Chapter 1 – The Guardian System
Nine Stars Realm—a place where various immortal sects reside. In this realm, there are five great sects, along with several smaller sects struggling to find their place among these giants. In this world, cultivation and power are everything. If you are strong, you are respected; but if you are weak, you are trampled.
The Serene Mist Sect is a small sect located in a mountainous area, shrouded in thick mist that blankets the landscape, creating an atmosphere of mystery and tranquility. The gentle sound of flowing streams and the distant songs of birds contribute to the peaceful environment. Despite its modest size and resources, the sect is respected for its dedication to meditation and harmony with nature, attracting those who seek inner peace but also challenge the limits of cultivation.
Sitting in a lotus position in the sect's grand courtyard was a young man with wavy hair, dark eyes, and a face that exuded the charm of an immortal. He wore a black robe, as dark as the night, contrasting with the soft mist around him. His name was Tian Ling, a new disciple of the Serene Mist Sect.
Tian Ling had just been accepted into the sect, something that had not come easily. Gaining the approval of an elder had been a tough task, as his talent for cultivation was considered mediocre. For years, he fought against disdain and frustration, nurturing a deep desire to prove his worth. But now, here he was, finally accepted, sitting in a lotus position, ready to begin his life of cultivation. The air around him was heavy with anticipation when, suddenly, something unexpected happened.
[GUARDIAN SYSTEM SUCCESSFULLY LINKED]
Even with his eyes closed, Tian Ling clearly saw the words floating in his mind, as if they were etched into the very fabric of his consciousness. The sound of these words echoed in his head, like distant thunder, but undeniably present.
His heart raced. "W-who are you?" he asked, feeling a jolt of shock course through his body. In a sudden movement, he fell back, his hands trembling. The silence that followed was overwhelming.
"Could it be a powerful spirit or some hidden cultivator?" he wondered, desperately trying to understand the situation. Without receiving an answer, he tried again.
"Senior, this junior has just joined the sect. Is there something I can do for you?" he asked, his voice trembling. The idea that he might be communicating with a powerful entity was terrifying, but he knew that in the world of cultivation, such things were possible. But again, silence was the only response, until suddenly, the same voice echoed in his mind once more.
[GUARDIAN SYSTEM HAS IDENTIFIED THAT THE HOST HAS NOT BEGUN CULTIVATION. WOULD YOU LIKE TO OPEN THE STARTER PACK TO BEGIN YOUR CULTIVATION? (YES, NO)]
Tian Ling blinked, confused. A system? He had no idea what that meant, but curiosity got the better of him. Without much thought, he instinctively selected "yes," as if his fingers already knew the answer. Suddenly, a bright light flashed before him, blinding him for a few seconds. When the light faded, a ring appeared floating in front of him, slowly landing in his trembling hand.
"A storage ring?" he murmured, his eyes fixed on the object that seemed so ordinary, yet had appeared in such an extraordinary way.
Before he could reflect further, the same voice echoed in his mind again, this time with a clarity that made him shiver.
[CONGRATULATIONS, YOU HAVE RECEIVED THE INFINITE STORAGE RING, A HIGH-GRADE SPIRITUAL ROOT, AND THE PATH OF THE INNER FLOW TECHNIQUE]
"Infinite Storage Ring?" Tian Ling repeated the words, trying to comprehend them. The voice did not keep him in suspense for long.
[INFINITE STORAGE RING: A TERRESTRIAL-CLASS ITEM, CAPABLE OF STORING ANYTHING IN THE WORLD, EXCEPT LIVING BEINGS]
Tian Ling's hands trembled even more as he held the ring. "A terrestrial-class item? This... this is something only powerful elders possess!" he thought, unable to believe what was happening. It was as if fate had taken an unexpected turn in his life.
"And what is this Path of the Inner Flow technique?" he asked, his voice now tinged with a mix of fear and anticipation. This time, he was more prepared for the response that soon filled his mind.
[PATH OF THE INNER FLOW TECHNIQUE: A cultivation technique granted by the system, designed to optimize the use of spiritual energy and allow for steady and balanced growth. The technique focuses on internal refinement, increasing the efficiency with which the user absorbs, stores, and utilizes spiritual energy, preparing them to reach higher levels of cultivation in a sustainable manner.]
"Incredible... this technique is much better than the one I was given by the sect," Tian Ling said, feeling a wave of excitement course through his body. But then another thought crossed his mind.
"Wait, and the high-grade spiritual root?" he asked, his heart pounding faster. His original spiritual root was low-grade, something that condemned him to a future of mediocrity in cultivation.
[HIGH-GRADE SPIRITUAL ROOT: IN THIS WORLD, SPIRITUAL ROOTS ARE THE VIRTUE OF A CULTIVATOR AND DETERMINE HOW HIGH YOU CAN RISE IN THE WORLD OF CULTIVATION. GRADES RANGE FROM LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH, SUPERIOR, DIVINE, TO TRANSCENDENTAL. WOULD YOU LIKE TO INHERIT YOUR HIGH-GRADE SPIRITUAL ROOT NOW? (YES, NO)]
"Yes!" he replied without hesitation.
