In a secluded village in Fengshan Country, a great commotion filled the streets. The sound of cheers and words of pride echoed through the air as young people gathered in the central square, their eyes shining with a mixture of anticipation and nervousness.
In the center of the commotion, a white-haired old man in simple robes stood out, surrounded by a group of eager young people. His experienced yet calm gaze conveyed a sense of seriousness. He raised his hand to call for silence, and everyone, even the most impetuous, immediately ceased their commotion.
"Listen well, young people," the old man began in a firm but wise voice, "the representatives of the major righteous sects will arrive in a week's time. Do not allow yourselves to be consumed by anxiety. Although this event may decide the future of all of you, remember that true cultivation is not based solely on physical strength, but on strength of spirit and the patience to bide your time."
As the old man spoke, his eyes swept the group before him. Most of the young people were visibly agitated, but they didn't dare interrupt him. Some wondered what it would be like to be chosen by a sect, others wondered if they would be able to achieve great things like the masters they had heard about.
The word "future" hung in the air like a promise and a threat. For many there, this event was the chance to join the most powerful sects on the continent. It was a milestone that could change their lives forever.
"Don't let anxiety or fear blind you. The path of cultivation is long and arduous. What happens next week will not be the end, but a new beginning," the old man concluded, looking at each of the young people with an expression that mixed understanding and authority.
Around the old man, the young people began to disperse, but the nervousness was still evident on their faces. Some walked away in small groups, talking among themselves about what the future held. Others remained pensive, immersed in their own worries. As the youths dispersed from the circle and returned to their homes, one young man stood out among them. His midnight-black hair and imposing stature of about 1.85 meters caught everyone's attention, and an expression of excitement lit up his face. His name was Wang Lin, and his cheerful expression betrayed the enthusiasm bubbling within him.
"This is the first time in this life that I've felt this excited!" Wang Lin exclaimed with a broad smile, looking up at the sky, as if trying to absorb all the energy around him. He took a deep breath, feeling the breeze that cut through the village. "It's been a few years since I transmigrated into this body. Since then, I haven't stopped training, always striving to become stronger."
As he spoke, Wang Lin's body stood out, his muscles visible beneath his skin, with impressive definition, as if he were the body of an experienced bodybuilder. He had worked tirelessly, without rest, focusing on physical development ever since he arrived in this world. His fists were clenched, his fingers long and strong, and his legs, long and muscular, seemed capable of withstanding any challenge.
"Wang Lin," he muttered to himself, a thoughtful expression taking over his face. "It seems that this world is based on Chinese cultivation… Although I don't know much about it yet, I hear many stories from the elders in the village. They talk about people who can cut down mountains with a single sword strike! This makes me even more eager to see it for myself."
He paused for a moment, looking at the earth beneath his feet, as if sensing the vibration of the world around him. "My body is strong, and now, I need to see if my soul and mind can keep up with this power. If I am chosen by a sect, I… I want to show everyone what I am capable of achieving."
Wang Lin prepared himself for the upcoming journey, anticipation building in his chest. His gaze, more determined than ever, reflected renewed confidence, and with that, he advanced toward his home, certain that his destiny was about to change.
____________________
In his home, simple and modest, with a small bedroom and a rustic kitchen, Wang Lin sat on the bed, observing the aged wooden walls around him. The environment was peaceful, without luxury, but enough for him to focus on his goals. He took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the expectation of the next day, and muttered in a low voice:
"System."
Instantly, a bright interface projected before him, illuminating the room with a faint blue glow. It was the System, the silent guide that had accompanied him since his transmigration into this body.
•System•
NAME: WANG LIN
CULTIVATION LEVEL: BODY STRENGTHENING (5)
Quests: N/0
SKILLS:
Primordial Strength (Passive - Level B):
Through a gift from the System, Wang Lin received the Primordial Strength skill, which passively increases his physical strength, endurance, and muscle regeneration. His muscles are denser, allowing him to perform feats of superhuman strength even without the need for intense training.
Appraisal (Active - Level C):
Wang Lin has the Appraisal skill, which allows him to perceive the cultivation level of others. This skill reveals the stage and strength of a being's cultivation, but there is a limit: he cannot assess a cultivation level that is higher than his own. This helps him better gauge the challenges around him and understand the strength of enemies or allies, as long as they are at a stage equal to or lower than his own. The skill also provides a brief description of the cultivator's specialization, if relevant.
Wang Lin blinked as he saw the new skill. Appraisal would definitely be useful. Knowing the cultivation level of others could be a strategic advantage for him. He imagined what it would be like on his journey, encountering other cultivators and being able to immediately tell who would be a real threat and who would not pose much of a threat.
"This could be a trump card. If I encounter someone strong, at least I will know in advance what level of risk is involved," Wang Lin thought. "But… I can't let my guard down, since this skill can't assess who is above me. I need to always be alert."
With a look of doubt, Wang Lin frowned and turned back to the floating interface. Curiosity took over his mind.
"System, what do these letters on the skills mean?" he asked, unable to fully understand what was being shown.
The answer came quickly and clearly, as if the System had been waiting for the question.
"That's simple," the System replied in a soft, mechanical voice. — For each cultivation stage, there are skills that correspond to the stage. For example, the body skill you possess, 'Primordial Strength,' is at rank B, meaning it corresponds to the body strengthening cultivation stage.
Wang Lin paid attention, his eyes fixed on the interface.
— The skill ranking system goes from S to E. Rank S represents the strongest skills, while E is the weakest within a given stage. Your 'Primordial Strength' skill is at rank B, meaning it is a well-developed and powerful skill for the stage you are at, surpassing most cultivators in your age group. As you advance in your cultivation, new skills will emerge, and you can even reach rank A or even S, depending on your progress and the opportunities that arise.
Wang Lin processed the information as the interface slowly disappeared. What the System explained made sense. Skills had a ranking system that reflected their relative strength within the cultivation stage the user was at. He then imagined that as he advanced in cultivation, his abilities could evolve and become even more powerful.
"I see," Wang Lin said with a determined smile. "So if I continue training and completing missions, I can reach E or even S-rank abilities?"
"Exactly," the system replied impersonally. "As your cultivation increases, your abilities will become more powerful, allowing you to perform even more incredible feats."
Wang Lin felt a surge of excitement and determination. He knew that he was just beginning his journey and that the path ahead would be filled with challenges, but now he had a clearer vision of what he could achieve.
With that, he lay back down on the bed, the thought firmly in his heart. The upcoming event could be the perfect opportunity to begin showing the world his true potential.