The moment Elder Zhao entered the virtual battlefield, the atmosphere inside the Cloud Mist Internet Café became extremely quiet. Dozens of disciples gathered around the glowing screen, watching the simulation carefully. Unlike the peak masters who had visited earlier, Elder Zhao represented the Elder Council, a group that held enormous influence over the internal affairs of the Lingyuan Sect. If even the elders acknowledged the usefulness of this strange training hall, the position of Cloud Mist Peak within the sect would rise to an entirely new level.
Inside the virtual world, Elder Zhao stood calmly in the center of a vast wasteland filled with cracked earth and broken stone pillars. Dark clouds slowly moved across the sky, creating an eerie atmosphere. The wind carried the distant roars of creatures hidden somewhere in the shadows.
Elder Zhao slowly looked around.
"This environment…"
His sharp eyes examined every detail.
Although the system described the worlds as training realms, experienced cultivators like him could immediately sense that the simulation was far more sophisticated than ordinary illusion formations. Every sound, every movement of the wind, even the pressure of the air felt completely real.
Before he could analyze further, the ground suddenly trembled.
Several enormous creatures emerged from the darkness.
Their bodies were covered in thick armor-like scales, and their glowing eyes locked onto the lone figure standing in the center of the battlefield.
Inside the shop, several disciples gasped.
"That monster is huge!"
"I've never seen one like that before!"
Elder Zhao remained calm.
He slowly raised the weapon that appeared in his hands.
Although he specialized more in internal cultivation techniques than direct combat, his experience as a long-time elder of the sect made him far from weak.
The first creature charged forward.
Its massive claws slammed toward him with terrifying force.
Elder Zhao stepped aside smoothly.
His weapon moved like flowing water as he struck the monster's side.
The creature roared loudly and stumbled backward.
The watching disciples inside the shop leaned closer to the screen.
"Elder Zhao is amazing!"
"He dodged that attack so easily!"
But the battle had only just begun.
More creatures began emerging from the shadows.
Soon, five massive beasts surrounded Elder Zhao.
Despite the dangerous situation, his expression remained calm.
He carefully observed the monsters' movements before attacking again.
His strikes were not as explosive as Lei Ba's powerful attacks, nor as elegant as Jian Tianlong's sword techniques. Instead, his movements were precise and efficient, as if he was analyzing every enemy before delivering the perfect strike.
One by one, the creatures collapsed.
Several minutes later, the battlefield slowly faded away.
Elder Zhao opened his eyes inside the computer shop.
For a moment, he remained seated silently.
The disciples around him waited nervously for his reaction.
Then he slowly stood up.
He raised his hand and tested a few movements of his weapon technique.
His expression changed slightly.
"My control over spiritual energy…"
He paused.
"…has become smoother."
The surrounding disciples exchanged excited looks.
Even an elder of the sect had experienced improvement.
Elder Zhao turned toward Lin Tian.
"This place is extraordinary."
His calm voice carried clear approval.
"The training realms allow cultivators to experience battles without risking their lives."
Lin Tian nodded slightly.
"That was the intention."
Elder Zhao looked around the crowded shop again.
Many disciples were still waiting for their turn at the machines.
Others watched the screens with fascination.
"This training method could benefit the entire sect," he said thoughtfully.
Several disciples nearby immediately became even more excited.
If the sect officially supported the computer shop, its importance would grow dramatically.
However, Elder Zhao did not continue the topic.
Instead, he calmly placed a pouch of spirit stones on the counter.
"I will visit again."
Then he walked toward the exit of the shop.
The disciples quickly stepped aside as he passed.
Outside, the mountain path was still filled with cultivators climbing toward Cloud Mist Peak.
Elder Zhao paused for a moment and looked back at the strange building.
His eyes narrowed slightly.
"A fascinating creation…"
Then he quietly continued down the mountain path.
Inside the shop, the excited discussions quickly resumed.
"Did you hear that?"
"Even an elder praised the place!"
"This shop is going to become famous across the entire sect!"
Lin Tian simply leaned casually against the counter while observing the crowd.
The system panel in front of him suddenly flashed again.
DING.
Shop Reputation Increased.
Current Status: Recognized by Lingyuan Sect Elders.
Lin Tian raised an eyebrow.
Another message appeared immediately afterward.
New Feature Unlocked: Special Boss Realm — Tyrant Trial.
Lin Tian's eyes narrowed slightly.
"A boss realm…"
If the ordinary training realms had already attracted so many cultivators, introducing a powerful boss challenge would make the shop even more popular.
But before Lin Tian could study the new feature further, the disciples near the entrance suddenly began whispering again.
"Did you hear?"
"What?"
"I heard someone from another sect has arrived!"
Lin Tian looked toward the door.
For the first time since the computer shop opened…
The influence of Cloud Mist Peak was beginning to spread beyond the Lingyuan Sect.