Xian Di lay slumped against the trunk of a large tree, every muscle in his body aching from the brutal battle with the Flame Panther. His clothes were torn and soaked with dried blood, the gashes on his body only recently beginning to heal. The fight had nearly cost him his life, but the taste of victory—and survival—still lingered on his lips.
The sound of the system's familiar chime echoed softly in his mind.
System Notification:
Cultivation Upgrade: Qi Refinement Stage 2 (Peak)
Warmth spread through Xian Di's dantian as the system's energy surged within him. His body, though battered, was being strengthened from within. He could feel his Qi channels expanding, and the power circulating through him felt more stable, more refined. His once weak Spiritual Root had grown stronger, and his cultivation now stood at the Peak of Qi Refinement Stage 2.
As he caught his breath, another panel materialized before his eyes, displaying his current status.
Status Panel: Xian Di
Cultivation Level: Qi Refinement Stage 2 (Peak)
Spiritual Root: Spirit Grade
Skills: Serpent's Shadow Maneuver (Novice) – Mastery of evasive footwork and precise strikes.
Flamepiercer (Novice) – Spear technique imbued with fire Qi, capable of burning through defenses.
Main Quest: Survive the Tang Family Gathering Duels and place in the top three.
Resources: 1 Qi Recovery Pill, 1 Mortal Grade Healing Elixir.
Xian Di studied the panel for a moment, lingering on the new spear skill—Flamepiercer. He could feel the power of the fire Qi swirling inside him, waiting to be unleashed. But controlling it was another matter entirely. The flames were wild, raw, and difficult to command. He needed to master it, and quickly.
Despite his exhaustion, Xian Di forced himself to his feet, wincing as pain shot through his ribs. The sun had nearly set, casting the forest in long shadows, but he couldn't leave just yet. He had to understand the Flamepiercer technique, to feel the flames in his hands and learn how to command them.
He gripped his spear tightly and stepped into the open clearing, focusing inward to channel the fire Qi. The tip of his spear began to glow faintly, flickering with a red light that quickly ignited into a small arc of flame.
With a deep breath, Xian Di swung the spear forward, attempting to channel the flames into a cohesive strike. The fire lashed out, but the arc sputtered and faded almost instantly. His control was unstable.
Not willing to give up, Xian Di continued practicing, each swing of the spear refining the technique slightly. The fire Qi, though difficult to manage, was slowly bending to his will. He could feel the flames beginning to respond, flickering more steadily with each strike.
After an hour of practice, the Flamepiercer was beginning to take shape. Though far from perfect, Xian Di could now send arcs of fire from the tip of his spear with more control, the flames burning brighter and lasting longer.
Satisfied with the progress, he let out a long breath. It wasn't perfect, but it would have to do for now.
The sky had grown dark, and the first stars had begun to appear as Xian Di made his way back toward the Tang family estate. His body ached with every step, and the weight of exhaustion pressed down on him, but there was no time to rest. The family gathering was fast approaching, and he needed to be ready.
By the time the estate's gates came into view, night had fully descended. The lanterns hanging along the walls cast a soft glow over the path, guiding him forward. As Xian Di approached the entrance, he noticed a figure standing just inside the gate, waiting in the dim light.
His heart clenched as he recognized his mother, Mei Ling. Her face was shadowed by worry, her hands clutched together as she scanned the dark road. When she saw him, her eyes widened in shock and relief, and she rushed toward him.
"Xian Di!" Her voice trembled with emotion as she reached out, her hands gently cupping his face. Her eyes quickly took in his torn clothes, the dried blood, and the exhaustion etched into his features. "What happened to you? I've been so worried!"
Xian Di managed a small smile, though his heart ached at the fear in her voice. He had known she would worry, but seeing her like this made the weight of his journey heavier. "I'm alright, Mother," he said quietly, though the weariness in his voice betrayed him. "I survived."
Mei Ling's eyes softened, but the worry remained. She traced her fingers lightly over the gashes on his clothes, her face filled with concern. "These wounds… you were fighting, weren't you? Beasts?"
Xian Di nodded, his throat tightening. He couldn't tell her about the system, not now. He had to offer an explanation she could believe.
"I found something… a senior's inheritance," he said softly, choosing his words carefully. "It helped me upgrade my Spiritual Root, and I was able to reach Peak Qi Refinement Stage 2 because of it."
Her eyes widened in surprise, and for a moment, she was speechless. "A senior's inheritance?" she whispered, her voice filled with disbelief and awe. "That's… an incredible fortune. You've grown so much stronger."
Xian Di nodded, though the heaviness in his chest remained. He hated lying to her, but there was no other way to explain his rapid progress. "It was dangerous, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity."
Mei Ling's hands trembled as she pulled him into a tight embrace, her voice breaking with emotion. "I was so scared you wouldn't come back," she whispered, her tears soaking into his torn clothes. "But you're here. You're safe."
Xian Di closed his eyes, leaning into the embrace and letting her hold him. For a moment, the weight of his battles, his journey, and the looming gathering melted away. In her arms, he could forget about the duels, the pressure to prove himself, and the system that now guided his fate.
When she finally pulled back, her face was still lined with worry, but there was relief in her eyes. "You need rest," she said softly, brushing a strand of hair from his face. "Come inside. We'll talk more in the morning."
Xian Di nodded, exhaustion overwhelming him. There was much to prepare for, but for now, all he wanted was to rest.
As they walked through the gates of the Tang family estate, the night air carried with it a sense of peace, but Xian Di knew that it would not last. The family gathering was coming, and with it, the duels that would decide his place in the clan.
But for now, he allowed himself to breathe.