Drake sat in meditation, his small frame still and focused, his golden eyes closed. Months had passed since he had unlocked the Jade Immortal's Genesis, and his progress was steady. He could feel the Qi within him, growing stronger, more refined.
As he focused on circulating his Qi, a new system notification appeared before him, its text shimmering with potential.
[System Notification: Additional Cultivation Paths Available]
[Host can unlock various cultivation sects using System Points.]
[Available Sects:]
[- Heavenly Demonic Sect: A sect that balances celestial grace with dark demonic arts, specializing in dual-path cultivation and unparalleled power.]
[- Sky Flame Sect: Known for their mastery of fire cultivation and aerial combat.]
[- Moonlit Lake Sect: Experts in serene water techniques and profound healing arts.]
[- Eternal Sky Sovereign Sect: Cultivators of celestial energy with dominion over the heavens.]
[- Cloudveil Monastery: Focused on ethereal Qi techniques, stealth, and spiritual enlightenment.]
[- Iron Fist Clan: Renowned for their unbreakable body cultivation and martial arts strength.]
[- Golden Flame Temple: Guardians of sacred fire techniques, excelling in purification arts.]
[- Obsidian Star Faction: Manipulators of celestial bodies, mastering dark cosmic energies.]
[- Crimson Cloud Sanctum: Specialists in blood Qi cultivation and sacrificial rituals for power.]
[Note: Each sect offers unique cultivation techniques and benefits. System Points required to unlock.]
Drake's eyes snapped open, his golden gaze sharp and focused. The sheer variety of cultivation paths was staggering. Each sect offered a unique approach to power, a different path to transcendence.
Heavenly Demonic Sect, Obsidian Star Faction, Crimson Cloud Sanctum… he thought, his mind racing with possibilities. The names alone evoked images of immense power and ancient secrets.
He understood the implications. The system wasn't just giving him a single cultivation path; it was offering him the potential to become a master of all paths. He could become a cultivator of unparalleled versatility, a force that could adapt to any situation.
As he focused on the list, the system updated, revealing the cost to unlock each sect.
[System Notification: Additional Cultivation Paths Available]
[Host can unlock various cultivation sects using System Points.]
[Available Sects:]
[- Heavenly Demonic Sect: A sect that balances celestial grace with dark demonic arts, specializing in dual-path cultivation and unparalleled power. (Cost: 1000 Points)]
[- Sky Flame Sect: Known for their mastery of fire cultivation and aerial combat. (Cost: 800 Points)]
[- Moonlit Lake Sect: Experts in serene water techniques and profound healing arts. (Cost: 700 Points)]
[- Eternal Sky Sovereign Sect: Cultivators of celestial energy with dominion over the heavens. (Cost: 1200 Points)]
[- Cloudveil Monastery: Focused on ethereal Qi techniques, stealth, and spiritual enlightenment. (Cost: 600 Points)]
[- Iron Fist Clan: Renowned for their unbreakable body cultivation and martial arts strength. (Cost: 900 Points)]
[- Golden Flame Temple: Guardians of sacred fire techniques, excelling in purification arts. (Cost: 750 Points)]
[- Obsidian Star Faction: Manipulators of celestial bodies, mastering dark cosmic energies. (Cost: 1100 Points)]
[- Crimson Cloud Sanctum: Specialists in blood Qi cultivation and sacrificial rituals for power. (Cost: 950 Points)]
[Note: Each sect offers unique cultivation techniques and benefits. System Points required to unlock.]
Drake studied the prices, his mind calculating. He currently had 0 points, so unlocking any of these sects was a distant goal. But the prices gave him a clear objective. He needed to earn points, and he needed to earn them efficiently.
The Eternal Sky Sovereign Sect is the most expensive, he noted. Must be one of the most powerful. He made a mental note to prioritize that one, along with the Heavenly Demonic Sect and the Obsidian Star Faction. Those three seemed to offer the most potential for both combat and strategic advantage.
His thoughts then shifted to the Blackthorn territory and his family's situation. He knew that if he wanted to protect them and expand his influence, he needed more than just his own strength. He needed an army, and not just any army. He needed an army of martial artists.
I'll start small, he thought. I'll identify talented individuals within our territory, those with potential for cultivation. I'll train them, guide them, and create a loyal force that will answer only to me.
He envisioned a future where the Blackthorn territory was renowned for its martial prowess, a force to be reckoned with in the Golden Empire. He would use his knowledge of Qi and the system's resources to train his army, to equip them, and to lead them to victory.
I'll need resources, he realized. Money, land, materials. I'll need to expand our territory, establish trade routes, and build a strong economic foundation.
He began to formulate a plan, a long-term strategy that would involve both his own cultivation and the development of his territory. He would need to be patient, cunning, and ruthless.
First, I need to focus on my own growth, he decided. I need to unlock more cultivation paths, acquire more skills, and increase my power. Then, I can start building my army and expanding my influence.
