Wind swept across the Sky Abyss Sect's admission platform in chilly waves, carrying the damp scent of pine and stone. Hundreds of young cultivator hopefuls stood in orderly lines, their bodies stiff with anxiety. Some clutched storage pouches. Others murmured silent prayers.
Among them stood Luo Yun. A thin young man wearing plain grey robes that hung too loosely on his body. His eyes were unfocused, as if he were still adjusting to the world around him.
…What the hell? Why am I standing in a fantasy novel?
Just a heartbeat ago — or maybe a lifetime ago — he had been crossing a busy intersection in his old world. A blaring horn, a flash of headlights, a stabbing sensation of fear—
Then darkness.
And now, cold mountain air chilling his skin.
Pain shot through his temples as two sets of memories — his old life and the life of this body — collided. Faces, childhood scenes, A poor family- scraping money for food.
Sects gave compensation to the families if anyone have spiritual roots and got accepted as a disciple. So it wasn't just about power, but survival.
This was true for most people gathered here. Only a handful came from wealthy families and martial arts clans. And such people could be distinguished just from their clothing, stark contrast to the rest- who had mostly plain or baggy clothes.
"Luo Yun."
He blinked. An elder holding a jade tablet was calling his name.
Ah. Time for the spiritual root test.
He stepped forward slowly, thoughts still scattered. The test stone pulsed with faint light, waiting for him to place his hand on it.
"Please place your palm," the elder said.
Luo Yun obeyed.
The stone glowed weakly flickered with various colors like rainbow lights. But then settled at dim five colors, before dimming further until it looked like a ordinary rock.
The elder stared at the result, expression dropping. He sighed, before uttering-
"…Five-element root. "
Whispers erupted immediately.
"Five elements? All five?"
"Impossible! Isn't that… False Spiritual Root?"
"He'll be stuck in Qi Condensation forever."
Most young people gathered had no contact with cultivation world and hence had no idea what false spiritual root mean. Except for sparse few- who came from wealthy background and were familiar about such details- were discussing this among themselves.
Someone even snorted, "Just leave. Save yourself the embarrassment."
Luo Yun withdrew his hand calmly — or at least he tried to look calm.
Elders didn't explicitly say it, but from their expression and lack of enthusiasm, Luo Yun got the idea.
He sighed. Seems my future seems bleak!
He stepped aside as others took their tests. Lightning affinity disciples drew gasps. A girl with pure wood root made several elders compete to recruit her.
From several such scenes, Luo Yun got a general understanding of spiritual roots. Spiritual roots with single attribute were purest and hence rarest. Such people are considered most talented. While those at two or three attribute spiritual roots are considered average.
And last were people born with four or five attributes spiritual roots. Those are most common and considered least talented or in simple words trash. Most stuck at qi condensation realm in their entire life.
Soon all people were tested, initial number dwindling to only 13.
The second stage was the the Mental Trial Illusion test.
For this, Remaining thirteen were asked to sit around a peculiar stone, on a circular stone platform with intricate patterns.
A deep, eerie hum rippled across the platform as a circular formation lit up with pale blue light.
"The trial examines one's will and clarity of mind," an elder announced. His voice carried across the mountainside.
Most of the examinees swallowed nervously.
Luo Yun closed his eyes along with rest 12 people.
The moment he opened the eyes, mist surged upward, swallowing his vision. It soon cleared enough for him to see the surroundings. He found himself in an passage, in an abandoned building- from his previous life.
White mist rolled. Suddenly a dozen or so silhouettes emerged from it. When the mist slowly cleared, one word came to his mind.
Zombies??
The silhouettes started to move, moving towards him. An elevator could be seen just behind him. His instinct screamed at him to take the elevator and escape. But suddenly the fear faded and he felt like something is wrong.
Without any hesitation, he closed his eyes and when he opened them again, he found himself sitting along with other candidates.
Everyone stared at him.
The elder controlling the illusion blinked slowly. "You… woke up already?"
A murmur swept the crowd.
"Already? That was what — two breaths? Three?"
"No way. He has false roots, doesn't he? How—"
"Even inner disciples struggle with that illusion!"
Luo Yun scratched his cheek awkwardly.
I've had nightmares more dramatic than this.
