Lu Chen's breath heavily as he pushed forward, his feet unsteady on the uneven forest floor. His body screamed in protest, every step sending jolts of pain through his battered ribs.
Despite the darkness of the night, he refused to stop. He had escaped Zhao Feng's chase, but that didn't mean he was safe.
The Azure Sky Sect was not small. It stretched across the vast expanse of Azure Peak, its outer disciple quarters resting in the lower valleys while the more powerful inner sect disciples occupied the higher plateaus.
The sect's strict hierarchy was absolute. Outer disciples like Lu Chen were disposable, while inner disciples like Zhao Feng were protected. If Zhao Feng reported what had happened, the sect would side with him over a nameless outer disciple.
Even though he tried to kill him first…
Lu Chen gritted his teeth. Justice was useless in this world. Strength dictated right and wrong.
Right now, he has no strength.
The path ahead led to a deserted training ground deep in the western cliffs, a place where disciples once honed their skills before it was abandoned. It was the only safe place he could go.
And he needed time.
Time to rest, time to think, and most importantly, time to use the Simulation System.
He clutched his ribs and kept moving.
...
High above the forest, standing atop a towering pine tree, a lone figure watched Lu Chen's escape.
A pair of sharp, piercing eyes followed the injured outer disciple as he stumbled toward the western cliffs. The moonlight reflected off their white robes, which bore an insignia far different from that of the outer disciples.
The symbol of a true core disciple of the Azure Sky Sect.
The figure's voice was calm, yet curious.
"Interesting…"
They had expected Lu Chen to die back in the bamboo grove.
Yet somehow, he had avoided death more than once.
The figure's gaze darkened as they whispered to themselves.
"A mere outer disciple… but he moved like someone who knew what would happen."
With a flicker of motion, the observer disappeared into the night.
...
The abandoned training ground was little more than a clearing of shattered stone platforms, long since overgrown with weeds and vines.
The sect had once used this place for sparring matches and weapon practice, but years of neglect had left it forgotten.
Lu Chen collapsed against the base of an old training pillar, his body screaming in relief as he finally allowed himself to stop moving.
His fingers trembled as he lifted his tattered robe to examine the wound across his ribs. The cut was deep, but not fatal. He had lost too much blood, but with rest, he would recover.
But resting wasn't an option.
If he wanted to survive, he had to become stronger.
And he had to do it quickly.
Zhao Feng was much more powerful than him, if he chased after him with all his might, Lu Chen had no chance of escaping this far.
He doesn't know when Zhao Feng will put aside his shame and arrogance to finish him off once and for all.
With a deep breath, he summoned the system's interface.
[Fate Simulation Activated]
[Choose a Path to Simulate:]
[1: Return to the outer sect and challenge Zhao Feng again.]
[2: Flee from the Azure Sky Sect and become a rogue cultivator.]
[3: Stay hidden and train in the western cliffs.]
Lu Chen's gaze hardened.
The first option was suicide. Zhao Feng was stronger than him—even with the element of surprise, the chances of victory were too low.
The second option was tempting, but leaving the sect meant giving up all resources, techniques, and connections. The world outside was dangerous.
Without power, he would be nothing more than prey.
The third option was the safest, but safety alone would not make him strong.
I need a plan…
After a moment's thought, he altered the third option.
[New Simulation: Train in the western cliffs while searching for a hidden opportunity.]
The world around him shifted once more.
[Simulation #1: Training]
[Lu Chen spent the next three months in the western cliffs, surviving off wild herbs and rainwater.
He practiced basic sword techniques and meditated daily, slowly strengthening his body.
But without resources, manuals, or guidance, his progress was painfully slow.
By the time he returned to the sect, Zhao Feng had already advanced to Foundation Establishment, making him untouchable.]
[Result: Death.]
[Simulation #2: Explore the surroundings]
[Lu Chen explored the cliffs and discovered a cave, half-buried by fallen rocks.
Inside, he found the skeletal remains of a long-dead cultivator, clutching an old jade slip.
The slip contained a martial technique, one that emphasized using deception and counters, perfect for someone weaker than their enemies.
With this technique, Lu Chen trained for two months and returned to the sect stronger.]
[Result: Survival, but still at risk.]
[Simulation #3: Unlocking a Hidden Treasure]
[Lu Chen discovered the cave, just like in the second simulation.
But instead of leaving immediately, he searched deeper.
At the very back of the cavern, hidden behind layers of dust and stone, he found something far more valuable than a mere martial manual.
An ancient relic, glowing faintly with spiritual energy.
A spatial ring.
Inside, he found:
- Healing pills to recover from his injuries.
- A damaged but powerful cultivation manual.
- A strange metal token with an inscription he couldn't understand.
Using the pills and manual, Lu Chen trained relentlessly for three months.
When he returned to the sect, he was no longer a weak outer disciple.
He was strong enough to kill Zhao Feng.]
[Result: Fate Change]
Returning to Reality
Lu Chen gasped as the simulation ended.
His heart pounded. His entire body trembled from the sheer intensity of what he had seen.
He knew exactly what he needed to do.
Somewhere in these cliffs, a hidden cave existed. Inside was the key to his survival and growth.
And if the simulation was right, he would find his first real opportunity.
With renewed determination, Lu Chen pushed himself up, ignoring the pain.