Morning sunlight filtered weakly through the rolling black mist surrounding Abyssal Mind Peak, turning everything into a strange blend of beauty and unease. Luo Yun stood at the entrance of his cave, the newly obtained meditation cushion tucked under his arm, uncertain where to begin.
He had a haunted mountain.
He had trash roots and few resources.
But he had one advantage everyone else lacked: Sign-in rewards.
The system window appeared again, as if sensing his thoughts.
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[SIGN-IN STATUS:
Beginner Set Rewards: 1/5 claimed.
Next Sign-In Available: Any qualified location.
Cooldown After Beginner Set: 6 months!]
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Luo Yun rubbed his chin. "That makes the beginner rewards even more precious."
He needed to claim the remaining four today.
But before leaving the peak, he paused, glancing back at the cave.
The Peak Lord gave me cultivation resources… but can I really survive here?
The thought was brief.
He had no other choice.
Just then a green streak of light appeared from the cave entrance, before revealing itself to be a talisman. It was like a simple paper 3 inches in size, with various characters on it glowing with yellow light.
Soon a voice came from it,
"You are instructed to collect your robe and other items from Azure Edge peak tomorrow morning. Meet the elder (Elder name) for further instructions."
The elder voice stopped and the talisman disintegrated into dust before his wide eyes.
He was started to doubt how his training will go, as there were no other disciples here to ask and his master hadn't given him any instruction regarding this. And when in from of him he couldn't even utter a word properly, let alone question him.
He was pleasantly surprised by these arrangements. Although he decided to be on a path of shut-in- NO – on a path of secluded cultivation, he still needed training and experience in cultivation world.
After beginnings experience – he could continue his secluded path without any disadvantages.
With these thoughts he started cleaning the cave. It was pretty big, unlike his previous assumption from small entrance.
After squeezing through the narrow entrance, Luo Yun stepped into a cavern that opened suddenly into a vast space—nearly a hundred feet across. The ceiling arched high above him, partly collapsed in the center, where a broad tear in the rock let cold moonlight spill down like silver rain.
The pale glow washed across the open ground, revealing uneven stone, scattered mineral veins, and patches of moss shimmering faintly in the light.
At the far end, tucked into opposite corners, he found two carved chambers. The first was small but livable; a stone bed jutted from the wall, and near the ceiling a few natural holes acted as windows, allowing thin strands of moonlight to pierce the darkness and paint the room in a quiet silver hue.
The second chamber was larger—almost a hall—roughly fifty feet across. Its walls curved inward like flowing stone, and the moonlight slipping through cracks high above gave the space an austere, ancient feel, as if the mountain itself had shaped it for someone long ago
He cleared the dust from the small room and arranged his few belongings. Once everything was in place, he lay down on the stone bed. Exhaustion washed over him, and sleep claimed him almost instantly.
…
Morning came and he woke up at dawn. Refreshed from deep sleep, he sorted his things before coming out of the cave. After exploring the open area a bit, he found a small a small mountain spring just at the edge.
He washed himself and started down the mountain. Just as he descended several steps- his mind felt heavy, earlier feeling intensifying.
He could hear hushed voices, like dead souls trying to overwhelm him. But he couldn't make out its meaning. And the pressure too didn't affect him too much. So he ignored it, silently walking.
He descended the mountain paths slowly, absorbing the sight of the sect around him. Path was mostly deserted. After walking for half an hour- he reached a foot of the mountain.
A Tour of Sky Abyss Sect
The main sect sprawled across several peaks, each distinct in atmosphere. With middle being the highest- where sect master resides.
He first decided to go to Azure Edge peak and then explore the locations for sign-ins. After asking a steward- from his clothes- he started towards a neighbouring mountain. It was visibly different from the Abyssal Mind peak, more lively with disciples coming and going.
The stone path toward Azure edge peak shimmered with faint sword-light. The entire mountain buzzed with sharp intent; stepping onto the grounds felt like stepping into a field of invisible blades.
As he went along the path- he realized it was more maintained, with some stalls along the way. They were selling talismans and other minor items.
He got couple of looks from the disciples, some even whispering, Mostly due to his mortal clothes stood out from rest of disciples same uniforms. But he didn't give it any attention and continued.
