Morning in the Bamboo Courtyard, Outer Sect of Qingyun Sect.
Mist clung to the earth like gauze. In the bamboo grove courtyard of the Qingyun Sect's outer grounds, a spiritual spring murmured as dewdrops shimmered on the bamboo leaves. Lin Yuan sat cross-legged on a stone platform. His outer sect disciple robe shimmered with a faint azure light, and the pendant on his chest radiated a subtle warmth. The spiritual energy of the First Stage of Spirit Initiate Realm flowed through him. His surprise victory in the selection trial had earned him some recognition, but the name "crippled meridians" still clung to him like a shadow.
He clenched the pendant tightly, eyes resolute. "Liu Hao was just the beginning. I will establish myself in the outer sect—no matter what!"
A mocking voice echoed in his mind—the system's familiar tone:
"Well, well, Host, you're still the underdog with the 'crippled meridians' brand stuck on you! New mission: Intimidate the outer sect—defeat one challenger. Reward: 'Spirit Tempering' skill. Increases spirit energy absorption speed by 30%. Are you in or out?"
Lin Yuan's heart skipped a beat, his pupils narrowing. Spirit Tempering?! The Wind Wolf Puppet in the trial had already stunned him, and now this new skill—what kind of treasure was it?
He looked down. The pendant pulsed with blue light as a torrent of thoughts surged within.
System… Just how powerful are you? What is the true limit of puppet arts?
Taking a deep breath, he whispered, "I'm in."
The courtyard gate creaked. Su Wan'er stepped in, clad in a flowing cyan dress. The aura of a Fifth Stage Spirit Initiate swirled lightly around her. She carried a bamboo scroll in hand and scolded, "Lin Yuan, using tricks during the selection trial? Don't disgrace the outer sect!"
She tossed him the scroll but turned her head toward the spiritual spring, a light blush creeping to her ears. Her voice was proud yet awkward:
"Here, take this Foundations of Spiritual Qi. Don't say I never helped you."
Lin Yuan caught the scroll. It was still warm from her touch. His heart warmed slightly, and he smiled.
"Thank you, Senior Sister Su."
He looked at her—her cyan dress fluttering, her presence exuding heroism. She glared at him, spun around, and walked away quickly, her steps slightly hurried, skirt brushing against the dew.
The system chuckled.
"Host, affection from the senior sister +10. Tsundere overload! Now go show off in the arena and blind them with that S-grade puppet!"
Lin Yuan's lips curved upward slightly. He clutched the pendant tightly, a fiery determination rising within.
Outer sect, brace yourself for the storm!
Outer Sect Sparring Arena, Morning.
The arena floor was paved with green stone. Disciples filled the space—blades clashing, spiritual energy colliding. Su Wan'er stood in the front row, arms crossed. Her gaze swept over Lin Xuan as she muttered under her breath,
"Don't embarrass the outer sect…"
Yet a flicker of anticipation flashed in her eyes.
Far off, Liu Qingyao in a soft yellow dress watched with her head lowered, her delicate hands clenched, eyes filled with conflicting emotions—as though she were struggling internally.
Wang Teng stood arrogantly in ornate robes, aura of the Sixth Stage Spirit Initiate pressing outward. His cronies surrounded him as he stared at Lin Xuan, snickering.
On the platform, Li Yun—a Third Stage cultivator—shouted arrogantly,
"Crippled meridian Lin Yuan! Dare to come up here? Outer sect doesn't take in trash!"
The crowd roared with laughter. Su Wan'er frowned, while Wang Teng sneered,
"Crippled meridian? He won't survive today."
Lin Yuan stepped onto the platform, his voice steady.
"Li Yun, you're not even worthy of saying the words 'crippled meridian.'"
The system was thrilled.
"Host! S-grade puppet—let's crush him!"
Lin Yuan shouted,
"Wind Wolf—summon!"
Blue light burst from the pendant. A silver-furred wind wolf emerged, its crimson eyes locking onto Li Yun, growling lowly with murderous intent. Lin Yuan's blood surged.
This realism… it's like a real wolf descended from the mountains!
He clenched his fists, heart pounding.
If puppet arts grow stronger… can they defy fate itself?
The system laughed slyly.
"Host, you're dreaming big! Now use Wind Blade—let the outer sect see your fury!"
"A puppet?!"
The disciples erupted.
"Refinement technique—once in a century!"
"How can a crippled meridian be this powerful?"
Elder Zhao Wuji narrowed his eyes, murmuring,
"This boy… unlimited potential."
Wang Teng's eyes glinted with greed.
"That puppet… I want it."
Li Yun snarled,
"Mountain-Crushing Fist!"
His fist surged with power, creating a shockwave that cracked the stone floor. The sound was deafening.
The Wind Wolf dashed forward like silver lightning, narrowly dodging the fist blast. Its claws scraped the stone, sparks flying. Lin Yuan's heart raced. Li Yun's strikes were far fiercer than Liu Hao's! Consecutive strikes followed. The wolf's side was grazed, silver fur scattering, cracks spreading across the arena's edge. Lin Xuan staggered back, robe torn, blood at the corner of his lips.
"Host, Mountain-Crushing Fist is brutal—use strategy!"
The system urged,
"Fake with Wind Blade, then Swift Shadow assault!"
Lin Yuan kept calm. Through the puppet's senses, he locked onto Li Yun's flaw. The Wind Wolf feinted left, Wind Blade howling through the air, forcing Li Yun to leap up—his form stalled mid-air.
Lin Yuan seized the moment.
The Wind Wolf charged forward, Wind Blades streaking like meteors, slashing into Li Yun's shoulders—blood sprayed, dyeing the arena red.
"AHHH!"
Li Yun screamed, crashing down in terror.
"You… you're not a cripple?!"
The Wind Wolf's blade hovered at his throat, radiating chilling intent.
Lin Yuan's voice was cold:
"Tell Wang Teng—the era of crippled meridians is over."
Thunderous applause erupted. Disciples roared:
"Lin Yuan! Rising star of the outer sect!"
Ding!
"Mission complete!"
The system cheered,
"Reward unlocked: Spirit Tempering Skill. Spirit absorption speed +30%!"
Spiritual energy surged through Lin Yuan's body. His meridians felt reborn, his aura stabilized.
He whispered in awe,
"This… it's like my meridians were rebuilt!"
Clutching the pendant, he declared,
"System—just how far can puppet arts truly go?"
The system chuckled darkly.
"Host, the power of the Heavenly Vein is beyond imagination. The real test… awaits in the trial."
Lin Yuan stepped off the platform, gaze sweeping the crowd.
Su Wan'er huffed and turned away—but a fleeting smile touched her lips. Liu Qingyao lowered her gaze, her expression unreadable, then melted into the crowd.
The system whispered,
"Host—S-grade puppet, total domination! New intel: Outer sect trial, Qingyun Mountain Range. Wang Teng has a scheme. A Heavenly Vein shard is hidden in a forbidden zone. Investigate?"
Lin Yuan's eyes turned sharp.
"Yes. Investigate."