Ding!
Beep!
Tink!
The unrecognizable planet was spinning in front of Noa. It had red hues and a lot of water, even more than Earth.
"What is this planet?" he asked. "Do I really have to go there? It looks barren and uninhabitable."
Tsk.
Noa heard a weird sound, but before he questioned its origin, the system spoke.
[This is a planet called Ligma. It's a cultivation world filled with ancient beasts, eternal qi rivers, divine sects, and spiritual veins.]
Even the system's robotic voice sounded excited. [What do you think, host? This is amazing, right?]
For a webnovel enthusiast, the cultivation world was nothing but a foreign dream. Even though Noa wasn't exactly well-versed in eastern fantasy, he remembered spending a restless night in his childhood, reading about heaven-defying legends.
He had imagined himself as an immortal practitioner, yearning to experience some of it. But now that his taste had changed, he wasn't so sure anymore.
Not that he would decline the offer.
"How should I leap through the dimension?" he posed a question.
[All you need to do is touch the system panel. Have a safe trip!] the system answered.
'I guess I am about to fulfill my childhood wish. Damn, I should have read more Xianxia novels,' Noa reflected and touched the unseen window.
Immediately, his vision shifted, his body being sucked into the system panel. He had no moment to scream as he vanished from Earth.
One second later, Noa burst his eyes open and saw a completely new world.
Ash Peak Continent, Black Flame Empire, inside the Hollow Jade City.
The heart of the city pulsed with intense energy, and the noise of the bustling street made Noa question the reality.
At every corner, merchants shouted, advertising their herbs, ancient scrolls, or just qi-imbued items. People seemed to wear silky robes stitched with countless unique patterns.
Cultivators moved through the streets with eerie confidence, carrying spirit coins and talking about martial arts techniques.
Wooden signs showed alchemy, smiths, dao kitchens, and fortune tellers. On one corner, the flute played as youngsters recounted their adventures.
The spirit beasts followed their path, almost hitting Noa. After apologizing to the angry driver, he tried to study everything around him as the new world increased his heartbeat.
[Host, do you like it?]
The cool breath fluttered his hair. He looked out of place and didn't need the reminder from the constant stares he was getting.
Still, there was nothing bad Noa could say. "I love it."
'This is a true Xianxia world,' he added inwardly.
[But, host, your meridians are sealed; you can't cultivate. I told you money is the greatest power.]
"What?" Noa exclaimed.
It was within his expectations, but it still stung his heart.
[Now you should start with your missions and open the first establishment in this city.]
His first mission was to buy any item in this dimension, meaning he needed money from this world. But Noa was a poor fellow; his pockets were almost empty.
"Do I need to find ways to make money first? Should I just start working?" he asked.
[I doubt anyone would take you, Host. But worry not, as a Dimension Tycoon, you won't have to work for anyone ever again. Especially when you have me.]
The system was definitely boasting. But the next window that popped up improved Noa's already lifted spirits.
[Dollar to Spirit Coin exchange rate:
1 Lesser Spirit Coin = $1
1 Refined Spirit Coin = 100 Lesser Spirit Coins = $100
1 True Spirit Coin = 100 Refined Spirit Coins = $10,000]
"Give me more details on how much each of them is worth in this world," Noa instructed.
[A single Refined Spirit Coin is enough to cover one year's worth of living expenses for an average family. As for the True Coins, only cultivators use them.]
Noa spent the next ten seconds considering his next actions.
"Let's just exchange everything I have," he said boldly. "I need spirit coins more than a cheap change from Earth."
[Wise choice,] the system praised and added. [It's done. 12 Refined Spirit Coins and 30 Lesser Spirit Coins are added to your inventory. Spend them just as wisely.]
Feeling excited about the new adventure, Noa chose the stall to complete his mission. The merchant was a short, middle-aged guy with a belly and a smile on his face.
"Hello, boss man. What are you selling today?" Noa asked, nearing a wooden booth.
The man eyed him but showed no reaction. Sensing a potential customer, he wasn't about to let Noa slip away—no matter how strange he looked.
"Speak your need, boy. Did something catch your eye?" he asked in a soft voice, trying to win him over.
"You have a fine stall. As for the items I need, can I take a look?" Noa asked, leaning against the counter, palms flat on its edges.
Nodding, the man showed his teeth. He was visibly content with Noa's flattery and allowed him to touch every item he could reach.
"Can you explain what those items are?" he asked the system in his mind.
The shelves were filled to the brim with interesting stuff Noa wanted to buy for himself.
For example, spirit-imbued tools, such as knives and fire-starting stones. Pills and elixirs also caught his attention, proving that he was indeed in a Xianxia world.
Noa didn't want to spend too much time deciding what to buy. "Can I get these Basic Qi Recovery Pills?" he asked.
"Sure. 1 Refined Coin," the shopkeeper answered, putting the pill in a paper bag.
"Add one Stamina Recovery Pill and one Detoxifying Pill while you are at it," Noa instructed, planning to feed them to his family.
"Coming right up. Your total is 3 Refined Coins. Is there anything more you need?" the man asked, trying to sell him more.
"No need," Noa said, and paid after giving the man coins from his inventory.
» [Mission: Buy an Item from Another Dimension Completed.]
» [Reward: $200; Option to Open your Merchandise.]