The blue light from the Azure Bloom faded, leaving Liang kneeling in the grove, his heart pounding. The sigil on his hand glowed faintly, intricate like the flower's petals. He stared at it in awe, his chest tight with a mix of excitement and confusion.
Then, something strange happened. A shimmering, translucent screen appeared before his eyes, words etched on its surface as though written in the air.
Azure Bloom System Activated
Name: Liang
Cultivation Level: Qi Gathering, Stage 1
Potential: Low
Energy Reserve: 3%
Abilities Unlocked: Growth Tracker, Qi Sense (Passive)
Liang blinked in disbelief, waving his hand in front of the display, but it didn't vanish. The words hung there, glowing softly. He hesitated, but as he stared, a flood of understanding washed over him.
The term "Qi Gathering" sparked a memory. It was the foundation of cultivation, the very first step. Stories spoke of cultivators spending years to reach this stage, yet he had ascended to it in an instant. But his excitement faltered when his eyes fell on one word: Low.
"What does that mean? Am I… not good enough?" he muttered. His fists clenched as a familiar frustration burned in his chest. Even with a divine gift, was he destined to struggle?
Before he could dwell on it, the screen flickered, displaying new information:
Growth Tracker Activated.
Task: Absorb Qi from the environment to reach Qi Gathering, Stage 2.
Progress: 3%.
Liang frowned. The words stirred something within him, a pull he couldn't resist. Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes, letting the world around him fade.
At first, it was impossible to sense anything. The forest was quiet save for the rustling of leaves and the occasional chirp of crickets. But as Liang focused, a faint warmth blossomed in his chest, like a tiny ember. He latched onto it, pulling the sensation closer. Slowly, he began to feel the world around him in a way he never had before.
The energy—Qi—was everywhere. It flowed through the air, the trees, even the earth beneath him. He reached out to it, drawing it toward the ember inside him. The process was slow and awkward, like trying to grasp water with bare hands, but bit by bit, he managed to absorb it.
When he opened his eyes, the screen updated.
Progress: 4%
"All that work for just one percent?" Liang groaned, slumping forward. His head throbbed, his body drenched in sweat. Yet, despite the exhaustion, there was a thrill coursing through him. This wasn't just a story told by the village elder—he was living it.
Hours passed as he practiced, the first rays of dawn breaking through the canopy. Liang wiped his brow, preparing to leave, when a low growl froze him in place.
His eyes darted toward the sound. From the shadows of the grove emerged a wolf, its silver fur shimmering faintly in the morning light. Its red eyes glowed with an unnatural intensity, and its movements were deliberate, predatory.
Liang's breath caught in his throat. It wasn't an ordinary wolf. He'd heard of such creatures—spirit beasts, animals imbued with Qi. Even seasoned cultivators avoided them unless they were prepared.
The wolf crouched low, baring its teeth. Liang took a shaky step back, his heart hammering in his chest.
The system chimed:
Warning: Incoming Threat Detected.
Potential Matchup Analysis:
• Enemy: Spirit Wolf (Low-Level)
• Chance of Victory: 2%
"Two percent?!" Liang hissed under his breath. He glanced around, searching for a way to escape, but the wolf was already preparing to pounce.
The beast lunged. Liang threw himself to the side, his body moving on instinct. He hit the ground hard, pain shooting through his shoulder.
The sigil on his hand flared to life, and the world seemed to slow. His gaze locked onto the wolf, and glowing points appeared along its body—its joints, throat, and underbelly. Weak points.
Liang didn't have time to question the vision. Grabbing a fallen branch, he swung it as the wolf leapt again. The wood struck the beast's leg, and it yelped, stumbling to the side.
Adrenaline surged through Liang as he scrambled to his feet. His body felt lighter, his movements more fluid. He could feel Qi coursing through him, strengthening his limbs.
The wolf circled him, growling, its red eyes fixed on his every move. Liang gripped the branch tightly, forcing himself to focus. When the wolf lunged again, he dodged to the side, swinging with all his might. The branch connected with the wolf's throat, and it collapsed, whimpering, before going still.
Liang stood there, trembling. His chest heaved as he stared at the fallen beast.
The system chimed again:
Task Complete: Survive a Spirit Beast Encounter.
Reward: +5% Progress.
Progress: 9%
The wolf's body dissolved into motes of light, leaving behind a small, glowing crystal. Liang recognized it immediately—a Qi Core. He had never seen one before, but the elder had spoken of them. Such treasures could boost a cultivator's strength immensely.
Liang knelt and picked up the core, feeling its raw energy thrumming in his palm.
Item Acquired: Spirit Wolf Qi Core.
Use to boost cultivation progress by 10%.
Liang stared at the screen, a grin tugging at his lips despite his exhaustion. For the first time in his life, he felt a flicker of hope.
He tucked the core into his pouch and turned toward the village. His body ached with every step, but his resolve burned brighter than ever.
The path of cultivation was dangerous, but Liang was no longer just a farmer. The Azure Bloom had chosen him, and with its power, he would rise.
But as he neared the edge of the valley, a shadow passed overhead, and he felt a cold chill settle over him. Somewhere far away, something ancient stirred, its gaze turning toward him.