The morning sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground. In the outer disciple quarters of the sect's back mountain, among the rows of worn-down, low-built huts, Lin Hao stood before a bronze mirror. He gazed at his own gaunt reflection, his expression complicated.
"Body Tempering Realm... Initial Tempering..."
Lin Hao lowered his gaze to his hands, clenched them slightly, and felt the faint trickle of spiritual energy slowly flowing through his meridians. He couldn't help but let out a bitter chuckle, a complex light flickering in his eyes.
In this world, the first step to becoming a cultivator was the Body Tempering Realm, a stage dedicated to refining the body to withstand spiritual energy. Only when the body became strong enough could one step into the Spiritual Energy Realm, where true control over spiritual energy began—the true threshold of cultivation.
The Body Tempering Realm was divided into three levels:
Initial Tempering: The body begins adapting to spiritual energy, allowing one to sense and guide its flow.
Refined Tempering: Spiritual energy strengthens further, improving body resilience, sensory perception, and reaction speed.
Extreme Tempering: The body undergoes complete transformation, fully capable of containing spiritual energy, reaching the peak before breakthrough.
However, breaking through the Body Tempering Realm required a tremendous number of spirit stones to continuously refine and strengthen the body. But for a mere outer disciple like him, spirit stones were a luxury—he could barely get by with the meager resources allocated to him.
"I've been stuck at Initial Tempering for three whole years..." Lin Hao's heart felt heavy.
In three years, other talented disciples had already entered the Spiritual Energy Realm, or even advanced beyond that. The Spiritual Energy Realm was the true starting point of cultivation—only upon reaching this stage could one unleash spiritual techniques, manipulate the energy of heaven and earth, and truly step onto the path of cultivation.
Beyond that lay the Spatial Realm, Star Realm, and ultimately, the Infinite Realm—each a near-insurmountable hurdle, requiring breakthrough after breakthrough to glimpse the pinnacle of cultivation.
Thinking of this, Lin Hao let out a deep sigh, a bitter smile tugging at his lips. "My life is worse than a dog's..."
But soon, a glimmer of determination shone in his eyes. The mysterious system he awakened last night might just be the turning point he needed.
[Host's Task: Get slapped by the sect's No.1 genius beauty, Zhao Yunyao – 500 points]
"Zhao Yunyao..."
At the mention of the name, an image of a young woman surfaced in Lin Hao's mind.
Zhao Yunyao—the No.1 genius beauty of the sect, hailed as the most dazzling disciple of Qingxuan Sect in the past century. Her talent was unmatched, and her cultivation speed left everyone else in the dust. It was said that she was currently at the critical juncture of breaking through to the Spiritual Energy Realm, and for that, she needed ten blue-grade Soul Essence Pills. However, she seemed to be encountering difficulties.
And the sect she belonged to was none other than Qingxuan Sect, where Lin Hao currently resided.
Qingxuan Sect—A Declining Yet Prestigious Sword Sect
Qingxuan Sect had stood for over a thousand years, its foundation built upon swordsmanship. Within the sect, sword cultivators dominated, and whether one pursued martial swordsmanship or spell arts, mastery over sword techniques was indispensable. Even among the core disciples, many were sword prodigies—it was rumored that a former Golden Core Realm cultivator from the sect had once severed a mountain range with a single strike, shaking the world.
However, over the past century, Qingxuan Sect had declined. The number of top-tier cultivators dwindled, sect resources were suppressed by stronger factions, and their status gradually fell. Even so, a starved camel was still bigger than a horse—Qingxuan Sect remained a formidable force, and among its younger generation, prodigies like Zhao Yunyao continued to shine.
But Lin Hao's status in Qingxuan Sect?
It couldn't get any lower.
As an outer disciple, he wasn't even allowed to learn sword techniques. His only responsibilities were menial labor—cleaning, chopping wood, and performing manual tasks. He had no access to basic spiritual resources, let alone high-grade cultivation methods.
