The Azure Cloud Sect was built into the side of a mountain that pierced the clouds like a jagged green sword. As Xiao Hai led him through a maze of cobblestone paths, Lin Feng's modern mind struggled to process the scale. Pavilions with upturned eaves clung to cliffsides, connected by slender bridges that seemed to be made of woven light. The air itself was different—it thrummed with a palpable energy that made his skin tingle with every breath. This was the "Profound Energy" the System had mentioned.
His awe was tempered by the stares. Other young men and women, all clad in the same simple grey robes, watched him pass. Their whispers were not subtle.
"...that's the one who fell off the Spirit Crane."
"Mortal Grade spiritual root. A waste of a sect quota."
"I heard he's from some backwater village. No connections, no talent."
Lin Feng kept his face neutral, the corporate drone's mask of polite indifference serving him well. But internally, his ego bristled. Back on Earth, he'd been a top-performing analyst, his worth measured in data and results. Here, he was already being written off based on some innate quality he didn't understand.
[ Do not be discouraged, Host! ] the System chirped in his mind. [ A hero's journey is defined by overcoming adversity. Your potential is limitless with my guidance! ]
Easy for you to say, Lin Feng thought back, testing the mental communication.
[ I am programmed for optimism! And also for optimal hero development. Please proceed to the Main Assembly Hall. 47 minutes remaining. ]
The Main Assembly Hall was a vast cavern of polished stone and ancient timber, capable of holding thousands. At the front, on a raised dais, sat a row of imposing figures radiating an aura that made the air heavy. These were the Elders of the Azure Cloud Sect.
Elder Zhang, a man with a severe face and a beard like a steel brush, stood and began to speak. His voice, though not loud, carried to every corner of the hall, imbued with a power that vibrated in Lin Feng's bones.
"Welcome, new disciples," Elder Zhang's voice boomed. "You have been chosen from among millions for a chance to tread the path of cultivation. To defy the heavens and grasp eternity. But know this—talent is the foundation, but diligence is the pillar. Your spiritual roots, bestowed by heaven, determine your starting point. But your will shall determine your destination."
He gestured, and a massive stone tablet, covered in intricate, glowing lines, was carried to the center of the dais. "The Spirit Root Evaluation Stone. It is time for your official assessment. When your name is called, place your hand upon it. The stone will reveal the quality of your spiritual roots and your initial cultivation level."
One by one, disciples were called forward.
"Li Chen, Earth Grade Mid-Rank! Qi Condensation Level 3!" The stone flared with a deep yellow light. A murmur of appreciation ran through the crowd.
"Wang Mei, Human Grade High-Rank! Qi Condensation Level 2!" A softer, silver light.
The announcements continued. Most were Human Grade, a few Earth Grade. Each successful disciple received a nod from the elders and a small, embroidered pouch—their first month's resource allocation.
Lin Feng watched, his analytical mind cataloging everything. The correlation between root grade and starting cultivation level was almost perfect. The pouches given to the higher-grade disciples were visibly larger. The system of this world was brutally meritocratic, and he was at the very bottom.
"Lin Feng."
A hush fell over the section of the hall where the outer disciples were gathered. Snickers were poorly concealed. He was the last to be called.
He walked forward, his footsteps echoing in the sudden quiet. He could feel the weight of a thousand eyes on him—the dismissive gaze of the elders, the pity of some, the open mockery of others. He kept his back straight. He had faced boardroom presentations more terrifying than this. Probably.
"Proceed," Elder Zhang said, his tone devoid of interest.
Lin Feng placed his palm on the cold, smooth surface of the stone.
For a moment, nothing happened. Then, a feeble, greyish light sputtered from the stone, so dim it was almost invisible in the bright hall. The lines on the stone glowed a pathetic, washed-out silver.
A snort of laughter came from somewhere in the crowd.
Elder Zhang sighed, a sound of profound disappointment. "Lin Feng. Mortal Grade Low-Rank. Qi Condensation Level 1." He gestured to an attendant, who handed Lin Feng the smallest possible pouch. It felt pitifully light. "Cultivation is a path of mountains, disciple. Some are born at the peak. You… have been born in the deepest valley. Your diligence must be tenfold that of others. You are dismissed."
The dismissal was final. He was being sent away from the dais while others were still being acknowledged. Heat rushed to his face, a mix of shame and a fierce, burning resentment. This was worse than any corporate rejection he'd ever faced.
As he turned, the blue screen flashed, its cheerful tone a stark contrast to his humiliation.
[ Newbie Quest Completed! ]
[ Reward: 100 System Points, Foundation Establishment Pill x1, has been added to your inventory. ]
[ Congratulations, Host! You have successfully taken your first step! ]
A step into a pit, Lin Feng thought bitterly, clutching the meager resource pouch. He found a spot at the very back of the hall, away from the others, and leaned against a cold stone pillar. He focused his mind on the System.
Show me this inventory.
A new screen appeared, showing a grid. In one slot was a pill that shimmered with a soft, golden light. The Foundation Establishment Pill. In another, a number: 100 System Points.
[ The Foundation Establishment Pill can solidify your foundation and increase your cultivation by one minor stage! It is a priceless treasure for those in the Qi Condensation realm! ] the System explained.
Lin Feng's heart leapt. This was it. This was his cheat. While the others relied on their natural talent, he had a direct line to power. He could take the pill, jump to Qi Condensation Level 2, and shut them all up.
But then, his analyst's mind kicked in. If I use it now, in the open, it will raise too many questions. A Mortal Grade root advancing so quickly? They'll call me a thief or worse.
Patience. He needed data. He needed to understand the rules of this new world before he broke them.
System, what can I do with these points?
[ The System Shop is available! Would you like to browse? ]
Yes.
Another window popped up, filled with icons and descriptions. His eyes widened.
- Basic Qi Gathering Technique: 50 Points
- Spirit Herb: Scarlet Moon Grass (Low Grade): 30 Points
- Technique: Flaming Palm (Mortal Grade): 80 Points
- Inventory Expansion (10 Slots): 200 Points
It was a micro-transaction menu straight out of a mobile game, but the goods were very, very real. He could buy power, knowledge, resources. All he needed to do was complete quests.
[ New Quest Generated! ]
[ Quest: The Path of Strength Begins with a Single Step. ]
[ Objective: Achieve a breakthrough to Qi Condensation Level 2. ]
[ Reward: 150 System Points, Low-Grade Spirit Stone x5. ]
[ Failure: None. A hero's path is one of perseverance! ]
The System was gentle, encouraging. It was on his side. The resentment from the evaluation began to fade, replaced by a cold, focused determination. The elders and the other disciples saw a worthless piece of rock. The System saw a block of marble, ready to be sculpted into a hero.
He looked up from the screen, his gaze sweeping over the crowd of disciples, the majestic elders on the dais, the impossible architecture of the sect. The initial shock was gone. The fear was subsiding.
They had their hierarchy. They had their talent.
He had a System.
A slow, calculated smile touched his lips. Let them laugh. Let them dismiss him. They were all playing a game of cultivation, following rules written by the heavens.
He was playing a different game entirely. And he had just purchased the strategy guide.
"Xiao Hai," he said, his voice calm and clear, causing the young attendant to jump. "Show me to my living quarters. I have cultivation to do."
The boy nodded eagerly, leading him out of the grand hall. As they walked back into the sunlight, Lin Feng didn't see the towering peaks as insurmountable obstacles. He saw them as a checklist. And his System had just given him the first item.