Chapter 9: Shadows of the Azure Dragon Sect
Zhen Ruhan stood at the edge of the Azure Dragon Sect's outer grounds. The towering gates loomed before him, adorned with intricate carvings of dragons and clouds. The air buzzed with spiritual energy, and the distant sounds of training echoed through the valley.
He took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment. This was his first step into the real cultivation world, outside the confines of the System Realm.
*System Notification:*
- *Objective:* Integrate into the Azure Dragon Sect.
- *Subtasks:*
- Establish identity.
- Gain acceptance.
- Avoid revealing time-based abilities.
- *Reward:* Access to sect resources and missions.
Ruhan approached the gates, where two guards stood watch. They eyed him suspiciously.
"State your name and purpose," one demanded.
"I am Zhen Ruhan," he replied calmly. "A wandering cultivator seeking to join the sect."
The guards exchanged glances. One of them activated a small crystal device, scanning Ruhan's aura.
[8/15, 4:30 PM] ChatGPT: "Strange... your spiritual signature is unfamiliar," he muttered.
Ruhan remained silent, aware that his time-based cultivation was unique and could raise questions.
After a tense moment, the guard nodded. "You may enter, but you'll be under observation."
*System Notification:*
- *SP Deducted:* 10
- *Reason:* Aura masking to prevent detection of time-based cultivation.
As Ruhan stepped through the gates, the vastness of the sect unfolded before him. Training grounds, meditation halls, and towering pagodas stretched as far as the eye could see. Cultivators of various levels practiced techniques, their energies creating a harmonious yet intense atmosphere.
*System Update:*
- *New Skill Acquired:* Aura Masking (Lv. 1)
- *Description:* Conceals unique cultivation signatures.
- *Duration:* Continuous while active.
- *SP Consumption:* 5 per hour.
A young disciple approached Ruhan, bowing respectfully.
"Welcome to the Azure Dragon Sect. I am Li Mei, assigned to guide new entrants."
Ruhan returned the bow. "Thank you, Li Mei."
She led him through the sect, explaining various facilities and protocols. As they walked, Ruhan couldn't help but notice the diversity among the cultivators—humans, elves, and other mystical beings, each honing their skills.
*System Notification:*
[8/15, 4:30 PM] ChatGPT: - *Objective Completed:* Establish identity.
- *SP Awarded:* 20
Later, in the dormitory assigned to him, Ruhan sat cross-legged, reflecting on the day's events. The system interface appeared before him.
*User Status:*
- *Name:* Zhen Ruhan
- *Title:* Timewalker
- *Race:* Human (Time-Bloodline – Unknown)
- *Cultivation Type:* Qi Cultivator | Body Cultivator
- *Realm:* Mortal Realm
- *Level:* Core Formation Stage III
- *Body Cultivation:* Bronze Flesh Stage II
- *Bloodline Status:* Locked (Dormant)
- *Attributes:*
- Strength: 92
- Vitality: 90
- Agility: 85
- Perception: 83
- Temporal Affinity: 97
- *SP:* 110 / 150
- *Skills:*
- Temporal Invisibility (Lv. 1)
- Chrono Burst (Lv. 1)
- Temporal Clone (Lv. 1)
- Moment Step (Lv. 1)
- Aura Masking (Lv. 1)
*System Notification:*
- *New Mission Available:* Participate in sect's trial mission.
- *Objective:* Assist in investigating disturbances in the nearby forest.
- *Reward:* SP and potential skill upgrade.
Ruhan accepted the mission, eager to prove himself and uncover more about this world.
The next morning, he joined a group of cultivators at the sect's main hall. Among them was a woman with a commanding presence and a mysterious aura.
"I am Lin Yue," she introduced herself. "Leader of this mission."
[8/15, 4:30 PM] ChatGPT: As they ventured into the forest, the atmosphere grew tense. Strange energies permeated the air, and the group encountered remnants of dark rituals.
Suddenly, they were ambushed by rogue cultivators. A fierce battle ensued.
Ruhan activated his skills:
- *Temporal Invisibility:* Evaded initial attacks.
- *Chrono Burst:* Slowed enemies, giving his allies an advantage.
- *Temporal Clone:* Distracted foes, allowing for strategic strikes.
His unique abilities turned the tide of the battle, leading to victory.
*System Notification:*
- *Mission Completed:* Investigate forest disturbances.
- *SP Awarded:* 50
- *Skill Upgrade:* Temporal Clone (Lv. 2)
- *Duration:* 15 seconds.
- *Clone Strength:* 80% of user's base strength.
Back at the sect, Ruhan's performance didn't go unnoticed. Lin Yue approached him.
"Your techniques are... unconventional," she remarked. "Where did you train?"
Ruhan smiled enigmatically. "A place beyond time."
She raised an eyebrow but didn't press further.
As days passed, Ruhan continued to train, participate in missions, and build relationships within the sect. Yet, he remained vigilant, aware that his true origins and abilities could attract unwanted attention.
*System Notification:*
- *New Objective:* Uncover information about parents' fate.
[8/ *Hint:* Seek the Oracle in the Northern Mountains.
Determined, Ruhan prepared for the journey ahead, knowing that each step brought him closer to the truth.
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*End of Chapter 9*