The growth of Cloud Mist Peak over the past few days had reached a level that no one in the Lingyuan Sect had expected. What was once considered the most neglected peak of the sect had suddenly become the center of attention for disciples of every rank. From early morning until late at night, the mountain path leading to the Cloud Mist Internet Café was filled with cultivators walking up and down the stone steps.
Some disciples arrived full of excitement, eager to test their skills against the monsters inside the strange illusion worlds. Others came out of curiosity, wanting to see the mysterious place that had gained the approval of multiple peak masters.
But the result was always the same.
Every disciple who tried the training realms left the shop with a completely different expression than when they entered.
Some walked away excitedly discussing their battles.
Some quietly tested their weapon techniques outside the building.
And a few simply stood there in silence, clearly shocked by the improvements they had just experienced.
Inside the shop, the twenty computers were running almost constantly.
The glowing screens displayed a wide variety of scenes.
In one corner, a group of disciples fought desperately against terrifying creatures inside the Zombie Catastrophe Realm, dodging attacks while trying to survive in a ruined city.
On another screen, a cultivator clashed with hundreds of armored soldiers inside the Battlefield Realm, his sword flashing as waves of enemies surrounded him.
At another machine, a disciple quietly explored the Creation Realm, building strange structures out of glowing materials while experimenting with different designs.
The diversity of the training worlds allowed disciples from many cultivation paths to find something useful.
Sword cultivators improved their precision.
Body cultivators sharpened their reflexes.
Strategists practiced large-scale battlefield awareness.
Even formation disciples began visiting the shop regularly to study the unique environments created by the system.
Standing behind the counter, Lin Tian calmly watched everything unfold.
The system interface floating before him displayed a constant stream of updates.
Active Players: 20
Total Visitors Today: 472
Spirit Stones Earned: 2,360
Lin Tian raised an eyebrow slightly.
"Almost five hundred visitors in a single day."
Even within a large sect like Lingyuan Sect, that number was impressive.
The small internet café had quickly become one of the busiest locations in the entire sect.
However, the increased popularity also created new problems.
Several disciples standing near the reservation board were already arguing.
"I've been waiting for two hours!"
"You just arrived!"
"I reserved that spot earlier!"
Lin Tian sighed quietly.
"This place is starting to feel like a marketplace."
Just as he began thinking about possible solutions, the system panel suddenly flashed.
DING.
Shop Popularity Level Increased.
Current Rank: Renowned within Lingyuan Sect.
Lin Tian leaned forward slightly.
"So the system tracks reputation too."
The notification continued.
Reward Unlocked: Shop Expansion Option.
A new blueprint appeared on the panel.
The image displayed a much larger building with additional floors and dozens of new computer stations.
Maximum Computer Capacity: 100
Lin Tian's eyes widened slightly.
"One hundred machines?"
If the shop expanded to that size, the waiting lines outside would almost completely disappear.
But the system displayed another message.
Expansion Requirement: 5,000 Spirit Stones
Lin Tian rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"Still a little short."
Although the shop was earning spirit stones quickly, it would still take some time to gather that amount.
Just then, a sudden wave of excitement erupted outside the shop.
Several disciples rushed toward the entrance while whispering loudly.
"Someone important is coming!"
"Who?"
"I heard it's someone from the Elder Council!"
Inside the shop, many disciples immediately turned their heads toward the door.
Even Lin Tian looked up from the system panel.
The door slowly opened.
An older man wearing dark robes stepped inside.
Unlike the peak masters who had visited earlier, this man carried a much calmer and more restrained aura. However, the spiritual energy surrounding him was incredibly deep and stable.
The disciples quickly recognized him.
"It's Elder Zhao!"
"He's from the sect's Elder Council!"
The room instantly became quiet.
The Elder Council was responsible for overseeing many of the important decisions within the Lingyuan Sect. Their authority was nearly equal to the peak masters themselves.
Elder Zhao slowly looked around the shop.
His gaze paused on the glowing screens displaying various battle scenes.
"So this is the place everyone has been discussing."
His calm voice carried a quiet authority.
Lin Tian stepped forward and greeted him politely.
"Welcome to Cloud Mist Peak."
Elder Zhao nodded slightly.
"I have heard many interesting reports about this place."
He walked closer to one of the machines while observing the strange device carefully.
"They say cultivators can improve their combat abilities through these illusion worlds."
Lin Tian crossed his arms casually.
"That's correct."
Elder Zhao turned toward him.
"Then I would like to test it personally."
The surrounding disciples immediately became excited again.
Even the elders were beginning to visit the computer shop.
Lin Tian gestured toward an empty computer.
"Please."
Elder Zhao sat down calmly.
The system activated.
Within seconds, his consciousness entered the virtual world.
Inside the shop, dozens of disciples gathered around the screen to watch.
This time, the simulation displayed a massive battlefield where enormous monsters slowly emerged from the darkness.
Elder Zhao stood calmly in the center of the field.
Despite his age, his movements were incredibly steady.
He raised the weapon that appeared in his hands and faced the approaching monsters.
Inside the shop, the watching disciples held their breath.
The battle had begun.
Meanwhile, Lin Tian quietly leaned against the counter again.
Outside the shop, the line of waiting disciples continued growing longer.
And somewhere high above the Lingyuan Sect…
Hidden within the clouds…
A pair of ancient eyes slowly opened.
The mysterious observer who had been watching Cloud Mist Peak for days had finally decided to act.