Lin Tian sat cross-legged on the cold stone floor of his quarters, sweat beading down his forehead. The faint blue glow of his system panel flickered in front of him, its runic characters rearranging themselves into something new:
[Main Quest: Protect Xiao Yue – Failure means permanent loss of system.]
[Reward for Completion: +1 Core Strength, +1 Skill Talent]
He clenched his fists. "So it really is tied to her…"
Outside, the evening bell rang through the sect grounds, signaling the end of training hours. The laughter of fellow disciples echoed faintly in the distance, each one certain of their future glory. Lin Tian had been their joke for years—yet for the first time, he felt that things were about to change.
Just as he closed his eyes to focus on his breathing technique, a subtle pressure pressed down on him—an almost imperceptible sensation, like the brush of a predator's gaze. His heart skipped a beat, and he snapped his eyes open.
There was nothing in his room. Nothing in the courtyard. Nothing… except the faintest trace of killing intent that vanished as quickly as it came.
Far away, in another secluded chamber lit only by a single lamp, Ye Feng smiled faintly as he lowered his teacup. His rebirth had given him foresight of opportunities, but more importantly, he knew the key players of this sect and their weaknesses. Lin Tian had been nothing but a pitiful background figure in his last life—unworthy of even notice.
But this time, something about that boy's aura felt different. His instincts, sharpened by a lifetime of betrayal, whispered danger.
"Lin Tian…" Ye Feng murmured, his lips curling into a cruel grin. "If fate has decided to give you a role in my new life, then you shall entertain me until the day I break you."
The lamplight flickered, casting a shadow across his eyes.
And thus, unbeknownst to Lin Tian, the predator had already fixed his gaze upon him.
The next morning, the sect's inner courtyard bustled with energy. Disciples sparred, elders lectured, and servants hurried about carrying medicinal herbs and spiritual stones.
Lin Tian blended into the crowd as always—unnoticed, unimportant. But today, the faint glow of the system lingered at the edge of his vision.
[Side Quest: Defend Xiao Yue's dignity.]
[Target: Stop her humiliation in today's martial hall.]
[Reward: +1 Hidden Attribute Point]
Lin Tian's chest tightened. "Humiliation…?"
He glanced toward Xiao Yue. The girl had arrived quietly, her white robes fluttering slightly in the breeze. Though her beauty turned heads, it also drew sneers from the jealous. As she made her way to the martial hall, a group of senior disciples stepped in her path.
At their center stood Zhao Chen, a proud disciple who often hovered around Ye Feng, desperate to earn his recognition. He smirked at Xiao Yue.
"Junior Sister, with your delicate looks, why bother training? Wouldn't it be better to stay by Ye Feng's side as a flower vase?" Laughter erupted among the crowd.
Xiao Yue's face paled, but she bit her lip and said nothing.
Lin Tian's system pulsed. The glowing letters burned in his mind:
[Failure means permanent loss of system.]
His heartbeat thundered in his chest. Zhao Chen was a full realm above him. Rationally, he should stay quiet. But if he backed down now, everything would end before it began.
Lin Tian stepped forward. His voice was calm, but carried a weight that silenced the chuckles.
"Zhao Chen. If you're so desperate to please Ye Feng, perhaps you should act like a disciple of the sect instead of a street thug."
The crowd gasped. Lin Tian—the useless disciple everyone mocked—had spoken back.
Zhao Chen's face darkened. "You… trash. Do you want to die?"
A faint smile curved Ye Feng's lips as he arrived at the martial hall, watching from the sidelines. He hadn't expected Lin Tian to bite back. Instead of annoyance, he felt a strange sense of interest.
"Interesting," Ye Feng murmured under his breath.
Zhao Chen cracked his knuckles, stepping into the center of the martial hall."If trash like you wants to bark, then show us you have teeth."
The disciples formed a circle immediately, excited at the prospect of drama. Xiao Yue tugged lightly at Lin Tian's sleeve."Don't… you can't win against him."
Lin Tian glanced at her, the system's glowing panel burning before his eyes.
[Temporary Buff Activated: Combat Instinct +20%]
[Hidden Attribute Unlocked: Perception]
A sudden clarity washed over him—the subtle shift of Zhao Chen's stance, the opening in his guard, even the rhythm of his breathing became obvious.
"I won't lose," Lin Tian whispered back.
The duel began. Zhao Chen rushed forward with the arrogance of a seasoned disciple, his palm glowing with a faint layer of spiritual energy. His strike could shatter stone… but to Lin Tian's eyes, it moved almost
sluggishly.
Now.
He sidestepped smoothly, his body moving before his mind even caught up, and struck Zhao Chen's ribs with a sharp elbow. The impact stole Zhao Chen's breath, and he stumbled back in shock.
The crowd murmured.
"What? Lin Tian actually landed a hit?"
"No way… wasn't he supposed to be the weakest in the sect?"
Zhao Chen's face flushed with anger. "You dare—!" He unleashed a flurry of strikes, each faster and heavier than the last. But Lin Tian's perception sharpened with every exchange. He weaved through the blows, each dodge more confident, each counterattack sharper.
Finally, he seized Zhao Chen's arm mid-strike and twisted, sending the arrogant disciple crashing onto the arena floor.
Silence.
Lin Tian stood tall, chest heaving, but his gaze steady. The "useless" disciple had just humiliated a stronger opponent in front of everyone.
Xiao Yue's eyes widened, awe flickering behind her usual timid demeanor.
From the edge of the hall, Ye Feng narrowed his eyes. He clapped slowly, a smile tugging at his lips.
"Not bad, Lin Tian. It seems I overlooked you." His tone was calm, but his gaze was razor sharp. "I look forward to seeing how long you can keep this up."
The crowd scattered after the duel, whispers filling the air. But Ye Feng's presence lingered, his eyes boring into Lin Tian as though peeling back his soul.
Lin Tian exhaled slowly, the system's message flashing once more:
[Quest Complete: Xiao Yue's dignity defended.]
[Reward: +1 Hidden Attribute Point earned.]
[Warning: Ye Feng's suspicion has been aroused.]
A chill ran down Lin Tian's spine. Victory had come, but the true danger had only just begun.