[Appraisal: — age: 12, talent: 6, health: 100, strength: 10, Cultivation: —, Character: Bao Lin- side background character]
Wu Haoyu tilt his head, his lips curve with delight. From his research of the system use, the hue of the board changes depends on the characters role and the importance to the plot. Because he holds a little role, Wu Haoyu color is fading blue. Meanwhile, Bao Lin as a Bg character is colored in grey. While the idea may be amusing, a world where people have labels above their heads is not only strange but also creates a sense of detachment from the world, like he is a character playing a game.
After two days of recovering, Wu Haoyu continue their journey that was postponed when Li Jie first arrives. Tomorrow, as the second son of the Scarlet Blossom Pavillion Sect Leader, he will undertake the administration to join the Soaring Wind Sect, as to honor the collaboration between the two sect.
Also, the place where the plot will truly commence.
Bao Lin begs on his knees to not go attending the trial with his injuries. Wu Haoyu felt warm at Bao Lin genuine concern for his wellbeing. Ultimately, he decided he can rest for another one day, for his injury might hinder him in doing any fight.
If he had the choice, he wouldn't go either. Like, who wanted to go in his condition? But Clostine, the system that Neo left him with, hit him with [--the world will be in chaos and destruction! This is important, you can't mess this up!], spoken like a heartless employer with only the company wellbeing that matter.
He arrives at a wide red gate, begin his first trial...
It's a prideful and majestic sect place high above the mountain, mortals look up to it with all its pride and glory, even surrounded by clouds it could not hide its serenity. From where Wu Haoyu stands, all he can see is a long, never-ending flight of stairs that seemingly has no end. The length of stair stares at him coldly, as if challenging him in a game where he only loses.
It's not a problem going up there if you're a high rank disciple, since they can just fly via their magic sword as a vehicle. However, if you're just barely into qi gathering and haven't master your sword, then stairs it is.
Wu Haoyu gain a newfound hatred towards stairs. That day, he climbs millions of stairs in counting, while in blazing heat and back injured. At what he assumed half-way through, he has to crawl his way up because his legs physically had given up on him, he crawl on his knees like an insect. He can feel the heaven look away from him in shame, desperation can push any man so low... Finally getting to the top—sweating like a pig and pale from dehydration.... he found that people can teleport there.
The following magnificent start of Wu Haoyu's journey, everything in contrast is easy. Even though he is not talented, he's quick to take advantage of an opening anyway he can, whether it's the kids slow reaction time or lack of experience. He has strong reason not to lose and he blaze through the trial and on to the finale. Where he has to fight... a bunch of power-hungry kids.
The kids are brutes, not sparing him mercy at all! One even takes advantage of the fact that his back is wounded and ruthlessly aim their hit to his back! The results: he got 20th place, the very last place. He didn't complain since his goal is to be accepted anyway. Though full of injuries and reopen wound that he barely can walk to celebrate, he surprised he haven't broken a bone.
As it had turns out, all his effort is meaningless— The Scarlet Blossom Patriarch son is given special treatment to enter the sect free of charge! Someone looks at him with jealousy written over their face hearing the special treatment he received, but like, they should pity him for trying this hard for nothing!
Maybe that day, beats the time where he almost got killed for the title, "worst day ever in this universe".
...
The death of a demonic cultivator pays hefty amount for those who kills them. The demonic cultivator was titled "Blood Lust Bat," feared by all for his cruel method of killing. The news that he was finally slain by one of the elder cultivators brought a collective sigh of relief. How Zhao Lu managed to escape and fake his death before, remains unknown. But now, with the evidence of his corpse, everyone can rest assured that he has indeed perished.
At Zhao Lu's residence, they discovered multiple missing children. The family of the missing children didn't care if the skinny boy truly kills the demonic cultivator, they reward the boy with gold and silver. The town that once despised Zhang Cheng and his family now regards them in a new light; what was once disdain and viewing him as a burden has turned to admiration, gratitude, and for some, even fear. Nonetheless, they all called him hero.
