Feng Zhen's eyes flickered open as the familiar glow of the Ascension Simulator faded into darkness. His consciousness reasserted itself in the cold stillness of his cultivation chamber. The air felt heavier now, burdened by the weight of suspicion and danger that lingered outside the cave's protective array.
For a moment, he sat in silence, letting his thoughts settle. The events in the Sect Master's hall replayed in his mind, each detail examined and dissected. Bai Rong's warning, Elder Shen's scrutiny, and the skeptical glares of the other elders—these were not threats to be taken lightly.
"They're watching me," Feng Zhen muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. "I need to act carefully, but I can't stop progressing. If I stagnate, I'll only make myself an easier target."
His gaze shifted to the obsidian cube resting on the stone table before him. The artifact pulsed faintly, its surface etched with intricate, glowing runes. It was his greatest advantage, but also his greatest liability.
---
The Plan
Feng Zhen reached for the cube, his fingers brushing against its cool surface. He had already formulated a strategy:
1. Control Suspicion: He couldn't let the elders believe he was hiding something. That meant showing progress, but at a believable pace.
2. Divide Attention: If the sect's leadership was preoccupied with other matters, they wouldn't have time to scrutinize him.
3. Strengthen His Position: Allies were scarce, but not impossible to find. He needed someone who could shield him, or at least divert the sect's gaze.
Before returning to the Simulator, Feng Zhen opened his storage pouch and retrieved a few spiritual stones, placing them in a circle around him. He activated a small concealment formation, its weak barrier enough to mask the cube's energy fluctuations from casual detection.
The artifact's glow intensified as Feng Zhen activated it once more.
[Ascension Simulator: Cycle 38 Resumed]
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Within the Simulator
The city streets were bustling with activity. Cultivators of all levels moved through the market square, haggling over rare materials and spiritual tools. Feng Zhen's avatar stood near the edge of the crowd, his plain robes blending in seamlessly.
This was the early phase of Cycle 38, a crucial time for laying the foundation of his simulated life. The resources he had started with were limited, but Feng Zhen knew how to stretch every spirit stone to its fullest potential.
He approached a small stall where an old merchant displayed an assortment of low-tier pills and manuals.
"Flowing Mirage Steps, mid-tier technique," Feng Zhen said, holding up a scroll. "How much?"
The merchant squinted at him, his wrinkled face twisting into a sly grin. "Ah, a young cultivator with good taste. That'll be five spirit stones."
Feng Zhen's expression remained neutral. "Three."
"Four," the merchant countered, his grin widening.
Feng Zhen placed three spirit stones on the counter. "Take it, or I'll find someone else."
The merchant hesitated, then shrugged. "Fine. Three it is."
With the manual in hand, Feng Zhen left the stall and headed toward a secluded inn at the edge of the city. This was where he would spend the next several simulated years, honing his skills and preparing for the challenges to come.
Progress Updates:
Flowing Mirage Steps: Mastered to Beginner Level.
Foundation Establishment Realm (Mid-stage): Progress stabilized.
As the years passed within the simulation, Feng Zhen focused on two key objectives: building a solid foundation for his cultivation and avoiding unnecessary attention. By the time the cycle reached its fifteenth simulated year, he had gained modest fame as a wandering cultivator specializing in evasion and reconnaissance.
---
Real-World Disruption
The simulation abruptly ended as a sharp knock echoed through the cave. Feng Zhen's eyes snapped open, and he quickly deactivated the cube, hiding it within his robes.
"Feng Zhen," Elder Shen's voice called from outside, "open the barrier."
Feng Zhen exhaled slowly, calming his racing heart. He deactivated the concealment formation and opened the cave's entrance, revealing the stern face of the grizzled elder.
"What is it, Elder Shen?" Feng Zhen asked, keeping his tone respectful.
"You're needed in the northern training grounds," Shen said bluntly. "The Sect Master has ordered all Foundation Establishment disciples to report there immediately."
Feng Zhen's brow furrowed. "What's happened?"
"There's been an incident," Shen replied, his voice grim. "A patrol team was ambushed near the sect's border. Survivors claim it was a rogue cultivator—someone powerful. The Sect Master wants every capable disciple on alert."
Feng Zhen nodded, masking his unease. "I'll prepare right away."
Shen grunted in acknowledgment and left without another word.
