Yei Feng leaned forward on his bed, gazing up at the floating system screen. The display pulsed in the air, calm and anticipatory. "So, just how strong am I now?" he murmured. "Is this first stage the same as Qi Refining? If so, maybe I really am the strongest on Earth—at least, as far as I know."
He paused, sorting through memories of his previous life's training. "Compared to a normal cultivator, how do I stack up now?" he asked, wanting confirmation.
Almost instantly, the screen flashed, illuminating his room with a soft glow:
"Host, you now possess the strength of a peak Foundation Realm expert."
Yei Feng's eyes widened. His mind drifted over the universal steps every cultivator faced: Qi Refining came first, followed by Foundation Establishment, then Golden Core, and finally Nascent Soul for the truly accomplished. Most ordinary people struggled for years, even their whole lives, to reach Foundation Establishment. Others hit bottlenecks and never even reached Golden Core or saw past the fourth stage.
A slow grin appeared on his lips. "Peak Foundation Realm… That's almost unheard of for someone just starting out. Most spend years in Qi Refining. With the system on my side, I bypassed years of work in a single breakthrough." His excitement built quietly; possibilities unfolded in his mind—powers, secrets, advantages.
He chuckled, shaking his head. "Alright, alright, this is manageable," he said, though his fingers tingled with restless energy.
Packing his bag, Yei Feng slipped his phone inside and looked around the room one last time. There was still a sense of disbelief—could he really be starting over this far ahead of everyone else? He opened the door and stepped into the hallway, determined to keep his strength hidden for now.
K-UNIVERSITY
The campus was lively as Yei Feng arrived. Students filtered through the gates and across wide walkways, glancing at their phones, chatting in small groups, hustling to classes. Cars had started to fill the parking lot, engines humming in the morning air.
Near the main lot, a heated argument was drawing the attention of passersby. Yei Feng slowed his stride, stopping under the shade of a tree to observe.
"You think I'll let you go just because you're pretty?" challenged a tall boy, close to six feet—handsome, confident, and clearly frustrated. He stood face-to-face with a girl whose posture was just as composed.
She didn't back down. "It's not about looks. The accident wasn't intentional. Still, you nearly ran me off the road. You should watch how you drive."
He snorted. "Don't use your gender as an excuse. You sped into my lane when I was about to park. If you can drive, be careful. Don't act clueless."
The girl bit her lip, then retorted, "And if I scream right now, you'd see how many people are willing to take my side."
The boy looked around, a crooked smile on his face. "What century are you living in, girl? There are cameras everywhere. It doesn't matter how much noise you make—everything is caught on video. Do you think yelling changes the facts?"
She sighed with frustration, her face turning sharp and cold. "That's why I dislike arguing. You're just a mortal—don't provoke me, or I'll let you have it."
The boy squared his shoulders, eyes flashing. "You want to hit me? I dare you," he goaded, not backing down.
With no hesitation, the girl dashed forward, her speed surprising everyone nearby. Her punch landed hard on his chest, launching him backwards; gasps and shocked looks spread among the crowd gathering around. He grunted, slow to rise, holding his aching ribs.
"I don't know how you did that, but you got in a lucky shot. I'm not finished yet." He raised his fists, adopting a boxer's stance, trying to mask his pain.
From a distance, Yei Feng watched with growing interest. Decent resolve for a mortal. But that girl… she just entered Qi Refining and is already letting her powers show. Using cultivation abilities so openly isn't safe. Someone ought to stop her before she draws real trouble, he thought, sizing up the situation.
Just as the girl drew back for another attack, Yei Feng moved swiftly, cutting through the crowd. He intercepted her punch with an outstretched hand, gripping her wrist firmly.
"Enough," Yei Feng said, his tone calm but commanding. He fixed the girl with a cool gaze. "Whatever martial arts you're practicing, don't unleash it on normal people."
She stared at him, her eyes widened in shock. Who is this guy? I didn't sense him at all—his cultivation must be much higher. She struggled, trying to twist free from his grip, but couldn't. He has too much strength—is he mid- or late-stage Qi Refining? Why is my luck so bad today?
Yei Feng released her hand and stepped between them. "Let's not cause a scene. You both need to walk away before things get out of control."
The boy, still shaken, looked up at Yei Feng with new respect. Then, collecting himself, he bowed, voice formal, "This mortal greets senior. My name is Lee Chen, from the Lee family. I appreciate your help."
Lee Chen hesitated, consideration flickering in his eyes. This guy's a cultivator—my family's elders are cultivators too. Maybe he knows them? Should I mention it?
"Senior, if—" Lee Chen started, trying to make a connection.
Yei Feng interrupted, shaking his head. "No need for honorifics. Just call me Yei Feng. I'm your age."
Lee Chen was surprised, but quickly regained his composure. Someone my age with this level of cultivation must be special. If he joins my family, it would surely impress my elders—and maybe I'd finally get that new car I've wanted.
He pressed on, "Yei Feng, would you consider joining the Lee family? My elders are skilled martial artists—one is a late Qi Refining master. You'd have access to good guidance, and the family takes care of its own."
Yei Feng shook his head without hesitation. "No need. I have nothing to learn from them."
Lee Chen blinked at the refusal, then thought twice about arguing. He either knows something I don't, or his background is as deep as mine. Better not to push further.
"Understood. Sorry for being too forward. But would you consider being my friend, at least?" Lee Chen asked, hope in his voice.
Yei Feng paused, then nodded. "Friendship is possible. It's important to build connections." He offered a small smile, thinking, Lee Chen's wealthy and connected—no harm making allies. I might need him down the road.
With that agreement, the tension broke. The girl dusted herself off, avoiding Yei Feng's gaze, and Lee Chen tried to hide his relief. All around them, campus life carried on, students returning to their routines—but a hidden current of cultivation now ran through K-University's ordinary facade.