Zhang Cheng though, didn't care. He has no right to it. The sword that penetrated that guy's chest is not his but the Fox Mask Brother. The door was closed to his face, the Big Brother said to him 'Please, forget me'. He wanted to scream, demanding him to open the door, but if he does that then it'll only attract more enemy. He ran to find help like he had lost his mind, but the fear on his face is convincing enough a group of cultivator believes him.
When they arrive there, there's only Zhao Lu and four other subordinate corpses. The fact is now that he abandoned the only person that show him kindness and generosity in a cold blood manner, leaving him while he's injured saving him and left to be eaten by the wolf. The people collectively come to the conclusion, the unidentified boy had died with his corpse eaten or disintegrated by unknown vile force.
The four subordinate is killed by somebody else that enter the fight mid-way as he left. There's hope. He's going to find him. No matter what.
...
Gui Yin tower over him with a smile, mocking him for even trying to end up lying on the ground. Always so pathetic, Zhang Cheng had only been knocked down by him, and it hadn't changed from five years ago. Dominating another person gave him a sense of satisfaction, prompting laughter as he continued to assault Zhang Cheng.
"What's wrong? You can't take it anymore?" Gui Yin give a sinister smile.
Zhang Cheng was breathless didn't answer him, his gaze fill with hatred. The memory of his childhood only fills with suffering, the constant bullying from his peers and the look of disgust from the people around him. Is as if the world turns their back on him. It cold and empty, heartless world. The only thing matter is power. He'll do anything get more power than anyone can ever imagine him to be!
Zhang Cheng tighten his grip on the rusty sword, he stands up with his back straight, biting down the pain from his body. It doesn't matter what they think, he wants to be stronger! Strong enough people can't speak his name without getting the chill up to their spine and their skin tremble in fright.
Gui Yin body slightly move backwards from Zhang Cheng terrifying glare. He quickly fixes his posture, embarrassed by his cowardness, he launches a spell.
Zhang Cheng dodged. But out of nowhere he falls down to the ground. All the audience and Gu Yin laugh out loud. Zhang Cheng smile in an angle no one can see. Then, he—
"That's an interesting story you got there."
"Ahh!" Wu Haoyu body jerk away and close the book.
The voice was from a brown hair boy with a warm and breezing comfortable smile, his friendly gaze as he attentively listens let one easily want to let their guard down around him. Though, he read the room quite quick and back away, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have bothered you. Will you forgive me?"
"No. Don't do that again." Wu Haoyu frown.
The brown hair boy chuckle, "I won't do it again, I promise. I just notice, the book isn't from this library. What is the tittle?"
"Jiang Yuze, you should learn not to bother in people's privacy." Wu Haoyu remark.
The library is one of the most secluded areas in the sect, though with much knowledge the location is enough to put any determination to the test. With the area being the highest tip of the mountain and with an enchantment that disabled the option of teleport and flying sword to reach it.
As the person who stupidly walk millions of millions of stairs to get to the sect, it was just a quarter of difficulty for him. Ironic to do it when he proclaimed he hate stairs and would rather jump in a whole to hell then do it again, although he chooses to get over his fears because it's only way for him to have access to large amount of knowledge without being bothered or act in character.
The library is the place where he would go if he wanted some peace of mind. However, it's seeming like there's a crazy person who is just for the fun of it, that is, Jiang Yuze. In the beginning, they ignore each other and exchange only a few sentences. It's only with time that they converse with another. Since they became accustomed to each other's company ever since.
However, Jiang Yuze character banner is bright blue, someone involved with the plot Wu Haoyu tried to ignore as much as possible.
"It's nice for you to call my name." Jiang Yuze lips curve and his voice gentle to match his pleasant smile. His overbearing white flowery aura shine over Wu Haoyu made him squint his eyes. Wait, for how breezy and soft, the flower is probably dandelions?
His brow narrows his eyes, Jiang Yuze sensing his glare immediately back away a centimeter.
"You're irritating, you should stop talking." Wu Haoyu open the book and search the chapter that he was reading, completely ignoring the other beside him.
