The sun had climbed high over Wen Clan Mountain, turning the morning mist into a golden haze. The training courtyard was alive with movement: fists slashed through the air, staffs clashed, and disciples' feet pounded rhythmically against the stone floor. Qi flowed in visible streams around the courtyard, vibrating the air and stirring the bamboo groves.
At the edge of the training ground, Wen Chen crouched under a pine tree. His small frame shivered with anticipation. Sweat glistened on his forehead as he watched the others train, eyes wide with focus. His heart raced, not from exertion, but from something new and thrilling.
Today… I will improve.
---
Nearby, Wen Ming, a golden-eyed boy known for his arrogance, strutted across the courtyard. His lips curled in a mocking smile as he watched Wen Chen. "Still hiding, Wen Chen? Afraid you'll embarrass yourself?" His voice was sharp, dripping with condescension.
Wen Chen's fists clenched at his sides, knuckles whitening. His body trembled, not from fear, but from burning determination. He didn't answer. Words were useless against action.
Beside Wen Ming, Li Kai, a cheerful, muscular boy, grinned and elbowed his friend. "Look at him. Poor thing. Still struggling with the basics, I see." His laughter carried a mix of amusement and arrogance.
Wen Chen's lips pressed into a firm line. Let them laugh… They will see soon enough.
---
The First Private Orbs
As he observed the disciples, Wen Chen noticed tiny, glowing orbs forming near them. His eyes widened. Only he could see them.
A green orb hovered above Zhao Lin, a young girl practicing her Body Tempering. Her brows were furrowed in concentration, cheeks flushed, sweat dripping down her neck.
A blue orb appeared near Han Jie, a boy struggling to understand a Qi Refining technique, his teeth clenched and fists shaking with frustration.
A red orb erupted from the duel between Chen Hao and Guo Tian, their expressions fierce, eyes narrowed, qi surging violently as they clashed.
Wen Chen's chest throbbed with excitement. His tiny fingers twitched. He could touch them… and they would belong to him.
---
He stepped quietly, moving like a shadow. The first orb drifted toward him, green and soft, reflecting Zhao Lin's focused energy. Wen Chen's heart leaped.
He reached out…
Touch.
The orb dissolved into a warm golden light, and a chime echoed in his mind.
---
[Floating Golden System Panel]
Name: Wen Chen
Cultivation Level: Body Tempering – Stage 1
Talent Grade: Mortal Root (Lowest)
Talent Progress: 5%
Luck Points: 36 → 46
Function:
Luck Points can only upgrade Talent.
Orbs must be touched to absorb.
Talent upgrades increase comprehension speed and practice efficiency.
---
Wen Chen exhaled slowly, a small smile tugging at his lips. This… this is incredible. He could feel the change in himself—his mind clearer, his reflexes sharper, his understanding deeper.
---
Rivalry Heats Up
Wen Ming's eyes narrowed. He clenched his fists, veins visible on his temple. "What… is he doing?" His voice trembled slightly, a mixture of disbelief and irritation.
Li Kai stepped forward, brow furrowed, jaw tight. "This isn't normal. I've never seen him move like that!" His voice carried tension and fear beneath the amusement.
Wen Chen ignored them. His eyes glimmered as he focused on the next orb—a blue one floating from Han Jie, the boy's frustration almost tangible. Wen Chen lunged, fingers grazing the orb.
Touch.
A surge of warmth and golden light washed over him.
[Luck Points +15 → 61]
---
Nearby, Zhao Lin stopped mid-strike, blinking in confusion. "Why… why do I feel… empty?" she whispered, hands trembling slightly. The orb she had poured her energy into was gone. She looked around, bewildered, a frown forming.
Han Jie's face paled, lips parting in shock. "Where… where did it go?" His fists clenched involuntarily, a mixture of frustration and disbelief coursing through him.
Wen Chen's tiny heart leaped. Every drop of effort they expend… every bead of sweat… can become mine.
---
First Talent Upgrade
By noon, Wen Chen had collected dozens of orbs. His chest glowed faintly with golden warmth. He felt the system stir within him. The Talent Panel flashed, signaling an upgrade opportunity.
I can feel it… I'm ready.
Wen Chen touched his chest, golden light enveloping him. His heart thudded, breath quickened, and his body shivered.
---
[Floating Golden System Panel — Alert]
Talent Upgrade Available
Current Talent Grade: Mortal Root (Lowest)
Luck Points Required: 20
Current Luck Points: 61
Upgrade? [Yes/No]
Wen Chen's hands trembled as he confirmed the upgrade in his mind.
Instantly, golden light engulfed him, energy spiraling through his body. His senses sharpened, every sound and movement clear. He could feel his comprehension improving with every breath he took.
---
[Floating Golden System Panel — Post Upgrade]
Name: Wen Chen
Cultivation Level: Body Tempering – Stage 1
Talent Grade: Low Human Talent
Talent Progress: 0%
Luck Points: 41
---
He exhaled slowly, exhilaration flooding him. His legs felt light, his reflexes twitching instinctively, and his mind sharper than ever.
Nearby, Wen Ming's expression twisted with shock and rage. "Impossible… he's not… he can't be… stronger than a Mortal Root!" His body trembled with frustration, eyes narrowed, lips tight.
Li Kai stepped back, jaw dropping, hands trembling slightly. "This… this can't be real…"
Wen Chen ignored them. His attention was on the next orb, a rare purple one hovering above a senior disciple's breakthrough. It pulsed violently, a dangerous aura radiating outward.
If I can touch that… everything will change.
---
Cliffhanger
Wen Chen darted forward, weaving between disciples with newfound agility. His golden eyes blazed with determination, fingers outstretched toward the purple orb.
The courtyard seemed to hold its breath as qi surged violently from the senior disciple. The ground trembled beneath the force, dust and debris flying into the air. Wen Chen's small frame blurred as he leapt toward the orb…
And then—
CRASH!
The air exploded with qi. Debris and dust filled the courtyard. Wen Chen's golden figure disappeared into the chaos, reaching for the orb, determination blazing like sunlight.
One orb… one step… one chance… he thought, teeth gritted, eyes glowing. This is only the beginning.