The plaza of Cloud Mist Sect was vast, paved with jade stone that shimmered faintly under the morning sun. Mist curled around the edges like flowing silk, and hundreds of hopeful candidates stood in neat rows.
Elders in white robes hovered above the crowd on flying swords, their presence exuding power that pressed like invisible mountains.
"Today," one of them announced, "you shall be tested for your Spiritual Root. Only those who possess the qualifications may step through the gates of cultivation."
The crowd erupted with nervous whispers. Some clenched their fists, others prayed silently.
Lian Zhen stood at the edge, expressionless. His gaze swept across the testing altar — a circular platform inlaid with glowing runes. At its center floated a crystal orb that pulsed with soft light.
> [Mission Objective: Awaken Spiritual Root — 6 Days Remaining]
[Recommendation: Utilize System Support Functions]
He remained still. System Support Functions… show me options.
> [Available: Temporal Awareness Lv.1 – Predictive Flow (Limited)]
[Available: Qi Conversion Module – Activate Y/N?]
"Activate," he whispered.
For a heartbeat, the world slowed. Every sound stretched — the flutter of robes, the crackle of energy, even the beating of hearts became rhythmic patterns. Lian's mind absorbed everything, predicting movements before they occurred.
Candidates stepped onto the platform one by one. The orb would flash colors — red for low-grade, green for average, gold for excellent. Most glowed faintly, a sign of mediocrity.
When it was Lian's turn, murmurs spread through the crowd.
"Hey, that guy… I didn't even see him arrive."
"He doesn't look like a cultivator."
"Probably another failure."
The elder beside the orb motioned for him to step forward. "Place your hand here," he said curtly.
Lian obeyed. His hand met the crystal's surface — cold and alive. Instantly, the System activated.
> [Analyzing external artifact resonance...]
[Channeling System Qi through artificial interface…]
[Warning: Energy Overflow Risk — 92%]
His pulse quickened, but he didn't withdraw. Stabilize output, he thought.
The orb shuddered. A faint hum filled the air — then a shockwave burst outward, scattering loose mist like a storm.
Light erupted — not red, green, or gold… but silver-white, spinning like a galaxy contained within glass.
The crowd gasped. The elders' eyes widened. Even the floating sword above trembled faintly.
"Silver…?" someone whispered. "That color—"
"Impossible. That's not a spiritual root of this realm!"
The elder stepped forward, face unreadable. "Name."
Lian's gaze lifted, calm as ever. "Lian Zhen."
"Origin?"
"…Wanderer."
His tone was soft but carried a weight that silenced further questions.
> [Mission Complete: Awaken Spiritual Root]
[Reward: Dimensional Energy Core – Stage 1 Activated]
[New Function Unlocked: Dimensional Shift (Prototype)]
As the light faded, he stepped off the platform and returned to the edge of the crowd, ignoring the stares and whispers.
The girl from before — the one who'd mocked him — watched with wide eyes. "That light… who is he?"
But Lian didn't look back. His thoughts were elsewhere, far beyond the mountain and the mist.
The System's interface flickered before him once more.
> [Hidden Objective Revealed — The Origin of Silver Light]
[First Dimensional Rift Opening: 3 Days]
He exhaled quietly.
Three days before another world called to him.
And so began the silent rise of the traveler who walked between realities — a man whose power spoke louder than his voice ever could.