"Right! I won't bother you." Against his mean insult, Jiang Yuze reply with a bright smile and outmost consideration not letting out a sound since.
The more time Jiang Yuze is quiet, Wu Haoyu feel his conscience got a stab with arrows. He has more pressing stuff to give his mind into.
This point in time, after the "tortured" arch, in which Wu Haoyu manage to change to "a burglar" arch, hiring a bunch of thugs and let him meet with that person, the next will be the "saving damsel in distress" arch and then the "work" arch. It was all the arch before entering the sect to make him realized his goal to be the strongest cultivator alive.
In two days, the training arch will start, Zhang Cheng will accidently find an ancient scroll to a lost technique in which boost his training immensely. Wu Haoyu's acting skill will finally put to the test. To refresh his memory, he takes note, re-read the novel, don't miss any detail and acted on his role. Although, his role is to literally to improvise, so he's not to attach to the plot.
What kind of villain is he? Truthfully, there's little to reference about his character beside--"rich boy" and "womanizer prick". Since his character reason to exist is to thirst over the female lead's beauty. Looks like he has to create his own version of "Wu Haoyu the Evil".
What kind of Hero is Zhang Cheng?
Wu Haoyu mood lighten up, like a father can't wait to see his son after a long time of separation, time is going slower as he waited every sunset fell down.
The long-awaited day arrive, Wu Haoyu stand beside his master, the master of Silent River Peak, Liu Mu Chen. The Soaring Wind Sect has four major Peak Master, each one of them are crucial for the foundation of the sect. Each one of them focus on a specific type of sword fight and breathing style, his Shizun Liu Mu Chen focus mainly on sword fight with offensive strategy and he's famous with his deadly move "Thousands Sword from The Heaven".
With a deathly fighting skill that can eliminate people in a second, Shizun is said to be coldblooded and cruel. But, studying under him for 5 years, his Shizun is actually a caring and gentle master. He just has an aloof and indifferent resting expression.
Master was concentrating on finding talented youngsters among the crowd, as he strokes his white beard. Wu Haoyu dimly chuckles beside him after witnessing a youngster that catches his master attention, turn their head away with cold sweats and pale face. Anyone will be afraid if they're being glared at by a Peak Master.
They have a high view on the participants, though it was easy to find the protagonist.... for a reason that his character board shine gold. Wu Haoyu have to slightly cover his sight to not get blinded by the gold light.
If this were the case in their first meeting, he would have avoided him like a plague. That was just the character board, what really shock him is the content of the text.
[Appraisal — age: 13, talent: 100, health: 98 strengths: 58, Cultivation: Qi Refinement— high stage, Character: Zhang Cheng, Main Character]
"Cough Cough!" Wu Haoyu chokes on air.
Almost cough out blood. What kind of medicine did that boy drink?! Even he could only ascend to middle stage after his whole life of training, and he is considered one of the brightest!
Master Liu glance at him, "Do you feel unwell, Wu Haoyu?"
Wu Haoyu force himself to calm down, "Of course, Shizun. Not to worry about me."
The commotion he causes made lots of people glancing at him, even Zhang Cheng took notice of the noise. Their eyes meet, their eyes locked for a single moment, Wu Haoyu averted his eyes immediately, that reaction made Zhang Cheng eyelashes slightly rose up.
Within the first trial, that is the rank appraisal, everyone eyes almost flew out of their eye socket at the result. His talent is impeccable, even a genius cultivator will only reach Qi Gathering middle stage at his age. Basically what Wu Haoyu had been thinking the first time.
This is not in the plot. Why is this suddenly happening? Wu Haoyu left relentless in his seat.
[Clostine: silently blaming him]
Wu Haoyu can feel the system looking at him as if implying he's at fault.
Still, he can't help but to sunk in the pit of despair by the difficulty suddenly raise to hard mode. How is he, going to be the villain boss of this story?! He can be squash like a bug and the protagonist won't even give him a glance.