---
The Training Grounds
By the time Feng Zhen arrived at the northern training grounds, dozens of other disciples had already gathered. The atmosphere was tense, the air thick with anticipation and fear.
Sect Master Bai Rong stood at the forefront, his presence commanding and unyielding. Beside him were several elders, each radiating an aura of authority.
"Disciples of the Skybound Sect," Bai Rong began, his voice carrying across the field, "our borders have been violated by an unknown enemy. This rogue cultivator has already killed several of our patrols and stolen valuable resources."
Murmurs rippled through the crowd, but the Sect Master's glare silenced them.
"I will not tolerate such insolence," Bai Rong continued. "We will find this intruder, and we will eliminate them. Elder Shen will lead a team to track the rogue's movements. The rest of you will remain on standby for further orders."
As Bai Rong's gaze swept over the gathered disciples, it lingered on Feng Zhen for a moment. The subtle scrutiny sent a chill down his spine, but he maintained a calm exterior.
---
The Mission
Later that night, Feng Zhen was approached by Elder Shen.
"You're coming with me," Shen said. "The Sect Master wants you on the tracking team."
Feng Zhen's mind raced. Why him? Was this another test, a way to gauge his loyalty—or perhaps a trap?
"I'm honored to assist the sect," Feng Zhen replied smoothly.
Shen gave him a curt nod. "Good. We leave at dawn."
---
Into the Wilderness
The tracking team consisted of Elder Shen, Feng Zhen, and three other disciples—all at the peak of Foundation Establishment. The group moved swiftly through the dense forest, their spiritual senses extended to detect any signs of the rogue cultivator.
As they traveled, Feng Zhen couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. The rogue's movements were too deliberate, their attacks too precise. It was almost as if they wanted to draw the sect's attention.
"Elder Shen," Feng Zhen said cautiously, "doesn't this seem… unusual? A single rogue, challenging the Skybound Sect so openly?"
Shen glanced at him, his expression unreadable. "You're more perceptive than most. Keep those thoughts to yourself."
Feng Zhen nodded, but his unease only grew.
---
The Encounter
By the third day, the team arrived at a narrow ravine where the rogue's presence was unmistakable. The spiritual energy in the air was thick and oppressive, charged with a malevolent intensity.
Elder Shen signaled for the group to halt. "Stay alert," he said. "They're close."
As if on cue, a figure emerged from the shadows—a man clad in tattered robes, his face obscured by a hood. His aura was overwhelming, far beyond what a rogue cultivator should possess.
"Skybound Sect dogs," the man sneered, his voice cold and mocking. "Come to die, have you?"
Elder Shen stepped forward, his expression grim. "Surrender now, and you might live."
The rogue laughed, the sound echoing through the ravine. "Surrender? To you? Let's see how long you last!"
With a wave of his hand, the rogue unleashed a torrent of black flames, the attack tearing through the ground as it surged toward the team.
Feng Zhen reacted instinctively, activating the Flowing Mirage Steps he had mastered in the Simulator. His body blurred as he evaded the attack, the flames missing him by a hair's breadth.
The battle that followed was fierce and chaotic. Elder Shen engaged the rogue directly, their clash shaking the very earth, while the disciples supported from a distance.
Feng Zhen kept his movements precise and calculated, conserving his strength while observing the rogue's techniques.
---
A Revelation
Amid the chaos, Feng Zhen noticed something strange: the rogue's attacks were powerful, but they lacked precision. It was as if the man was holding back, testing them rather than trying to kill them outright.
"Why…?" Feng Zhen muttered, his eyes narrowing.
The answer came moments later when the rogue unleashed a final, devastating attack—a massive wave of spiritual energy that forced the team to retreat.
As the dust settled, the rogue's laughter echoed through the ravine. "You're stronger than I expected. Good… very good. Tell Bai Rong I'll be waiting for him."
Before anyone could react, the rogue vanished, his aura dissipating into the night.
---
Aftermath
The team regrouped, battered but alive. Elder Shen's expression was darker than ever.
"We're returning to the sect," he said curtly. "This isn't over."
Feng Zhen remained silent, but his mind was ablaze with questions. Who was this rogue? Why had they spared the team? And, most importantly, what was their connection to the Sect Master?
One thing was clear: the shadows beneath the Skybound Sect ran deeper than Feng Zhen had realized. And if he wasn't careful, they would consume him.
---