The Path to Thunder Peak
The Sect Master's presence filled the clearing with a quiet weight—like standing at the foot of a mountain that touched the sky. His name was Wei Yang, and he'd led the Xuanwu Sect for over two hundred years, reaching the legendary Rank 9 of cultivation.
"Rise," he said, his voice gentle but carrying absolute authority. "Tell me everything, from the beginning."
Lin Jing stood, choosing his words carefully. He spoke of waking up with new memories, of his struggle to cultivate, of the day the "ancient technique" he'd discovered awakened within him. He didn't mention the system directly—instead framing it as a hidden inheritance passed down through his unknown ancestors.
When he finished, the Sect Master was silent for a long moment, his eyes studying Lin Jing intently.
"Ancient inheritances are rare," he said finally. "But your power carries the mark of something older than even our sect. I will not question what you choose to keep secret—cultivators often guard their techniques closely. What matters is how you use your strength."
He turned to the unconscious Elder Chen and Elder Ye, his expression darkening. "Betrayal of the sect is a grave crime. They will be tried by the Elder Council, and their plot to misuse the ancient vault will be investigated thoroughly. As for you, Yun Qingyan…"
The Sect Master looked at her with kindness in his eyes. "Your pure-yin body makes you a target, but it also grants you great potential. I will personally arrange for you to train under Elder Su of the Moon Peak—she is the only one in the sect who can help you master your gift safely."
Yun Qingyan bowed deeply, tears of gratitude streaming down her face. "Thank you, Sect Master."
The news of the battle spread through the sect like wildfire. By the time they returned to the main grounds, a crowd had gathered to see the disciples who'd stopped two corrupt elders. Chen Hao was taken to the infirmary—while he'd participated in the plot, the Sect Master had ordered leniency, noting the potion's corrupting influence.
"Lin Jing!"
Elder Zhang hurried forward, his face bright with pride. "I always knew you had potential—even when you couldn't summon a wisp of qi! The Assessment results are clear: you've placed first by a wide margin. And with what you've done today…"
"The Elder Council has made its decision," the Sect Master announced, his voice carrying across the crowd. "Lin Jing, for your courage, strength, and dedication to protecting the sect, you will be admitted to the Inner Sect as a disciple of Thunder Peak. Furthermore, you will be granted the right to investigate the ancient vault beneath the peak—under my personal supervision."
A murmur of amazement ran through the crowd. Thunder Peak was the sect's most prestigious peak, home to the strongest combat cultivators. Being named an investigator of the vault was an honor rarely given to even senior Inner Disciples.
SYSTEM NOTIFICATION
MAIN QUEST UPDATE: Rise of the Crit Disciple – COMPLETE
Objective 1: Passed Assessment and Became Inner Disciple – SUCCESS
Objective 2: Protected Yun Qingyan from Danger – SUCCESS
REWARD: Crit Damage Multiplier Increased to ×20; New System Feature Unlocked – Crit Tree
NEW MAIN QUEST: Master of Thunder Peak
Objective 1: Master Thunder Peak's Core Techniques
Objective 2: Uncover the Secrets of the Ancient Vault
Objective 3: Prevent Other Forces from Targeting the Vault
That evening, as the sun set over the mountains, Yun Qingyan found Lin Jing at the edge of the cliff overlooking the sect grounds. She'd already packed her things for Moon Peak, which stood on the opposite side of the valley.
"Jing-ge, I'm so happy for you," she said, standing beside him. "Thunder Peak… that's where the strongest cultivators train. You'll do amazing things there."
"I couldn't have done any of this without you," Lin Jing said, turning to look at her. "You trusted me when no one else would, and you risked yourself to find out what they were planning. I promise I'll keep working hard—so that one day, I'll be strong enough to protect not just you, but the entire sect."
She smiled, then pulled out a small cloth pouch and handed it to him. "I made this for you. It's a protective charm woven from Moon Grass—my master taught me how to make them. It'll keep you safe from poison and dark energy."
Lin Jing took the pouch, feeling the warm spiritual energy within it. CRIT! Item Enhanced – Protection Effect ×100
The charm glowed golden for a moment before settling back to its original green hue.
"I'll wear it always," he said.
They stood in silence for a while, watching the stars begin to appear in the darkening sky. Soon, a disciple from Moon Peak came to collect Yun Qingyan, and she waved goodbye as she walked away.
Lin Jing turned and headed toward Thunder Peak, his new home. As he climbed the winding path, he could feel the powerful spiritual energy flowing through the mountain—stronger than anywhere else in the sect. The Crit Tree feature in his system had already activated, showing him a map of possible paths his power could take:
- Combat Branch: Enhance physical strikes and weapons
- Energy Branch: Master elemental powers and spiritual energy manipulation
- Support Branch: Develop healing and protective abilities
- Mystic Branch: Unlock ancient techniques and spatial powers
At the top of the peak, a figure stood waiting for him—tall and imposing, with gray hair tied back in a simple knot, wearing the blue and gold robes of Thunder Peak's Elder.
"Lin Jing," the elder said, his voice like rolling thunder. "I am Elder Lei, and I will be your master. They tell me you have great power—but power without discipline is like lightning without direction. It can destroy everything in its path, friend and foe alike."
He looked at Lin Jing with eyes that held the intensity of a storm. "Are you ready to learn what it truly means to be a cultivator of Thunder Peak?"
Lin Jing bowed deeply, his hand resting on the charm at his waist. "Yes, Master. I'm ready."