The sun was beginning its descent as Yohan and his team entered the grand hall of the Verdant Sky Sect. The towering chamber buzzed with activity, filled with disciples returning from their missions. Elders sat at elevated platforms, their robes shimmering with faint spiritual energy as they evaluated the groups that came before them.
Yohan's team approached Elder Han, a stern-looking man with sharp features and a gaze that seemed to pierce through the soul. His gray robes flowed like liquid silver, marking him as one of the senior adjudicators for missions.
"Young disciples," Elder Han began, his voice as steady as the mountains. "State the outcome of your mission."
Yohan stepped forward, his tone calm and measured. "The spirit beasts terrorizing the village have been eliminated. We encountered a pack of mid-tier beasts, including Crimson Fang Tigers, Thunderclaw Drakes, and Ironhide Serpents. The mission was completed without casualties."
Elder Han raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. "Crimson Fang Tigers and Thunderclaw Drakes, you say? Impressive for new disciples." His eyes scanned the group, lingering on Yohan before moving to the others. "What of your teamwork? Did you work as a unit, or was it every disciple for themselves?"
Kai stepped forward, grinning. "Elder, we worked together seamlessly. Yohan's strategies led us to victory. Everyone played their part."
Darius nodded in agreement. "There were challenges, but we adapted and overcame them."
Elder Han's gaze returned to Yohan, as if weighing his character. "A mission's success is not solely judged by its completion but by the methods employed. Tell me, Disciple Yohan, how did you lead your team?"
Yohan met the elder's gaze, unflinching. "By understanding our strengths and adapting to the situation. The mission required precision and teamwork, and everyone contributed to the outcome."
Elder Han gave a curt nod. "Well done. The Verdant Sky Sect values not only strength but also wisdom and unity. Your team has shown promise."
Elder Han waved his hand, and a glowing crystal orb appeared on the table before him. It emitted a faint hum as he placed his hand over it, activating its spiritual energy. The orb projected a shimmering tally of points in the air, visible to all.
"For successfully completing your mission, your team will be awarded 250 sect points, divided equally among the members," Elder Han announced.
Selene clapped her hands together, her smile bright. "Sect points! Finally, we can start earning our place here."
Kai's grin widened. "Think of all the things we can buy or access now!"
Yohan, however, remained silent, his eyes fixed on the orb.
Elder Han continued, "Sect points are the currency of advancement here. You may exchange them for resources, techniques, and privileges. Missions are the primary way to earn them, though duels and contributions to the sect also play a role."
The elder then turned to Yohan. "Your team's success reflects well on you as its leader. The sect will be watching your progress closely."
With a flick of his wrist, the orb dimmed, and a scroll materialized in its place. Elder Han handed it to Yohan. "This contains details on the sect's merit system. Study it well if you wish to climb the ranks."
Yohan took the scroll with a small nod. As the group turned to leave, Elder Han spoke once more, his tone sharper. "Remember, success brings attention. Not all of it will be favorable. Stay vigilant."
Back in Yohans, Elara and Selene's' lodging, the team gathered around Yohan as he unrolled the scroll. The document detailed the sect's intricate merit system:
Sect Points: Earned through missions, duels, and contributions.
Rankings: Updated weekly, determining privileges and status.
Rewards and Penalties: High-ranked disciples gain access to elite training, while those who fail repeatedly face demotion or expulsion.
Elara read over Yohan's shoulder. "So everything here revolves around competition."
Selene leaned closer, her chin resting on Yohan's shoulder. "And teamwork, don't forget. The sect values unity too."
Kai laughed. "Unity until someone challenges you to a duel, then it's every disciple for themselves."
Yohan absorbed the information silently, his mind racing. This system is both an opportunity and a trap. Those who succeed rise quickly, but the cost of failure is steep.
As the others discussed their plans and divided the rewards the villagers gave them, Yohan's resolve hardened. He would master this system, use it to his advantage, and ensure that no rival could undermine his path. The sect's resources, rivalries, and challenges were tools for his growth—and he intended to wield them to perfection.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the team finally separated to return to their own sect residences. The day's events played over in Yohan's mind as he settled into his room, his expression unreadable. While the others talked excitedly about their plans and divided the villagers' gifts, Yohan remained distant. He had no time to waste on fleeting rewards or idle chatter. The path to power was long and treacherous, and each moment of inaction was a missed opportunity. Quietly excusing himself, he retreated to his room, his thoughts already fixed on the next step.
