Alina Frost awoke to the soft glow of sunlight reflecting off frost-covered rooftops. The wind was sharp but refreshing, carrying the scent of pine and cold mountains. For the first time in her life, she was not confined to the village, not limited by a frozen spirit root, and not underestimated by everyone around her.
She was in the Frostblade Sect, a place where ice Qi flowed like rivers and power decided everything.
Morning in the Outer Disciples' Quarters
The outer disciples' quarters were a row of small, pale-blue dormitories lined along a courtyard. Frost etched patterns into the wooden beams, a constant reminder of the sect's affinity.
Alina stepped into her assigned room. The walls were simple, but the cold here was different—calm, steady, almost alive. She ran a hand over the frost carvings.
This… is my new home.
A soft chime in her mind reminded her of the system.
[Quest Update: Sect Life — Survive, Train, Grow.][Reward: Experience for daily cultivation.]
Alina smiled faintly. Yes. I will survive. I will grow. And I will rise.
First Meal in the Sect
Alina followed the other outer disciples to the main hall for breakfast. The hall was enormous, with long tables and benches, all carved from ice yet warm inside. The aroma of cooked grains and herbs filled the air.
She found a seat near a girl with dark hair and bright blue eyes. The girl glanced at Alina.
"You're the one with the Frost Mark," she said quietly. "The one who froze the Spirit Beast?"
Alina nodded. "Yes. That was me."
The girl's eyes widened."I've never seen anyone like you. They say your root is—" She paused. "—beyond rare. Frost Star level."
Alina blinked. Frost Star level? She remembered the system's warning:
[The sect sees your power, but not the system. Keep it hidden.]
She smiled faintly and nodded politely. "I will train hard."
First Training Session
After breakfast, the outer disciples were gathered in the courtyard for their first formal training. Instructor Mei stood at the center, her pale-blue robes glinting in the morning light.
"You will spend the next week under my guidance," Mei said, voice calm but sharp. "You are here to learn control, stability, and focus. Talent alone is meaningless without discipline."
Alina's pulse quickened. Finally, a chance to train—not in secret, not in the shadows of the village—but here, among cultivators who could push her to her limits.
The first task was simple but essential: Qi Circulation Practice.
"Everyone, focus your Qi into your Frostflow Veins. Sense it moving through your body. Control it. Do not force it—let it flow naturally."
Alina closed her eyes, breathing slowly. She imagined the energy in her body as streams of frost, flowing from her dantian to her hands, her legs, her chest.
The system chimed softly:[Frostflow Veins Stabilizing — 80%]
Her body tingled as the energy moved more freely than it ever had in the village. Her hands glowed faintly, and the frost mark above her heart pulsed in rhythm with her breaths.
Instructor Mei's eyes narrowed. She stepped toward Alina, observing her quietly.
"Impressive," Mei said, almost to herself. "Even among outer disciples, she is far ahead."
Alina heard nothing from the others. Some struggled just to keep their Qi flowing evenly. One boy nearly collapsed trying to circulate Qi.
I'm strong… but I must train harder, Alina thought.
Unexpected Rivalry
During the afternoon session, Alina met a young boy named Kael Storm—one of the more advanced outer disciples. He had short silver hair, piercing blue eyes, and an air of arrogance that immediately set him apart.
"You're the girl with the Frost Mark, right?" he said, smirking. "I've never met a beginner who could shatter a Spiritual Bone Resonance orb. Don't get cocky—you'll regret underestimating me."
Alina blinked. "I'm not here to compete with you. I just want to train."
Kael's smirk didn't fade. "We'll see."
She felt a chill—but not from the cold. A rival? she thought. This is going to be interesting.
The system chimed quietly:[Rival detected: Kael Storm. Potential threat to progression.][Recommendation: Observe, learn, and avoid unnecessary conflict.]
Evening — First Private Practice
After the day ended, Alina returned to her dormitory. She sat cross-legged on the floor, focusing on circulating Qi through her body again.
The system whispered in her mind:[Begin skill training: Froststep Lv.1]
Alina raised a hand. A faint circle of frost formed under her feet. When she moved, it allowed her to glide across the wooden floor effortlessly, a soft trail of frost following each step.
This is… amazing, she thought. I can feel the system helping me—guiding me.
She practiced for hours, ignoring hunger and cold, letting her body grow accustomed to the energy flowing through her. By nightfall, her control had improved, her Qi more stable, and her Froststep technique began to feel natural.
Her body ached, but it was the satisfying ache of growth.
Before sleep, she looked out the frost-covered window toward the mountains. The system's voice echoed softly in her mind:
[Progress confirmed. Outer Disciple training successful for Day One.][Next quest: Survival in Sect Life. Prepare for challenges from rival and sect environment.]
Alina clenched her fists.I will rise. I will become stronger. I will master the Frostflow within me.
And as she drifted into sleep, the frost mark above her heart pulsed softly, like a heartbeat echoing her determination.