Lin Feng walked away from the village of Qinghe, the glow of fire illuminating the path before him. He did not look back as the flames consumed the homes and memories of his past. Behind him, the village became a pyre, a beacon marking the end of one chapter and the grim beginning of another.
The Overseer, floating beside Lin Feng, struggled with the implications of what it had witnessed. "Why perform such an act?" it asked, its voice tinged with a mix of confusion and concern. "I can understand the desire to understand experience points, but this—this seemed akin to needless slaughter."
Lin Feng paused and opened his Status Panel, his gaze briefly scanning the updated metrics:
Status
Name: Lin Feng
Race: Human
Class: Novice Cultivator
Level: 2 (214/300)
Cultivation Stage: Qi Condensation Stage 3
Skills:
Wind Blade - Level 1 (Proficiency: 1/100)
Phase Walk - Level 1 (Proficiency: 7/100)
Enhanced Perception - Level 1 (Proficiency: 3/100)
Rapid Fire Fist - Level 1 (Proficiency: 2/100)
Refined Qi Circulation - Level 2 (Proficiency: 24/1000)
Unique Skills:
Heart of True Belief - Level 1 (Proficiency: 1547/1000000)
Attributes:
Health: 230/230
Qi: 0/170
Stamina: 152/170
Strength: Qi Condensation Stage 3
Agility: Qi Condensation Stage 3
Vitality: Qi Condensation Stage 4
Endurance: Qi Condensation Stage 3
Wisdom: Qi Condensation Stage 2
Intelligence: Qi Condensation Stage 1
Dexterity: Qi Condensation Stage 3
Charisma: Qi Condensation Stage 1
Luck: Qi Condensation Stage 1
Spiritual Awareness: Lower than Qi Condensation
Mystical Affinity: Qi Condensation Stage 8
Legacies:
Legacy of the Crystal Oracle - Level 1
Communions:
Wind - Medium Communion Stage 1
Sound - Medium Communion Stage 1
Lightning - Medium Communion Stage 1
Earth - Highest Communion Stage 1
Free Skill Points: 4
Free Stat Points: 0
Gift Points: 12
Functionalities:
Gift Shop
Evolution Tree
As he walked, Lin Feng responded without turning to face the Overseer. "For my plans to succeed, my origins must remain a mystery, untraceable by any who might seek to leverage them against me. Anything that could lead back to me must be erased to ensure my safety. The Gifting System, while powerful, is a double-edged sword. If anyone were to learn of it, I would become a target for powers beyond my current comprehension. I'm certain of this."
Having set his former village ablaze to obscure his past, Lin Feng decided to head to a nearby village in the opposite direction from Zhuyan, aiming to distance himself as much as possible from the Azure Dragon Sect.
As Lin Feng navigated the dense forest surrounding Qinghe, his mind was occupied with the enigma of his abilities and the strange irregularities in the advancement of his skills. The quiet of the forest offered a peaceful backdrop, but it was an illusory peace that would soon be shattered.
Without warning, the tranquility was broken by a sudden and violent motion. A large snake, camouflaged among the fallen leaves, launched itself at Lin Feng from a blind spot. Its glossy black scales were barely a blur, and its fangs aimed directly at him, poised to strike with deadly precision.
Lin Feng's reaction was instinctive and unpremeditated. Just as the snake's fangs neared, he stepped sideways in a reflexive dodge that carried him clear of the venomous assault. Continuing his motion with the fluidity of someone who had faced danger unexpectedly, Lin Feng turned and extended his hand. With a swift motion, he unleashed the Wind Blade skill. A sharp gust of wind, concise and lethal, sliced through the air and bisected the snake precisely at its lunging head.
The two halves of the snake fell to the ground, and the immediate threat was neutralized. Lin Feng stood there for a moment, processing the encounter.
Reflecting on the incident, Lin Feng found it peculiar how, back in Zhuyan, his skills seemed to level up extraordinarily quickly during his intense sessions of cultivation, especially when he had prepared for the Azure Dragon Sect's entry challenge. Now, as he observed the minimal increase in his proficiency from using the Wind Blade—a mere single point—he realized there was a clear disparity in how his skills developed.
