Rain soaked the ground as Li Tian slowly approached the body.
His heart pounded with every step.
The figure wore the blue robes of an outer disciple.
Blood spread across the stone path beneath him.
Li Tian knelt beside the corpse carefully.
The disciple's eyes were wide open.
A sword wound pierced his chest.
Dead.
"Looks like he was ambushed," the voice in the ring said calmly.
Li Tian glanced around nervously.
The path was empty.
If someone discovered him here…
He might be accused of murder.
"I should leave," Li Tian whispered.
"Wait."
The ring suddenly pulsed.
"Touch the corpse."
Li Tian froze.
"…What?"
"Touch it," the voice repeated.
"Why would I—"
"Do you wish to cultivate or not?"
Li Tian hesitated.
The rain continued to fall.
Finally, he slowly extended his hand.
His fingers touched the dead cultivator's arm.
The moment he did—
The ring exploded with dark light.
A powerful force surged through Li Tian's body.
He gasped as something invisible was pulled from the corpse.
A shadowy stream of energy flowed into the ring.
Then—
Memories flooded Li Tian's mind.
He saw a young man training with a sword.
Practicing cultivation techniques.
Meditating within the Azure Mountain Sect.
Learning a technique called Basic Qi Gathering Art.
Li Tian collapsed to his knees.
His head felt like it was about to explode.
"Focus," the voice commanded.
Li Tian clenched his teeth.
Slowly…
The chaotic memories settled.
A warm current of spiritual energy began flowing through his body.
His broken spiritual root trembled.
Then—
For the first time in his life…
Li Tian felt spiritual energy.
His eyes snapped open.
"I can feel it…"
The ring's voice chuckled softly.
"Congratulations."
"You have taken your first step on the path of cultivation."
But far away, hidden in the shadows between the trees—
A pair of cold eyes watched everything.
And a whisper drifted through the darkness.
"So… the servant boy has secrets."