Ling Fei sat cross-legged beneath the Ancient Lantern, his breath steady as he meditated on the newfound power coursing through his body. The Heaven-Grade Spirit Foundation Pill had done more than repair his broken core; it had transformed it.
The once-fractured lantern within his soul now burned with a steady, golden flame. Energy flowed through his meridians like a surging river, filling him with a sense of strength he had never known.
"This is real," Ling Fei whispered to himself, clenching his fists. "I can cultivate. I can finally fight back."
The system's voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Host's Soul Lantern has been restored and upgraded. You are now in the Foundation Building Stage of cultivation."
Ling Fei frowned. "Foundation Building? That's only the first step. How am I supposed to catch up to others who've been cultivating for years?"
"The Sign-In System is designed to accelerate your progress," the voice replied. "Opportunities will arise at critical moments. Your task is to seize them."
Ling Fei stood, determination hardening his gaze. "Then what's my next step?"
"Your next sign-in location is the Twin Serpent Forest, three miles west of Yunxi Village. Estimated time to completion: two days."
The mention of the Twin Serpent Forest made Ling Fei's blood run cold. Everyone in the village knew it as a dangerous place teeming with wild beasts. Few dared venture there, and fewer still returned.
"Why there?" he asked, his voice tinged with unease.
"The location contains a hidden opportunity," the system answered cryptically.
Ling Fei sighed. He didn't have a choice. If he wanted to survive in this world, he couldn't afford to be afraid.
---
As Ling Fei returned to the village square, the atmosphere was tense. Villagers whispered among themselves, casting wary glances his way.
"Did you see the light from the Ancient Lantern?"
"Impossible! That thing hasn't responded in decades."
"Maybe he's cursed..."
Ling Fei ignored the murmurs and made his way toward his small, dilapidated hut on the village's outskirts. Inside, he gathered a few supplies—a worn leather pouch, a water flask, and a dull dagger.
Before he could leave, a knock sounded at the door.
"Ling Fei!"
The voice was familiar—Hong Wu. Ling Fei's jaw tightened.
"What do you want?" he called out, not bothering to open the door.
"I want to know how you cheated the Trial Monument," Hong Wu sneered. "A cripple like you could never pass it. Tell me the truth!"
Ling Fei swung the door open, meeting Hong Wu's smug face with a cold glare. "Believe what you want, Hong Wu. I don't owe you an explanation."
Hong Wu's expression darkened. "You've always been stubborn. But mark my words, trash: whatever trick you used won't save you in the end."
Ling Fei stepped forward, forcing Hong Wu to take a step back. For the first time, there was no hesitation in his voice. "If I'm trash, then you'd better start worrying. Because soon, I'll surpass you—and everyone else."
Hong Wu's face twisted in anger, but before he could respond, Ling Fei slammed the door shut.
---
The next morning, Ling Fei set out for the Twin Serpent Forest. The path west of Yunxi Village was narrow and overgrown, winding through hills and rocky terrain. Ling Fei's heart pounded with both excitement and trepidation as he walked.
"This is the first time I've left the village," he muttered, glancing at the dense forest ahead.
The system's voice echoed in his mind.
"Host, caution is advised. The Twin Serpent Forest is home to numerous low-tier beasts. While they are weak individually, they may pose a threat in groups."
Ling Fei nodded. "I'll be careful."
As he entered the forest, the air grew cool and damp. The trees loomed high overhead, their branches forming a dense canopy that filtered the sunlight into scattered beams. Every rustle of leaves or snap of a twig made Ling Fei's grip on his dagger tighten.
An hour into his journey, he spotted his first beast—a Stone-Scaled Lizard. The creature was no larger than a dog, its body covered in gray, rocky scales. It hissed at him, its yellow eyes gleaming with hostility.
Ling Fei's instincts screamed at him to run, but he forced himself to stand his ground. This was a test—a chance to prove that he could fight.
The lizard lunged, its jaws snapping toward his leg. Ling Fei sidestepped, his movements surprisingly fluid. The Universal Cultivation Manual had strengthened his body, enhancing his reflexes and speed.
With a swift motion, he plunged his dagger into the lizard's neck. The beast thrashed violently before collapsing in a pool of blood.
Ling Fei stared at the carcass, his chest heaving. "My first kill..."
A notification appeared before his eyes.
---
Beast Eliminated!
Reward: 5 Sign-in Points
---
"Sign-in points?" Ling Fei asked, frowning.
"Sign-in points can be used to purchase items, skills, and upgrades from the system store," the voice explained.
A new panel appeared, displaying a list of items and their costs. Ling Fei's eyes widened as he scanned the options.
Basic Healing Pill: 10 Points
Low-Grade Weapon Upgrade: 20 Points
Sky Path Technique (Beginner): 50 Points
"This... this is incredible," Ling Fei murmured.
The system's voice interrupted his thoughts. "Host is advised to conserve points for critical purchases. Your current priority is to reach the sign-in location."
Ling Fei nodded and continued deeper into the forest, his confidence growing with each step.
---
By nightfall, he had encountered several more beasts, each victory bringing him closer to his goal. His pouch now contained a small collection of fangs, claws, and scales—trophies of his battles.
As he prepared to set up camp for the night, the system's voice spoke again.
"Warning: A high-tier beast is approaching."
Ling Fei froze, his hand tightening around his dagger. From the shadows, a low growl rumbled. A pair of glowing red eyes emerged, followed by a hulking figure.
It was a Shadowfang Wolf, twice the size of the lizards he had faced. Its black fur seemed to absorb the light, and its fangs glistened like daggers.
Ling Fei's heart pounded in his chest. "I'm not ready for this..."
But as the wolf crouched to pounce, the system's voice cut through his fear.
"Sign-In Opportunity Detected: Shadowfang Wolf Encounter."
---
Sign-In Reward Available!
Reward: Shadowstep Technique (Beginner)
---
A surge of energy filled Ling Fei as the reward activated, and knowledge of the Shadowstep Technique flooded his mind.
The wolf lunged, but Ling Fei vanished, reappearing behind it in a blur of motion. Before the beast could react, he struck, driving his dagger into its side.
The wolf howled in pain, but Ling Fei didn't relent. With newfound confidence and agility, he darted around the beast, landing precise blows until it finally collapsed.
Panting, Ling Fei stood over the carcass, his hands trembling.
"I can do this," he whispered, a grin spreading across his face. "I will survive."
As the system announced his victory and rewarded him with more points, Ling Fei gazed into the forest ahead. The path was dangerous, but he knew one thing for certain: he was no longer the broken boy from Yunxi Village.
This was just the beginning of his ascent.