Before the first light of dawn could permeate the cool darkness of his modest room, Lin Feng was abruptly awoken by the persistent voice of the Overseer. Groggy and disoriented, he struggled to focus as the Overseer's words washed over him in a continuous stream.
"Lin Feng, it's time to introduce you to the Gift Shop," the Overseer declared, its tone imbued with a sense of urgency that brooked no delay. "The Gift Shop, to which you now have access, is linked to a multiversal entity known as The Shop. This entity transcends the limitations of time and space, past, present, and future. It is a repository of all conceivable things and ideas—the seen and unseen, the possible and the impossible," the Overseer intoned with a sense of grandeur, trying to impress upon Lin Feng the unimaginable scale of what was being presented.
"Anything that can be conceptualized exists within The Shop. From the most mundane item to concepts that bend the fabric of reality itself, The Shop harbors it all. Here, the boundaries of what you know as possible are merely suggestions."
Prompted by the Overseer, Lin Feng opened the Gift Shop from his status panel. The interface that greeted him was unlike anything he had encountered—a swirling vortex of options each promising new potentials and powers.
"Begin by acquiring three critical augments to enhance your growth and understanding of your path," the Overseer directed, focusing Lin Feng's attention on the immediate.
Exp Augment
Cost: 3 Gift Points "See the unseen. With the Exp Augment, you no longer have to guess your journey to the next level. Understand exactly how many experience points you require and track your progress in real-time. Your journey to greatness is now quantifiable!"
Proficiency Augment
Cost: 4 Gift Points "Perfect your craft. This augment allows you to see the proficiency points needed for each skill's evolution. Gauge your growth and plan your training with precision. Every master was once a student who chose to measure their steps."
Choice Augment
Cost: 3 Gift Points "Forge your destiny. Why leave your evolution to chance? With the Choice Augment, take control of your development by selecting the path each skill or attribute will follow upon reaching its potential. Shape your future with intention, not by fate."
As the faint light of dawn began to permeate the edges of Lin Feng's room, he sat cross-legged on his sleeping mat, his focus entirely consumed by the dazzling array of choices presented by the Gift Shop. Each option promised new potential, from simple tools to complex constructs of power. Amidst this sea of opportunities, Lin Feng struggled to keep his thoughts organized. Each time he settled on a possibility, another tantalizing option swept it away, leaving him adrift in a torrent of what-ifs and maybes.
The Overseer, observing silently, considered this mental turmoil beneficial. It thought to itself, The process of choosing, the effort to clarify one's thoughts and desires, it is akin to the meditation practices used to stabilize the mind. Each decision Lin Feng makes, each path he chooses, not only shapes his destiny but also the very fabric of his Inner Sea. The repairs needed are profound, and such exercises in decision-making are crucial to mending the fragmentation.
As Lin Feng's gaze darted from one item to the next, his mind felt as if it were being pulled in multiple directions. Then, almost like a whisper from the void, a singular thought managed to pierce through the chaos—a simple, unassuming choice that seemed oddly out of place among the grandeur and spectacle of the other items.
Pebble from the First Grotto
Cost: 2 Gift Points "Embrace the essence of simplicity with this humble pebble, sourced directly from the legendary First Grotto. While it may appear ordinary, this small stone is a testament to the enduring patience and timeless journeys of cultivation. Own a piece of the primordial world; let it ground you in your path. A perfect companion for those who seek to remember the foundational truths amidst the complexities of power."
As the transaction completed and the pebble from the First Grotto became Lin Feng's, the room was silent except for the soft hum of early morning activity outside. The Overseer, observing Lin Feng's choice, couldn't mask its disappointment. It had envisioned this moment as an opportunity for Lin Feng to make a profound choice, one that would symbolize his growth and deeper engagement with the complex tools at his disposal. Instead, he had chosen a simple, utterly mundane pebble.
The description on the Gift Shop had tried to imbue the pebble with a sense of ancient wisdom and significance yet in truth it was merely just that, a pebble that a child could pick up and throw into a lake. It held no hidden powers, no mystical qualities or secret strengths. It was exactly what it appeared to be—a small, smooth stone, unremarkable and ordinary.
Lin Feng, his decision made perhaps more out of a desire to conclude the transaction than from any strategic consideration, simply picked up the pebble and placed it nonchalantly on the ground beside his sleeping mat. It was an afterthought, a random purchase that held no meaning for him, deposited unceremoniously and forgotten as quickly as it was acquired.
