Lin Xuan stepped cautiously into the cavern, his eyes widening at the sight before him. Illuminated softly by countless streams of Qi, a massive crystalline formation dominated the cave's heart, shimmering like polished jade with an ethereal glow. Threads of pure spiritual energy danced gently through its translucent structure, suffusing the entire space with a calming, invigorating atmosphere.
"Incredible," Lin Xuan murmured, breathing in deeply and feeling the rich Qi nourishing every fiber of his being. Curiosity stirred within him. "System, what exactly is this spirit vein?"
The system responded calmly, "Spirit veins are direct outlets of the world's primordial Qi. They are all born equal, vast conduits through which spiritual energy flows naturally into the world."
Lin Xuan nodded thoughtfully, then frowned slightly. "Then why is it that some sects have land so rich with Qi they can support millions of disciples, while others struggle with barely enough for a handful?"
"That," the system replied, "depends entirely on the method used to extract Qi from the vein. Crude extraction, such as what the serpent was doing, causes damage over time. Continued misuse can even destroy a vein permanently. But skilled management—especially by Array Masters—allows sustainable extraction through refined techniques developed over generations. This is how major sects maintain high Qi density."
Lin Xuan chuckled dryly. "Yet another reason to nurture competent disciples."
"Indeed. And now, Pavilion Master, place the ancestral tablet on the surface of the vein. This will bind the Myriad Heavens Pavilion's legacy to this location."
Startled by the directive, Lin Xuan stepped forward. The ancestral tablet felt heavier in his grasp, as if responding to the presence of the vein. Gently, he placed it atop the crystalline surface. Instantly, the crystal rippled with radiant light, and the tablet slowly sank into it. Golden characters flashed briefly—"Myriad Heavens Pavilion"—before fading peacefully into the core.
[Quest Completed: Spirit Vein Claimed. Ancestral Tablet Restored.] [Rewards Granted: Sect Construction System and Disciple Management System Unlocked.]
Two new interfaces appeared before him, outlined clearly in the familiar jade-green script.
He first explored the Sect Construction System:
Main Hall:
Mission Board: Post and assign missions; disciples monitor their contributions. (Unlock Cost: 5,000 Points; Requires constructed Main Hall)
Sect Contribution Exchange: Exchange contributions for cultivation resources and treasury items. (Unlock Cost: 6,000 Points; Requires constructed Main Hall)
Cultivation Chambers:
Increased Cultivation Speed: Enhanced Qi absorption. (Unlock Cost: 8,000 Points; Requires Cultivation Chambers)
Tribulation Safeguards: Protection during tribulations. (Unlock Cost: 10,000 Points; Requires Cultivation Chambers)
Library Pavilion:
Technique Analysis: Match suitable techniques to disciples. (Unlock Cost: 6,000 Points; Requires Library Pavilion)
Dao Enlightenment Chamber: Increase insight and comprehension speed. (Unlock Cost: 7,500 Points; Requires Library Pavilion)
Alchemy Hall:
Ingredient Analysis: Identify herbs and minerals. (Unlock Cost: 6,000 Points; Requires Alchemy Hall)
Alchemical Simulation: Simulate pill creation to reduce failures. (Unlock Cost: 9,000 Points; Requires Alchemy Hall)
Formation Hall:
Qi Visualization: Aid in visualizing Qi flow during formation creation. (Unlock Cost: 6,000 Points; Requires Formation Hall)
Formation Simulation Chamber: Safe formation practice. (Unlock Cost: 8,000 Points; Requires Formation Hall)
Martial Arena:
Simulator: Virtual sparring between disciples without physical harm. (Unlock Cost: 7,500 Points; Requires Martial Arena)
"Impressive," Lin Xuan said appreciatively, already envisioning how these tools would reshape the future of his sect. Then he blinked. "Wait... Where are the buildings?"
[Please construct them manually,] the system replied flatly.
Lin Xuan stared at the barren surroundings, deadpan. "You're telling me the System of a mighty ancient sect can grant divine-grade artifacts, but it won't even build a shack?"
[We provide functionality, not furniture.]
He groaned. "Should've seen that coming."
Next, he opened the Disciple Management System:
Aptitude Appraisal: Reveals each disciple's innate strengths and best path of development—whether cultivation, alchemy, formation arts, or beast taming.
Bestowal Function: Allows Lin Xuan to grant items, physiques, or artifacts obtained from the Heavens Treasury to disciples. Each bestowal costs points based on the value of the item.
However, he quickly noticed something missing. "Hold on, there's no system to monitor loyalty or potential betrayal?"
The system replied dryly, "If your predecessors had possessed such an ability, perhaps the Myriad Heavens Pavilion wouldn't have fallen into ruin."
Lin Xuan sighed, unable to argue with that logic. "Fair enough," he conceded. "Trust has to be earned and maintained, not enforced by a system."
[Precisely why you were chosen,] the system affirmed unexpectedly. [Your beliefs and experiences align perfectly with the vision needed to restore this sect.]
Lin Xuan smiled faintly, appreciating the acknowledgment despite its source. Turning away from the vein, he stepped outside the cave. Dawn had broken, casting golden hues across the rugged terrain below. The mountain felt renewed, vibrant with fresh potential.
Gathering nearby stones, he swiftly crafted a simple marker, engraving it carefully:
"Here rises the Pavilion once lost."
He stood back, taking a moment to envision the future—a thriving sect, powerful disciples, and a foundation strong enough to shield them from harm.
"Let's begin again," he whispered resolutely. "And this time, we'll build it better."
He gave one final glance to the glowing cavern, his body aching from the grueling battle with the serpent. A weary sigh escaped him as he muttered, "Before I build a sect to rival the heavens... I think I deserve a nap."
[Highly recommended. You currently have four bruised ribs, a sprained ankle, and signs of Qi exhaustion,] the system chimed helpfully.
Lin Xuan winced. "Thanks for the reminder. Real considerate."
And with that, the Sect Master of the Myriad Heavens Pavilion limped back toward the shallower alcoves of the cave, looking for a reasonably soft rock to collapse on.