The first rays of dawn brushed the ruined courtyard. The wind carried a faint scent of crushed leaves and lingering spirit qi. Xuán Wèi stood at the center, observing Ling Wei's cultivation from a distance. His first disciple was extraordinary—but the sect needed more pillars, more souls strong enough to withstand the trials ahead.
The system panel flickered silently.
[Potential Disciple Detected – Golden Talent]
Name: Unknown
Bloodline: Rare, traces of ancient lineage
Body Constitution: Exceptional
Fate: Lucky beyond comprehension
Recommended: Recruit and protect
Xuán Wèi raised an eyebrow. "Finally."
Ling Wei opened his eyes, noticing Xuán Wèi's expression. "Master… is there someone coming?"
Xuán Wèi's lips curved into a faint smile. "Someone Heaven hasn't noticed yet. A rare one. You'll like this."
The Arrival
A figure appeared at the base of the mountain path—a young man of noble presence but ragged clothing. His aura was strong yet unrefined, like molten metal waiting to be forged. The crowd of wandering cultivators nearby did not recognize him, but Xuán Wèi's sharp eyes pierced through the surface.
[System Notice]
Recruitment Chance: Golden Talent – High probability for Immortal Teacher lottery trigger
Xuán Wèi stepped forward, his tone calm and commanding. "You are destined to walk the Dao under the Xuanling Sect. Step forward, and pledge your loyalty."
The young man hesitated. His eyes flicked over the broken hall, the barely-standing pillars, and Ling Wei. He laughed nervously. "I… I am nobody. Why should I pledge to this ruined sect?"
Xuán Wèi's smile widened. "Because the world outside is cruel. And because, within these walls, legends are born."
The Bullshitting
With a flick of his hand, Xuán Wèi demonstrated his myth-weaving talent.
"This sect," he declared, "was founded by Immortals who carved the heavens themselves. Every disciple here inherits a lineage that even Heaven fears. Those who step forward now… will hold the future of all Dao under their hands."
The young man blinked. He did not know if this was truth or fiction—but the confidence in Xuán Wèi's words was overwhelming.
System Notification:
▸ Persuasion Success: 98%
▸ Golden Talent Candidate: Confirmed
Within moments, the young man bowed deeply. "I… I pledge myself to the Xuanling Sect!"
Xuán Wèi's eyes gleamed. One more.
The Hidden Lottery
The system panel pulsed with a subtle blue light.
[Immortal Teacher Lottery Triggered]
Condition: Recruit disciple of Golden Talent or above
Probability: 1–5% per disciple
Result Pending
Xuán Wèi did not reveal the screen to Ling Wei. Only he could see the faint shapes forming—silhouettes of ancient Immortals, ready to descend once the lottery chose them.
System Advisory:
▸ Immortal Teachers bound by life-and-death contract
▸ Must follow Sect Master commands
▸ Cannot intervene publicly until called
The Fox, the Tortoise, and the Sword Sovereign waited silently in the otherworld, invisible yet attentive.
Xuán Wèi exhaled. "Good. The first step is done. Now the real work begins."