Lin Yulan sat cross-legged beneath the ancient pine tree at the edge of the village, her slender frame still as a statue. Her gaze lingered on the distant mountains cloaked in mist, her thoughts a tempest of doubt and resignation. The village, once lively with the chatter of farmers and merchants, was now silent. Frequent monster attacks had driven everyone away. All except her.
For ten years, she had lived here, cultivating in solitude. Yet, with her poor spiritual root, her progress was painfully slow. No sect had accepted her when she was younger, deeming her unworthy of their resources. Left with no other choice, she became a loose cultivator, seeking out an existence far from the scrutiny of the sect elites.
The roar of a distant beast shook her from her thoughts. She frowned, her hand instinctively reaching for the sword at her side. The attacks were becoming more frequent and fierce. Staying here was no longer viable. She was on the verge of leaving when the sound of hurried footsteps startled her.
A young man stumbled into the clearing, his fine silk robes torn and muddied. His face was pale but determined, his hands clutching a travel pouch adorned with the crest of a powerful family. Lin Yulan's sharp eyes immediately recognized the emblem. The Lian Clan from Zlediff City.
"Senior!" he called out, bowing deeply despite his obvious exhaustion. "Please, take me as your disciple!"
Lin Yulan blinked in surprise. The Lian Clan was renowned for their wealth and influence, yet this young man was here, in this desolate place, seeking her guidance. She narrowed her eyes, scrutinizing him closely.
"I am no sect master," she said coldly. "Why come to me?"
The young man straightened, revealing a pair of sharp, albeit desperate, eyes. "I have been branded a failure by my family. My spiritual roots are deemed mediocre, and I cannot progress within the clan. But I've heard of your strength, Senior. You've survived in these monster-infested mountains for years. Please, teach me!"
Lin Yulan snorted. "Strength? If I had true strength, do you think I'd be hiding in this forgotten village?"
But the young man didn't flinch. He dropped to his knees, his head touching the dirt. "Please, Senior! I have nowhere else to turn!"
For days, he followed her, persistent despite her repeated refusals. At first, Lin Yulan dismissed him as another spoiled youth unwilling to accept his limits. Yet, his determination reminded her of herself.
Finally, she relented with a sigh. "Very well, I will teach you. But I warn you, the path of cultivation is fraught with danger. If you falter, do not expect mercy."
The young man, Lian Yaling, bowed deeply once more, tears glistening in his eyes. "Thank you, Master!"
Unbeknownst to either of them, as Lin Yulan accepted her first disciple, a surge of energy coursed through her.
**[Martial Creation System Activated.]**
A cold, mechanical voice echoed in her mind.
**Create martial skills. Reward cultivation power based on disciple mastery.**
Her heart raced. A system? She clenched her fists, a newfound spark igniting within her. Perhaps taking this disciple wasn't the curse she thought it would be. Perhaps… it was an opportunity.