Six years old, Drake stood on the highest point of the Blackthorn manor, his golden eyes scanning the surrounding landscape. The territory, once a fertile land, was now a patchwork of neglected fields and crumbling farmhouses. The people, once proud and prosperous, were now gaunt and weary.
He could feel the weight of responsibility pressing down on him. He was no longer just a child. He was the future of the Blackthorn family, the hope of a dying territory.
System, show me my status, he thought.
[Name: Drake Blackthorn]
[Age: 6] [Qi: 210/300]
[Strength: 35]
[Agility: 34]
[Vitality: 36]
[Cultivation Status:]
[Core Formation - Early Stage]
[- Qi Core Stability: 70%]
[- Meridian Strength: 65%]
[- Spiritual Awareness: 60%]
[Skills: Jade Immortal's Genesis, The Art of the Swift Wind (Proficient)]
[Points: 120]
He had made significant progress in the past year. He had mastered "The Art of the Swift Wind," his movements now fluid and precise. He had also continued to cultivate, his Qi core growing stronger with each passing day. The separated "Cultivation Status" section gave him more information on his current realm, showing the stability of his core, and the strength of his meridians.
But he knew that his own strength was not enough. He needed to build an army, to revitalize the territory, and to expand his influence.
He had started identifying potential recruits, young men and women with a spark of talent and a hunger for power. He had begun to train them in secret, teaching them the basics of Qi gathering and the fundamentals of martial arts.
He had also started to explore the territory, searching for resources and opportunities. He had discovered hidden veins of ore, abandoned farms with fertile soil, and forgotten trade routes.
He knew that the Blackthorn territory had the potential to become a powerhouse, a force to be reckoned with in the Golden Empire. But he also knew that he faced many challenges.
The taxes were still a burden, draining the territory's resources. The neighboring nobles were eyeing the Blackthorn land, eager to seize it for themselves. And the Golden Empire itself was a hotbed of political intrigue, with powerful factions vying for control.
He needed to be smart, cunning, and ruthless. He needed to build alliances, eliminate his enemies, and seize every opportunity that came his way.
[Available Quests:]
[1. Negotiate a trade agreement with a neighboring village (Reward: 50 Points)]
[2. Investigate the recent bandit activity (Reward: 70 Points)]
[3. Establish a training regimen for potential recruits (Reward: 60 Points)]
[4. Secure a loan from a local merchant (Reward: 40 Points)]
[5. Survey the territory's resources (Reward: 30 Points)]
Drake smiled. These quests were more challenging than the menial tasks he had been doing, but they offered greater rewards. He was ready to take on these challenges.
He began to formulate a plan. He would start by negotiating a trade agreement with a neighboring village, securing a new source of income for the territory. He would then investigate the recent bandit activity, eliminating a threat to his people. He would establish a training regimen for his recruits, building a loyal and powerful force. And he would survey the territory's resources, identifying new opportunities for growth.
He knew that he had a long road ahead, but he was determined to succeed. He would not let his family fall. He would rise, and he would build an empire.
[...]
As Drake continued his training and preparations, he realized the need for a close confidant and sparring partner. Someone who could challenge him, push him to his limits, and provide valuable guidance on his path to mastery. He also knew that he needed someone he could trust implicitly, someone who would be loyal to him no matter what.
One day, while exploring the manor's grounds, he stumbled upon a young boy practicing his swordsmanship. The boy was agile, his movements fluid, and his strikes precise. Drake was intrigued.
"Who are you?" Drake asked, approaching the boy.
The boy looked up, his eyes wide with surprise. "I'm Alex," he replied. "I'm a servant boy."
"A servant boy?" Drake raised an eyebrow. "I didn't know we had any servants skilled in swordsmanship."
"My father taught me," Alex explained. "He was a knight, but he died in a battle."
Drake felt a pang of sympathy. "I'm sorry for your loss," he said.
"Thank you," Alex replied. "But I don't let it define me. I want to be a great warrior, just like my father."
Drake saw a spark in the boy's eyes, a determination that reminded him of himself. He knew that Alex was special, and he wanted to secure his loyalty.
System, open shop, he thought.
The shop interface appeared. Drake navigated to the "Contracts" section.
[Qi Contract - A mystical contract bound by Qi, ensuring absolute obedience and loyalty. (Cost: 100 Points)]
Drake purchased the contract. He knew it was expensive, but the peace of mind it offered was invaluable.
[Qi Contract acquired.]
[-100 Points]
System, show available sects, he thought.
