**(Part 1)**
The Sun family camp hummed with subdued excitement as Luo, flanked by Meilin and Qing, returned from the perilous expedition. His body bore the marks of battle—bruises, cuts, and exhaustion—but his head remained high, his defiant spirit unwavering.
Whispers followed him like a shadow.
"Did you hear? Luo took down the Shadow Grove Guardian."
"It's unbelievable. He's just… Luo."
"Maybe he's finally worth something to the family."
Luo ignored the murmurs, his gaze set straight ahead. Despite the external recognition, a weight hung in his chest—a feeling that even this victory wouldn't bridge the chasm between him and his father.
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### **The System's Rewards**
As Luo stepped into his tent, the system's mechanical voice rang in his mind.
**"Mission Complete: Retrieve the Shadowroot Herb."**
**"Rewards: +70 Attitude Points, access to the Shadowroot Flame skill."**
Luo paused, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.
"Let's see the progress."
**Current Attitude Points: 930**
**Points needed for Body Tempering Level 4: 150**
**Points needed to unlock System Level 2: 2000**
His smirk faded slightly. "Still a long way to go," he murmured.
The system chimed again.
**"Note: Skill slots are limited. Unlock System Level 2 to gain additional skill capacity and advanced features."**
Luo frowned. The Shadowroot Flame skill sounded promising, but he already felt constrained by the system's limitations.
---
### **Confrontation with the Patriarch**
The next morning, Luo was summoned to the central tent. Sun Suo stood at the head of the table, his imposing figure casting a long shadow over the room. Elders lined the sides, their expressions stoic.
"Step forward," Sun Suo commanded.
Luo complied, his face impassive.
"The Shadowroot Herb has been delivered. The mission was a success," Sun Suo began, his tone neutral. "You have shown courage and resourcefulness."
For a moment, Luo felt a flicker of hope. Was this recognition?
But Sun Suo's next words dashed it. "However, you acted recklessly. If not for the support of your siblings, you would likely be dead. Strength without discipline is meaningless."
Luo's jaw tightened, but he forced himself to remain silent.
**"Attitude Points: +20 for maintaining composure under criticism."**
**Current Attitude Points: 950**
"Do you understand what I'm saying, Luo?" Sun Suo asked, his gaze piercing.
"Yes, Patriarch," Luo replied, his voice steady.
"Good. Rest and recover. There will be more opportunities to prove yourself."
Sun Suo turned his attention to the elders, dismissing Luo without further acknowledgment.
---
### **Moments of Reflection**
Later that evening, Luo sat by the campfire, his eyes fixed on the flames. The Patriarch's words echoed in his mind, each syllable a sting.
Meilin approached, her arms crossed. "You're awfully quiet tonight."
Luo didn't respond immediately. Finally, he said, "What do you think it takes to earn his respect?"
Meilin's expression softened. "Father's a hard man to please. He holds everyone to impossible standards, especially you."
"Why me?" Luo asked, his voice tinged with frustration.
Meilin hesitated. "Maybe… because he sees potential in you. Or maybe he's just trying to mold you into something stronger."
Luo scoffed. "He has a strange way of showing it."
Before Meilin could respond, the system chimed again.
**"New Quest Available: Investigate the Azure Flame Sect ambush."**
**"Difficulty: High."**
**"Rewards: +50 Attitude Points, potential skill unlock."**
Luo's brows furrowed. "Ambush? What's this about?"
---
### **A Messenger's Arrival**
The camp stirred as a messenger arrived in the dead of night, his tattered robes and frantic expression drawing attention.
"Patriarch Sun Suo!" the man called out, collapsing to his knees.
Sun Suo emerged from his tent, his commanding presence silencing the camp. "Speak."
"The Azure Flame Sect caravan… it was ambushed near the northern border," the messenger gasped. "Survivors reported a rogue cultivator using forbidden techniques."
A murmur swept through the crowd. The Azure Flame Sect was a crucial ally, and an attack on them was an indirect challenge to the Sun family's influence.
Sun Suo's expression darkened. "Assemble a team," he ordered. His gaze fell on Luo.
"You will lead this investigation," Sun Suo said.
Luo's eyes widened slightly but quickly returned to their usual calm. "Understood, Patriarch."
"Meilin and Qing will accompany you," Sun Suo continued. "This is your chance to prove yourself as more than just a fighter. Lead wisely."
Luo nodded, a faint smirk appearing. "I won't disappoint."
---
**Ending of Part 1**
As preparations began for the journey, Luo felt a mixture of anticipation and determination. The system chimed in his mind, providing both guidance and challenge.
**"Quest Accepted: Investigate the Azure Flame Sect ambush."**
**"Current Attitude Points: 950."**
**"Points needed for Body Tempering Level 4: 150."**
Luo glanced at the distant mountains, his fists clenching.
"This is just the beginning," he murmured. "Let's see what fate has in store."
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