The spacious lecture hall of the Heavenly Dawn Academy lay before Li Tian, a place where history was etched into its stone walls—but for him, it was as intimidating as facing a fierce opponent in battle. Rows of seats climbed upwards in tiers, already filled with young disciples dressed in robes that bore the emblem of the academy—a radiant dawn cutting through the clouds. Their faces ranged from curious to indifferent to downright skeptical as they eyed the man who had just entered.
Li Tian swallowed hard, his hands trembling slightly as he placed his teaching scrolls on the podium. At twenty-one, he was the youngest teacher in the academy's storied history. But despite his achievement, his cultivation level was laughably low among the esteemed faculty. Foundation Establishment - Early Stage. Among the titanic figures who taught here, many of whom had reached Nascent Soul or beyond, his strength was barely noteworthy.
"Master Li, is it true you've only recently reached Foundation Establishment?" a bold voice called out from the crowd, drawing muffled snickers from a few of the more arrogant disciples.
Li Tian's lips tightened into a thin line. He forced himself to straighten, meeting the crowd's expectant gazes, though his heart hammered in his chest. Some of these students were already at high stages of Foundation Establishment, their talent outshining his completely. But he reminded himself why he was here. Teaching wasn't about being the strongest—at least not yet.
The Teaching Dao, as exalted as any martial path, offered a unique and revered route to power. A teacher could elevate themselves by enlightening others, their insights sharpening while their students' progress mirrored their guidance. It was more than just a role; for the greatest practitioners, teaching became their divine weapon, their means of reshaping the heavens. Legends spoke of Emperor Realm cultivators who once stood where he did, teaching wide-eyed disciples in halls like this.
He took a deep breath and bowed slightly towards his students. "Indeed, my cultivation might not impress you," he admitted, his voice calm as the chatter fell silent. "But aren't teachers measured by how much they help others grow, not by personal strength alone?" His golden eyes swept over the room. "Perhaps you doubt me, but the lessons I bring today may be of more value than the level of my qi."
A murmur rippled through the students, some leaning forward with mild interest, while others clearly remained unimpressed. No matter, Li Tian thought. Small steps for now. Build their confidence in me, and bit by bit, I'll earn their respect—and perhaps even my own.
He began the lesson, unrolling his teaching scroll and explaining the concepts of qi flow and meridian cleansing. It was basic stuff, but foundational knowledge that many students often overlooked. Despite his nerves, the moment he began speaking, a certain calm overtook him. His passion for teaching found its voice, clear and earnest, guiding them through theories with an intricacy most would not expect from someone of his cultivation.
Midway through the lecture, his attention was drawn to a young boy seated near the back. The boy—Qin Wuyang—fidgeted uncomfortably, his brows furrowed as if every word Li Tian said pained him. Unlike the others, this student's robes were simpler, and his cheeks were flushed with frustration, his hands clenched tightly in his lap.
"Qin Wuyang," Li Tian called out gently, causing the boy to freeze. "Has something I said confused you?"
A ripple of laughter spread among the students, but Li Tian ignored it, his focus fully on the boy. Wuyang hesitated but then stood, bowing stiffly. "Teacher, it's not your words. I… I've been stuck at Qi Gathering Stage 9 for months. My qi won't stabilize no matter what technique I use." His voice trembled slightly, a mix of shame and desperation.
Li Tian frowned. Qi Gathering Stage 9 was the final step before Foundation Establishment—a critical barrier for a cultivator's future. Failure to surpass it often condemned one to mediocrity. He gestured for Wuyang to come forward, beckoning him to sit on a mat before the podium.
"Sit," Li Tian said with quiet authority and knelt beside him. He placed two fingers against the boy's wrist, sending a thread of his own qi into the boy's meridians. Almost at once, he felt the issue—chaotic qi swirling too violently, clashing against obstructions that prevented proper flow.
"Your meridians are strained," Li Tian said after a moment. "You've been forcing your qi rather than guiding it gently, haven't you?"
Wuyang's flushed expression said enough.
Li Tian pondered for a brief moment and then stood, turning towards the rest of the class. "This is a common issue among those approaching Foundation Establishment," he said aloud. "It happens when one tries to overpower the qi rather than harmonize with it. Allow me to demonstrate."
Taking out a slender brush, he drew a simple formation on the ground, composed of calming qi patterns. "Sit here," he instructed Wuyang. "Circulate your qi slowly, following the rhythm of this formation. Visualize it washing over your obstructed energy points, not pushing but inviting the flow. Trust me."
Wuyang nodded hesitantly, seating himself as instructed. He closed his eyes and slowly complied with Li Tian's directions. The room grew silent, the gentle hum of qi rising faintly as the boy struggled to match the pattern.
For a moment, it seemed like nothing would happen. But then—
The classroom lit up in a faint glow as the qi in Wuyang's body surged. A jubilant expression appeared on the boy's face as the bottleneck shattered, and his cultivation soared into Foundation Establishment Stage 1. Gasps erupted from the class as they felt the shift, their previously dismissive stares now replaced with genuine astonishment.
Li Tian, too, was startled. But before he could revel in the small triumph, a sudden voice echoed in his mind.
"Enlightenment System activated."
The world around him briefly warped, and strange information began flowing into his consciousness.
Task Complete: Assisted student in achieving a breakthrough.
Reward: 10 Enlightenment Points. Minor refinement of personal qi. Access to Beginner Techniques Library.
Li Tian blinked in surprise as a faint current of warmth filled his body, his own qi stabilizing in a way he had never experienced before. Was this the System? It seemed to awaken in response to teaching—not just general effort, but truly helping others reach new heights.
Wuyang leapt to his feet, bowing deeply. "Thank you, Teacher! I… I didn't think it was possible. But you…" The boy looked at him with shimmering eyes, filled with newfound respect.
The other students stared too, their skepticism visibly shaken. For the first time, Li Tian caught the faintest flickers of acceptance in the room.
He smiled faintly to himself. It wasn't a grand moment, but it was a beginning. One small step on a path that suddenly seemed much brighter.