Lin Yulan stood beneath the towering pine, her mind racing. The words of the mysterious system still echoed in her thoughts. **"Create martial skills. Reward cultivation power based on disciple mastery."**
The implications were staggering. For years, her progress had been slow and arduous, hindered by her poor spiritual root and the lack of resources. Now, with this so-called Martial Creation System, she might finally have a way to rise above her circumstances.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the young man standing before her, his eager gaze fixed on her. She looked him over, taking in his disheveled appearance and hopeful expression. He was no different from her in many ways—a discarded piece, overlooked by a world that valued only power and potential.
"What is your name?" she asked, her tone calm but firm.
"Disciple's name is Lian Yaling, Master," he replied, bowing deeply.
"Lian Yaling," she repeated, committing the name to memory. "This village is no sect, and I have no prepared quarters for you. If you wish to stay, find a house that suits you and make it livable."
"Yes, Master!" Lian Yaling straightened, his face brightening with determination. He bowed again before turning and heading into the village.
Lin Yulan watched him leave, her expression unreadable. Only when his figure disappeared among the abandoned buildings did she close her eyes and address the voice in her mind.
"System," she called, her voice steady. "Explain your functions."
**[The Martial Creation System assists the host in creating, converting, and upgrading martial cultivation techniques and skills, while also providing a shop for resources and tools.]**
"Be more specific," she demanded.
**[Functions available to the host include:]**
**[1. Create: Design and craft martial cultivation techniques or skills based on concepts provided by the host. Created skills are tested for effectiveness and compatibility.]**
**[2. Convert: Transform fake or incomplete martial arts manuals into genuine techniques. Damaged manuals can also be repaired.]**
**[3. Upgrade: Enhance existing martial arts manuals to increase their power and efficiency or remove flaws.]**
**[4. Shop: Exchange Martial Points for items and resources. Points are earned by converting materials such as monster cores or spirit stones. The quality of the item determines the points awarded.]**
Lin Yulan opened her eyes, her mind whirling with possibilities. The system's functions sounded almost too good to be true, but she couldn't ignore the spark of hope it ignited.
"What does it cost to create a technique?" she asked, her tone sharp.
**[Creation is free, but effectiveness depends on the host's clarity of intent and understanding of cultivation principles.]**
"And Martial Points?"
**[Points are determined by the quality of converted materials. Higher-grade cores or spirit stones yield more points.]**
Lin Yulan nodded slowly. The mountain range surrounding the village was rich with spirit beasts, and over the years, she had accumulated a modest collection of monster cores. If the system worked as described, she could finally put those cores to good use.
As she considered her next steps, a faint ripple of spiritual energy brushed against her senses. She turned her attention toward the village and detected the approach of her disciple. His energy was unrefined but filled with determination.
"Persistent," she murmured. "That's a good start."
Moments later, Lian Yaling appeared, his robes smudged with dirt and his hands rough from work. He approached her with a deep bow.
"Master," he said, his voice steady despite his weariness. "I've found a house near the edge of the village. It's not much, but I've cleaned it up and made it livable."
Lin Yulan studied him for a moment before giving a slight nod. "Good. Rest tonight. Your training begins tomorrow. The path of cultivation is harsh, and I have no time for weakness or laziness."
"Yes, Master!" Lian Yaling straightened, his eyes alight with determination.
As he turned and headed back to his new home, Lin Yulan remained seated beneath the pine tree. The air around her was still, but within her, a storm of ambition brewed. The Martial Creation System was an enigma, but she would unravel its secrets.
Perhaps, for the first time in years, she had the means to carve out a path of her own.