Chapter 2: A Golden Opportunity
Liang Chen's eyes fluttered open to the sight of dawn breaking over the mountain, the mist weaving through pine trees in delicate threads. He sat up slowly, momentarily disoriented, the memories of the previous day's revelations still fresh in his mind. This wasn't Earth. This was the Qingyuan Realm—a world where power and respect came only through cultivation, and he was at the very beginning of the path.
Just as he started to collect himself, a familiar, slightly mocking voice echoed in his mind.
"Good morning, sleeping beauty. I trust you're ready for a little…education today?"
Liang Chen sighed, half-amused, half-exasperated. "Dream Reincarnation System, right?" he said, looking around instinctively, even though he knew there was no physical presence to see.
"Correct!" the voice replied, with a touch of cheer. "And today, I have a bit of good news—well, good for you, at least. You've gotten lucky, my dear beginner."
The voice paused, as if savoring his curiosity. Liang Chen, knowing the system's tendency toward teasing, raised an eyebrow. "Lucky? How?"
"You, Liang Chen, have drawn a rare golden talent, something that could have taken you decades—or maybe even lifetimes—to acquire," the system said with a chuckle. "In fact, it's one of the best golden talents around. Congratulations, you've won the lottery!"
A flicker of excitement flared within him. He didn't fully understand the significance of a golden talent, but if the Dream Reincarnation System called it one of the best, it had to be something remarkable. "So, what's this golden talent?" he asked, eager yet wary.
"Your new talent is called 'The Teacher's Young Love.' This unique talent guarantees you a teacher of extraordinary power—a red-talent, no less—and, as an added perk, this teacher will eventually fall for you. Yes, you heard that right." The system's voice took on a teasing tone, laced with amusement. "In other words, you're destined to become her Taoist companion. Congratulations on bagging yourself a mentor and a future lover in one stroke."
Liang Chen blinked, feeling his face grow warm with a mix of surprise and embarrassment. "Wait… a Taoist companion?" He struggled to wrap his mind around the concept. "Isn't that just a fancy way of saying—"
"Indeed," the system interrupted, clearly amused. "Think of it as a spiritual partnership—emotional, powerful, sometimes romantic, and always intense. And your new teacher? Let's just say she's not only one of the top cultivators in the Divine Sword Sect, but she's also a cultivator with seniority and respect that few can match."
Divine Sword Sect. One of the three major sects in the Qingyuan Realm. Liang Chen's heart pounded as he took this in. "And… I'm her student?"
"That's right," Dream Reincarnation System replied with a laugh. "She's only a few centuries older than you—give or take a millennium. She's respected, powerful, and considered an authority on the sword arts. But lucky you, this talent of yours guarantees that she'll see something in you."
Liang Chen took a deep breath, absorbing the implications. A part of him was excited by the prospect of learning from someone so powerful, but the idea of winning the heart of an immortal teacher who was eons older felt surreal. "Alright, so… how does this work?"
"Simple," Dream Reincarnation System replied. "Today, you're going into a full-body simulation. Think of it as a life you'll live, complete with all the experiences, struggles, and triumphs. You'll meet this red-talent teacher, learn under her, and climb the ranks of cultivation. The simulation will end when you reach a pivotal moment. Anything you earn, any lessons, skills, or insights, will stay with you. So, brace yourself, because once you're in, it'll feel as real as this."
Liang Chen nodded slowly, a thrill of anticipation in his chest. "Alright, I'm ready."
"Good to hear. Now close your eyes, relax, and I'll take care of the rest."
Taking a deep breath, Liang Chen closed his eyes, clearing his mind as best as he could. There was a sudden sensation of weightlessness, and the sounds of the mountain faded away, replaced by a quiet hum. When he opened his eyes, he was no longer on the mountain.
Instead, he stood in the middle of a vast hall, surrounded by tall pillars carved with intricate designs of dragons and phoenixes. The hall radiated an ancient, almost mystical aura, as if it had borne witness to centuries of cultivation and enlightenment.
Liang Chen glanced around, taking in the rich furnishings and soft, ambient light filtering through tall, narrow windows. Just as he began to feel the weight of this new reality, a soft but authoritative voice broke the silence.
"So, you're the one I've been assigned to train?"
He turned to see a woman standing near the entrance of the hall. Her long, dark hair flowed freely down her back, contrasting with the deep red robes that signified her status as a cultivator of immense power. Her gaze was piercing, intelligent, and just the slightest bit amused, as though she already saw through him and his every intention.
Liang Chen swallowed, his heart pounding. This woman had an undeniable presence, an aura that made him feel like a flickering candle beside a roaring flame.
"My name is Yan Shu," she said, her voice firm and unyielding. "I am one of the senior elders of the Divine Sword Sect. If you're half as talented as the Dream Reincarnation System claims, perhaps there is potential in you."
Liang Chen tried to respond, but words failed him momentarily. She was beautiful, yes, but there was something more—an ageless elegance and wisdom in her eyes that made him feel small in comparison. He cleared his throat, gathering his composure. "Thank you, Teacher Yan Shu. I look forward to learning from you."
"Good," she replied, her gaze sharpening. "But know this: the path of cultivation is ruthless, unrelenting, and it requires sacrifices that most are unprepared for. I do not tolerate weakness, nor do I waste my time with those who lack discipline. If you want my guidance, you must prove yourself worthy of it."
Liang Chen nodded, straightening his posture. "I understand."
Yan Shu gave him a final, evaluating look. "Very well, then. Let's begin with the basics. I will assess your Qi gathering abilities and your physical condition. The sooner I understand your limitations, the sooner we can break them."
As she turned, gesturing for him to follow, Liang Chen could hear Menghuang's voice echo in his mind, laden with amusement.
"Quite the catch, isn't she? Red-talent, senior elder, and revered in one of the most prestigious sects in the Qingyuan Realm. And you're her one and only disciple. Of course, she has no idea about your golden talent and what it implies. But I'll let you keep that little secret for now."
He suppressed a smirk, grateful for the system's cryptic assistance, though he knew there would be countless challenges ahead. Yan Shu would be a formidable teacher, and if he was to become her equal one day—as the talent had implied—he would need every bit of strength and focus he could muster.
Following Yan Shu's lead, he stepped into the cultivation hall, his mind whirling with both determination and anticipation. The journey had only just begun, and already he felt the weight of a future that was far larger than himself.
"Remember, Liang Chen," Dream Reincarnation System added with a chuckle, "don't get too attached. She may be your teacher, but in the end, she's just one part of your journey. Keep that in mind. After all, she's got at least a thousand years of experience on you, so try not to let that get in the way of your progress."
Liang Chen took a steadying breath as Yan Shu began his training regimen, her instructions precise and unyielding. Despite the intensity of her gaze, he couldn't help but feel an underlying connection, one he was sure he would explore in time.
But for now, he was ready to learn, to grow, and to earn his place in the world of cultivation. With Yan Shu as his guide—and the Dream Reincarnation System as his occasionally sarcastic companion—he was determined to make the most of this opportunity, golden talent or not.
The path ahead was uncertain, but Liang Chen was ready to face whatever it held.