Clenching his fists, Lin Hao steeled his resolve.
"If I complete this task, I'll earn points and grow stronger."
The Problem: How to Get Close to Zhao Yunyao?
But there was one issue—Zhao Yunyao was far beyond his reach.
As the sect's top genius, a mere outer disciple like him had no way of approaching her.
"I need to find a way."
He knew very well that someone like Zhao Yunyao wasn't someone he could just walk up to.
Finding Information
To approach her, he needed intel.
But every time he tried asking around…
"You? Meeting the sect's No.1 genius beauty, Zhao Yunyao?"
"Hahaha, a mere outer disciple like you even dares to dream?"
"Forget it! Zhao Yunyao wouldn't even spare you a glance!"
Despite the scornful remarks, Lin Hao remained unfazed. He was determined.
"They only see the surface. If I don't take action, how will I ever complete the task?"
After several failed attempts to gather information, he finally thought of someone—the most well-informed gossipmonger in the sect: an outer disciple known as "Bao Datong".
Bao Datong was infamous for knowing everything happening in Qingxuan Sect. From elder secrets to who stole an extra serving of rice at the dining hall, he always had the scoop.
However, Lin Hao patted his pouch, his face turning stiff.
He only had two spirit stones left.
That was his entire fortune, painstakingly saved over the past few months.
"I'm practically broke..."
Yet, the thought of the 500-point reward made him grit his teeth.
He walked toward Bao Datong.
"Bao Senior, any interesting news lately?"
In a secluded corner of the outer disciple quarters, Lin Hao spoke in a low voice.
Bao Datong, a skinny youth with a sly grin, chuckled. "Oh? If it isn't Lin, my dear brother! What juicy gossip are you after today?"
Lin Hao cleared his throat and whispered, "I need information on Zhao Yunyao."
Bao Datong's eyes lit up. "Oh-ho! So you're interested in Zhao Fairy too? But information doesn't come for free..."
Lin Hao sighed. His heart ached as he reluctantly reached for the two spirit stones in his pouch.
This was his entire wealth!
His fingers trembled as he handed over the stones. His mind screamed in agony.
"This is my life savings!"
Yet, gritting his teeth, he forced himself to endure the pain.
Bao Datong, satisfied, pocketed the spirit stones and whispered, "Zhao Fairy is currently in seclusion, refining blue-grade Soul Essence Pills. But she's in trouble. Rumor has it that she's been pressured by an inner sect bigshot and even swore an oath. If she fails to refine enough pills and break through within three days, she'll lose her core disciple status."
Lin Hao's eyes gleamed.
"Refining Soul Essence Pills? This is my chance!"
If he could help her, perhaps he could convince her to slap him?
"Where's her alchemy room?" he asked.
Bao Datong raised a brow. "You're not seriously thinking of approaching her, are you?"
"Tell me."
Seeing Lin Hao's determination, Bao Datong pointed toward an isolated courtyard in the inner sect—Biyan Pavilion.
"But you, an outer disciple, have no way of getting in."
Lin Hao didn't answer. He snatched back one spirit stone, turned around, and walked away.
"Hey! That's robbery!"
Bao Datong fumed, but Lin Hao was already gone.
To earn points, he couldn't hesitate—he had to find a way in.
There weren't many disciples patrolling the area, suggesting that Zhao Yunyao disliked being disturbed while refining pills. Lin Hao carefully observed his surroundings and noticed that a side door at the back wasn't locked. It seemed to have been left slightly ajar for ventilation.
"This is my chance!"
Lin Hao cautiously moved to the side door, held his breath, and slowly pushed it open. His movements were so light that they made almost no sound. He followed the corridor inside the alchemy room, where the air was thick with the strong aroma of medicinal herbs. Ahead, he could faintly hear the flickering of flames.
Soon, he spotted a pill refining chamber bathed in a fiery glow. The door was half-open, and from within came a cool, indifferent voice—
"Failed again…"
Lin Hao held his breath and carefully peeked inside.