The moon hung high in the sky, casting silvery beams through the windows of the two-bedroom house. Yohan sat cross-legged on the floor beside his bed; his body enveloped in a faint aura of spiritual energy as he focused on his cultivation. The room was quiet except for the faint rustle of the night breeze through the curtains.
A soft creak broke the silence as the door to his room eased open. Yohan didn't even glance up; he knew who it was. Selene slipped inside, her steps light but entirely deliberate. She closed the door behind her with exaggerated care, as if she thought she could sneak past his heightened senses.
Yohan opened one eye, his voice low and unimpressed. "What are you doing this time, Selene?"
Selene grinned, unabashed as she walked over to his bed. "Just making sure you don't get lonely at night." Without waiting for an invitation, she climbed onto the bed and curled up on the far edge, her smile daring him to protest.
Yohan sighed, running a hand through his long black hair. "You're impossible."
"Yet here I am," she replied, her tone playful.
Rather than argue, Yohan resumed his meditation, ignoring her antics. Selene, satisfied with her victory, snuggled into the blanket.
Once Selene's breathing evened out, indicating she was asleep, Yohan mentally activated the system interface.
"System," Yohan thought, "should I invest my Pathe Tokens in weapons or armor?"
The system's cool, mechanical voice responded immediately.
"Host is advised to Retain Path Tokens for future investments in advanced techniques or resources to advance cultivation.
Yohan nodded to himself. The system's logic was sound, and wasting tokens now could hinder his growth in the long run. With a deep breath, he shifted his focus back to his cultivation.
The Phantom Eclipse Art activated, drawing in the surrounding spiritual energy. The technique worked like a relentless tide, accumulating power steadily and quietly. He could feel the energy he'd gathered over days compressing and merging into his core.
A surge of heat coursed through him as he advanced from the fifth to the sixth stage of the Spirit Transformation Realm. The breakthrough was smooth, but Yohan didn't stop there. He pressed on, his mind sharp and his determination unwavering.
The spiritual energy in the room swirled around him, growing denser with each passing moment. His breathing steadied, his body absorbing the energy like a sponge until he reached the ninth stage of the Spirit Transformation Realm.
A faint sheen of sweat covered his skin, and the aura around him pulsed once before stabilizing. Yohan opened his eyes, a sharp gleam flickering in his red irises. Power. With this, I'm one step closer to my goals.
As dawn broke, the soft glow of sunlight filtered into the room. Elara knocked on Yohan's door, calling out, "Yohan, it's morning. Time to get up."
When there was no response, she opened the door slightly and froze. There, on Yohan's bed, was Selene, her arms draped over him as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
"Selene!" Elara's voice was sharp, cutting through the peaceful morning.
Selene stirred, blinking sleepily before grinning at Elara. "Good morning, Elara. You're up early."
Elara's hands clenched into fists at her sides. "What are you doing in his bed again?"
Selene yawned, stretching lazily. "Keeping him company, of course. You know how lonely he can get."
Yohan, fully awake but pretending otherwise, finally sighed and sat up. "Can you two not start this so early in the morning?"
Elara glared at Selene before turning her frustration toward Yohan. "Why don't you say something? She keeps sneaking into your room every night!"
Yohan stood, stretching his arms. "Because arguing about it is a waste of energy. Let's get ready for the day."
As the girls exchanged icy glances, Yohan gathered his thoughts. The night's breakthroughs left him stronger, but he knew the path ahead would only grow more treacherous.
He glanced at his storage ring, still plain in appearance but holding the potential for significant upgrades. His armor and daggers were reliable for now, but he'd need to find a way to upgrade them to keep up with his cultivation.
While Elara and Selene bickered in the background, Yohan's mind was already focused on the challenges awaiting him at the Verdant Sky Sect. Rivalries, missions, and the looming threat of those who sought to undermine him—all of it was just noise. He would carve his own path, no matter the obstacles.
"Let's move," Yohan said, cutting through the girls' argument. "We have a long day ahead."
As he led the way out, he couldn't help but smirk slightly. Let them argue. I'll focus on what matters.