The events of the previous day left Li Feng with a mix of exhilaration and dread. He had defeated Li Ming (Mortal Realm Stage 5), but that single fight was bound to stir trouble within the Li Clan.
He awoke early the next morning, still feeling the lingering effects of his newfound confidence. The system's rewards glowed in his mind.
[Basic Sword Technique: A beginner-level sword art designed to enhance precision and power. Mastery Level: 0%.]
[System Coins: 100.]
"System," Li Feng asked, sitting cross-legged on his thin mattress. "What can I do with these coins?"
[System Coins can be used to unlock techniques, pills, and cultivation resources. Do you wish to access the store?]
"Yes!"
A semi-transparent interface appeared before him, listing a variety of items:
1. Qi Condensation Pill (50 Coins) – A pill that enhances the cultivation base of Mortal Realm cultivators.
2. Body Tempering Manual (200 Coins) – A technique for improving physical strength.
3. Beginner Sword Manual (50 Coins) – A supplement to Basic Sword Technique.
"Hmm, I don't have enough for the Body Tempering Manual, but the Qi Condensation Pill seems like the best choice."
[Purchase confirmed. Qi Condensation Pill added to inventory.]
A small jade bottle appeared in his hand. Removing the stopper, Li Feng saw a vibrant green pill that exuded a faint medicinal fragrance.
Without hesitation, he swallowed the pill and focused on his breathing.
---
The Breakthrough
The effects were immediate. A surge of energy coursed through his veins, spreading warmth throughout his body. His spiritual veins, previously dull and inactive, began to stir.
[Breakthrough Detected: Mortal Realm Stage 3 → Mortal Realm Stage 4.]
Li Feng's eyes snapped open, glowing with determination.
"Stage 4," he muttered, clenching his fists. "This is just the beginning."
---
The Family Meeting
As Li Feng marveled at his progress, a servant barged into his room, bowing hastily.
"Young Master Feng, the Patriarch has summoned you to the main hall," the servant said nervously.
Li Feng frowned. A summons from his father, Li Tian (Martial Master Stage 4), was rare. It could only mean trouble.
Arriving at the grand hall, Li Feng found his father seated at the head of the table, his stern expression like a chiseled statue. Beside him were his brothers: Li Wei (Martial Disciple Stage 9) and Li Hua (Martial Disciple Stage 7).
"Feng," Li Tian began, his voice deep and commanding. "Explain what happened yesterday."
Li Feng straightened his back. "Li Ming insulted me, so I taught him a lesson."
"You taught him a lesson?" Li Hua sneered, folding his arms. "How did a Mortal Realm Stage 3 weakling defeat someone two stages above him?"
Li Wei, ever the silent observer, raised an eyebrow but said nothing.
"I've been training," Li Feng replied calmly, unwilling to reveal the system.
"Training?" Li Hua scoffed. "You've been a waste since birth. Even if you trained for a hundred years, you wouldn't reach my level."
Li Feng's jaw tightened, but he stayed silent.
"Enough," Li Tian interrupted, silencing his second son. His piercing gaze turned to Li Feng. "If you're truly serious about improving, then prove it."
He gestured to a servant, who stepped forward with a tray holding a gleaming sword.
"This is the clan's basic training sword," Li Tian said. "Show me your swordsmanship."
---
The Test
Li Feng accepted the sword, feeling its weight. Memories of his previous life surfaced—of watching countless battles in novels and imagining himself as a swordsman.
Taking a deep breath, he activated the Basic Sword Technique from the system.
[Basic Sword Technique Activated. Mastery Level: 10%.]
The sword moved as if guided by instinct. Li Feng performed a series of fluid strikes and defensive maneuvers, each one sharper and more precise than the last. The air whistled as the blade cut through it.
By the time he finished, the hall was silent.
Li Hua's smirk had disappeared, replaced by a look of shock. Even Li Wei's eyes held a glimmer of surprise.
Li Tian nodded slowly, his expression unreadable. "You've improved."
Though his words were measured, they carried weight.
"Thank you, Father," Li Feng said, bowing.
"You may leave," Li Tian said. "But remember, strength must be proven continuously. Don't embarrass the clan again."
---
A Rival Emerges
As Li Feng exited the hall, he found himself face-to-face with a young man clad in fine robes.
"Li Feng," the boy said, his tone dripping with disdain.
It was Li Jun (Mortal Realm Stage 6), a member of a rival branch of the Li Clan.
"I heard about your little fight," Li Jun sneered. "Beating a servant boy doesn't make you a genius. Why don't you prove your worth against me?"
Li Feng's eyes narrowed. Li Jun was stronger, but with the system's help, the gap didn't seem insurmountable.
"What's the matter? Too scared?" Li Jun taunted.
"I accept," Li Feng said, his voice steady.
"Good," Li Jun said, grinning. "We'll settle this tomorrow at the training grounds. Don't back out."
---
Preparing for Battle
Back in his room, Li Feng consulted the system.
"System, how can I increase my chances of winning?"
[Recommendation: Purchase the Beginner Sword Manual for 50 Coins to enhance the Basic Sword Technique.]
"Do it."
[Purchase confirmed. Beginner Sword Manual added to inventory.]
A stream of information flooded Li Feng's mind, detailing advanced footwork and precision strikes.
"Li Jun," he muttered, gripping his sword tightly. "Tomorrow, I'll show you what true strength is."
---
Realms (Current Progress)
1. Mortal Realm (Stages 1-9)
2. Martial Disciple (Stages 1-9)
3. Martial Master (Stages 1-9)
4. Martial Great Master (Stages 1-9)
5. Martial Grandmaster (Stages 1-9)
6. Martial Lord (Stages 1-9)
7. Martial King (Stages 1-9)
8. Martial Emperor (Stages 1-9)
9. Martial Saint (Stages 1-9)
10. Martial Supreme Saint (Stages 1-9)
11. Martial Divine (Stages 1-9)