Immediately, a bright light enveloped his body, causing him to levitate slightly off the ground. He felt energy flowing into every part of his being, filling every gap in his body and soul. But soon, this sensation of power was replaced by excruciating pain. His meridians felt like they were being squeezed and torn apart simultaneously. Tian Ling bit his lip, trying to suppress the scream of pain that threatened to escape. "I... I must endure... I must become stronger," he thought, determined, as he endured the torment that seemed to last an eternity.
When the light finally dissipated, he collapsed to his knees, sweating profusely. His body trembled, but there was a profound sense of renewal. He felt different, stronger, more complete. As he tried to gather himself, the voice echoed again in his mind, less intrusive this time, but equally impactful.
[UPLOADING GUARDIAN SYSTEM INFORMATION TO THE HOST]
A wave of information flooded his mind like a raging river. Every detail, every function of the system was imprinted into his consciousness, but the process was not without pain. A sharp headache hit him, causing him to groan softly.
"Ah, ah, ah... so that's it... Status!" he said, panting, but now filled with a new determination. As soon as he uttered the word, a blue window with golden details appeared before him.
[NAME: TIAN LING
AGE: 17
RACE: MORTAL
REALM: MORTAL
SPIRITUAL ROOT: HIGH-GRADE
TECHNIQUE: PATH OF THE INNER FLOW
ABILITIES: -]
"Now I understand a bit about this system... Open Guardian System!" he said, with a mix of curiosity and determination. Another screen appeared before him.
[NO MISSIONS AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME]
Tian Ling frowned, trying to process all the information he had just received. The Guardian System... it would help him cultivate, grow in strength, but there was something more. Missions, dangers... important figures to protect. Although he felt the weight of this new responsibility, he knew this was his chance to change his fate.
"I... I will become strong. Stronger than anyone could imagine," he thought, his eyes gleaming with determination. He sat down again in the lotus position, closed his eyes, and began circulating his energy, following the Path of the Inner Flow technique.
Time flowed differently for cultivators. Days could pass like seconds, and years like minutes. Tian Ling, however, was only beginning his journey. Without realizing it, he remained in the same spot for twenty days, not moving a muscle, just circulating his energy. When he finally opened his eyes, a look of surprise crossed his face.
"I... I've advanced to the intermediate level of the Mortal Realm? This technique is incredible!" he celebrated, with a satisfied expression and a determined gaze.
In this world, cultivation is divided into several realms:
Mortal Realm: This is the most basic level of cultivation, where cultivators begin to absorb and manipulate spiritual energy. Most cultivators remain in this realm during their first years of practice. (Initial, Intermediate, Advanced)
Foundation Realm: Cultivators in this realm begin to establish a solid foundation for their future cultivation. Spiritual energy is used to strengthen the body and mind, creating the foundation for greater advancements. (Divided into seven levels)
Spirit Core Realm: Here, the cultivator forms a core of spiritual energy within their body, which serves as the source of their power. The quality and stability of the core determine future success in cultivation. (Divided into seven levels)
True Soul Realm: In this realm, the cultivator strengthens and refines their soul, significantly increasing their power and understanding of the Dao. Spiritual control becomes much more advanced, allowing the creation of powerful techniques. (Divided into nine levels)
Shortly after this reflection, Elder Lian Ziyue appeared in the courtyard. She stopped abruptly when she saw her newly accepted disciple had already reached the intermediate level of the Mortal Realm. This was unprecedented; he could be considered an elite genius of the sect.
Tian Ling, sensing his master's presence, stood up and bowed respectfully. As he did so, something appeared beside the elder, floating in his field of vision.
[NAME: LIAN ZIYUE
ELDER OF THE SERENE MIST SECT
AGE: 192 YEARS
REALM: LEVEL 8 FOUNDATION
SPIRITUAL ROOT: MEDIUM]
Seeing this information, Tian Ling was surprised. Normally, to perceive someone's cultivation level, a cultivator would need to be at the same level or higher. However, the system allowed him to see these details without that limitation, which intrigued and made him even more curious about the system's capabilities.
Lian Ziyue observed Tian Ling as he bowed to greet her and thought to herself, "This child was supposed to have a mediocre spiritual root... How did he advance so quickly?"
"Boy, I see you've already advanced to the intermediate level of the Mortal Realm. That was fast. From now on, you may cultivate in the inner courtyard with the other outer disciples. Be careful not to disturb anyone," she said, her tone a mix of surprise and approval.
Tian Ling nodded respectfully, thanking his master for her guidance. He then prepared to return to cultivation, eager to explore the capabilities of the Guardian System further and discover how far he could go.