The next morning, Elder He summoned Lin Feng to the village hall.
A small crowd had gathered. Whispers filled the air as Lin Feng stepped forward, dressed not in his ragged robes, but in a clean set of dark linen taken from the Storage Ring.
He looked taller. Stronger. Not because his body had changed—but because his presence had.
"Lin Feng," the elder said, voice formal. "As of yesterday, your status has changed. You are no longer considered a mortal of this village."
Lin Feng bowed slightly. "I understand, Elder."
"You now stand as a cultivator," the elder continued. "And as such, the village cannot provide for you as before."
Lin Feng remained silent.
"However," He Boren added, "neither will we shun you. Your duel was fair. Your rise, earned. And so we offer you this—"
An old scroll was brought forward by a young girl and placed into Lin Feng's hands.
He opened it carefully.
Invitation: The Outer Trials of the Stormrift Sect
Location: Jade Serpent Gorge
Date: 5 Days Hence
Eligibility: Cultivators under 18 – Qi Condensation Realm or higher
Reward: Sect Entry, Resources, Training
A chance. A real chance.
The Stormrift Sect was a mid-tier power in the region, famous for their control over elemental cultivation. They accepted only the best. Hundreds would compete. Most would fail.
But with the System, Lin Feng had an edge none of them could imagine.
"Thank you," he said quietly.
Elder He nodded. "You have five days. Prepare well. Beyond Qinghe… the world is not kind to those who stumble."
Lin Feng returned home to find Lin Xue waiting.
"You're leaving," she said softly.
He nodded. "In five days. The Stormrift Sect is holding trials."
She looked down. "You'll be gone for a long time."
"I'll write," he said, putting a hand on her shoulder. "And I'll return stronger."
She looked up, eyes wet. "Promise me something."
"Anything."
"Don't become like them. Like Jian Bo. Cruel. Arrogant."
Lin Feng smiled. "I won't."
But inside, a whisper echoed.
What if I have to?
Over the next few days, Lin Feng trained like a man possessed.
He hunted beasts in the nearby forest, using them to test his new strength.
He practiced the Falling Leaf Slash until the motion was muscle memory. He began developing a second move, blending his Wind Affinity into movement techniques.
New Skill Unlocked: Windstep (Mortal-Grade Movement Art)
Effect: Increases agility and dodge speed by 30% for 3 seconds.
Cooldown: 8 seconds
He even experimented with using the System's interface to simulate theoretical fights—pitting himself against phantom enemies based on the stats of those he observed.
Simulation Mode Unlocked (Basic)
Training Efficiency Increased by 25% during Solo Meditation
His cultivation soared.
Qi Condensation – Layer 6 → Layer 7 → Layer 8
Each breakthrough came with new strength, clearer senses, and tighter control over his Qi.
But the most important moment came the night before his departure.
He sat under the stars, meditating, when the System spoke again:
Milestone Reached: Qi Condensation – Layer 8 in under 7 days
Achievement Unlocked: [Heaven-Defying Growth]
Reward: +1 Hidden Trait Unlock
Would you like to activate?
"Yes."
Hidden Trait Unlocked: Astral Core (Dormant)
Description: Your cultivation path now transcends mortal foundations.
Effect: Once per realm, gain access to an Astral Skill that evolves with you.
Current Skill: [Starpiercer Lance] – Locked until Foundation Establishment
Lin Feng opened his eyes.
The stars seemed brighter.
The path before him… clearer.
He was no longer just rising.
He was ascending.