The list of available sects appeared. Drake's eyes lingered on one in particular:
[Heavenly Demonic Sect - A sect that balances celestial grace with dark demonic arts, specializing in dual-path cultivation and unparalleled power. (Cost: 1000 Points)]
He knew he couldn't afford it yet, but he made a mental note to prioritize it. He exited the shop interface.
"You have talent," Drake said. "I can see it."
Alex's eyes lit up. "Really?"
"Yes," Drake said. "I've been looking for someone to spar with. Would you be willing to train with me?"
Alex hesitated, then nodded. "I would be honored."
From that day on, Drake and Alex became inseparable. They spent hours sparring, honing their skills, and pushing each other to their limits. Alex, with his natural talent and dedication, quickly became a worthy sparring partner.
One evening, after a particularly intense training session, Drake and Alex sat beneath the shade of an old oak tree.
"Alex," Drake began, his voice serious, "you want to be a great warrior, like your father, right?"
"Yes, Lord Drake," Alex replied, his eyes filled with determination.
"But what if I told you there was a way to become something more than just a mage or an aura swordsman?" Drake asked. "Something… greater?"
Alex's brow furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean, Lord Drake?"
"I mean becoming something… beyond what you know," Drake said, his voice low. "A path to power that most can't even dream of."
Alex looked at him, puzzled. "I don't understand."
"You don't have to," Drake said. "Just know that I can offer you a chance to become stronger than you ever imagined. But there's a catch."
"What is it, Lord Drake?" Alex asked.
"This knowledge is secret," Drake said, his voice firm. "It cannot be shared with anyone, not until I give you permission. Do you understand?"
Alex nodded eagerly. "Yes, Lord Drake. I swear it."
Drake smiled. "Good. But I want to make it official."
He took out a small scroll, the Qi Contract he had purchased earlier.
"This is a contract," Drake explained. "It's a magical agreement. If you sign it, you swear an oath of secrecy. You will not disclose any information about your training, or about what I teach you, until I allow it. If you break this oath, there will be… consequences."
Alex looked at the contract, his eyes wide with awe and a hint of fear. But his desire for power outweighed his hesitation.
"I'll sign it," he said, his voice trembling slightly.
Drake nodded. He pricked his finger, and a drop of blood appeared. He handed Alex a small knife and gestured for him to do the same. They both signed the contract with their blood.
[Qi Contract activated.]
[Alex bound by contract.]
Drake felt a sense of relief. Alex was now bound to him, his loyalty secured.
"Good," Drake said. "Now, let's begin."
He reached into his robes and took out a simple-looking book.
"This is a technique," Drake said. "It will allow you to access a power you never knew existed. It will be difficult, but it will be worth it."
He knew he couldn't explain Qi cultivation to Alex in detail. It was too foreign, too complex. He would have to guide him step by step, showing him the way.
"I'm going to guide you through a process," Drake explained. "It's called the Foundation Reestablishment Technique. It will convert all the mana you've ever cultivated into Qi. From now on, your body will only cultivate Qi. It will be painful, but it's necessary. Trust me."
Alex nodded, bracing himself. He understood the concept of mana from his previous training, but Qi was a complete unknown.
Drake placed his hand on Alex's back and activated the technique. A surge of energy flowed from Drake into Alex's body. Alex's body convulsed in pain. He screamed, his face contorted in agony.
Drake gritted his teeth, focusing his energy. He could feel the mana within Alex's body being forced into new pathways, transforming into Qi. It was a delicate process, and one wrong move could cause irreparable damage.
The process lasted for what seemed like an eternity. Finally, Alex's screams subsided. His body relaxed, and his breathing became steady.
Drake withdrew his hand, his own body drained. Alex lay on the ground, his chest rising and falling rhythmically.
[Alex's Qi Foundation reestablished.]
Drake smiled. It was done. Alex was now a cultivator, his body now primed to cultivate Qi.
"How do you feel?" Drake asked, his voice gentle.
Alex opened his eyes, his gaze distant. "I… I feel different," he said, his voice hoarse. "Like something has changed inside me."
"It has," Drake said. "You are now a cultivator. You will no longer cultivate mana. You will cultivate Qi."
Alex looked at Drake, his eyes filled with awe and confusion. "Qi? What is that?"
"That is something I will teach you," Drake said, a predatory grin spreading across his face. "But first, you need to rest. You've been through a lot."
Alex nodded, his eyes closing. He drifted into a deep sleep, his body exhausted but his spirit filled with a newfound sense of purpose.