him reach the pinnacle of existence.

+++

Ding! The first mission has been announced!

Mission: Path to Buddha, Sexual Salvation

Details: To reach Buddha, the pinnacle of existence, one must shed the mortal coil. To shed the mortal coil, one must abstain from all worldly desires. But to abstain from worldly desires, not many have achieved it. Cancel your marriage agreement with Xia Qingyue and announce your firm belief of Buddhisim.

Reward: True Profound Realm Strength, 1x Body Cleansing Pill, Diamond Vajra Body, a set of Kasaya, Buddhist Robes

Punishment: Removal of system and crippled status

+++

“This…” A difficult expression appeared over Xiao Che’s face before his eyes landed on punishment, the reluctance within his mind vanishing instantly. He gritted his teeth and muttered. “Leave it. I can find many women in the future, but I might not be able to get rid of my cripple status. I will leave her today, maybe we are not meant to be together.”

With a sigh leaving his mouth, Xiao Che’s expression solidified.

“I have seen what being the lowest human being feels like, I must reach the pinnacle to see what it feels like. Only by doing so can I be freed from worldly desires!”

Cementing his mindset, Xiao Che turned around and left, leaving behind bewildered people clearly thinking that he had lost his mind and become retard.

In the coming month, the whole of Floating Cloud City was meant to be shaken.

Chapter: 17 (unedited)

“Sorry, what did you just say? Can you say it again, Che’er? Grandfather is old and might have misheard you.”

“I want you to cancel my marriage with Xia Qingyue. I do not want to marry her!”

“...” Xiao Lie stared at Yun Che as if seeing a ghost. Pale face, he asked worriedly. “Che’er, tell grandpa, did someone bully you again? Did they threaten you? Why are you saying this?”

“No one bullied or threatened me, grandpa. Decision to break this marriage is my own and no one else's.”

“... But why?” Not understanding the thought process of his own grandson, Xiao Lie inquired for further clarification. “Did something happen between you and that girl Xia Qingyue, that you do not like her anymore?”

Xia Qingyue didn’t get the title of the most beautiful woman of the Floating Cloud City for nothing. She had beauty to back up the title. She was the dream of every young man, yet she was married to his grandson, Xiao Lie took pride in it.

He could not understand why his grandson suddenly wanted to break the marriage now.

“Grandpa, nothing happened between me and Xia Qingyue either.” Xiao Che stared at his grandpa with a serious expression and explained. “I just feel that Xia Qingyue and I are not meant to be, as such, I want you to break the marriage between me and her.”

“You feel?” Xiao Lie’s eyes widened, not believing what he heard. “You want to destroy the marriage contract that has lasted more than 16 years just because you now feel that you both are not compatible with each other?”

‘Has all that bullying finally made him lose his mind?’

“Yes.”

“... Sigh.” Xiao Lie released a heavy sigh when he heard the affirmation from his grandson. He turned around and softly replied. “Alright. Your grandpa will go and talk with Hongyi about this matter.”

“Alright.” Xiao Che nodded. Suddenly, an expression of reluctance appeared and he thought for a second. “Grandpa, I have another thing I want to tell you, please do not freak out, okay?”

“Hm?” Xiao Lie turned around and looked at him with curiosity. “What is it?”

“Here, please check my veins.” Xiao Che raised his hand and presented his wrist to confused Xiao Lie.

“This is… how?!” A loud exclamation was released from Xiao Lie’s mouth as he looked at his grandson with a disbelieving expression. “How are your veins healed?!”

Xiao Che rubbed the back of his head and smiled wryly.

“... I met an expert while gathering herbs at the back mountain. The expert took pity on me and healed my veins.”

“Such a thing!” Xiao Lie’s face beamed with happiness. “It must be heaven favoring us!”

Xiao Lie’s eyes turned misty and he tightly hugged Xiao Che.

“Grandpa is glad… Grandpa is glad that you do not have to live the life of a cripple any longer.” Parting from the hug, his hand still over Xiao Che’s shoulder, Xiao Lie declared. “Do not tell anyone about this yet. First, your grandpa will solve the marriage problem and then we can announce that your veins have healed. Even though it's late, it’s still better than remaining cripple your whole life!”

“Grandpa…” Xiao Che’s eyes also turned red seeing the emotional state of Xiao Lie before a determined look appeared over his face. “Do not worry, grandpa! Xiao Che would not disappoint you!”

“Good, good! Now go and cultivate in your room, I will go and talk with Hongyi about the marriage.”

