The Lin Clan's training ground stretched before Li Xian like a mountain of glimmering steel and golden light. Towers and platforms floated in the air, humming with concentrated Qi. From the distance, dozens of cultivators sparred, their movements precise, fluid, and lethal. Li Xian swallowed.
This… this is a whole different world from Yun Clan.
Beside him, Li Yuxin moved like a shadow, her crimson robes almost blending with the fiery light of the setting sun. Every step she took radiated confidence, the aura of a seasoned cultivator who had seen countless battles. She glanced at him briefly, her golden eyes sparkling with amusement.
"You've survived bandits, weak Lin Clan guards… congratulations," she said, voice low and teasing. "But here? This is the Lin Clan's heart. One misstep, and you'll be torn apart."
Li Xian felt a shiver crawl down his spine. He adjusted the glowing orb of Qi Seed in his hand, feeling its warmth pulse.
System Notification: Mission 2 Active. Objective: Earn Recognition in Lin Clan.
Reward: Gold, Treasure, Companion Affection Points.
Recommended Actions: Demonstrate Skill, Complete Minor Tasks.
Recognition? For him? He was a nobody, a penniless weakling from a dying clan. And yet, the System's prompt made his heart pound with hope.
They approached the gates of the training ground, massive arches carved with intricate runes, radiating a faint golden glow. Two guards stepped forward, their eyes sharp, noticing the newcomers.
"State your purpose," one demanded, his voice echoing like a drum.
Li Xian swallowed, words catching in his throat. Before he could stammer, Li Yuxin stepped forward, drawing her short blade. Her Qi flared, and the air around her seemed to warp slightly.
"This one travels with me," she said, voice commanding and firm. "He is under my protection. Let him pass."
The guards' eyes narrowed, but Li Yuxin's aura left no room for argument. They stepped aside, muttering. Li Xian exhaled, stunned. She… she just did that. She just walked me through the gates.
System Notification: Companion Loyalty +10. Potential Affection +5. Mission Progress +10%.
Inside, the training ground was alive with activity. Cultivators practiced duels on floating platforms, trained beasts, or meditated in Qi pools that glowed like liquid gold. The air was thick with energy—Li Xian could feel it humming against his skin.
"Follow me," Li Yuxin said. She led him toward a quieter area near the cliffs, where newer recruits trained under the watchful eyes of instructors.
Before he could process the scene, a voice cut through the air. "Ha! Who's this? Another weakling from the outskirts?"
Li Xian looked up to see a young man stepping down from a higher platform. Muscular, tall, with hair that shimmered like molten bronze and an arrogant grin, he radiated confidence. His aura alone made Li Xian's knees ache.
"Name's Chen Hao," the youth announced loudly, "and anyone daring to step into the Lin Clan's territory must face me first."
Li Yuxin's eyes flickered with amusement. "Don't take him seriously. Just stay calm."
Li Xian's heart raced. Face him? Now? But… he's so strong…
System Notification: Combat Opportunity Detected.
Risk Level: Moderate.
Suggested Action: Observe Companion Techniques.
Potential Reward: Recognition, Experience, Treasure.
Li Xian swallowed. The System was nudging him. He had survived bandits and guards—he could survive this too.
"Alright," he muttered, taking a deep breath. "I'll try…"
Chen Hao's grin widened. "Good. You look weak, but maybe you'll be entertaining." He lunged, his fists glowing with golden Qi. The surrounding cultivators paused to watch, sensing the fight about to unfold.
Li Xian's instincts kicked in. He closed his eyes, feeling the blue warmth of the Qi Seed surge through him. He remembered the System's tutorials, the way his first shockwave had worked.
System Tip: Use Companion Demonstration to Learn Techniques.
Li Yuxin stepped beside him, her blade slicing through the air with incredible speed, sending a gust of Qi that staggered Chen Hao momentarily. Li Xian's eyes widened. She had taught him nothing, yet watching her, he could anticipate her movements.
He extended his palm. A pulse of blue energy shot forward—not much, but enough to knock Chen Hao slightly off balance.
Chen Hao blinked, then smirked. "Interesting… not completely useless."
The fight escalated. Chen Hao's attacks were rapid, precise, and brimming with raw power. Li Xian stumbled, barely dodging, but each time he touched the Qi Seed, a surge of strength guided his movements. He countered with small bursts of energy, learning through action.
System Notification: Combat Experience +20. Mission Progress +20%. Potential Recognition Increase.
Finally, Li Yuxin intervened. In a blur of motion, she swept past Chen Hao, her blade flashing like fire. Chen Hao staggered back, clearly impressed—and Li Xian realized he had survived his first real cultivation duel.
The surrounding recruits murmured, some even whispering among themselves. Li Xian felt a strange warmth of pride. For the first time in his life, people were noticing him—not for being weak, but for surviving, for fighting.
Chen Hao straightened, brushing his sleeve. "You… aren't completely pathetic. Maybe I underestimated you." His golden eyes met Li Xian's, and for the first time, there was a flicker of respect.
System Notification: Mission 2 Completed. Recognition Gained: Minor. Companion Affection +10. Reward: 100 Gold, Minor Treasure.
New Mission Unlocked: Demonstrate Skill to Lin Clan Instructors.
Li Xian's chest heaved, but amidst the exhilaration, he felt something more. He glanced at Li Yuxin, who leaned against a stone casually, watching him with a smirk that made his heart pound.
Her eyes softened slightly. "Not bad," she said. "You're learning faster than I expected. Keep it up, and maybe I'll consider showing you more."
Li Xian's ears burned. Consider showing me more? The words repeated in his head, sending heat rushing through his chest. He nodded, barely managing to speak. "I… I'll do my best."
She smiled faintly. "Good. We'll need all the strength we can get. There's more waiting for you in here than you can imagine. And… not all of it is friendly."
System Notification: Companion Affection Increase +5. R18 Interaction Potential Unlocked.
The sun dipped lower, casting long shadows across the training ground. Just as Li Xian thought he could rest, a low rumble shook the platform. Rocks loosened, and a shadow moved across the far edge of the training ground—large, inhuman, its aura dense with cultivation energy far stronger than he had ever felt.
Danger Detected: Unknown High-Level Threat Approaching.
Recommended Action: Extreme Caution.
Li Xian's heart leapt. He had survived bandits, a rival cultivator, and even earned recognition—but whatever this was, it was on a completely different level.
Li Yuxin's expression changed, her playful smirk replaced with a serious glare. "Stay close. This isn't a duel. This is survival."
The shadow moved closer, the faint glow of red eyes cutting through the mist. Li Xian swallowed, feeling a mix of fear, anticipation, and a thrill he couldn't explain. His fists tingled with energy, the Qi Seed pulsing as if urging him forward.
System Notification: Emergency Combat Mission Detected.
Mission Reward: High.
Risk Level: Extreme.
Li Xian looked at Li Yuxin, determination blazing in his eyes. "I… I won't run. Not this time."
Her eyes softened again, and she nodded once. "Good. Let's see what you're truly made of."
And as the shadow stepped into the light, Li Xian felt the weight of the Lin Clan, his System, and his own ambition settle over him.
This was only the beginning…