The Southern State of the Xihuang Continent was a land teeming with spiritual energy, hidden dangers, and
ancient legacies. Amid its deep forests and winding rivers stood the Verdant Sky Sect-one of the Eight Great
Sects of the Southern State. Though not the largest or most powerful, it was known for its balance and
endurance. It taught not just one path, but many: alchemy, martial arts, beast taming, arrays, and soul
refinement.
Its mission was carved in stone at the main gate: "Grow not the strongest, but the most enduring."
At the heart of the outer court training field, a boy named Kael Arin waited in line, his hands tucked behind
his back.
Two months ago, he died in an office chair and woke up beneath a foreign sky.
Now he lived among swords and spirit roots, in a body not originally his.
He wasn't like the others.
He had no clan name. No guardian elder. No legacy.
But he had something else-a memory of a world not ruled by Qi or Dao, but by numbers and trade. In his past
life, Kael was a logistics analyst, sharp and quiet, a man who gave more than he took. One night, after
choosing to give up a career promotion to protect a teammate, he collapsed at his desk. And when he opened
his eyes again... he was here.
Reborn in a world of cultivation.
Kael had taken the Verdant Sky Sect's entry test like any other applicant. When he placed his hand on the
spirit stone, whispers spread across the field.
**Profound Grade Spirit Roots.**
Balanced across all five elemental paths-earth, metal, fire, wood, and water. Adaptable, efficient, and
respected by instructors. Yet without a background or sponsor, he was quietly sorted into the Outer Court.
Kael didn't complain. He accepted it like he accepted everything-with silence and strategy
---
"Kael! You're still alive?" came a cheerful voice from behind.
Kael turned and smiled slightly. **Lin Zhen**, a wiry, sharp-tongued disciple with mid-grade roots and a
habit of getting into trouble, grinned at him.
"I saw you spar with someone last week. That footwork? Ugly as a beast, but somehow, you didn't fall."
Kael shrugged. "I'm still perfecting the art of not dying."
"That's a useful art," Lin chuckled. "Better than mine. I perfected the art of losing spectacularly."
Before Kael could reply, a hush fell over the group.
At the front of the field stood **Deacon Elder Su Fan**, a silver-haired man with a thin sword strapped to his
back and lines of fatigue under his eyes. He was known to be fair, but blunt-an enforcer of rules and rewards.
"Outer disciples," Su Fan called, his voice steady and authoritative. "This is your monthly trial. Demonstrate
your control of Qi or martial arts. Impress the recorders. And you may receive a reward."
A tray floated down beside him, landing gently atop a raised stone. Upon it rested ten shimmering **Iron
Grade Qi Restoration Pills**.
A murmur spread through the disciples. Those pills were precious. For outer disciples like Kael, they were
almost unattainable.
Kael and Lin stepped into the line. One by one, disciples demonstrated sword katas, palm strikes infused with
Qi, or elemental control.
Some failed.
Some passed.
Some cried from exhaustion after offering everything they had.
---
Three places ahead of Kael, a small boy named Feng attempted a fire burst. It flickered and died. Su Fan didn't
scold him-just marked the board. Then came **Bran Solvine**, the sect's favorite outer disciple thug, full of
loud boasts and flashy techniques
Bran delivered a well-formed Thunderstep Art and, before anyone could speak, turned and shoved Feng aside.
He marched straight to the tray and took a pill.
"You haven't been awarded yet," Su Fan said coolly.
Bran grinned. "Just saving you time, Elder."
Feng groaned on the ground, clutching his ribs. Kael narrowed his eyes.
It was his turn next.
He could step up, protest. He could demand fairness.
He didn't.
Kael glanced at Lin, who was already watching him nervously.
Then he stepped forward, bowed to Su Fan, and said, "I yield my turn."
The elder raised a brow. "Any reason?"
Kael glanced at Feng, then looked away. "He needs it more than me."
The disciples around them whispered.
"Idiot."
"Trying to act noble?"
"Who gives up a pill?"
Su Fan didn't comment. He simply nodded. "Noted."
Bran chuckled. "Soft-hearted fool."
Kael turned and walked away. He sat beneath a crooked spirit tree at the edge of the training field. Lin
watched him, confused.
"What was that?"
Kael didn't answer.
Because then-it happened.
> [Ding!]
> "Opportunity Sacrificed: Qi Restoration Pill."
> "Analyzing equivalent compensation..."
> "Critical Multiplier: x120"
Kael blinked.
A glowing screen appeared before him. Transparent, digital, precise. Like the systems he used in his old life.
> Select Reward Mode:
> [Quantity]: 120 Iron Grade Qi Pills
> [Quality]: 1 Black Grade Qi Burst Pill
> Time Remaining: 10... 9...
Kael exhaled.
"So... you came with me," he whispered.
Without hesitation, he pressed **[Quality]**.
A sleek, obsidian-colored pill formed in his palm. The air rippled with its energy. A Black Grade pill was not
something an outer disciple should hold.
> [Ding!]
> "Divine Exchange System Activated."
> "All future rewards must be voluntary sacrifices."
> "World Anchor: Not Detected."
> "System Origin: External Entity Confirmed."
Kael tucked the pill into his sleeve.
He looked at the field.
Disciples still fought for scraps.
Bran grinned with his prize, unaware that the one he mocked had just received something worth a hundredfold
more.
Kael leaned back and let the breeze ruffle his robe.
While others climbed the cliff...
He had found the staircase.
And he was only on the first step.