This irregularity in skill advancement was troubling. Why had his skills advanced so rapidly before, and why was the progress so slow now? He decided to keep this question in mind, intending to delve deeper into this inconsistency once he found a safe place to settle down and conduct his research.
For now, Lin Feng continued his journey through the forest, alert and cautious, his pace swift as he navigated through the dense forests that stretched for miles. Hours passed, the sun climbing higher and then beginning its slow descent as he approached his destination. The village that emerged from the treeline was known as Xi Song Lin, named for the tall pine trees that encircled it, their branches swaying and murmuring with the wind.
Xi Song Lin was a modest settlement, characterized by its wooden homes with steep, thatched roofs designed to withstand the weight of heavy snows in winter. Smoke curled lazily from chimneys, suggesting the peaceful domestic life within. However, as Lin Feng approached the village's entrance, this tranquil scene was interrupted by a guard who stepped forward, barring his way.
"There's a toll for entry," the guard announced, eyeing Lin Feng with a mixture of suspicion and greed. "Twenty silver coins."
Lin Feng's eyes narrowed slightly. Without a word, he released a subtle pulse of Qi, a demonstration of his cultivation. The pressure was gentle but firm, enough to make the guard falter and yelp in surprise.
"You're... a cultivator!" the guard stammered, stepping back. His voice carried, and soon, villagers peered from windows and doorways, their curiosity tinged with fear. Within moments, the street cleared, whispers following the retreating figures.
It wasn't long before an elderly man approached. His gait was steady, his back straight, the first signs of Qi cultivation evident in his demeanor. Sensing Lin Feng's strength, he bowed slightly, his face marked by lines of wisdom and age.
"Good sir, may I ask what brings you to our village?" the elderly cultivator inquired respectfully.
Lin Feng's mind raced, evaluating the situation. How many experience points would I gain from a cultivator at his level? he wondered silently. But what then? Eliminating two villages in such proximity would surely draw unwanted attention, far more than I can manage right now. He paused, considering a less violent approach. Do I really need to resort to killing in this instance?
After a moment, Lin Feng responded, "I seek a map and some wisdom from experienced cultivators. I am a rogue cultivator on a journey of strength and understanding."
The old man's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. He knew the risks of inviting a stronger cultivator into their midst—history was littered with tales of such decisions gone awry. Yet, something in Lin Feng's demeanor suggested sincerity, or perhaps it was simply the old man's hope that not all powerful cultivators brought doom with them.
"If it is only a map and some pointers you seek, I may assist you," the elder finally said. "Follow me, young cultivator."
As they walked towards the elder's home, the villagers kept their distance, their earlier curiosity replaced by cautious wariness. Inside, the elder's home was simple but well-kept. He motioned for Lin Feng to sit, then went to a shelf and pulled down several scrolls.
"These maps detail the region and key areas that one should avoid regardless of their cultivation level," he explained, spreading one of the maps on the table. "As for wisdom, I can only share what my years have taught me. But if you wish for a spar, I would understand more of your quest and perhaps offer better guidance."
Lin Feng nodded and the two thus walked towards the elderly man's courtyard, who introduced himself simply as Wei. The courtyard of Wei's home was spacious, surrounded by the whispering pines that gave the village its name. It was an ideal setting for a spar—a clear area with soft earth underfoot, framed by the serene backdrop of gently swaying trees.
As Wei prepared the area, removing small obstacles and ensuring a flat surface, he explained the terms of their engagement. "I would appreciate the opportunity to make the first move, to better understand your level," he said, taking a respectful stance at one end of the courtyard.
Lin Feng nodded in agreement, centering himself and focusing on the forthcoming exchange. "Please proceed, Wei," he responded, readying himself for the elder's attack.
Wei wasted no time. With a swift motion, he stepped forward and called out, "Gale Force Palm!" His hands moved with blinding speed, sending a burst of compressed air towards Lin Feng. The technique was a test of both speed and power, meant to gauge Lin Feng's reaction and agility.
