On the continent of Cangxuan, hundreds of sects rose and fell—ranging from minor schools to those that shook the heavens and earth.
Ordinary sects. Hidden sects. Heavenly sects. Even legendary holy sects whispered of in myths.
At this moment, in the inner court of Qingfeng Sect—one of the hidden sects—a storm had just passed.
The golden hues of the late afternoon sky draped the sect in soft clouds, as though the heavens themselves were blessing this turning point.
Among the outer disciples, murmurs of awe spread like wildfire.
"Do you think... Senior Han can win?" one disciple asked, voice uncertain.
"I believe in him! He started out like us, just a commoner, yet he made it to the finals and even faced the young masters of noble families. I really respect him," another replied, eyes shining with admiration.
"You're right...!"
The dust finally settled after nearly an hour of intense combat.
A hush fell over the entire sect.
All eyes locked onto a single figure standing atop the jade battle stage.
Han Wuqing.
He stood tall, his robes torn, body covered in shallow wounds.
But his eyes—clear, cold, and unwavering—were as calm as a cloudless night sky.
Cheers exploded from the crowd, especially from the outer disciples who came from humble origins.
"Senior Han!!!"
"Senior Han is undefeated!!!"
"A true genius!!!"
Elder Xu, one of the senior elders, stepped forward, holding a silver scroll in his hands.
"Wuqing," he said in a deep voice. "By the laws of Qingfeng Sect, you are now qualified to become a core disciple, receive our primary inheritance technique, and take a place in the strategy hall."
But before handing over the scroll, Elder Xu added,
"...Or you may choose another path."
Han Wuqing raised an eyebrow.
"Another path?"
"To establish your own sect. You would leave as an independent disciple. You'd forfeit all inheritance rights here, but you'll receive 50,000 spirit stones and an official permit to found your own sect."
Silence.
Every disciple held their breath.
Who in their right mind would turn down a core disciple offer?
But Han Wuqing said nothing. He simply lowered his head—and then, suddenly, a mechanical chime echoed in his mind.
[DING!]
[Main Quest Unlocked]
Quest: Found Your Own Sect!
– Establish your sect from the ground up
– Invite people from your original world
Rewards:
– Sect Core Building Lv.1
– Qi Formation Core Lv.1
– Sect Mission Board
– Awakening Hall
– Leadership Skill Lv.1
Han slowly looked up, blinking once... then narrowed his eyes.
Inwardly, he muttered:
"Ten years. TEN FREAKING YEARS without a system—living like a damned stray in this brutal world... and now you show up?"
His lips twisted—not into a smile, but a smirk of quiet, exhausted rage.
"You bastard. Damn you, stupid system goat."
It made sense. Since his reincarnation, he had survived using only one thing: his past life memories.
No cheats. No guidance.
And in this world, those without power weren't just forgotten—they were erased from history.
He raised his head and declared, without hesitation:
"I choose... to found my own sect."
A wave of whispers rippled through the square.
"What?!"
"He turned down the core disciple position?!"
"Why would he...?"
Elder Xu's eyes sharpened. Then, slowly, he nodded.
"A bold choice... one that requires great courage. May your sword stay sharp, Han Wuqing."
Han bowed slightly.
"Thank you, Elder. From this day forth, I walk my own path."
While the crowd remained frozen in shock, he stepped down from the stage without looking back.
"Sure, I won't get the sect's top techniques...
But I've got something better now—
I have a system."
A faint smile tugged at the edge of his lips.
---
The very next day, word of Han Wuqing's decision spread like wildfire.
At the main gates of the sect, Han stood in silence, gazing at the horizon—his long black hair billowing like that of a transcendent immortal.
"First step... find a location for my sect.
After that..."
As his thoughts drifted, a shadow descended from the skies—a massive spirit eagle, with Elder Xu riding atop it.
"So, Wuqing..." Elder Xu asked calmly.
"Where do you intend to build your sect?"
"In the Thousand Desolate Peaks, Elder Xu," Han replied without hesitation.
"The Thousand Peaks...? You're really choosing that place?" Elder Xu's brows furrowed, his tone rising with concern.
That region was infamous—a wild, lawless land filled with spirit beasts, hostile non-human tribes, and only a handful of mortal villages barely clinging to survival.
"You think you'll find disciples in a place like that?"
"Yes, Elder," Han answered firmly.
Elder Xu paused... then sighed deeply.
"Very well. I can't stop you. But be careful, Wuqing. This world is cruel to the genius who walks alone."
Because this young man—without any background—had already defeated the heirs of great families.
And that meant one thing:
Danger... was coming.
---
From the shadows, a pair of eyes watched silently... then vanished into the black mist.
At the luxurious Jinyu Pavilion, incense wafted through the air as young masters sipped tea and debated the price of pills and clan prestige.
Suddenly, a servant spoke at the window.
"Young master, Han Wuqing is heading for the Thousand Desolate Peaks. Shall we... deal with him?"
"Thousand Peaks?" scoffed a sharp-eyed youth in silver-purple robes, one brow arched in contempt. "A place like that suits only the filth of the world. Perhaps he finally realized his only true companions are monkeys and wild beasts."
This was Lin Shaoqing, heir to the Lin Clan of Thunder Valley. His words, laced with mockery, drew a quiet chuckle from the man beside him — lounging with an air of practiced arrogance.
"A coward like him probably just fears the world beyond," said Bai Yunjie, son of the Southern Bai Clan, lazily swirling the tea in his porcelain cup. "Hiding behind mist and trees is far more comfortable, don't you think?"
Nearby, a refined youth with flowing hair flicked open a jade fan with idle grace. A faint smirk curled on his handsome lips.
"With that level of talent," said Zhao Mingfeng of the Eastern Zhao Clan, his voice calm like an autumn breeze, "I thought he'd beg to become a core disciple. But to establish his own sect? Hmph. Who does he plan to recruit? Lowborn scum from the abandoned lands?"
At the edge of the pavilion, a young man in red robes leaned lazily against a wooden pillar, flashing a grin as he spoke, his tone half-playful, half-cutting.
"Let him be," said Fang Yuan of the Fang Family, the youngest among them but no less sharp of tongue. "At least he had the sense to leave after daring to stand against us, heirs of the great clans."
Zhao gave a soft laugh, eyes drifting toward the swirling fog below the peaks.
"If the beasts down there devour him," he said casually, "we wouldn't even need to lift a finger to rid the world of such trash."
---
Three days later...
Han Wuqing stood before the Thousand Desolate Peaks.
Towering mountains, endless forests, and an overwhelming aura that would crush the soul of any mortal.
Yet Han Wuqing smiled.
"From now on... this place will be the root of my sect."
[DING!] Location Detected: Suitable for Sect Foundation.
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