Zhang Wei woke to the sound of rain pattering against the patched roof. His back ached from sleeping on the cold stone floor, and his empty stomach growled louder than the distant thunder. The system screen flickered to life the moment he opened his eyes.
---
**Primary Quest: Recruit Your First Disciple**
**Time Remaining:** 23 hours, 14 minutes.
**Failure Penalty:** Sect reputation drops to *Laughingstock*.
---
"Yeah, yeah," he muttered, swiping the screen away.
The Verdant Cloud Sect's main hall looked slightly less apocalyptic in the daylight. The patched roof held, though water dripped steadily into a puddle near the altar. Zhang Wei tightened his frayed belt and ventured outside. The rain had reduced the mountain paths to mud, but the air smelled fresher, tinged with pine and damp earth.
---
**Secondary Quest: Explore the Mountain**
**Description:** Scout the surrounding area for resources or potential disciples.
**Reward:** *Crude Map of the Region*, 5 Spirit Herbs (Random).
**Failure Penalty:** None.
---
"Might as well," he sighed.
The forest around the sect was dense, with towering trees whose roots snaked across the ground like serpents. Zhang Wei followed a narrow trail downhill, noting clusters of mushrooms and the occasional rustle of small animals. After an hour, the trees thinned, revealing a small village nestled in the valley below. Smoke curled from chimneys, and the distant clang of a blacksmith's hammer echoed through the mist.
---
**Location Discovered: Pine Ridge Village**
**Population:** ~300.
**Reputation with Verdant Cloud Sect:** Neutral.
---
Zhang Wei straightened his robes, hoping he didn't look like a beggar. The village gate was guarded by two men in leather armor, their spears rusted but serviceable. They eyed him warily as he approached.
"State your business," the taller guard barked.
"I'm the leader of the Verdant Cloud Sect," Zhang Wei said, cringing inwardly at how unconvincing it sounded.
The guards exchanged glances. "Never heard of it," the shorter one snorted.
"It's, uh… newly restored. Seeking disciples."
The taller guard smirked. "Try the market. Plenty of brats with nothing better to do."
The village market was a cacophony of shouts and bartering. Farmers hawked vegetables, old women sold talismans, and children darted between stalls. Zhang Wei's stomach growled again as he passed a meat bun vendor.
---
**Item Observed: Meat Bun (Pork)**
**Cost:** 1 Copper Coin.
**Your Funds:** 0.
---
"Fantastic," he muttered.
Near the edge of the market, a scrawny boy with a black eye argued with a fishmonger. "I didn't steal anything!" the boy yelled, clutching a mangy dog to his chest.
"Liar!" The fishmonger raised a cleaver. "You and that mutt are always causing trouble!"
Zhang Wei hesitated, then stepped forward. "What's going on here?"
The fishmonger glared. "None of your business, stranger."
The boy's eyes widened. "He's lying! I was just petting the fish!"
---
**Potential Disciple Detected: ???**
**Talent Assessment:** Untapped Potential (Spiritual Physique: Hidden).
**Current Cultivation:** Qi Condensation Layer 0 (Mortal).
---
Zhang Wei raised an eyebrow. *Hidden potential?* He cleared his throat. "How much for the fish?"
"Two copper coins," the fishmonger grumbled.
Zhang Wei pointed to the boy. "I'll pay his debt if he comes with me."
The boy blinked. "What?"
---
**Barter Attempt:** Trade debt repayment for disciple recruitment.
**Success Chance:** 60%.
---
The fishmonger scowled. "Three coins. And take that dog too."
Zhang Wei turned to the boy. "What's your name?"
"Xiao Ling," the boy muttered.
"Xiao Ling, want three meals a day and a roof over your head?"
The boy eyed him suspiciously. "Is this a scam?"
"Yes," Zhang Wei said flatly. "But the roof doesn't leak *much*."
Xiao Ling hesitated, then nodded.
---
**Quest Updated: Recruit Your First Disciple**
**Progress:** 1/1.
**Reward Claimed:** *Basic Cultivation Manual (Qi Condensation Layer 1-3)*, Sect Morale +10.
---
The walk back to the sect was silent except for Xiao Ling's grumbling. The mangy dog trotted beside them, occasionally barking at shadows.
"This is it?" Xiao Ling stared at the crumbling hall.
"Home sweet home," Zhang Wei said.
The boy set down his dog and crossed his arms. "Where's the food?"
---
**New Quest: Feed Your Disciple**
**Description:** A hungry disciple is a useless disciple. Secure food within 6 hours.
**Reward:** *Disciple Loyalty +20*, *Survival Pack (3-Day Rations)*.
**Failure Penalty:** Xiao Ling defects (-50 Sect Morale).
---
Zhang Wei massaged his temples. *Why is everything on a timer?*
He retrieved the rusty axe and headed into the forest, Xiao Ling trailing skeptically behind. After an hour of foraging, they found a wild boar rooting through bushes.
"Stay back," Zhang Wei ordered, gripping the axe.
The boar charged.
---
**Combat Initiated: Wild Boar (Mortal Beast)**
**Recommended Action:** Aim for the throat.
**Success Chance:** 45% (Low Stamina Debuff Active).
---
Zhang Wei sidestepped, swinging the axe. The blade glanced off the boar's hide, enraging it. Xiao Ling hurled a rock, distracting the beast long enough for Zhang Wei to land a clumsy blow to its neck.
---
**Victory!**
**Loot Gained:** Boar Meat x10, Boar Hide x1.
---
By dusk, they roasted meat over a fire in the main hall. Xiao Ling devoured his portion, grease smeared across his face.
"Not bad," the boy admitted.
The system chimed.
---
**Quest Completed: Feed Your Disciple**
**Reward Claimed:** *Disciple Loyalty +20*, *Survival Pack (3-Day Rations)*.
---
Zhang Wei tossed Xiao Ling a threadbed blanket. "Training starts tomorrow."
The boy curled up by the fire, his dog at his feet. "What kind of sect even is this?"
"The kind that's going to be legendary," Zhang Wei said, half-believing it himself.
Outside, the wind carried the faint howl of a wolf. Somewhere in the darkness, something watched.