He stopped at the outer training ground — lively with beginner disciples sparring with wooden swords. The sensation of prickling was more intense here.
He soon reached the top. Disciples could be seen training in a large open area. With some even sparring on small platforms- meant for duels. All other platforms had no spectators, except for one- which was surrounded by dozen or so disciples.
Luo Yun approached the crowded platform. He watched two duelists taking stance onto the practice stage.
he boy stepped onto the practice ground, fiery sword aura rising from his blade in wavering waves. Though young, his stance brimmed with raw enthusiasm, the heat around him distorting the air. Opposite him, the girl drew her cold-forged sword. A faint ring of crystal-like qi circled the edge, giving it a quiet, dangerous clarity.
For a moment, neither moved. Only the clash of their opposing auras stirred the dust at their feet.
The boy attacked first. His shout echoed across the courtyard as he brought his sword down in a fierce arc. Fiery aura flared, surging outward like a wave of heat. Several disciples instinctively stepped back, shielding their eyes.
The girl's expression didn't shift. Her body moved only as much as necessary—sliding half a step to the side, her icy qi condensing along her blade. Where the boy's strike was forceful and loud, hers was silent, measured. She met his blow with a single, precise cut.
Clang!Their swords collided, sparks scattering between them. The boy gritted his teeth and pressed forward, pouring strength into his next strike. His aura burned brighter with each swing, giving the impression of a small wildfire trying to expand.
But the girl's movements remained steady. Every time his blade came close, her sword would tilt, redirect, or meet it at just the right angle. She wasted no strength, her cold qi slicing through the boy's heat with quiet efficiency.
A short flurry followed—steel ringing across the training field in sharp succession. The boy's breath grew heavier, his footing less stable, yet he refused to back down. He launched one last attempt, a full-force overhead slash meant to turn the tide.
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
She stepped in as his blade descended.
Her sword rose in a smooth line—clean, controlled, inevitable.
A cold gleam passed the boy's neck.The courtyard fell silent.
The girl halted her strike an inch before touching him. Her qi dispersed instantly, leaving only the faint chill in the air as proof it had ever gathered.
The boy froze, realizing she had stopped deliberately. His blade trembled in his hand before he slowly lowered it.
The girl withdrew her sword with practiced ease, her face calm and unreadable.
Only then did the whispers break out across the training ground.
"She stopped right at the end…""Her control is terrifying.""And she's still so composed…"
Luo Yun was just about to sigh in admiration when the girl abruptly turned her head.
Her gaze locked onto him.
Blue, cold eyes meeting his warm, startled ones. His breath hitched.
What? Why me? I'm nobody! I'm literally background furniture!
The girl tilted her head slightly, as if noticing something unusual.
Luo Yun's instincts screamed. Time to leave!
He cupped his fists in a stiff bow. Then vanished from the training ground like a startled rabbit.
He then went deeper. The deeper he walked, the stronger the sword intent grew. Eventually, when he reached the boundary where higher disciples trained, he felt as though needles pricked his skin.
"Nope," he whispered, taking a careful step back.
If I go further, my organs might get sliced before I even blink.
DING—
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[Sign-In Successful!
Reward: Mid-grade Sword Manual — "Flowing Cloud Edge"]
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...
Luo Yun tucked the newly obtained manual away and made his way toward the main hall, still feeling the lingering sting of sword intent fading from his skin. He had barely stepped through the archway when a deep, steady voice called out:
"You must be the new disciple from Abyssal Mind Peak."
Luo Yun halted.
An elder stood beneath the shade of a tiled pavilion, hands folded behind his back. His beard was trimmed short, his robe edged with thin silver lines of sword qi. Though his posture was relaxed, the air around him felt sharp enough to cut.
Luo Yun quickly cupped his fists. "Disciple Luo Yun greets Elder…"
"Jian," the elder supplied with a small nod. "Elder Jian of Azure Edge Peak. Peak Lord Mo informed us you would be arriving."
Ah… Master actually told someone. Luo Yun's shoulders loosened by a fraction.
Elder Jian gave him a brief once-over, gaze lingering on Luo Yun's plain mortal clothing. A faint breath escaped the elder's nose—half amusement, half exasperation.
