Setting
Zhao Tian returns to the Azure Sky Sect, his body weak and battered, only to face ridicule from fellow disciples. However, his resolve strengthens as he begins to apply his Earth knowledge to cultivation.
Scene 1: Return to the Azure Sky Sect
The sun hung low in the sky as Zhao Tian stumbled through the sect gates. His tattered robes drew sneers and laughter from passing disciples.
"Look who's back! The trash lives!"
"He probably ran crying after being beaten again."
"Surprised he even made it back alive."
Zhao Tian ignored the jeers, keeping his head down. The memories of this body's previous owner surged in his mind. The old Zhao Tian had been a punching bag for everyone in the sect—a disciple with no talent, barely clinging to the lowest Qi Gathering stage.
That was the old Zhao Tian, he thought. From now on, things are going to change.
Scene 2: The Challenge
As Zhao Tian reached his quarters, a group of disciples blocked his path. Leading them was Wang Lei, a Foundation Establishment cultivator and one of the sect's rising stars.
"Well, well," Wang Lei sneered. "The coward returns. Tell me, Zhao Tian, did you finally find your spine out there, or are you still the sect's punching bag?"
Zhao Tian met his gaze, calm but unyielding. "I don't have time for your nonsense, Wang Lei. Move."
The other disciples gasped. Zhao Tian never stood up to anyone before.
Wang Lei chuckled. "Oh? Looks like someone grew a backbone. Good. Let's see if it's strong enough to hold up against this!"
He launched a palm strike, the air around it crackling with spiritual energy. Zhao Tian's instincts screamed at him to dodge, but his body was still too weak. The blow connected, sending him sprawling to the ground.
Pain shot through him, but he gritted his teeth. This isn't over.
"You're pathetic," Wang Lei said, turning to leave. "Stay out of my sight, trash."
Scene 3: A New Resolve
Zhao Tian sat up slowly, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth.
Host must accelerate progress, the system chimed in his mind. Immediate cultivation advancement is required to survive.
"Easier said than done," Zhao Tian muttered. "I can barely gather spiritual energy, and I don't have access to resources."
Incorrect. Host possesses unique knowledge. Utilize Earth methods to compensate for cultivation deficiencies.
An image flashed in his mind: a simple spiritual energy amplifier made from basic materials like copper wires, crystals, and a wooden frame.
"I can build this?" Zhao Tian asked, his eyes lighting up.
Yes. This device will enhance spiritual energy absorption by 30%.
Excitement surged through him. He rummaged through his small room, gathering scraps and broken tools left behind by his predecessor. His hands moved with practiced precision, guided by the system.
Scene 4: The First Breakthrough
Hours later, Zhao Tian placed the last piece of the amplifier together. It was a crude device, with wires snaking around a glowing crystal at its center.
Device complete. Begin absorption.
Zhao Tian sat cross-legged before the amplifier, channeling his Qi. To his amazement, the energy around him surged, funneled directly into his body through the device.
"Unbelievable…" he whispered.
As the energy coursed through him, the bottleneck at Qi Gathering Stage 1 began to crack. Zhao Tian gritted his teeth, pushing harder.
Breakthrough imminent. Host must persist.
With a final surge, the barrier shattered. Zhao Tian opened his eyes, his aura faintly glowing.
"Qi Gathering Stage 2," he said, a grin spreading across his face. "And this is just the beginning."
Scene 5: A New Rivalry
The next morning, Zhao Tian walked confidently to the training grounds. The other disciples whispered as he passed.
"Is that Zhao Tian?"
"He seems… different."
Wang Lei spotted him and sneered. "What's this? Trash thinking he belongs here?"
Zhao Tian looked him in the eye. "I'll face you in a sparring match. One week from now."
The crowd fell silent.
"You?" Wang Lei laughed. "Fine. I'll enjoy humiliating you in front of everyone."
Zhao Tian turned and walked away, ignoring the murmurs behind him.
Host requires additional strength to defeat Wang Lei, the system reminded him.
"Don't worry," Zhao Tian said. "I have plans. By the end of this week, he won't know what hit him."
Scene 6: Preparations for Battle
Zhao Tian spent the next several days building more tools, including a spiritual energy shield generator and a set of enhanced training weights to improve his physical strength. He also studied the basics of combat, combining Earth's scientific principles with cultivation techniques.
As the week passed, Zhao Tian's confidence grew. He knew the road ahead was long, but for the first time, he felt like he had a chance.