Chapter 11: Set a Small Goal First

In the East Sea region, the Level One beast known as the Fang Rabbit, perpetually oppressed, exploited, and humiliated by the renowned powers of the Pirate World, finally experienced a day of reckoning—a day when the downtrodden rose up and tasted the swagger of the mighty. That moment would be immortalized in the annals of the Fang Rabbit race as their highest peak. Likewise, human history books would record this tragic event, leaving future readers both amused and sympathetic.

As for the instigator, Tang Shen never anticipated that his display of bravado would have such far-reaching consequences, shaking the entire game and inspiring tens of thousands to courageously offer themselves as sacrifices to the Fang Rabbits. He was presently enjoying the sight of freshly collected Fang Rabbit meat and teeth in his hands.

He was, indeed, just that remarkable—even searching a corpse could grant him new skills. The exquisite Fang Rabbit meat, processed through the system, was perfectly clean without the need for washing. How convenient!

With a satisfied grin, he stowed the loot in his system backpack and waved grandly, "Disciple, let’s continue hunting monsters."

His stamina bar was still half-full, enough for another Sword Draw Slash. Leading all other players, he couldn’t afford to let anyone catch up. He had thought that Level One beasts were too easy, and his advanced sword-drawing skills would surely suffice against Level Two beasts; he was ready to try his hand.

But soon, a Fang Rabbit spotted Tang Shen, the invader, and boldly launched an attack. This was an unambiguous provocation!

As a model youth of the twenty-first century, Tang Shen possessed fine traditional virtues and was always eager to help others. Since this Fang Rabbit had delivered itself right to his doorstep, he could hardly refuse such an opportunity to lend a hand.

The rabbit’s incisors gleamed coldly, sharp as daggers. Yet Tang Shen remained unruffled; his gaze shifted from casual banter with his young disciple Kuina to a fierce, dazzling brilliance in an instant.

He struck the pose for Sword Draw Slash—an effortlessly cool stance—charging, anticipating, and drawing!

Clang!

The blade flashed, and the Fang Rabbit, as if willingly offering itself, was silenced mid-attack, its eyes still bewildered. It hadn’t seen the blade—only heard the sound and felt a sudden chill—before its body split in two and collapsed to the ground.

Clatter!

The sound of the steel blade returning to its sheath.

Click!

The motion was completed in one smooth, fluid movement, like a stream flowing over rocks.

That feeling—simply exhilarating!

A mere wave of the hand, and a Level One beast was vanquished. This sense of invincibility was positively addictive.

[Ding~ You have slain a Level One beast and gained 1 experience point.]

Listening to the system notification, standing amidst the forest, Tang Shen felt like the center of attention. The feeling was even more thrilling. With a smile and an air of supreme confidence, he bent down to search the corpse—not even death could spare this rabbit from his grasp.

He imagined that, in his disciple’s eyes, he must appear dazzling and radiant—his mastery obvious to all.

But as he bent over, a sudden wave of weakness and fatigue washed over him. With a thud, he collapsed onto the ground, nearly biting into the freshly slain rabbit.

Tang Shen’s mind went blank; the unexpectedness of it all caught him off guard. He was still in the midst of showing off, and now he had made a fool of himself.

He hadn’t anticipated how lifelike this immersive game would be—once his stamina was depleted, his energy truly vanished. He hadn’t noticed it while performing the Sword Draw Slash, but as soon as he moved, the sensation of exhaustion overwhelmed his mind.

He nearly fainted, but his willpower held strong. The feeling was akin to having spent all his strength in a single burst—if he were to describe it vividly, it was like enduring seven rounds in one night: not only were his legs weak, but his entire body felt drained.

“Master!” Kuina cried out in alarm, rushing forward to help Tang Shen lie down properly.

She noticed he was drenched in cold sweat, his muscles twitching—signs of severe stamina depletion.

Tang Shen’s face reddened—how embarrassing, especially in front of his adorable female disciple!

Then, suddenly—

[Kuina’s respect for you +5]

Tang Shen: “......”

Hearing the system notification, Tang Shen was bewildered—his mind frozen.

What was this? Why had his disciple's respect increased again? The previous spike had been mysterious enough. He thought he’d lose face, but never expected this outcome.

Kuina, with her cute, pouty face, declared, “Master, I understand your intentions. I’ll practice hard and never let you down.”

Tang Shen: “????”

Hearing her reply, so similar to her earlier words, Tang Shen was stunned yet again.

What is it that you understand? Are we even in the same world?

He pondered what he’d actually done. Looking at Kuina’s earnest and slightly dumbfounded expression, Tang Shen wondered—did he truly possess something ordinary people lacked? Charisma? Handsomeness? Swagger? He admitted to all, yet remained perplexed.

This time, though, Kuina explained herself: “Despite your extreme fatigue, you remained steady. This strike was even faster than before. You wanted to show me that no matter your condition, no matter the influence of external factors, in the face of a formidable enemy—even when exhausted—you must maintain the power of your sword. You truly are a teacher worthy of respect.”

Her eyes sparkled with admiration as she gazed at Tang Shen lying on the ground.

Tang Shen: “.....”

Her explanation was so reasonable he couldn’t refute it. His face reddened, not from shame but from the effort to suppress laughter. Kuina was simply too adorable—a disciple like her was a treasure. Her words almost convinced him that he really was teaching profound lessons.

He felt a surge of pride—his every word and action could carry such weight.

This sense of being a role model was entirely new.

Then—

“Mm.” Tang Shen responded gently, keeping his tone calm. “It’s good that you understand.”

“Yes, Master.”

Tang Shen felt refreshed, his earlier embarrassment forgotten, replaced by pure contentment.

As a teacher, he realized he must watch his words and actions—he couldn’t set a bad example. Kuina was still young; aside from swordsmanship, her outlook was somewhat unsteady. Though she was determined, her attitude toward life was a bit negative. He needed to guide her—not just in swordsmanship, but in life.

Now that he had taken on a disciple, he had to work hard, too. He couldn’t let his disciple always surpass him—he wasn’t one to live off another’s merit.

To become a qualified teacher, he would strive!

And, for the sake of better displays of swagger, Tang Shen quietly set himself a goal: first, to become a worthy master.