The Overseer, hovering silently, felt a pang of frustration. "Lin Feng, while it is your right to choose as you will, remember that each choice in the Gift Shop could be a step toward your growth. Even the simplest items can be imbued with personal significance if chosen with intent," it advised, hoping to instill a sense of deliberation in Lin Feng's future interactions with the system.
Lin Feng offered no response, his actions speaking clearly of his disinterest. He didn't see the pebble as a tool or symbol; it was just a stone, picked almost at random without a second thought.
This moment highlighted a gap between the Overseer's expectations and Lin Feng's current state of engagement—a reminder of the journey still ahead in cultivating not only Lin Feng's power but also his understanding and mindfulness.
As the Overseer recalibrated its expectations, it resolved to find new ways to engage Lin Feng more deeply, to encourage him to see beyond the surface in everything he encounters, be it in the Gift Shop or his cultivation path.
The calm atmosphere was abruptly shattered by a firm knock at the door. Before Lin Feng could even respond, the Overseer vanished, leaving him alone to face whoever was outside. Standing in the doorway was Daoist Yun, his cold gaze and imperious posture filling the small space with an air of disdain.
"Make sure you are up and ready to undertake another mission today, Lin Feng. Your tribute is due by the end of the day," Daoist Yun stated flatly, his voice devoid of any warmth. It was clear from his demeanor that he viewed Lin Feng not as a fellow cultivator but as a subordinate, an insignificant entity whose sole purpose was to fulfill demands.
Lin Feng, still groggy from the morning's revelations and the rushed awakening, nodded without questioning the nature or the amount of the tribute.
As soon as Daoist Yun departed with a swish of his robes, the Overseer reappeared. Its tone was a mixture of concern and reprimand. "Lin Feng, you must not be so meek. Accepting orders without understanding their implications or even questioning their fairness is dangerous. You must learn to assert yourself, to question."
Lin Feng, however, seemed unaffected by the Overseer's words. His expression blank, he simply prepared to head out for the day's work, his thoughts unclear and disjointed.
The Overseer sighed deeply, recognizing the depth of the issue at hand. "Today, choose a mission that demands physical effort rather than mental strain. Your mind needs to be preserved, not overly taxed, as we work on stabilizing your Inner Sea."
With a nod, Lin Feng left for the mission hall. Meanwhile, the Overseer delved into Lin Feng's inner being, turning its attention to the state of his Inner Sea. Inside, it found a panel similar to a status screen detailing the repair process. The figures were daunting—only a millionth percent repaired, with an estimate of millions of years for full recovery under current conditions. This slow progress was already an improvement, made possible by the systemic changes introduced by the Gifting System and the Overseer's guidance.
As the Overseer delved into the void in search of solutions for Lin Feng's fragmented Inner Sea, it was immediately overwhelmed by a cacophony of voices. Millions of suggestions, ideas, and thoughts bombarded it simultaneously. Words overlapped in a chaotic symphony, each voice vying for attention, their pitches ranging from whispers to roars, forming an almost tangible force that pressed against the Overseer's essence. This relentless barrage of information was difficult to endure, even for an entity designed to process vast amounts of data and complexity.
Amongst this tumultuous sea of voices, suggestions ranged wildly: "Increase Qi flow!", "Restrict movement!", "Enhance cognitive connections!", "More battles!", "Peaceful meditation only!", "Use high-level talismans!", "Alter the energy matrix!", "Cultivation level adjustments needed!", and so forth. Each proposal clashed with the next, creating a dissonant storm of conflicting advice.
As the Overseer struggled to maintain its focus amidst this onslaught, a singular voice eventually pierced through the noise with crystal clarity. It was serene yet authoritative, resonating with a profound depth that silenced the other voices as if by command. This voice simply said, "Sleep." It suggested that Lin Feng's Inner Sea needed a state of quiescence—where the majority would be dormant, allowing for gradual and natural healing, while a minuscule yet crucial part remained active to keep Lin Feng functional and aware.
This concept of personality fragmentation, though radical, resonated with a sense of rightness, offering a path that could potentially accelerate the healing process without the risks associated with more aggressive interventions. Although the Overseer feared what would become of Lin Feng, as now one could know what his personality would become, if the part of the Inner Sea that stayed awake could even properly interact with other beings.