Lin Feng reacted just as quickly, sidestepping the oncoming blast with a fluid motion. "Wind Blade!" he countered, extending his arm and slicing through the air. A sharp, visible crescent of wind shot towards Wei, who responded with a raised arm, his Qi forming a barrier just in time to deflect the attack.
The impact of the Wind Blade against Wei's barrier sent a low hum through the air, leaves rustling around the edges of the courtyard as the displaced air settled. Wei smiled slightly, nodding in appreciation of Lin Feng's precision and control.
Not one to relent, Wei advanced again, this time calling out, "Spiraling Wind Vortex!" He rotated his arms in a circular motion, gathering the ambient air into a swirling tornado small enough to target Lin Feng directly. The technique was designed to trap and disorient an opponent, making it difficult to escape without using substantial energy.
Lin Feng, eyes narrowing as he observed the incoming technique, waited until the last moment and then disappeared from the old man's view, as if his existence was erased. Looking around, alert as he prepared to counter any attack that might come his way, Wei felt a presence behind him. The old master turned just in time to see Lin Feng execute another technique, "Rapid Fire Fist!"
Lin Feng's fists moved like hammering pistons, a series of quick, powerful strikes aimed at non-critical points on Wei's body, demonstrating skill without intent to harm seriously. Each hit was met with the sound of air being forcefully expelled from the impact zones, showcasing the power behind Lin Feng's controlled strikes.
Wei, slightly winded but still in high spirits, stepped back and ceased his offensive. "Impressive, Lin Feng! Your mastery of both defensive and offensive techniques is commendable. It's been a long time since I've had such an exhilarating exchange."
Lin Feng didn't say a word and simply noted the notification he had gotten : +85. A significant amount yet one he expected as any cultivator worth his salt would obliterate any mortal in their way.
After the exhilarating spar, Wei invited Lin Feng back inside for a more relaxed conversation. As they settled into the comfort of Wei's modest living room, the elder prepared tea with the precision and care of a seasoned practitioner, not of martial arts this time, but of the tea ceremony. "This tea comes from the ancient Zhiyun bushes found in the eastern mountains," Wei explained, pouring the steaming liquid into delicate porcelain cups. "It's known for its rejuvenating properties and the method of preparation is just as important as the tea itself."
Lin Feng nodded politely, accepting the cup offered to him. The aroma was rich and earthy, promising warmth and a hint of complexity. However, his mind was only partially on the conversation. Internally, he was preoccupied with the recent changes to his Status Panel, particularly since he had just leveled up. As Wei continued to expound on the virtues of the tea, Lin Feng's thoughts drifted to the Gifting System.
Now might be a good time to experiment with gifting something other than a skill, Lin Feng mused. Gifting a level seems risky, but the potential insights could be invaluable. Who to choose, though?
He considered the options. Gifting a level to Wei, who was right in front of him, would be too conspicuous. The implications of someone suddenly feeling stronger, gaining insights or abilities they hadn't earned, could raise too many questions. Similarly, gifting it to anyone with even a hint of Qi cultivation might lead to unexpected consequences if they sensed the sudden change.
The guard at the gate, Lin Feng thought, he's perfect. A mortal, likely with no knowledge of Qi cultivation, and no reason to suspect anything unusual. He would just feel unusually vigorous, perhaps attribute it to a good night's sleep or a sudden burst of health.
Deciding on this course of action, Lin Feng focused on the guard's image in his mind. With a mental command, he directed the system to gift his newly acquired level. The action was silent, invisible, carrying no fanfare but the immediate notification on his Status Panel confirming the transaction.
[System Notification: Level gifted successfully. +100 Gift Points acquired.]
Lin Feng felt a momentary lightheadedness as his level decreased, a subtle shift in his energy that could have easily been missed had he not been acutely aware of the process. He now had an additional 100 Gift Points to use, opening new possibilities in the Gift Shop or perhaps further augmentations.
Wei, oblivious to Lin Feng's internal machinations, continued to discuss the tea, completely unaware of the significant experiment that had just taken place under his roof. Lin Feng, while still maintaining a polite front, had his mind racing with the possibilities that this new aspect of the Gifting System unveiled. The implications were profound, and the potential for both benefit and misuse was enormous.