For the rest of the day, Lin Feng couldn't walk five steps in the village without drawing stares.
Gone were the sneers. The muttered insults. The scornful glances.
Now there were questions. Curiosity. Fear.
It was as if they were seeing him for the first time—not the cripple they'd dismissed, but a cultivator rising from ashes.
Even the village elder, He Boren, approached him that evening as Lin Feng fetched water by the river.
"Young Lin," the elder said, his cane tapping against the rocks. "I saw your duel."
Lin Feng bowed respectfully. "Elder He."
The old man studied him through narrowed eyes. "You've changed."
"I have," Lin Feng admitted. "And more changes are coming."
He Boren tapped his cane thoughtfully. "You awakened your spiritual roots, then?"
Lin Feng hesitated. "Something like that."
The elder chuckled softly. "A wise answer. Power attracts not just attention, but questions. Some of them dangerous."
Lin Feng met his gaze. "I understand."
"I hope you do," He Boren said, turning to leave. "Our world has little patience for prodigies who rise too quickly. Especially those who don't follow the rules."
That night, Lin Feng examined the Storage Ring he'd taken from Jian Bo.
Item Identified: Low-Grade Storage Ring
Capacity: 5 cubic meters
Contents:
3 Spirit Stones (Low-Grade) 1 Healing Pill (Common) 1 Wind Saber (Mortal-Grade) 2 Qi Nourishing Talismans 14 Silver Coins 1 Set of Cloudfire Sect Robes (Torn)
A modest haul—but to Lin Feng, it was a treasure trove.
He took the Wind Saber, a sleek, curved blade, and gave it a test swing. It hummed slightly in his hand, resonating with his Wind Affinity.
The talismans would help during meditation or breakthroughs. The healing pill could be a lifesaver. And the spirit stones… his heart raced.
System Notice: Spirit Stones Detected
Would you like to consume one to increase cultivation speed?
He nodded.
A soft glow enveloped him as he sat in meditation. The stone in his hand crumbled, its Qi flowing into him.
Qi Condensation – Layer 5 → Layer 6
Estimated Time to Layer 7: 3 Hours (with current resources)
His body felt lighter. His control over Qi, more refined.
With just one stone… what if I had a hundred? A thousand?
He knew now—this power, this System, was not just a gift.
It was a weapon. A path. A burden.
And he had to be ready to wield it.