The first hints of unrest began with the smallest details. Tang San noticed them during morning training. The Mandala Snake at his rival's side, subtle shifts in Xiao Wu's movements, even Ning Rongrong's hesitation when issuing instructions during exercises. Something was off. Patterns that had once been predictable now fluctuated with a slight randomness — a nuance in the flow of events that his sharp mind could not ignore.
He observed silently from the sidelines, the sun glinting off his own spirit ring. Tang San's piercing eyes followed every move with meticulous calculation. Every adjustment, every hesitation, and every micro-expression on the copy holders' faces was noted. And the more he watched, the more it became clear: someone was influencing events. But who? And how?
Meanwhile, he — the new transmigrator in this world — strolled through the training fields, Mandala Snake coiling lazily at his ankle, its aura calm yet imposing. He allowed the diary to pulse softly in his hand. This was no longer about local growth; the multi-copy network had begun exerting influence beyond the academy, and Tang San's curiosity made him an unintentional pawn in the expanding game.
[System Alert: High-Fate Rivaly Thread Engaged][Reward: Spirit Power +2 Levels — Current Rank: 55][Multi-Copy Network Status: 95%]
He wrote deliberately in the diary, documenting Tang San's growing suspicion.
"Tang San senses anomalies. Subtle manipulation required to delay detection. Allow him to question but not to act rashly. Emotional resonance of copy holders must remain high."
The diary pulsed with golden light.
[Multi-Copy Emotional Synchronization: Max Efficiency][Reward Multiplier x3.8 Applied][Hidden Condition: Rival Influence Optimization +15%]
During mid-morning sparring, he subtly orchestrated interactions between the girls to create controlled emotional tension. Xiao Wu attacked Zhu Zhuqing with playful aggression, drawing small but precise adjustments in Zhu Zhuqing's movements. Ning Rongrong hesitated, torn between stepping in and letting events unfold naturally. Tang San's eyes flicked back and forth, narrowing with suspicion, but he held his tongue. The diary tracked every heartbeat, every micro-expression, and adjusted predictive outputs for future interactions.
[Multi-Copy Feedback Detected]
Xiao Wu: Attachment Rising → Emotional Investment Increasing
Ning Rongrong: Independence Rising → Decision Impulse Strengthening
Zhu Zhuqing: Respect → Emotional Curiosity Amplified[Reward: Spirit Power Compression +3 Levels — Current Rank: 57]
It was subtle, but effective. The girls were reacting to one another and to him, all without conscious awareness. Tang San's suspicion added an extra layer of complexity — the diary recorded this anomaly as a potential future reward multiplier.
By noon, the continental ripple was becoming noticeable. Minor fluctuations in spirit energy were reported at several academies, and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan had begun sensing faint disturbances in Ning Rongrong's aura. Though she acted confidently, the diary's subtle nudges had already guided her decisions toward leaving her clan earlier than canon timelines allowed.
He wrote again in the diary, amplifying her impulsive tendencies just enough to make her question long-held loyalties.
"Ning Rongrong seeks freedom. Her internal conflict grows. Subtle reinforcement will accelerate her decision."
[Copy Holder Emotional Resonance: High][Reward Multiplier x4.0 Applied][Spirit Power +4 Levels — Current Rank: 61][Hidden Condition: Karmic Seed — Early Clan Departure Planted]
Late in the afternoon, the first coordinated multi-copy emotional event unfolded. Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, and Ning Rongrong were gathered near the central training field. He allowed interactions to occur naturally while the diary monitored and adjusted predictive outputs. Xiao Wu's playful energy drew subtle adjustments in Zhu Zhuqing's precision. Ning Rongrong's internal conflict influenced both girls' movements, creating a cascade of emotional interactions.
Tang San watched, increasingly aware that something unnatural was occurring. Subtle divergences in the girls' behavior — responses that should have been predictable — hinted at manipulation. Yet he couldn't pinpoint the source. Every instinct he had told him the answer was near, just beyond reach.
[Multi-Copy Emotional Convergence: 97%][Reward: Spirit Power +5 Levels — Current Rank: 66][Predictive Emotional Mapping: Continental-Level Accuracy Achieved]
The diary pulsed brightly. Golden threads shimmered across the field, linking the girls in a web of emotional and predictive energy. Each pulse reinforced attachment, trust, and subtle rivalry. Tang San's observations only added weight to the system's calculations, increasing potential future rewards.
By evening, Ning Rongrong's decision had reached a tipping point. She quietly left the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan under the pretext of a temporary mission, her departure deliberate yet influenced subtly by the diary's seeded nudges. Xiao Wu, curious and anxious, found herself thinking more about him than she could admit. Zhu Zhuqing, analytical as ever, adjusted her mental calculations whenever he appeared nearby, a faint emotional attachment growing stronger with each observation.
The system recorded every event and calculated future contingencies.
[System Expansion Progress: 80%][Reward Multiplier x4.2 Applied][Spirit Power +5 Levels — Current Rank: 71][Hidden Feature: Multi-Copy Strategic Manipulation Activated]
In the distance, high above the continent, Bibi Dong felt the first continental wave of influence reach her observatory. Multiple high-level deviations were detectable — the academy, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, and the emotional states of key talents all diverged from canonical predictions. Her piercing gaze scanned the horizon.
"The player has begun manipulating events with precision," she murmured. "And the network… it's already continental in scale."
Back at the academy, he leaned against the wall of the training field, Mandala Snake coiled at his side. He watched the girls interact — playful glances, subtle hesitations, and unconscious adjustments in behavior. Tang San, increasingly suspicious, lingered at the edges of the field, silently observing. The golden threads pulsed gently, now a permanent fixture in the air, guiding emotions, interactions, and decisions.
He opened the diary one last time for the day, documenting everything with care.
"The first continental ripple is complete. Tang San is aware of anomalies. Emotional resonance across all copy holders is near maximum. Multi-copy network is fully operational at continental scale. System recommends continued subtle intervention while preparing for larger ripple events."
[System Reward: Spirit Power +6 Levels — Current Rank: 77][Multi-Copy Network Stability: High][Hidden Condition: Continental Influence Seed Germinating]
He closed the diary, exhaled slowly, and allowed a faint smile to cross his face.
The threads were tightening. Alliances, rivalries, and attachments were forming. Tang San's suspicion added tension. The girls' emotional responses were strengthening the network. And far beyond the academy, Bibi Dong had noticed — and she would act soon.
The first full continental-scale manipulation was complete. The game had only just begun.