“Um.”

It did not take long for Xiao Lie to meet Hongyi and talk about canceling the marriage, which confused Hongyi greatly. He did not understand what brought such a change to Xiao Lie and Xiao Che, but Hongyi did not think much about it and agreed instantly.

He knew his daughter had become the disciple of Frozen Cloud Asgard and she would very likely not be able to attend her duties as Xiao Che’s wife. This has always haunted him but he could not just cancel the marriage and betray his late friend.

Now with Xiao Lie personally canceling the marriage, he could finally breathe a sigh of relief. He didn’t betray his late friend nor would Xiao Che would have to marry Qingyue, who can never complete her duty as his wife; it was better to marry someone who would dedicate her life for him.

Next morning, the announcement of the cancellation of the marriage shook the whole of Floating Cloud City. The streets were brimmed with loud mummers and gossips, everyone talked about the hot topic of Xiao Che and Xia Qingyue’s marriage cancellation.

Many theories were formed, from which most slandered Xiao Che, but the truth about the cancellation remained hidden.

While all of this happened, Xiao Che remained within his pavilion as a holographic screen appeared in front of him abruptly.

+++

Ding! Congratulations for completing the mission “Path to Buddha, Sexual Salvation”! Rewards are being transferred!

+++

“Boom!” Suddenly, a burst of profound energy exploded out from Xiao Che’s body, shaking the furniture inside the room heavily. His strength, which was only 1st of Elementary Profound Realm, rose instantly and reached 1st of True Profound Realm within seconds!

“Fuu…” Xiao Che released accumulated breath as the profound energy around him entered his body with insane speed, soon bulging them to the brim, an excited expression appeared over his face.

“To reach the True Profound Realm within a day… I doubt anyone in this world can reach this stage so fast, right?” The smile over his face extended further as he muttered to himself. “Wouldn't I be the greatest prodigy in the world with this?”

+++

Ding! It is estimated that the host cannot take the full power of Diamond Vajra Body at once. As such, for the host’s safety, Diamond Vajra Body has been divided into three ranks: Minor Completion, Half-Completion, Grand Completion! At the host's current level, only Minor Completion can be merged with the host’s body.

Ding! Do you want to merge Diamond Vajra Body: Minor Completion? Y/N.

+++

“System, tell me about the Diamond Vajra Body first.”

+++

Diamond Vajra Body is the secret Buddhist technique. It transforms the host’s physique to that of a diamond, making it unbreakable and untouchable. The vajra is regarded as the symbol of highest spiritual power which is irresistible and invincible. It is therefore compared to the diamond, which is capable of cutting asunder any other substance; but which itself cannot be cut by anything. At Grand Completion, it would be close to impossible to hurt the host by normal means!

+++

“So powerful!” Xiao Che’s eyes widened. “I knew that you were absurd, system, but this is just… wouldn’t I become unbeatable if I reached Grand Completion? Who will be my opponent then? System, merge Diamond Vajra Body!”

+++

Starting the merging process! 1… 2… 3… done! Diamond Vajra Body: Minor Completion has been merged successfully!

+++

A blazing halo of golden light surrounded Xiao Che, filled with faint Buddhist seals that circled around it.

Xiao Che stared at his hand, feeling a great power coursing through his body. He felt no one could defeat him anymore, which not only excited him but scared him at the same time.

After checking his body, Xiao Chen took the set of Kayasa and changed into them. Just then, the door of his pavilion was rudely opened and a beautiful brown-haired woman appeared.

She had an excited look over her face but when her eyes landed on Xiao Che, her eyes widened and a stunned expression formed over her face instead.

“Little Aunt? What happened? Why do you look so stunned?”

“X-Xiao Che… What happened to you? Why did you cut all of your hair?”

“What?” Confused, Xiao Che raised his hand and placed it on his head. The feeling of softness and smoothness appeared and Xiao Che’s eyes widened. Panicked, he ran to the mirror and saw that he no longer had hair anymore.

‘System, what is the meaning of this!? What happened to my hair!? Why am I bald?!’

+++

[Automatic reply] Hi, I'm currently unavailable, and I won't be contacting you later.

+++

‘What? System? Hello! Answer me! Oye!’

“Xiao Che?”

Xiao Che turned towards Xiao Lingxi and looked into her big gentle eyes filled with worry for him. It caused him to take a deep breath before he forced out a smile on his face.