Meanwhile, Lin Feng, unaware of the profound decisions being made about his very essence, was standing before the mission panel in the sect's bustling mission hall. His Identification Token in hand, he scrolled through the available tasks, seeking something suitable. The mission he selected appeared on his token with clear details:
Mission: Reinforcement of South Barracks
Location: Southern Training Grounds
Task: Physical labor required to assist in reinforcing the deteriorating structures of the training barracks. Includes lifting heavy materials, basic construction, and application of reinforcement charms under supervision.
Recommended Cultivation Level: Qi Condensation Stage 3
Duration: One day
Reward: 15 Contribution Points
This mission was ideal given the Overseer's advice for a physically demanding yet mentally undemanding task. It was located at the Southern Training Grounds, a short walk from the sect's main living areas, and involved straightforward labor that would utilize Lin Feng's physical capabilities without overly taxing his cognitive or spiritual faculties.
Satisfied with his choice, Lin Feng made his way towards the Southern Training Grounds, ready to immerse himself in the day's work, oblivious to the transformative strategy being planned for his deeper self.
Lin Feng arrived at the designated mission site—the Southern Training Grounds—under the pale morning light. The area was bustling with activity, surrounded by the old barracks that were clearly in need of reinforcement. These structures were weathered and worn, their wooden beams groaning under the weight of years, and their stones chipped from time and neglect. The grounds themselves were a flurry of movement; dozens of disciples moved back and forth, their faces set in determination, burdened with various tasks.
A senior disciple, who seemed to be in charge, was loudly directing the efforts. "Keep the pace, everyone! Remember, no Qi manipulation—the materials are Qi repellent. Rely on your physical strength!"
Lin Feng's task was straightforward yet demanding. He was to transport an extremely heavy material known as Densestone—a rare mineral known for its Qi-repellent properties and incredible density. The Densestone slabs were piled at one end of the training grounds, and Lin Feng, along with others, was tasked with moving them to the construction site at the other end.
Each slab required significant physical effort to lift and carry. Lin Feng grunted under the weight, his muscles straining and sweat beading on his forehead. The task demanded not just strength but endurance, pushing him to his physical limits.
Meanwhile, in the metaphysical plane of Lin Feng's Inner Sea, the Overseer initiated the risky strategy of personality fragmentation. The process was intricate and fraught with danger. Using the Gifting System's reality-altering capabilities, the Overseer began delicately separating the active part of Lin Feng's Inner Sea from the dormant parts.
The procedure was like navigating a treacherous maze. Each movement had to be precise; each decision weighed with the utmost care. The vibrant purple essence of Lin Feng's Inner Sea was slowly drawn out, leaving behind a vast, silent expanse. Eventually, only a tiny shard remained active—a small, pulsating red core surrounded by a dormant sea, now a deep abyss of inactive potential.
Back in the physical world, as Lin Feng struggled under the weight of another Densestone slab, a fellow disciple approached him. "Hey, you could speed it up a bit! Don't lag behind, or they might cut your pay!" he said, half-joking but with an undertone of irritation.
Something in Lin Feng snapped. Perhaps it was the physical exhaustion, the overwhelming pressure of his unaccustomed labor, or the destabilizing effect of the Inner Sea surgery. Without a moment's hesitation, Lin Feng dropped the slab, turned, and struck the man. His punches were brutal, uncontrolled, each one landing with a ferocity that shocked onlookers. Blood spattered, cries rang out, and soon, Lin Feng was like a wild animal, unrestrained and fierce.
The crowd around them reacted with a mix of horror and fascination. Some gloated over the violence, others sighed at the breakdown of order. It wasn't long before the sect's orderlies intervened, pulling a frenzied Lin Feng away as he continued to thrash and scream, his eyes wild, his demeanor that of a beast more than a man.
The Overseer, witnessing this from its metaphysical vantage, felt a deep sense of dread. It looked back at the remaining active shard of Lin Feng's Inner Sea, now glowing a sinister red, echoing with visions of brutal slaughter. What had been intended as a healing process had unleashed something dark and violent within Lin Feng.
Lin Feng was swiftly taken to a detention area, his rage unabated. He clawed at the bars, snarling at a man who stood outside his cell.
"You've assaulted and severely injured a fellow disciple, Lin Feng. This will not go unpunished. You will be held here until a proper judgment can be made," the man said with disdain, looking at Lin Feng as one might look at a caged beast.
In the solitude of his cell, surrounded by cold iron and the echo of his own ragged breaths, Lin Feng's fury simmered. The Overseer, silently observing, pondered the unforeseen consequences of its actions, fearing what the future might hold for both Lin Feng and the path he was meant to tread.