The morning mist clung to the mountains like a ghostly veil as I followed a group of disciples toward the training grounds. My heart pounded with anticipation—and a hint of dread. This was my first step toward becoming stronger.
The training grounds were carved from the mountainside, with smooth stone platforms and wooden dummies arranged in neat rows. A waterfall roared in the distance, its mist painting rainbows in the morning light.
Elder Bai Yun stood at the head of the grounds, his white robes billowing in the breeze. His eyes swept across the gathered disciples like a hawk scanning for prey.
"Welcome, new disciples," he began, his voice firm yet calm. "Here at Cloud Mist Sect, strength is earned, not given. Today, you will be tested. Those who fail will be sent home. Those who succeed will earn the right to learn our sect's cultivation techniques."
A murmur ran through the crowd. I clenched my fists. Failure was not an option.
"System," I whispered in my mind, "show me my current status."
╔════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ SYSTEM PANEL ║
╠════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ Host: Xiao Feng ║
║ Cultivation Level: Body Refining Tier 2 ║
║ Talent: Good ║
║ Skills: ║
║ • Flowing Shadow Fist (Mastered) ║
║ • Wind Shadow Steps (Basic) ║
║ System Abilities: ║
║ • Devouring Ability ║
║ Inventory: ║
║ • Spirit Stones x50 ║
╚════════════════════════════════════════╝
A small smile crossed my lips. I was ready.
"Your first trial," Elder Bai Yun said, "is the Agility Path."
He gestured toward a narrow bridge stretching across a deep chasm. Mist rolled below, hiding whatever lay at the bottom. The bridge was barely wide enough for a single person to walk—and it swayed in the wind like a leaf.
"You must cross without falling," Bai Yun continued. "Use your movement techniques, or whatever else you have learned. Remember—falling means failure."
A hush fell over the disciples. Some turned pale. Others clenched their fists in determination.
I stepped forward, determination burning in my eyes.
"System," I whispered, "activate Wind Shadow Steps!"
╔════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ SYSTEM ACTIVATION ║
╠════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ Wind Shadow Steps activated. ║
║ Agility temporarily enhanced. ║
╚════════════════════════════════════════╝
A rush of energy flooded my legs. I felt lighter, faster—like a leaf in the wind.
Taking a deep breath, I stepped onto the bridge. The wood creaked ominously beneath my feet. The wind howled around me, threatening to throw me into the abyss. But I focused on my breathing, on the technique flowing through my veins.
One step. Two steps. Three.
The bridge swayed wildly, but I moved like the wind itself—light, fast, unstoppable.
Halfway across, a gust of wind threatened to unbalance me. My heart lurched, but I adjusted my stance, letting the Wind Shadow Steps guide me.
I reached the far side in a blur of movement, my breath coming in ragged gasps. Cheers erupted from the other side.
"Impressive," Elder Bai Yun said, a faint smile on his lips. "You have passed the first trial."
A rush of relief washed over me. One step closer.
"System," I whispered, "mission update."
╔════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ SYSTEM PANEL ║
╠════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ Mission Progress: ║
║ • Join a Sect or Clan: Completed ║
║ • Learn a Cultivation Technique: ║
║ Completed (Wind Shadow Steps) ║
║ • Reach Body Refining Tier 3: ║
║ Pending ║
╚════════════════════════════════════════╝
╔════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ SYSTEM REWARD ║
╠════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ • Reward Unlocked: ║
║ - Additional Qi Flow (5% increase) ║
║ - Confidence Boost ║
╚════════════════════════════════════════╝
A warm energy surged through my body, strengthening my Qi flow and steadying my spirit. I looked up at the sky, determination burning brighter than ever.
This was only the beginning. The road ahead was long and dangerous. But I would walk it—step by step—until I reached the summit.
For my sister. For myself. For the legacy that my father had entrusted to me.
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🌌 End of Chapter 6