The courtyard of Xuanling Sect was quiet in the morning light, but the calm was deceiving. Yien knelt before the Thousand-Year Fox, who had taken her human form, her nine tails swaying with subtle menace.
"Stand up, human," she said, voice sharp yet melodic. "Your luck brought you here, but luck alone will not save you. Today, we begin your first trial."
Yien scrambled to his feet, trembling. "Yes, teacher!"
Ling Wei, standing nearby, hid a smirk. "Looks like someone's about to get humiliated."
The First Lesson
The fox circled him slowly. "Your constitution is rare, yes, but unrefined. You think you can grasp Heaven and Earth all at once? Pathetic. I will temper you. First task: channel your innate energy into a single point for one breath."
Yien's mind spun. One breath? That's impossible… he thought.
System Notification:
▸ Task Difficulty: Beginner-Level (Adjusted for Golden Talent)
▸ Reward: Sect Points +10, Beginner Pill: Energy Stabilization
He focused, tried, and failed miserably. Sparks of energy burst from his hands, knocking him backward.
The fox laughed lightly, tails flicking. "Pathetic. Again!"
Yien groaned. "Teacher… I… I can't…"
"Can't? Then you are useless!" she snapped. "Do you want to waste your luck? Focus, human. One more time!"
Bullshitting in Action
Xuán Wèi appeared at the edge of the courtyard, watching silently. Yien's desperation was entertaining, but the fox was relentless.
Time for persuasion… Xuán Wèi thought. He whispered to the system:
[Activate Myth-Weaving Tongue – Passive]
"Yien," Xuán Wèi called, "remember, this teacher is the descendant of the Nine-Fur Fox Clan, one of the mightiest cultivators of the otherworld. If she deems you unworthy, Heaven itself will punish you. Show diligence!"
Yien's eyes widened. Wait… Heaven is watching?
He stumbled back into a kneeling position, energy stabilizing slightly, nerves sharper than ever.
Progress and Reward
After several failed attempts, a small pulse of light emerged from Yien's chest. He had managed to stabilize a single breath of energy.
The fox narrowed her eyes, impressed despite herself. "Hmph. Not bad. You may live another day."
System Notification:
▸ Sect Points +10
▸ Beginner Pill: Energy Stabilization applied
▸ Fox Teacher Approval: +1
Yien gasped, panting, sweat running down his face. "I… I did it!"
Ling Wei clapped lightly. "Welcome to the real training, Yien."
Xuán Wèi smirked. Perfect. Humiliation, fear, and progress… all in one lesson.