Rise of the Ultimate Profit System

[Updated Attribute Panel] Host: Ed Val

Strength: 37 → 40

Speed: 30 → 33

Endurance: 26 → 29

Luck: ???

Skills: Basic Combat, Market Manipulation, Enhanced Reflexes, Pressure Point Strike, Shadow Evasion

Special Skill: Personal Space Storage

The air around Ed thickened as the massive figure descended, landing with a ground-shaking impact. Dust and debris shot into the air, obscuring his features momentarily. The other cultivators immediately retreated, making way for the newcomer—a true powerhouse.

As the dust settled, Ed took in the sight before him. The man was built like a fortress, muscles taut and radiating sheer strength. His long, blood-red robe swayed with his every movement, and his piercing golden eyes locked onto Ed with calculated interest.

"Who are you?" Ed asked cautiously, his muscles already tensed for battle.

A slow smirk spread across the man's face. "Kiel Vargas, of the Crimson Moon Sect."

Lucian clicked his tongue. "Great. Just what we needed—a representative from one of the emerging factions."

Kiel chuckled, completely ignoring Lucian. His eyes never left Ed. "I saw your fight. For someone new to the cultivation world, you're adapting quite well." His smirk deepened. "But you're still too weak."

Ed knew that provocation when he heard it, but instead of reacting emotionally, he took a deep breath and steadied himself. His system had given him a power boost, but against someone like Kiel, he wasn't sure how wide the gap still was.

"System, analyze Kiel's power level."

[Analysis Failed: Target's power level surpasses current analysis capabilities.]

Ed internally cursed. That meant one thing—Kiel was far beyond his current level.

"I'll give you a chance," Kiel continued. "Kneel and pledge your loyalty to the Crimson Moon Sect, and I'll personally oversee your cultivation. I'll even help you exact your revenge."

Ed's fists clenched at the mention of revenge. He had his own path. He wouldn't let anyone dictate it for him. "I refuse."

Kiel sighed dramatically. "A pity." Then, without warning, he vanished.

Ed barely had time to react before he felt an immense force slam into his side. He barely managed to activate Shadow Evasion, his body flickering out of the way, but Kiel was too fast. A follow-up strike landed squarely against his ribs, sending him flying through a nearby building.

The walls crumbled around him as he coughed up blood, his vision blurring momentarily. The difference in power was staggering.

Lucian didn't move to help. Instead, he watched with keen interest. "Well, kid, let's see if you're really worth all the fuss."

Ed groaned as he pushed himself up. The pain was real, but so was the thrill. This was what it meant to fight against a true cultivator.

He wiped the blood from his lip and grinned. "Not bad," he admitted. "But I'm not done yet."

Kiel's eyes gleamed with amusement. "Good. Then let's see how long you can entertain me."

The second clash was even fiercer. Ed pushed his body to the limit, using Shadow Evasion to weave through Kiel's relentless attacks. He countered with Pressure Point Strike, aiming for nerve clusters to disrupt Kiel's movements.

Kiel grinned through the pain, his battle lust ignited. "Interesting! You actually know how to fight!"

But Ed knew he was barely holding on. He needed an opening—a way to turn the tide.

[System Alert: Emergency Mission Activated]

Survive against a superior opponent for 5 minutes.Reward: Unknown Skill Unlock

Five minutes. It felt like an eternity in battle, but Ed had no choice.

The fight raged on, shaking the entire district. Spectators gathered, watching in awe. Some whispered that Ed was a monster for lasting so long against Kiel. Others scoffed, saying it was only a matter of time before he fell.

Lucian remained silent, analyzing every move. "He's adapting…" he muttered. "He might actually have a chance."

The final minute arrived. Ed was exhausted, his movements sluggish. Kiel, on the other hand, was still grinning, barely winded.

"This is the end," Kiel declared, raising his hand. Cultivation energy crackled around him, forming a crimson blade of raw power.

Ed's heart pounded. He had one last chance.

[System Alert: Mission Completed. Unlocking New Skill—Phantom Step]

A rush of energy flooded Ed's body. Instinctively, he moved. His body blurred, splitting into three afterimages. Kiel's blade struck one—only for it to dissipate like mist.

"What?!" Kiel's eyes widened.

Ed appeared behind him, his palm already glowing. "Pressure Point Strike—Enhanced!"

The hit connected, sending a shockwave through Kiel's body. For the first time, the mighty cultivator staggered.

Ed didn't waste the chance. He used Phantom Step again, his afterimages creating a dizzying effect. Kiel swung wildly but hit nothing.

And then—

Ed's fist met Kiel's jaw, sending the powerhouse crashing into the ground.

The battlefield fell silent.

Lucian's smirk widened. "Well, well. That just made things a lot more interesting."

Kiel lay in the rubble, his body twitching. Then, to everyone's shock, he laughed.

"That… was fun." He pushed himself up, wiping the blood from his mouth. "You're the real deal, kid. I'll be seeing you again."

Then, before Ed could react, Kiel's body flickered—and he was gone.

Ed collapsed to one knee, breathing hard. His vision blurred, exhaustion taking hold.

[Level Up: Strength +3, Speed +3, Endurance +3]

[New Skill Acquired: Phantom Step]

Lucian walked over, offering a hand. "Looks like you just made a powerful enemy. Or maybe… a valuable rival."

Ed took the hand, standing up with a weary grin. "Either way… I'm ready for what comes next."

To Be Continued…