Zhao Yunyao was sitting cross-legged in front of the alchemy furnace, her fair face slightly furrowed. Her cold eyes held a trace of frustration, and beads of sweat glistened on her forehead, evidence of an exhausting refining process. She wore a simple white alchemist robe, making her look like an ethereal fairy untouched by the mortal world.
A faint burnt smell wafted from the furnace as a dull, lifeless pill rolled onto the floor.
With a cold snort, Zhao Yunyao waved her hand, and the failed pill instantly crumbled into dust.
"Damn it… Another batch of ingredients wasted!" she muttered in frustration.
Lin Hao's heart leaped with excitement—this was his chance!
Adjusting his expression, he put on a respectful yet humble demeanor. He gently knocked on the door, his voice carrying a hint of caution:
"Senior Sister Zhao, perhaps I can help you."
Inside the room, Zhao Yunyao was focused on her alchemy. At the sudden sound of an unfamiliar voice, her hand paused slightly. A sharp glint flashed through her eyes as she swiftly turned around, her gaze locking onto Lin Hao like a thunderbolt. Raising an eyebrow, she parted her red lips and spoke with arrogance laced with danger:
"Oh? Help me? You?"
She stepped forward instantly, and a powerful pressure surged through the room. The overwhelming aura nearly made Lin Hao stumble backward.
Zhao Yunyao stared down at him from above, her cold and arrogant voice laced with disdain:
"A mere servant disciple dares to boast before me? Who gave you the courage?"
Her gaze was filled with contempt, and a faint sneer curled her lips. Suddenly, she raised her hand, gathering a surge of formidable spiritual energy. The temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees.
"Give me one good reason not to slap you to death right now. Otherwise—"
"Boom!"
She swung her palm fiercely, and the condensed spiritual energy erupted like a storm. The powerful force stopped just before reaching Lin Hao, sending violent gusts that pushed him half a step back.
Inside, Lin Hao was ecstatic: Just do it already! Please! This is 500 points on the line!
But on the surface, he forced a smile and tried to appear less intimidated.
"Senior Sister Zhao, no need to be so hasty. I just… wanted to take a look."
Zhao Yunyao let out a cold snort, her razor-sharp gaze scanning over him before withdrawing her hand. Her eyes were filled with disdain.
"Hmph, at least you know your place. Take a look? Do you even deserve it? A worthless insect like you, just standing here already dirties my alchemy room!"
[Ding! Host has been scolded by designated mission target, the number one genius beauty of the sect, Zhao Yunyao. Points +10!]
"Eh?" Lin Hao was stunned as the familiar system notification rang in his mind. He froze for a moment.
"Wait… I got points just for being insulted?"
Luo Li's voice echoed in his head, still carrying that cold yet slightly lazy tone.
"Lin Hao, points aren't limited to completing tasks. As long as you provoke negative emotional fluctuations from a designated target, the system will reward you. However, the rewards aren't as significant as completing a main mission."
Lin Hao blinked. "So you're saying… as long as she insults me, glares at me, or even kicks me, I can earn points?"
"Smart. You're finally catching on," Luo Li chuckled softly, a faint tremor in her chest as she laughed. "But remember, passive gains are just a means. Actively completing missions is the key. Don't think you can just coast by getting scolded all the time."
Lin Hao suddenly felt a surge of heat inside him. Thinking about Zhao Yunyao's fierce expression just now, he found this method quite thrilling...
Seeing that Lin Hao sensibly kept his mouth shut, Zhao Yunyao snorted coldly and ignored him, turning back to continue refining her pill. However, having been interrupted just now, her mind had yet to fully recover, causing the fluctuations in the medicinal liquid to grow more chaotic, with faint signs of deviation.
Noticing this, Lin Hao's lips curled into a subtle smile. With a thought, he quietly activated the power of his Clear Dew Spiritual Vein. An invisible cool spiritual energy seeped into the pill furnace like a gentle stream, enveloping the restless medicinal liquid in a soothing embrace.
