Chapter Nine: The Dawn of Competition
The room was silent except for the faint rustle of Daniel's breathing. The last rays of sunlight filtered through the paper windows of the Sūn family's grand study, casting a warm glow on the ancient scrolls and artifacts that adorned the space. Sitting cross-legged on the polished wooden floor, Daniel exhaled slowly, feeling the last traces of the pill's energy dissipate into his skin.
He opened his eyes, inspecting his hands. They looked the same—ordinary—but he could feel the difference. His skin felt denser, tougher, and unyielding. It wasn't just Jade Skin anymore. It was Diamond Skin, a step beyond what most people could even dream of achieving.
The family head, a dignified man with silver streaks in his jet-black hair, sat across from him. His eyes gleamed with approval. "You've done well, Daniel. To achieve Diamond Skin in less than a week is… unheard of."
Daniel rubbed the back of his neck, still getting used to the compliments. "I just followed the instructions you gave me."
The family head leaned back slightly, his gaze turning serious. "Your rapid progress is remarkable, but it also means you'll draw attention—both good and bad. The cultivation world is changing rapidly now that qi has returned to Earth. There are things you need to know."
Daniel leaned forward, his interest piqued. "What do you mean?"
The family head folded his hands, his expression grave. "For centuries, cultivation on Earth was a forgotten art, surviving only in ancient texts and secretive traditions. But with qi's resurgence, every Sect, Family, and Cult that has preserved those traditions is awakening. And with them, the thirst for power."
"Power?" Daniel asked, though he already had a sinking feeling he knew what the family head meant.
The man nodded. "Qi is the lifeblood of cultivation, but it's also a limited resource. Treasures that enhance cultivation, spiritual herbs, artifacts imbued with qi—these will become highly sought after. To secure these resources, the Sects, Families, and Cults will begin hosting competitions. Some will be regional, others national, and eventually, international. These contests will decide who holds the right to claim the most valuable resources."
Daniel furrowed his brow. "Competitions… like tournaments?"
"Exactly," the family head said. "At first, they'll seem straightforward. Sparring matches, trials of endurance, perhaps even tests of enlightenment. But the stakes will grow higher with each level. These aren't just games—they're battles for survival and dominance. The winners gain resources and prestige. The losers… well, they may lose more than just pride."
Daniel swallowed hard, the weight of the revelation sinking in. He had only just started cultivating, and now he was hearing about a world where people fought for resources and survival. "And you think I'll have to participate in these competitions?"
The family head gave him a steady look. "It's not a question of if, but when. Your talent makes you a target, Daniel. Whether you like it or not, the world of cultivation will come for you. The only question is whether you'll be ready."
Daniel clenched his fists, feeling the strength in his Diamond Skin. "I didn't ask for any of this… but I can't just ignore it, can I?"
"No," the family head said. "You can't. But you won't be alone. The Sūn Family will stand by you, at least for now. We, too, have a stake in these competitions. And if you prove yourself, you'll earn more than just survival—you'll gain allies, knowledge, and the tools to grow even stronger."
For a moment, the room fell silent. Daniel's mind raced with thoughts of what lay ahead. He thought back to the stories he had read—manga and novels about cultivation, where the heroes faced impossible odds and rose to greatness. It had all seemed so exciting, so distant. Now it was his reality.
The family head broke the silence. "For now, focus on your cultivation. You've reached the peak of Skin Refining and stepped into Diamond Skin. By tomorrow, you'll begin Bone Refining. Each step you take will bring you closer to the strength you'll need. And when the time comes, you'll have to decide what kind of cultivator you want to be."
Daniel nodded, determination flickering in his eyes. "I'll be ready."
The family head smiled faintly. "Good. Rest tonight. Tomorrow, the real journey begins."
As Daniel left the study and walked through the quiet halls of the mansion, his thoughts churned. Competitions, Sects, resources—this wasn't the life he had envisioned for himself. But if he had to fight to carve out his place in this world, so be it.
Outside, the moon hung low in the sky, its silver light illuminating the courtyard. Daniel paused, gazing up at it. Somewhere out there, other cultivators were preparing for the same battles he would face. Some might be stronger, faster, more experienced.
But he would be ready.
Daniel took a deep breath, feeling the energy coursing through him, and stepped forward into the night.