A dark-robed figure approached. Unlike the other elders, who radiated stately authority, this man seemed to carry a silent void around him. He seemed in his thirties. A refined beard traced his strong jaw, while his penetrating eyes seemed to weigh the world without emotion. His black robes flowed quietly around him, dark and solemn.
His pitch black eyes rested on Luo Yun. Seemingly gazing through his very soul.
"You woke in three breaths," the man said quietly, narrowing his eyes slightly.
"I…" Luo Yun hesitated. Should he say he was from another world? Definitely not. "I just… realized it was an illusion."
The man stared at him for several heartbeats, contemplating something.
A few seconds later, the surrounding elders began shifting uneasily. Robes rustled. Someone cleared his throat with clear irritation.
One elder — a thin man with a narrow mustache — leaned toward the dark-robed figure and whispered sharply, ", this child's roots are—"
Another snorted before he could finish. "Trash. Absolute trash. Five-element false root? Peak Lord, accepting him is pointless. He won't step past Qi Condensation in this lifetime."
A third elder added in a low, dismissive tone, "His spiritual talent is abysmal. Why waste resources? That illusion trial was likely a fluke—"
"Hush."
The single word struck the air like a blade.
Every elder fell silent. Even the disciples waiting to be evaluated froze mid-breath. The mountain wind that had been howling moments before seemed to flatten into stillness.
Luo Yun felt the temperature of the platform drop — or maybe that was just the pressure the Peak Lord exuded.
The dark-robed man's gaze slid across the gathered elders, quiet and cold. His eyes were completely black, like ink that refused to reflect light.
"Have you all gone blind," he said softly, "or have your years dulled your senses?"
The mustached elder swallowed, Adam's apple bobbing. "Peak Lord, with respect… his root is still false—"
"And yet," the Peak Lord interrupted, "he severed a fear-based illusion without hesitation. Without panic. Without confusion. He recognized the error instantly."
He turned back to Luo Yun, studying him again — not with appreciation, but with a deep, unreadable interest.
"That illusion," the Peak Lord said, "is woven from the fears buried in the deepest mind. Even seasoned disciples struggle."
Luo Yun felt a dozen eyes pierce into him. Sweat tickled the back of his neck.
He forced a laugh that sounded weaker than intended. "I… had worse nightmares growing up."
A few disciples snorted — not mockingly this time, but in bewilderment. A girl whispered, "Worse nightmares? What kind of childhood did he have?"
The Peak Lord's lips twitched, faintest crack in his otherwise emotionless mask.
He looked at the elders again, voice still low, still calm, but carrying an unmistakable edge.
"False root or not," he said, "a mind that cuts through illusion is no lesser than any spiritual root you worship so blindly."
The muttering elders quickly bowed their heads, chastened.
The Peak Lord shifted his robe sleeve and spoke with finality:
"This one comes with me."
Gasps rippled through the platform.
Luo Yun's heart skipped. Wait—what? Me?
He opened his mouth, unsure whether to accept, refuse, or ask if the Peak Lord had the wrong person. But the Peak Lord had already turned away, black robes flowing behind him like a shadow obeying no wind.
"Follow," he said.
And Luo Yun — utterly confused, still half-dizzy from reincarnation, still labeled "trash" by everyone present — found his feet moving after the man almost by instinct.
Because for the first time since arriving in this world…someone powerful had looked at him like he wasn't a mistake. And he didn't know how he should react to this.
...
After a few breaths time, Luo Yun found himself flying in air, without any magical treasure or items. Peak lord, as the elders called him, was flying before him, carrying him alongside. It was Luo Yun's first time seeing immortal's power in this world. Despite that Luo Yun was sure he must be using some sort of magical technique to fly.
As they flew up, unnlike rest of the mountains- this mountain gave a gloomy vibe. Occasional roars of demon beasts and chirping birds diminished gradually as they flew upwards. A small mental pressure kept building up in Luo Yun's mind as they went up.
Clearly something was off.
After the time it takes to finish tea, they reached halfway up the mountain.
Peak Lord must've slowed his speed because of me He thought silently.
They landed on clear flat area. It seemed it was disciple's area. But he couldn't spot a living soul. It was more like an abandoned area, with a small cave at end.
