The ethereal glow of the System Market still shimmered in Zhao Feng's mind, each icon a tantalizing promise of power and utility. Yet, more profound than the glittering inventory was the chilling, objective voice of the System itself. "Unit 7... Primordial Expanse Cultivation Interface." It was direct, emotionless, and impossibly knowledgeable. He was the sole recipient of these messages, the only one guided by these unseen prompts, granted access to this unseen store. The questions that had been nagging him for weeks solidified: Why him? Why was he chosen for this unique connection to the 'game'? The answers remained elusive, echoing in the vast silence of his mind, leaving him with a sense of immense, singular burden, and an equally immense, singular opportunity.
He remained hidden amidst the crystalline foliage, observing the rudimentary settlement in the clearing. The cultivators there, busy around their bonfire, were unaware of the profound shift that had just occurred in his journey. This was his first real test of integrating the System's power into his interactions with the emerging world.
"System," Zhao Feng thought, his mental voice clearer and more deliberate now that he knew it would be heard, "Explain 'Primordial Essence' and the items in the market."
The System's voice was immediate, a clinical presence in his thoughts. "Primordial Essence is a fundamental energy currency derived from refining specific environmental Qi formations, completing System objectives, or subduing unique entities. It is the sole medium for transactions within the System Market. Items currently available are foundational, designed to assist nascent Hosts."
He mentally scrolled through the market. He had 50 Primordial Essence. The 'Qi Recovery Potion (Minor)' cost 5 Essence. A 'Basic Detection Scroll' for sensing hidden Qi signatures was 10 Essence. A 'Crude Iron Dagger' was 15 Essence. Nothing seemed overtly "divine" or world-shattering, but he focused on practicality. Approaching an unknown group, he needed information and a safety net.
Decision Point: What to prioritize?
His scholarly mind quickly weighed the options. A weapon was tempting, but physical prowess was secondary to Qi. Qi potions were good, but his cycle was stable now. Detection, however, felt invaluable. Knowledge was power, especially when dealing with unknowns.
"System," he decided, "Purchase 'Basic Detection Scroll'."
"Transaction confirmed. 10 Primordial Essence deducted. Remaining: 40 Primordial Essence. 'Basic Detection Scroll' transferred to Host's inventory."
A small, translucent scroll, shimmering with a faint blue light, materialized in his palm. It felt cool and smooth, radiating a subtle energy. The System then provided brief, mental instructions on how to activate it. With the scroll in hand, a quiet confidence settled over him. He wouldn't be walking in blind.
He took a moment, absorbing the scroll's energy, allowing its essence to flow into his own senses. The world around him shifted again. He now saw faint, layered auras around the cultivators in the clearing – their Qi fluctuations, their emotional states radiating as subtle colors, even whispers of their nascent techniques. Some glowed with robust, healthy green, others flickered with agitated red. One particularly strong signature, deep yellow, seemed to command the bonfire at the center.
Deciding a direct approach was best – concealment could easily be seen as hostile – Zhao Feng stepped out from the crystalline trees. His white robes, now subtly imbued with the purity of his refined Qi, seemed to glow faintly in the soft dawn light. His purple hair, a striking contrast, cascaded over his shoulders, and his purple eyes scanned the clearing with an unyielding intensity.
A gasp rippled through the small camp. Work stopped. Heads turned. These were men and women of varied ages, dressed in rough-spun hides or simple fabrics, their faces hardened by the wild nature of the Primordial Expanse. They carried crude spears, bone axes, or Qi-infused staves. Their Qi signatures, viewed through his activated Detection Scroll, bristled with caution, tinged with curiosity.
The strong yellow aura, belonging to a burly man with a weathered face and a thick, braided beard, stepped forward. His Qi pulsed with an earthy strength, like solid rock. He clutched a heavy, stone-tipped staff.
"Who are you, stranger?" the man boomed, his voice deep and resonant, his Qi rippling outward like an aggressive ripple. "This territory is claimed by the Stone Hearth Clan. You trespass."
Zhao Feng met his gaze, unflinching. The Detection Scroll told him this man, while strong for this early stage, was primarily a body cultivator, relying on brute force and earthy Qi. His own refined Qi, though less outwardly imposing, was purer, more versatile.
"I am Zhao Feng," he stated, his voice calm and clear, carrying effortlessly across the clearing. "I am a cultivator, drawn by the convergence of Qi to this point. I mean no ill will. I seek only understanding of this emerging world, and perhaps, shared insight."
The burly man, who Zhao Feng now sensed was named 'Gronn' from a faint thought echo picked up by his scroll, narrowed his eyes. "Shared insight? We don't share with outsiders. The Primordial Expanse is harsh, boy. Only the strong survive. And we are strong." As he spoke, several other figures, their Qi signatures radiating aggressive intent, began to flank Gronn, their crude weapons held ready.
Zhao Feng felt the pressure, the collective surge of hostile Qi. He knew he could evade them, perhaps even defeat a few. But that wasn't the goal of 'world-building.' This was an interaction, a negotiation, a chance to understand. He needed to make a choice – confrontation or diplomacy?
System Notification: Potential Hostile Engagement. Tactical Recommendation: Evaluate potential resource gain vs. diplomatic establishment. Hostility often leads to resource depletion.
The System's sudden, direct advice was a sharp reminder. Violence now might secure his immediate safety, but it wouldn't help him explore the "Convergence Point" or understand these "Proto-Sects." He needed to establish a foothold, not burn bridges. He had to show them he wasn't a threat, or perhaps, that he was a valuable ally. The game, he realized, was far more nuanced than simply getting stronger. It required strategic thinking, the kind that might just require the use of his new market items. What could he offer, or demonstrate, to deter conflict without revealing the System's true nature? The silent tension of the clearing hung heavy, waiting for his move.