"Ding! The gears of destiny have officially begun to turn. System loading complete. Host, please receive!"
A mechanical voice echoed in Xiao Zhitian's mind. Though its tone was cold and metallic, for someone who had been waiting for two and a half years, it sounded like the music of heaven itself.
"This system is a check-in system. The host may choose locations to check in. Each location can only be checked in once, and check-in rewards are entirely 'random.'"
"To check in, simply mentally say 'check in.' No verbal command is required. Host, please perform your first check-in."
Xiao Zhitian stood silently below the stage, feeling a pulse of anticipation race through his veins. He had imagined this moment countless times.
"System, check in," he whispered internally.
"Ding! Check-in location: Xiao Family Test Square. Check-in successful. This is your first check-in. Rewards obtained:
Physique: Five Elemental Thunder God Body
Physique: Moonstar Prison Surpassing Soul Body
Cultivation Technique: Five Elements Heavenly Thunder Art (Evolvable)
Cultivation Technique: Moonstar Soul Refining Technique (Divine Rank)
Lightning-attribute Dou Techniques: Thunderstorm (Profound High-Rank),Thunder Bird (Profound Mid-Rank), Thunder Lion (Profound Mid-Rank)
Boom!
Xiao Zhitian's eyes widened. The first check-in alone had granted him two unique physiques and one evolvable cultivation technique, and one divine rank each possessing unimaginable power.
"System, explain!" he demanded internally, excitement and disbelief battling in his chest.
"The Five Elemental Thunder God Body accelerates cultivation speed, enhances Dou Qi output, and unlocks the exclusive skill 'Thunder God's Wrath,' which can increase Dou Qi by three stars without side effects. It also allows the summoning of a Thunder God Dharma Idol to augment attack and defense. Duration depends on host's strength."
"The Moon-star Prison Surpassing Soul Body grants the ability to devour the power of moons and stars to create chains of celestial imprisonment around the target's soul. It is also compatible with it's own divine soul cultivation technique, including the Moonstar Soul Refining Technique, which can refine spiritual energy into powerful soul constructs without risk."
"The Five Elements Heavenly Thunder Art is divided into six stages: Extreme Wood Lightning, Ice Fire Lightning, Heavenly Metal Lightning, Deep Water Lightning, Earth Trembling Lightning, and the Great Five Elements Lightning, a fusion of all five. The evolvable technique allows condensation of exclusive spiritual lightning, which will automatically evolve during cultivation. Thunder Origin and Thunder Heart Origin will periodically appear to assist the host in refining exclusive spiritual lightning."
Xiao Zhitian grinned internally, fists clenched in exhilaration. "Woohoo! Thunder Emperor is taking off!"
The excitement drew him back to reality. His gaze swept across the stage, landing on Xiao Yan, who was about to receive his test results.
"Xiao Yan, Dou Qi, three segments. Level: Low-rank," a middle-aged tester announced indifferently.
The words glimmered on the magic stone tablet, accompanied by faint murmurs from below the stage. Xiao Yan forced a self-deprecating smile, though a glimmer of gratitude shone in his eyes toward Xiao Zhitian. Without his protective older cousin, the ridicule from below might have been unbearable. Silently, he returned to his spot, his pride quietly wounded but intact.
Xiao Zhitian's eyes softened as he glanced at Xiao Yan. The three-year trial was nearly complete, and soon Old Yao would appear to explain the disappearance of Xiao Yan's Dou Qi and offer guidance. Despite Xiao Yan's flaws, he was loyal and righteous—a person who would repay kindness with far greater deeds.
"Xiao Yan Zi, don't be discouraged. A true gem will always shine," Xiao Zhitian said warmly, patting his shoulder.
"I know, Tian Ge. Thank you," Xiao Yan replied softly.
Next was Xiao Mei, the girl no older than fourteen, her innocence accentuated by an ethereal charm.
"Xiao Mei, Dou Qi, seven segments. Level: High-rank!" the tester declared.
She beamed at Xiao Zhitian, Xiao Xun Er, and Xiao Yan as she returned to their side.
"Cousin Xiao Yan, Mei'er believes you'll recover your talent and truly shock those below the stage," she encouraged.
"Thank you, Cousin Xiao Mei. I'm used to it by now," Xiao Yan said, managing a faint smile.
Then came Xiao Xun Er. Her hand brushed the stone tablet, and the result appeared instantly:
"Xiao Xun Er, Dou Qi, nine segments. Level: High-rank!"
Gasps erupted from below the stage. Even seasoned cultivators could not hide their awe at such raw talent.
Xun'er returned to Xiao Zhitian's side, her gaze gleaming. "Brother Xiao Zhitian, I've done my best!"
"Xun'er, you've done amazingly well! Truly deserving of your talent and beauty," Xiao Zhitian praised.
Finally, it was Xiao Zhitian's turn. He strode confidently toward the testing platform and laid his hand upon the stone tablet. A blinding light erupted, and four characters shimmered before all eyes:
Dou Zhe, One Star.
The sound of a teacup shattering echoed across the hall. The elders gasped, and murmurs of disbelief rippled through the crowd.
"Xiao Zhitian… Dou Zhe, One Star? Before fifteen?" someone whispered in stunned awe.
Below the stage, many were pale, unable to comprehend such talent. Xiao Ning muttered in disbelief, "Impossible… This can't be real!"
Ignoring the noise, Xiao Zhitian walked off the stage and approached Xiao Xun Er. "Surprised?" he asked with a small smile.
"Brother Xiao Zhitian… you've truly broken through to Dou Zhe," Xun'er said, admiration clear in her eyes.
Xiao Yan smiled faintly and congratulated him, then turned and left, a touch dejected. Xiao Mei also departed to focus on her cultivation.
Xun'er looked after Xiao Yan. "Brother Xiao Zhitian, Xiao Yan seems troubled."
"Don't worry," Xiao Zhitian replied, eyes following Xiao Yan's retreating figure. "He'll find his fighting spirit soon enough."
Later, in his courtyard, Xiao Zhitian closed the door and sat cross-legged on his bed. His fingers hovered over the system panel.
"System, claim rewards!"
The pending rewards gleamed with the promise of two physiques, two cultivation arts, and potent lightning techniques—a beginning worthy of a legend.