Infinite Awakening: My Exp Doubles Everyday novel Chapter 2

Chapter 2: Basic Knife Technique

Xiang Yu perched on a smooth stone outside his humble hut, the mountain breeze tousling his hair as he gazed across the sprawling Azure Cloud Sect. He'd finally managed to convince Li Yao to leave, claiming illness that required solitary meditation. The memory of her concerned eyes and reluctant departure lingered in his mind.

"Sorry, Junior Sister," he murmured to the wind. It wasn't that she lacked appeal—in fact, she was breathtaking by any standard. But Xiang Yu had more pressing concerns than romance, namely survival. In cultivation novels, getting involved with the female lead was practically signing your own death warrant. Every martial arts story he'd ever read made that abundantly clear: touch the protagonist's love interest, die a gruesome death. Simple mathematics.

"I'd rather live a billion boring years than die gloriously tomorrow," he sighed, turning his attention to the translucent blue screen hovering before him.

Since his abrupt arrival in this world, he'd barely explored his system—not that there was much to explore. The interface remained stubbornly minimal: one function, double experience, activating once every 24 hours. Unfortunately, he had no idea when the timer had started. Logic suggested it might reset at midnight, which meant he could be wasting precious doubling time.

"Double nothing is still nothing," he muttered, flicking through the empty stat screen. "I need to find something—anything—to cultivate before the day ends."

Without further deliberation, Xiang Yu stood and dusted off his plain robes. The Scripture Pavilion would be his destination—one of ten major pavilions comprising the Azure Cloud Sect's core facilities. Each pavilion operated under an elder's authority; his own Mountain Heart Pavilion fell under Elder Guo Shantian's jurisdiction.

His memories—or rather, his body's previous inhabitant's memories—told him that Elder Guo had discovered him in a mortal town after some catastrophic battle. Found him alone, orphaned, seemingly the sole survivor of some terrible conflict.

"Perfect protagonist backstory," Xiang Yu snorted as he walked the winding path toward the Scripture Pavilion. "Let's hope I'm not some long-lost prince or hidden dragon. I don't need ancient enemies or royal responsibilities. I still want to live for a few billion more years, please."

The Scripture Pavilion loomed ahead, an impressive structure of carved stone and polished wood rising several stories into the sky. Xiang Yu straightened his posture and entered, immediately feeling the weight of dozens of stares.

"Is that the trash senior brother from Mountain Heart Pavilion?" a whisper reached his ears, deliberately loud enough for him to hear.

"I heard he has absolutely no spiritual roots," another voice added with undisguised mockery.

"Shh, he'll hear you!" a third warned, followed by poorly suppressed laughter.

Xiang Yu kept his expression neutral. Let them laugh. He didn't harbor fantasies of face-slapping these arrogant young cultivators—that was protagonist behavior, which inevitably led to trouble. Better they mock him than remember him. Invisibility was his greatest protection.

Approaching the front desk, Xiang Yu cupped his hands respectfully in the traditional greeting. "Xiang Yu is here to request a scripture," he said, carefully modulating his tone to be neither imposing nor servile. The last thing he needed was to antagonize the gatekeeper to knowledge.

The scripture dean looked up, recognition dawning in his eyes. "Oh, isn't this the senior brother of Mountain Heart Pavilion?" The mockery in his voice was thinly veiled, dripping with condescension.

Xiang Yu's heart sank, but he maintained his polite demeanor. "Yes, that's me."

"Sorry," the dean smirked, leaning back in his chair. "We don't have scriptures for people who can't cultivate."

Inwardly, Xiang Yu cursed his luck. Day one in a cultivation world, and he couldn't even get his hands on the most basic manual.

...

Xiang Yu stood motionless, absorbing the dean's refusal with resigned calm. The mocking smile on the administrator's face told him everything he needed to know—this was a purposeful humiliation, not merely adherence to rules. With a slight nod of acknowledgment, Xiang Yu turned to leave, his footsteps echoing in the suddenly quiet pavilion.

What did you expect? That he'd pound his chest and declare, "Thirty years in Hedong and thirty years in Hexi, don't bully the young and poor!" like some clichéd protagonist? Let's be serious here. That kind of outburst wouldn't earn him a righteous victory—it would earn him a swift, merciless death. No need to wait thirty years for karmic retribution when the dean could simply erase his existence with a casual flick of the wrist.

Xiang Yu knew the rules of this world better than its own inhabitants. Main characters shouted defiance. Supporting characters kept their heads down. Cannon fodder made empty threats. He had no intention of fulfilling any of those roles.

Oh no, Xiang Yu thought desperately. I appreciate the support, Master, but please don't create drama on my behalf. The last thing I need is for this dean to nurse a grudge until I'm alone somewhere.

Xiang Yu smiled respectfully, bowing with perfect form. "Disciple thanks the master." _{f\r(e)ewe.b no\vel.com}

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