The sun dipped low over Yunxi Village, painting the sky in hues of amber and crimson. The cracked cobblestones beneath my feet reflected the fading light, their jagged edges worn smooth by centuries of footsteps. A lazy breeze carried the scent of wildflowers from the distant fields, mingling with the earthy aroma of livestock. Chickens clucked softly in their pens, and a scruffy dog barked now and then, adding to the quiet rhythm of the village.
To the others, it was just another day. But to me, it felt as though the world itself was holding its breath.
I stood at the edge of the village square, my fists clenched at my sides. In the center of the square loomed the Trial Monument—a towering obelisk of black stone veined with shimmering silver runes. Its presence was imposing, ancient, and enigmatic. This monument, left behind by the cultivators of old, had the power to judge the worth of those who dared to seek its blessing. For sixteen years, I had waited for this moment.
As I stepped forward, the familiar sneering voice of Hong Wu shattered my focus.
"Oi, Ling Fei! What are you doing here?"
I turned to face him, my jaw tightening. Hong Wu, draped in his pristine white robes embroidered with the emblem of the Sky Path Sect, cut an imposing figure. The faint golden glow from the lantern at his waist marked him as someone with talent.
"You think someone like you has a chance at the trial?" he continued, his tone dripping with mockery.
I didn't flinch. "What's it to you?"
His smirk widened, his eyes gleaming with malice. "Just doing the village a favor, keeping you from embarrassing yourself. A cripple with a broken core? You'll only bring shame to Yunxi."
The crowd around us began to murmur. Their whispers were sharp, slicing through my resolve like knives.
"He's not wrong," a woman said.
"Sixteen years of feeding pigs and sweeping floors," another villager laughed, "and now he thinks he can be judged by the monument? Foolish."
I clenched my fists tighter, my nails biting into my palms. The humiliation was suffocating, but I refused to back down.
"I don't need your approval," I said firmly, my voice cutting through their jeers. "I've come this far, and I won't turn back now."
The crowd scoffed, their laughter growing louder.
Elder Zhang, the village patriarch, stepped forward, his staff striking the ground with a dull thud. The sound silenced the crowd. His presence was commanding, his faded robes neat, and his long white beard giving him an air of wisdom. He looked at me with a stern gaze.
"Ling Fei," he said, his voice heavy with authority, "You know only those with cultivation talent can pass the trial. Your cultivation core is broken. Why humiliate yourself further? Not everyone is destined to walk this path. You can live an ordinary life instead of chasing your parents' shadows."
The crowd nodded, their faces a mix of pity and disdain.
But I held my ground, meeting Elder Zhang's gaze. I took a deep breath and spoke, my voice steady despite the weight pressing down on me.
"Even a broken lantern can still hold a flame, Elder Zhang. I will not give up."
The crowd murmured in surprise. Some sneered, but others hesitated, their expressions uncertain. Elder Zhang's eyes narrowed.
"Foolish boy," he said after a moment. "Very well. Step forward. But do not expect mercy from fate."
The villagers parted, and I walked toward the monument. Each step felt heavier than the last, but I kept moving forward. The obelisk loomed above me, its surface etched with ancient runes that shimmered faintly in the fading light.
Taking a deep breath, I reached out and placed my hand on the glowing crystal sphere at its base.
For a moment, nothing happened. The square fell silent, and I could feel their eyes on me, waiting for me to fail.
Then, an immense surge of energy burst from the sphere, enveloping me in brilliant light. Gasps echoed through the square as the light grew brighter, swallowing me whole.
---
When the light faded, I found myself standing in an endless void. Threads of glowing light stretched in every direction, weaving a web that pulsed with life. The air hummed, thick with energy.
"Where… am I?" I whispered.
"Welcome, host."
The voice was calm, mechanical, and yet strangely resonant, as though it spoke directly to my soul.
I turned, but the void offered no answers. "Who's there?"
"I am the Sign-In System," the voice continued. "A construct designed to assist you on your path to greatness. Do you accept the binding?"
I blinked, my mind racing. A system? The idea seemed absurd. But this place, these threads of light… it felt too vivid to be a dream.
"What does binding mean?" I asked cautiously.
"As the chosen host, you will gain access to the Sign-In System. By signing in at specific locations or under certain conditions, you will receive rewards to aid your journey."
I hesitated, my heart pounding. Was this some cruel trick? Or… was this my chance?
"What's the catch?" I asked.
"There is no catch. Your task is simple: sign in and grow stronger. Do you accept?"
I clenched my fists. My entire life, I had been told I was worthless, that my broken core meant the end of my story. But now, for the first time, I saw a path.
"I accept," I said.
The web of light pulsed, and a glowing panel appeared before me.
---
Sign-In System Activated
Day 1 Reward: Beginner Cultivation Manual (Universal)
Claim Reward? [Yes]
---
I stared at the panel, my breath catching in my throat. Slowly, I reached out and pressed "Yes."
Knowledge surged into my mind—a cultivation technique unlike anything I had ever known.
"This…" I muttered, my voice trembling. "This technique bypasses the need for a complete core! It channels energy directly through the soul and body!"
"Congratulations, host," the voice said. "Your next sign-in location is the Ancient Lantern at the village gates. Proceed."
The void dissolved, and I found myself back in the village square. The villagers stared at me, their whispers growing louder.
"What just happened?" someone muttered.
"He's still standing," another said, astonished.
Elder Zhang's face was pale with disbelief. "The monument… accepted him?"
I ignored them all. My path was clear now.
Reaching the village gates, I stood before the weathered Ancient Lantern. Its dim blue flame flickered weakly.
"Sign in," I said firmly.
The flame roared to life, and another panel appeared.
---
Sign-In Reward Claimed
Reward: Spirit Foundation Pill (Heaven Grade)
Effect: Instantly repairs and enhances the Soul Lantern.
---
I held the golden pill in my hand in hesitation, its glow illuminating my face. After some time spend on suspicions, I shallowed it and felt a surge of energy unlike anything before. My broken core mended, replaced by something greater—a flame burning brightly within me.
I clenched my fists, a grin spreading across my face. "If this is fate's gift for my suffering… I'll make sure I use it well. I will rise to the peak of this world!"