I sat cross-legged beneath the Ancient Lantern, steadying my breath as I immersed myself in the swirling tide of power coursing through my body. The Heaven-Grade Spirit Foundation Pill hadn't just repaired my shattered core—it had utterly transformed it.
The broken lantern that once flickered weakly within my soul now burned with a radiant, golden flame. Energy surged through my meridians, flowing with a strength and clarity I had never known. I flexed my hands, marveling at the newfound vitality.
"This is real," I murmured, clenching my fists. "I can cultivate... I can fight back."
Before I could delve further into my thoughts, the mechanical voice of the system resonated in my mind.
"Host's Soul Lantern has been restored and upgraded. You are now in the Foundation Building Stage of cultivation."
I frowned. "Foundation Building? That's just the first step. How am I supposed to catch up to others who've had years of cultivation advantage?"
"The Sign-In System is designed to accelerate your progress," it replied. "Opportunities will present themselves. Your task is to seize them."
I stood, resolve hardening in my chest. "Then what's my next move?"
"Your next sign-in location is the Twin Serpent Forest, three miles west of Yunxi Village. Estimated time to completion: two days."
Twin Serpent Forest. The name alone was enough to send a chill down my spine. It was a place of danger, teeming with feral beasts. Most who ventured there never returned.
"Why there?" I asked, unease creeping into my voice.
"The location contains a hidden opportunity," the system answered, its tone as enigmatic as ever.
I exhaled, steadying my nerves. If I wanted to rise above my past, I couldn't afford fear.
---
When I returned to the village square, the atmosphere was thick with tension. Whispers filled the air as villagers eyed me with a mixture of suspicion and awe.
"Did you see the Ancient Lantern light up?"
"Impossible. That thing's been dormant for decades."
"Maybe it's an omen..."
I ignored the chatter and headed to my dilapidated hut on the outskirts of the village. Inside, I gathered a few essentials—an old leather pouch, a water flask, and a battered dagger.
Before I could leave, a sharp knock at the door made me pause.
"Ling Fei!"
That voice. I clenched my jaw.
"What do you want, Hong Wu?" I called, my hand resting on the dagger's hilt.
The door creaked open, revealing Hong Wu's sneering face. His silk robes and golden lantern marked him as a rising star of the Sky Path Sect, but to me, he was nothing more than a pompous bully.
"I want to know how you cheated the Trial Monument," he spat. "A cripple like you could never pass it. What trick did you use?"
I stepped forward, meeting his gaze without flinching. "Believe what you want. I don't owe you an explanation."
Hong Wu's smug grin twisted into a scowl. "Mark my words, Ling Fei. Whatever trick you pulled won't save you. You'll always be trash."
A surge of defiance flared within me. I took another step, forcing him to retreat. "If I'm trash, you'd better start worrying. Because soon, I'll surpass you—and everyone else."
His face darkened, but before he could retort, I slammed the door shut.
---
The next morning, I set out for the Twin Serpent Forest. The narrow path west of the village wound through rugged terrain, overgrown with grass and brambles. Each step felt like a journey into the unknown.
"This is the first time I've left Yunxi," I muttered, staring at the dense forest ahead.
"Host," the system warned, "caution is advised. The Twin Serpent Forest is inhabited by numerous low-tier beasts. While individually weak, they can pose a significant threat in groups."
I nodded, gripping the dagger tightly. "Understood."
The forest was a world apart—cool, damp, and eerily quiet. Sunlight filtered through the thick canopy, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. Every rustle of leaves or snap of a twig set my nerves on edge.
An hour in, I encountered my first beast—a Stone-Scaled Lizard. Its rocky gray scales glinted in the faint light, and its yellow eyes burned with hostility.
The lizard hissed and lunged, its jaws snapping toward my leg. Instinct screamed at me to run, but I stood my ground, sidestepping with newfound agility. The Universal Cultivation Manual had sharpened my reflexes and fortified my body.
With a swift motion, I drove my dagger into the lizard's neck. It thrashed briefly before falling limp.
I stared at the carcass, my chest heaving. "My first kill..."
A glowing panel appeared before me.
---
Beast Eliminated!
Reward: 5 Sign-in Points
---
"Sign-in points?" I asked aloud.
"Sign-in points can be used to purchase items, skills, and upgrades from the system store," the voice explained.
Another panel materialized, listing various items and their costs.
Basic Healing Pill: 10 Points
Low-Grade Weapon Upgrade: 20 Points
Sky Path Technique (Beginner): 50 Points
I scanned the options, excitement bubbling within me.
"This is incredible," I murmured.
"Host is advised to conserve points for critical purchases," the system interjected. "Your priority remains reaching the sign-in location."
I nodded, pressing forward with renewed determination.
---
By nightfall, I had felled several more beasts. My bag now contained a small collection of claws, fangs, and scales—proof of my growing strength.
As I prepared to make camp, the system's voice broke the stillness.
"Warning: A high-tier beast is approaching."
I froze, gripping my dagger. From the shadows emerged a hulking figure, its red eyes glowing like embers.
A Shadowfang Wolf. Its black fur seemed to drink in the light, and its fangs gleamed like polished steel.
My heart raced. "I'm not ready for this..."
The wolf crouched, muscles coiling to strike, but the system's voice cut through my fear.
"Sign-In Opportunity Detected: Shadowfang Wolf Encounter."
---
Sign-In Reward Available!
Reward: Shadowstep Technique (Beginner)
---
As the knowledge of the technique flooded my mind, the wolf lunged. I vanished in a blur, reappearing behind it. My dagger struck true, piercing its side.
The beast howled, but I didn't falter. I moved with precision and speed, striking again and again until it collapsed.
Panting, I stood over the wolf's lifeless form, adrenaline coursing through me.
"I can do this," I whispered, a fierce grin spreading across my face. "I will survive. I will rise."
And as the forest loomed around me, I knew one thing for certain: this was just the beginning of my ascent.