Li Wei stood before the grand gates of the Azure Cloud Sect, his heart heavy with anticipation. The elder's words echoed in his mind: "You lack the talent we seek. We cannot accept you."
Feeling dejected, Li Wei turned away, the weight of rejection pressing down on him. As he walked down the mountain path, the dense forest seemed to close in, mirroring his inner turmoil.
Lost in thought, he noticed a narrow, overgrown trail branching off the main path. Curiosity sparked, he followed it, pushing through the underbrush until he entered a hidden clearing. At its center lay the ruins of an ancient structure, half-buried and covered in vines.
Among the debris, something shiny caught his eye—a metallic sphere with intricate patterns. Drawn to it, Li Wei reached out and touched the cool metal.
Instantly, a surge of energy coursed through him, and his vision blurred. He found himself in a vast, empty space, with floating symbols and diagrams shifting around him.
A calm voice spoke: "System initializing... Welcome, Li Wei. You are now the bearer of the Ancient Technological Interface."
Confused, Li Wei asked, "What is this? Who are you?"
"I am the integrated assistance system, here to guide you in using advanced technological artifacts from a bygone era," the voice replied.
Li Wei's mind raced. Advanced technology? In a world ruled by martial arts, this was unheard of.
"Why me?" he questioned.
"Your recent rejection by the Azure Cloud Sect indicates they failed to see your potential. The system has identified qualities in you suitable for this integration."
A mix of anger and curiosity flared within him. "What happens now?"
"With my guidance, you will harness the capabilities of ancient technologies, granting you abilities beyond traditional martial arts. Together, we will face the challenges ahead."
Taking a deep breath, Li Wei felt a new determination. Rejected by the sect, he had been offered an unexpected path—one that could change his destiny.
"Very well," he said, his voice steady. "Let's begin."
As the system's interface appeared before him, Li Wei couldn't help but wonder about the journey ahead and the power now within his reach.
Li Wei carefully navigated the crumbling ruins, the ancient stone walls whispering secrets of a forgotten era. The metallic sphere pulsed softly in his hand, its intricate patterns glowing faintly. As he approached the exit, the sphere emitted a gentle hum, and a translucent map materialized before him, highlighting a path leading back to his village.
Following the map's guidance, Li Wei emerged from the ruins and made his way home. His small hut stood at the edge of the village, smoke curling from the chimney. Inside, his mother, Mei Lin, was seated by the hearth, her face lined with worry.
"Son, did you get rejected?" Mei Lin asked, her voice tinged with concern.
Li Wei nodded, his heart heavy. "Yes, Mother. They said I lack the talent they seek."
Mei Lin coughed softly, her frail form trembling. "It's alright, my son. You have always made me proud."
Li Wei knelt beside her, his eyes filled with determination. "I will find a way to help you, Mother."
As he spoke, the system's interface appeared before him, displaying Mei Lin's profile.
Name: Mei Lin Age: 38 Condition: Chronic Illness Status: Single (Widowed) Medical History: Diagnosed with a rare disease causing severe fatigue and weakness.
Li Wei was astonished. The system had detailed information about his mother. He had known she was unwell, but he hadn't realized the severity of her condition.
Determined to help, Li Wei asked, "System, can you assist in curing my mother's illness?"
The system responded, "Affirmative. A medicinal pill is required. Ingredients include:
Red Lily Flower
Blue Cynthia Flower
A map highlighting these locations appeared in his mind.
Li Wei's heart raced. The grey forest was shrouded in mystery. Yet, for his mother, he would face these challenges.
He wrote a letter, leaving it on the table:
"Mother, I am setting out to find a cure for your illness. Please rest and wait for my return. I will be back soon."
With a final glance at his mother, Li Wei set out, the map guiding him toward the first destination: the grey forest .
As he ventured into the unknown, the system's voice echoed in his mind:
"Objective: Retrieve medicinal ingredients. Time limit: 2 days."
Li Wei clenched his fists. He would not fail.