"You are aware this is a sword peak, yes? Walk around dressed like that and everyone will assume you wandered in by mistake."
With a flick of his sleeve, a folded set of robes drifted toward Luo Yun. The fabric hummed with faint sword intent even before he opened it.
"These are your sect robes. Wear them properly. And keep the identity token inside the inner pocket—losing it will cause more trouble than you can imagine."
Luo Yun accepted the robe with both hands. "Thank you, Elder."
The elder continued "Abyssal Mind Peak is… quiet," he said carefully. "Your master does not involve himself in routine matters. So for basic spell instruction, sword practice, or general cultivation guidance, you may come here to Azure Edge Peak."
Elder Jian nodded, then motioned for him to walk beside him as they moved deeper into the courtyard.
"As a disciple of Sky Abyss Sect, there are a few things you must understand," Elder Jian began, tone instructional but not unkind. "First—training schedules. Sword sessions begin shortly after sunrise. Be on time. If you arrive late, even by a breath, the instructor may throw you off the platform."
Luo Yun blinked. "Senior… instructors actually do that?"
"Of course," Elder Jian replied calmly. "This is a sword peak, not a teahouse."
They continued past a row of training platforms. The cold aura from earlier duelists still lingered faintly in the air.
"Second," Elder Jian said, "every disciple must complete tasks every three months. For you…it is not strictly mandatory."
Luo Yun looked up. "Because I'm from Abyssal Mind Peak?"
"Correct." Elder Jian's voice softened slightly. "Your peak has no instructors, no regular disciples, and, frankly, no presence. However—if you take tasks occasionally, it will benefit Abyssal Mind Peak's reputation. Even a small contribution matters."
Luo Yun nodded seriously. "I understand. I will do my best."
"Good." Elder Jian pointed toward a tall, multi-storied pavilion carved with flowing clouds. "That is the Task Pavilion. Browse requests, accept missions, report completions there. Straightforward."
They walked a bit farther until another structure came into view—lower, sturdier, reinforced with glowing inscriptions.
"And that," Elder Jian said, "is the Contribution Pavilion. Exchange contribution points for items. Weapons, pills, talismans…everything a low-stage cultivator lacks."
Luo Yun's heart warmed involuntarily at the idea.
"Lastly," Elder Jian added, "there is an open market area near the lower path. Disciples may set up stalls to sell talismans, pills, accessories, or whatever else they create. You likely saw it during your walk up."
Luo Yun nodded. "Yes, Elder."
Elder Jian studied him again, this time with a more thoughtful gaze.
"Do not overstep, but do not hide either. If you want to survive in this sect, learn where to stand."
Luo Yun bowed deeply. "Thank you, Elder Jian. I will remember your guidance."
"Good." Elder Jian flicked his sleeve, turning away. "Change into your sect robe. After that, explore the peak at your own pace. Familiarize yourself with the sword training fields. Tomorrow—report here at dawn."
Luo Yun watched him leave, feeling the gentle weight of the robe in his hands.
For the first time since arriving in this world…he felt something close to direction.
...
Then he explored the peak a bit before making his way down the mountain.
Now that his main objective was completed, he decided to go to Greenmist peak. As the name suggested- it was basically a spirit field mountain.
Rows of terraced fields carved into mountain faces.
Green mist rolled over them, glowing with life.
Herbs, flowers, strange fruits — the air smelled sweet, almost intoxicating.
So this is where true herb masters cultivate…
If one day his cave reached this level—
His sign-ins would skyrocket.
But he shook that dream away for now.
Luo Yun paused. He didn't dare go deep, fearing offending any high level cultivator.
Focus. Explore first.
The system chimed gently.
DING—
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[Sign-In Successful!
Reward: Basic Spirit Herb Seeds]
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His eyes lit up.
"This is perfect for starting a spiritual field."
A small cloth pouch appeared in his hand — light, fragrant, filled with seeds of various low-grade herbs. He didn't have much idea about the grade or age, but he felt system rewards must be good.
...
Exploring the Sect Marketplace
The sect's outer market bustled with activity. Stands sold low-grade items: beginner robes, simple swords, cheap talismans, basic herbs.