“I-yes! I decided to change for the better and to start anew! To do that, I must discard everything I have and start from the beginning! That’s why I cut my hair too!”

“I-Is that so?”

“Absolutely! That is also why I canceled my marriage with Xia Qingyue.”

“I-I see…” Still in doubt, Xiao Lingxi could only reply with a nod. Suddenly, her expression brightened and a beautiful smile, enough to make any man blind, appeared over her face. “That means, Xiao Che is single now. Hehehe…”

“Little Aunt?” Xiao Che tilted his naked head in confusion at the suddenly giggling Lingxi, causing her to feel embarrassed with a small blush.

“Nothing! I will take my leave then!” With a happy mood, Xiao Lingxi turned around and left, leaving behind still confused Xiao Che.

Chapter: 18 (unedited)

The confusion brought by the sudden cancellation of marriage was not limited to the residence of the Floating Cloud City as a certain black haired beautiful woman frowned as the news reached her ears.

Confused, she came out from the place where she was meditating these past days and flew towards Xiao Manor.

She soon reached the pond behind the Xia Manor and saw her disciple silently meditating beside it. The presence of her disciple seemed to make the world around her feel dimmer, making it impossible to enjoy the beauty of nature, instead one’s eyes would involuntarily be attracted to the black-haired girl.

“Qingyue, I have an important matter to discuss with you.” Mature and cold voice left black-haired woman, calling the girl meditating beside the pond.

The girl’s eyes quivered at the voice of her master, a pair of absolutely stunning crystal eyes appeared; clear and pure, without the presence of any of the world’s ugliness.

She stood up, her long hair unfolding and gently swaying down till her plump hips. She raised her head, her face immaculate and beautiful, and looked at her master before she bowed.

“Qingyue has seen, Master.”

Chu Yueli, sister of Chu Yuechan, maid of Jiang Chen, nodded. Pleased, she stared down at her disciple before she inquired about the topic circulating all over the Floating Cloud City.

“I heard that that cripple boy canceled the marriage with you, is that true?”

“Yes, Master. Qingyue heard from her father that Xiao Che has canceled the marriage. After Elder Lie talked with Qingyue’s father, the marriage was officially canceled.”

Yueli’s face beamed with light before her lips curled up slightly.

“It seems that that boy still understands his position, and knows his own boundaries and limitations.” She looked towards her disciple and smiled. “Since such is the case, there is no need to stay within this city any longer. Go and inform your father that you would be leaving with me. We will be going back to Asgard now.”

“Qingyue understands.”

A week later, at Burning Heaven Clan.

Sect master, followed by all elders, hovered above the main mountain of the Burning Heaven Clan; all of them had deep frowns plastered over their faces, expressing their confusion and dissatisfaction.

Far in front of them, two girls stood upon the empty air, their faces hidden behind a thin veil; one icy blue while the other fiery red.

Despite this, it was impossible to ignore the peculiarity of their existence as one of them had icy blue eyes while the other fiery red, one wore ice blue robes while the other crimson. The most striking thing about them would be that despite their loose robes, one could clearly feel their blood boiling in their presence; their beauty and allure was completely out of this world!

“Uncle Duanhun, hurry up and surrender. From today’s forward, the Burning Heaven Clan shall belong to us!” The girl with fairy red hair announced with a puff of her chest, obviously proud of her declaration.

“Um. As long as you are willing to become our subordinate, we will let you live too!” Added the other girl with ice robes.

“Sister, no! We should make them slaves! Did you forget what Elder Brother said? He said, ‘If you really want to make someone surrender to you, make them your slave. That’s the best way. It’s not like they would have any use if they were defeated by you. The best they can do is swipe the floor or some shit.’” The girl in fiery red cleared her throat and started to imitate someone, probably a male with how she was trying to deepen her voice tone.

“Ah, yes! Surrender and become our slaves, that way, we will let you live!” The woman in icy blue hurriedly changed her tone and renounced.

“Crack…” The people of Burning Heaven Clan had bloodshot eyes and veins popped on their foreheads, dense hot profound energy leaving their bodies.

Duanhun looked at the two flying girls in the air and declared between angered gnashing of his teeth.

“Never had this old man felt so angry… This old man doesn’t care who the two fairies are… If you two didn’t give this old man any explanation today, do not blame this old man for beating some sense into you two.”

Despite his anger, Duanhun retained some sense of rationality. The fact that these two girls came knocking at the doors of their sect, their background must not be normal. Duanhun wanted to make sure he didn’t end up angering the wrong tiger; as long as it is someone they can defy, it shouldn’t be too late to kill these two girls.

