The Ultimate Pranker System

Chapter 14: The Cracks Begin to Show

The aftermath of the banquet disaster rippled through the Yin family estate like a silent storm. Whispers filled the halls as servants and guards speculated on what—or who—had caused the chaos. The patriarch, furious at the humiliation, had ordered an internal investigation, and the tension was palpable.

For Adam, it was the perfect cover.

The next morning, he went about his duties with an air of practiced indifference, careful to appear as nothing more than an obedient slave. He scrubbed floors, fetched water, and endured the usual insults from the guards without complaint. But beneath the surface, his mind was a whirlwind of plans.

The Jade Spirit Pendant, his most recent acquisition, was hidden safely beneath his robes. The pendant's faint warmth against his chest was a constant reminder of his growing arsenal. With its ability to enhance spiritual energy recovery, it would be invaluable once he began cultivating in earnest.

But cultivation required more than just tools—it demanded resources, knowledge, and, most importantly, time. And in the Yin family estate, time was a luxury he didn't have.

That evening, as the other slaves prepared to sleep, Adam slipped away to a secluded corner of the estate. The area was overgrown and rarely visited, making it the perfect spot for what he had planned.

Sitting cross-legged on the damp ground, Adam closed his eyes and focused inward.

[Yes] [No]

"Yes," Adam whispered, his voice barely audible.

Adam frowned. "System points?" he muttered. He hadn't seen this resource mentioned before.

Adam's lips curled into a smirk. "So that's how it works," he said. "Fine. Unlock it."

"Yes," Adam said, settling into a more comfortable position.

The air around him seemed to shift as the system guided him through the basics of the technique. The Root Foundation Technique was simple but effective, focusing on drawing spiritual energy from the surrounding environment and channeling it into the body's core.

At first, the process felt foreign, like trying to navigate an unmarked path in the dark. But as Adam followed the system's instructions, he began to feel the faint stirrings of energy flowing into him. It was weak and sporadic, but it was progress.

Hours passed in silence, broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves. By the time Adam opened his eyes, the moon had shifted in the sky, and his body felt lighter, stronger.

Adam exhaled slowly, a sense of accomplishment washing over him. The journey ahead was long, but this was a significant first step.

As he stood and stretched, his thoughts turned to the next phase of his plan. The Root Foundation Technique was a good start, but it was far from enough. He needed a true cultivation technique—one that would allow him to rise above his enemies and claim the power he desired.

And he knew exactly where to start looking.

The Yin family library was a treasure trove of knowledge, containing everything from historical records to advanced cultivation techniques. Access to the library was strictly restricted, but Adam had spent enough time in the estate to know the guards' routines.

The challenge wasn't getting inside—it was finding what he needed without being caught.

Objective: Infiltrate the Yin family library and acquire a cultivation technique.

Bonus Objective: Avoid detection.

Reward: [Tier 2 Mystery Box].

"A mystery box, huh?" Adam muttered, intrigued. The system's rewards were unpredictable, but that was part of the thrill.

The next night, Adam put his plan into motion. He waited until the estate was quiet, then slipped out of the slave quarters. His movements were deliberate, his steps silent as he navigated the darkened corridors.

The library was located in the eastern wing, its entrance guarded by two sentries. Adam observed them from the shadows, noting their movements and the timing of their patrols.

After several minutes, he saw his chance. The guards turned to speak with each other, their attention momentarily diverted. Adam darted forward, his enhanced physique allowing him to move with speed and precision.

He slipped through the library doors and closed them softly behind him. The air inside was cool and faintly scented with aged parchment. Rows of shelves stretched into the darkness, illuminated only by the faint glow of moonlight filtering through the windows.

Adam wasted no time. He moved quickly but carefully, scanning the spines of the scrolls and tomes for anything related to cultivation techniques. Most of the titles were mundane—family records, trade agreements, and basic manuals—but eventually, he found what he was looking for.

A scroll titled [Scarlet River Technique] caught his eye. The name was unfamiliar, but the description intrigued him.

[Scarlet River Technique]: Mid-grade cultivation technique focused on enhancing spiritual energy flow and physical endurance. Suitable for early-stage cultivators.

Adam's heart raced as he tucked the scroll into his robe. This was exactly what he needed.

He turned to leave but froze as a faint sound reached his ears—a soft creak, like the groan of wood under pressure. Someone was coming.

Adam's mind raced as he ducked behind a nearby shelf, his breath shallow. The door to the library opened, and the faint glow of a lantern spilled into the room.

A figure entered, their silhouette tall and imposing. From his hiding spot, Adam recognized them immediately—Yin Xue.

"Of all the people…" Adam thought, his pulse quickening.

Yin Xue moved through the library with purpose, his eyes scanning the shelves. Adam held his breath, his mind calculating his next move.

If Yin Xue discovered him, the consequences would be dire. But if Adam played his cards right, this could be an opportunity to learn even more about the family's secrets.

As Yin Xue stopped to examine a shelf nearby, Adam prepared himself for whatever came next.

End of Chapter 14