Li Wei sat cross-legged in his private chamber, his mind focused, his breath steady. The stillness of the room was broken only by the gentle hum of Qi swirling in the air. He was at the second stage of Qi Gathering, and the energy within him flowed like a tranquil river—steady, controlled, powerful. His hands, resting on his knees, pulsed with the warmth of Qi, a manifestation of his focused cultivation.
Having reincarnated eleven times, Li Wei had learned to control his emotions, and though he had the memories of his current body's past sixteen years, those experiences were but fleeting drops compared to the vast ocean of knowledge accumulated over his many lifetimes. His current state of calm and maturity was born from centuries of existence, allowing him to approach cultivation with the ease of someone who had mastered the art countless times before.
After a long meditation session, he opened his eyes, which shimmered with clarity. His white hair glowed faintly in the dim light of the room, and his sharp blue eyes held a depth far beyond his apparent age. He stretched slightly, feeling the strength of Qi coursing through him. It was time to check the system again—a system that was a secret known only to him, one that had been his greatest ally since his reincarnation into this world.
Li Wei summoned the familiar system interface. A translucent blue screen appeared in front of him, displaying a series of options and notifications.
Immortal Ascension System
Host: Li Wei
Cultivation: Qi Gathering Stage 2
Experience Points: 150/200
Inventory: [1x Qi Enhancing Pill], [1x Spiritual Lotus Seed], [1x Qi Absorption Talisman]
Current Mission: Assemble a team for the Li Clan's Rite of Ascendancy selection.
Li Wei's eyes landed on the items in his inventory. Ever since breaking through to Qi Gathering Stage 2, the system had rewarded him with several items, but he hadn't taken the time to examine them closely. Today, however, he decided to delve into the details.
He tapped on the Qi Enhancing Pill, and a new screen popped up with a description.
Qi Enhancing Pill
A pill that significantly boosts Qi absorption for cultivators at the Qi Gathering Stage. Increases cultivation speed for 24 hours after consumption.
Li Wei smiled faintly. "No wonder Xiao Feng was able to break through to Stage 3 so quickly last year. This pill must have been the same one he received as a reward."
But to Li Wei, the pill wasn't that valuable. The system had already gifted him something even greater—a Spiritual Lotus Seed.
He tapped on the second item.
Spiritual Lotus Seed
A rare and mystical seed that can be planted and cultivated into a Spiritual Lotus. When fully grown, the lotus enhances both spiritual energy and physical strength. It can also be used to craft advanced elixirs.
Li Wei's interest piqued as he read the description. The system had given him something far more valuable than any simple Qi-enhancing pill. With the seed, he could create something that would benefit him long-term. The Spiritual Lotus was a treasure beyond what most cultivators at his stage could even dream of possessing.
Next, he looked at the Qi Absorption Talisman.
Qi Absorption Talisman
Allows the user to absorb Qi from the environment at a faster rate for a limited period of time. Can be used during cultivation or combat to gain a temporary advantage.
Li Wei nodded. The talisman would be useful, especially in tight situations. The system had clearly provided him with tools that went beyond the rewards of the clan's competitions.
He summoned one of the items from his inventory—the Qi Enhancing Pill. Instantly, the pill materialized in the air before him, floating in front of his eyes. Li Wei reached out and grasped it, marveling at how easily the system could manifest physical objects from seemingly nowhere. It was a power that defied this world's understanding of cultivation, and it was a secret he intended to keep.
His musings were interrupted by a knock at the door.
"Li Wei, are you there?" It was Li Jun, his loyal friend and one of his team members.
Li Wei stood, pocketing the pill, and opened the door. Li Jun entered, his face a mix of excitement and nervousness.
"There's news from the clan," Li Jun said, his voice low but eager. "The Rite of Ascendancy is approaching."
Li Wei's expression remained calm, but inside, he felt a spark of interest. The Rite of Ascendancy—a prestigious competition where only the top cultivators under the age of 18 could participate—was a key event in the kingdom. While it was a grand event for all aspiring young cultivators, the Li Clan had its own mini tournament to determine who would represent the clan in the Rite.
"Tell me more," Li Wei said, his voice steady as always.
"The elders have announced that in two weeks, a mini simulation will be held to select the best team to represent our clan in the Rite of Ascendancy. We need a team of five."
Li Wei nodded, already planning his next moves. He had been anticipating something like this. "So, Xiao Feng's team won last year?"
Li Jun nodded. "Yes. Although they didn't get far in the actual Rite, just being chosen to represent the clan gave Xiao Feng a lot of prestige."
Li Wei thought back to Xiao Feng, the so-called genius he had defeated not too long ago. The prestige from winning the mini simulation had boosted Xiao Feng's reputation, but Li Wei was after something much bigger. He needed to establish himself within the clan not just for personal pride, but because the Li clan's name and resources were crucial for his long-term plans of attaining immortality.
"We need one more person for our team," Li Jun reminded him. "What about Jin Rui?"
Li Wei raised an eyebrow. Jin Rui was a skilled cultivator, but he hadn't yet joined a team. He was strong, and adding him to their team would significantly increase their chances of winning the mini tournament.
"Let's talk to him," Li Wei said.
Later that day, Li Wei and Li Jun found Jin Rui practicing near the training grounds. He was a tall, confident youth, his movements sharp as he honed his martial skills. When Li Wei approached, Jin Rui stopped and looked at him with a mixture of respect and curiosity.
"Li Wei," Jin Rui greeted, his voice polite. "What brings you here?"
"I'm putting together a team for the upcoming mini tournament," Li Wei said directly. "We need one more member. I want you to join us."
Jin Rui hesitated. Although Li Wei had proven himself by defeating Xiao Feng, Jin Rui wasn't too keen on joining a team that included members he viewed as weak. He wasn't eager to offend someone like Li Wei, especially since he had recently defeated Xiao Feng, but joining a team with lesser members might be a waste of his potential.
"I'm honored by your offer, Li Wei," Jin Rui said, choosing his words carefully. "But... I'm not sure if your current team is the right fit for me."
Li Wei, ever observant, noticed the flicker of uncertainty in Jin Rui's eyes. He knew the real reason for Jin Rui's reluctance—it wasn't about Li Wei, it was about the others.
Sensing Jin Rui's hesitation, Li Wei's expression remained calm. "You don't think they're strong enough."
Jin Rui didn't respond, but his silence was enough.
Li Wei smiled faintly. "How about this: if any one of my teammates can defeat you in a one-on-one spar, you'll join us. If not, you're free to decline."
Jin Rui was caught off guard. He hadn't expected such a bold offer. He knew he was stronger than most of Li Wei's teammates, but the idea of offending Li Wei was not something he wanted to risk. After a moment, he nodded. "Alright. I accept your challenge."
Li Wei glanced at his teammates, who looked nervous. They all knew Jin Rui's strength, and none of them felt confident facing him. But Li Wei, calm as ever, approached the weakest of his team members and murmured something in his ear.
"Just follow my directions," Li Wei said softly, his blue eyes filled with confidence.
"Are you sure?" the teammate asked, his voice filled with doubt.
Li Wei nodded, his faint smile reassuring. "Trust me. I've already seen his weaknesses."
The fight was about to begin, and Li Wei's cunning strategy would soon unfold.