“Ah, we forgot to introduce ourselves. Ahem, I am Feng Hanyue!” Said the one with crimson eyes.

“And I am Feng Hanxue.” Answered the one with icy robes.

Duanhun’s eyes widened before they narrowed, frown once again replacing his expression before he inquired.

“By any chance… Do the two fairies belong to the Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace?”

“—!?”

“How does the uncle know?!” Hanxue looked at her sister in disbelief before a silly smile appeared over her face. “Sister, we are popular it seems… Asgard Mistress never told us that we were this popular.”

“Good! Good! It seems that Frozen Cloud Asgard doesn’t fear heaven anymore and dares to attack other sects so blatantly!” Duanhun laughed loudly before he pointed towards the twin and loudly declared. “Today, no one shall leave the grounds of Burning Heaven Clan unless Asgard Mistress herself comes with an explanation!”

Hanyue and Hanxue blinked rapidly before both of them looked at each other.

“Sister, what should we do? He is not surrendering.”

“Hmmm.” Hanyue pinched her chin and went into deep thought, a frown over her face, she loudly hummed to show how deep in thoughts she was.

“Ah, alright!” Suddenly, her expression brightened. She looked down at Duanhun and everyone else before loudly saying. “Let’s beat them until they understand!”

“Ohh! You are so smart, sister! Um! Let’s do that!”

“Okay, okay! Hanyue will start first!”

Looking at the two girls who completely disregarded their presence and talked among each other, jumping excitedly like some kids, Duanhun almost had his veins burst due to anger and almost coughed blood.

In his whole life, never has he felt so humiliated!

“You—!?” He raised his hand and pointed his finger towards the twin, but his action stopped midway and his eyes almost bulged out as he stared at the gigantic ball of pure heat forming above Hanyue’s finger.

They were from Burning Heaven Clan, and they took pride in their flames. But staring at the ball of flame, particularly a sun itself, blooming above Hanyue’s head, Duanhun and the elders from the Burning Heaven Clan felt their throats parched.

“W-wai—”

“Annnd~ Eat this!”

A loud “om” sound resounded as the space around the ball seemed to be distorted beyond recognition. As if cutting through the space itself, the ball of flames appeared in front of the elders and the sect master of Burning Heaven Clan before bursting into a beautiful lotus, a phoenix jumping out from it and consuming every single elder and Duanhun with it.

The world seemed to be illuminated by the sudden emergence of a phoenix that screeched loudly, announcing its presence to the world; the divine presence of Hanyue’s bloodline burst out of her body in an instant, taking over everything around her.

“Ahhhh, Hanyue! You idiot! What if you killed them?! The Asgard Mistress will be angry!”

“Humph! It's’ not Hanyue’s fault… It’s hard to control the strength at Tyrant Profound Realm and to not kill weak people…”

“... You make sense.” Hanxue suddenly nodded. “It cannot be helped. Hanxue will freeze them so they don’t die of heat!”

As the “brilliant” idea appeared in her mind, she raised her hand and pointed a finger at the burning fiery lotus. Next instant, intense coldness spread out as it instantly froze everything in sight.

It did not matter if the target to freeze was a tangible structure or an intangible existence, everything seemed to be frozen in a blink of an eye.

As the ice lotus cracked to dust particles, Duanhun and the elders appeared; all of them were frozen solid where one could see clear burns on their bodies. It seemed that Hanxue saved them before they were burnt to ashes.

“Hanxue, you froze them! How can we talk with them if they are like this?”

“Ugh… It’s hard to control strength in the Tyrant Profound Realm…”

“Hm. It cannot be helped, Hanyue will use her flames to melt them.”

“Okay.”

“Hanyue, too many flames! They will die! Freeze!”

“You froze them again! Flames!”

“Freeze!”

“Flames!”

“...”

The disciples of the Burning Heaven Clan that stood below could only blankly stare at the process of burning and freezing above them, a chill like never before crawled their whole existence as they scattered like fleeing deer instantly.

No one even bothered to go out and help those elders, no one… they were too scared for their own lives from the madwoman above.

AN: Such a weird week... Government almost announced Martial Law due to political instability and arousing chances of civil war. Fuu~, almost didn't die kekw. On the bright note, I will be completely free by the end of this week.

Please, do NOT shy to share your thoughts... Also, recommendation for the first world are always welcome.