Ren learned two important things that day.
First: reputation didn't change overnight—but confusion was a powerful first step.
Second: sarcasm felt amazing in a cultivation world that took itself way too seriously.
He returned to Lin Fan's room with measured steps, ignoring the lingering stares. The door creaked open, revealing the same tragic interior: cracked table, dusty manuals Lin Fan never read, and a mirror that reflected a face far too handsome for such a disastrous résumé.
Ren studied himself. "You know," he said to his reflection, "if wasted potential were a cultivation path, you'd already be an Immortal."
The reflection did not argue. Rude.
> System Notification:
Host mental state stabilizing.
Sarcasm detected.
Emotional resilience increased slightly.
"…You track sarcasm now?"
> Affirmative.
Coping mechanisms are relevant to host survival.
Ren collapsed onto the bed. "Good. Because if I don't laugh at this situation, I'm going to scream—and I'm pretty sure screaming isn't a recognized cultivation method."
A new panel shimmered into existence.
> New Recommendation Available
Objective: Improve foundational condition
Method: Minor Yin-Yang circulation (Solo Variant – Preparatory)
Ren squinted. "Solo? So… the tutorial level."
> Clarification:
This technique does not provide cultivation advancement.
Purpose: Body conditioning, perception enhancement, and not dying immediately.
"Well when you put it that way, sign me up."
He sat cross-legged on the bed, following the system's guidance. The sensation was subtle—warmth in his limbs, a faint tingling in his core, like static before a storm that refused to arrive.
After ten minutes, Ren opened one eye.
"That's it? No golden light? No dramatic breakthrough? Not even a sound effect?"
> System Response:
Host expectations are unrealistic.
Ren sighed. "Story of my life."
Still, when he stood, his body felt… better. Lighter. Less like it would collapse if someone sneezed aggressively nearby.
> Body Tempering Progress: 3%
Status: Barely acceptable
Ren nodded. "I'll take 'barely acceptable.' That's basically my brand."
A knock suddenly rattled the door.
Ren stiffened. "If that's Zhao Kun again, I swear—"
The door slid open before he finished.
A young woman stood there in pale yellow robes, arms crossed, expression sharp enough to cut steel.
Lin Fan's memories whispered her name like a warning bell.
Chen Yue.
Outer disciple.
Former lender.
Current creditor.
Temper: volcanic.
"So," she said coldly. "You've been avoiding me."
Ren tilted his head. "I prefer the term 'strategically unavailable.'"
She blinked.
"What?"
Ren cleared his throat. "I mean—hello, Senior Sister Chen. Lovely day to aggressively collect debts."
Her eye twitched. "You owe me ten spirit stones."
"Yes," Ren said cheerfully. "I am painfully aware."
"And?"
"And unfortunately," Ren spread his hands, "I currently possess exactly zero spirit stones, one questionable future, and a very flexible sense of dignity."
Chen Yue stared at him as if he'd grown a second head.
"This isn't funny."
"I know," Ren agreed. "That's why I'm joking."
For a moment, she seemed genuinely thrown off balance. Lin Fan used to grovel. Beg. Make excuses. This… wasn't that.
She huffed. "You think acting clever will get you out of this?"
"No," Ren said. "I think surviving long enough to pay you back will."
Her gaze sharpened. "What are you implying?"
Ren leaned casually against the doorframe. "I'm saying expelling me won't get you your stones. But keeping me around? Might."
Chen Yue studied him, eyes narrowing.
> System Scan (Passive):
Target: Chen Yue
Yin Energy: Moderate
Compatibility: Unknown
Favorability: –10%
Ren winced internally. Oof. Starting in the red again.
Chen Yue scoffed. "You've never repaid anything in your life."
Ren smiled thinly. "Then consider this character development."
Silence stretched.
Finally, she clicked her tongue. "You have one month."
Ren raised a brow. "Generous."
"One month," she repeated, "or I report everything. Debts. Misconduct. All of it."
Ren bowed slightly. "Understood. And for what it's worth—I appreciate the extension."
She paused at the door, glancing back.
"…You really are different," she muttered, then left.
> System Update:
Target: Chen Yue
Favorability: –10% → –6%
Reason: Unexpected sincerity.
Ren slumped against the wall the moment she was gone.
"Wow," he muttered. "I'm negotiating debt deadlines now. Next thing you know, I'll be cultivating."
> System Notification:
Reminder:
Primary progression requires partner-based Yin-Yang Harmony.
Ren sighed, rubbing his temples. "Yes, yes. Seduce responsibly. Balance energies. Try not to get stabbed."
He glanced toward the window, where the distant inner courtyard shimmered in the evening light.
"Fourteen percent," he murmured. "Negative six. Zero cultivation."
A crooked grin tugged at his lips.
"Alright," Ren said. "Let's see how far sarcasm and good manners can carry a former joke of a disciple."
Somewhere in the Azure Blossom Sect, fate shifted—very slightly—and began reconsidering Lin Fan's file.