The first light of dawn broke over the floating platforms of the Lin Clan training ground, casting golden hues across the forested cliffs. Li Xian stirred on the soft grass of the secluded clearing, still sore from the previous night's intense training with Li Yuxin. Every muscle ached, yet a strange thrill ran through him—a sign of progress, of life finally moving forward.
Li Yuxin was already up, her crimson robes flaring as she stretched elegantly. Her golden eyes caught his gaze, and she smirked. "I was wondering if you'd sleep through the first day of serious training," she teased. "Get up, scrawny kid. Today, you either sink or swim."
Li Xian groaned but rose, his hands glowing faintly as the blue Qi Seed pulsed in his palm. "I… I won't sink," he muttered. I can't fail. Not now.
System Notification: Mission 3 Activated. Objective: Earn Recognition in Lin Clan via Training and Tournament Participation. Reward: Gold, Treasure, Companion Affection Points, Potential New Companions. Recommended Actions: Demonstrate Skill, Complete Combat Trials, Interact with Companions.
Li Yuxin led him toward the central training area, a massive platform suspended by layers of floating Qi. Cultivators of all ranks practiced, sparring, and testing techniques in the bright morning light. Li Xian's pulse quickened. Every step reminded him that he was a newcomer—a nobody. Yet, he had survived against impossible odds before. He could do it again.
As they approached, a female cultivator, no older than Li Yuxin, glanced over her shoulder. Her hair was silvery white, tied into a long braid that swayed with every movement, and her jade-green eyes sparkled with curiosity.
"Who's that?" Li Xian whispered.
System Notification: Potential Companion Detected: Mei Lian. Affection Level: Neutral. Unlock through interaction or missions.
Li Yuxin glanced back, a faint smirk playing on her lips. "Watch and learn. But don't get distracted."
Before Li Xian could process the warning, a horn sounded across the training ground, booming with authority. Instructors appeared, their presence commanding silence among the trainees.
"Today marks the start of the Lin Clan's recognition trials," one announced. "Every newcomer must demonstrate skill, strategy, and control of Qi. Stand out, and you will earn a place among the Lin Clan's promising members. Fail, and your name will be forgotten."
Li Xian's heart raced. Recognition… finally, an opportunity to prove himself beyond survival.
System Notification: Mission Progress +10%. Recommended Action: Observe and Choose First Tournament Match.
The first round commenced. Participants were paired randomly. Li Xian's name, "Li Xian of the Yun Clan," was called. Gasps echoed through the crowd—Yun Clan? A weak, poor clan? Murmurs of doubt and amusement followed.
Chen Hao's voice cut through the air, loud and derisive: "Oh, this'll be good. Let's see if the scrawny kid can even lift a blade."
Li Xian swallowed but held his ground. Beside him, Li Yuxin's gaze softened for a fraction of a second, then hardened again. "Focus. Observe, react, survive."
The opponent appeared: a sturdy male cultivator, known among the novices for his strength. His aura was strong, but not overwhelming. Li Xian's hands shook, but the blue Qi Seed pulsed as if sensing his fear and converting it into power.
System Tip: Analyze Enemy Movements. Use Environmental Advantage. Skill Progression Accelerated by Companion Observation.
The duel began. Li Xian barely managed to block the first strike, stumbling back as sparks of Qi collided between his defensive energy and the opponent's attacks. His mind raced, recalling Li Yuxin's lessons from yesterday. Footwork, timing, bursts of Qi energy… he could do this.
System Notification: Skill Improved: Qi Shockwave +10%. Mission Progress +15%.
He launched a small shockwave from his palm, forcing the opponent to stagger. Using the opening, he maneuvered around a training platform, allowing a sharp strike to glance off the opponent's side. The crowd gasped at the audacity.
Companion Affection Notification: Li Yuxin +5 for effective combat execution.
Li Xian's confidence grew, each small success reinforcing the warmth and energy of the Qi Seed in his palm. He felt alive in a way he never had before—his poverty, the ridicule, the helplessness of the past—all of it distant, replaced with focus and determination.
