Wood Style And Sharingan

Smith was afraid his father would change his mind, so he quickly agreed and followed Jiang Lei to the family's storage room to retrieve the demon cores.

Even though he was originally promised ten second-level and three third-level demon cores, Smith wasn't about to argue. Some demon cores were better than none. And he was curious—just how valuable were these second- and third-tier cores?

As they walked together toward the warehouse, Jiang Lei used the opportunity to educate his son.

"Demon cores are the condensed energy source found inside a monster's body," Jiang Lei explained. "Just like how humans have a spiritual core to store spiritual energy, monsters have theirs. The difference is, once we humans die, our spiritual energy dissipates. But with monsters, the power remains locked inside the core even after death."

Smith listened attentively.

"That's why demon cores are considered highly valuable. They can be used in weapons, embedded into barriers, or—though not recommended—refined and absorbed by humans. Absorbing them is risky and unstable."

"I see." Smith nodded. He already knew most of this from the system, but it didn't hurt to get his dad's perspective.

When they finally arrived at the warehouse, Jiang Lei stopped at the door and turned around. His expression had grown serious.

"Smith," he said, crossing his arms, "before I hand these over, I want you to be honest with me. What exactly do you need the demon cores for? If you don't give me a clear answer, you're not getting them."

Smith knew his father wouldn't budge unless he had a solid explanation. So, he took a breath and said seriously, "Dad, I'm using them to develop new supernatural techniques—not for absorption. I need a steady energy source to experiment, and demon cores are perfect for that kind of energy output."

"Developing new powers…?" Jiang Lei raised an eyebrow. "That requires demon cores?"

"Well, has anyone else tried to create new wood-type abilities before?" Smith reasoned. "The wood techniques I'm using now were developed by experimenting with demon cores. It's part of the process."

That explanation not only satisfied Jiang Lei but also helped maintain Smith's secret. It justified where his powers were coming from and offered a cover story the system could support.

Jiang Lei's serious face broke into a wide grin. "My son really is a genius! Using demon cores to develop supernatural abilities… You really are worthy of the name Jiang Lei's son!"

With a hearty laugh, he opened the warehouse. Inside, he pulled a hidden panel on the wall, revealing a secret compartment.

Inside were five large transparent jars, each filled with a crimson preservation liquid. Floating within were colorful, glowing demon cores. Smith recognized the setup—this special fluid was designed to prevent the energy inside the cores from leaking or decaying over time.

Each jar had a label and was neatly organized by level and monster type.

"Originally," Jiang Lei said proudly, "I was only going to give you ten second-level and three third-level cores. But since you're using them to develop new techniques… you can have all of them!"

Smith's eyes sparkled. "Seriously?! Thanks, Dad!"

He hurried over and read the labels with curiosity:

Second-Level Storm Eagle – Wind Element

Second-Level Flamingo – Fire Element

Second-Level Mountain Guarding Tiger – Earth Element

Second-Level Thunder Leopard – Lightning Element

Second-Level Rage Seal – Water Element

Each jar held a unique set of five cores, and Smith quickly noticed that there were no duplicates.

As for the third-level demon cores:

Level 3 Corruption Python

Level 3 Wild Falcon

Level 3 Amethyst Lion

Level 3 Colorful Python

Level 3 Pangtian Worm

"Monsters usually possess only one of the five basic elemental powers," Smith murmured, examining them, "and occasionally a rare unique ability. Humans have a much more diverse range of abilities."

"There are twenty second-level demon cores and five third-level ones here," Jiang Lei said. "You can take them all."

"Hey Dad, why aren't there any fourth- or fifth-level cores?" Smith asked curiously.

Jiang Lei's expression immediately darkened. "Do you think your old man is some kind of walking treasure vault? Do you have any idea how hard it is to get a fourth- or fifth-level demon core?"

Smith chuckled, unconvinced. "Come on, you're a fifth-level psychic! You must have at least a few hidden away."

Jiang Lei groaned. "Being fifth-level doesn't mean I can just go out and pluck fifth-level demon cores from trees! Besides, I already donated most of them to your academy. They're valuable strategic materials!"

"Alright, alright," Smith grinned. "But if you ever come across a few spares… remember your favorite son."

"You little brat!" Jiang Lei growled. "You better come up with something useful from these cores, or I swear I'll tan your hide! And forget about fourth- and fifth-tier cores until then!"

"Got it!" Smith quickly swept up the jars and dashed off before his dad could change his mind again.

"Oh! And Dad—can we have sweet and sour ribs tonight? Also braised pork with pickled veggies and fish tofu!"

"YOU LITTLE—!!"

Jiang Lei's roar echoed down the hallway as Smith escaped upstairs, arms full of demon cores, wearing the grin of a thief who'd just struck gold.

Back in his room, Smith closed the door behind him and placed the jars carefully on his desk.

"We hit the jackpot this time…"

Without delay, he called out to the system.

"System, convert all the demon cores into energy points."

---

[System Notification]

20 Second-Level Demon Cores:

10 (Primary) × 200 = 2000 Energy Points

5 (Intermediate) × 240 = 1200 Energy Points

5 (Advanced) × 280 = 1400 Energy Points

5 Third-Level Demon Cores:

5 (Primary) × 300 = 1500 Energy Points

Total: 6100 Energy Points

Would you like to redeem?

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"Yes! Exchange them all!"

---

[Ding! Redemption Successful!]

All twenty-five demon cores disappeared in a flash of light as the system absorbed them.

Smith's total balance shot up to 6300 energy points after adding in his leftover 200 from before.

"I'm rich! RICH!" he shouted, arms raised in triumph.

For the first time, he felt like he could finally go on a proper shopping spree. And where better than the mysterious system shop?

He opened the virtual store.

A wide range of tempting techniques and abilities appeared before him—some he already knew, some too powerful for his current level, and others… just right.

But he reminded himself to be cautious. His current realm was only First-Level Intermediate, and his spiritual energy cap was still limited. Spending on flashy, high-cost jutsu would be wasteful.

Instead, his eyes scanned the Discounted Items section:

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[Mystery Shop – 10% Off Section]

Flying Thunder God Technique

5000 Energy Points (Spiritual energy cost: 500/use)

Wood Style: Woodman Technique

1000 Energy Points (Spiritual energy cost: 1000/use)

Mangekyō Sharingan: Susanoo

3000 Energy Points (500 spiritual energy per use + 10/sec sustain)

Multiple Shadow Clone Technique

500 Energy Points (10 spiritual energy per clone)

Illusion: Shackling Technique – 80 Points (Already owned)

Spiritual Insight – 80 Points (Already owned)

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Smith rubbed his hands together. "Let's go shopping…"

pàtreøn (Gk31)