Godslayer: Reincarnated with SSS Rank Cultivation System-Chapter 77: Cheated again

The shimmering text before Wen Ran flickered like a fire, each glowing symbol burning into his spiritual consciousness as he studied it with his energy. The strain on his spiritual reserves was immense—each moment he spent observing the text drained him further. Yet, despite the overwhelming fatigue, he refused to give up. Inch by inch, he absorbed the laws into his mind. It was the most difficult approach, but also the fastest. If Wen Ran had more time, he could meditate and slowly internalize the laws, but right now, time was against him. The lava surged steadily closer, and he knew that unless he acted quickly, he would soon be nothing more than a roasted corpse.

I can feel the flame speaking to me, Wen Ran thought, his focus sharpening. The flames surrounding me move in a perfect, ordered dance. Each flicker, each sway, seems to be in tune with the text. The energy emanating from it pulses with the power of life, sending waves of warmth through my body… but it’s not enough. I need to go deeper, to understand the true nature of this flame. Only then can I make it bend to my will.

Without hesitation, Wen Ran extended his hand toward the fire, moving it closer with measured precision. As his fingers neared, he could feel the fire swirl around him, wrapping around his hand like a gentle embrace, almost as if the flame recognized him. But that warmth was fleeting. In mere moments, the heat intensified beyond his tolerance, forcing him to yank his hand back. The skin on his palm had already begun to burn, the sensation sharp and searing.

This fire... it’s not like any ordinary flame, Wen Ran realized with a mixture of awe and frustration. These are advanced fire laws—perhaps even beyond that. No wonder this trial is so brutal. To master this, I must become one with the fire itself... but that will take more than just absorbing its laws. I need to understand its essence, feel its soul.

So this is the problem… Wen Ran thought, his mind racing. This isn’t basic fire law... this is at least advanced, if not higher. If it were anything lower, I would have already mastered it. But now… He clenched his fists in frustration. There’s no way I can learn such high-level fire laws in such a short amount of time. My understanding of the fire element has increased drastically, but it’s still not enough…

Wen Ran’s face twisted with a mix of frustration and resignation. His thoughts grew darker, and he felt himself slowly preparing for the worst. But just as the weight of despair began to settle in, something unexpected happened. A message appeared before him—the one he had been waiting for.

[System has been upgraded successfully]

[New addition: Elemental Understanding]

[Would you like to learn the advanced Fire Law understanding?]

The source of this c𝓸ntent is freewebnøvel.coɱ.

[Condition: 20 years of lifespan]

[Will you accept?]

[YES/NO]

For a brief moment, a glimmer of hope flickered in Wen Ran’s chest, but it was quickly swallowed by a surge of rage and despair. Another 20 years from my life? His thoughts exploded with fury. This system… it really wants to kill me, doesn’t it? Are you freaking kidding me?

Wen Ran stood frozen, weighing the decision that lay before him. His pulse pounded in his ears. Time was running out, and every moment that passed brought him closer to death. He hated the system with every fiber of his being, but there was no other choice. Twenty years of my life is still better than dying here. I can recover those years through cultivation, or maybe even through more... questionable means. He let out a bitter laugh, his resolve hardening. I’ve already stepped onto a path that the world despises. I’ll show them who’s the boss.

With no other options left, Wen Ran made his decision.

I accept.

The moment he did, a shiver ran through his body as the system flooded his mind with new knowledge. His understanding of fire deepened instantly, and he could feel the power of the flame growing stronger inside him. But with that power came an unmistakable emptiness, a void where his years once were. He knew that the system had taken its toll—and yet, despite the gnawing sense of loss, Wen Ran couldn’t help but feel a rush of power surge through him. It was a bitter victory, but a victory nonetheless.

The small fire danced in Wen Ran’s palm, yet despite its size, it was powerful. He felt as if he could burn anything with this flame, and at the same time, create from it. It was a strange, almost mystical feeling—a sensation that only those with a profound understanding of the elements could experience. The fire wasn’t just something he could control now; it felt like an extension of himself, a part of him that he could wield at will.

Wen Ran extended his hand into the fire again, his movements deliberate. Time was running out—only moments remained before the last incense stick would burn to its end. The lava, hot and menacing, was dangerously close, and he knew that if he didn’t act now, there would be no escape. He had no choice but to take this final risk.

Well, it’s now or never… Wen Ran thought with a bitter smile. He chuckled softly, as though mocking his own predicament, and stepped forward. Yet this time, the fire didn’t burn him. No, it wrapped around him like a glove, warm and protective, as though it recognized him. It welcomed him, as if he were its child. The sensation was awe-inspiring, but Wen Ran didn’t feel a sense of triumph. Somehow, there was no joy in this moment, not when he knew he was relying on the system to grow stronger. It felt like cheating.

At least if I hadn’t lost those years from my lifespan, maybe I could enjoy this feeling more. He let out a deep, almost regretful sigh. But deep in his heart, Wen Ran appreciated hard work over the quick gains, but for now, he would walk the path that made him stronger.