My Naija Guy In the Cultivation World

Chapter 20: The Weight of Weakness

Pain coursed through Kayode's body as he struggled to sit upright. His hands trembled, clutching at the dirt beneath him. His Golden Core was shattered, his Qi in disarray, and his pride lay in ruins. The mocking laughter of the Coiled Serpent Sect's leader echoed in his mind, a cruel reminder of his helplessness.

Through gritted teeth, he growled, "System! Oba! Where were you when I needed you?"

The silence stretched for a moment before the system's cold, calculated voice cut through the air.

"Kayode, blaming others for your weakness is the hallmark of failure. You are not entitled to rescue every time you falter. Your survival depends on your strength."

Oba materialized atop a nearby rock, his golden eyes narrowing with irritation. "Oh, now you're angry? Let me remind you, Kayode, I'm not even a year old, and yet I've hidden from, escaped, and even killed Nascent Soul cultivators like they're weeds." His tail lashed sharply as he continued. "Meanwhile, you, with all the advantages of your bloodline, a powerful system, and access to techniques, couldn't hold your ground."

Kayode's fists clenched, his anger simmering just below the surface. "Don't you dare compare me to you, Oba! You've always been strong! I've had to claw my way up from nothing!"

Oba leapt down, landing gracefully in front of Kayode. His tone was icy as he spoke. "And whose fault is it that you're still this weak? Did I stop you from cultivating? Did the system stop you from growing stronger? No. You've been relying on crutches, expecting others to save you when you're in trouble. That's not how the cultivation world works, boy."

The system's voice joined in, its tone unyielding. "You have the tools, the opportunities, and the potential, Kayode. But instead of pushing yourself to the limits, you wait for someone to hand you power on a silver platter. The Coiled Serpent Sect's leader didn't break you. Your own complacency did."

Kayode's breath hitched as their words struck deep. His anger wavered, giving way to a flood of frustration and shame. "I… I tried," he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Trying isn't enough," Oba snapped, his golden eyes blazing. "This world doesn't care about your efforts. It only respects results. You were given the chance to build yourself up, but instead, you let arrogance and laziness blind you. And look where it got you."

Kayode's head bowed, tears of anger and humiliation streaming down his face. "So what do I do now? My Golden Core is shattered. I'm… useless."

The system's voice softened slightly but remained firm. "You're not useless, Kayode. You're at a crossroads. You can wallow in self-pity, or you can rise from this setback stronger than ever. Shattered Golden Cores are not the end; they are a chance to rebuild, to forge something unbreakable."

Oba flicked his tail, his tone less biting. "You've seen the cruelty of this world. Now, stop whining and start acting. Use that rage, that pain, and channel it into becoming someone even I would respect."

Kayode's trembling hands steadied as he wiped the tears from his face. The fire in his eyes reignited, tempered by determination. "You're right," he said, his voice firm. "I've been weak. But no more. I'll rebuild myself, and I'll surpass every obstacle in my path."

Oba smirked, his sharp teeth glinting. "Good. Now stop sulking and get to work. We're wasting time."

---

A New Resolve

Kayode pushed himself to his feet, his body screaming in protest. Every step was agony, but he refused to falter. He had faced death and humiliation, and now he would face the path ahead with unyielding resolve.

As he walked deeper into the forest, the system spoke again. "Kayode, you need to find a secluded place to recover and begin rebuilding your foundation. I will guide you through the process of forming a new core, one that will surpass the limitations of your previous one."

Oba padded alongside him, his golden eyes gleaming with approval. "And don't forget, you're not alone. You have the system, your bloodline, and me. But don't expect me to carry you, boy. You'll have to earn every step forward."

Kayode nodded, his resolve solidifying with each step. "I'll show this world what I'm capable of. This isn't the end—it's just the beginning."

To Be Continued…