The first light of dawn broke over Silon Mountain, spilling molten gold across jagged peaks. Wang Chen sat on the edge of his hut's wooden platform, his fists curled not in pain, but in focused power. The cool breeze carried the scent of wet earth and pine, but for the first time, it did not smell of despair. His "Useless Spirit Root" pulsed with a quiet, steady warmth, a rhythm that resonated deep within his Dantian.
He rose, muscles obedient and strong. The translucent system panel shimmered before his eyes, a constant and reassuring presence.
Daily Sign-In Available.
Current Location: Silon Mountain – Menial Quarters.
Special Task: Detecting Nearby Rewards.
His recent success at the Pillar of Fortune had alerted him to the system's subtle guidance. Today's task would demand more than just Qi; it would require instinct.
He descended the worn path, his movements fluid with the latent knowledge of the Thai Ghost Step. Loose stones shifted underfoot, but his balance was impeccable. By the time he reached the riverbank, his senses were stretched taut, absorbing every detail of the mountain's breath.
-Special Sign-In Detected: Hidden Spring – Qi Infusion Point-
A thrill ran through him. He followed the pull, his steps a careful dance over slippery soil and moss-covered stones. Behind a curtain of bamboo, he found it: a small, secluded spring whose water shimmered with an inner light. The Qi here was dense, almost viscous.
He knelt, letting the cool water brush his palms. The energy responded to his presence, humming faintly. He centered himself, allowing the Beginner's Breathing Technique to draw the Qi in. It flowed smoothly, a controlled warmth that settled deep into his Dantian without resistance. The meridians that had been closed for years were opening, the stagnation washing away like silt.
Suddenly, a whisper of movement. Not a sound, but a shift in the Qi pattern. Wang Chen's eyes snapped open. From the bamboo line, a figure emerged—a mid-level disciple on patrol.
-Potential Threat Detected – Observe Only-
Wang Chen's body froze. The Thai Ghost Step activated almost unconsciously, letting him blend into the reeds and the subtle flow of Qi. The disciple paused, scanning the area, but saw nothing. After a tense moment, he moved on.
-Observation Complete – Skill Insight Gained: Environmental Awareness +5%-
A small notification, but it thrilled him. The system rewarded subtlety, patience, intelligence—all the traits his "useless" Spirit Root had forced him to cultivate.
He spent the next hour at the spring, training quietly. By the time the sun reached its zenith, he had gained an intuitive sense of the mountain's hidden rhythms.
-Daily Sign-In Complete – Reward: Qi Adept (Medium) Consolidation-
-Special Task Hint: "The Mountain Watches"-
The hint lingered in his mind. The mountain was more than a backdrop; it was a sentient teacher.
-Nearby Quest Detected: Hidden Elder Path-
-Location: Silon Mountain – Northern Ridge-
-Difficulty: High – Stealth and Agility Required-
Wang Chen tightened his sash. This was a test of everything he had learned. The climb was treacherous. Loose rocks slid underfoot, winds clawed at his robes, and sudden drops demanded instantaneous reflexes. Yet, the Beginner's Breathing Technique kept his body in perfect balance, channeling Qi to his joints and muscles. He moved like a shadow, every inhalation weaving the natural Qi around him into his own.
As dusk approached, he reached an ancient, half-collapsed platform on the northern ridge. The system pulsed.
-Special Sign-In Opportunity: Northern Ridge Platform-
-Hidden Reward: Qi Infusion Crystal-
He approached cautiously. A crystal, glowing with soft light, was embedded in the stone. He placed his hand over it, guiding his Qi to harmonize with its latent energy.
A surge of power erupted. His Dantian expanded, streams of Qi radiating outward, connecting with the environment in a delicate web. He collapsed, trembling, yet triumphant.
-Special Sign-In Complete – Reward: Qi Adept (High) Consolidation-
-Technique Gained: Flowing Mountain Step (Enhanced Movement)-
-New Skill Insight: Terrain Mastery +10%-
Wang Chen sat on the platform, letting the evening wind brush against him. The valley below was a patchwork of shadows and gold. For the first time, the mountain felt less like a prison and more like a partner.
"The mountain watches," he whispered, "but I will move faster. I will see what others cannot."