Jin City was peaceful as usual. Over 20 million residents lived there, along with countless tourists visiting its vibrant streets. The Jin Clan, one of the city's most influential powers, had over 150,000 clan members. The day-to-day life in the city carried on rhythmically. Soldiers trained rigorously in the clan's vast training halls. Cultivators immersed themselves in their practices—some meditated, while others diligently honed their martial techniques.
The clan's grand library was abuzz with activity. Some members idled, passing the time, while others earnestly memorized martial arts techniques to practice later. The sparring grounds echoed with the sound of combat as cultivators tested their skills against each other. In the courtyards, sweepers diligently worked to maintain cleanliness.
In one of these smaller courtyards, two young cultivators sat beneath the shade of a large tree. Jin Long and his twin sister, Jin Yuehua, were enjoying their morning tea. The air carried the faint scent of incense, and the sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground.
"When will you leave for the Alchemist Association?" Jin Long asked softly, concern evident in his tone.
"We'll leave the day after tomorrow," Yuehua replied, her voice tinged with melancholy, though she tried to hide it.
"You've learned a lot these past few days. It will make things easier for you at the Alchemist Association. Remember not to cause trouble for Leihao and to be obedient to your master," Jin Long said, smiling reassuringly.
Yuehua nodded without speaking, her heart warming at her brother's care.
"You have a lot to prepare for. You should leave now," Jin Long added gently.
Yuehua hesitated, reluctant to leave, but she eventually stood up. She looked at Jin Long and, after a brief pause, said, "Take care of yourself, and don't worry too much. Grandfather will find a solution for you."
Jin Long smiled in response but said nothing. Encouraged by his smile, Yuehua returned it, placed her teacup on the table, and said, "Don't forget to come see me before I leave."
"I will," Jin Long assured her.
Satisfied, Yuehua left the courtyard, her presence fading as Jin Long's expression darkened. He sat in silence, staring blankly into the distance.
Meanwhile, in a larger courtyard, the first elder, Jin Zhenhai, and the second elder, Jin Mingyan, sifted through piles of ancient books. For two weeks, they had been investigating Jin Long's peculiar condition, but their efforts had been in vain.
"Big brother," Jin Mingyan began, breaking the silence, "no matter what we do, we can't find any clue about Jin Long's spiritual root. Whenever we inject spiritual energy into his body, the flow is as stable as any other cultivator. Those with a Rank 0 spiritual root can't circulate spiritual energy and suffer backlash, but that isn't the case with Jin Long."
Jin Zhenhai sighed, frustration evident on his face. "We've hit a wall. Let's take a break for now. We need to prepare for Yuehua's journey to the Alchemist Association. We can continue this investigation afterward."
Jin Mingyan nodded in agreement, setting aside the books. They began making arrangements for the journey, which was expected to take three weeks if everything went smoothly.
Two days later, the Jin Clan gathered in front of the grand main hall, where significant decisions were made. The hall was an architectural marvel, built with rare stones and adorned with luxurious decorations. In front of the hall, three grand carts stood ready. Each cart gleamed with a golden hue, crafted from the rare Auriciron tree, whose wood was as strong as metal.
Harnessed to the carts were massive beasts resembling horses, known as Nightthorn Steeds. Standing twelve feet tall with muscular builds, they had black fur as sharp as thorns and small spikes along their spines.
Jin Yuehua, Jin Leihao, Jin Ronghua, and Jin Xiaoyu stood nearby, watching as servants loaded the carts with supplies.
"Elder Yuxian, I am entrusting the safety of these youngsters to you. I trust you won't disappoint me," Jin Zhenhai said with a lighthearted tone.
Elder Yuxian smiled confidently. "You can count on me, First Elder. I'll ensure their safety."
Jin Mingyan laughed. "We trust you, Elder Yuxian."
Jin Long exchanged a few words with Jin Yuehua and reminded Jin Leihao to look after her. After bidding farewell, the group departed, their carts slowly disappearing into the distance.
Five days later, Jin Long was sitting on a large rock beside a pond near his home in the bamboo forest. His mind was preoccupied, his thoughts swirling with unanswered questions. Finally, he decided to visit Jin Zhenhai.
Arriving at the elder's room, Jin Long knocked on the door.
"Who is it? Come in," came a rigid voice from inside.
Jin Long stepped into the room, finding his grandfather seated with his eyes closed. "Grandfather, I want to ask for something," Jin Long said in a steady voice.
Jin Zhenhai straightened up and opened his eyes. "What is it?"
After a brief hesitation, Jin Long said, "I need more spirit gold. And… if possible, I want a storage ring."
Jin Zhenhai's eyebrows shot up in surprise. While Jin Long had previously asked for spirit gold and been given 1,500 spirit gold coins, his request for a storage ring was unexpected.
"Storage ring? What do you need it for?" Jin Zhenhai asked, puzzled.
Jin Long hesitated again before responding. "I can't tell you why, but trust me, I need it. Even a small one will do."
After a moment of contemplation, Jin Zhenhai finally relented. He handed Jin Long another 200 spirit gold coins and a medium-sized storage ring.
Another month passed. The Jin elders were no closer to finding answers about Jin Long's condition. Jin Mingyan suggested seeking assistance from the Alchemist Association, and Jin Zhenhai agreed.
A trusted cultivator was summoned and given a letter for the association leader. He departed immediately to deliver it to Yuehua's group.
Meanwhile, Jin Long spent his days memorizing and practicing cultivation techniques. Over the last two months, he had committed several books and martial techniques to memory, including palm, fist, and sword techniques. He had also amassed a considerable fortune, possessing over 7,500 spirit gold coins and tens of thousands of spirit silver coins.
At the Alchemist Association, Jin Yuehua's potential was quickly recognized. She was accepted as the second elder's disciple, while Jin Leihao became the tenth elder's disciple. Jin Ronghua and Jin Xiaoyu were taken in by external elders. Elder Yuxian returned to the Jin Clan with a letter from the association leader, offering to assist Jin Long.
Jin Zhenhai and Jin Mingyan were elated. They decided to share this news with Jin Long as a gift for his 16th birthday, which was the following day. However, they had no idea of the storm that was about to befall them.
That night, Jin Long sat on a large rock beside the pond, staring into the darkness. The forest was silent, the air heavy with anticipation.
Five...
Four...
Three...
Two...
One...
Congratulations, host. The system has been successfully activated.