Five years.
From Body Tempering to Foundation Building.
In just five years, Alex needed to ensure Evelyn advanced by two major realms.
Setting aside the fact that she had already passed the golden age of cultivation, her talent was woefully inadequate for such a feat.
But…
"It shouldn't be impossible."
Alex muttered to himself.
It would take a significant amount of resources, and Evelyn would need extensive personal guidance, but with his full effort, it could be done.
Beyond his concern for his disciple, Alex also had the mission reward to think about.
The custom guidance feature seemed like it would be incredibly beneficial—not just for him, but for his disciple too.
With that settled in his mind, Alex shifted his focus to the next option on the system panel.
The Store.
As soon as he tapped it, a vast array of items appeared before his eyes.
As Alex gazed at the array of items before him, his attention was quickly drawn to the section labeled Store Points (SP).
[Store Points (SP)]
SP can be earned by selling items to the store and can then be used to purchase a variety of items.
The description was simple.
Selling items to the store to earn SP? That was intriguing.
Alex wondered if his inventory might have something of value.
After all, he had accumulated a few odds and ends that could be useful—perhaps some of it would fetch a decent price.
His eyes scanned the list of available items, many of which were far beyond his current reach. But he could see the potential of the system.
"How much SP could I get for things in my inventory?" Alex wondered aloud, his thoughts racing.
The concept of earning SP through trade seemed like a solid way to gain valuable resources without risking his own supply.
The prospect of purchasing cultivation materials, elixirs, or even new techniques was too tempting to ignore.
There were some incredibly useful items available—he spotted several cultivation pills, basic cultivation techniques, and even equipment that could increase one's cultivation speed.
The sheer range of options was enough to make Alex feel like a kid in a candy store.
There were also rare and powerful items, such as high-grade spiritual herbs and weapons, which could significantly enhance both his and Evelyn's progress.
However, these items were clearly out of his budget for now.
"I wonder if these items can also be influenced by the system's 100-time rebate," Alex thought, his excitement momentarily dampened by curiosity.
If the rebate applied to the store, the possibilities would be endless.
The potential to multiply the value of every transaction was tempting.
But even if it didn't, there was no real loss.
The store was still an invaluable resource, offering treasures that could greatly aid his journey.
Without wasting another moment, Alex quickly waved his storage ring, sending a variety of items—everything from monster corpses that held no value to him, to forgotten trinkets—into the store's system.
Each item was sold without hesitation, clearing space in his inventory while earning him valuable Store Points (SP).
The total SP he earned wasn't extravagant, but it was enough to browse the lower-tier items with purpose.
And for what he had in mind, quantity mattered more than flash.
Alex scrolled through the categories, filtering for items suited for early-stage cultivators—specifically those in the Body Tempering and Qi Condensation stages.
He paused at a bundle of Bone-Hardening Powder—a common, yet reliable supplement that strengthened bones during the early Body Tempering stages.
[Bone-Hardening Powder (Low Grade)]
Cost: 15 SP
Effect: Reinforces skeletal structure; minor increase to defense and cultivation absorption rate.
"Perfect for starting out," Alex nodded. He purchased five portions without hesitation.
Next on the list was Qi Guidance Incense, a gentle spiritual aid that helped stabilize a beginner's breathing and enhance their sensitivity to qi.
[Qi Guidance Incense (Common)]
Cost: 10 SP per stick
Effect: Aids in meditation and increases cultivation focus for up to 2 hours.
He grabbed ten sticks.
Then he came across something slightly more expensive but essential: a Foundation Nourishing Elixir.
[Foundation Nourishing Elixir]
Cost: 70 SP
Effect: Strengthens meridians and prepares the body for the Foundation Establishment breakthrough.
It was too early for Evelyn to use it, but Alex knew well—preparation began long before the breakthrough attempt itself.
Lastly, he picked up a few Cultivation Stabilization Pills, meant to smooth out small internal injuries and disruptions caused by rapid breakthroughs.
As the purchases processed, Alex felt a strange satisfaction wash over him.
He didn't need heaven-defying items to push Evelyn forward.
What she needed was consistency, planning, and guidance.
And he would provide all three.
"Five years," he murmured again, more to himself than anyone else. "We'll make it."
The store's screen shimmered faintly, confirming the delivery of purchased items into his inventory.
Alex gave one last glance at the SP counter—it had dropped, but it was worth it.
With renewed focus, he exited the store interface.
Now all he had to do was to start training this so called first disciple of his.
*******
The next morning arrived with a soft haze clinging to the mountain air.
Mist curled around the jagged stones, drifting lazily across the sky.
Alex stood at the edge of his peak, arms folded behind his back as he watched the sunrise bathe the world in hues of gold.
A quiet breeze tugged at the hem of his green robe—the mark of the Green Dragon Peak.
Footsteps echoed up the stone path.
He didn't need to turn to know who it was.
Evelyn.
She stopped a few steps behind him, breathing slightly heavy from the climb.
She wore the same green robe as him now—not the ordinary worn one the slave disciples wore, but a pristine one, tailored and lined with silvery thread.
It fit her perfectly.
At seventeen, she was tall for her age, with long black hair tied into a neat bun.
Her features were delicate, almost regal.
Alex glanced back at her.
A core disciple.
But even beside the freshly tailored robes and the pride that glimmered in Evelyn's eyes, Alex's presence eclipsed all else.
He stood tall, his posture effortless yet commanding. A sharp contrast to the stooped, weary figure he had once been back on Earth.
His slender frame was like a sheathed blade—elegant, refined, but hiding lethal power.
Even in stillness, his body radiated strength, as if the air itself bent slightly around him in deference.
His robe, dyed deep green like hers, shimmered subtly under the morning light.
But where Evelyn's bore silver thread, his was lined with intricate gold.
A mark of status—one few could wear.
Only Elders and the Sect Master bore the golden lining.
Silver for core disciples.
White for the inner disciples.
Plain colored robes for the outer ones.
And the slaves?
Rags.
The hierarchy was sewn directly into every thread of this sect.
"I completed your instructions, Master," Evelyn said softly. "The robe was made yesterday evening. The residence is already completed too."
Alex nodded once.
The progress looked really fast but one must not forget this was a cultivation world.
Common sense of mortals was nothing to cultivators.
"You did well."
Evelyn's eyes lit up at the praise.
Alex turned back toward the horizon.
"You've taken your first step," Alex said. "From here on out, your climb begins. You'll either rise with me—or fall behind."
Evelyn's fingers clenched at her sides. "I'll rise, Master."
"…We'll see."