Li Tian sat cross-legged on the wooden floor of the Eastern Cloud Sect's training hall. The morning sun filtered through the rice-paper windows, casting soft, dancing patterns of light. Around him, other disciples were already bustling — some practicing sword forms, others meditating or refining their energy flow. But Li Tian, true to his nature, remained still, eyes half-closed, barely reacting to the sounds of activity.
A soft clearing of the throat pulled him from his daydream.
"Li Tian," a calm, yet firm voice called out.
Opening his eyes, Li Tian looked up to see Master Yunfei standing before him. The master was a slender, middle-aged man with sharp eyes that seemed to pierce through distractions and pretenses. His gray-streaked hair was tied back neatly, and his robes bore the subtle embroidery of Eastern Cloud Sect's insignia.
"Master Yunfei," Li Tian greeted lazily.
The master smiled knowingly. "You seem calm as always. But tell me, have you truly been training, or just perfecting your skill in idleness?"
Li Tian smirked. "Master, sometimes doing nothing is the training."
Yunfei arched an eyebrow. "Ah, the art of doing nothing, the great 'Silent Death' technique your 'fans' speak of." He chuckled softly. "Do you realize what the other sects have been doing? Sitting on rocks, waving at bees, eating noodles like it's a martial art?"
Li Tian shrugged. "I can't stop other people from misinterpreting me."
"True." Yunfei took a seat beside him, folding his legs with ease. "But the real question is, what are you doing? You refuse to share your methods, yet your cultivation advances steadily."
Li Tian glanced away, his mind flickering with the memory of the glowing interface that appeared unseen to others — the mysterious system guiding his growth. He had never told anyone about it, not even Master Yunfei. The system was strange, almost alien, yet somehow perfectly aligned with his natural talents and lazy disposition.
"I'm not entirely sure," Li Tian admitted softly. "Sometimes it feels like... it's not me at all."
Yunfei considered this, his eyes narrowing. "A cultivation path that chooses you, rather than one you choose. It's rare, and dangerous. If it is as you say, you must be cautious. Reveal too much, and you might become a target."
Li Tian nodded, appreciating the subtle warning. He had no desire for unnecessary trouble. The less people knew, the better.
"Tell me," Yunfei continued, "have you noticed your cultivation levels changing suddenly? Or abilities you can't explain?"
Li Tian thought back to the last few days — the strange feeling of intimidation that rippled through the air when he merely looked at someone, the faint whispers of energy responding to his mood, the occasional stats popping in his mind like a game interface.
"Sometimes," he confessed. "It's like my body and spirit respond on their own."
Yunfei gave a slow nod. "There is a legend among the old texts. It speaks of those who possess the 'Natural Dao' — individuals whose cultivation is guided not by rigorous training but by an internal force beyond understanding. Such people are rare, and their journey is unpredictable."
Li Tian's curiosity piqued. "Have you ever met anyone like that?"
The master's face grew serious. "I have seen a few, but none lasted long without discipline. The path of natural cultivation requires balance. Too much reliance on instinct, and one falls into complacency. Too much force, and one burns out."
Li Tian smiled faintly. "Sounds like me — all the laziness and none of the discipline."
Yunfei chuckled, shaking his head. "Don't underestimate yourself. Even the 'slacker' has his own strength."
The two sat in companionable silence for a moment, the sounds of the sect humming around them.
Just then, a group of younger disciples passed by, whispering excitedly about the upcoming Central Martial Exhibition.
"Master Yunfei," Li Tian said, standing up, "about the exhibition — do you think I should participate? I don't want to attract too much attention."
The master gave a knowing smile. "You're already attracting attention whether you want it or not. The exhibition will be a test, not just of skill but of your ability to remain composed under pressure."
Li Tian sighed. "I suppose I don't have much choice."
"Remember," Yunfei advised, "cultivation is not just power. It's also wisdom, patience, and understanding your own limits."
Li Tian looked out the window at the mountain peaks glimmering in the distance. "I'll try to keep that in mind."
As Yunfei rose to leave, he paused at the door and glanced back. "One more thing. If you ever feel overwhelmed, or the path gets too confusing, come to me. No secret cultivation system is worth losing your way."
Li Tian nodded sincerely. "Thank you, Master."
Once the door closed behind Yunfei, Li Tian let out a long breath. Alone again, he closed his eyes and let the system's gentle glow pulse in his mind. The interface flickered silently:
> [Warning: Discretion advised. Revealing system to others may cause instability.]
[Current cultivation level: Unofficial]
[Path: Slacker Dao]
[Next level target: 30,000 points]
He smiled. Maybe one day, he'd understand it all. But for now, he'd keep it to himself. After all, a secret was only as good as the trust you placed in it.
Outside, the world buzzed with rumors, spies, and martial exhibitions, but Li Tian remained in his quiet corner — the unlikely master of doing nothing, yet moving steadily toward greatness.
---
At lunch, the gossip about Li Tian's "mysterious power" swirled even louder. Some disciples swore they'd seen him slouch so hard it generated a windstorm; others insisted his lazy yawns caused earthquakes.
Li Tian listened without a word, dipping his chopsticks into his bowl with deliberate care.
"Ignore them," a voice said softly beside him. It was Mei Lin, his childhood friend and fellow disciple. Her eyes were sharp but kind, always trying to keep him grounded.
"They don't understand you," she said. "But I do."
He smiled faintly. "Thanks, Mei Lin."
She nudged him playfully. "Just don't get too comfortable. The Central Martial Exhibition is coming."
Li Tian groaned. "Yeah, I know."
Mei Lin looked at him with a teasing glint. "Try not to yawn too loudly this time."
He laughed, the rare warmth brightening the dull afternoon.
Deep down, Li Tian knew the path ahead was uncertain — a strange blend of laziness, hidden strength, and mysterious forces. But for now, he would savor these quiet moments, preparing for whatever challenge lay ahead.
Because sometimes, the greatest power came not from rushing forward, but from knowing when to simply sit, sip, and exist.
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What are your thoughts about this chapter?
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