"Shizun.. on second thought, I think I need a rest for today. Can I excuse myself?" Wu Haoyu said to Master Liu. In return, Liu Mu Chen has his brow lowered slightly while looking at Wu Haoyu.
Liu Mu Chen is said to have a bad temper, what is this unruly disciple that dare to ask for a leave in a middle of an important event?! Only the chosen inner disciples will be able to accompany the Peak Master and he passed that chance to gain the Peak Master's Favor?
Even the normal Master will be mad when their disciples dare to make them lose face. Imagine how bad when it is the infamous Liu Mu Chen, the coldblooded sword master?
The audience nearby hold their breath anticipate a cruel punishment will be given to that one disorderly disciple.
Despite his master is frowning, that disciple curve his lips, "Shizun don't need to worry, I get better after a rest."
'The coldblooded sword master' Liu Mu Chen: "...." nodded his head gently.
The disciple walks away, and Liu Mu Chen continue his own business. Meanwhile, the audience is confused.
....
There's not much change from the plot other than the fact Zhang Cheng is more popular now. Well, he does take the world by storm, no one is capable to ignore him even if they can.
"Cis! It's that Zhang Cheng again." Jiu Bao, a boy with a tall figure but a slim shoulder said, his expression is of envy.
Gui Lan, the shortest boy of the group nodded his head, "A poor guy like him is like by all the girls in the sect, are they blind? He's not even..." He seems wanted to mock Zhang Cheng face but, from the tip of his feet and to the end of his hair, there's not a single imperfection! He's incredibly good looking! Gui Lan look away in distained.
"Yes, I agree. Besides, he's more pretty than handsome. What boy has a smooth skin and slender body as him?" Wu Haoyu roll his eyes, the two was oblivious to the fact that he's rolling his eyes at them.
Gui Lan raise his brows, "There's no difference from him and a girl. He's more suitable to be in Master Wu's harem!"
Wu Haoyu eyelids slightly twitch, "What do you mean harem?"
Gui Lan nudge his shoulder, "Don't be modest, you know lots of the girls like you, even Younger Sister Qian Chen Xu, the prettiest girl in Silent River Peak likes you."
Thinking about his words for a bit, it's clear that's he's trying to make a joke. A terrible one in fact, he still has no choice but to laugh." Hahaha, maybe I'll consider. Entering my harem is not an easy feat..." As if someone feeding him wet puddle, he wants to throw up.
If not Gui Lan is Gui Yin little brother, he'll jump and punch him till his stomach bleed! Zhang Cheng is this world protagonist and the future king of cultivation! Whoever the hell thinks Zhang Cheng in a position like that should be smack in the head for loose screw for being a huge pervert!
Gui Yin is one of the major villains in the story, Wu Haoyu needs to take his role bullying the protagonist in the daily. So, he needs to keep him on check through his little brother, Gui Lan.
Unknowing to Wu Haoyu thoughts, Gui Lan and Jiu Bao follow his laughter.
While still eating on his meal, Zhang Cheng was approach by a girl, she has a long hair and a cute smile. She shyly takes a seat beside him. After it seems like him rejecting her, she timidly walks away with her head hanging down to the floor.
The two boys beside Wu Haoyu looked rather pissed. That girl is Younger Sister Qian Chen Xu, their dream girl. Zhang Cheng blandly rejecting is more irritating than the two getting together. What does he think he is? The two looked ready to march in and jump to Zhang Cheng when Wu Haoyu raise up his hand. "Looks like one of my girls is misbehaving, how about we pay her a friendly visit?"
The two looks at him in confusion. It came to them, Qian Chen Xu shidi claimed that she's in love him and now suddenly come to another guy, of course Wu Haoyu will feel angrier at her. Wu Haoyu is a gentleman to the ladies, so they're sure nothing bad will happen and they follow him with no question.
Zhang Cheng is a righteous protagonist, if he saw a girl being bullied, he's going to jump in to save her. And that's what he's going to do; bully a girl! "Qian Chen Xu shidi," Wu Haoyu called.