In an instant, the once boiling and unstable liquid seemed to be calmed by an unseen hand. The chaotic spiritual energy gradually settled, impurities rapidly separated, and the entire furnace's aura became smooth and harmonious, with a faint medicinal fragrance beginning to emerge.
Zhao Yunyao frowned slightly, sensing something unusual. Her sharp gaze immediately locked onto Lin Hao. "You—what did you just do?"
"Just a small trick using my spiritual vein," Lin Hao replied with a modest smile.
Zhao Yunyao stared at him for a moment. Though still skeptical, she had to admit that he had played a crucial role. She gave a slight nod. "Since that's the case, continue assisting me."
For the next few hours, Lin Hao carefully controlled the power of his Clear Dew Spiritual Vein, stabilizing each stage of the medicinal liquid transformation, while Zhao Yunyao focused entirely on controlling the heat and adding ingredients. Their cooperation, though not flawless, was unexpectedly effective.
Several hours later, the pill furnace opened, and a rich soul energy spread out.
A blue Soul Crystal Pill lay quietly inside the furnace, its entire form translucent and without a single impurity.
Zhao Yunyao gazed at the newly formed pill inside the furnace. The usual cold glint in her eyes was briefly replaced by a rare flicker of joy and relief. She let out a soft breath, her voice barely audible, as if speaking to herself or murmuring in realization—
"Finally… success."
Lin Hao smiled and timely spoke up. "Senior Sister Zhao, this pill seems extremely important to you?"
Zhao Yunyao nodded slightly, a hint of complexity flashing through her gaze. Her fingertips unconsciously tightened, as if recalling a heavy past. After a moment of silence, she slowly spoke, her voice carrying a barely perceptible sadness.
"During my time training outside the sect, I suffered a soul injury and was secretly given a three-day deadline... If I fail to break through to the Spirit Energy Realm by tomorrow, I will be stripped of my qualification to participate in the sect competition six months later."
As her words fell, her hand clenched slowly, her knuckles turning slightly pale. Deep within her eyes, a fleeting trace of humiliation and unwillingness flashed by.
As the number one genius of the sect, when had she ever been forced into such a predicament? The pain of the injury was secondary—the real torment was knowing that her fate was in someone else's hands, that she was being forced into a desperate corner.
Lin Hao was momentarily stunned, his eyes flickering with understanding. He had never expected that this proud and aloof sect's top genius beauty was actually facing such pressure. Her talent, her pride—at this moment, all seemed to be weighed down by the looming three-day deadline.
Taking a deep breath, Zhao Yunyao fixed her gaze on the pill before her, as if finally regaining a sense of control. She suddenly turned to Lin Hao, her expression subtle and unreadable. It seemed like she wanted to say something, but in the end, it only turned into a soft murmur—
"This time... it's thanks to you."
Before she could finish, she suddenly realized her momentary loss of composure. A faint trace of panic flickered in her heart as she quickly snorted coldly, lifted her chin, and forced herself back into her usual proud demeanor. Her tone turned distant once more.
"But don't get the wrong idea—I won't see you any differently just because of this little favor."
Yet, that fleeting moment of warmth was something she couldn't completely hide.
Lin Hao grinned mischievously. "Senior Sister Zhao, then… shouldn't you give me a thank-you gift?"
Zhao Yunyao raised an eyebrow. "What do you want?"
Lin Hao smirked. "How about... rewarding me with a slap?"
Zhao Yunyao was briefly taken aback. Then, her gaze turned cold. Without hesitation, she raised her hand and delivered a crisp slap.
"PAH!"
[Ding! Mission completed. Points +500!]
Lin Hao felt a burning pain on his cheek, but inside, he was absolutely delighted.
"Many thanks, Senior Sister Zhao."
Zhao Yunyao shot him a glare, snorted coldly, and turned to leave.
Lin Hao held his face, unable to suppress a grin.
"This sect's number one genius is fierce, no doubt… but this mission… is actually kind of fun."