[Over the next 2 years, you fought in the inner region of the Dark Forest. You had multiple brushes with death and reached Qi Refining Level 6.]
[In a battle against a flying spirit beast, Gale Razor Falcon, you lost your left hand. On the brink of death, you pushed Shadow Weave Steps to Small Achievement and counter-killed it using pure footwork and precise Falling Star Blade strikes.]
[Exiting to a random city to rest, you were caught in a beast tide and died amid the chaos.]
[Due to your death, the simulation is ending…]
[Ding, reward generation successful. You can choose one of the following:]
[1- Cultivation realm at 20 years old (Qi Refining 6)]
[2- Combat techniques at 20 years old (Shadow Weave Steps: Small Achievement)]
[3- White-grade talent: Itchy Palms]
Lin Fang stared at option one, tempted. Then he exhaled, "If I take realm now, the sim cost will multiply fourfold. Not smart."
"I choose option two."
A flood of crisp footwork routes and angle-breaks poured into his mind. His past steps suddenly looked like a toddler scribbling outside the lines.
Wasting no more time, Lin Fang left his villa and went to the Treasure Hall. He traded a dozen qi stabilizing pills for a yellow grade sword artifact, bound it with a drop of blood, then headed to the Beast Taming Hall.
He signed out a Silverhoof Spirit Horse and rode straight to the sect's twin doors. After he showed his mission badge, the disciples stepped aside and let him through.
His first destination was Galecrest City, a prosperous city under the Divine Wind Sect. The Silverhoof lived up to its name; in a few hours, he could already see the city walls.
The gate was busy. Caravans lined up in two rows. Incense smoke drifted from small braziers. The walls were pale stone with the sect's wing emblem flying above. Guard posts checked papers and took fees.
Lin Fang didn't queue. He guided the Silverhoof to the entrance. The guards looked up, saw the black robe with gold trim, and bowed at once.
"Core disciple," the captain said, lowering his head. "Welcome to Galecrest City."
They opened a lane immediately. No one mentioned an entry fee.
"If you need it, we can guide you through the city," the captain added carefully. "The governor is an inner elder. We're used to receiving the sect."
Lin Fang nodded. "Point me to a quiet stable and the map hall."
"Bluemane Stables, two streets in on the east side. The Cartographer's Hall is opposite," the captain said quickly.
Lin Fang took the east road the captain mentioned and found Bluemane Stables. He dismounted, stroked the Silverhoof's neck once, and handed the reins to the stablemaster.
"Feed it spirit grain. No crowding," he said.
"Yes, sir!" The man bowed and led the horse inside. The pens were clean. The tack racks were neat. Acceptable.
Across the street stood the Cartographer's Hall. He crossed over, but before he reached the door, a teenager in patched, dusty clothes stepped into his path and bowed with both hands.
"Does master immortal need a guide?" the boy asked. His voice was steady, but his eyes gave him away; tired, hungry, and afraid.
Most mortals avoided cultivators. A wrong look could cost them their lives. For this one to walk up anyway, he must be really desperate. Lin Fang saw his past self in the boy's face.
"Name," Lin Fang said.
"Qin Ye."
"Explain the city. Power distribution first."
Qin Ye nodded quickly and spoke fast, afraid that being too slow would offend this high and mighty cultivator, "This is Galecrest City under Divine Wind Sect. The governor is Elder Yun He, a Foundation Establishment icultivator. His residence is on the central ridge. City Guard and all permits report to him."
He took a breath. "The city is ruled by four top forces, master. First is the governor's office, absolute last word inside the walls. Second and third are the two great clans: the Green Vine Clan and the Hawkfeather Clan. Each has a Foundation Establishment ancestor holding the fort. Vine handles trade guilds and grain routes; Hawkfeather controls the beast-taming yards and most caravans."
"And the fourth?"
Qin Ye spoke with stars in his eyes. "Sky Fate Pavilion, branch hall. They belong to the Sky Fate Sect, one of the great sects. Their branches sit in most powerful cities. They keep the lists everyone watches: the List of Young Dragons and the List of True Dragons."
Lin Fang was confused muttering, "Young dragon list? True dragon list?"
It was Qin Ye's turn to be surprised, 'This young cultivator is really lacking in knowledge. Could he be one of those geniuses who were sheltered their whole life?', he thought, but didn't dare to voice out his confusion.
"The young dragons list contains the 100 most powerful cultivators under the age of thirty", he explained,"and the true dragons list contains the 100 most powerful cultivators in this world"
He then continued seeing Lin Fang thoughtful expression. "You can go there to browse the lists, claim rewards if your name is on one, or ask for a divination… for a price."
Lin Fang studied him for a beat. "Good. Keep talking."
Qin Ye pointed down the street. "Cartographer's Hall has the newest warded maps, outer wards, inner wards, and wild routes. For beast missions, buy the red-stamped sheets; they mark recent activity. After that, Sky Fate Pavilion is three streets north, jade plaque over the door with a coiling dragon. They're open till sundown."
Lin Fang nodded once. "Good. After I buy a map, you'll take me there."
"Yes, master." Qin Ye stepped aside and held the door.
The shop smelled of ink and dry paper. Scrolls hung from the walls like sleeping snakes.
"I want two maps," Lin Fang said. "The whole continent, and the Southern Demonic Forest."
The cartographer rushed out a long jade tube and a smaller leather case. Lin Fang checked the prints, nodded, and left a low grade spirit stone on the counter. The man bowed until his forehead almost hit the table.
This spirit stone is equivalent to his pay for ten whole years. He was so overjoyed that he closed the shop directly after lin fang left and went to share the good news with his family.