He closed his eyes, his mind filled with visions of power, conquest, and a loyal army standing at his command. He would not just save his family; he would build an empire.
[...]
Five years old. Drake was no longer a helpless infant. He walked with a confident stride, his golden eyes gleaming with intelligence. He had spent the past two years rigorously following the Jade Immortal's Genesis. He meditated daily, his mind a calm lake reflecting the serene beauty of the cultivation path. He had mastered the art of Qi gathering, his body a vessel overflowing with vibrant energy.
He knew that he needed to supplement his cultivation with martial skills. System, open shop, he thought.
The familiar holographic interface appeared before him, a vast marketplace of power. He navigated to the "Martial Skills" section, his eyes scanning the options. He saw various techniques, from basic fist forms to advanced spear arts.
His eyes fell upon a particular manual.
["The Art of the Swift Wind" - A foundational swordsmanship manual. (Cost: 50 Points)]
The description resonated with him. Swiftness, precision, and efficiency. It was exactly what he needed.
[Purchase "The Art of the Swift Wind"?] [Yes/No]
He selected "Yes."
["The Art of the Swift Wind" acquired.] [-50 Points]
Instead of a physical book, a wave of information flowed into his mind, an understanding of the fundamental principles of swordsmanship. He saw the stances, the footwork, the strikes, all laid out with perfect clarity.
System, show me my status, he thought.
[Name: Drake Blackthorn]
[Age: 5]
[Qi: 160/200]
[Strength: 25]
[Agility: 24]
[Vitality: 26]
[Skills: Jade Immortal's Genesis (Qi Gathering - Upper), The Art of the Swift Wind (Beginner)]
[Points: 0]
He noticed the "Beginner" stage of the swordsmanship manual. So, skills have proficiency levels, he noted. That would mean he could improve his skills.
He decided to test his newfound knowledge. He went to the training yard, where his father, Theron, was practicing his sword swings.
"Father," Drake said, his voice clear and confident, "may I spar with you?"
Theron chuckled. "Drake, you're still a little boy. You can't even lift a real sword properly."
"Please, Father," Drake insisted. "Just a friendly spar."
Theron, seeing the determination in his son's eyes, relented. "Alright, but go easy on me."
Theron grabbed a wooden practice sword and tossed another, smaller one to Drake. They took their stances.
Theron made the first move, a sweeping strike aimed at Drake's shoulder. Drake, using the footwork he had learned from "The Art of the Swift Wind," sidestepped the attack with surprising agility. He then moved forward, his wooden sword a blur of motion, mimicking the techniques he had just learned.
Theron was shocked. Drake's movements were precise, efficient, and surprisingly powerful. He was able to anticipate his attacks, counter his strikes, and exploit his openings.
The spar continued, and Drake's proficiency in "The Art of the Swift Wind" grew with each exchange. He felt the technique flowing through him, his movements becoming more fluid, more natural.
Finally, Drake disarmed Theron, his wooden sword landing softly on his father's chest.
Theron stared at his son, his eyes wide with disbelief. "Drake… how did you…?"
Drake smiled. "I've been practicing, Father."
Theron shook his head, still bewildered. "You're… you're incredibly talented, Drake."
Drake knew that he had to continue to improve. He had to master "The Art of the Swift Wind," and he had to acquire more skills. He also needed to earn more points.
System, open shop, he thought.
The shop interface reappeared. He navigated to the "Cultivation Resources" section. He saw various items:
[Qi Gathering Pills (Low-Grade) - Increases Qi gathering speed. (Cost: 10 Points)]
[Meridian Strengthening Balm - Strengthens meridians. (Cost: 20 Points)]
[Spirit Gathering Formation - A formation that enhances Qi gathering in a specific area. (Cost: 100 Points)]
[Various swords, armors, and other weapons]
He knew that he needed to acquire these items to accelerate his growth.
System, show available quests, he thought.
[Available Quests:]
[1. Help Father arrange documents (Reward: 2 Points)]
[2. Assist Elara in the garden (Reward: 2 Points)]
[3. Fetch water from the well (Reward: 1 Point)]
[4. Clean the library shelves (Reward: 3 Points)]
[5. Help Lyra with her studies (Reward: 2 Points)]
[6. Sweep the courtyard (Reward: 1 Point)]
[7. Organize the pantry (Reward: 3 Points)]
[8. Assist the cook with dinner (Reward: 2 Points)]
[9. Polish Father's armor (Reward: 3 Points)]
[10. Tend to the horses (Reward: 2 Points)]
Drake smiled. These were menial tasks, but they were a way to earn points. He would do them all.
He spent the next few days diligently completing the quests. He helped his father organize documents, his small hands surprisingly efficient. He assisted Elara in the garden, his golden eyes spotting pests and weeds with ease. He fetched water from the well, cleaned the library shelves, helped Lyra with her studies, and completed every task with focus and precision.
With each completed quest, he earned points. He was slowly but surely accumulating the resources he needed to fuel his growth.