That’s right. This was Fang Rui’s golden finger!

’Tribulation... from my understanding, it means to overcome a tribulation and, in turn, be blessed by providence. That is the essence of Tribulation.’

In a chaotic world, there was no shortage of calamities. The slightest ill will from a powerful figure could become a disaster for a common person, enough to devastate an entire family.

But how does one overcome a tribulation?

You could shatter it with force, cleverly borrow strength, or—by seeing the writing on the wall—nip the disaster in the bud!

’For the better part of a month, I’ve been cautious, keeping a low profile with my mother and sister. I must have avoided some trouble without realizing it, which is how I accumulated Tribulation.’

In fact, after understanding the principle behind Tribulation, Fang Rui had tried to find loopholes by faking situations.

But it didn’t work.

You can fool others, and you can even fool yourself, but you can’t fool the fundamental nature of things. It’s like not having the ability of a PhD; even if you buy a diploma, you still lack the actual skill.

’The Nourishing Body Skill in the Cultivation Technique section? It’s a family heirloom, a type of Health Cultivation Skill. Although it’s not a high-grade technique, it can still be used to reach Entry Grade through martial arts.’

The difference was that with other High-Level Cultivation Techniques, you could reach Entry Grade as a novice by using certain medicinal pastes. But with the Nourishing Body Skill, you had to reach the Initial Glimpse stage, which required a certain depth of study.

’Unfortunately, this body’s aptitude and comprehension are poor. I haven’t been able to grasp that crucial insight to break through, so I haven’t reached Entry Grade yet!’

As for Fang’s Medical Skill in the Skills section, that’s what his predecessor learned from childhood. It was his livelihood, so there’s not much to say about it.

The Immortality in the Divine Techniques section came with the panel. When Fang Rui first saw it, he was ecstatic, but it was grayed out.

The information Fang Rui perceived was that he could spend a massive amount of Tribulation Points to fully activate the Immortality Divine Technique. Afterward, it would consume a small number of Tribulation Points daily to maintain his body in its peak state.

The other option was to spend a certain number of Tribulation Points to activate it temporarily for a one-time rejuvenation effect, after which he would continue to age normally.

Fang Rui actually understood this point quite well.

After all, the energy required to maintain immortality and fight against the erosion of time had to be immense.

If it came without a cost, simply taking from the void, it would only make him feel uneasy.

Fang Rui firmly believed in one principle: there’s no such thing as a free lunch. Every gift from fate already has a price tag attached.

’Rather than getting something for nothing, I trust in my own two hands to provide for me.’

With the Immortality Divine Technique, as long as he had enough Tribulation Points, Fang Rui could have a limitless lifespan. He would never die of old age!

Of course, for someone who was only fifteen or sixteen, it was too early to be thinking about such things.

’Over the past half-month, I only managed to accumulate a little over forty Tribulation Points. But today, by averting the two disasters involving Lord Hu and my mother, my Tribulation Points shot up to 138... That seems reasonable.’

’Both the Nourishing Body Skill and Fang’s Medical Skill now have a ’+’ next to them, but that doesn’t mean I can upgrade both at once.’

Fang Rui wasn’t letting the 138 Tribulation Points go to his head; he remained clear-minded. ’It’s very likely that after I upgrade one of them, the ’+’ next to the other will disappear because I won’t have enough Tribulation Points left.’

Compared to Fang’s Medical Skill, upgrading the Nourishing Body Skill was obviously more urgent.

After all, in a chaotic world, martial strength is what matters most!

’I noticed I had enough Tribulation Points this afternoon, but while a normal breakthrough doesn’t take long, there’s no guarantee an upgrade via the panel won’t have unexpected side effects... That’s why I waited until now.’

’The time is now!’

A hint of anticipation appeared in Fang Rui’s eyes. ’This body’s aptitude and comprehension aren’t good enough, so I’ll use this cheat to make up for it... No, wait, what cheat? This is all my own hard work!’

’Add the point!’

He focused his consciousness on the ’+’ next to the Nourishing Body Skill.

Instantly.

The Tribulation Points on the panel began to drain away like sand in an hourglass.

At the same time, a cool, gurgling stream of energy surged from his mind and roamed throughout his body. A small portion was absorbed by his organs, but the majority flowed toward his skin.

Fang Rui felt like he was taking a cool shower on a hot summer day. It was refreshing but not cold, and his skin began to itch slightly, as if someone were tickling him with a feather.

In less than ten breaths, the cool stream in his mind vanished, and the sensation disappeared with it.

’Is it over?’

Fang Rui subconsciously looked at the panel again.

[Name: Fang Rui]

[Tribulation: 88]

[Cultivation Technique: Nourishing Body Skill (Initial Glimpse)]

[Realm: Ninth Grade (Skin Grinding)]

[Skills: Fang’s Medical Skill (Skilled)]

[Divine Techniques: Immortality (Grayed Out)]

...

’I broke through! The Nourishing Body Skill is at the Initial Glimpse level! And I’m at the Ninth Grade Skin Grinding Realm!’

’But... did it really cost 50 Tribulation Points?’

Fang Rui’s gaze shifted to the Skills section, a flash of understanding in his eyes. ’Just as I thought. My earlier worry wasn’t for nothing. After the Nourishing Body Skill broke through, the ’+’ next to Fang’s Medical Skill disappeared. Does that mean upgrading Fang’s Medical Skill beyond the Skilled level requires more Tribulation Points?’

’Oh well. I’ll just save the remaining Tribulation Points for now.’

With a thought, the panel of light shrank back into a tiny speck, completely unnoticeable to the naked eye.

Then, he began to examine the changes after reaching Entry Grade.

’I feel so strong!’

Fang Rui stood up and stretched. The feeling of weakness in his body was gone, replaced by what felt like a significant increase in strength.

After a moment of thought, he eyed the thick, heavy, clumsy wooden bed. He gripped its frame with both hands, and with a sudden heave, he actually lifted the wooden bed right up!

That would have been absolutely impossible before.