Luo Yun browsed quietly. He was glad that there wasn't any Abyssal Mind peak robes. After his own experience and Elder Jian's words- he got a general understanding that this peak was gossip material.
Luo Yun exhaled quietly, grateful that fortune still favored him, at least in this regard.
He approached a herb stall run by a wrinkled old disciple.
"I need seeds… or small herbs that can grow," Luo Yun said.
"Grade one?" the old man asked bluntly.
"Yes," Luo Yun admitted. Even though he knew nothing about herbs, he felt grade one- lowest- was a good starting point.
He purchased: 15 Moonlight Grass sprouts, 9 Blood-dew seeds, 6 Jade-leaf seedlings and 1 weak Spirit Bamboo root fragment.
Among them Spirit Bamboo root fragment was most expensive- despite being only small fragment. According to shop-keeper it was grade 2 herb beneficial in increasing qi density in air.
Luo Yun had little doubt- that if it was such good herb, why wasn't it sold early. But he didn't dwell on that and left the place.
3 of his 10 spirit stones were gone just like that/
He sighed as his pouch lightened.
...
After that he thought to go to another peak for sign-in, choosing Rune-heart Peak. It specialized in talismans and formations. But as he started ascending the peak he felt a barrier that prevented him from going further.
With no other choice he decided to sign-in here.
DING—
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[Sign-In Successful!
Reward: Talisman Crafting Starter Kit]
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Inside the kit were:
-Basic talisman papers
-Low-grade spirit ink
-A small brush infused with weak Qi
-A talisman crafting manual(low grade)
He exhaled slowly.
"Herbs and talismans… the system wants me to build from ground level."
It suited him perfectly.
Luo Yun's Thoughts While Walking
I'm not strong. My roots are trash. But talismans, arrays, herbs… these don't require talent, only patience.
If I can make my cave rich in Qi and spiritually active, future sign-ins might give me manuals, tools, even treasures aligned with my environment.
He grinned faintly.
No need to rush into dangerous places. I'll build my own fortune.
...
After a long climb back to his peak, Luo Yun reached the cave entrance, panting slightly.
"Last one," he whispered.
DING—
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[Sign-In Successful!
Reward: Mini Spirit-Gathering Array Core (Low grade)]
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A crystal-like sphere appeared in his palm, pulsing faintly with soft white light.
The tiny core vibrated gently, pulling a thread of surrounding Qi into itself.
Luo Yun felt excitement ripple through him.
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[Item : Mini Spirit-Gathering Array Core (Low grade)
Usage : Increase qi density by 50% (helping in cultivation and spirit herbs growth!)
Area : 80 feet]
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"This… will completely change the cave's Qi density."
He gently placed the core on a flat stone shelf.
The Peak Lord's Manual. Finally alone, Luo Yun drew out the jade slip his Peak Lord had given.
The Spirit-Refining Void Scripture. He pressed it to his forehead. Information flowed into his consciousness:
This method didn't refine Qi based on elemental attributes. It refined the soul, expanding perception and spiritual sense.
Stronger perception helps in control over more treasures, ability to sense danger, clearer illusions and such.
Luo Yun exhaled deeply.
"So this isn't body-based… or energy-based… it's spirit based."
A perfect method for someone with trash spiritual roots but good mental fortitude.
He unfolded the meditation cushion and sat.
A faint warmth spread beneath him, enhancing absorption. For the first time, Luo Yun closed his eyes and began cultivating.
Breathing slowed. Thoughts quieted. The world dimmed softly.
A thread of Qi entered him, sluggish at first… then steadier.
His fake roots resisted, twisting the flow— but the cushion compensated.
The manual guided the Qi gently, looping around obstacles, seeping into the sea of consciousness.
A faint glimmer appeared behind his eyes.
A beginning.
Slow, but real.
He opened his eyes an hour later.
A smile tugged at his lips.
"…I can cultivate."
Not fast.
Not easily.
But he could.
He looked at his cave — empty, cold, and filled with faint dark whispers.
Then he looked at the herb seeds, talisman kit, sword manual, and spirit-gathering core he had collected.
And he felt something warm stir in his chest.
"I'll turn this place into the best cultivation site in the sect."
Just quiet, steady determination.
His journey had begun.