The Abyssal Mind Peak Lord studied Luo Yun like one might examine an interesting insect.
"What is your name?"
"Luo Yun."
"You have no talent in Qi. You have no talent in physique. Yet your mental fortitude is exceptional."
Is that… a compliment?
The Peak Lord continued, "Abyssal Mind Peak is filled with peculiar devilish qi. This peak sits above a sealed remnant of a dark being. Its aura erodes weak minds, trapping them in Illusions, nightmares, hallucinations."
Luo Yun swallowed.
"So this peak only accepts disciples with strong minds. There is basic formation surrounding the cave. As long as you remain in this area you'll feel less effect of devilish qi. Don't wander carelessly. Especially up the mountain."
After uttering those words, Peak Lord Flicked his sleeve. With red strands of light- 3 items appeared out of nowhere.
"Take these."
Three items floated gently toward Luo Yun.
A thin jade slip.
A dull iron sword.
A small pouch tied with dark-red thread.
Luo Yun caught them instinctively.
He pointed to the jade slip.
"That is the 'Spirit-Refining Void Scripture.' It tempers the will, nourishes the sea of consciousness, and strengthens the soul. Useless for disciples lacking mental fortitude… but for someone like you, it may be the only path that tolerates your roots."
Luo Yun blinked. Surprised.
The Peak Lord tapped the dull sword.
"A basic protective weapon. Iron-grade. It will not serve you long, but it may deter wild beasts. If you survive a year, I will give you a flying sword."
Luo Yun flinched at those words. What does he mean?
Ignoring his expression Peak lord continued, "Ten low-grade spirit stones. Enough to last for a while. Use them wisely. I will not provide more until you prove you can endure this peak's aura."
Finally, the pouch floated into his palm. It was heavier than it looked.
The Peak Lord stepped back, his robe blending with the shadows of the peak.
"You are sole disciple of this peak, and will cultivate alone. "
He paused, looking at Luo Yun with eyes like deep night.
"If you manage to survive for a year- I'll personally guide you in your cultivation."
A faint smile appeared, almost imperceptible.
He bowed deeply. "Disciple will not waste Peak Lord's expectations."
The elder nodded once, then his figure dissolved into a red streak of light before disappearing towards peak of the mountain.
Leaving Luo Yun alone with a haunted peak, a manual for the soul, a simple weapon, ten stones—
and the terrifying responsibility of staying alive.
Luo Yun let out a long breath, rubbing his face.
He stepped into the cave. It smelled faintly damp, and the air was cold enough to sting his lungs. Moss grew on the walls. The only source of light was distant moonlight from the entrance and from few holes from ceiling.
He opened his mouth to sigh properly when—
**DING—!**
A crystalline chime echoed inside his skull.
Luo Yun froze.
"...No way."
Words materialized before him in glowing golden text.
────────────────────────
**SIGN-IN SYSTEM ACTIVATED**
Welcome, Host Luo Yun.
Complete your first five sign-ins to unlock full functions.
────────────────────────
His jaw dropped.
Yes! Thank the heavens! A cheat system! I'm saved—
Another line appeared.
────────────────────────
**Sign-In Available:**
Location: Abyssal Cliff Edge
────────────────────────
"So it really is location-based…" Luo Yun muttered. His heart pounded with excitement and disbelief.
"Alright. Let's try this."
He walked to the cliff just outside the cave. The wind roared beneath him, carrying the abyss's cold breath. Mist curled upward like ghostly fingers.
**DING!**
────────────────────────
**Sign-In Successful!**
Reward: _Meditation Cushion (Low Grade)_
— Cultivation absorption +50%
────────────────────────
Luo Yun stared at the cushion that appeared in his hands — smooth, soft, and faintly glowing with spiritual runes.
"…This is incredible."
He felt a grin pulling at his lips.
"But if sign-ins depend on location…" He glanced at the eerie surroundings. "Then instead of going around finding optimal locations- can't I make my own cave the best location?"
This thought took a deep root into his mind. Cultivation world is filled with dangers, one wrong step and you're finished. So this seemed like viable path. But he needed to check his system properly before making any plans,
The wind howled in agreement, or maybe warning.
Luo Yun clenched his fist.
---END OF CHAPTER 1---