Finally, with one precise, well-timed surge of Qi, he sent his opponent stumbling backward. The impact was minor, but enough for the instructors to signal the end of the duel. Li Xian had survived.
System Notification: Recognition Increased: Minor. Reward: 50 Gold, Minor Treasure. Mission Progress +25%.
Breathing heavily, Li Xian stepped back, staring at the floating platform. He had survived—not just by luck, but by using what the System and Li Yuxin had taught him.
Next, Mei Lian approached. Her jade eyes locked on him, curiosity mingling with a faint smile. "You… you handled yourself well," she said softly. "Not many from weaker clans even make it this far."
Li Xian blinked, unsure how to respond. She… she's talking to me?
System Notification: Companion Interaction Opportunity: Mei Lian. Affection +5. Flirt or Compliment to Increase Bond.
"Th-thank you," he stammered. "I… I'm still learning, but I'll keep improving."
Her smile widened slightly. "Good. I like determination."
Li Xian felt heat rush to his face. The System chimed:
Companion Affection Increased: Mei Lian +10. Potential Future R18 Interaction Unlocked.
Li Yuxin nudged him subtly from behind. "See? It's not just about survival. Recognition brings allies—and opportunities."
Before Li Xian could respond, a horn sounded again. The next round would pair him with a slightly stronger opponent—a fast, agile fighter known for exploiting weaknesses. Li Xian's heart skipped. Every duel was a step toward recognition, and every step increased the risk.
The duel began. This time, Li Xian used a combination of defensive maneuvers and Qi Shockwaves, carefully observing his opponent's patterns. He moved more fluidly than before, his confidence bolstered by Li Yuxin's teachings and the System's guidance.
System Tip: Use Companion Observation and System Suggested Tactics. Critical for Survival.
He blocked, dodged, and countered with precise bursts of Qi energy, forcing his opponent off balance. The crowd murmured in surprise—this scrawny outsider from the Yun Clan was actually competent.
Finally, a small but perfectly timed shockwave sent the opponent stumbling, and the instructors signaled the end. Li Xian had survived two consecutive rounds. His chest heaved, sweat dripping down his face, but pride warmed him from within.
System Notification: Mission Progress +50%. Recognition Gained: Moderate. Reward: 100 Gold, Minor Treasure, Companion Affection Points.
Li Yuxin's eyes glimmered. "You're learning quickly. Keep this pace, and you'll survive far more than just tournaments."
Li Xian's attention was drawn to Mei Lian again, who gave him a small nod of approval. His chest warmed—he had survived, earned respect, and gained attention from two potential companions in a single morning.
System Notification: Companion Affection Bonus Applied. R18 Interaction Potential Updated.
Suddenly, a loud rumble shook the training ground. Floating platforms trembled, dust falling from their edges. A shadow moved across the far cliff—a remnant of the creature from before. Red eyes glimmered, and a low, menacing growl echoed through the forested grounds.
Li Xian froze. His chest raced. The shadow was back.
Li Yuxin's expression hardened. "Stay close. This isn't part of the tournament. This… this is real."
The crowd scattered, instructors rushing to contain panic. Li Xian felt the System's pulse quicken:
Emergency Mission Detected: Unknown High-Level Threat. Objective: Survive, Protect Companions, and Demonstrate Combat Ability. Reward: Unknown.
Li Xian's heart pounded. He had survived bandits, trainees, and tournaments—but this shadow entity was stronger, faster, and far more dangerous than anything he had faced.
System Notification: Emergency Skill Unlocked: Advanced Qi Manipulation. Recommended Action: Observe and Adapt in Combat.
He gritted his teeth, looking at Li Yuxin and Mei Lian. I… I will survive. I will protect them. I will rise.
And as the shadow stepped into the clearing, its red eyes burning with malice, Li Xian's fist pulsed with blue Qi energy—the first true surge of power he had felt in the Lin Clan.
This was only the beginning…